Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Intangible ❯ Regretting ( Chapter 15 )

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.Fifteen.

 

I had to hand it to Kurama. He really did know how to keep his cool. It's a skill I could only hope to ever have. His mother was kidnapped by a vengeful youkai and the only thing that indicated Kurama's stress was his silence. Granted, Kurama was in general a quiet guy but this time the silence was unnerving. It was like he was an entirely different person altogether. I wondered to myself then if this was what it was like being around Youko. I had heard he was cold and reserved—calculating and unfeeling. It seemed strange to imagine Kurama this way when I was used to seeing his smiles and reassurances.

 

But it seemed, for that short period of time, he had reverted back to something of his old self.

 

I could only watch him as he tracked down Ryu's youki. I wanted to say something. God, did I want to say something—but what the hell does one say to a friend whose mother was just kidnapped? My loud mouth was known to cause some havoc and I didn't want to take any risks now. I wondered if Kurama even realized I was by his side—or if his mind was so attuned with catching up to Ryu that he completely blocked me out.

 

We passed by streets and stores before stopping at an empty park. It took me several moments to realize where we were. It had originally been an amusement park before going out of business five years ago. Now it was just an abandoned area with blockades surrounding it. The old rides were still intact but I imagined they were rusted and ready to collapse at any given moment. I frowned deeply. Why Ryu would pick such a place to hide was beyond me. I looked over at Kurama and saw him analyzing the area.

 

It was weird, the way his emerald eyes could appear so distant. I would never get used to it.

 

“She's here?” I inquired, not really expecting an answer as I surveyed the park. An old roller coaster there, a dilapidated haunted house here…

 

“Yes.”

 

I looked at Kurama sharply. He was looking at the haunted house behind me. “What do you think he's planned?” I asked, feeling all too inadequate.

 

“I'm not sure yet,” he replied, his tone deadpanned.

 

I ruffled my hair with my hands in aggravation. I was never the type to investigate and hypothesize. I simply didn't have the patience for it. But when the occasion really called for it, I could actually put my noggin to work and come up with an answer. This was one of those occasions. I sighed and sat down on the ground cross-legged, my arms crossed over my chest as I frowned deeply in thought. I've been in enough fights with youkai to be able to guess their true natures. Ryu didn't seem like the homicidal type to me. He was just…in pain. He was also struggling with his conscience, that much I could see. He had been a follower of Kurama's. Most likely he still felt some kind of loyalty to him despite everything.

 

I focused my own energy and began tracking down Ryu. The haunted house captured Kurama's attention—so that was probably where he was. But I wanted to make sure. Barging in and beating the crap out of an opponent was one thing, but Shiori was also there. I had to think a little differently from my norm.

 

I caught a glimmer of Ryu's youki and also sensed Shiori, alive and well, nearby. I breathed deeply in relief and glanced at Kurama.

 

“What now?”

 

“He's trying to lure me in.”

 

I snorted and stood up, wiping down my pants. “That much is obvious. That's why I'm here, right?” I commented before glancing at my watch. It was nearing ten o' clock. I stared up at the sky and noted the deep clarity in the glittering stars. “It's a nice night.”

 

“Indeed,” murmured Kurama.

 

I looked at him watching the sky. Suddenly I broke into a crazy grin and smacked him hard on the back. “Hey, buddy, don't get too wound up. We've been in similar cases before,” I said comfortingly. “Remember the time with that mirror? You were all ready to give up your life but I wouldn't let you. Everything turned out for the best in the end, though.”

 

All the while I couldn't help but wonder to myself: damn, that was a fucking long time ago.

 

For the first time that night since Ryu came along, I saw Kurama crack a smile. It was a small, flitting one, but I caught it nonetheless. I laughed and shook my head. “And I thought Hiei was the worst person to hang out with,” I muttered under my breath. Relief flooded my system, though. I hated worrying. Having friends usually entailed that feeling, but I also hated being alone. So I suppose it was an even deal. And besides, I owed Kurama that much.

 

I clapped my hands to catch his attention. “He wants to lure you in, right?” I began, “How about I play the lured?”

 

Kurama arched an eyebrow. “What are you planning?” he inquired, a spark of life returning to his eyes.

 

I smirked. “He seemed rather nervous when he was here. I imagine this is his first time in the Ningenkai—so he probably doesn't know much about human culture. I think we can use this to our advantage,” I explained slowly, the beginnings of a plan formulating in my head as I spoke. “We can use the haunted house he's in.”

 

“It hasn't been powered in five years,” pointed out Kurama, eyes narrowing as he tried to catch onto what I was saying.

 

“It doesn't need to be powered—just being in it is creepy enough. He's probably already on edge,” I said calmly.

 

“My mother could be injured in the process, Yusuke.”

 

“I won't let her,” I vowed firmly.

