Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Recognition ( Chapter 30 )

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

San stayed atop the book case while the others figured out where to go. She knew that they couldn't get passed the third door without Mitsunari, so she waited until they could realize that. She was mostly worried about if they made it to the end, and how upset Kurama would be with her. Maybe she should continue to hide? No, that wouldn't make anything better. After seeing him today as she knew him, it would be harder still to be around him. While she did enjoy her game at school with him, she wanted to re-establish physical contact with him. She supposed she'd rather have him angry for a bit, then forever live in sorrow. She hated seeing that look in his eyes, and she'd be damned if she would continue to let it sit there so long as she had the power. It was worth the moments of anger. Her attention perked back to them when they walked through the door again. She watched as they woke up Mitsunari.

"Nap time is over," said Kurama. San noticed something just then. While it had the appearance of Kuwabara being second in command, when it actually came to fact, it was her mate that took over. She supposed they went to him because of his intelligence. In her list, he had little less power over her than the pack leader, which was currently Genkai. When she wasn't around, it was Yusuke, and then Kurama.

"Looks like you guys defeated my old pal, Kaito. Very impressive" said Mitsunari, after looking around.

"So far we have only been successful in opening two of the three doors that will lead us to the subsequent room."

"Huh. Don't tell me that's the reason you guys woke me up?"

"We woke you up because we discovered this posted warning," said Kurama, holding the note up to Mitsunari. "The one that says Yusuke dies if we open the door without your approval."

"That is a good reason," Mitsunari replied brightly. San smiled.

"If you know what's good for you, you will give us your approval. Unless you are harboring a death wish," Hiei spoke.

"May I remind you that those kind of tactics don't work here Hiei. So keep your mouth shut and do exactly what I tell you."

Hiei growled and Kuwabara was furious. "It really chaps my hide that we have to sit here and swallow this dweeb's abuse!" said Kuwabara. Chaps my hide? What the hell?

Mitsunari just laughed at him. "Follow me then," he said, turning around and leading them through the door. San jumped down from her post and stood outside the door until she heard the third one close. She proceeded through the first one and then jumped to the small hallway that would lead her to observe from the vents.

"Now what's going on?" she heard Kuwabara question. She saw Mitsunari standing slightly off from them and then waiting.

"Interesting..." trailed Kurama.

"Geeze, this place is big. You've got your own stair museum."

"Yusuke is on the next floor up, but each of you has to take a different stair case to him," explained Mitsunari.

"What?" said Kuwabara in outrage.

"What's your reason for separating us?" asked Kurama suspiciously.

"My reason? It's like the old saying goes... That's for me to know, and you to find out," answered Mitsunari, laughing slightly.

"Listen weasel-"

"Kuwabara," Kurama cut him off, "I understand your frustration, but if we wish to help Yusuke, we must comply." Kuwabara just growled. Mitsunari laughed again and San waited for them to do something.

"Oh!" exclaimed Botan, dropping to her knees and pulling out her case, "I almost forgot." She opened the case and rummaged in it for a moment, "I knew this stuff would come in handy. Let me see... Here it is! This clever little gadget is guaranteed to blow you away!" she declared, holding up a circular object. "The all but stylish Mejiru Seal!"

"Oh great, here we go..." trailed Kuwabara. San narrowed her eyes in a curious way, "Why Botan, what can it do?" he encouraged her. San wanted to laugh out loud so badly!

"Glad you asked, it's a modified version of the classic tattoo seal used as the inmate tracking device in the Rekai jails," she began, sticking the seal onto Kuwabara. "Only the applier can remove it!" she continued, while Kuwabara tried to rip the seal off. Clever.

"Hey look, it's stuck like glue," Kuwabara demonstrated.

Botan laughed, "Let me try," she said. It came off easily for her, "Ta-da!"

"Whoa, awesome! What else?"

"If the person who attached the seal dies, it will automatically fall off. Also, the seal will change colours to indicate that person's physical status. Blue if all is well. Yellow if slightly hurt, and red if seriously injured. All in one convenient package! Pretty neat huh?"

