Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Mazoku: Battle For The Throne ❯ Waiting for answers ( Chapter 5 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: jazzy377 
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.01.2013 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 362 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.01.2013 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 362 | Status: Work In Progress
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Oh yeah, I so stoked for this chapter. Oh yeah I'm feeling extra pumped because I
actually met Chuck Huber (voice of Hiei) at an anime convention!
Disclaimer: I always forget about these. Anyway, I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Chapter 5
Waiting for answers
There was a knock at the door, but neither Yusuke nor Kurama heard. There was a
second knock a little louder, but the boys rolled over and went back to sleep.
"Wake up, damnit!"
"Oh God, he's back this early!" moaned Yusuke. Yusuke rolled over, nearly falling on
top of Pu and Sanosuke, who had just woken up.
On the other side of the door was a very angry Hiei waiting. Yusuke creaked open the
door and Hiei walked in with a glare. Behind him was Yukina.
"Yukina? Uh, hey. Long time no see, huh?" Yusuke commented.
Yukina bowed a little. "Yes, it has been a while."
Yusuke rolled his eyes. "I told you already. You don't have to bow or do anything
formal with me. So what's up?"
"She wanted to go to the Festival of Souls ending celebration."
Kurama rose from his bed. "Well, then we should be going. I'll go wake everyone."
Kurama walked out. He left with a small smile. Yukina noticed and commented. "He
seems happier than normal. Did it have something to do with the two girls that are
traveling with you? Hiei told me they were brainwashing you guys though."
Yusuke glared at Hiei. "Oh, really? They're just two girls."
Hiei smirked. "Really? I didn't know you bought gifts for two ordinary girls." He
eyed the two presents that were wrapped.
"Whatever, I still have more gifts to buy. It's the custom, you know."
Hiei scoffed. Kurama came back in, this time with company. Kuwabara came in with
Keiko and Botan trailing behind, and finally Keiko's parents. Hiroshi was still
tense, but not as much as before. Akemi seemed fine. She seemed tenser by Hiroshi
than the demons.
Kurama cleared his throat. "Well, we'll be in town one more day so go enjoy
yourselves. Don't go out the town borders though. Also don't forget about the
Festival of Souls ending ceremony this evening."
Keiko's parents turned to get back to their room but Kuwabara blocked them.
"Kuwabara? Kuwabara, could you move?" asked Akemi.
Kuwabara didn't respond or move. His body was paralyzed, and his eyes were fixed on
a beauty with aqua colored hair.
Yusuke chuckled, and whispered to Hiei. "Well, I wonder who he's going give a
present to?"
"No fucking way in hell," muttered a testy Hiei.
Yusuke held up his hands, "Whoa, language mister."
Hiei grabbed Yukina's hand, "Let's go Yukina, you wanted to see the shops, right?"
Yukina waved goodbye to everyone as Hiei pushed pass everyone.
"Yukina…" breathed out Kuwabara dreamily. "I found the woman I love! I have to get
her something!"
With that Kuwabara left, and Keiko’s parents were finally able to go back to their
room.
Keiko moved to Yusuke's side and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Um, hey, what are you doing today?" she asked.
Yusuke scratched his head. "Oh, you know. A little of this and that and stuff."
Keiko pouted. "Oh. I was just hoping we could hang out today."
"Uh, I really have a lot to do today. Maybe later though, okay?"
Yusuke turned to Kurama. "Hey, come on, will ya? You too, Sanosuke."
The three left and Yusuke closed the door, leaving a stunned Keiko and Botan.
"I can't believe he actually said no." said Keiko, showing a little more sadness
than she meant to.
Botan noticed. "Well, he said he was busy, and he said maybe later."
"That means no."
"No. It means later. Come on. We'll just follow him, and 'happen' to see him at a
shop."
Keiko nodded, but she was really kind of embarrassed. She's made an effort to spend
time with Yusuke, and he had turned her down. It was true she wanted to get some
answers out of him, but she also wanted to just talk. No secret motives or lies.
"Ok! Let's catch up with them before they leave then," exclaimed Botan.
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Yusuke picked up a sling shot and handed it to Sanosuke. "How about this weapon to
start you out with, Sanosuke?"
"A slingshot? No, I want something big and tough! That looks like it's for little
kids." Sanosuke said.
Kurama chuckled. "I thought you were a little kid."
"Well, not one who fights with slingshots. What weapons do both of you use?" asked
Sanosuke swinging an ax around. He lost his balance, almost cutting off the ox
demon's head.
Yusuke grabbed his collar, took the ax, and placed it back on the table. "Well, fox
boy over here uses plants, and I use these right here." Yusuke balled up his fists.
"Plants sound so girly though. No one picks on you for using flowers and stuff?"
Sanosuke wondered.
"Well after they see him fight, very rarely are they alive, much less in the teasing
mood."
"Oh, shut up Yusuke. I've only killed when it was necessary anyway."
Sanosuke grabbed Yusuke's index finger and inspected it. "I don't get it. How can
you shoot out that kind of power and not have a mark on your finger?"
Yusuke laughed.
Sanosuke looked down with a blush. You didn't have to laugh. I just asked a
question."
"Sorry. Well, the spirit gun is my pure energy. It's always inside of me and when I
need it I just channel it out." Yusuke channeled a little energy, and the tip of his
finger glowed blue.
"Are you a demon?" Sanosuke went on to ask. Kurama and Yusuke exchanged a puzzled
look.
"Yeah, of course we are." Yusuke said.
"Then why is your spirit energy blue? I've seen other demons release those spirit
blasts things, and their energy is always red or black or something really dark."
Yusuke looked at Sanosuke questioningly. He didn't know what age Sanosuke was, but
these questions didn't seem like something a child would ask. All of his
observations weren't things other children would notice either.
"I tell you more about that later, ok? Right now, let's go. I need to pick up some
flowers."
"Wait! What about my weapon?"
Yusuke started to walk away and shrug. "I don't think any of those are good for you.
We'll find something later."
Kurama began to walk in a different direction. "Well, Yusuke, we both have separate
things to attend to so I find you right before the ceremony."
