Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Shadowed Enigma ❯ Overnight ( Chapter 4 )

Author's Notes: Back with the 4th chapter this time! PPL! I need more reviews! >.< the author here is drowning in misery! No one likes this fic? If not, then gimme ideas for what I should write to attract readers. Or is it cuz my summary is crappy?

Actually, I don't care if you dislike this fic or find it boring. I'm just writing it cuz I like to. To those who are kind enough to find the time to stop and read and review, I thank you for it. FFnet needs more readers like you.

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"Where...are we going...?" Kuwabara blinks. There was a flash of light and he didn't recognize his surroundings anymore. "NANI?!?!" he looks around himself. Turning around, he finds the rest of the gang with him. "Where am I?"

"As she said, we're at her home you big oaf."

"Nani teme?! You stupid little shrimp!"

"Kuwabara-kun, Hiei is correct. We're at the front gates of Rena-san's house."

Yusuke still had not said anything as he was still there surprised at their disappearance act. Genkai seemed nonchalant. The girls, however were now even more nervous around the demoness. Botan, having only met her today was even more so due to rumors that were floating around in Reikai. Rena, by now has reverted back to her human form, meaning no slitted eyes, no pointy ears, and no claws.

"Are you all just going to stand there or step through the gates?" Hiei and Kurama were walking behind her already. "If not, I'll close them." The others hurried through. The gates immediately shut after them, scaring the girls half to death.

Kurama, once through the gates, could feel the magic pulsing within the estate. There was a birdbath to the left and right of him with sparrows and other small birds splashing around. He took everything in with his emerald green eyes. The front yard was huge; several hundred feet of space in perimeter. The group was walking on the single long, white concrete path that led to the front door of her house or mansion, depending on how you looked at it. Besides that path, everything else was covered with greenery. Where there was no grass, there were plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. It looked like a mini park behind those big iron gates.

The girls giggles when they saw chipmunks and rabbits also lived in the front yard. "Look!" Keiko pointed at a black rabbit under a tree. "Isn't it cute?!"

"It is, isn't it?!" Botan replied excitedly with that always present cheerfulness. She's starting to like this place. It was peaceful and there were so many trees and greenery. Not to mention the variety of wildlife that thrive here. 'Hiei would have a grand time napping in the trees. There are so many for him to choose from too.' She giggles at her own thoughts.

Halfway to the front door, the group heard some noise that sounded oddly like hooves. Rena stopped walking and everyone else followed suit, expecting more or less a monster to pop up and attack them. Rena however, stood there with a smirk placed on her lips and an odd twinkle in her crimson eyes. Hiei and Kurama, realizing there wasn't any youki or reiki, relaxed and stood there with raised brows.

They didn't have to wait long. A pair of horses came galloping at full speed, heading towards Rena. At first glance, you'd think the horses were going to run her over. Keiko and Botan hid behind the guys, of course grabbing Yukina too. Shizuru stood there seemingly uncaring. Yusuke and Kuwabara took up fighting stances. When they were about to charge, the horses skidded to a hault. The next thing they knew, Rena was smiling warmly and petting them while they neighed happily and rubbed their heads against her. Finally, the horses seemed to notice there were others present. The pair was about to charge the intruders when Rena spoke up. "It's alright. I invited them." The horses calmed down and stood by her side like bodyguards.

"Everyone, meet my loyal and trusted friends: Hikari and Hikage," she gestured to the pair of horses. They stood tall and proud. Hikari was a pure white and Hikage was as dark as a moonless night. The two seemed to radiate magic; so pure and powerful. They bowed their heads politely and neighed. The group blinked. Even Kurama and Hiei were astounded. Genkai, however, didn't betray any emotion. "Hikari, Hikage, this is everyone. You'll get to know their names during their stay or I'll tell you later." The horses nodded.

Finally, Botan spoke up. "Uh, hello Hikari, Hikage." Not expecting a reply, she nearly jumped out of her skin when they neighed and nodded their heads.

"Th-they understand what she's saying?!" Keiko asked, eyeing the horses suspiciously.

"Of course they do." Rena turned her attention to the group. "Would you like to talk out here or in the house?"

