Chapter 2: Making New Friends
The two young men ran, one laughing and the other shouting incoherently, the whole way. It was as if time had turned back and they were fourteen again; chasing each other seeing who could beat the other up first. Racing up the long stone steps, their fun memories halted with their steps as they stared at the figure sitting on the front step of the old temple. Long red hair splayed around his body, down his back and around the slender shoulders. Kurama looked like he hadn't changed since the first day they met, and yet, everything about him was different. Emerald eyes glimmered faintly in the afternoon sun as they watched a little child run around in the yard, skipping on the stones around the pond, all the while chasing after the pretty blue and white ball that had bounced out of her little hands.
Once she reached the ball, she bent down to pick it up. She brushed it clean of the dead leaves and twigs that covered it, and ran back to the red head as fast as her little legs could carry her. "Uncle Kuwama!" She cried happily. "I got it back!" She reached him, lifting the ball high over her head. Her curly aquamarine hair was tied back into two pig-tails. Her nose then turned up as if she smelled something. Jerking her head around, her eyes lit up even more and she bounded over to the two new guests. The ball flew out of her hands and now lay forgotten as it rolled against the ground, stopping only as it bumped against Kurama's leg.
Two red amber eyes sparkled with delight. The two intruders soon broke from their stupor when Kazuma scooped the little girl in his arms. "Who's been a good girl while I gone?" Kazuma cooed, as he spun the girl in the air as if she were a glider. The little girl just laughed out loud as she cuddled herself against the tall man's strong chest. "I have Daddy!" She giggled aloud, and threw her petite arms around his neck. "That's my cute little Hinata!" Kazuma hugged his precious little girl.
No one seemed to notice as a slight look of longing flash across emerald eyes as they watched the touching scene play out. Kurama didn't even notice as Yusuke came over and plopped himself down near to him, and reclined back. "It's been a long time huh?"
Kurama didn't answer. He just adjusted his lean body so one swung down off the side over the ground, while the other propped up with his hand resting upon the knee. Yusuke couldn't help but stare. Something had changed. Kurama seemed thinner than he remembered. His clothes were baggy, not showing off that sexy slim figure, which Yusuke knew fox boy possessed. Even those captivating green eyes which always were calculating something before, now just looked like they were staring far off into another dimension or something. However, as usual, Yusuke did not like being ignored. Stretching his hand out, he waved it in front of Kurama's face, and luckily, Kurama blinked and turned his head to face each other.
"Sorry Yusuke, I was thinking." Kurama replied softly.
"Looked like you were dreaming but whatever," He wanted to help his friend but Yusuke also knew Kurama to be stubborn, if he didn't want to talk nothing was going to crack his shell. "It is kind of weird seeing Kuwabara as a father."
"I could say the same thing about you, Yusuke." Kurama faintly smiled.
Yusuke grinned seeing the smile cross the red head's face. He knew he was getting somewhere with the fox. He tossed his arm around Kurama's shoulders in a half hug, "That's right, Kazuma and I are two lucky bastards, and now we just have to get you with someone to have a bundle and the trio will be complete!"
It was at that moment, glimmer of the sun's reflection within emerald eyes faded completely. Kurama lowered his head, and quickly stood up, moving away from Yusuke. Stepping away, he turned back briefly, long red hair gliding over his shoulder and swaying past his slender hips. "I'm going to help Yukina and Keiko and see what else needs to be done for dinner. You stay here with Kuwabara and the kids." Yusuke could hear his voice getting lower and more tentative to speak.
"Kurama…" Yusuke called out, standing up as he watched his friend walk away towards the shadows of the temple's interior. He wanted to go after him, to talk about the mission, however, as soon as Kurama opened the door, a small dark blur dashed out from it, passed Kurama startling him frozen. Yusuke didn't see anything until he felt something clamp onto his leg. "Daddy! Welcome back! Can we eat now?"
Looking down, a wide grin spread across Yusuke's face. "Hey Yu! Have you been a good boy for mommy and Aunt Yukina?" Yusuke ruffled the little boy's short thick dark brown hair. "Yes sir! But mommy told me I can't bother them right now, and to ask you what I could do…" Little Yuichi pouted as he looked with big brown eyes at his dad. Kurama tried to hide a chuckle behind his hand as he saw Yusuke cave under the display of cuteness and pick up his son in his arms.
After a moment of glaring at Kurama, Yusuke returned his attention his little boy and gave a knowing smile. "I know what you can do. You can go keep and eye on your little cousin Hinata outside; do you think you can handle that?"
