Prologue

People shouldn't travel consistently. Shouldn't some people stay in one place for some time? Have some grounded life that doesn't mean moving all the time? I moved, a lot, maybe that's why I feel like people needed to be grounded at some point. Let's reflect my not-so-settled life.

-Las Vegas (Born there, never raised there)
-Arkansas (Raised until 2-3)
-Kentucky (Where I spent most of my time, and currently stay)
-Washington (The state, where I lived till I was about 5-7)
-Las Vegas(Yes, the place I was born, I couldn't stay away. 7-10)
-Kentucky(From 10 to now, which is 15.)

Coming from so many different places, who really had time to make friends and keep them? As a kid I didn't really understand how bad it was. I just believed that people just didn't like me, and only let me play with them because they felt sorry because I was the loner. Maybe some weren't really just pitting me; I did have a few true friends who like me (I think) so things wouldn't be totally atrocious. The more I think about it, I wonder if it was the way I looked.

Was it my blonde hair, how even if it was a very golden color, my mother had this obsession with cutting it just too short. Later I would prove how much I hated having bangs when I would take that matter into my own hands. I had blue eyes, and she always said that they were just beautiful, but I wanted something like green or even hazel eyes.

I had really fair skin, the type of skin color that would tan to a point before getting burnt and then peeling. I also had a mild acne problem as a kid, strange I know, but dear Lord there really was no break for me at this point. I was also a bit chubby in the cheeks and belly (baby fat, no joke) so, I wasn't the ideal type or whatever. Being practically discriminated for whatever the hell it was, I had to turn to something that would comfort me. Since I was still a kid at the time, it was none other than my trusted TV. At night, when I didn't want to sleep or couldn't, I was sneak to my small T.V. And turn it on to Adult Swim.

It was the thrill of watching "adult" shows, but looking back on those shows I don't think they were really bad. I was too much of a kid to understand them anyway. At one point at night, a strange show would come on that I would soon take a liking to. I memorized their names, the good guys, and would always secretly hope to travel there to help them. It took a while to memorize the name of the show, because remember, I was about seven or so when I started to learn Japanese names.

The name, as I remember and my interest pops up when I hear it, was Yuyu Hakusho.

Twice in my life I fell to sadness after Y.Y.H. was canceled from Adult Swim and Tsunami, but soon I forgot about them, forever to be stuck in a reality that was harsh and cold. I was just so caught up in life that I couldn't remember the name, and from time to time I would remember a show about a dead guy that came back to life and, for some reason, a red headed guy that looked like a woman. In the 6th grade I found another love to watch, Naruto. With that happening I had another obsession to fill the hole I had. Going to the computer I'd written stories about the show, but let's not talk about how seriously demented and what lack of knowledge I had to actually write a story, until something funny caught my eyes one day.

I had read a story that sparked something familiar inside me. I kept reading, and reading, until at one point I was remembering certain things I thought I'd never remember. My heart flipped, my stomach started to roll around, and I was pretty sure I actually gasped (something I just don't do.) The introduction of Yusuke and his sarcastic ways and how he never seemed to care what others think, Kuwabara and his silly behavior, but always trying to be a good guy by sticking up for what he believed in. Kurama's intellect combined with his deadly nature and amazing poker face at times were fascinating for me, and Hiei's pissed mood but was one of the most awesome bad-asses I've known in my life. I finally found the show, the anime; I thought I'd lost forever. After a while I had lost interest in Naruto, and went back to my beloved Yuyu Hakusho, writing stories that I regretted later for their lack of making sense as well. Really, I came up with so many Ideas that I didn't care if it made sense or not, I just kept writing to the point of no return.

Growing up, I matured, and so did my writing ability along with the process of creating them. Everything was more elaborate and detailed now. Later in life, when I was thirteen or fourteen, I created a Fan Fiction account and left it unattended with no stories up. I felt pity when I found it and realized that I could at least make one story. A story no one would forget and would love. Or so I hopped.

