I found it hard to believe it had been two years since the Demon World tournament. What was even stranger was the peace I've experienced since then.
I've been working for my stepfather at his firm. It isn't nearly as exciting or as adventurous being Shuichi Minomino as it was working with a Spirit Detective, but I enjoyed the peace and calm my human life brought me... mostly.
I still travel to Demon World on occasion. My friends Chu, Jin, Rinku, and Touya have relocated there to train with stronger apparitions.
Twice I have visited with Hiei and on the second occasion even met with Mukuro, who provides very stimulating conversation. Hiei seems to have found some purpose again and, even though he'll never admit this to anyone, cares deeply for the former ruler.
As for my human friends (or in Yusuke's position half human) they have all found their calling. Kuwabara and Keiko will both be attending university in the fall. Kuwabara wants to become a doctor, he says Yukina inspired him to want to heal people, though I believe Yusuke originally planted that seed. Keiko wants to become a therapist for troubled youth. All of her dealings with Yusuke give her plenty of experience. Yusuke gave up on university, though he did finish high school thanks to Keiko and Kuwabara's help. He worked very hard to pass the exams. He spends more time than ever at Genkai's temple, helping to merge demon and human alliance. Many of Raizen's old friends have visited him there. In just two years it has become a safe haven for demons new to the human world.
Enki's law still stands, there have been very few disturbances in the living world caused by demons. While Hiei remains a part of Demon World's patrol; Yusuke, Kuwabara, and I have helped with the few squirmishes on the living world side.
Koenma and Botan went back to Spirit World, Botan visits as often as her ferry duties allow her. Koenma has decided that the Spirit Detective program be removed until such a time where it is needed again.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, after years of waiting, Yusuke and Keiko are engaged. Although you would be hard pressed to get them to agree on who really asked whom. I prefer to stay out of that argument.
I have the honor of being one of the groomsmen at the wedding. Kuwabara is to be the Best Man, and Yusuke and I are traveling to Demon World today so he can ask Hiei to be a groomsman as well. Plus, Yusuke would like to extend invitations to his other demon friends.
I was to meet Yusuke at Genkai's Temple where we would then travel through a portal.
Yukina and Genkai were waiting outside, Genkai meditating and Yukina releasing short bursts of energy, turning a bowl of water into ice.
"Hello Master Genkai, Yukina", I greeted with a small wave.
"Kurama! It's so nice to see you again!" Yukina is such a happy natured creature. I often wondered what Hiei would be like if he was not shunned as a baby.
"Kurama. I supposed you're going with Yusuke then? . Genkai did not even open her eyes.
"Yes, I confess, I'm looking forward to returning." I truly was. While I enjoyed living here with my human family, I will always be a demon and demon world is home to the Youko part of me.
"Do you think it will actually work?" Genkai asked, referring to Hiei.
I lowered my gaze, "While Hiei does not like being in living world, I do not believe he hates humans any longer. And, in his own way, he does care for Yusuke, even perhaps considers him a friend."
Yukina frowned "I hope Mr. Hiei comes back, I would like to see him again."
And Yukina just may have provided the best way to convince the fire demon to come. "Do not worry, Yukina, I'm sure he would like to see you again too." I put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Kurama, about time you got here."
I turned to the door where Yusuke stood, a gleam in his eye and a smirk on his face.
He jumped to the ground "Grandma's been hounding me about training for the next tournament. If I had to listen to one more lecture-"
"You'd still be a dimwit who never listens." Genkai finished for him.
I expected Yusuke to get angry, but instead he just smirked at the little old woman "Yea, probably. Well, let's get this show on the road!"
Yukina blinked "what show?"
While Yusuke explained yet another human phrase to the ice apparition, I pondered our quandary. Would Hiei accept Yusuke's initial invitation? And, if not, would Yukina's wish be enough to convince him? Or would he still maintain his distance "for her own good"?
