Hey everybody! I'm PinkFlamingo22 aka Lobsterblue22. I changed my name just
a few days ago and I am still getting used to it!
But that's not what I am here to talk about! As you can see I have started a new story called Trials of Love. This is a Kurama/Botan story, like my others. In this story Kurama and Botan start out as good friends. Then things between them develop into more. What there are unaware of is the fact that a demon queen is after Kurama for her own selfish reasons. Will they be able to stop her or will she tear them apart? (not physically!)
Hopefully this story won't totally suck! This is my first real attempt at a serious fic and if it does good it probably won't be my last! Oh! The other couples! Here they are!
Kurama/Botan (of course!) Yusuke/Keiko Kuwabara/Yukina Hiei/OC (who is she?!)
Ok, enjoy the story! And please review and tell me whether it sucks or not! If I get any names wrong or any other things that I might have messed up please let me know so I don't make the same mistake twice! I guess what I'm getting at is that I would really love to hear from you guys! Hell, I'll even accept flames! Anyways, read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho! But, I do own Rosko, Nyoko, and Suki!
Trials of Love *********** Chapter 1 ***********
Makai.
The Demon World.
Inhabited by cruel and unruly demons, Makai is the place of many people's nightmares. Maybe so many people fear Makai because of the chilling stories they hear about it. Or, perhaps, it's the reputation that many dangerous demons have created for themselves there that have people avoiding the demon realm.
One reputation especially has people afraid of Makai. That of Youko Kurama.
The infamous Youko Kurama is known everywhere far and wide for him and his thieving gang. They stole from anyone with anything that caught their interest. Even from Enma, the Lord of Reikai himself.
Youko Kurama's history was now a topic of discussion among a group of demons inside a small pub.
"Some people say he was some'in else. Ya know? Like a thing from beyon'." A large, burly demon said quietly. He was sitting at a table in a corner of the loud pub. Around him sat four other demons. One nodded his head in agreement.
"Yeah, ya know what? Ya know, one time, he looked at me," The demon said proudly. "He looked right at me. Gave me that look that says, 'I'll kill ya'."
"You're lyin'! I knew this one guy, hell of a good fighter an' all. Real tough. But, he got one look from Youko and 'BLAM'! He toppled o'er. Dead."
"No way. No one can kill someone by just looking at 'em. Right? It must have been one of his damn plants. He was slick with plants." One of the demons rationalized.
The wooden door to the pub opened, letting in the cool night air. Some demons turned to see who the new comer was. In stepped a tall man. He had shaggy, black hair with deep red streaks. His stormy gray eyes surveyed the inside of the pub before he stepped all the way in. The door slammed shut behind him. He spotted an empty seat at the bar and headed toward it.
"Why the hell are you doin' here, human!?" a demon yelled from across the room.
The man turned toward where the voice came from. A greasy looking demon rose up out of his chair.
"You heard me! What are you doing in here, scum?"
The man's cool gaze landed on the demon.
"What? Are you too scared to talk?"
In one swift movement the man grabbed an empty bottle off of the table next to him, broke it on the side of the table and threw it at the greasy demon. The broken bottle stabbed into the demon's throat. A dark liquid poured from his neck and he made a gurgling noise. Everyone in the pub watched as the demon slumped down onto the floor. They looked back at the man, half in wonder, half in fear.
Saying nothing, the man continued on his way to the empty seat. He ordered a drink and conversation started to buzz again.
The five demons at the table started talking again too.
"Now Youko Kurama was slick, just like that guy."
"I wonder who would win, if those two was to fight."
"Youko Kurama would win. No doubt 'bout it." One said cockily.
"Did someone say something about Youko Kurama?" came a new voice. The demons turned to see who it was. An older demon stood behind them, interest sparking in his eyes.
"Yeah, what if we did?"
"I seen him. I did. Not too long ago." The demon said, ignoring the annoyance in the demon's voice.
"Bull shit. Youko Kurama's been dead for over a decade now. You were prolly just drunk."
"Naw, he ain't! I seen him! I swear! It was at that big tournament! The Ankoko Bakujutsu."