Too bad I wouldn't be around to finish the story.

Chapter One: No Such Thing

"I'm so thirsty-"

"Man, this Capri-sun-no-artificial-flavors-or-colors-'Roaring'-Waters'-fruit-flavored-water-'Wild-Cherry'-flavored-with-other-natural-flavors' is really good."

Ah yes, that was Alex Marshall's way of basically making a joke out of something. The guy was a goof and a good friend since eighth grade. I remember the first couple of days he was new to the school well enough. I hadn't talk to him because I didn't know what he was like. He always wore black (and by always I mean those three days he was there it was nothing but black.) He always seemed quiet. I knew this because he was in all but three of my classes, and by this time we were still in the seven classes system. Near me, I'd always give him space, and I'd keep that way until the fourth day.

I was sitting next to Amber, a close friend since the seventh grade, who I might add only had two of the same classes with me and one of them with Alex. Luckily, that one class with me and him (make sense?) The subject of boys came up, like always, when it came to a question neither of us knew how to answer:

"Why are guys' idiots?"

Amber, being the way she was since she was basically blunt as could, decided to bring in Alex for the response. "Hey," turning to him suddenly, Alex looked up a bit surprised and brushed some of his black hair away from his face, but at the time I couldn't see his eyes.

"You're a guy, why do you guys act like douches?" Amber had an interested look on her face, but she was being serious whether people thought she wasn't. Alex could only blink while furrowing his eye-brows with a small smile on his lips when he answered. "Guys aren't really going to treat you nice at this age, says my mom, but there are some guys out there who aren't really bad. Don't give up hope." It threw us for a loop when he responded.

We continued to talk about it, and came to terms with what Alex had to say.

"Well, are you one of the good guys, or just sincerely an ass?" I asked him, leaned back with my legs crossed and my arms. My tone was light and it wasn't meant to be serious, the question was more of a rhetorical thing since I could tell that he wasn't that bad at all.

He finally looked at me, and I caught the greenest pair of eyes I'd have ever seen in my life. They were mossy, or maybe just plan forest green eyes. Whenever I saw them I melted and had to hold my breath for a bit before releasing.

"I'm a good guy; I just can't bring myself to be an ass."

That was the start of a wonderful friendship, and one of the longest crushes I've ever had in my life. Yes I dated others (let's not go there, please?) but usually I didn't find them anywhere as near as great as Alex. Amber found out quickly, and all she had to say was:

"Listen girl, if you two honestly like each other it's just fine and dandy, but If he hurts you though, I'll kick his ass."

Ah Amber, always there to have my back when life gets me down.

"Alex, do you not realize that-"

"Shhhh!"

"What?-"

"Let's be quiet!"

"..."

"..."

"I'm gonna punch you in the face."

We couldn't control our laughter after that, bursting out into fits of giggles and an occasional snort I tried desperately not to show. Unfortunately he had actually caught me doing a couple at times.

"Hey, there's my favorite laugh!" I tried calming down long enough to reply. "You do this on purpose, I know you do. Anyway it's late and unfortunately we have school."

My tone went down a bit, from the sadness of having to get up early and deal with favoritism and not so friendly teachers. Minus a good few teachers though, but still...

"Ahh, well, can I copy the homework for Mr. Shelton?" Scoffing I nodded before agreeing to it (considering he couldn't see me nod.)

"Thanks, Tay. Night!"

There was that moment when I wanted to say "No wait! I don't care let's talk more!" but I knew I wouldn't be able to do.

"Goodnight, Alex."

After sighing in defeat and ending the call I had nothing else to do. My homework was done, I didn't feel like doodling, and I was too tired to read anything. The next best thing was to just sleep, like I intended to do in the first place.