Kurama walked over and took one of them from Botan. He observed it for a moment, "I see, so we should write our names on the seals and attach them to one another, then we'll know immediately if someone is hurt," she loved the way his mind worked. He turned to look at Mitsunari, "Hopefully these are allowed?" he inquired. Mitsunari looked at her mate for a moment, then his eyes found their way to her. She nodded, it wouldn't make a difference.

Mitsunari sighed, "Whatever, I don't care," was his answer. So the team wrote their names on each seal, all of them being placed on another. Everyone, except Hiei, who refused to have anything of the like on his clothes.

"Well, they're all blue. Glad to know we're all okay," said Botan, "Everyone except you, Hiei," she said, turning towards the small fire youki.

"Hn. I don't need them," he spoke.

"Sure you do. You want to know we're okay," said Botan, walking towards him and holding out the seal with her name.

"Touch me with that and I will break your wrist," said Hiei, grabbing the girl's arm. Kurama simply just placed one on there before Hiei had time to react. He growled.

"Could it be that Hiei has already forgotten that his soul was the first to be lost?" asked Kurama. San smiled at his antic. Botan placed her seal on him as well, followed by Kuwabara.

"So there, rebel," said Botan.

"She told you," Kuwabara laughed. They all chose a stairway after that. "I'm ready when the rest of you guys are!"

"I'm all set here," said Botan.

"Let'a begin," said Kurama, "Remember, caution is our ally," were the last words before the four of them began ascending the stairs. Once they were out of sight, San kicked the grid off of the vent and jumped down to stand beside Mitsunari. He acknowledged her, while still chewing his gum.

"Those seals were a good idea, I'm surprised you approved them," he spoke to her.

"It won't make a difference with you're power. You should have known that instead of risking a look towards me," she replied. "Call Kido, and let him know that they're on the way."

He nodded, pulling out his phone, "Kido, everything's going as planned, they're on their way up right now." He waited for a moment, and then hung up the phone. He looked at San once more, "So, which one do I take?"

"Kuwabara."

"Won't that be obvious?"

"Yes, but at the same time, he's the only logical choice. Hiei and Kurama are too quick for you, and Botan isn't a fighter."

Mitsunari just shrugged, and then followed Kuwabara up the stairs. San watched him go, and then turned to look in the direction her mate went. She knew this was against the rules, but fuck it, she was going. She walked up the stairs, passed the illusions and found him. She had to be discreet, and yet, she wanted him to know she was there. She took off the wig and classes, shaking her head slightly. She waited for the right moment.

Kurama walked up the stairs calmly, keeping himself alert. Something caught his attention just then. San? His mate, she was here.. or was she? Her scent filled his nostrils, and he looked around. He gasped just then. There were doors floating everywhere. He stopped, looking around. He saw a light in the distance. Someone was shadowing over him. Someone with sun touched hair... Tawny eyes... they were staring back at him.

"San?" he felt his eyes begin to water.

"This way," she told him in a light tone, and then disappeared behind the door. Kurama ran, he had to see if she was really there or not. But as he came into the door, he did not see her behind it. Instead, he saw Yusuke in the distance with another boy. Hiei, Kuwabara and Botan had appeared as well, through different doors. They walked to stand with each other, looking at the mysterious blond. Kurama sighed, it wasn't San he saw. It was just a trick of the staircase. But the scent...

"Welcome," said the strange teenager.

"What's up guys?" asked Yusuke.

"Urameshi!" said Kuwabara. "What's going on? Why are you just standing there like that?"

"Just stay where you are. I'm here because I'm stuck, and if you get close enough, he'll step on your shadow and you'll be stuck to," said Yusuke.

"That's true, but I'm not the one you should be worried about," San heard Kido tell them from behind the door. She was standing there with Genkai, waiting for her time to emerge. Her disguise was back on, so that the old woman didn't suspect any of the demoness' activities. "One of your friends is an impostor."

"What is that supposed to mean?" demanded Kuwabara.

"Now, let's begin the next game, shall we? Like I said, one of your companions is not who they appear to be."

"What the...?" began Yusuke.

"Think he'll get it?" Genkai asked the wolf beside her.

"Not sure, I'm hoping so though, I'll double my money if he does," San replied. Yes, the four of them had a bet going on this one as well. If Yusuke guessed right, San would double her money. She thought it was funny that the humans bet against her. She could hear Botan and Kuwabara's outrage.