Yusuke waved and motioned for Sanosuke to follow him. Keiko and Botan had been
looking for Yusuke for over thirty minutes when they saw Kurama speaking to an elder
woman who was watering plants.
"Kurama! Over here!" Keiko shouted.
Kurama looked over and smiled. He walked over to the girls. "Hello Keiko. Botan. I
trust you are enjoying yourselves."
Botan smiled and nodded. "We're fine, but Keiko was looking for Yusuke."
"Oh really?" was Kurama's amused answer.
"It's not like that, Kurama." Keiko protested.
"Whatever you say. Anyway he is at the flower shop. That's not too far from here."
Keiko smiled. "Ok. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Oh, Botan? Would you like to accompany me while Keiko speaks with
Yusuke? I was just going to make sure everything runs smoothly tonight."
Botan's eyes lit up, and she turned to Keiko. "Will you be alright alone?"
Keiko smiled. "Yeah, sure. You should go."
Botan gave Keiko a reassuring smile before leaving with Kurama. Keiko could hear
Kurama talking and Botan laughing. "Yeah, he actually wants to be around you." Keiko
said softly. She made her way over to the flower shop. She saw Yusuke. He had a
serious look on his face as he examined each type of flower.
"My, my, Yusuke. This is the first time you've gotten so many different types of
flowers. I assume there's a girl in your life?" asked the florist smirking.
Yusuke laughed. "Well you can assume that, but you know what they say about
assumptions."
Keiko walked up to him. "Hi, Yusuke."
Yusuke visibly stiffened for a moment before returning the hello. Keiko felt every
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bit of self-confidence in her disappear.
'Think of something to talk about, Keiko! Come on! Say something clever or funny,
just say something,' she thought.
"Uh, those flowers are really pretty. There's so many to choose from too."
"Uh, yeah. It's hard to choose." Yusuke said awkwardly.
Keiko fidgeted with her hair, brushing it. "My favorites are the cosmos here. Cosmos
mean modesty or to be shy. I always thought it was funny though because they always
came in such bright, bold colors. That doesn't seem like a shy or modest flower at
all." Keiko chuckled a little at her sad joke and weak attempt to make conversation.
Yusuke didn't laugh. He glanced over at the flower indifferently. "Yeah, I see what
you mean."
Keiko scuffled her feet and looked around for a bit. "Oh, where's Sanosuke?"
"I took him over to see a play with the other village kids. The play talks about why
we have the Festival of Souls and the kids get to act out the parts. I thought he'd
like it. Actually it's probably time to go him."
Yusuke picked up his flowers and paid the florist. He waved goodbye to Keiko and
left.
"Wow, that Yusuke must really like someone. He left with three different flowers,"
the florist replied.
"Yeah…" Keiko said solemnly. She was so down about Yusuke ignoring her she didn't
even notice her favorite cosmos were gone. Keiko arrived back at the inn around six
in the evening. She walked to her room and before she could open the door, Botan
swung it open and pulled her inside.
"So? Did you find him? What did you guys talk about?"
Keiko sighed. "He completely ignored me. I tried to talk to him, and he looked so
bored when I spoke to him."
Botan frowned. "I don't know what's with him. Even Kurama said he thinks Yusuke
likes you. He's never acted like this with any other girl."
"Well actions speak louder than words and his actions are saying he doesn't like
me."
Botan walked up to Keiko and hugged her. Keiko smiled. Kuwabara burst in.
"Hey it's time for the ending ceremony. We're leaving!"
He pulled Keiko and Botan outside and met up with the others. Keiko looked over at
Yusuke. He wasn't paying attention to her. Yusuke looked toward her and gave a very
slight smile. Hiei had arrived back with Yukina and was watching out for any male
that tried to give Yukina a gift.
Sanosuke pulled Yusuke's wrist. "We have to go; we're gonna miss everything!"
Yusuke shook his head and led him to the festival. The center of the village was
teeming with people, all of them a buzzed with excitement. The ceremony commenced
with loud traditional music blaring through the streets. An array of mystical beasts
gathered, leading Yusuke and the rest of the group to the center of the village. As
Yusuke walked to the podium, the music lulled to a stop and the crowd quieted down.
Yusuke cleared his throat and spoke," Uh, hey everyone. We're all here for the
ending of the Festival of Souls, in love for my mother and father. It's the time we
show how much we care for the people around us, humans and demons. So I won't keep
you any longer. Exchange your gifts and have a great night!"
The crowd broke out into a cheer, and Yusuke walked down to meet the rest of the
group. Kuwabara was already giving Yukina flowers, and a portrait of her he drew
himself.
"Wow Kazuma. This is a surprise, but it is all very nice," said Yukina with a smile.
Kuwabara beamed. "Yeah, I really tried to capture all your beauty, but even the most
beautiful painting couldn't compare to you."
Hiei grabbed the portrait and scowled. "This is shit. Were you even trying?"
"Shut up shrimp. You're only mad because our love is too great against you, and you
can't handle it."
"Kuwabara, that doesn't make any sense," interjected Yusuke.
Yukina sighed, left the boys to fight and walked to speak with Botan and Keiko. When
she left, Hiei burned the portrait and stomped on the ashes. Yusuke chuckled.
Sanosuke turned to Yusuke, smiling expectantly. Yusuke smirked and looked at him.
"Yeah? What's with you?"
Sanosuke continued to smile. "I know you got me something."
Yusuke laughed and pulled out a medium sized bag. "Maybe." Yusuke handed him a
present wrapped in blue cloth. With it, was a box with some kind of outfit. Sanosuke
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tore away the cloth, and in his hand was a kusarigama, a sickle with a metal chain
and ball attached to the end.
"Wow! This is so cool!" Sanosuke exclaimed, swinging the ball already. He put the
weapon down and opened the box. In the box was an outfit that looked just like
Yusuke's, only in his size. It was a simple yellow shirt and pants with a blue sash
attached to it. Sanosuke latched on to Yusuke's leg, hugging him.
"Okay, okay! Let go. You still have to train like you promised," said Yusuke
smiling.
