Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Wandering Souls ❯ Farewells ( Chapter 12 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Katzztar 
When Kuwabara finds otu that Yusuke is going to the Makai at teh very last minute, it leads to a heated confrontation between the two. Can their tenous frendship survive?
After Yusuke and Hiei have left, the Special Forces approach Kuwabara with an ultimatum.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Mystery / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 200 | Status: Work In Progress
When Kuwabara finds otu that Yusuke is going to the Makai at teh very last minute, it leads to a heated confrontation between the two. Can their tenous frendship survive?
After Yusuke and Hiei have left, the Special Forces approach Kuwabara with an ultimatum.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Mystery / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 200 | Status: Work In Progress
AN= Wow, I finally made it to the turning point of this story! I warned you all several times that there are several twists for Wandering Souls. This is the
chapter that will close the first arc and start the new arc in the story. This arc will actually be the shortest, only about 4 to 5 chapters. This arc, although short, will cover the most time. Since some of that will boring 'down time' there will be a few jumps of time between chapters. I will let you know when that happens. Things will twist again in the third and last arc.
Since this is a turning point for the story is on fact that made it so long to get out. Another is that I had to look for apartments. Now I'm in the middle of packing. I hope to move June 1st.
WARNING!= There will be a lot of cussing in this chapter. Yes, I've had them cuss before, but the boys are cussing worse than in any prior chapter. After all, they are two 15-16 yr. old street thugs who are REALLY ticked off.
"Talking" 'Thinking' *Telepathy*
Farewells
After another long gang skirmish, the hot shower seemed like heaven to Kuwabara. After Seiji told the Menboku Yaiba about an 'emergency meeting' that the Supaida no Yoru called for, Kuwabara had his gang move into position. Seiji's information was correct. Their leader, Samejima, was there all right. Kuwabara half-heartedly threw a fist into the wall, mindful not to create another hole. Shizuru was still cutting his allowance to pay for the last one - even though Shizuru created it when he ducked from her fist. He laid his forehead against the tiles as the day's events played behind his closed eyes like some movie that was mocking him.
Getting dressed, he went over the day's events. He had to deal with Akashi's crap again. The rat-fink was attempting to fail him for no good reason. Akashi still couldn't believe that Kuwabara has turned his grades around so well. Little over a year ago Kuwabara got a 7% on a science test, at the next test after two weeks he scored a 53%. Now, a year later, Kuwabara was getting mostly 85 to 95%. Today the students were asked to name the high school they were applying for. Akashi's jaw dropped when Kuwabara said Gai Technical Annex. All day long that sad excuse of a teacher would find a time to make some snide remark about how students shouldn't go to good schools unless they truly planned on going to college.
After school, Seiji ran up and informed Kuwabara about those damned Spiders having an impromptu meeting. He wasted no time, the Menboku Yaiba gathered enforce at the site. After an hour, Kuwabara finally fought his his into the cellar and confronted Samejima. But they only got to exchange a few punches when a portal opened and the coward jumped through, escaping Kuwabara's vengeance. And the final blow to this shitty day was that Spirit World couldn't trace to where the portal went to.
"Damn it!" With that roar, Kuwabara finally gave voice to all his frustrations. It was beyond maddening. It had been three months since Okubo, Sawamura and Kirishima was murdered. The Menboku Yaiba has searched for the pathetic leaders, Samejima and Tachikawa, the entire time. Today was the first time in these long months that the cowards were located, much less caught up to. "At least we know how theses two keep disappearing now. I hope those bozos in Spirit World stop being incompetent and find out where that portal goes to and how they got access to it."
"No luck on that end, Kuwa-chan. Sorry." A sprightly voice chimed from the window where a certain ferry girl floated at outside. Botan giggled when Kuwabara fell backwards out of his desk chair due to being startled by her sudden appearance. However, even that scene could not keep Botan's apprehension away. Her giggles died as she remember why she had to come here on business - of a sort. "I'm here on official business, I'm afraid. We need to meet everyone at Genkai's temple."
Jumping up to go to the window, Kuwabara shook his head vigorously as he denied her request. "No way! I can't go right now. I have loads of studying that I have to do. Besides, I may still help out with the missions at times, but not that doesn't mean all the time. Urameshi is the detective, not me. I'm not even really a full member of that so-called team. As Urameshi is so fond of telling me, I'm just a tag-a-long, merely back-up. It's Hiei and Kurama that are the official aides to Urameshi. I'll talk to you when you're 'off duty' Botan. Now excused me but I have to study." "Wait, Kuwa-kun! Please don't close the window on me." Gnawing on her bottom lip, Botan mentally cursed both Koenma and Yusuke. It's not fair that they made her the bearer of bad news. All because they didn't want to be around when Kuwabara first learned of the new developments. 'It's not like he would have time to calm down before arriving at Genkai's temple.' At that thought, Botan closed her eyes at the mental picture of the carnage.
"Botan?" Kuwabara watched as she closed her eyes with a grimace. "Are you going to tell me what's so important or do you want to float outside my window all night?"
Suddenly she threw her shoulders back and yelled "Blast it!" . The unexpected outburst startled Kuwabara and made him jump as she continued to rant. "It's not fair that they make me do their dirty work! Why, I ought to..." As she stopped in mid-sentence, a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her uncharacteristic actions began to freak Kuwabara out.