"Your only objective in this game is to determine the impostor, in only 10 minutes, beginning now. As for the four of you, you're only allowed to speak when Yusuke has asked you a direct question," Kido explained.

"I don't know this guy! How do we know that he's telling us the truth?" asked Kuwabara.

"I find it hard to believe that someone could disguise themselves so perfectly in such a short amount of time," Botan doubted.

"I thought I told you not to speak unless you were spoken to. Don't you care what happens to your buddies?" Kido reminded them.

"Hn. I can easily slit your throat before you even think about doing anything to the detective," said Hiei.

"You don't follow me, do you? Whoever is being impersonated is currently in our prison. Mr. Urameshi isn't the only one at risk. For those of you lacking in manners, that means should anything happen here, the other person we've captured will promptly be killed."

"It seems your group has thought of everything," said Kurama. San beamed, she sure did!

"Let me guess. If I don't find the fake one in ten minutes, you'll kill the real one?" asked Yusuke.

"Uh oh. Nine left," announced Kido. "You're wasting time. I suggest you get started."

"Don't rush me! Let's see... What's the best way to weed out a fake? Kuwabara, what's your blood type and when were you born?" Yusuke asked his friend. Genkai opened the door a crack, so that she could see. San moved to look as well.

"Figures! You have to suspect me first off!" Kuwabara retorted.

"Oh get over yourself, and answer me!"

"Okay Mr. Crabbypants, but do you even know my birthday or blood type in the first place?"

"Huh. I guess I don't."

"This is pathetic!" declared Botan.

"Kurama. Please tell me your mom's name and how old she is," Yusuke continued.

"Her name is Shiori. She is 40 years old and she will be married in the fall," Kurama answered. San gasped. She had no idea, but then again, he'd have no reason to mention it to her.

"That's great! Tell her congratulations for me. Am I invited to the wedding?"

"Only seven minutes..." Kido put Yusuke back on track.

Yusuke groaned, "Alright, Botan. Prove to me who you are by telling me your boob size." San smacked her forehead. Oh Yusuke, you idiot.

"Have you lost your mind completely? You and I both know that I have never told you anything of the sort!" Botan shrieked in outrage.

"You told me when we were on the roof of the school, remember?"

"You just made that up! You disgusting pervert!"

"Damn... and you almost fell for it to..."

"Hn. This stupidity is making me nauseous," said Hiei.

"Fine, we'll go to you. What's your little sister's name?"

"You know her well enough, I refuse to play this nonsense game."

San saw Kuwabara walk over to Hiei, "Hey that's weird! I didn't know you had a little sis' Hiei. I bet she's a little pint sized pain in the ass just like you, probably ugly to." San chuckled quietly to herself. Ignorance is bliss.

"I will kill you."

"I forgot Kuwabara doesn't know the relation," said Botan. Dummy. He turned towards her in alarm, while Kurama put a finger to his lips, shushing the girl. Kuwabara noticed it though.

"So everyone knows about her but me?" he was not happy to learn this.

"Well... Basically," Kurama answered, putting his hands behind his back and trying to look as innocent as possible. San smiled, finding it cute.

"Why didn't you punks clue me in earlier!" Kuwabara demanded of them.

"Its... complicated," Kurama looked at Hiei.

"Well, what are you looking at me for?" asked Hiei.

Kurama sighed angrily, "We don't have time to talk about this!" he told them.

"Awe, have a heart Kurama, tell me what her name is..." said Kuwabara.

"Five minutes left," announced Kido.

"I'll talk to you about her later!" Kurama told the teen. He was irritated, that San could tell, but knew he didn't have much power.

"Okay! You better mean it!" said Kuwabara, and then he turned back to Yusuke. "Any day now Urameshi."

"Get off me! I'm going as fast as I can!" Yusuke told them. "Huh? Um guys... What's the deal with the stupid looking name tags?"

"If a certain someone was paying more attention when I was explaining their tools to them, they would know that these are Mejuri seals!" exclaimed Botan.

Yusuke laughed slightly, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that..."

"You know, sometimes I think you're the impostor!" Botan accused.

"What, that's the one where the only one who can remove the seal is the one who put it on right?"