"If you ask me, I'd prefer to stay out here. I don't think you'd like me smoking in your house."

"Who said you're allowed to smoke while you're here? I don't need contaminated air."

"As you wish. This is your house after all."

"Out here it is then."

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The group sat scattered on the grass. Hikari and Hikage followed Rena as well and relaxed under the shade of trees. The rabbits and chipmunks there seeked refuge on Rena's lap. She was leaning against a tree while sitting with her legs stretched out. "How cute they are!" Yukina breathed. The gentle koorime smiled down at the furry animals. She reached foward slowly as to not startle it and rubbed her fingers behind it's small little ears. She giggled. "It's so cute!"

"She is, isn't she?"

Yusuke coughed. "From what I know, we're supposed to stop someone or something we don't know and kill it for screwin' up the energies in Makai, hopin' whatever it is won't target Ningenkai or Reikai."

Kurama nods and adds, "However, we don't know heads or tails about the situation, so basically, we don't know where to start from."

"Why not just find the most screwed up area and go from there?" Kuwabara suggested.

"No. I say we head to the least disturbed place and from there, heading towards the more disrupt areas. Charging into situations won't work unless we're working with a surprise attack. However, that isn't what our point is." Rena paused as Miko mewled and ran off. "We can try to figure out what it's up to while we work our way through, hopefully finding several clues."

"That's a good plan. Rena-san, perhaps we should all rest here tonight and head off tomorrow after you return the ladies home." Rena nods a positive response.

Genkai, throughout all this whole time, hasn't spoken as she observed her surroundings. 'So much magic, energy, and youki. This place is very magical and needs special care. She's done a wondrous job.' She smiles to herself.

"Rena-sama," Botan started, then hesitated.

"What is it?"

"Why don't you just accept the job offering of being a reikai tantei? Koenma-sama mentioned you refused the offer every time."

"By the way, no -sama please." Botan nods. "Okay, well I don't like to be tied down by jobs. I prefer it this way. I get freedom."

"Now, to decide who would be coming along. I propose Hiei, Yusuke, Kuwabara-kun, Genkai, Yukina-chan, Botan, and I accompany you on this one," Kurama suggested.

"Why bring the two girls?" Yusuke asked, clearly confused. He scratched his head. The girls didn't know how to fight from what he knew.

"You stupid good for nothing apprentice of mine! They can heal your injuries. Unless of course, you prefer to stay battered up after getting injuries," Genkai finally spoke up.

"Ah... right." Yusuke sweatdrops.

Hiei, during all this time sat in the tree Rena was leaning against while listening in on what they were talking about.

"Botan-chan, would you be kind enough to escort Keiko home while I take Shizuru to her abode?"

"Oh! Sure!" Botan chirped. Her oar appeared. She mounted Keiko onto it, then climbed on, herself. "Be back in a few!" They were out of sight a few seconds later.

"I'll be right back as well." A flash of silver light and they were gone. A few seconds later, Hiei suddenly dropped out of the tree he was in, landing on his head and, surprising the rest of the group. He sat up and rubbed his sore head muttering incoherent words as he glared into the tree.

Botan chose this moment to return. Hopping off her oar, she looked at Hiei who was still rubbing his head. "Ano, what happened?"

"Welcome back, Botan-chan." Yukina smiled.

"What's the matter with you, shrimp? Droppin' outta trees like that." As if answering Kuwabara's question, Rena hopped out of the tree and landed infront of the tall orange-headed oaf. "GYAH! What is with people and popping and dropping out of trees?!"

"Well, that was fast... Why were you in a tree though?" Yusuke questioned.

"To scare him. And it worked quite well, don't you think? He jumped right off."

The rest of the gang sweatdrops as Hiei turns slightly red.

Miko reappeared at Rena's side and mewled. "Ah, really. Well then, it's time to start cooking."

"Where'd Miko go off to?" Kurama stared at the little grey fox who was now sitting on the ebony-haired girl's shoulder once more.

"He went to my brother. Miko came back to tell me it's time to start preparing dinner."