"Uh, Botan? I'm supposed to be the one to crack under pressure here. Between the gang war, catching up with current school tests and studying for the entrance exams for high school..." His voice trailed off as she floated into the room. Some part of his powers warned him that this is a prelude to something disturbing. For some reason he got the feeling that everything is changing and he doesn't want to find out in what way.
"Kuwa-chan, Koenma-sama and Yusuke sent me to get you to come to Genkai's temple, As I flew off, they said that I should tell you why before we get there. But I'm not going to! They can tell you for themselves." Botan smiled as she thought it would serve them right for attempting to shove the burden of giving the news of the upcoming event on her.
"Somehow, I think what ever they say, I won't like it." Kuwabara mumbled as he climbed onto Botan's oar. Less than an hour later, Kuwabara's doubts of the news were confirmed.
"You're going to do - what!" Kuwabara's bellow preceded the stumbling form of Urameshi Yusuke. "You selfish ass! What about Keiko?" Wiping his mouth dry, Yusuke turned to regard the one who slugged him. "Feh! At least I don't have to put up with your sissy punches anymore!"
"Oh shut the hell up, you damn, no good, selfish bastard." Kuwabara lowered his voice to the same low, cold tone that Urameshi first heard in the Dark Tournament. "Are you so pathetic that fighting is the only thing that can do so you decide to run away to the Makai the first chance you get? I ask again, what about Keiko?"
"I already talked to Keiko so get out of my face dumb ass!" Yusuke silently cursed to himself as he looked over at Botan. 'This is why I wanted her to tell Kuwabara before the got here.' Yusuke knew that the big lug would get bent all out of shape over this. "I told her that I would come back in three years."
"So you already broke her heart." It was not a question but a statement. Kuwabara caught a twinge of guilt coming from Urameshi. It was rare for Kuwabara to use his telepathy to probe another's mind since it's not easy as the cartoons make it out to be. First off, there needs to be a way into the mind for the psychic to enter. Two ways of the most common way have always been emotions and familiarity. If a person was filled with strong emotions, such as uncertainty, fear of anxiety, it helps lower the natural defenses of the mind. The more familiar a psychic is with a person, the easier it is to bypass the defenses and enter their mind. Both conditions have been met in this tense confrontation. Despite his acting, one could tell that Urameshi was nervous. Secondly, Kuwabara had gained a strong familiarity with Urameshi over the past year they were friends.
It only took half a minute for Kuwabara to enter Urameshi's mind after he leveled his accusation. His eyes widened at what he found. "You fucking bastard! You didn't tell her that you were going to be an heir to one of the major kings! You gave her false hope!"
"How the hell did you find that out? You didn't know anything when arrived!" True to form, the two teens knew how to push each other's buttons to anger each other. "I did not give her false hope! I promised to come back in three years and marry her."
"Shut up and listen for once!" It wasn't Kuwabara's roar that made everyone step back but the light shining from his eyes.
With his Jagan eye glowing, Hiei grinned. "Well, he finally used that power again so I can confirm a guess of mine."
Kurama looked out of the corner of his eye towards his former partner. "The last time we saw that odd flare of light from his eyes was during his match against Risho. That was when he telepathically contacted us. Your guess is that this glowing eyes effect is a physical sign of his telepathic powers. Akin to when your Jagan eye glows. Am I correct?" Kurama took Hiei's silence as a yes since the fire demon prefers not to say he has anything in common with Kuwabara.
"You don't think the big things through too often, do you Urameshi? Did you think of the consequences of accepting to go to Makai?" Kuwabara glared at his rival thug, his eyes still shone with the odd light. When Yusuke was about to yell back, he quickly closed his mouth. He didn't understand why he suddenly wanted to stay quiet. He never saw the smirk that was shared between Hiei and Kurama, who were watching the confrontation from the sidelines.
All the males were startled when the soft voice of Yukina drifted across the room. "I grew up in the Makai, Kazuma-san, Do you really think all from Makai are bad?"
The eire glow left his eyes as Kuwabara sent a gentle look towards his soul-mate. "It's not that, Yukina. It's what the duties of the position as an heir that is bad." Before anything else could be said, Kuwabara refocused his attention on Yusuke with glowing eyes. "You plan on being in Makai for three years, leaving Keiko all alone. You know what I mean. All her friends will have boyfriends and going out on dates while Keiko stands alone because her so-called boyfriend would rather play in the Demon world than be at her side. Think about this, Urameshi: You are going to be training as an heir. Do you really think that they will put three years into shaping you to succeed their king only for you to leave them to return to Ningenkai? You are dropping out of school, how will you find work when you return in three years? Do you plan on making Keiko support you you? Are you stupid enough to think that Keiko would willingly go to Makai with you after the three years are up? Now you see why I say you're selfish, you're not thinking of Keiko at all. As usual, you are only thinking about yourself."
"I..." For once Yusuke was at a loss for words. Kuwabara's words struck deeper than he wanted to admit. Seconds seemed to stretch into eternity as Yusuke thought of what was said and how to counter it. "I don't need to attend high school to help Keiko run a ramen shop and operate a stand. Keiko plans on creating her own restaurant, separate from her parents. She will run the the business part and I'llcook. Me and Keiko made those plans some time ago. So you can take your accusations and shove them up your ass! I'm about to leave in a few minutes and you're jumping on my case. It's not like they can rescheldue another time to open a portal! After all, it's taken eight days of talks and planning to get this one set up. And you waste the last few minutes I got here by yelling at me. Some friend you are!" Yusuke was so busy pointing a finger and yelling that he didn't see Koenma slap his forehead or Hiei and Kurama shaking their heads when he mentioned how long it took to arrange the portal. But Yusuke did see the flash of anger from Kuwabara.