Keiko was looking at the two when Kurama pulled Botan away to give her the present
he'd bought her. Botan unwrapped her present to see the kimono she tried on the day
before. She was speechless. Kurama smiled at her before asking, "Well, isn't this
the kimono you wanted?"
"I love it. I mean it's beautiful, but it cost so much!"
Kurama kissed her hand. "Don't worry about the price. It was well worth it."
Keiko shifted uncomfortably. Even her father had given her mother a necklace. He
turned to Keiko and gave her some orange cosmos. She smiled and said thank you.
Yusuke was still talking to Sanosuke, and hadn't given her a second glance. Just
when Keiko was going to head back to the hotel, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey, Keiko? I was wondering if you could come with me?" Yusuke's voice mostly
sounded the same, but it was quieter. Keiko thought it almost sounded bashful, but
she was sure she was imagining things.
"Uh, yeah. I can go with you."
Yusuke looked kinda relieved and led her away from the crowd. Keiko exchanged a
puzzled look at Botan as they left. They two didn't say much, but Keiko didn't mind.
She liked the feeling of being near Yusuke. She liked holding his hand, and catching
the little times that she caught him watching her. They arrived somewhere Keiko
didn't expect at all. A graveyard. She expected to just keep walking, but Yusuke
stopped, confirming they were at the right place. Yusuke walked carefully, avoiding
the neglected tombstones until he came to a grave covered in flowers. Yusuke pulled
a bouquet of striped carnations.
"It's my mom's gravestone. I just needed to give something to her you know?"
Keiko nodded. She noted the meaning behind the striped carnation. "Were those her
favorites?"
Yusuke stooped to lay the flowers at her grave, "No, but these stand for sorrow, and
I really do miss her, though I can't remember a lot about her now."
"Oh. I'm sorry, Yusuke." She didn't really know what else to say.
"It's fine, she died a while ago."
Yusuke stood and gave her a smile. "Okay, now I can show you what I really wanted
to. Come on, it's not too far."
Keiko followed Yusuke. They were walking further and further away from the village.
Yusuke led her through a wooded path until they came to a small hill near a stream.
The hues of orange and pink had darkened to various shades of blue. Keiko could hear
the insects chirping at one another, and it was strangely peaceful. Fireflies danced
around the stream and every once in a while they would light up, shining in the
water's reflection.
"Yusuke, this is so beautiful," breathed out Keiko.
Yusuke sat down on the ground," Yeah, this is the perfect location to see all the
fireworks too."
Keiko sat next to him, and blushed slightly when he wrapped his arm around her
waist. The fireworks started. The sky was filled with the pops and crackles of them,
and the sky was cast in a display of whites and reds and purples among other colors.
Keiko's eyes were big with excitement, watching every bit of the light show until
they all fizzed out of the sky. She turned back to Yusuke, who was giving her a shy
smile from the corners of his eye.
"Thank you, Yusuke. This was a great present for the Festival of Souls."
Yusuke looked puzzled before laughing, "This wasn't my present. I haven't given you
anything."
Keiko looked down with a blush. "Oh I just thought that maybe you got me something…"
She focused on the cosmos her dad gave her, trying to save herself some
embarrassment. Yusuke's smile disappeared. He eyed the orange flowers.
"Did someone give you those?" he said a little possessively. Keiko noticed.
"Just my dad. He gave them to me while you were talking to Sanosuke."
Yusuke's eyes sighed relief. "Oh, okay. I was just wondering."
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He reached in his bag, pulling out two sets of flowers. One Keiko recognized as her
favorites, the cosmos, and the other were gardenias.
"I'm actually pretty glad you showed up. I had no idea which flowers to get you, and
I'm glad you're into knowing the meanings of the flowers. That made my choices so
much easier," admitted Yusuke with a chuckle.
Keiko looked at the gardenias. They meant lovely, or secret love. Did he think she
was lovely or did he really like her? Keiko bit her lip. Yusuke, wasting no time,
pulled out her second present, the kimono, which was in a simple gray box with a
blue bow. Keiko timidly opened it. It was the same kimono she had been wearing when
Yusuke and Kurama walked up. The royal blue kimono seemed illuminated in Keiko's
hands. The kimono was decorated in purple and white flowers, a with beautiful
goldenrod bow attached. Keiko's words were caught in her throat. Yusuke kept his
eyes on her intently.
"Thank you Yusuke. No one has ever done anything like this for me ever."
The wind picked up, and Keiko shivered. Yusuke pulled Keiko into his chest. "I just
wanted to do something. I don't know what it is about you Keiko, but you're
different from other girls. You're just special." Keiko thought everything was
perfect until…
"Well, would you look at this. It looks like the humans were sharing a moment,"
sneered an unknown voice.
Keiko peeked over Yusuke's shoulder to see two particularly large and sinister
looking demons.
"You two should have stayed within the village. Now prepare to die," the leader,
some bear demon called out.
"I'm only warning you once. Leave now before I kill you," answered Yusuke's steel
voice.
A snake demon began chuckling." You have the audacity to threaten us? How about we
fuck that pretty little girlfriend of yours before we kill you, human?"
Yusuke's eyes locked with the demon's. Keiko noticed his usual chocolate brown eyes
were now red in color.
"My apologies. I guess you guys don't know who I am." Yusuke stood up in front of
Keiko. In a split second Yusuke unleashed his demonic power. His skin became
tattooed with his blue demonic markings. His hair spiraled out, ending around his
ankles, and on his face was a sadistic smirk.
The wind stilled, and the place was silent. Yusuke turned to the snake demon. "Now
what was that you were saying?"
"You' re-you're the Mazoku! My lord, I'm sorry! I didn't know! It's just you were
with that human girl!"
"The one you wanted to fuck before you killed me, right?"
The two demons took a step back. Yusuke had a glint in his eye as he gripped the
snake demon. He picked the demon up. "You wanted to kill me right? Well, answer me!"
