Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Lost and Found: Love ❯ Understanding; Threads of Memories ( Chapter 8 )

A Past Love

Chapter 8: Understanding; Threads of Memories

by AngelK

Author's Note: This is my first Yu Yu Hakusho story I've written. I like comments and suggestions/criticism. But, if you don't like this story as you read it, it's kind of pointless just to tell me how much you hated it and how terrible I am. So, I want a reason for why you dislike it so much if you do. If you see a problem with it, state it. Otherwise, enjoy yourself. If you wouldn't mind, a review would be nice.

Disclaimer: This is a story based upon characters of Yu Yu Hakusho. It is for entertainment purposes only.

"It's late. Where could they be?" Keiko questioned worriedly.

"They'll be here soon. Don't worry," Genkai said.

"Hey, they're back. I can sense them right outside." Kuwabara stated.

A polite knock came at the door.

"Let them in, Yukina."

The ice apparition nodded and opened the door.

Kurama and a large white wolf entered first. They were followed by Hiei, who was carrying Akita.

"Is she alright?" Keiko rushed over.

"Her bandages need to be changed. Wounds that haven't yet scarred have re-opened. Otherwise, she's just fine, Keiko." Kurama reassured the frazzled girl.

"I'll heal her wounds if you need me to." Yukina suggested softly.

Hiei left the room without a greeting, muttering a simple and blunt, "Hn," before he went down the hall. The wolf followed after the Koorime.

"That's not very polite, is it..." Kuwabara muttered.
"Why don't two head on home? This isn't a hotel nor an apartment unless you start paying for your nights here." Genkai said briskly.

"I guess you're right. It's late. Keiko, I'll walk you home." Kuwabara picked up Keiko's books and headed to the door. "Tell Akita we'll expect her to come back soon to class. C'mon, Keiko." The boy walked out the door.

Keiko bowed her head respectively. "Thank you for everything, Genkai. You too, Yukina. We'll come back tomorrow if Akita isn't able to come to school. Good night, Kurama. Do tell Hiei and Akita we said good-bye."

***

Kurama knocked on Akita's bedroom door. "Hiei? May I come in?"

"The door's open, Kurama." A voice replied.

The redhead opened the door. Akita was tucked into bed and Hiei was seated on the windowsill, staring out into the dark, and bleak sky.

"Do you plan to stay here tonight?" Kurama asked.

Hiei nodded his head. "I will be gone before she wakes. I'll come every night through this window. Please, leave it unlocked for me. I like to watch her when she sleeps."

"I will do as you request. Where have you been staying? I was at Akita's house many times during those six months when she disappeared. The house has always been completely deserted." Kurama waited for the reply.

"I have been in a forest near her home. I've seen you leave her house every time you were there." Hiei responded.

"You've missed her?" The kitsune questioned.

The Koorime glared back in response. "What sort of foolish question is that, Kurama?! Of course I have missed Akita. She is the largest part of my being. It is only natural that I miss her, am I right?"

Kurama smiled. "Shall I-"

"No, you shouldn't. I'd rather observe her without her knowing." Hiei turned his gaze back to the sky. No stars were visible through the thick blanket of fog that had enveloped the shrine.

"I'm going to go and sleep. I'll be in the next room. Wake me if something happens." Kurama turned to leave.

"Have you heard from Yusuke?"

Kurama paused. "I haven't. Have you?"

"Not a word since he left almost a year ago. I can't imagine what that boy is up to." Hiei muttered.

"He had plans for things, Hiei. He might just be quite preoccupied. But, if he promised to return for Keiko and promised that Akita would see him again, he'll return someday. As long as I've known him, Yusuke is good to his word. Now, I bid you both good night." Kurama returned to Akita's bedside. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Sweetest dreams, little sister..."

"Now, I'm beginning to finally understand. I recall asking you why Yusuke would risk himself and die if he was trying to save Keiko when we fought the Four Saint Beasts. When Yusuke and the ningen had passed out, I asked why Yusuke would save her even if he died in the process. I couldn't understand. Now, because of Akita, I'm beginning to..." Hiei paused.

Kurama chuckled softly. "Someday, my friend. It'll all make sense to you. I'll see you in the morning."

***

Akita opened her eyes. She slowly sat up. The scent of her blood filled her keen nose. She swung her legs over the bed and looked at the window. The curtains fluttered in the night air. Akita staggered to the window and lifted her arms to close the window. The cool breeze filtered some of the heavy smell of blood out of the window. "I guess it can't hurt to leave it be..." Akita turned back towards the bed and her vision blurred. She stumbled and groped for something to stop her fall.

Strong arms caught the girl as she fell. "You're too exhausted to be about. You need a good night's rest." The Koorime carried the girl back to her bed. "I'm glad I got back here to stop your fall." He laid her back on the mattress gently. Hiei then seated himself upon the windowsill to resume his guard over the girl once more.

***

Hiei looked outside. Dawn was fast approaching. Reluctant to leave his love, he sighed in frustration. "I shouldn't have to leave her. But, her wrath will wear her out and she'd surely be angry if she saw me here." He stood and walked to her bed. He planted a kiss on her cheek and wrapped his cloak more securely around her. "I love you, my Akita. I will visit you tonight and watch over you." The demon strode to the window and opened it a bit more. He vanished out the window in less than a moment.