"Don't even start that crap with me." Kuwabara hissed in a deceptively calm tone. "That just proves how selfish you are. Those plans were the dreams of a fourteen year old girl. They may be far different from the dreams of the young women Keiko will be in three years. As for friendship..." Even Hiei took note of the venom in Kuwabara's voice as he spoke how he truly felt. "If you were a true friend to me, you would have told me of your decision to leave shortly after you made it. Instead you wait eight days, no longer than that since that is when the plans were started. You made this decision two weeks ago didn't you? That's why you've been ignoring me. A real friend would spend time with his friends not ignoring them. A real friend wouldn't wait until the very last moment to tell his friend that he is leaving for three years. Friends don't go and take positions that creates the chance where they could fight each other in serious combat. And that's you three are doing! These three kings are not friendly to each other and you all are taking positions that means that you're not friends but enemies. So don't start on me about friendship. You don't what friendship is!"
With that Kuwabara turned away to walk to where Hiei and Kurama stood. Silently he stood there in front of Hiei as they regarded each other. All present wondered at the fact that Kuwabara was not tensed up as he normally is around his short tormentor. Kuwabara closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. "Hiei, I know we've rarely see eye to eye but I wanted to say a few things before you leave to..." Both the fire demon and psychic human narrowed their eyes at the grating holler that came across the room.
Yusuke stood there, hands akimbo while his eye twitched. "What the hell? You know that Hiei's leaving too and don't screech at him? And what about Kurama? Are you going to holler at him?"
"Damn it, Urameshi, just shut up already! Hiei's never been friendly towards me, nor is he still an ally. Remember that Botan said if he helped find you when Genkai's cronies kidnapped you that his probation is over. He helped out with Sensui because it suited him. He's not obligated to say bye to me. As for Kurama, he's already told me he's going to leave in two weeks." Turning his back to his former friend, Kuwabara turned to face Hiei once again. "As I said, there was a few things I wanted to say to you. We've never really seen eye to eye but we both have an honor code. I wished to thank you ..."
"Thank me for what?" Hiei knew his silence up to now has been uncharacteristic of him. This was usually the point where he would make a scathing remark about the ningen and would provoke the youth. However, today's show has provoked his curiosity and now he wondered what the ningen would say to him. After all this will be last time he would have to deal with him.
For a minute, Kuwabara looked as if he was trying to swallow some broken glass before a look of resignation came over him. "You've never altered how you acted towards me, or made excuses. You never made false claims of friendship or jumped between acting like a friend one day then insulting me the next. I know that whenever you helped me train or in a battle, it's not because of friendship but due to the fact we were allies on the same team. Truth is, with you I didn't have to worry about how you would act towards me. You never made excuses for not liking me and refused to pretend to do so. So I wanted to thank you for that brutal truth. "
While Genkai, Kurama and Yukina smiled at Kuwabara's show of unexpected maturity, Koenma and Botan were flabbergasted and Yusuke's jaw dropped. Hiei allowed a small grin to appear but stayed silent. He could tell that Kuwabara had more to say.
"I've often insulted you right back. Sometimes they were justified and sometimes not. Since this is most likely the last time we'll see each other, I'm going to say sorry for the times I insulted you that were uncalled for." Kuwabara mentally kicked himself again and wanted so much to throw his foot in his mouth and choke. But this may be the last time they meet and he wants to prove to Hiei that he wasn't a idiotic child. There are times when Kuwabara Kazuma can act mature. "I know you're a master swordsman. You've got more years experience with the sword than I've been been alive. I just get tired of you comparing me to how you are now. That's a moot point since you're several hundred years old and I'm only one and a half decades. I also apologize for that one time when I said your sister must be just like you, a short, arrogant and annoying. I know she's not. Well, she is short but sweet."
At that, Hiei's eyes widen in shock. "How do you ... You couldn't know that!" A silent glare was shoot at Botan who ran behind Koenma as Hiei ignored her claim that she never said a word.
While facing Hiei, Kuwabara's eyes glowed once more. Telepathy would ensure that a private conversation would main private . *I know that it's Yukina. I've known since I first met you that you had a sister named Yukina thanks to a vision of why you first came to Ningenkai. When I saw the video of Yukina being held prisoner, my awareness told me two things. One is that the red string of destiny ties me to Yukina and her to me. The second was that she's the same Yukina that is your sister. And no, I've not told her this. That is your responsibility. Beside, I think she already suspects you as her brother.*
*Impossible!* Glaring at the ningen, Hiei tried to dismiss his claims. *If you or Botan haven't told her then how would she know?*
Rolling his eyes at the fire demon's arrogance, Kuwabara decided to give the clues that suggested that Yukina does indeed suspect Hiei is her brother. *She knows that her brother is a fire demon. When she came to the Dark Tournament, she said that she had clues saying that her brother was competing in it, yet once she arrived, did you see her looking for her brother? No, she stayed near us. She just told you about Ruri knowing about her brother when he was born. She just now chose you to give her necklace to and asked you to look for her brother. Not Kurama or Urameshi, both had previously said they would help her where you have not. She asked you. Before you say so what, go look in the mirror. Those red eyes are identical to Yukina's. I bet you had that hairstyle all your life, even when you were born. Top of the hair sticks straight up and there's that white stripe that zig-zags in the bangs. And I bet that Ruri would know how Yukina's brother would have looked like at birth. That's very distinctive look, Hiei.*
Hiei couldn't think of any biting words to respond with as Kuwabara turned away. As he walked off, three members of the Spirit Defense Force team arrived. Out of the corner of his eye, Hiei looked at his sister, noticing the look of acceptance and sadness in her eyes. 'Does she know?'