"Please my lord. We are loyal to you!" However as Yusuke shook him, a scroll of some
kind fell out the demon's pocket. Yusuke dropped the demon and picked it up. His
eyes scanned over the writing before narrowing his eyes at the demons. He punched
the snake demon, causing a green liquid to spew from his mouth. Without a word,
Yusuke moved on to the bear demon. He kicked him in the throat, repeatedly. The
demon was drooling blood, paralyzed in pain. His finger began glowing red and before
the demons could scream, they were dead. Their blood spattered on Yusuke, some blood
oozing from some of the discarded appendages. Yusuke picked up the scroll, and
shifted his eyes toward Keiko. His markings disappeared, and his eyes returned to
their original chocolate brown. Yusuke pulled out a knife, and chopped off the mane
of hair he had to its shorter length.
She had never before seen him so much of a… savage. Keiko was struck with fear,
unmoving. She remembered why her father hated demons, and why humans were so afraid
of them. They were monsters, killers. Amongst all the flirting, and gifts, she'd
forgotten what Yusuke was capable of. In seconds he could turn on her. She knew she
couldn't defeat him, but she wouldn't give up without a fight.
Yusuke watched Keiko's movements closely. She stood slowly and tried to dart away.
With his tremendous speed, he easily grabbed her. They fell to the ground. Keiko
squirmed against him, feebly trying to run. Yusuke held her in place, avoiding the
growing bulge in his pants as Keiko rubbed against him, trying to escape.
"Keiko," he grunted," stop moving or I really may do something I'll regret."
Keiko's movements stopped. Yusuke got off her, but still held her close.
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"I'm sorry about what happened back there. I didn't mean to scare you. I actually
wanted to try and show a different side of me, but all you keep seeing is me
flirting with you or killing."
Keiko didn't respond.
"Listen I know none of this makes sense, but I'll explain this later. First we need
to get back to the others immediately."
Yusuke stood and held his hand out to Keiko. She gathered her gifts, and made it
back to the village in silence. It had already been a couple of hours since the
festival ended when they reached the inn. Almost everyone had fallen asleep, except
for Hiroshi, who was waiting on Keiko, and Sanosuke, who was waiting on Yusuke.
"What happened, Yusuke? You're all covered in blood and dirt," inquired Sanosuke.
"What's wrong with you Keiko? You look terrible." Hiroshi added.
Keiko still didn't answer. Instead she excused herself, gently pushing pass the two.
Yusuke watched her walk away.
"Why are you still up, Sanosuke? The festival ended hours ago."
"I know, but I got you a present so I was waiting for you to come back so I could
give it to you."
Yusuke turned to him. "Okay, but give me a moment with Mr. Yukimura."
Sanosuke nodded, and returned to the room. Hiroshi watched Sanosuke walk away, his
teeth gritting.
"I'm gonna assume you have something to say to me…sir," Yusuke stated.
Hiroshi seethed. "Where the hell do you get off taking my daughter somewhere, and
then you come in almost three hours late with no explanation?"
"I didn't know we had a certain bedtime. Look, it's late, I have a lot on my mind,
and I'm tired. You can stay up, but I'm going to bed. Keiko's fine. We didn't do
anything."
"You expect me to believe that coming from someone like you?"
"Well if you don't believe what I say, then why the hell are you asking me all these
questions?"
The two were silence, at a stalemate before Yusuke spoke again. "I swear to you, I'm
not gonna hurt your daughter. I'm not a monster."
Yusuke's eyes were filled with sincerity and a sadness Hiroshi couldn't make sense
of. Yusuke left and headed to his room, but stopped first at the girls' room. He
knocked softly. At a minute or two, he heard feet scuffling, and Keiko opened the
door. Her eyes exposed that she was expecting her father, not Yusuke, to be
knocking.
"Uh, hey Keiko." Yusuke attempted sound cool, but Keiko didn't notice. He took a
step back.
"Tell me how you're feeling."
Keiko shifted her feet. "Yusuke, you scared me. One moment you're acting all sweet,
the next you're killing people. That's wrong. I should hate you, hate your kind,
but… I don't know what's wrong with me."
Keiko had stopped talking to him, and more to herself. "I let one guy flirt with me
and I completely forget about my moral standards. I can't believe I like a
murderer…a monster."
Yusuke grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him. "I'm not a monster, Keiko. I
don't like killing, but I have to sometimes. I swear to you though, I'm not a
monster."
He was pleading with her. The pit of Keiko's stomach was turning in knots.
"Then why? Why are you doing this? What's wrong with you?"
Yusuke nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck. "I want to make you understand
what's happening, but I don't want you to get hurt so just trust me, okay? I want to
protect you, protect everyone so just believe me. If I don't do what I do, a lot of
people what suffer."
"People are suffering now! Humans are being bullied and killed by demons every day!"
Keiko interjected.
Yusuke stroked her cheek, letting his finger drift and linger at her bottom lip. "I
know Keiko."
"No, you don't. You have so much power. No one ever destroyed your home, and took
away the people you grew to love. No one ever thrust you in this new world. You give
me these gifts, and you say all these…things to me. You make me feel like I'm
special when just a few days ago, I was shit to you."
Keiko to push him away, but Yusuke didn't budge. "Why are you trying to find reasons
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to not like me? It's obvious you do. And…I like you," he added softly.
Keiko stiffened. Yusuke continued. "I'm sure a lot of people have told you that
already. Don't get freaked out. I'm not in love with you. I just like being around
you and I don't want you to be mad at me."
A blush crept to Keiko's face, and Yusuke saw it clearly even in the dim light. He
smiled at her shyness. "Anyway, it's late so I'll let you sleep. We'll talk more in
the morning okay?"
Keiko nodded. She turned to go back to bed when Yusuke caught her hand.
"What is it-?"
Yusuke pressed his lips to hers gently. His fingers ran through her coffee colored
hair. Keiko's thoughts were in a haze. Yusuke's lips were soft and warm. On top of
all of that this was her first kiss. Yusuke pulled back and Keiko pouted
unknowingly. "See you tomorrow, Keiko."
Woot this is my longest chapter yet. This really felt like a roller coaster of
emotions for Keiko. Hope you enjoyed it. We'll find out why Yusuke killed those
demons and what was on that scroll. Oh yeah, do you guys want short chapters that's
updated more, or longer chapters that takes longer to update? Please review and tell
me. And what do you think is going here? Is it obvious the direction I'm going? I
don't know, but please review and I'll keep writing :D.