As I put down my cell phone a clap of thunder cause me to jump a bit before watching the lightning preform a strode light affect while growling at the lightning and thunder before sliding in the covers of my bed. There I felt safe and warm, even in the storm. The splashes of rain outside were what really interested me, well everything was, but I liked it the most. The rain would soon put me into a dream land of adventure, action, and classical romance, only not really. Sometimes I dream of random things, and sometimes I dream of things I can write and use as stories.

Tonight was the exception, because I wouldn't sleep very long. I would wake up to something strange.

Later

There was darkness at first; the sound of rain could be heard but not enough to wake me. It was the clattering of plastic against wood that startled me, and then the sound of an up-beat but raunchy Ke$ha song that broke through the darkness and slight silence (minus the storm). My attention was back to the harsh reality that my cell phone was ringing, and instantly my eyes snapped open while turning my body over to grab it off its charger. The song kept playing; I tried to ignore it enough to blink through my sleep to read the screen.

Private Number.

Typical, possibly a prank call from some classmate that thought it was funny to call someone this late at night. The anger rose in me quickly as I gathered my breath and squeezed my lips together in a pucker. Clicking the green little phone button, I held it to my ear and sighed out a hello.

"Evening,"

The voice didn't even sound like a classmate, not even close. The sound of his mature and, in a way, proper sent an unnerving child through my body to wake me up instantly. What was even creepier was the fact that the voice was vaguely familiar, like someone I've heard plenty of times but not enough to actually identify the person. I defiantly didn't like the sound of a smirk playing on his lips. All I knew was that this was a man, but I knew nothing more than that. My breath was speeding up quickly because I'm one of those paranoid people that kept on edge when there was even a slight possible danger.

"…W-who is this?"

God, please don't let this be a real like Scream movie. I do not want to be the first to die. Hopefully my skill of observing how to not get killed by a psychopath was very up to date and sharp.

"Soon, you'll find out. As of now, if you want to make it in time I suggest you get ready. You only have forty-five minutes before it closes."

I took the phone away from ear to look at the screen before looking back. Was this guy seriously… serious? Did I have "I'm gullible" tattooed on my forehead or something?

"Okay, listen. Don't ever call back, don't do anything you freak—"

"I'd consider what you say to me. The portal will easily be gone if you disrespect me."

…?

…!

Portal, as in one to another dimension, going to another world/universe to be stuck there in utter confusion, that kind of portal thing? Again, I had a troubling time to not look at the phone and repeat what I had said early.

"Portal?"

"Yes, a portal. Like I said, I'd start getting ready. Time is ticking away and it would be ashamed if you missed this opportunity."

"But—"

"I will call back in five minutes. Be ready by then."

The line went dead with that repetitive blank noise before I removed the phone from my ear. My mind was racing with the possibilities of the bad and good from this. The bad was that this was a prank all around, this guy was going to hurt me if I even though of trying to do whatever I did. What if I didn't do what he wanted? I mean, he could easily be watching me as I dress or if I'm sleeping.

That is to say if I will dress, of course.

Swallowing the bile that had arrived in my throat it didn't look like I had a choice. The thought of my family now worried me, and if this guy was knew where I could live as easily as he knew my number. He could hurt them, or even my friends, if I didn't comply. It was true; I didn't feel like I had a choice.

I reluctantly pushed myself out of bed while going through the laundry basket to pick out something I've already worn. Pulling out a pair of knee high shorts and a black tank-top where the straps in the back connected. At this point, I had just thrown my slightly faded red and black hair up into a high pony-tail while slipping on a pair of black flats whenever the phone started to ring once again. I answered breathless.

"Alright, I'm ready for… Whatever." I looked up to the ceiling while shaking my head.

"Good. Outside of your home, and across the street from the church, there is a graveyard. The graveyard contains a well there. That is where you're supposed to be."

This totally didn't scream hoax.

"What's my time limit?"

"What time is it?"

Looking at my phone to check the time, I replied; "Eleven forty."

A small pause before this man replied "You have twenty minutes. I'll speak to you once you've gone through." The line was dead.