***

Shortly after the dawn hour had passed, Akita rose once more. An odd scent lingered in the room. "...Hiei? Are you here?" She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She must really be hallucinating. Hiei wouldn't be here. He'd never set foot there in Genkai's temple. She wouldn't see him for a little over four months.

"Breakfast is ready, Kurama. Would you like to come and eat?" Yukina's voice could be heard just outside her door.

"Is Akita awake?"

"No, I just figured I'd let her sleep until she has to get ready for school. She's worn out. Would you like me to make you something to drink besides tea?" Yukina asked.

"No, tea is fine. Thank you, Yukina." Kurama replied.

Akita heard retreating footsteps. She slowly began to dress. When she had first woke up from her half year coma, Akita had asked Kurama to go to her house and bring her back some changes of clothes.

Birds chirped cheerfully, a few had perched on her windowsill.

"Hello, little ones. Will it be good weather today?" Akita pulled on the rest of her uniform over her aching body. She approached the windowsill and offered her hands to the birds. One brave one hopped forward into her palm and cheeped happily.

"Speaking with birds? Plan to fly off with them?" A sharp voice asked.

Akita smiled softly. "If only I could. If I was able to shed this skin...this human skin and fly away...I would do it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately for me, Genkai, my feet are bound to the ground for now. When I have enough energy, I'll fly again."

Genkai chuckled. "You are the strangest demon I have ever met. From what I've heard from Kurama, you've been an assassin, a professional thief, a murderer, and the gentlest person that Kurama has ever met."

"He's required to say the gentle part. I'm his younger sister." Akita set the bird down on the sill. "I'm not gentle in the least. I'm a rogue and a once convicted criminal who was on the run from Spirit Detectives, and Spirit World officials. Do I look gentle to you?"

"No. But, you're a gentle, kind, and sweet girl in your heart. Our actions do not change what we truly are. That is obvious for you." Genkai observed.

Akita bowed her head in embarrassment.

"Kurama and Yukina want you to come down for breakfast. I suggest you get some nourishment in you." Genkai left the room.

Akita stretched her tired limbs after neatening the room. She yawned and walked out into the hall.

***

Akita sauntered into the dining room.

Kurama was staring into his cup of tea. He looked up to meet his younger sibling's pensive gaze. "Akita, good morning. I'm glad to see you awake. You look well."

Akita nodded. "I'm a tad bit woozy. Thank you for bringing me home last night. I doubt I could've made it on my own." She pushed the memory of the scent that had certainly not belonged to her older brother.

"It was a pleasure. I do believe I should start calling you 'bird-child.' Was there bird blood in your heritage?" Kurama asked, failing to hide the smile that had snuck up onto his handsome features.

"Sometimes I wish I was a bird. But, there is not a drop of bird in me." Akita said.

"No! Why did you do such a horrible thing?!" A female's voice exclaimed.

Akita left the room and went into the kitchen. She saw tears forming in the ice apparition's eyes. "Oh, Yukina, what's the matter?" She walked quickly over to embrace the girl lightly.

"Akita, it's that wolf...he killed a-" Yukina broke off into soft crying, trembling.

"Why don't you go and have some tea? It'll clear your mind. I'll see to Comp." Akita pushed the girl gently to the next room. She turned to the door. She walked outside and saw Comp digging. Akita sighed sadly. "Comp, it's alright. I'll tell Yukina that it's your nature. She'll understand. You just caught her off guard." Akita knelt and took the wolf's muzzle in her grip. She stroked his face. "It's not your fault you are a born hunter. Just don't be seen next time. I'll whistle for you when I get up from now on. Unless you're in my room with me. Then, I'll come and hunt with you."

Comp whined and looked at Akita with sad eyes.

"You miss the pack..." The demon hybrid found herself often also missing the pack. Romping with the pups and hunting with the adults. Singing the pack-song and having a family.

***

A young child roamed the streets of Japan in the dark of night. She walked into the street. A horn blared out and the girl looked up. Red eyes flared and an animal-like sound filled the air as the car hit the child.

The driver was a tense male teenager. He got out of the car. Why was this happening to him? He was at least an hour over curfew. Why the hell was a little girl wandering the street anyways? He went to the front and was surprised to see nothing. "How is that possible?! Is it that late that I'm seeing things? No..." He paused. That girl had been real.

***

Panting from exertion, the girl examined her wound. Blood covered her small palm. The smell of blood was sickening. After vomiting in a nearby bin that smelled vile, she settled beside a very large green container.

***

"I leave you to empty the trash, Haruki." A female's voice said.

A man walked out the backdoor of the apartment, trash bag in hand. His eyes widened to see a small child who had tucked herself into the corner where the dumpster and the alleyway met.

The human male tossed the garbage into the dumpster and picked up the child. "Miyo, come quickly. I think there's something you should see."

***

After the girl had been bathed and dressed in fresh clothes, Miyo gave her something to eat. She set a plate before the child.

The little girl remained motionless.