In a short amount of time, the Spirit Defense Force opened the portal to Makai. No words were exchanged as Yusuke jumped through, followed by Hiei a few minutes later. The portal would land them in a neutral area. They both would still have several days of travel before reaching the two different realms. As quickly as the portal was opened, it was closed once again. The captain walked over to where Kurama and Kuwabara stood. "Very well, we are finished for today. We will meet you here in two weeks Kurama, to send you back."
Kuwabara was surprised when the captain turned around to regard him. So far they have only paid guarded attention the the demons. "Kazuma, heir of Clan Kuwabara, King Enma knows that it was you that created the Jigen Tou and therefor it could have been only you that cut the barrier." The captain raised a beseeching hand to Koenma that rushed to Kuwabara's side in fear that the Spirit World Defense team may try to arrest Kuwabara. "I mean no harm, Koenma-sama, nor are we to arrest this youth. However, you know that such a power cannot go unharnessed or unsupervised."
With narrowed eyes, Kurama stood ready to defend his ningen friend if need be. "What do you suggest? And if you mean no harm, why did you wait until Yusuke and Hiei are gone to make a move? You must know that it would be suspicious."
"I waited because Urameshi Yusuke has a horrible temper and may not have waited for me to explain the details." With a wave of his hands a silver briefcase appeared. It was identical to the one that Botan carried, one she identified as Yusuke's detective kit. "Kuwabara has demonstrated his nobility and desire to protect Ningenkai. He has given aide to the previous detective Urameshi Yusuke without being bribed or coerced into doing so."
Koenma's jaw dropped as his eyes widened with disbelief. "Are you suggesting what I think you are, captain?"
"What? What are you talking about here, Koenma?" This sudden turn of events has completely confused Kuwabara. He had suspected that Spirit World may want to arrest him for cutting through the barrier. But usually if you're getting arrested, they don't say praises of your previous performance or give you the equipment of a high ranking job. 'But then that would be a way to keep tabs on me. Especially if Koenma's fall from his father's favor means he wouldn't be in position over the detectives.'
Clearing his throat, the captain brought the attention back to himself. "We could have arrested you for breaking the barrier, Kuwabara. However on looking at your prior actions and the circumstances involved, we decided that would be a waste of potential. Instead, it was decided to offer the choice to become the newest Spirit Detective. You will be required to train even more than Urameshi ever went under. You can train some here with Master Genkai but you will be required to train in Spirit World as well. Reason for that is due to the Jigen Tou will need special training for you to control it. Do you willingly accept the appointment as Spirit Detective?"
With narrowed eyes, Kuwabara regarded the captain and his ---offer. "You say it like I have a choice. So tell me do I really have a choice or if I decline would you arrest me? Somehow I don't think you're really giving me a choice."
"I agree. I remember when I was arrested and offered probation. The wordings are different but the underlying meaning is quite similar." By now Kurama had his rose whip out and coiled in his hand, ready if need be.
A sweat drop rolled down the side of his face as he denied the kistune's accusations. "I assure you that we are not to arrest Kuwabara -- if it can be avoided. But you have to understand that the Jigen Tou is such an immense weapon that we cannot allow it's wielder to go untrained."
"Untrained and unsupervised. This is merely Spirit World's way keeping tabs on me." Kuwabara grumbled to Kurama.
"You must admit that untrained, you make a very appealing target to many youkai. You are a powerful psychic that is not classically trained. You have a new and dangerous weapon that can cut through the barrier that blocks the path for A and S class youkai. If they learn of the Jigen Tou, they could send several C class demons to capture a friend or family of yours Kuwabara, to make you work for them and cut through the barrier again." The captain explained the fears as quickly as he could.
"You said that he can do some training here with me. Then train more in Spirit World. With whom would he train with?And to whom would he report to as a Spirit Detective since Koenma is not in his father's graces?" Genkai's quiet but firm voice demanded attention and no one dared ignored her, not even the defense team members. "You must realize that he would think twice before reporting to Enma since he so easily ordered the execution of Urameshi Yusuke simply because of a distant bloodline was activated."
"We have thought about such circumstances. Members of the Defense team, including myself, would help Kuwabara train, especially with the Jigen Tou. After much deliberation, King Enma has finally decided that the punishment for the prince for his rebellion is that he would be directly responsible for Kuwabara. You would not have any other duties except overseeing Kuwabara in both his training and his duties as a detective. Is this acceptable?"
*We don't have much of a choice do we, Koenma?* Kuwabara startled the exiled prince when he telepathically contacted him. *What would happen if we don't accept?*
Instead of replying telepathically, Koenma addressed the captain. "If we do not accept, you have orders to arrest us, correct?"
"If you refuse, I have orders to place both of you under house arrest. It's better than a cell but not as good as walking under the Ningenkai sky, correct?" A small smile flirted across the captain's face. "Think of it this way, my prince, you always hated the massive amounts of paperwork that is involved when you fill in for your father. This way, for a short time, the only paperwork you have to worry about will concern Kuwabara, his training and missions. As for you Kuwabara, think of this as a way to get training. You will receive training not only for your spirit energy but train to harness you awareness as well. And we will help you master the Jigen Tou."