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Oh yeah, I so stoked for this chapter. Oh yeah I'm feeling extra pumped because I
actually met Chuck Huber (voice of Hiei) at an anime convention!
Disclaimer: I always forget about these. Anyway, I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Chapter 5
Waiting for answers
There was a knock at the door, but neither Yusuke nor Kurama heard. There was a
second knock a little louder, but the boys rolled over and went back to sleep.
"Wake up, damnit!"
"Oh God, he's back this early!" moaned Yusuke. Yusuke rolled over, nearly falling on
top of Pu and Sanosuke, who had just woken up.
On the other side of the door was a very angry Hiei waiting. Yusuke creaked open the
door and Hiei walked in with a glare. Behind him was Yukina.
"Yukina? Uh, hey. Long time no see, huh?" Yusuke commented.
Yukina bowed a little. "Yes, it has been a while."
Yusuke rolled his eyes. "I told you already. You don't have to bow or do anything
formal with me. So what's up?"
"She wanted to go to the Festival of Souls ending celebration."
Kurama rose from his bed. "Well, then we should be going. I'll go wake everyone."
Kurama walked out. He left with a small smile. Yukina noticed and commented. "He
seems happier than normal. Did it have something to do with the two girls that are
traveling with you? Hiei told me they were brainwashing you guys though."
Yusuke glared at Hiei. "Oh, really? They're just two girls."
Hiei smirked. "Really? I didn't know you bought gifts for two ordinary girls." He
eyed the two presents that were wrapped.
"Whatever, I still have more gifts to buy. It's the custom, you know."
Hiei scoffed. Kurama came back in, this time with company. Kuwabara came in with
Keiko and Botan trailing behind, and finally Keiko's parents. Hiroshi was still
tense, but not as much as before. Akemi seemed fine. She seemed tenser by Hiroshi
than the demons.
Kurama cleared his throat. "Well, we'll be in town one more day so go enjoy
yourselves. Don't go out the town borders though. Also don't forget about the
Festival of Souls ending ceremony this evening."
Keiko's parents turned to get back to their room but Kuwabara blocked them.
"Kuwabara? Kuwabara, could you move?" asked Akemi.
Kuwabara didn't respond or move. His body was paralyzed, and his eyes were fixed on
a beauty with aqua colored hair.
Yusuke chuckled, and whispered to Hiei. "Well, I wonder who he's going give a
present to?"
"No fucking way in hell," muttered a testy Hiei.
Yusuke held up his hands, "Whoa, language mister."
Hiei grabbed Yukina's hand, "Let's go Yukina, you wanted to see the shops, right?"
Yukina waved goodbye to everyone as Hiei pushed pass everyone.
"Yukina…" breathed out Kuwabara dreamily. "I found the woman I love! I have to get
her something!"
With that Kuwabara left, and Keiko’s parents were finally able to go back to their
room.
Keiko moved to Yusuke's side and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Um, hey, what are you doing today?" she asked.
Yusuke scratched his head. "Oh, you know. A little of this and that and stuff."
Keiko pouted. "Oh. I was just hoping we could hang out today."
"Uh, I really have a lot to do today. Maybe later though, okay?"
Yusuke turned to Kurama. "Hey, come on, will ya? You too, Sanosuke."
The three left and Yusuke closed the door, leaving a stunned Keiko and Botan.
"I can't believe he actually said no." said Keiko, showing a little more sadness
than she meant to.
Botan noticed. "Well, he said he was busy, and he said maybe later."
"That means no."
"No. It means later. Come on. We'll just follow him, and 'happen' to see him at a
shop."
Keiko nodded, but she was really kind of embarrassed. She's made an effort to spend
time with Yusuke, and he had turned her down. It was true she wanted to get some
answers out of him, but she also wanted to just talk. No secret motives or lies.
"Ok! Let's catch up with them before they leave then," exclaimed Botan.
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Yusuke picked up a sling shot and handed it to Sanosuke. "How about this weapon to
start you out with, Sanosuke?"
"A slingshot? No, I want something big and tough! That looks like it's for little
kids." Sanosuke said.
Kurama chuckled. "I thought you were a little kid."
"Well, not one who fights with slingshots. What weapons do both of you use?" asked
Sanosuke swinging an ax around. He lost his balance, almost cutting off the ox
demon's head.
Yusuke grabbed his collar, took the ax, and placed it back on the table. "Well, fox
boy over here uses plants, and I use these right here." Yusuke balled up his fists.
"Plants sound so girly though. No one picks on you for using flowers and stuff?"
Sanosuke wondered.
"Well after they see him fight, very rarely are they alive, much less in the teasing
mood."
"Oh, shut up Yusuke. I've only killed when it was necessary anyway."
Sanosuke grabbed Yusuke's index finger and inspected it. "I don't get it. How can
you shoot out that kind of power and not have a mark on your finger?"
Yusuke laughed.
Sanosuke looked down with a blush. You didn't have to laugh. I just asked a
question."
"Sorry. Well, the spirit gun is my pure energy. It's always inside of me and when I
need it I just channel it out." Yusuke channeled a little energy, and the tip of his
finger glowed blue.
"Are you a demon?" Sanosuke went on to ask. Kurama and Yusuke exchanged a puzzled
look.
"Yeah, of course we are." Yusuke said.
"Then why is your spirit energy blue? I've seen other demons release those spirit
blasts things, and their energy is always red or black or something really dark."
Yusuke looked at Sanosuke questioningly. He didn't know what age Sanosuke was, but
these questions didn't seem like something a child would ask. All of his
observations weren't things other children would notice either.
"I tell you more about that later, ok? Right now, let's go. I need to pick up some
flowers."
"Wait! What about my weapon?"
Yusuke started to walk away and shrug. "I don't think any of those are good for you.
We'll find something later."
Kurama began to walk in a different direction. "Well, Yusuke, we both have separate
things to attend to so I find you right before the ceremony."
Yusuke waved and motioned for Sanosuke to follow him. Keiko and Botan had been
looking for Yusuke for over thirty minutes when they saw Kurama speaking to an elder
woman who was watering plants.