"Souka." Yusuke realized he was getting hungry. He didn't eat in hours.

Kurama speaks up. "We should head inside now. It's getting dark and we should all help out with dinner."

"HELP OUT!? I can't even make an egg!" Yusuke exclaimed.

"Well then, you'll have to learn."

'Me? Learn how to make dinner? Well, with this many girls, I guess it'll be fast. Feh, I'll probably burn down the kitchen.'

"I'll be glad to help!" The ferry girl chirped excitedly.

"I'll help too, Rena-san. I'm fairly good with cooking." Yukina smiles.

"I appreciate the help. Follow me into the house."

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A few minutes later, the group arrives at the doors. The doors automatically open for the group. Yusuke looks around himself nervously as does Kuwabara. Genkai slightly smiles. 'Interesting.' Leading the group through the doors, they close behind them. Taking off their shoes, they follow Rena to the kitchen. The group passed through what you would call a livingroom, a hallway, a pair of doors, and then another hallway. They turned right and after another door, they were in the kitchen.

Yusuke looked at everything with interest and wide eyes. 'This place is so big!'

Everything was well furnished with expensive wood, glass, and metal. As you pass through the livingroom, you can see the entertainment center, a set of spiral staircases which led upstairs and an ordinary staircase downstairs to the basement. A walk-in closet was next to the spiral staircase. There was a couch, and two smaller couches as well. The larger one fit five people while the other two fit two. You can see out of the large ceiling-high windows behind the staircase. Paintings and photographs of various animals were hung on the walls as well. Some had Rena in them with a tall stranger. There were even portraits of dragons.

The hallways were dim. There were only a few candles on the walls which lit the hallways. The doors they passed were always black with white flower designs. The kitchen, however, was bright with the many windows which aligned walls, allowing you to view the gardens which surrounded the house. You can see various animals as well. Some didn't even exist in Ningenkai. The sink, stove, and refrigerator were against the the windows which were opposite the door the group just walked through. Across the middle of the room was a long table used for preparing the ingredients with drawers and cabinets for knives, pots, pans, and other cooking utensils. There were cabinets across from the stove, situated several feet away from the door that held plates, cups, bowls, and other things needed to serve food on. The wall that's next to the stove has a set of glass sliding doors which led to the back gardens.

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"Neat place ya got." Yusuke said as he took in everything they passed by.

"Hmn."

"Let's get started!" declared Botan.

"Get started with what?" a deep voice asked of the ferry girl.

"Eep!" Botan turns around to come face to face with a tall stranger.

"They wanted to help with dinner, niichan."

"Dinner, eh?" he shrugs. "Some help would be appreciated."

"Niichan, why don't you introduce yourself."

"Oh, right." He turns to face the entire group. "I'm Rena's older brother. Name's Chiwaru Hatori." He was a tall young man. He looked to be in his late teens with dark black hair. There was a hint of dark blue in it. His eyes were a startling deep red similar to Rena's eyes. He was dressed in black. He had on a black sleeveless muscle shirt with skintight pants. Hatori took some vegetables and meats from the fridge. "Why don't we get started? And if you can't cook, learn. However, don't destroy my kitchen in the process." He told them all coldly.

"Shinji." A tall man dressed in black with baby blue hair appeared, on one knee bowed before Rena. "Would you be kind enough to give my dear friends outside their dinner? I have guests tonight and don't have the time. However, I will have some time with them later tonight. Would you tell them that too?"

"Yes, Miss. Rena. I'll be off now." The others stared at the exchange slightly confused.

"Arigato, Shinji." With that, the man disappeared.

"Who was that?" The tall orange-head inquired. "Kinda creepy."

"Hmn." She left the kitchen to get Miko.

"...? That's supposed ta mean?"

"Allow me to explain." Hatori spoke up. "That was Shinji. He is imoto-chan's personal bodyguard. She considers him friend and ally. He considers her more or less the same only as mistress too. He will at all costs get to Rena if she's in trouble or if she calls for him whether she is in another dimension, world, or anywhere else. He's very dedicated to his 'job'."