With one shared look between them, Koenma and Kuwabara made their decision.
"I accept."
~~~TBC~~~
I made King Enma into a jerk in Dark of Night, so in this one I'm going easy on the big guy and make him a concerned father instead of a tyrant. But he's still a king so he has to deal with this situation. I wanted him to be a good but stern father figure in this.
Since this is a turning point for the story is on fact that made it so long to get out. Another is that I had to look for apartments. Now I'm in the middle of packing. I hope to move June 1st.
WARNING!= There will be a lot of cussing in this chapter. Yes, I've had them cuss before, but the boys are cussing worse than in any prior chapter. After all, they are two 15-16 yr. old street thugs who are REALLY ticked off.
"Talking" 'Thinking' *Telepathy*
Farewells
After another long gang skirmish, the hot shower seemed like heaven to Kuwabara. After Seiji told the Menboku Yaiba about an 'emergency meeting' that the Supaida no Yoru called for, Kuwabara had his gang move into position. Seiji's information was correct. Their leader, Samejima, was there all right. Kuwabara half-heartedly threw a fist into the wall, mindful not to create another hole. Shizuru was still cutting his allowance to pay for the last one - even though Shizuru created it when he ducked from her fist. He laid his forehead against the tiles as the day's events played behind his closed eyes like some movie that was mocking him.
Getting dressed, he went over the day's events. He had to deal with Akashi's crap again. The rat-fink was attempting to fail him for no good reason. Akashi still couldn't believe that Kuwabara has turned his grades around so well. Little over a year ago Kuwabara got a 7% on a science test, at the next test after two weeks he scored a 53%. Now, a year later, Kuwabara was getting mostly 85 to 95%. Today the students were asked to name the high school they were applying for. Akashi's jaw dropped when Kuwabara said Gai Technical Annex. All day long that sad excuse of a teacher would find a time to make some snide remark about how students shouldn't go to good schools unless they truly planned on going to college.
After school, Seiji ran up and informed Kuwabara about those damned Spiders having an impromptu meeting. He wasted no time, the Menboku Yaiba gathered enforce at the site. After an hour, Kuwabara finally fought his his into the cellar and confronted Samejima. But they only got to exchange a few punches when a portal opened and the coward jumped through, escaping Kuwabara's vengeance. And the final blow to this shitty day was that Spirit World couldn't trace to where the portal went to.
"Damn it!" With that roar, Kuwabara finally gave voice to all his frustrations. It was beyond maddening. It had been three months since Okubo, Sawamura and Kirishima was murdered. The Menboku Yaiba has searched for the pathetic leaders, Samejima and Tachikawa, the entire time. Today was the first time in these long months that the cowards were located, much less caught up to. "At least we know how theses two keep disappearing now. I hope those bozos in Spirit World stop being incompetent and find out where that portal goes to and how they got access to it."
"No luck on that end, Kuwa-chan. Sorry." A sprightly voice chimed from the window where a certain ferry girl floated at outside. Botan giggled when Kuwabara fell backwards out of his desk chair due to being startled by her sudden appearance. However, even that scene could not keep Botan's apprehension away. Her giggles died as she remember why she had to come here on business - of a sort. "I'm here on official business, I'm afraid. We need to meet everyone at Genkai's temple."
Jumping up to go to the window, Kuwabara shook his head vigorously as he denied her request. "No way! I can't go right now. I have loads of studying that I have to do. Besides, I may still help out with the missions at times, but not that doesn't mean all the time. Urameshi is the detective, not me. I'm not even really a full member of that so-called team. As Urameshi is so fond of telling me, I'm just a tag-a-long, merely back-up. It's Hiei and Kurama that are the official aides to Urameshi. I'll talk to you when you're 'off duty' Botan. Now excused me but I have to study." "Wait, Kuwa-kun! Please don't close the window on me." Gnawing on her bottom lip, Botan mentally cursed both Koenma and Yusuke. It's not fair that they made her the bearer of bad news. All because they didn't want to be around when Kuwabara first learned of the new developments. 'It's not like he would have time to calm down before arriving at Genkai's temple.' At that thought, Botan closed her eyes at the mental picture of the carnage.
"Botan?" Kuwabara watched as she closed her eyes with a grimace. "Are you going to tell me what's so important or do you want to float outside my window all night?"
Suddenly she threw her shoulders back and yelled "Blast it!" . The unexpected outburst startled Kuwabara and made him jump as she continued to rant. "It's not fair that they make me do their dirty work! Why, I ought to..." As she stopped in mid-sentence, a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her uncharacteristic actions began to freak Kuwabara out.
"Uh, Botan? I'm supposed to be the one to crack under pressure here. Between the gang war, catching up with current school tests and studying for the entrance exams for high school..." His voice trailed off as she floated into the room. Some part of his powers warned him that this is a prelude to something disturbing. For some reason he got the feeling that everything is changing and he doesn't want to find out in what way.
"Kuwa-chan, Koenma-sama and Yusuke sent me to get you to come to Genkai's temple, As I flew off, they said that I should tell you why before we get there. But I'm not going to! They can tell you for themselves." Botan smiled as she thought it would serve them right for attempting to shove the burden of giving the news of the upcoming event on her.