"He wasn't in that tournament. 'Cuz he would'a won, ya see? That team of Koenma's humans won." The demon spat out, disgusted.
"But that's just it! He was one of the fighters on that team! I seen him in the mist."
"Yeah, in the imaginary mist you thought up whiles you were drunk." One mumbled.
"Wait, wait, do ya mean that mist that surrounded that one fighter during his fight? When no one could see what was goin' on?"
"Just the same! He was in there! There was a spot where the mist was thinner, and I swear I could see his silver hair and piercing gold eyes. It was him I tell ya!"
"But, if it was him, where'd he go to?"
"He's gotta be that red-headed human. It's gotta be his disguise." The old demon said, almost in a whisper.
"Why would the great Youko Kurama hide in a disguise? Especially as a human?"
"I don' know, but I do know what it is I seen!"
"You just keep on making up crazy-ass stories. Get out'a here, ya drunk!" one yelled.
The old demon walked away, shaking his head. The table of demons started discussing something else. Little did they know that every word that they said was hear by someone else. That included the old demon's ranting about seeing Youko Kurama.
The tall man was listening. He wouldn't have, but their topic was of some interest to him.
'So Youko Kurama isn't dead as everyone believes.' He thought bitterly to himself. 'Nyoko will be very interested in this. Very interested.'
The man got up, slapped some money on the counter to pay for his drink and left just like he came in. No saying a word.
"That's one weird guy there." A demon said as the door shut again.
*~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~*
It was mid-morning on a beautiful spring day. With the sun shining and a light breeze blowing people had left their houses to get out and spend some time in the outdoors.
Kurama was one of those people.
He didn't like to be cooped up inside and he missed being able to run free in nature. His mother and stepfather were off on a family camping trip with his younger brother, Shuuichi. Kurama had wanted to along also, but couldn't. They were scheduled to leave last night, and be gone for ten days, which wouldn't have worked out because Kurama had exams all week and he didn't want to be behind in school.
So, Kurama had the house to himself for the next week.
Normally, teenagers would be planning huge parties and inviting friends over, but not Kurama. He wasn't interested in things like that. He liked the peace and quiet.
Today was Saturday, and with nothing better to do, Kurama decided to take a walk. The weather was perfect for him. Not too hot, and yet not too cool. He started heading off towards the park.
'I wonder what the others are doing today.' Kurama thought.
Surely Hiei would be off sleeping in a tree somewhere or watching after his sister, who is always at Genkai's. Yusuke was probably out doing something with Keiko, against his will. Kuwabara would either be in the arcade or visiting Yukina.
'That would make Hiei's day.' Kurama thought with a small smile.
Botan would be ferrying souls, as is her job. Kurama frowned as he thought this. Botan was always so cheery and fun to be around. It must be hard for her to do such a job. It was a mystery how Botan dealed with it. She never once seemed upset over having to ferry the dead to Rekai.
It had been a while since Botan had come to spend time with the gang. She contacted Yusuke sometimes just to check up on him. She always told him that she was busy in Rekai. Koenma was to thank for that. Kurama frowned deepened. Koenma shouldn't work his ferry girls so hard. The rest of the gang agreed with him, seeing how that had been discussed quite a few times.
Kurama entered the park through the gates. He could hear kids laughing while they played tag. A father was teaching his son and daughter how to fly a kite. There was a young couple holding hands while walking down the path. They held such love in their eyes for each other, Kurama could see. Somewhere a dog barked happily.
Kurama made his way to where the small pond was located. Next to it was a bench, one which he visited often to think. He sat down on the bench, which was unoccupied. In the pond there were a few goldfish swimming about the blue water. The copper glint from the pennies often thrown in the pond upon wish making made the pond seem to glow.
He watched as a fish swam around, having nothing better to do. Another fish swam up to it. The first fish swam away, but the second fish seemed to be chasing it. They raced around, chasing after each other in the pond.
"Cute, aren't they?"
Kurama turned with a jolt to see Botan's face smiling at him.
"Yeah, they are." He smiled in greeting and gestured for her to sit down. She did so.
"You know, I was just thinking about you." Kurama said, still watching the fish.
Botan looked at him somewhat confused and embarrassed.
"You were? Why?"