"Wow. What if he has to fight his own friends or other people he knows?" Botan questions with slightly sad eyes. "Isn't it hard to fight your friends?"

"He will eliminate them. He has done so before." Everyone gasps in shock. Genkai and Hiei however only slightly widens their eyes.

"Rena-san forces him to do that?" Yukina gasps. With a lower voice she added, "I thought she was nice..."

"Imoto-chan wouldn't force anyone to do anything unless absolutely necessary."

"Then why would that Shinji guy do that?" Kuwabara asked with a raised brow and confusion written on his face. "I mean that's his friends we're talkin' about here!"

"Simply because he chose to. He chooses my sister above his friends and everything else. She treats him well. He's very important to her even if she won't admit it." Kurama for a second seemed to look a bit down at this but covered it up immediately. He thanked the gods no one noticed it.

"Why does he do this of his own free will?" Yusuke scratches his head. "I mean, I definitely wouldn't."

"That, I do not even know. Imoto-chan and him are the only ones who do. There was something about a death match from a past conversation I remember. I do, however know that be it friend or foe, you hurt her, you die." Kuwabara shudders. "He will listen to her and no one else. You will probably see him guarding her. He will never be too far away from her. He's only a call away."

For a second it seemed that would be the end of the conversation. "Also, there's Koryuu. Shinji and him are quite similar. They take their 'duty' very seriously. You'll meet him soon as well."

"Koryuu?" echoed Botan.

Hatori nodded. "Him and Shinji don't get along very well, but they guard imoto-chan with their lives."

"Niichan, thanks for the history lesson." Rena rolls her eyes as she re-enters the kitchen with Miko on her right shoulder. Facing Genkai, she spoke with the old woman. "Genkai, you can look around. We'll do the cooking." With that, Genkai left to look around the house. Turning back to the group, she announced, "Let's start." Immediately, the group started chattering about what they should prepare. Hiei was great with cutting up the ingredients for the meal. His expertise with the katana helped plenty. Kurama was a great cook altogether having helped his mother prepare meals many times. Yusuke couldn't do much. He tried though. Kuwabara, surprisingly was also fairly decent when it came to cooking. Hatori and Rena worked together to prepare dishes. They seemed to work in sync with each other. One would cut, the other would add it to the pan or whatever they would cook in and the other way around. Botan turned out to be pretty bad with cooking. Her and Yusuke ranked on the same level. They sucked. Yukina, however was great with cooking. She worked very well in the kitchen. She knew how to prepare meals from all the time she has lived with Genkai.

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"Hiei, where'd you learn to cut like that?" Yusuke stared at Hiei cutting up vegetables with curious eyes.

"Hn."

"What's that supposed ta mean?"

"Hiei-kun said 'practice'," Rena translated.

"Cool! You understand shrimp language!"

Hiei glared at Kuwabara.

"Hiei-'KUN'??" Yusuke stares at Rena and Hiei suspiciously. "What's goin' on? Why you callin' him that?"

Kurama sweatdrops. "It's a long story. However, long story short, they're best friends now."

"NANDA-TOU?! BEST FRIENDS?!" Kuwabara shrieked with wide disbelieving eyes.

Yusuke narrows his eyes. "Ya can't be serious. How'd that happen?"

Kurama smiles. "Can't tell you. Sorry, Yusuke."

Yusuke shrugs. "No problem."

"Anyway, where did he find the time to practice?"

"Hiei's katana gives him a lot of practice, Yusuke," Kurama informed.

Yusuke sweatdrops. "Riiight... I forgot. Kinda sick ta think about ya know."

"Less talk. More work. Now." Rena's cold commanding voice floated through the room.

"Haaaiiii," Yusuke and Kuwabara echoed.

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In about an hour or so, dinner was served. The dining room was rather nice. There was a cabinet where fine china were sitting and drawers below the cabinet for eating utensils. There were a set of three sliding windows to go out to the back gardens and such. There was a low chandelier which lit the room. Above the cabinet was a huge painting of a pair of black dragons.