"Somehow, I think what ever they say, I won't like it." Kuwabara mumbled as he climbed onto Botan's oar. Less than an hour later, Kuwabara's doubts of the news were confirmed.
"You're going to do - what!" Kuwabara's bellow preceded the stumbling form of Urameshi Yusuke. "You selfish ass! What about Keiko?" Wiping his mouth dry, Yusuke turned to regard the one who slugged him. "Feh! At least I don't have to put up with your sissy punches anymore!"
"Oh shut the hell up, you damn, no good, selfish bastard." Kuwabara lowered his voice to the same low, cold tone that Urameshi first heard in the Dark Tournament. "Are you so pathetic that fighting is the only thing that can do so you decide to run away to the Makai the first chance you get? I ask again, what about Keiko?"
"I already talked to Keiko so get out of my face dumb ass!" Yusuke silently cursed to himself as he looked over at Botan. 'This is why I wanted her to tell Kuwabara before the got here.' Yusuke knew that the big lug would get bent all out of shape over this. "I told her that I would come back in three years."
"So you already broke her heart." It was not a question but a statement. Kuwabara caught a twinge of guilt coming from Urameshi. It was rare for Kuwabara to use his telepathy to probe another's mind since it's not easy as the cartoons make it out to be. First off, there needs to be a way into the mind for the psychic to enter. Two ways of the most common way have always been emotions and familiarity. If a person was filled with strong emotions, such as uncertainty, fear of anxiety, it helps lower the natural defenses of the mind. The more familiar a psychic is with a person, the easier it is to bypass the defenses and enter their mind. Both conditions have been met in this tense confrontation. Despite his acting, one could tell that Urameshi was nervous. Secondly, Kuwabara had gained a strong familiarity with Urameshi over the past year they were friends.
It only took half a minute for Kuwabara to enter Urameshi's mind after he leveled his accusation. His eyes widened at what he found. "You fucking bastard! You didn't tell her that you were going to be an heir to one of the major kings! You gave her false hope!"
"How the hell did you find that out? You didn't know anything when arrived!" True to form, the two teens knew how to push each other's buttons to anger each other. "I did not give her false hope! I promised to come back in three years and marry her."
"Shut up and listen for once!" It wasn't Kuwabara's roar that made everyone step back but the light shining from his eyes.
With his Jagan eye glowing, Hiei grinned. "Well, he finally used that power again so I can confirm a guess of mine."
Kurama looked out of the corner of his eye towards his former partner. "The last time we saw that odd flare of light from his eyes was during his match against Risho. That was when he telepathically contacted us. Your guess is that this glowing eyes effect is a physical sign of his telepathic powers. Akin to when your Jagan eye glows. Am I correct?" Kurama took Hiei's silence as a yes since the fire demon prefers not to say he has anything in common with Kuwabara.
"You don't think the big things through too often, do you Urameshi? Did you think of the consequences of accepting to go to Makai?" Kuwabara glared at his rival thug, his eyes still shone with the odd light. When Yusuke was about to yell back, he quickly closed his mouth. He didn't understand why he suddenly wanted to stay quiet. He never saw the smirk that was shared between Hiei and Kurama, who were watching the confrontation from the sidelines.
All the males were startled when the soft voice of Yukina drifted across the room. "I grew up in the Makai, Kazuma-san, Do you really think all from Makai are bad?"
The eire glow left his eyes as Kuwabara sent a gentle look towards his soul-mate. "It's not that, Yukina. It's what the duties of the position as an heir that is bad." Before anything else could be said, Kuwabara refocused his attention on Yusuke with glowing eyes. "You plan on being in Makai for three years, leaving Keiko all alone. You know what I mean. All her friends will have boyfriends and going out on dates while Keiko stands alone because her so-called boyfriend would rather play in the Demon world than be at her side. Think about this, Urameshi: You are going to be training as an heir. Do you really think that they will put three years into shaping you to succeed their king only for you to leave them to return to Ningenkai? You are dropping out of school, how will you find work when you return in three years? Do you plan on making Keiko support you you? Are you stupid enough to think that Keiko would willingly go to Makai with you after the three years are up? Now you see why I say you're selfish, you're not thinking of Keiko at all. As usual, you are only thinking about yourself."
"I..." For once Yusuke was at a loss for words. Kuwabara's words struck deeper than he wanted to admit. Seconds seemed to stretch into eternity as Yusuke thought of what was said and how to counter it. "I don't need to attend high school to help Keiko run a ramen shop and operate a stand. Keiko plans on creating her own restaurant, separate from her parents. She will run the the business part and I'llcook. Me and Keiko made those plans some time ago. So you can take your accusations and shove them up your ass! I'm about to leave in a few minutes and you're jumping on my case. It's not like they can rescheldue another time to open a portal! After all, it's taken eight days of talks and planning to get this one set up. And you waste the last few minutes I got here by yelling at me. Some friend you are!" Yusuke was so busy pointing a finger and yelling that he didn't see Koenma slap his forehead or Hiei and Kurama shaking their heads when he mentioned how long it took to arrange the portal. But Yusuke did see the flash of anger from Kuwabara.