 

Kurama eyed me with something akin to astonishment. “What are you going to do? There's nothing here to conceal you—”

 

“I'm not called crazy for no reason, Kurama,” I quipped brightly. He stared at me sullenly and I winked encouragingly. “Listen, just trust me. Wait out here because quite frankly, I don't trust you going in there, and when Ryu comes out, don't let him escape. I'll make sure Shiori doesn't get hurt, okay?”

 

I was about make my move when Kurama called out to me.

 

“Yusuke.”

 

I turned around. Kurama was staring straight at me. I blinked expectantly.

 

“Be careful.”

 

I stuck out my tongue. “Who do you think you're talking to?” I teased playfully before venturing into the old house.

 

Kurama really did fascinate me—and so I made a little promise to myself. Even though our status was temporary, I was going to make the best of it. I was going to find out as much as I possibly could about Kurama and not regret our time together. In reality, this was the most alive I've ever felt since Keiko and I broke up—which was quite a while ago. Kurama helped me out of the darkness and now I was going to return his favor. I kept this thought in my head as I walked through the murky house. I had never been in an abandoned haunted house. All the machinery was still intact and the props were still in their places—I couldn't help but feel a little spooked out by them. It was pitch black, but through the cracked windows moonlight filtered in, giving the house an unearthly glow.

 

Strange, how when you're a child nothing scares you. Now this house sent chills down my spine.

 

I encountered a staircase and lingered there for a moment, listening carefully to the still darkness. Suddenly I heard a shuffling from above and I tilted my head upwards in hope of catching sight of Ryu. But all I saw was an empty hallway. I narrowed my eyes. Oh, he was definitely there all right. I didn't need to sense his youki to know that. I just prayed Kurama was still waiting outside patiently like I told him to. I mean he's never struck me as the type to not listen, but the guy was pretty torn. But he was also a hell of a lot more tolerating than me. If our situations had been reversed, I'd probably be blowing up things left and right.

 

All right, cut that humor. I had to get serious.

 

The house was impressive. I almost forgot for a second that it was a fake one and not actually haunted. Its creepiness factor didn't fade, though. When I managed to reach the hallway upstairs, I crept along silently against the walls. Ryu's youki was weak—he must have been trying to suppress it—but I could still trace it and began walking past the rooms.

 

I remembered walking down the same pathway when I was a kid, and the workers popping out of nowhere to scare me with their painted faces and costumes. I remembered laughing and making fun of them to mom. She was smiling as well. It's a memory I treasure. And my reasons for being here struck a deep chord inside of me. I held a happy memory of this place—I didn't want that to change into one of sadness. That was why I had to save Shiori. A kid deserves to have a mom around. Kurama wasn't a kid anymore, but that didn't mean Shiori wasn't needed. I smiled somewhat bitterly. When was anyone ready to let go of their mother?

 

The room Shiori was in was small. She was tied up in a chair, unconscious. Ryu was sitting on the floor, his head in his hands as his body rocked back and forth. I narrowed my eyes and listened to the cries and whimpers he made. This guy was tormented beyond relief. And I couldn't help but feel his pain.

 

“Betrayed me… Why? I was loyal… I was loyal!”

 

I masked my energy before making my move. He didn't even budge from his spot. I grabbed Shiori and managed to knock him out in the process. He was pathetic. I had thought he would be expecting a fight. All he did was sit. I don't think he even sensed my presence until I rendered him unconscious—and by then it was too late.

 

I kneeled down and began untying the ropes that bound Shiori. Her face was pale, but she otherwise appeared in perfect health. I sighed in relief and glanced over at Ryu.

 

“Poor bastard,” I murmured. I then tilted my head to the side and looked over at the doorway faintly. “I thought I told you to wait.”

 

Kurama stepped into the room calmly. “Even I can't be patient all the time,” he replied softly as he kneeled down beside Shiori. I watched as he treated her carefully before taking her into his arms.

 

“What about Ryu?”

 

And as if on cue, I heard a beeping sound. I blinked and automatically took out the communicator from my pocket. Koenma's face blared onto the screen.

 

“Yusuke! It seems a renegade youkai has escaped to the Ningenkai. His name's Ryu and he's—”

 

“I got him,” I said.

 

“And—what? You got him? How's that even possible?” queried Koenma in disbelief.

 

I grinned. “I sort of ran into him on my way home. He's knocked out now. Are you going to pick him up?” I explained.

 

Koenma appeared mildly impressed before clearing his throat officially. “Yes, well, good job then. I'll have someone right over to take him back,” he said as he prepared to leave.

 

“Oh, and is there any way you can erase Shiori's memory of this night? She was sort of caught up in the middle,” I cut in quickly.

 

Koenma shot me a quizzical look but nodded. “Fine. Wait where you are,” he instructed before the screen flickered off.

 

I shut the communicator and looked at Kurama. “Well, I guess that's it then,” I commented casually, while massaging my shoulder. “Damn, I'm not used to this crouching and sticking onto walls crap.”