Everyone took a seat around the long dinner table in the dining room which was down the hall and behind another door. It was quite a hilarious dinner. Hiei and Kuwabara got into an argument as did Yusuke with Kuwabara. They didn't stop until Rena spoke up, silencing them. A few minutes later, the group fell into a friendly chatter. Rena only spoke with Hiei, Hatori, and Kurama while the rest talked with each other. Miko was nowhere in sight.

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Dinner was finished an hour later. "Shinji." Again, the babyblue-haired man dressed in black appeared. This time he wasn't bowing down on one knee. However his head was still bowed with his right fist over his heart. "Yes, Miss. Rena."

"Please show my guests to their rooms. Rest afterwards. It's probably been a long day for you since I wasn't here for most of it." She faced the group. "You may go to bed whenever you please. I have things to attend to so you may not see me very often tonight unless you know where to look for me. If you need anything, ask my friend Koryu." With a nod, he led everyone out of the dining room. Hiei stayed behind since he wasn't used to sleeping in a bedroom. He preferred trees.

"You want to sleep in a tree, am I correct?"

"Hn."

"Go ahead."

"I'm going out to have a talk with my friends now. You coming?"

"Hn." He followed her out through the sliding windows in the dining room.

Once outside, you can smell the fresh air which the trees and greenery provided. That night was a clear night. Stars littered the dark night sky. The crickets chirped their song and the nightingales sang theirs.

Hiei immediately went to find a good tree to sleep in leaving Rena alone. She smiled to herself as Hikari and Hikage trotted over to her and nudged her with their beautiful heads. Horses were such beautiful creatures. Especially her dear friends. They stood so tall, beautiful, and majestic. Their manes flowed in the wind and their eyes sparked with intelligence. "Hello my friends. How was your day?" They neighed their responses. "Is that right?" Rena smiles. "Sorry about that then. I have a new mission that I accepted." They neigh again. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself." She hugs the two graceful creatures and they close their eyes, relishing in each other's warmth. "I'll definitely miss you and everyone else during the period of time I'm gone."

"You two should go off and sleep already. It's getting late." The horses turned and trotted away after bidding their dark-haired friend a good night.

Rena walked towards a small lake with a weeping willow tree in the center. 'This is by far my favorite place to be. I can sit on the top branches, lay back and watch the night sky.' She teleported out of sight and reappeared on one of the highest branches of the willow tree with a different outfit. She was now wearing a flowing dark blue yukata which blended her in with the night. She leaned back against the willow's trunk and stared up at the night sky. The crescent moon and stars shone so brightly. She closed her eyes and soaked in the moonlight for a good ten minutes. Suddenly she opens her eyes and looks down at the edge of the lake. "Hello there, Kurama-kun."

"Hello, Rena-chan." He sat down a few feet away from the shore and laid back with arms folded behind his head.

"What brings you out here at this time of night?"

"I'm attracted to all the plants' energy out here. It's a beautiful night as well."

"Heh, that's right. You wield plants as weapons."

The two of them sat there in silence for a few minutes. A squirrel sat on Rena's lap and squeaked. "Alright. Why not. It will be awhile before I return." The squirrel returned to its hollow, curled up, and prepared for sleep to greet it.

Rena sat back and closed her eyes. She took a small breath and started her song...

Her voice was soft and gentle, lulling her animal friends to sleep with her lullaby. It nearly put Kurama to sleep if he hadn't been so fascinated with her voice. It was so different from her usual tone when speaking to Yusuke and others. Hiei, in a nearby tree drifted off into a deep slumber listening to her voice.

"You sing beautifully, Rena-chan."

"Why thank you. It's sweet of you to say so." She smiles down at him. "It seems you're getting tired, Kurama-kun. You should get to sleep." The fox nods. "Goodnight Rena-chan."

"Goodnight to you too." He smiled and headed back to his room. Rena decided to sleep in the tree under the stars. It was a beautiful night after all. She soon fell into a deep sleep.

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Author's Notes:Fourth chapter is officially DONE! Yay meeee!! Anyway, the song is NOT written by me. It's Scarlet from Ayashi No Ceres. It's been translated into english. I'm sorry if there isn't enough mush okay? I don't like things going very fast. Suggestions? Comments? Please tell me in the reviews.