"Just thinking that you would be working, as usual, and the Koenma should give you some time off."
He shrugged and looked at her. He noticed she wasn't in her normal pink kimono. Instead she was wearing a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. Over that she wore a light gray, zip up sweater. On her feet were a pair of black flip-flops. Her hair was up in her usual bouncy ponytail.
"Oh, well, good news! He gave me the next four days off! Of course that was after I nagged him about it for days."
"That's great! Did you tell Yusuke and the others yet?"
"Well I was going to surprise you guys, but then I saw you sitting over here. Alone. And I thought you could use some company."
She studied him now. He looked perfect, which is normal for him. His hair didn't look mussed by the breeze. He was wearing khaki pants and a green, button up T-shirt. His shirt brought out his gorgeous green eyes and contrasted his hair nicely. He wore a pair of black and gray flip flops.
"Company is always welcome. Especially since my family is on a camping trip."
"Oh, really? Why didn't you go with them?"
"School work. We have exams starting next week and I didn't want to miss them."
"I see. So, how is school and everything going?" Botan leaned back against the bench. Kurama followed suit.
"Same as always. I have the perfect grades and teachers love me."
"And girls too right?" Botan added with a laugh. Kurama smiled.
"Yeah, the girls havn't stopped bugging me. If anything, it's only gotten worse."
"That must be frustrating."
"Sometimes it gets to me." He looked at her again and saw her still looking at the fish. If he was correct, she looked almost sad. "What do you say we go for a walk? Try and find the others maybe?"
"Sure, that sounds great!"
They started their walk back on the path Kurama was originally on.
"Has Kuwabara asked Yukina out yet?" Botan asked.
"No, Hiei has pretty much threatened him with everything under the sun if he does."
"Hiei should see that it's for that best. I mean, if he wants his sister to be happy he should leave them be."
"I've tried to tell him that, he doesn't listen."
"Hiei needs to find himself a girlfriend."
Kurama looked at her with wide eyes. Botan laughed.
"Seriously! That way he could see and understand that it would be good for Yukina!"
"Ok, I guess that makes sense. I just don't see Hiei with a girlfriend. Ever."
"Oh, please! What about you? Is there a special someone you have your eye on?"
Kurama blushed a little.
"No, not really. It's kind of hard when all the girls in my school are obsessed."
"Good point."
They walked together in a now akward silence. Then, they both saw the huge dog running staight at them. Kurama reacted, but not fast enough. The brown and white dog practically tackled Botan to the grass and began licking her face.
"Botan! Are you ok?"
Botan was laughing and trying to avoid the dogs tongue, unsucessfully.
A man ran up to them and sighed.
"I'm so sorry! He just away from me and took off running. I hope he didn't hurt you." he said while trying to pull the dog off of the fallen Botan.
"It's ok. I'm fine." Botan reassured the man as Kurama helped her. She dusted off the seat of her pants.
"Are you sure?" Kurama asked, concered.
"Yes. And what is this handsome dog's name?" she said squatting down to pet him.
"Benny. He's just so big and has so much energy. I am really sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I'm fine and I never mind getting doggie kisses!"
"Honey!?" a girl called from a few yard away.
The man turned around and waved.
"Sorry again. I got to go and get this beast back on his leash. Come on Benny." The man struggled with the dog, only having a hold on the dog's collar.
"Well. That was fun! What a dog!"
Kurama laughed.
"Yeah. That was a pretty big dog. Are you positve you ok?" Botan sighed.
"I'm fine, just a sore backside. Stop worrying!"
"Ok. How does pizza sound to you?"
"Hmm...I'd say it sounds great!" Botan smiled.
The two started on their way to the pizza place, talking like old friends normally do.
*~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~*
WHOA! It took me like three days to finish this! (only b/c I got lazy halfway through!) Well, that the first chapter, in what I hope to be a great fic! And I really, really hope you guys think the same!
So, did I leave you wondering about that guy in the bar at the beginning? Hmmm, who could he be? You'll find out next chapter for sure!
Please review if ya liked it, if you hated it, if you found some mistakes. I hope I got the name of the tournament right! Please tell me if its wrong! Well, hope you enjoyed the first chapter in Trials of Love. Stay tuned for updates!