"Kurama! Over here!" Keiko shouted.
Kurama looked over and smiled. He walked over to the girls. "Hello Keiko. Botan. I
trust you are enjoying yourselves."
Botan smiled and nodded. "We're fine, but Keiko was looking for Yusuke."
"Oh really?" was Kurama's amused answer.
"It's not like that, Kurama." Keiko protested.
"Whatever you say. Anyway he is at the flower shop. That's not too far from here."
Keiko smiled. "Ok. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Oh, Botan? Would you like to accompany me while Keiko speaks with
Yusuke? I was just going to make sure everything runs smoothly tonight."
Botan's eyes lit up, and she turned to Keiko. "Will you be alright alone?"
Keiko smiled. "Yeah, sure. You should go."
Botan gave Keiko a reassuring smile before leaving with Kurama. Keiko could hear
Kurama talking and Botan laughing. "Yeah, he actually wants to be around you." Keiko
said softly. She made her way over to the flower shop. She saw Yusuke. He had a
serious look on his face as he examined each type of flower.
"My, my, Yusuke. This is the first time you've gotten so many different types of
flowers. I assume there's a girl in your life?" asked the florist smirking.
Yusuke laughed. "Well you can assume that, but you know what they say about
assumptions."
Keiko walked up to him. "Hi, Yusuke."
Yusuke visibly stiffened for a moment before returning the hello. Keiko felt every
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bit of self-confidence in her disappear.
'Think of something to talk about, Keiko! Come on! Say something clever or funny,
just say something,' she thought.
"Uh, those flowers are really pretty. There's so many to choose from too."
"Uh, yeah. It's hard to choose." Yusuke said awkwardly.
Keiko fidgeted with her hair, brushing it. "My favorites are the cosmos here. Cosmos
mean modesty or to be shy. I always thought it was funny though because they always
came in such bright, bold colors. That doesn't seem like a shy or modest flower at
all." Keiko chuckled a little at her sad joke and weak attempt to make conversation.
Yusuke didn't laugh. He glanced over at the flower indifferently. "Yeah, I see what
you mean."
Keiko scuffled her feet and looked around for a bit. "Oh, where's Sanosuke?"
"I took him over to see a play with the other village kids. The play talks about why
we have the Festival of Souls and the kids get to act out the parts. I thought he'd
like it. Actually it's probably time to go him."
Yusuke picked up his flowers and paid the florist. He waved goodbye to Keiko and
left.
"Wow, that Yusuke must really like someone. He left with three different flowers,"
the florist replied.
"Yeah…" Keiko said solemnly. She was so down about Yusuke ignoring her she didn't
even notice her favorite cosmos were gone. Keiko arrived back at the inn around six
in the evening. She walked to her room and before she could open the door, Botan
swung it open and pulled her inside.
"So? Did you find him? What did you guys talk about?"
Keiko sighed. "He completely ignored me. I tried to talk to him, and he looked so
bored when I spoke to him."
Botan frowned. "I don't know what's with him. Even Kurama said he thinks Yusuke
likes you. He's never acted like this with any other girl."
"Well actions speak louder than words and his actions are saying he doesn't like
me."
Botan walked up to Keiko and hugged her. Keiko smiled. Kuwabara burst in.
"Hey it's time for the ending ceremony. We're leaving!"
He pulled Keiko and Botan outside and met up with the others. Keiko looked over at
Yusuke. He wasn't paying attention to her. Yusuke looked toward her and gave a very
slight smile. Hiei had arrived back with Yukina and was watching out for any male
that tried to give Yukina a gift.
Sanosuke pulled Yusuke's wrist. "We have to go; we're gonna miss everything!"
Yusuke shook his head and led him to the festival. The center of the village was
teeming with people, all of them a buzzed with excitement. The ceremony commenced
with loud traditional music blaring through the streets. An array of mystical beasts
gathered, leading Yusuke and the rest of the group to the center of the village. As
Yusuke walked to the podium, the music lulled to a stop and the crowd quieted down.
Yusuke cleared his throat and spoke," Uh, hey everyone. We're all here for the
ending of the Festival of Souls, in love for my mother and father. It's the time we
show how much we care for the people around us, humans and demons. So I won't keep
you any longer. Exchange your gifts and have a great night!"
The crowd broke out into a cheer, and Yusuke walked down to meet the rest of the
group. Kuwabara was already giving Yukina flowers, and a portrait of her he drew
himself.
"Wow Kazuma. This is a surprise, but it is all very nice," said Yukina with a smile.
Kuwabara beamed. "Yeah, I really tried to capture all your beauty, but even the most
beautiful painting couldn't compare to you."
Hiei grabbed the portrait and scowled. "This is shit. Were you even trying?"
"Shut up shrimp. You're only mad because our love is too great against you, and you
can't handle it."
"Kuwabara, that doesn't make any sense," interjected Yusuke.
Yukina sighed, left the boys to fight and walked to speak with Botan and Keiko. When
she left, Hiei burned the portrait and stomped on the ashes. Yusuke chuckled.
Sanosuke turned to Yusuke, smiling expectantly. Yusuke smirked and looked at him.
"Yeah? What's with you?"
Sanosuke continued to smile. "I know you got me something."
Yusuke laughed and pulled out a medium sized bag. "Maybe." Yusuke handed him a
present wrapped in blue cloth. With it, was a box with some kind of outfit. Sanosuke
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tore away the cloth, and in his hand was a kusarigama, a sickle with a metal chain
and ball attached to the end.
"Wow! This is so cool!" Sanosuke exclaimed, swinging the ball already. He put the
weapon down and opened the box. In the box was an outfit that looked just like
Yusuke's, only in his size. It was a simple yellow shirt and pants with a blue sash
attached to it. Sanosuke latched on to Yusuke's leg, hugging him.
"Okay, okay! Let go. You still have to train like you promised," said Yusuke
smiling.
Keiko was looking at the two when Kurama pulled Botan away to give her the present
he'd bought her. Botan unwrapped her present to see the kimono she tried on the day
before. She was speechless. Kurama smiled at her before asking, "Well, isn't this
the kimono you wanted?"