"Aren't you hungry?" Miyo scooped some of the rice onto the chopsticks and held it out towards the child's mouth.

"I want no food."

"Well, I would like you to eat something, um... little dear, you never told me your name." Miyo commented as she helped herself to a cup of tea.

The child's dark eyes locked on Miyo's gray colored ones. "Akita."

"What happened to your parents, Miss Akita?" Miyo asked gently.

Akita poked at the food with her finger. It didn't smell bad. "They were killed."

Miyo's hand went instantly to cover her mouth. She recovered quickly and smiled sincerely. "When Haruki comes home, we'll take you to see someone who will allow us to adopt you. We'd hate for such a dear thing like you to end up in an orphanage."

***

For about three years, Akita had lived with Haruki and Miyo Matsumachi. They had treated her as their own daughter. One day, when Akita had been home alone, robbers had entered the house. Retrieving her sword hidden in her room, she had slain the man before his female companion had time to realize what had happened. They were left soaked in their own blood and Akita was forced to flee again or be caught.

***

That was how she found herself in an orphanage. Surrounded by other orphans, Akita was the only one who wasn't a part of a group. She sat and occupied herself with avoiding trouble. Her sword was obvious trouble...she had hidden it outside near the dumpster. Remaining in her chair that was beside the window, she watched the activity that went on outside.

"Aki? Will you tell us a story?" A pair of fraternal twin toddlers had wandered over. They settled near her feet.

Akita smiled and nodded. Kyoko and Toshi were the two youngsters who were the newest inhabitants of the orphanage. "Well, my little dears. What sort of story shall I tell?"

"Happily ever after!" Kyoko exclaimed, black button eyes shining hopefully.

"No! Adventure with demons and beasts!" Toshi said, running fingers through his dark hair.

"Demons are stupid. Princesses are better." Kyoko snapped.

"Well, Aki tells better demon stories." Toshi stuck his tongue out at his sister.

Akita sighed with a grin. "Once upon a time in the land of demons..."

Kyoko and Toshi hushed and listened intently to a story of a demon princess named Miya and an adventurous human swordsman named Kano.

***

For the time when she had been placed in that orphanage, the older children had shunned her completely. She was too different for humans. Kyoko and Toshi had been the ones who had taught her the importance of children in life. The twins had grown while she had remained at the orphanage. They were models for children older and younger than them. They had shown Akita what role children played in the future of everything. "The pack showed me that too, Comp. Humans are just too stupid to understand. Little children are a gift. They have the ability to change what mortals screw up." Akita kissed his nose and stood.

Comp abandoned his burden and nestled his head against her leg.

"Why don't we go in so you can apologize to Yukina?" Akita suggested. She walked towards the shrine again.

The wolf kept pace with her. Plumed tail waving, he followed her back inside.

***

Akita walked through the gates into the schoolyard. Keiko chattered excitedly beside her. Kuwabara was walking behind them, greeting friends of his.

"Akihabara!"

Akita turned to see a few of her friends rushing over to her.

"It's been so long, Akita! Have you recovered?" Saiyo asked.

"Everyone's missed you so much! Especially us!" Kali commented.

"Good morning, Keiko. Akita, I've my notes in case you need anything." Leila offered.

Akita tried her very best to keep smiling. The sound of all these voices was hard on her ears. "Yeah, for the most part, Saiyo. It's nice to hear that I've been missed, Kali. And any notes I didn't get from Keiko are much appreciated, Leila."

"Akita, how are you?" A male voice questioned.

Akita turned to face a boy a bit taller than Kuwabara with dark hair and dark eyes. "Hello, Yukio..." She replied icily.

"Hey, baby. Want to go out sometime?" Yukio asked with a smirk.

Akita waved him off. "I wouldn't go out with you if you were the last piece of scum on earth. You're less than scum in comparison to who I know."

"Keep your eyes off, Yukio. Otherwise, her boyfriend might shred you to pieces." Kuwabara commented. He and his friends had wandered over.

"Oh, save it, Kuwabara. No one's going to have Akita as their own except for me." Yukio declared as he put an arm around Akita's shoulders.

Crimson eyes flared from somewhere nearby.

"What the hell is this?!" Yukio exclaimed. He jumped back with a yelp.

Akita looked at him in surprise. She then felt a strangely pleasant sensation around her shoulders.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Akita, but you're on fire!" Kali exclaimed.

"What the heck is that presence... I've felt it before..." Kuwabara muttered, no one else hearing him.

Akita did hear Kuwabara though. She smiled inwardly. It had definitely been Hiei. "C'mon. Let's go inside before we're late for class."

The five girls walked inside together.

***

"Wow, those exams were easy. It was like I never left." Akita said, grinning wildly.

"Speak for yourself. Those were horrible." Kuwabara muttered, hands buried deep in his pockets.

"What say you, Keiko?" Akita turned her gaze to her dear friend.

"I think I should've studied more for the science exam." Keiko managed a meager smile.

"At least they're done with. We don't have to worry about those for awhile." Kuwabara commented as they ascended the stairs leading to Genkai's temple.

Author's Note: Please review or give me input somehow.... you know the drill. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.