Yuichi nodded enthusiastically. He loved playing with his baby cousin. However, his face soon pouted again. "What do I get? I'm seven! I want something for my sewices!" Yusuke deadpanned and set Yuichi down. "You little brat; okay extra helping of dessert tonight." Yusuke then put his finger to his lips as if he was telling a secret to his son. "Just don't tell your mother who said that."
Hearing the word dessert did the trick, Yuichi clapped excitedly as he bounced up down. Yusuke was now regretting making the promise for extra dessert. The kid doesn't need more sugar.
Watching Yuichi dash off to play with Hinata and her father, Yusuke turned back his attention to Kurama. "Kurama," He stopped the red head from leaving, placing his hand on the other's shoulder. "I'm sorry if I said something earlier that upset you."
"Forget it, Yusuke, it's passed." Kurama's soft voice cut him off.
"Right." The usual comforting silence that surrounded Kurama normally was now making Yusuke a little uneasy to be around him. "Kurama, did you happen to talk to Koemna or Botan?" There was a slight hesitance before he answered, "Actually, Yusuke, I did. Koemna filled me on what's been happening. It sounds impossible. No demon or human has ever attempted this before."
"So you don't know who would be behind this?" Yusuke was kind of disappointed. He was almost sure; with Kurama's years as a Youko he could have had contact with this kind of situation or demon. Now, the grown spirit detective was just confused as to where to begin his investigation. When he was a kid, he relied on dumb luck to get him through. 'I guess I'll just have to rely on it again.' He thought. Then another thought struck him.
"Oh Kurama, have you seen or heard from Hiei at all, maybe he--"
Yusuke didn't get to finish as Kurama abruptly turned on his heel and walked away from Yusuke again. However, he stopped once again with his hand on the door. "Yusuke, Ningenkai has become my home, and I will protect it to whatever means necessary," This time his voice was deeper as though he was trying to suppress a secret that was dying to get out, "But please don't say that name in my presence again." With that Kurama disappeared through the door, leaving Yusuke in the silence with only the brisk cool breeze of early evening as it rustled with the branches in the high treetops, batting against the roof, while the stray leaves swirled around like they were dancing.
Yusuke sighed, realizing he wasn't getting far with this case now. Perhaps he should rely on his trusty dumb luck. It never failed him before. With a silly grin on his face, Yusuke turned heel and raced to where the fun was. Outside in the front yard, Kazuma and the children raced around chasing each other, laughing, without a care in the world. That was what Yusuke wanted, a world without worry of evil demons attacking innocent humans, especially the ones he loved.
The next morning found the two youngest members walking down the sidewalk, away from the Genkai temple, which little Hinata called home. Dressed in a dark green shorts and a dark blue hoodie, Yuichi walked along with his blue 'Spiderman' backpack securely strapped to his shoulders. He was happy mom and dad let him stay the night at Aunt Yukina and Uncle Kuwabara's house. All he had to do was promise to walk little Hinata to kindergarten. And that where he found himself now, with his hand gripped tightly holding down a joyfully skipping little blue pig-tailed girl, laughing and swinging their joined hands back and forth. She giggled as she skipped over each small crack. Her pink 'princess' backpack beat against her back, clothed in a pretty silk pale blue dress.
Just then something echoed through Hinata's sensitive ears. It was shouting. It was angry, but to a five-year-old mind, the loud incoherent noises blurred together, and that meant; a big party. Without thinking of anything else, Hinata pulled away from Yuichi's grasp and ran down the sidewalk. Startled, Yuichi hurried to race after the energetic child. Her parents were going to kill him if anything happened to her.
Finally, Yuichi caught up with her, grasping her wrist to pull her away and toward school. However, the noises had gotten louder, and the two small kids stared up at the tall apartment complex. The voices though were still unambiguous, but being as curious as they were, and keeping a firm hold on Hinata's hand, she and Yuichi followed the sounds.
They reached the third floor landing when they visibly flinched. "You no good brat!" The voice sounded angry. "We feed and clothe you! The least bit of gratitude you could show is to walk your sorry ass to school and back!" Hinata almostyelped out loud at the sound of a hard slap echoing through the walls. The door at the end of hall creaked open at that moment another voice, with a mocking laughter, that was louder came from inside. "See ya soon you little freak! And you'd better come straight home after school. Don't you dare get detention again!"
From around the corner, Yuichi and Hinata watched as a young girl, looking no older than Yuichi, stepped from the open door. Her short black hair and highlighted blonde bangs fell over her downcast face. Her hand rubbed her reddened cheek. She scowled as she kicked hard the door shut and walked away, not waiting for it to click shut. Her plain black backpack was slung over one shoulder. Her other hand shoved deep into the pocket of her black baggy pants. The fishnet tank top overtop of the black camisole did not hide the scars and deep scratches on her pale lanky arms.