Okay, you can call me impatient, crazy, sometimes selfish and even a bit vain when it came to my looks. However, you could never fully call me trusting of others. Everyone will take advantage of you at some point in your life, sometimes of the smallest things and then other times they take too much from you. Situations like this, I knew at that moment someone was screaming into the computer: "IDIOT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! YOU'RE SERIOUSLY GOING TO FOLLOW THIS GUY?" My answer to you is yes. My reasons were unknown at that time, but my goal was something… well, just something.

By this time I was able to sneak through the front door, knowing fully well that no one would be up at this time and that they were too dead asleep to acknowledge the sound. The storm had died down to just drizzle, but there was still thundering and heat lightning. I was "smart" enough to bring my only favored devices I cared for: IPod and cell phone. So either, get kidnaped/pranked by someone you knew or die from a possible lightning strike. Either were good possibilities. I didn't take my time going through my yard, considering it was fairly good sized yard and I also had to put in the very spacious church parking lot. By the time I had reached the street lamp where I could cross to the cemetery I was breathing heavily, and even more nervous. At the moment, I saw nothing but a few head stones in front where the light was brightest, but adventuring further I couldn't even tell where I was at. I had to pull out my cell-phone to see where I was walking.

After five minutes of walking to the middle of the graveyard, I noticed the well. The stones were placed in a square fashion instead of circular, and the tree planted right next to it covered most of the entrance. Looking around through the black, I only saw headstones… with dead people's names… for dead people… whom I was standing on.

In that moment I freaked out while looking around, scared and confused as to why I had followed the guys' directions. Cursing under my breath I shook my head and walked over to the well, trying to get under the tree for shelter. It'd be more reasonable to go home, but I was hoping that maybe this mystery man would call back. It didn't take long for me to notice that I didn't need him to call back. I didn't need him for anything at the moment because I found what I needed.

I found the portal.

Groaning, I felt smothered in my own clothing while turning on my back. I felt the dirt on the top side of my hands, the sunshine on my face trying to rid of the rain water. The sun was also trying to get to my eyes, but with them closed I wouldn't let it. It wasn't until I realized that those things shouldn't have been happening at that moment, did I allow myself to open my eyes and avert from the sun. Adjusting to the light, squinting, I noticed that the blurred figure happened to be a squirrel too close for comfort.

"Gah!" Flinging up from the spot I crawled back to watch the squirrel run away with its bushy tail trailing behind him up the nearest tree. I had to blink to take in everything around me. I frantically looked at the ever green forest with confusion; try to block the sun from my eyes by shielding it with my sleeve. I just didn't understand!

"What's going on!" I called out while sitting up and huddling over, grabbing my head in both hands and closing my eyes shut. I had to think of how I got here.

Okay, talked to Alex then went to sleep. Woke up…

I recalled the mystery man and how he directed me to go find a portal.

Went to look for it in the graveyard… the well… Oh! The well!

I snapped up while and stared straight ahead, shoulders finally relaxing enough where I could calm down. "Okay, Taylor, that's when noticed the blue swirly thing and fell in… and now that's when you've landed here!" Talking to myself in third person wasn't really out of the normal for me. I would do it whenever I couldn't understand what was going on in my surroundings. It was a copping mechanism. "There was something else…" I ran a hand over my face to wipe away the water and dirt now caked on. I knew something else was coming up, he said something about—

In the moment of scratching my brain for answers, a muffled sound of Ke$ha along with a vibration coming from my jacket pocket interrupted me. Looking at my pocket before pulling it out, I noticed it was the same private call crap. Answering I said nothing and waited for him to speak.

"This is the part where you finally learn why you're here." His voice seemed as ever calm which only caused me to question what he was going to say. "However, that is something that I'm going to change. I'm leaving you to make your choice from now on, but I expect thanks in the future."

"A thanks? You send me to the graveyard at night, lead me to a blue tornado that sends me to the morning and into a forest, and you want a thanks?"