PinkFlamingo22
But that's not what I am here to talk about! As you can see I have started a new story called Trials of Love. This is a Kurama/Botan story, like my others. In this story Kurama and Botan start out as good friends. Then things between them develop into more. What there are unaware of is the fact that a demon queen is after Kurama for her own selfish reasons. Will they be able to stop her or will she tear them apart? (not physically!)
Hopefully this story won't totally suck! This is my first real attempt at a serious fic and if it does good it probably won't be my last! Oh! The other couples! Here they are!
Kurama/Botan (of course!) Yusuke/Keiko Kuwabara/Yukina Hiei/OC (who is she?!)
Ok, enjoy the story! And please review and tell me whether it sucks or not! If I get any names wrong or any other things that I might have messed up please let me know so I don't make the same mistake twice! I guess what I'm getting at is that I would really love to hear from you guys! Hell, I'll even accept flames! Anyways, read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho! But, I do own Rosko, Nyoko, and Suki!
Trials of Love *********** Chapter 1 ***********
Makai.
The Demon World.
Inhabited by cruel and unruly demons, Makai is the place of many people's nightmares. Maybe so many people fear Makai because of the chilling stories they hear about it. Or, perhaps, it's the reputation that many dangerous demons have created for themselves there that have people avoiding the demon realm.
One reputation especially has people afraid of Makai. That of Youko Kurama.
The infamous Youko Kurama is known everywhere far and wide for him and his thieving gang. They stole from anyone with anything that caught their interest. Even from Enma, the Lord of Reikai himself.
Youko Kurama's history was now a topic of discussion among a group of demons inside a small pub.
"Some people say he was some'in else. Ya know? Like a thing from beyon'." A large, burly demon said quietly. He was sitting at a table in a corner of the loud pub. Around him sat four other demons. One nodded his head in agreement.
"Yeah, ya know what? Ya know, one time, he looked at me," The demon said proudly. "He looked right at me. Gave me that look that says, 'I'll kill ya'."
"You're lyin'! I knew this one guy, hell of a good fighter an' all. Real tough. But, he got one look from Youko and 'BLAM'! He toppled o'er. Dead."
"No way. No one can kill someone by just looking at 'em. Right? It must have been one of his damn plants. He was slick with plants." One of the demons rationalized.
The wooden door to the pub opened, letting in the cool night air. Some demons turned to see who the new comer was. In stepped a tall man. He had shaggy, black hair with deep red streaks. His stormy gray eyes surveyed the inside of the pub before he stepped all the way in. The door slammed shut behind him. He spotted an empty seat at the bar and headed toward it.
"Why the hell are you doin' here, human!?" a demon yelled from across the room.
The man turned toward where the voice came from. A greasy looking demon rose up out of his chair.
"You heard me! What are you doing in here, scum?"
The man's cool gaze landed on the demon.
"What? Are you too scared to talk?"
In one swift movement the man grabbed an empty bottle off of the table next to him, broke it on the side of the table and threw it at the greasy demon. The broken bottle stabbed into the demon's throat. A dark liquid poured from his neck and he made a gurgling noise. Everyone in the pub watched as the demon slumped down onto the floor. They looked back at the man, half in wonder, half in fear.
Saying nothing, the man continued on his way to the empty seat. He ordered a drink and conversation started to buzz again.
The five demons at the table started talking again too.
"Now Youko Kurama was slick, just like that guy."
"I wonder who would win, if those two was to fight."
"Youko Kurama would win. No doubt 'bout it." One said cockily.
"Did someone say something about Youko Kurama?" came a new voice. The demons turned to see who it was. An older demon stood behind them, interest sparking in his eyes.
"Yeah, what if we did?"
"I seen him. I did. Not too long ago." The demon said, ignoring the annoyance in the demon's voice.
"Bull shit. Youko Kurama's been dead for over a decade now. You were prolly just drunk."
"Naw, he ain't! I seen him! I swear! It was at that big tournament! The Ankoko Bakujutsu."
"He wasn't in that tournament. 'Cuz he would'a won, ya see? That team of Koenma's humans won." The demon spat out, disgusted.