"Don't even start that crap with me." Kuwabara hissed in a deceptively calm tone. "That just proves how selfish you are. Those plans were the dreams of a fourteen year old girl. They may be far different from the dreams of the young women Keiko will be in three years. As for friendship..." Even Hiei took note of the venom in Kuwabara's voice as he spoke how he truly felt. "If you were a true friend to me, you would have told me of your decision to leave shortly after you made it. Instead you wait eight days, no longer than that since that is when the plans were started. You made this decision two weeks ago didn't you? That's why you've been ignoring me. A real friend would spend time with his friends not ignoring them. A real friend wouldn't wait until the very last moment to tell his friend that he is leaving for three years. Friends don't go and take positions that creates the chance where they could fight each other in serious combat. And that's you three are doing! These three kings are not friendly to each other and you all are taking positions that means that you're not friends but enemies. So don't start on me about friendship. You don't what friendship is!"
With that Kuwabara turned away to walk to where Hiei and Kurama stood. Silently he stood there in front of Hiei as they regarded each other. All present wondered at the fact that Kuwabara was not tensed up as he normally is around his short tormentor. Kuwabara closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. "Hiei, I know we've rarely see eye to eye but I wanted to say a few things before you leave to..." Both the fire demon and psychic human narrowed their eyes at the grating holler that came across the room.
Yusuke stood there, hands akimbo while his eye twitched. "What the hell? You know that Hiei's leaving too and don't screech at him? And what about Kurama? Are you going to holler at him?"
"Damn it, Urameshi, just shut up already! Hiei's never been friendly towards me, nor is he still an ally. Remember that Botan said if he helped find you when Genkai's cronies kidnapped you that his probation is over. He helped out with Sensui because it suited him. He's not obligated to say bye to me. As for Kurama, he's already told me he's going to leave in two weeks." Turning his back to his former friend, Kuwabara turned to face Hiei once again. "As I said, there was a few things I wanted to say to you. We've never really seen eye to eye but we both have an honor code. I wished to thank you ..."
"Thank me for what?" Hiei knew his silence up to now has been uncharacteristic of him. This was usually the point where he would make a scathing remark about the ningen and would provoke the youth. However, today's show has provoked his curiosity and now he wondered what the ningen would say to him. After all this will be last time he would have to deal with him.
For a minute, Kuwabara looked as if he was trying to swallow some broken glass before a look of resignation came over him. "You've never altered how you acted towards me, or made excuses. You never made false claims of friendship or jumped between acting like a friend one day then insulting me the next. I know that whenever you helped me train or in a battle, it's not because of friendship but due to the fact we were allies on the same team. Truth is, with you I didn't have to worry about how you would act towards me. You never made excuses for not liking me and refused to pretend to do so. So I wanted to thank you for that brutal truth. "
While Genkai, Kurama and Yukina smiled at Kuwabara's show of unexpected maturity, Koenma and Botan were flabbergasted and Yusuke's jaw dropped. Hiei allowed a small grin to appear but stayed silent. He could tell that Kuwabara had more to say.
"I've often insulted you right back. Sometimes they were justified and sometimes not. Since this is most likely the last time we'll see each other, I'm going to say sorry for the times I insulted you that were uncalled for." Kuwabara mentally kicked himself again and wanted so much to throw his foot in his mouth and choke. But this may be the last time they meet and he wants to prove to Hiei that he wasn't a idiotic child. There are times when Kuwabara Kazuma can act mature. "I know you're a master swordsman. You've got more years experience with the sword than I've been been alive. I just get tired of you comparing me to how you are now. That's a moot point since you're several hundred years old and I'm only one and a half decades. I also apologize for that one time when I said your sister must be just like you, a short, arrogant and annoying. I know she's not. Well, she is short but sweet."
At that, Hiei's eyes widen in shock. "How do you ... You couldn't know that!" A silent glare was shoot at Botan who ran behind Koenma as Hiei ignored her claim that she never said a word.
While facing Hiei, Kuwabara's eyes glowed once more. Telepathy would ensure that a private conversation would main private . *I know that it's Yukina. I've known since I first met you that you had a sister named Yukina thanks to a vision of why you first came to Ningenkai. When I saw the video of Yukina being held prisoner, my awareness told me two things. One is that the red string of destiny ties me to Yukina and her to me. The second was that she's the same Yukina that is your sister. And no, I've not told her this. That is your responsibility. Beside, I think she already suspects you as her brother.*
*Impossible!* Glaring at the ningen, Hiei tried to dismiss his claims. *If you or Botan haven't told her then how would she know?*
Rolling his eyes at the fire demon's arrogance, Kuwabara decided to give the clues that suggested that Yukina does indeed suspect Hiei is her brother. *She knows that her brother is a fire demon. When she came to the Dark Tournament, she said that she had clues saying that her brother was competing in it, yet once she arrived, did you see her looking for her brother? No, she stayed near us. She just told you about Ruri knowing about her brother when he was born. She just now chose you to give her necklace to and asked you to look for her brother. Not Kurama or Urameshi, both had previously said they would help her where you have not. She asked you. Before you say so what, go look in the mirror. Those red eyes are identical to Yukina's. I bet you had that hairstyle all your life, even when you were born. Top of the hair sticks straight up and there's that white stripe that zig-zags in the bangs. And I bet that Ruri would know how Yukina's brother would have looked like at birth. That's very distinctive look, Hiei.*
Hiei couldn't think of any biting words to respond with as Kuwabara turned away. As he walked off, three members of the Spirit Defense Force team arrived. Out of the corner of his eye, Hiei looked at his sister, noticing the look of acceptance and sadness in her eyes. 'Does she know?'