"I love it. I mean it's beautiful, but it cost so much!"
Kurama kissed her hand. "Don't worry about the price. It was well worth it."
Keiko shifted uncomfortably. Even her father had given her mother a necklace. He
turned to Keiko and gave her some orange cosmos. She smiled and said thank you.
Yusuke was still talking to Sanosuke, and hadn't given her a second glance. Just
when Keiko was going to head back to the hotel, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey, Keiko? I was wondering if you could come with me?" Yusuke's voice mostly
sounded the same, but it was quieter. Keiko thought it almost sounded bashful, but
she was sure she was imagining things.
"Uh, yeah. I can go with you."
Yusuke looked kinda relieved and led her away from the crowd. Keiko exchanged a
puzzled look at Botan as they left. They two didn't say much, but Keiko didn't mind.
She liked the feeling of being near Yusuke. She liked holding his hand, and catching
the little times that she caught him watching her. They arrived somewhere Keiko
didn't expect at all. A graveyard. She expected to just keep walking, but Yusuke
stopped, confirming they were at the right place. Yusuke walked carefully, avoiding
the neglected tombstones until he came to a grave covered in flowers. Yusuke pulled
a bouquet of striped carnations.
"It's my mom's gravestone. I just needed to give something to her you know?"
Keiko nodded. She noted the meaning behind the striped carnation. "Were those her
favorites?"
Yusuke stooped to lay the flowers at her grave, "No, but these stand for sorrow, and
I really do miss her, though I can't remember a lot about her now."
"Oh. I'm sorry, Yusuke." She didn't really know what else to say.
"It's fine, she died a while ago."
Yusuke stood and gave her a smile. "Okay, now I can show you what I really wanted
to. Come on, it's not too far."
Keiko followed Yusuke. They were walking further and further away from the village.
Yusuke led her through a wooded path until they came to a small hill near a stream.
The hues of orange and pink had darkened to various shades of blue. Keiko could hear
the insects chirping at one another, and it was strangely peaceful. Fireflies danced
around the stream and every once in a while they would light up, shining in the
water's reflection.
"Yusuke, this is so beautiful," breathed out Keiko.
Yusuke sat down on the ground," Yeah, this is the perfect location to see all the
fireworks too."
Keiko sat next to him, and blushed slightly when he wrapped his arm around her
waist. The fireworks started. The sky was filled with the pops and crackles of them,
and the sky was cast in a display of whites and reds and purples among other colors.
Keiko's eyes were big with excitement, watching every bit of the light show until
they all fizzed out of the sky. She turned back to Yusuke, who was giving her a shy
smile from the corners of his eye.
"Thank you, Yusuke. This was a great present for the Festival of Souls."
Yusuke looked puzzled before laughing, "This wasn't my present. I haven't given you
anything."
Keiko looked down with a blush. "Oh I just thought that maybe you got me something…"
She focused on the cosmos her dad gave her, trying to save herself some
embarrassment. Yusuke's smile disappeared. He eyed the orange flowers.
"Did someone give you those?" he said a little possessively. Keiko noticed.
"Just my dad. He gave them to me while you were talking to Sanosuke."
Yusuke's eyes sighed relief. "Oh, okay. I was just wondering."
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He reached in his bag, pulling out two sets of flowers. One Keiko recognized as her
favorites, the cosmos, and the other were gardenias.
"I'm actually pretty glad you showed up. I had no idea which flowers to get you, and
I'm glad you're into knowing the meanings of the flowers. That made my choices so
much easier," admitted Yusuke with a chuckle.
Keiko looked at the gardenias. They meant lovely, or secret love. Did he think she
was lovely or did he really like her? Keiko bit her lip. Yusuke, wasting no time,
pulled out her second present, the kimono, which was in a simple gray box with a
blue bow. Keiko timidly opened it. It was the same kimono she had been wearing when
Yusuke and Kurama walked up. The royal blue kimono seemed illuminated in Keiko's
hands. The kimono was decorated in purple and white flowers, a with beautiful
goldenrod bow attached. Keiko's words were caught in her throat. Yusuke kept his
eyes on her intently.
"Thank you Yusuke. No one has ever done anything like this for me ever."
The wind picked up, and Keiko shivered. Yusuke pulled Keiko into his chest. "I just
wanted to do something. I don't know what it is about you Keiko, but you're
different from other girls. You're just special." Keiko thought everything was
perfect until…
"Well, would you look at this. It looks like the humans were sharing a moment,"
sneered an unknown voice.
Keiko peeked over Yusuke's shoulder to see two particularly large and sinister
looking demons.
"You two should have stayed within the village. Now prepare to die," the leader,
some bear demon called out.
"I'm only warning you once. Leave now before I kill you," answered Yusuke's steel
voice.
A snake demon began chuckling." You have the audacity to threaten us? How about we
fuck that pretty little girlfriend of yours before we kill you, human?"
Yusuke's eyes locked with the demon's. Keiko noticed his usual chocolate brown eyes
were now red in color.
"My apologies. I guess you guys don't know who I am." Yusuke stood up in front of
Keiko. In a split second Yusuke unleashed his demonic power. His skin became
tattooed with his blue demonic markings. His hair spiraled out, ending around his
ankles, and on his face was a sadistic smirk.
The wind stilled, and the place was silent. Yusuke turned to the snake demon. "Now
what was that you were saying?"
"You' re-you're the Mazoku! My lord, I'm sorry! I didn't know! It's just you were
with that human girl!"
"The one you wanted to fuck before you killed me, right?"
The two demons took a step back. Yusuke had a glint in his eye as he gripped the
snake demon. He picked the demon up. "You wanted to kill me right? Well, answer me!"
