Author's Note: Hi everybody! As you've probably noticed already, this is my first fan fiction. And since it is my first, I'm going to do what all rookie writers do; I'm gonna thank some people.
First, I want to thank Ashlee, Erica, and Mary Kate, my three best friends. Like all teenagers, I've been going through some really rough times. It's been hard, but these three have helped to pull me through. Thanks a lot, you guys. It means a lot.
Second, I want to thank my family, for being supportive and there for me. You're the best!
And third, thanks to all of you who have decided to give my story a shot. Hope you enjoy it!
-Kurama'sGirl88
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho
It was evening. Kurama sat at his desk, tackling algebra as he listened to the rain drum against his window. Straightening up, he sighed. Homework was so dull. He sat back, letting his mind wander.
Suddenly, a sharp knock against his window jerked the fox from his thoughts. He walked over to the window, sliding it open. Rain gushed in, thoroughly soaking the carpet. Oh, great, Kurama thought, Mother will be so pleased to see this mess. His train of thought was broken, though, as a small figure tumbled into his room.
'Hello, Hiei,' Kurama greeted. Hiei grunted in reply as he climbed to his feet. He stood there, drenched from head to boot, adding further water damage to the floor.
'Would you like to dry off?' Kurama asked. He ventured into the hallway, coming back with a towel. Hiei dried off as best he could, and then sat on Kurama's bed.
'Well?' Kurama prompted. He sat back down at his desk. 'What brings you here on this fine night?'
'Ha ha, very funny,' Hiei snapped. 'Don't think I came here to see you. I only wanted to get out of the rain, understand?' (By the way, Kurama and Hiei are just best friends. You want something else, you read something else. Thanks!)
'Sure, whatever you say,' Kurama replied. He smiled as Hiei mumbled something under his breath. No matter how much the fire demon complained, Kurama knew that sometimes Hiei got lonely. And, hey, who couldn't use the company of a friend?
'Do you want something to eat?' Kurama asked.
'Fine, if that will stop your nagging.' Nevertheless, Hiei followed Kurama into the kitchen. Once again, Shiori was gone on a business trip. Kurama had the house to himself for two weeks. He quietly prepared a small snack.
'Now, really, why are you here?' Kurama pressed. When Hiei sighed, exasperated, the fox shrugged innocently. 'What? You always have a reason for coming.'
Hiei looked down at the countertop. He sat there for several long minutes, staring at nothing. Finally, he reached into his cloak. Tossing something on the counter, he turned away.
Kurama gasped. Lying there was a dagger. The hilt was gilded with roses. It was beautiful, but for one thing.
It was tinged with blood.
Kurama stepped back. He knew what this was. Long ago, when he had been Yoko Kurama, he had defeated an adversary named Hitoro. Hitoro was a master assassin. His trademark was a dagger, decorated with his target's emblem. To receive one was to be marked as Hitoro's next victim.
He had chosen Kurama.
Kurama leaned heavily against the counter. He was overwhelmed. 'But I defeated him years ago,' Kurama said. 'How could he be back? How?'
Hiei shrugged, helpless. 'I don't know,' he replied. 'I found that dagger stuck in your door. Kurama, what are we going to do?'
'Well, for one thing, you are not going to get involved,' Kurama demanded. 'And neither are Yusuke or Kuwabara.' Hiei glared at him.
'What! Your life is in danger and you expect your friends to let you handle this alone?'
'Yes.' Kurama sighed, running a hand through his long red hair. 'That's exactly it. It's my life on the line. Not yours or Yusuke's or Kuwabara's. I can handle this problem alone.' He locked gazes with the fuming Koorime. 'I would never forgive myself if something happened to you for my sake.'
'Don't be a martyr!' Hiei snapped. 'You act like we've never been in danger before! You're not the only one who's received cuts and bruises, Fox.'
'I'm not being a martyr,' Kurama replied. He sighed again, but this time in despair. 'You've never fought Hitoro. You don't know what he did the last time I faced him. You don't know what he can do. What he will do.'
Hiei was taken aback, surprised by the tone of helplessness that had crept into Kurama's voice. Kurama never sounded like that.
'It doesn't matter, Kurama,' Hiei said firmly. 'We're sticking with you till the end. Whether you want us to or not, we'll be there to help you.'
And with that, he was gone.
Kurama walked slowly back to his room, Hitoro's dagger clutched tightly in his hand. He dreaded the idea that the assassin had been resurrected. He fell onto his bed, turning so that he lay on his back. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about that fateful battle, all those years ago.
Flashback
'So, Yoko, this is it, hmm?' Hitoro lazily turned his dagger over in his hand. He glanced casually over at the kitsune. Yoko stood there, swaying, his long hair matted with blood, his clothes torn and bloody. A deep gash lined his cheekbone, and other such cuts covered his body.
'Yes,' Yoko panted. 'This is it.' He looked down at the floor. There, dead, lay Kuronue. Yoko swallowed hard in grief. His best friend had been killed. He had been murdered. And he died by Yoko's own hand.
'I'll kill you,' Yoko stated grimly. 'I'll kill you for what you did to Kuronue. For what you did to me.' Hitoro laughed.
'Oh, are you angry?' he taunted. 'Don't tell me the famed Yoko actually cared about someone else.' Yoko glared at the assassin. He pulled out a death seed. Faster than the eye could see, he launched the seed.
It struck Hitoro. With a cry, the assassin fell, dead before he hit the ground. Yoko smiled, but not with mirth. He turned, and, picking up Kuronue's body, left the cavern.
End of Flashback
That had been horrible. It was a fortunate thing that I found someone skilled in resurrection, Kurama thought. He had had Kuronue brought back to life. A year later, he was killed when the two had stolen the mirror.
Kurama turned over onto his stomach. He knew what he had to do. And he knew he had to leave soon, lest his friends followed him.
To be continued…
Author's Note: Well, I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter! The second one will be up soon. Sorry if it's too short for ya. I'm not sure how long the next one is, but I'm sure you're gonna like it. Please review! I'd love to hear your opinion. If you're gonna flame, be nice. Thanks to everyone!
