Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Rebel's Angel ❯ A wound that never heals... ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Hey yah, okay maybe my update took longer than expected it to, but it's coming along. I'm typing this story over a lot faster than I expected myself to, too.

Anyways, you guys know the drill. I don't own YYH or anything like that. I do own a character that is mentioned later though…

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"Promise me Keiko!"

"Yusuke…."

"Promise!"

Keiko woke slowly, waves of pain greeting her body as she opened her eyes. Her whole body felt like it had been burning in an inferno. She tilted her heavy head to the side, realizing that she was in fact in a room of some sort. The bed beneath her was comfy and warm, but this confused her. Why could a gang help me out? She asked herself.

Keiko willed herself to sit up, wincing as the fire burned through her body again. She looked down at herself, eyes widening once she saw the bandages. Her eyes focused on the circular bloodstain on the wrapping around her waist. "I was shot." She realized bitterly, instinctively touching her wound. Keiko winced again and groaned.

"Why would they help me once they've already shot me?" she asked herself aloud, eyeing the vanilla ceiling. Nothing was making sense at the moment, so she chose to take interest in her surroundings.

She lay on a large bed, king-size with dark blue sheets that were mix matched. Next to her was a nightstand with several bandages and ointments spread about it, most that were completely gone. It took that much to clean her up? Keiko's brow furrowed and she moved on to a table that had different weapons and items strew across the surface. This has to be the ring leader's room, she reasoned, again trying to sit up.

"Think happy thoughts Keiko, that'll ease the pain." She coached aloud, her arm wrapping tightly around her stomach to add pressure. That seemed to work since it was easier to sit up without feeling sick. What had they used as a tourniquet? She wondered.

Keiko shook her head and slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed.

She had to get of this place, even if she is wounded. Natoku would be coming to the school in a few days and if she wasn't there…

A lump rose in her throat, the pain was so unbearable as she moved across the room. Every footstep felt more like a thousand. Her breath was becoming heavier as she reached the door. Keiko rested her body weight against the wooden door; her left hand was waiting to turn the knob as soon as she got her strength back.

After about five minutes, her body was rested but still sore. Turning the door handle was even a slight challenge! But she had to get out of this place; Yukina was waiting with all the children for her. Keiko gasped as a wave of hot chills pulsed wildly in her stomach and down her spine. It hit her so hard she had to grasp the sill of a large window. She pressed her palm against the wound and closed her eyes.

Bile was starting to rise in her throat and even with her eye closed, Keiko could feel everything spinning. Swallowing hard, she weakly began to grasp the sill as she moved slowly down the hallway. Her heart bounded loudly in her ears and ringing sang through her head like mad. I'm going to faint! She cried mentally. Keiko couldn't hold her weight anymore. Letting her resistance fail, she welcomed the darkness to envelope her.

The last thing she remembered were strong hands catching her underarms.

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Keiko felt something cool on her forehead. Groaning, she slowly opened her eyes. They were lazy and heavy from sleep. Sitting up, she watched as a wet cloth fell from her head. What happened? She asked herself, holding the moist rag in her hands. She closed her eyes in thought. I came here to get supplies…then…oh yah, I was shot. Umm…next I tried to leave and I…passed out! Keiko sighed and set the cloth on the nightstand. Apparently she must have had a fever, seems how her body was slightly hot and the rag.

Once again, Keiko eyed her surroundings. She was in the same room that was obvious. The only thing she really cared about was getting out of here. She already felt a little bit better and she was never one to wait around for anything. While she was here, why not investigate. Keiko found that this time it was easier to get out of bed, though still painful. Her legs were slightly heavy as she walked towards a large dresser.

Carefully she pulled out the top drawer and filed through its contents. It was filled with white and black t-shirts and wife-beaters, but a glint of silver caught her eye. She brushed aside some shirt and found a small black box. It had an assortment of knives and chains inside of it. These did not hold her interest, except for one chain. No, not a chain, Keiko said to herself. She lifted it from its resting place in the box to inspect it.

The chain was actually a silver necklace with a cross pendant on it.

Something shocked her body as Keiko ran her finger down the edges of the pendant. Her eyes widened in realization. "My cross!" she squeaked loudly and reach for her own necklace. It wasn't there! Panic struck her heart as she raced painfully back to the bed. She ravaged the bed furiously, throwing pillows and covers onto the ground in her search. Nothing, she found no silver pendant, no shiny twined necklace. Keiko whimpered and sank to her knees. "I lost it…he gave that to me and I lost it…" tears stung her eyes as she sat and clung to her legs. The last gift, her last memory of Yusuke was stolen from her! When she was unconscious. Hatred burned in her veins as she thought about the place she was in. How could people shot her, fox her up, and then steal from her right underneath her nose? All she knew was she hated this place; she hated everyone that was a part of this gang.