"But that's just it! He was one of the fighters on that team! I seen him in the mist."
"Yeah, in the imaginary mist you thought up whiles you were drunk." One mumbled.
"Wait, wait, do ya mean that mist that surrounded that one fighter during his fight? When no one could see what was goin' on?"
"Just the same! He was in there! There was a spot where the mist was thinner, and I swear I could see his silver hair and piercing gold eyes. It was him I tell ya!"
"But, if it was him, where'd he go to?"
"He's gotta be that red-headed human. It's gotta be his disguise." The old demon said, almost in a whisper.
"Why would the great Youko Kurama hide in a disguise? Especially as a human?"
"I don' know, but I do know what it is I seen!"
"You just keep on making up crazy-ass stories. Get out'a here, ya drunk!" one yelled.
The old demon walked away, shaking his head. The table of demons started discussing something else. Little did they know that every word that they said was hear by someone else. That included the old demon's ranting about seeing Youko Kurama.
The tall man was listening. He wouldn't have, but their topic was of some interest to him.
'So Youko Kurama isn't dead as everyone believes.' He thought bitterly to himself. 'Nyoko will be very interested in this. Very interested.'
The man got up, slapped some money on the counter to pay for his drink and left just like he came in. No saying a word.
"That's one weird guy there." A demon said as the door shut again.
*~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~*
It was mid-morning on a beautiful spring day. With the sun shining and a light breeze blowing people had left their houses to get out and spend some time in the outdoors.
Kurama was one of those people.
He didn't like to be cooped up inside and he missed being able to run free in nature. His mother and stepfather were off on a family camping trip with his younger brother, Shuuichi. Kurama had wanted to along also, but couldn't. They were scheduled to leave last night, and be gone for ten days, which wouldn't have worked out because Kurama had exams all week and he didn't want to be behind in school.
So, Kurama had the house to himself for the next week.
Normally, teenagers would be planning huge parties and inviting friends over, but not Kurama. He wasn't interested in things like that. He liked the peace and quiet.
Today was Saturday, and with nothing better to do, Kurama decided to take a walk. The weather was perfect for him. Not too hot, and yet not too cool. He started heading off towards the park.
'I wonder what the others are doing today.' Kurama thought.
Surely Hiei would be off sleeping in a tree somewhere or watching after his sister, who is always at Genkai's. Yusuke was probably out doing something with Keiko, against his will. Kuwabara would either be in the arcade or visiting Yukina.
'That would make Hiei's day.' Kurama thought with a small smile.
Botan would be ferrying souls, as is her job. Kurama frowned as he thought this. Botan was always so cheery and fun to be around. It must be hard for her to do such a job. It was a mystery how Botan dealed with it. She never once seemed upset over having to ferry the dead to Rekai.
It had been a while since Botan had come to spend time with the gang. She contacted Yusuke sometimes just to check up on him. She always told him that she was busy in Rekai. Koenma was to thank for that. Kurama frowned deepened. Koenma shouldn't work his ferry girls so hard. The rest of the gang agreed with him, seeing how that had been discussed quite a few times.
Kurama entered the park through the gates. He could hear kids laughing while they played tag. A father was teaching his son and daughter how to fly a kite. There was a young couple holding hands while walking down the path. They held such love in their eyes for each other, Kurama could see. Somewhere a dog barked happily.
Kurama made his way to where the small pond was located. Next to it was a bench, one which he visited often to think. He sat down on the bench, which was unoccupied. In the pond there were a few goldfish swimming about the blue water. The copper glint from the pennies often thrown in the pond upon wish making made the pond seem to glow.
He watched as a fish swam around, having nothing better to do. Another fish swam up to it. The first fish swam away, but the second fish seemed to be chasing it. They raced around, chasing after each other in the pond.
"Cute, aren't they?"
Kurama turned with a jolt to see Botan's face smiling at him.
"Yeah, they are." He smiled in greeting and gestured for her to sit down. She did so.
"You know, I was just thinking about you." Kurama said, still watching the fish.
Botan looked at him somewhat confused and embarrassed.
"You were? Why?"
"Just thinking that you would be working, as usual, and the Koenma should give you some time off."