In a short amount of time, the Spirit Defense Force opened the portal to Makai. No words were exchanged as Yusuke jumped through, followed by Hiei a few minutes later. The portal would land them in a neutral area. They both would still have several days of travel before reaching the two different realms. As quickly as the portal was opened, it was closed once again. The captain walked over to where Kurama and Kuwabara stood. "Very well, we are finished for today. We will meet you here in two weeks Kurama, to send you back."
Kuwabara was surprised when the captain turned around to regard him. So far they have only paid guarded attention the the demons. "Kazuma, heir of Clan Kuwabara, King Enma knows that it was you that created the Jigen Tou and therefor it could have been only you that cut the barrier." The captain raised a beseeching hand to Koenma that rushed to Kuwabara's side in fear that the Spirit World Defense team may try to arrest Kuwabara. "I mean no harm, Koenma-sama, nor are we to arrest this youth. However, you know that such a power cannot go unharnessed or unsupervised."
With narrowed eyes, Kurama stood ready to defend his ningen friend if need be. "What do you suggest? And if you mean no harm, why did you wait until Yusuke and Hiei are gone to make a move? You must know that it would be suspicious."
"I waited because Urameshi Yusuke has a horrible temper and may not have waited for me to explain the details." With a wave of his hands a silver briefcase appeared. It was identical to the one that Botan carried, one she identified as Yusuke's detective kit. "Kuwabara has demonstrated his nobility and desire to protect Ningenkai. He has given aide to the previous detective Urameshi Yusuke without being bribed or coerced into doing so."
Koenma's jaw dropped as his eyes widened with disbelief. "Are you suggesting what I think you are, captain?"
"What? What are you talking about here, Koenma?" This sudden turn of events has completely confused Kuwabara. He had suspected that Spirit World may want to arrest him for cutting through the barrier. But usually if you're getting arrested, they don't say praises of your previous performance or give you the equipment of a high ranking job. 'But then that would be a way to keep tabs on me. Especially if Koenma's fall from his father's favor means he wouldn't be in position over the detectives.'
Clearing his throat, the captain brought the attention back to himself. "We could have arrested you for breaking the barrier, Kuwabara. However on looking at your prior actions and the circumstances involved, we decided that would be a waste of potential. Instead, it was decided to offer the choice to become the newest Spirit Detective. You will be required to train even more than Urameshi ever went under. You can train some here with Master Genkai but you will be required to train in Spirit World as well. Reason for that is due to the Jigen Tou will need special training for you to control it. Do you willingly accept the appointment as Spirit Detective?"
With narrowed eyes, Kuwabara regarded the captain and his ---offer. "You say it like I have a choice. So tell me do I really have a choice or if I decline would you arrest me? Somehow I don't think you're really giving me a choice."
"I agree. I remember when I was arrested and offered probation. The wordings are different but the underlying meaning is quite similar." By now Kurama had his rose whip out and coiled in his hand, ready if need be.
A sweat drop rolled down the side of his face as he denied the kistune's accusations. "I assure you that we are not to arrest Kuwabara -- if it can be avoided. But you have to understand that the Jigen Tou is such an immense weapon that we cannot allow it's wielder to go untrained."
"Untrained and unsupervised. This is merely Spirit World's way keeping tabs on me." Kuwabara grumbled to Kurama.
"You must admit that untrained, you make a very appealing target to many youkai. You are a powerful psychic that is not classically trained. You have a new and dangerous weapon that can cut through the barrier that blocks the path for A and S class youkai. If they learn of the Jigen Tou, they could send several C class demons to capture a friend or family of yours Kuwabara, to make you work for them and cut through the barrier again." The captain explained the fears as quickly as he could.
"You said that he can do some training here with me. Then train more in Spirit World. With whom would he train with?And to whom would he report to as a Spirit Detective since Koenma is not in his father's graces?" Genkai's quiet but firm voice demanded attention and no one dared ignored her, not even the defense team members. "You must realize that he would think twice before reporting to Enma since he so easily ordered the execution of Urameshi Yusuke simply because of a distant bloodline was activated."
"We have thought about such circumstances. Members of the Defense team, including myself, would help Kuwabara train, especially with the Jigen Tou. After much deliberation, King Enma has finally decided that the punishment for the prince for his rebellion is that he would be directly responsible for Kuwabara. You would not have any other duties except overseeing Kuwabara in both his training and his duties as a detective. Is this acceptable?"
*We don't have much of a choice do we, Koenma?* Kuwabara startled the exiled prince when he telepathically contacted him. *What would happen if we don't accept?*
Instead of replying telepathically, Koenma addressed the captain. "If we do not accept, you have orders to arrest us, correct?"
"If you refuse, I have orders to place both of you under house arrest. It's better than a cell but not as good as walking under the Ningenkai sky, correct?" A small smile flirted across the captain's face. "Think of it this way, my prince, you always hated the massive amounts of paperwork that is involved when you fill in for your father. This way, for a short time, the only paperwork you have to worry about will concern Kuwabara, his training and missions. As for you Kuwabara, think of this as a way to get training. You will receive training not only for your spirit energy but train to harness you awareness as well. And we will help you master the Jigen Tou."
With one shared look between them, Koenma and Kuwabara made their decision.
"I accept."
~~~TBC~~~
I made King Enma into a jerk in Dark of Night, so in this one I'm going easy on the big guy and make him a concerned father instead of a tyrant. But he's still a king so he has to deal with this situation. I wanted him to be a good but stern father figure in this.