Unknowingly, she didn't notice the kids' hiding spot and just passed by them toward the elevator down. Yuichi couldn't help but wonder about the earlier conversation. She didn't look dangerous, but there was a certain look that said 'stay away'. However, Hinata saw only the possibility of a potential new friend. With a grin from cheek to cheek, she skipped up to the girl and stood beside her in the elevator. Yuichi saw this and jumped to just barely make it before the doors closed. They stood in silence with only the faint elevator music to keep them company.
It wasn't until the trio got to the sidewalk out front that Hinata decided to speak her mind as she skipped alongside the older girl's quick strides. "That sounded like fun! Can I come over next time? I love parties!" Yuichi, on the other side of the girl, quickly hushed the little Kuwabara girl, telling her she was being rude. However it was that intrusion of the brooding silence that startled the girl and made blood red crystalline eyes widen in surprise. But it didn't last and she quickly lowered her head again and quickened her pace. She berated herself for being caught off guard so easily.
But no matter how fast she walked, the others matched her pace. She tried to ignore them, but they continued to hound her with stupid questions. Finally they had reached the front gates of the school and unfortunately, her breaking point as well. She burst out and stood firm, facing the two kids. "I don't know who you are," she shouted, her crimson eyes glowed, "Leave me alone! I'm not having a party and I'm not having fun. You guys are annoying! Just leave me alone!" She emphasized each word. Her voice was harsh as she desperately tried to hold back the tears, which stung her eyes. Not wanting anyone to see them fall, she turned away and sprinted off toward the school.
Even though she had left, her words still hung thick in the air. Hinata, afraid, clung to Yuichi, burying her face in his side. Yuichi, however, was watching the girl, his mind growing ever more curious about her. Just then the familiar chime of the school bell rang out warning them not to be late. Taking Hinata's hand, he gave her a reassuring squeeze before guiding the little sprite to her class building. They hugged and after he promised he would walk her home too, Yuichi rushed off praying he would make it to his own class in time.
"Look what the cat drags in!" "I think this is a new record!" The voices cheered Yuichi as he skidded through the doorway just as the chimes finished their final ring. Giving a 'thumbs up' and a big, silly grin, the boy struck a victory pose. However, it was cut short as a sudden giant hand clamped down firmly on his small shoulder. Grinning cheekily up at the firm yet level-headed teacher, Yuichi shuffled quickly to his seat. As the lessons proceeded, Yuichi looked to his left and realized the person seated next to him was the same girl as this morning. No wonder she looked familiar!
Biting his lower lip, Yuichi tore a small piece from his notebook and scrawled a short message. Then he crumpled it in his lap, like he was preparing the final pitch in a major baseball game, waiting for the opportune moment. Just then, there it was. The teacher had just turned his back to write down some notes and examples on the chalkboard. Yuichi cast the paper message ball at the girl, and silently cheered as it hit in the middle of her desk, startling her. She looked up to see who threw it and frowned at him when he waved shyly to her. They both turned back to pay attention to the rest of the lecture. Yuichi would just have to wait until break time.
Time couldn't have passed slower, but Yuichi was thankfully it was lunchtime as he grabbed his lunch sack from his bag. Uncle Kurama always did make the best lunches, even though they were mostly healthy vegetable meals. Yuichi never was able to thank him, for Kurama always left before Yuichi woke up. Keeping to his promise in his note, Yuichi wandered over to the girl's desk and straddled the chair in front of her desk so he faced her. "Hi again!" Yuichi had to start the conversation somewhere, "I'm sorry if my cousin or I said something that upset you. So can we start over?" Yuichi stretched out his hand in greeting, "My name is Yuichi Urameshi." The girl just stared warily at the hand as if it would bite. "What are you afraid of?" Yuichi grinned widely, in playfully teasing manner. The girl scowled, and as if accepting a challenge, took the offered hand firmly, "My name is Kamisori, happy? Now leave me alone." She shoved her nose back down into the notebook, which she was busily drawing on. "You like to draw? That's cool! I suck. I'm better at videogames." Yuichi rattled off proudly at his achievement. "Do you like videogames?" Kamisori nodded without looking up.