He shrugged and looked at her. He noticed she wasn't in her normal pink kimono. Instead she was wearing a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. Over that she wore a light gray, zip up sweater. On her feet were a pair of black flip-flops. Her hair was up in her usual bouncy ponytail.
"Oh, well, good news! He gave me the next four days off! Of course that was after I nagged him about it for days."
"That's great! Did you tell Yusuke and the others yet?"
"Well I was going to surprise you guys, but then I saw you sitting over here. Alone. And I thought you could use some company."
She studied him now. He looked perfect, which is normal for him. His hair didn't look mussed by the breeze. He was wearing khaki pants and a green, button up T-shirt. His shirt brought out his gorgeous green eyes and contrasted his hair nicely. He wore a pair of black and gray flip flops.
"Company is always welcome. Especially since my family is on a camping trip."
"Oh, really? Why didn't you go with them?"
"School work. We have exams starting next week and I didn't want to miss them."
"I see. So, how is school and everything going?" Botan leaned back against the bench. Kurama followed suit.
"Same as always. I have the perfect grades and teachers love me."
"And girls too right?" Botan added with a laugh. Kurama smiled.
"Yeah, the girls havn't stopped bugging me. If anything, it's only gotten worse."
"That must be frustrating."
"Sometimes it gets to me." He looked at her again and saw her still looking at the fish. If he was correct, she looked almost sad. "What do you say we go for a walk? Try and find the others maybe?"
"Sure, that sounds great!"
They started their walk back on the path Kurama was originally on.
"Has Kuwabara asked Yukina out yet?" Botan asked.
"No, Hiei has pretty much threatened him with everything under the sun if he does."
"Hiei should see that it's for that best. I mean, if he wants his sister to be happy he should leave them be."
"I've tried to tell him that, he doesn't listen."
"Hiei needs to find himself a girlfriend."
Kurama looked at her with wide eyes. Botan laughed.
"Seriously! That way he could see and understand that it would be good for Yukina!"
"Ok, I guess that makes sense. I just don't see Hiei with a girlfriend. Ever."
"Oh, please! What about you? Is there a special someone you have your eye on?"
Kurama blushed a little.
"No, not really. It's kind of hard when all the girls in my school are obsessed."
"Good point."
They walked together in a now akward silence. Then, they both saw the huge dog running staight at them. Kurama reacted, but not fast enough. The brown and white dog practically tackled Botan to the grass and began licking her face.
"Botan! Are you ok?"
Botan was laughing and trying to avoid the dogs tongue, unsucessfully.
A man ran up to them and sighed.
"I'm so sorry! He just away from me and took off running. I hope he didn't hurt you." he said while trying to pull the dog off of the fallen Botan.
"It's ok. I'm fine." Botan reassured the man as Kurama helped her. She dusted off the seat of her pants.
"Are you sure?" Kurama asked, concered.
"Yes. And what is this handsome dog's name?" she said squatting down to pet him.
"Benny. He's just so big and has so much energy. I am really sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I'm fine and I never mind getting doggie kisses!"
"Honey!?" a girl called from a few yard away.
The man turned around and waved.
"Sorry again. I got to go and get this beast back on his leash. Come on Benny." The man struggled with the dog, only having a hold on the dog's collar.
"Well. That was fun! What a dog!"
Kurama laughed.
"Yeah. That was a pretty big dog. Are you positve you ok?" Botan sighed.
"I'm fine, just a sore backside. Stop worrying!"
"Ok. How does pizza sound to you?"
"Hmm...I'd say it sounds great!" Botan smiled.
The two started on their way to the pizza place, talking like old friends normally do.
*~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~*
WHOA! It took me like three days to finish this! (only b/c I got lazy halfway through!) Well, that the first chapter, in what I hope to be a great fic! And I really, really hope you guys think the same!
So, did I leave you wondering about that guy in the bar at the beginning? Hmmm, who could he be? You'll find out next chapter for sure!
Please review if ya liked it, if you hated it, if you found some mistakes. I hope I got the name of the tournament right! Please tell me if its wrong! Well, hope you enjoyed the first chapter in Trials of Love. Stay tuned for updates!
PinkFlamingo22