"Yes, because both humans and demons have their own unique energy print," but then Botan gasped in realization.

"Hey that's it!" Yusuke caught on. San watched as the four of them stood in a circle.

"The impostor cannot remove the seals," said Kurama. They all reached for the seal the bore their name. Genkai and San waited, and then they all ripped the seal off without a problem. The room was filled with gasps. San smirked. "This is rather troubling..."

"What the hell?" exclaimed Yusuke.

"This smells fishy guys," said Kuwabara.

"But this is impossible! These things are supposed to be foolproof!" said Botan startled.

"So there was never an impostor to begin with," said Hiei. The demon turned towards Kido, "He's been bluffing the whole time!"

"Good guess, but I assure you there's a fake. Yanagisawa's power is copy, and that is why your seals don't work. He has the ability to copy not only someone's appearance, but their voice, their mannerisms, their memories, and yes, their so called energy print. He could copy your own mother and you would never tell the difference, not even with your little magic stickers," explained Kido.

"Bastard," said Yusuke.

"From what my watch says, your times run out. In a few moments, I'm going to release you. Then it will be decision time. I want you to approach the person you think is the impostor, and hit them as hard as you can."

"Are you insane?"

"Sorry champ, but that's the only way to disarm Yana's power. He has to be hit so hard that it knocks him unconscious. Of course, if you chose the wrong person I'll have your captured friend killed. So be smart okay?"

"What's your deal? What are getting from doing this to us?"

"I thought you'd never ask. You've made a lot of friends and enemies, Yusuke, and now, we're doing one of them a special favour. Now, make your pick," said Kido, stepping off of Yusuke's shadow. San watched, hoping that he would chose right. Yusuke stood in front of the four, trying to think of his choice. "You only have 30 seconds to choose," said Kido. Yusuke still stood, staring, "If you want, I'll just have the hostage killed and save you the trouble?" Still, there was no movement. "You have 15 seconds..."

"Enough," said Yusuke, "I've decided. Just don't take this personally..." and Yusuke began to run. "... I hope I'm right!" Yusuke powered up. He punched Kuwabara so hard, and San smiled. Mitsunari changed back into himself, flying into the wall behind him from the force of the punch he received.

"Wow, you actually figured it out. How did you know the impostor was Kuwabara?"

"I chose him because I know he's used to me pounding his face in, if nothing else. Besides, Hiei and Kurama are too smart and untrusting to walk right into your trap," began Yusuke.

"Yes. Or scream the word hot," Kurama shot at Hiei. San laughed quietly, ignoring the feel of Genkai's glare. Truth be told, San was not very happy with her mentor right now, for forcing her to keep this secret from her mate. Hiei growled.

"Now that still left me Botan. And if you dirt bags were low enough to take advantage of the only none fighter, it wouldn't matter if I lost. Even if you killed me, I would come back from the dead and dropkick your ass. So Kuwabara was the safest bet," Yusuke finished his explanation.

"My hero!" cried Botan. San smiled again.

"I must say, you're quite impressive," said Kido.

Yusuke turned around, "The game's over. Now cough up Kuwabara!"

"And he better not be injured!" added Botan.

"Kuwabara's just fine. And I will return him in the near future," said Kido. Genkai closed the peep hole, for dramatic purposes San assumed. "But first off, I'd like to introduce to you the master of this plan," said Kido. The doors opened. Genkai walked out with San at her side. They stepped into the light, earning surprised looks from a few of them. San caught Kurama's eye, he was confused and yet, curious. The lights turned on, leaving them without darkness.

"I... can't believe it. Why would you do something like this?" asked Yusuke. Genkai just stood. Obviously the boy didn't recognize her, but then again, neither did her own mate. "Tell me you crazy old hag!" Kido dropped his phone and to his knees. San rolled her eyes at him.

"I'm sorry. Forgive me, I failed you master," Kido groveled.

"Cool it with the theatrics Kido. If we're going to be honest here, we were counting on you to screw up," said Genkai.

"You never cease to surprise me Genkai. I thought you might have been behind this little ruse," said Kurama. He was staring directly at San however, and now he looked angry. She did not back down his stare. Though she felt bad, she was following orders, and he had to understand that.