Their conversation carried on like that until the teacher came up to them. "Ms. Kamisori, I believe it's your turn to water the class flowers." Kamisori closed her book and stood up. Yuichi did the same and followed her to the back of the classroom. As she got closer, Yuichi was amazed to see the flowers suddenly start blooming. "Wow! You must have green aura or something!" Kamisori looked up as she picked up the watering can. She looked at him curiously. "You don't even have to touch the flowers to get them to look beautiful. I bet my Uncle Kurama would love you! Dad says he's got a green thumb!" Yuichi laughed as Kamisori continued her task of watering the plants. 'What an idiotic dreamer! No one would love me… who would love a freak like me?' Her thoughts reluctantly replayed this morning's memories.
"Hey Kamisori! Do you want to come over after school and play videogames? I bet I could kick your butt!" Yuichi ran over to Kamisori's desk at the end of the last class. "You're not going to leave me alone, are you?" Kamisori asked flatly. Yuichi just shook his head, an innocent grin plastered on his face. "No, I can't." "Can't or won't?" His grin remained. "Can't." She growled. Yuichi pouted cutely, "Come on. Just call your parents and ask them!" But Kamisori wasn't fooled easily and started to stand and grab her books to put them in her backpack. "Listen," Yuichi wasn't going to back down. "I'm going to take my cousin to her house then I'll take the bus back to your house and we can play there. Deal." "No!" Kamisori slammed her hand hard on her desk. "You can't come inside!"
Startled a little, Yuichi stubbornly stood his ground. "Too bad." His arms crossed over his chest as he blocked her way to the door. "I'm going to come over! I want to play more with you before I have to go home for supper!" Seeing no way around him, with her fingers trembling at her side, Kamisori slowly nodded her head accepting his offer. Seeing this, Yuichi grinned happily and raced out the building calling to her from across the front yard. "I'll see you later!" Kamisori just averted her gaze to her shoes and walked away from the school.
The next few hours seemed so long to Kamisori as she curled up in her bed. Her hands trembled as her eyes were glued to the neon red glowing letters of the alarm clock. Her numb fingers trembled each time the numbers changed. She couldn't believe she had let herself believe she had allowed herself to trust the kid, and yet here she was waiting for him to come over. 3:11. it has been over two hours since she last saw him. Kamisori silently thanked that the house was empty. She didn't want anyone especially her family to see her. However, her whole body shivered at the thought. She didn't want to be alone. Throwing her head into her pillow, she cried out, cursing her stupid weaknesses.
Suddenly, out of the silence of the darkened apartment, a rapid knocking came from the front door. Kamisori bolted her head up. Her arm threw back the tears that had rolled down her cheeks. With her hopes, she raced to the door, and threw it open as soon as she undid the lock. There standing outside, with a big silly grin on his face, Yuichi gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry I'm late. I'm bad at telling time."
Kamisori's small fist curled tightly at his side and her lips thinned. She wanted to cry again. She wanted to hit the stupid kid over the head. Instead, she moved aside and let him come inside. Yuichi took off his shoes. "I like your house. Thank you for inviting me," He bowed his head to her as they made their way down the hall to her room. "My mom says I can't stay out after dark. So I can only stay a few hours." Kamisori knew it. No one stays around her. They always leave her alone. She opened the door to her small room.
It was cramped, barely enough room to hold her single bed, much less her desk and a small TV and game console underneath. Kamisori stared at the room and just knew Yuichi was going to burst out laughing and mock it. However, a blur raced past her. She turned to see him dive for the Playstation 3, which she had received from her grandmother on her birthday. "Come on Kami! Let's play! And I swear if you win, I'll come over everyday until you lose." Kamisori stared shocked at him, but soon a smirk came upon her face. She never lost, and she never backed away from a challenge. She reached down for the other controller, and the kids played the afternoon away, forgetting the outside troubles.
By the time it was time for Yuichi to leave, he stood at the front door with his new friend and hugged Kamisori tightly. "I'm coming over tomorrow, so be ready to lose!" As soon as Yuichi left and the door closed, Kamisori barely turned around to face the familiar looming shadow above. She bit her lip, trying hard not to cry out as it grabbed her wrist and roughly dragged her back, practically throwing her into her room. It didn't care if she hit head against the wood dresser, nor that she cried in pain. This was her life. This was her family.
Little did anyone know, two shadows outside watched the little boy run down the dimming sidewalk. The street lamps had just started lighting up. They peered from a far within some dark thick bushes. The scent was strong. They were getting closer to the one…
TBC…
Thank you all so much for your reviews. This chapter I think was the hardest to write. I've never written such a character as complex Kamisori before, but at least I had fun. I just have to say a big thank you to my friend Hiei-Minamino-17 (Valerie) for letting me use her character Kamisori. She is just the cutest thing. And I'm sorry for making her life miserable. I promise it will get better!
This is Danica Loy signing off till next time.