"It's called a portal, and it's not just a forest. If you notice anything around you, you'll notice that up ahead you'll find a park where you can enjoy the day."

Looking to the side at the phone, but still attached to my ear, I looked back straight ahead before getting up and walking through the bushes. I kept walking until I heard a faint horn honking and the sound of laughter. This gave me motivation to keep moving until I came right out hear the outer-field of the park. It was a normal park, near a city where life continued in its normal day. It was like going into the city back at home, only there were more buildings.

"I see this, but I just don't really want to become a homeless kid."

A chuckle came from the other line, almost reminding me that I was still on the phone and that speaking my mind wouldn't be wise."

"You won't. All you have to do is follow the path the park leads and look around. I'm sure you'll find what you've been wanting at the end of the pathway. For the time being, I won't be making these calls for a while, not for a long time. You're on your own." Once again, the line went dead.

I won't bore you with how I managed to get to the place where I am, but I will tell you that it wasn't very fun. For the longest time, I wandered and wandered. Nothing more than that, but it wasn't until I noticed a girl roughly my age wearing a particular school uniform. It was blue, like the kind of blue that was a few shades off of indigo, but nothing too dark. You could obviously tell it was blue. Following her and her friend for some time I noticed they had a yellow scarf around the collar of the uniform. Brown shoes, a brown brief case. It all fit into a familiar outfit I wasn't quite sure I knew from.

I chanted to myself mentally "I know this, I know this, I know this." Like I really did, but every time I tried to place it from where I knew it from, it felt wrong.

So, I followed them. Like a creepy, wet, homeless looking stalker that I'm sure I look like, I followed them till my heart's content. My heart was very content once I noticed the school they had finally arrived to. In fact, my heart exploded with excitement, confusion, and a wild fan-girl like feeling I almost started to scream if it weren't for my hold my mouth shut. Those two girls entered the school, none other than, Sarayashki Junior High School.

I mean it was Sarayashki Junior High.

There was no mistake about it, considering the sign plainly read said school name, and the uniforms all fit together once I saw the boys. Why was it easier to piece everything together because of the boys' uniform? Well, a certain cat-lover always wore it. I wouldn't see why not. Just like that, staring at the people, looking at the sign that was in plain English for the Lords sake, it all made sense. Mystery man had a point whenever he said something about finding what I wanted. I did find what I wanted, and to be honest it was something that I wasn't going to forget.

But let's be realistic here; Japan could have easily had a similar school with the similar uniform. I'm not realistic though, I'm more of a dreamer than anything so to hell with it! This was Yusuke's school!—

Oh shit…

Oh, freaking shit…

At that moment, I was spontaneous enough to walk through the entrance while trying to ignore every ones wandering stares to me. If the school was real, who says that these characters—these idols of mine—weren't real as well? I knew I had to make sense of mystery man, and I knew that I was given a chance by mystery man to be here. I wasn't going to waste time by being petrified by surprise. I was going to find this Spirit Detective and get answers!

I was sneaky, a secret agent per-say, but I was doing well for not having experience in that department. I was able to go to the back of the school and find a back entrance. Less awkward stares if I came from the back. A janitor had just walked out, giving me the perfect chance to run and go in without getting caught. Once I was in I could feel that similar school atmosphere set in quickly. I would say that comparing schools from Japan and America, there were similarities and differences. Details that shouldn't really matter to me, and they didn't. Of course there was the difference of uniforms that made me stand out like a Goth kid stuck in a crowd full of preps and snobs. I wasn't Goth, or emo, but I did like the darker side of fashion so… I guess to them I could be.