"This doesn't make any sense! Why don't you explain it fox boy, cause I'm obviously going nuts," said Yusuke.

"She was trying to teach us a very valuable lesson. A lesson about perception."

"Yes, and it's a lesson you must learn very well. I guarantee this won't be the last time you come into contact with individuals who possess the power of territory," said Genkai.

Botan turned to the fox, "Kurama, when did you realize it was Genkai?"

"When we had reached the top of the stairs. If they had truly used their resources, wanted it more, we most definitely would have been defeated," he answered. His eyes never left San.

"Oh give me a break!" exclaimed Yusuke.

"But there was an ulterior motive here. I realize that whoever orchestrated this was trying to tell us something about ourselves. That would require someone who knows us well, and meant no harm," Kurama finished.

"Hn. You still haven't given us a reason. You haven't sufficiently explained what you're trying to accomplish just by rubbing their powers in our faces. And another thing, who the hell is that girl?" asked Hiei, pointing straight at San. She smirked, but still held her ground against Kurama.

"I'm a master of disguise apparently. Of course, fooling my mate is one thing, but fooling you is incredible, especially with that jagan eye, Hiei," San smirked. She took off the wig and the glasses, revealing her sun touched hair and tawny eyes. The others gasped, but Kurama's eyes were hard. Oh, he was pissed, but she stood, staring defiantly right back at him. She would not back down, despite the pain she caused him. Most of her anger was with Genkai, but San would never show that to Kurama. She also knew that he expected no less of her.

"San, alright!" said Yusuke, walking over to give her a hug. She returned it warmly, taking her tawny eyes off of her mate's for only a brief second.

"Can we get on with it then? You still haven't answered my first question," said Hiei, though, he did nod towards San.

"The four of you are well-trained fighters. However, as three of you found out, there will instances when your physical strength will not be able to help you, so you must depend on your mind. If you had used that lump three feet above your ass, you might have held on to your soul. Maybe two feet for you" said Genkai. San laughed, and Hiei was in alarm.

"Are you for real? You actually let those jerks steal your soul? Show some skill," said Yusuke, turning to look at Hiei.

"Oh, and what about you dimwit?"

"Oh, come on. I wouldn't have been fine if I knew about that shadow thing," Yusuke waved it off.

"Are you foolish enough to think that one of your enemies will hand over that information? If an enemy catches you, you're as good as dead. Try to remember that!"

"Time out, grandma, you keep saying enemy, but these guys aren't actually bad... right? So, who the hell are they?"

"Go on, inform them, Kido."

"Yes master. Kaito, Yana, and I, we all went to her compound for advice when we developed our powers. That's where we learned about you, Yusuke, and your team. That was the same day San had woken up after a week. Genkai told us, and her, of a plan, and San was the one who told us how to handle all of you. She filled in the blanks, and told us everything about all of you. She even guided us while we put it into motion. The truth of it is, we've only had these abilities for about a month. Same with all the new psychics," explained Kido.

"New psychics?" questioned Botan.

"The cause of which is our greatest threat," said Genkai.

"You're making me nervous," said Yusuke.

"I assume some of you have already noticed the demon insects flying through the city," stated Genkai.

Kurama gasped in realization, his frustration put aside for the moment, "You don't mean?"

"Yes. Someone is carving out a tunnel to the demon world. Sakyo's plan from the Dark Tournament was not buried with him."

"What Sakyo plan?" asked Yusuke.

"Yeah..." San heard Kuwabara's voice from behind her, "Genkai just filled me in. Apparently Koenma found out and never told us. Sakyo wanted money so he could drill some doomsday tunnel."

"But, more importantly we've answered the question, boxers or briefs?" said Yusuke. San let out a giggle. She missed the boys!

Kuwabara growled, "Would you be serious for a second!" he said, strutting over to Mitsunari to get his clothes, "It's not my fault that idiot stole my clothes."

"But how could this be? I thought Sakyo died when he blew up the stadium," said Botan.

"He's dead, we're sure of that. By now he's rolling in his grave because someone continued his plan without him," said Genkai.

"It just keeps going, doesn't it?" stated Yusuke. San sighed, looking back into the angry eyes of her mate.
Converting /tmp/php9sh6lZ to /dev/stdout