 

I grinned cheerfully. Well, there went my good deed of the day. I was turning into a real softie. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at Kurama in surprise. He stared down at me seriously for a moment before allowing a small smile to spread across his face. “Thanks,” he said simply.

 

And that was all I needed to understand. I laughed nervously. Gratitude was always such a foreign thing for me. I was used to people yelling and scolding me—not thanking me. So I just shrugged it off. “Hey, I know you would have done the same for me,” I replied.

 

Kurama nodded slightly and knelt down beside Shiori. “Sometimes I wish I hadn't come here after all,” he commented quietly. “Mother would not have had to experience this sort of pain.”

 

I arched an eyebrow. “But then again she could have died without you,” I pointed out bluntly.

 

He looked at me sharply and I took a step back involuntarily. “I mean—well—she was sick before, right? If it had been her real son she might not have survived,” I clarified.

 

“I caused her that stress.”

 

“Come on. You couldn't have been worse than me—and my mom's still kicking, a little too hard sometimes in fact.”

 

Kurama remained silent. I sighed and crossed my arms. “You always get so weird whenever we talk about this. I don't get it. You're so smart in other areas but when it comes to mother-son relationships, you're dense as hell. How do you think Shiori would feel about your guilt—that you accuse yourself for making her sick? If it were my mother she would punch me straight down to hell and tell me what an ungrateful bastard I was,” I said.

 

It was then that I realized how uncharacteristically cold I was being. In fact, I was being a downright jerk. But Kurama needed some enlightening. Throughout the years I have watched him continuously punish himself for involving Shiori with his life—and granted, I can understand that guilt but heck, it was pointless! Shiori wouldn't want him to feel that way and I thought it was rather stupid of him to continue doing so. Protect and love—never regret. That's my philosophy in life. And it makes a lot of things clearer if you do this.

 

“Anyhow,” I began, “it's not up to me to decide how you should feel. I just wanted to point out that maybe all this time your guilt was really just a meaningless feeling you exposed yourself to.”

 

I was lecturing Kurama. The thought was strangely alarming. Kurama stayed silent for a while longer and then suddenly, he stood up and shifted Shiori gently in his arms.

 

“I'll be taking my leave now,” he said calmly before exiting the room.

 

I stared at him in bewilderment. And I suppose it was about ten minutes after he left that Koenma's goons finally came to pick up Ryu. I narrowed my eyes as I watched them leave through a direct portal to the Reikai. Shiori was supposed to have her memory erased. What did it mean for Kurama to take her back then? I stared at the broken ceiling thoughtfully.

 

“Is he going to tell her about his past?” I wondered aloud.

 

It would have been a good thing to tell her—especially considering how involved she was in his life. My mom was hardly ever in the neighborhood so she was normally quite safe from any hazards of my daily adventures. I doubted any youkai even knew of her existence. But if Kurama told Shiori, then perhaps she could be more on guard. She would probably freak out a little but Shiori never struck me as the type of person to hate someone just for being different and keeping the truth from her. She would undoubtedly feel a bit betrayed by Kurama but it was nothing that would cause any long-term pain.

 

I smiled happily. Good for Kurama.

 

I then left the rundown house and began my slow walk home. It was nearing midnight and all the adrenaline in my system was seeping away quickly. But I was still in a relatively good mood and took my time, watching the sky and stars. And I found myself wondering what Kurama was thinking when I spoke to him. He hadn't given me any sort of reaction whatsoever and just left—rather abruptly, too. I found myself puzzled over this fact.

 

It was only when I got home did a random thought strike me. Had Kurama and I just had our first argument? I cocked my head to the side. Okay, arguments were definitely my forte—but in all my years I never had a one-sided argument. But Kurama was unique from my usual counterparts. Did he leave because he was—dare I say it—mad? I plopped down on my sofa and gave a bemused chuckle.

 

“No way,” I muttered.

 

I'll be damned if that fox was actually mad with me. I had been a little harsh, but I was just pointing out the obvious—in my opinion. His could have been the complete opposite. What if he thought I was just making fun of him? Or even worse—not taking his feelings seriously? I groaned inwardly. I was never exceptionally good at stopping myself from going too far.

 

There was a chance that he wasn't mad, though.

 

That was just wishful thinking. Kurama doesn't leave without a smile. If he does then that usually calls for anger—either directed at himself or me. But I didn't want him to be angry at anyone! I sat up and stared at the blank television screen. But was he mad? God, the confusion was too much for me. Why can't anything in the world ever be black and white? But no, I had to go and open my big mouth and give a Urameshi Yusuke lecture to—of all people—Kurama. Now I was torn. If he was mad then I would have to apologize. If he wasn't…then I had to do nothing. But finding out what he was feeling was another story altogether.

 

So it was time to do a little scheming.

 

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TBC