Anyway, I was now wandering around the hallway, looking back and forth while progressing slowly to look into classes and down other hallways. I was earning more stares than I wanted, considering I probably shouldn't be seen. It would be strange. As soon as I spotted a girls bathroom and quickly proceeded to hide out in there for the time being. Walking in I looked under the stalls to make sure that no one was there. To my luck, there was no one, which meant that it gave me time to think of where to find the main character of this anime. Okay, Yusuke is the type to skip and he usually hangs out in like—oh, but I wouldn't even have time to finish that thought. The sound of the girls' bathroom door opening caused me to practically jump into the nearest stall and close it. I wasn't loud though, because the girls were chattering loudly and seemed to far deep into their conversation to notice me. I didn't have time to play spy anymore! I needed to find Yusuke!

"God, Urameshi though…"

Huh?

"I just still can't believe he's back."

"Yeah, I mean I just don't see how someone could fake their death like that."

Well, maybe I could play a bit more.

I tried to make myself comfortable by quietly sitting on the toilet, bringing my feet up so they wouldn't notice.

"Poor Keiko can't even see how much trouble he is."

I had to roll my eyes at that one. It was an understatement, but I also found that to be false. Understatement, because trouble found him in any shape or form and an insult because… well, I didn't like her tone whenever she used it, and she didn't have a say in what Keiko did or not. Which lead to the realization that… Keiko was, hello, real? Putting my hand to my forehead I almost felt like an idiot for not noticing they were talking about one of the main females of the show here!

"Keiko should know better than to hang out with such a delinquent like him. Always skipping class, hangout on the roof…"

Even in that moment of complete disgust from these snobby girls, I abruptly found moment happiness, thanks to the fact that they had given me a clue to where the Spirit Detective would be. I smiled to myself and waited for them to leave before flinging the stall door open and heading out of the bathroom and then… stopping. I didn't know where the hell the entrance to the roof could be. It was time to walk around like a homeless wandering kid again. This time, I was sneakier because I didn't want to raise alarm or have kids question me. That wouldn't really help me find Yusuke at all. After about ten minutes of sneaking around and sort of learning where things were at, I found stairs leading upward. Stopping in front of them I looked around before starting to go up and up.

If I was out of breath before from my nervousness, I was definitely out of breath by being nervous and running. Going up one more flight of stairs, I came upon a door. This door was painted a darkened beige color that made me think of melted vanilla ice-cream. My tummy was twisting in knots, I was sweating and very exhausted. The moment of pure truth was coming up next, but not saying that the school itself, along with Keiko, wasn't real. I just didn't see Keiko yet so going by the school alone would be silly. Now it was time to focus on what was in front of me, and what could possibly be on the other side.

With shaky hands I pressed on the door and opened it, thanks to its rectangular door knob. I wasn't loud whenever I opened the door, but I was hoping he would notice me before I notice him and speak up. Walking out into the sunshine I had to shield my eyes from its harshness. Once I was able to adjust the view came quite clear to me. You could see the city and busy lives of those still walking to work, the students who were coming in as well, which were just specks of blue and dark heads. It really was a pretty view on the right sunny day. After taking in the scenery I realized that, hello, I was looking for a freaking detective at the moment. Looking around, I didn't see anything but the emptiness. I walked around the corner of the miniature building to see if I could spot anyone. Then bam;

"Yusuke,"

Speaking his name came out so easily, that whenever he looked at me it seemed like he was expecting someone he knew.

"Urameshi?"

Authors Note: I'd like to thank KatsumiHeartsYou for being my beta reader and helping me fix this chapter! This is edited, so something's had changed! Hopefully the next one will be updated soon too! (But we have lives, so you know...) XO TAYLOR! :D Edited:
11/23/10: I'd like to thank Oddity Schmoddity for helping me solve a problem that will hopefully help my story get more reviews/reads! Thank you!
6/16/11: I've decided to redo ALL of Liar, Liar. If you read the second chapter, prepare to be completely confused because there are definite changes in the character and other characters. I wouldn't advise it, but if you're the type to rebel against what authors say just to see what it's like, be my guest. Hopefully, this will speed up my process in trying to update them! Please review? I'd appreciate it!