"Please my lord. We are loyal to you!" However as Yusuke shook him, a scroll of some
kind fell out the demon's pocket. Yusuke dropped the demon and picked it up. His
eyes scanned over the writing before narrowing his eyes at the demons. He punched
the snake demon, causing a green liquid to spew from his mouth. Without a word,
Yusuke moved on to the bear demon. He kicked him in the throat, repeatedly. The
demon was drooling blood, paralyzed in pain. His finger began glowing red and before
the demons could scream, they were dead. Their blood spattered on Yusuke, some blood
oozing from some of the discarded appendages. Yusuke picked up the scroll, and
shifted his eyes toward Keiko. His markings disappeared, and his eyes returned to
their original chocolate brown. Yusuke pulled out a knife, and chopped off the mane
of hair he had to its shorter length.
She had never before seen him so much of a… savage. Keiko was struck with fear,
unmoving. She remembered why her father hated demons, and why humans were so afraid
of them. They were monsters, killers. Amongst all the flirting, and gifts, she'd
forgotten what Yusuke was capable of. In seconds he could turn on her. She knew she
couldn't defeat him, but she wouldn't give up without a fight.
Yusuke watched Keiko's movements closely. She stood slowly and tried to dart away.
With his tremendous speed, he easily grabbed her. They fell to the ground. Keiko
squirmed against him, feebly trying to run. Yusuke held her in place, avoiding the
growing bulge in his pants as Keiko rubbed against him, trying to escape.
"Keiko," he grunted," stop moving or I really may do something I'll regret."
Keiko's movements stopped. Yusuke got off her, but still held her close.
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"I'm sorry about what happened back there. I didn't mean to scare you. I actually
wanted to try and show a different side of me, but all you keep seeing is me
flirting with you or killing."
Keiko didn't respond.
"Listen I know none of this makes sense, but I'll explain this later. First we need
to get back to the others immediately."
Yusuke stood and held his hand out to Keiko. She gathered her gifts, and made it
back to the village in silence. It had already been a couple of hours since the
festival ended when they reached the inn. Almost everyone had fallen asleep, except
for Hiroshi, who was waiting on Keiko, and Sanosuke, who was waiting on Yusuke.
"What happened, Yusuke? You're all covered in blood and dirt," inquired Sanosuke.
"What's wrong with you Keiko? You look terrible." Hiroshi added.
Keiko still didn't answer. Instead she excused herself, gently pushing pass the two.
Yusuke watched her walk away.
"Why are you still up, Sanosuke? The festival ended hours ago."
"I know, but I got you a present so I was waiting for you to come back so I could
give it to you."
Yusuke turned to him. "Okay, but give me a moment with Mr. Yukimura."
Sanosuke nodded, and returned to the room. Hiroshi watched Sanosuke walk away, his
teeth gritting.
"I'm gonna assume you have something to say to me…sir," Yusuke stated.
Hiroshi seethed. "Where the hell do you get off taking my daughter somewhere, and
then you come in almost three hours late with no explanation?"
"I didn't know we had a certain bedtime. Look, it's late, I have a lot on my mind,
and I'm tired. You can stay up, but I'm going to bed. Keiko's fine. We didn't do
anything."
"You expect me to believe that coming from someone like you?"
"Well if you don't believe what I say, then why the hell are you asking me all these
questions?"
The two were silence, at a stalemate before Yusuke spoke again. "I swear to you, I'm
not gonna hurt your daughter. I'm not a monster."
Yusuke's eyes were filled with sincerity and a sadness Hiroshi couldn't make sense
of. Yusuke left and headed to his room, but stopped first at the girls' room. He
knocked softly. At a minute or two, he heard feet scuffling, and Keiko opened the
door. Her eyes exposed that she was expecting her father, not Yusuke, to be
knocking.
"Uh, hey Keiko." Yusuke attempted sound cool, but Keiko didn't notice. He took a
step back.
"Tell me how you're feeling."
Keiko shifted her feet. "Yusuke, you scared me. One moment you're acting all sweet,
the next you're killing people. That's wrong. I should hate you, hate your kind,
but… I don't know what's wrong with me."
Keiko had stopped talking to him, and more to herself. "I let one guy flirt with me
and I completely forget about my moral standards. I can't believe I like a
murderer…a monster."
Yusuke grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him. "I'm not a monster, Keiko. I
don't like killing, but I have to sometimes. I swear to you though, I'm not a
monster."
He was pleading with her. The pit of Keiko's stomach was turning in knots.
"Then why? Why are you doing this? What's wrong with you?"
Yusuke nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck. "I want to make you understand
what's happening, but I don't want you to get hurt so just trust me, okay? I want to
protect you, protect everyone so just believe me. If I don't do what I do, a lot of
people what suffer."
"People are suffering now! Humans are being bullied and killed by demons every day!"
Keiko interjected.
Yusuke stroked her cheek, letting his finger drift and linger at her bottom lip. "I
know Keiko."
"No, you don't. You have so much power. No one ever destroyed your home, and took
away the people you grew to love. No one ever thrust you in this new world. You give
me these gifts, and you say all these…things to me. You make me feel like I'm
special when just a few days ago, I was shit to you."
Keiko to push him away, but Yusuke didn't budge. "Why are you trying to find reasons
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to not like me? It's obvious you do. And…I like you," he added softly.
Keiko stiffened. Yusuke continued. "I'm sure a lot of people have told you that
already. Don't get freaked out. I'm not in love with you. I just like being around
you and I don't want you to be mad at me."
A blush crept to Keiko's face, and Yusuke saw it clearly even in the dim light. He
smiled at her shyness. "Anyway, it's late so I'll let you sleep. We'll talk more in
the morning okay?"
Keiko nodded. She turned to go back to bed when Yusuke caught her hand.
"What is it-?"
Yusuke pressed his lips to hers gently. His fingers ran through her coffee colored
hair. Keiko's thoughts were in a haze. Yusuke's lips were soft and warm. On top of
all of that this was her first kiss. Yusuke pulled back and Keiko pouted
unknowingly. "See you tomorrow, Keiko."
Woot this is my longest chapter yet. This really felt like a roller coaster of
emotions for Keiko. Hope you enjoyed it. We'll find out why Yusuke killed those
demons and what was on that scroll. Oh yeah, do you guys want short chapters that's
updated more, or longer chapters that takes longer to update? Please review and tell
me. And what do you think is going here? Is it obvious the direction I'm going? I
don't know, but please review and I'll keep writing :D.
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