"Looking for this, Keiko-chan?"

Keiko's mind froze. She knew that voice! Slowly, very slowly she lifted her head. There he was, only a couple feet away. The same cocky smirk and black hair with his dark brown eyes and menacing spirit. "Yusuke!" she whispered, not sure if her mind was teasing her.

Yusuke grinned widely. "In the flesh!" he said coolly, spinning a silver necklace around his finger incoherently. Keiko's eyes widened and she sprang to her feet.

She rushed to catch him in a tight hug. Yusuke was taken slightly aback, not exactly expecting that sort of reaction from her. "Well, I missed you too…" he said lightly, beaming down at her.

Keiko almost couldn't believe it. Yusuke was right there, in her arms. Three years of misery and loneness seemed so far away. He was here with her, acting as cocky as ever. "You're back! Oh Yusuke you're back!" she said excitedly, tears falling down her face. Yusuke frowned and wiped them away with his thumbs.

"I don't want to see you cry, Keiko." He told her, his eyes on hers. Keiko smiled brightly and felt her face flush. A warm fuzzy feeling was causing her insides to do cartwheels. The way his eyes held hers was tantalizing.

"I'm crying because I'm so happy to see you, baka!" Keiko told him heartily, nudging him playfully in the ribs. Yusuke smirked at her, walking over to the small couch and sitting down. He motioned for her to do the same. Keiko followed, plopping down next to him.

He looked as though he wanted to say something, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out. She eyed him carefully, raising her brow. But with sudden realization, Keiko frowned and slapped her hard across the face. Yusuke's eyes widened in shock and he cursed. "What the hell was that for?!" he growled, rubbing his right cheek.

Keiko crossed her arms over her breasts and glared at him.

"For leaving me alone for three years Baka!" she spat heatedly, leaning back into the couch. Yusuke looked at her, his expression was blank and exasperated.

"You have got to be kidding me?!" he said airily. Keiko rolled her eyes and grinned. Yep, same old Yusuke! She smiled mentally at his face. Blinking several times, Yusuke shook his head and eyed her closely.

Keiko had been trying to hold in a laugh, but his face was to funny to bare. She burst out laughing and leaned more into the couch. "God Yusuke, if you could have only seen your face!" she giggled, wiping water from the corner of her eyes with her thumbs. It was Yusuke's turn to roll his eyes and with a ruffled sigh he relaxed.

"Some things never change." He murmured. Keiko stopped laughing and gave him a look of interest.

"Meaning?" she asked him warily, brow raised. Yusuke sweat dropped and waved it off. Keiko shook her head, letting the statement pass.

After a while they sat in silence. Keiko glanced over at him from the corner of her eye, noting his matured growth. Yusuke had most definitely changed. His shoulders were more broad, arms more muscular. His face had thinned and his features more taunting. Yusuke still had that classic bad boy look about him, but it was more defined. She had to admit he was very good looking…

"Like what yah see, Keiko-chan?" Yusuke asked menacingly, his trademark grin on his face. Keiko blushed and looked down. She had been caught starring! Was it just her or did the room seem a bit hot now? Keiko squirmed as she suddenly became aware of Yusuke's eyes traveling down her figure. How do girls take this, she asked herself mentally. The ceiling seemed to become very appealing, yes…anything to keep her from looking at the boy next to her.

Yusuke, on the other hand was not the least bit flushed about Keiko knowing that he was starring. He had realized, (with much pleasure) that she had changed in a few…ways. For one, she had lost her schoolgirl image, which amused him to no end. He would have to tease her about it later. Her hair was a lot longer since he last seen her, and now…Yusuke's eyes shined darkly. Keiko had filled out in many places.

Looking up at her, he grinned. "Since when did you fill out in all the right places?"

He joked, giving her behind a little squeeze.

:::SMACK:::

There was a rather large handprint tattooed onto Yusuke's face. That hurt…(groan) a lot, he moaned mentally as he rubbed his cheek…again!

"That was painful, but overall I think it was worth it…" he groaned light headedly, smiling at the fact that the room was spinning now. "Damn…" Yusuke muttered, cracking his neck to relieve some pain.

"Arrogant boys never change, I swear!" Keiko growled, turning away from him and eyeing the floor angrily. Keiko rolled her eyes at Yusuke. `He's changed psychically, but mentally, well, same old Urameshi Yusuke. Completely clueless, it's kind of cute…' Keiko thought to herself and smiled. Yusuke just groaned.

"Oi, Keiko. I'm not a boy, I'm a man!" he spat at her. Keiko laughed and poked his shoulder.

"You look like a man, but have you grown up like one?" she said, still laughing. Yusuke made a mocking face at her. Could he help it if Keiko had grown up as very…curvy…looking women? No!

Keiko must have seen him gawking at her, because she was fidgeting uncomfortably. "Yusuke, stop staring at me like that!"

Yusuke sighed. "You shouldn't worry about that. Keiko, do you know where you're at?" he asked, his expression suddenly becoming serious. Keiko nodded, the realization hitting her instantly. She had almost forgot that she was at the old warehouse! Glancing around the room, she spoke.

"The old warehouse off of highway sixty. This is your gangs hide out now?"

Yusuke nodded and leaned forward slightly.

"Now, why did you decide to raid us? Better yet, why are you thinking being a raider?!" he asked her, his eyes narrowed, burning into her own. Keiko sighed and rubbed her temples. This is going to be difficult, she moaned mentally, sideways glancing at Yusuke.

"We need supplies badly back where I stay. One of us was already gone and I couldn't go too far, so this was my last option." She said simply, rolling a strand of hair through her fingers. For some reason Keiko couldn't bring herself to look Yusuke in the eyes.

Yusuke gave a rumble of disapproval. "Well, why are you a raider? You didn't answer that." He said heatedly, trying not to loose his temper. He really didn't understand why he was so fired up about this, but it was nagging at him that she was putting herself in danger.

Keiko quirked her brows, giving him a questioning look.

"I never said I was a raider." She told him coolly, finding her fingernails suddenly very interesting. Yusuke's temper was growing. "Keiko," she didn't look up at him. Why was she acting like a guilty child about to be punished? Growling, Yusuke moved to her on the couch and held her wrists lightly.

"Answer me this, who are `we' and where are you staying?" he asked, his dark eyes narrowing at her. Keiko felt slightly panicked. Could she tell Yusuke the truth? No, she shouldn't. She could be breaking her own rules if she did.

Yusuke wasn't applying pressure to hold her down, but why did it seem like she was in pain. He's so close to her, his eyes focused and serious.

Keiko already felt a little bit squirmy.

"Yusuke…" she said lightly, looking up at him. She really didn't want to lie to him, especially since he was practically on top of her. Sighing, Keiko closed her eyes in defeat. "Alright, I'll tell you. `We' are Botan, Yukina and me. But `where' I can't tell you."

Suddenly, she felt dizzy and sick. Images began to flash before her eyes. Botan and Yukina's faces as they laughed and played with the children danced before her eyes. Questions streamed through her mind. Are the children okay? How's Yukina? Is Botan safe? Keiko trembled slightly as a thought struck a cord, "How long have I been gone?" she asked, glancing up at Yusuke. She knew that her voice seemed forced, forced to remain calm.

All the anger that seemed to have built up inside Yusuke drained just a quick. The look of desperation on her face sent chills down his spine. "About three days." He answered, concern apparent in his voice.

Keiko's eyes widened. "Three days? Oh God," she whispered. Yusuke released her wrists and slowly moved away from her.

"Is everything okay, Keiko-chan?" he asked, watching her closely. But Keiko didn't seem to hear him; she was starring blankly in front of her.

Yukina is fine I know she is, she reasoned. Keiko looked up from her thoughts. Kuwabara should've been there one day after I left. With him there, the children are safe, Keiko thought and smiled aside herself.

Yusuke looked puzzled. "Keiko?" he asked. She looked at him and gave him a weak smile. "I'm fine. But Yusuke, I have to get back soon." She told him, wincing slightly when her wound made itself noticeable.

"Oh shit, I forgot! Keiko, you shouldn't be moving. You'll risk infection!" Yusuke rushed, eyeing the bandage wrapping around her waist.

Keiko tried to stand up and protest, but heat flowed through her body. She felt very dizzy and almost feeling the strength being drained from her.

"I put too much strain sitting on it when I was looking for my cross," she mumbled. "Sitting like that didn't help…" Keiko lost all power to hold herself up at that moment.

Yusuke was on his feet in a second, catching her. "Damnit!" he growled, lifting and carrying her limp body to his bed. He set Keiko down slowly, his nerves on end. Yusuke brushed strands of brown hair from her face and placed his palm to rest on her forehead. It was damp with cold sweat and it burned heatedly against his hand. "She has a fever," he growled, lifting his hand, moving quickly to the door.

He hand to find Kurama!

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A.N.

If you haven't read my story before, it was this chapter that I had Keiko and Yusuke bickering off and on. I deciding a time will come, but not now. Just wait till the subject of the Rebel Angels comes up again, that'll be in the next chapter. It's not going to be pretty. Well, that's all.

Love and peace from Mars,

Rei-chan