Disclaimer: Do Not Own Yu Yu Hakusho
Wisdom and Patience
Genre: Romance/General/Humor/ActionAdventure/Drama
Rated: M
Pairings: Hiei/Oc, Kurama/Botan, Keiko/Yusuke, Yukina/Kuwabara, Shizuru/Koenma
(Full) Summary: Callie has been saved and brought back to from the brink of death. But though the poison is no longer in her system she has a whole new set of problems to face. From learning the ways of a demon, to catching up with school, and being a wife to grumpy Hiei. But these ordeals are not even the top of the ice-burg as there are rumors that the introduction of demons to the human world will be within the century and the whole group just might be exiled. How much can one girl take?
"So...what you're saying is I not only have to train daily, make porcupine over there happy, do friggen math homework...I also have to be prepared to pick up my whole life to move into empty area of woe and agony?" "My home isn't that desolate, monkey."
Warnings: Oc romance, Keiko's last name will be spelled: Ukimura. Sexual tension, sexual humor, sex, dark/possessive moments, loads of flirting and fluff
And this is a sequel; you have to read Will and Determination and Wit and Courage to get where this story is starting from.
Chapter Two
Those Pesky Lovehandles
"I'm not fat," Callie muttered as she stuffed a whole pancake in her mouth, the melted butter and syrup dribbling down her lips. She sniffled pathetically as she munched the fattening breakfast item. Her fellow females patted her on the back, urging her to eat more to escape the horror of weight gain.
"It was wrong of him. I can't believe it! He called you fat!" Keiko shook her head in disappointment. "A man is NEVER allowed to call a woman fat. It is illegal. Penalty is death."
"Here, here!" Botan grumped, engulfing her own pancake. "I nearly slit the damn fox's wrist when he made a comment about my hips..." That is when the fork in her hand began to quiver and bend, her right eye twitching. Of course she was fondly remembering the moment when her oh so polite mate commented that her hips seem softer and squishier.
Needless to say, Kurama was in agony and a big clump of fluffy red hair was ripped from his scalp. That was topping off the other punishment where he was not allowed any cuddly time for a week.
He deserved it. And she hoped he suffered greatly.
"Call me fat will he? Tell me I have fat hips? I have sexy hips! I have gorgeous hips! They are the thinnest hips in the world. There is no squishyness to them. I have toned hips of sexiness!" The deity hissed, stabbing the pancakes over and over again. "Die you damn fox! Die! You think you are so great just cause you are friggen perfect? You can't even make macaroni and friggen cheese! What type of loser can't make macaroni and cheese? An IMPERFECT loser, that's what! He's only thin and perfect cause he fails at cooking! He's anorexic! He's a user! He uses those who cook! I-I'm healthy! I eat! I'M NOT FAT!"
The girls decided to not help their depressed friend and instead pick up their food and move to the opposite end of the table.
"It's ok Callie. Hiei just doesn't understand anything. You're gonna have to show him whose boss. Like how I beat Yusuke. I mean...like how I show Yusuke." Keiko corrected, clearing her throat. "I don't support abuse...just...you know, a little claw in the face does wonders." She decided to clear up, not wanting to be taken as a violent individual.
"I am so glad I have Kazuma." Yukina smiled, not freaked out by the scary words of Keiko. "He is so sweet and always knows the right thing to say." Yes, Yukina was indeed bragging. She made it very clear she had the best man around and would like to take moments to show this fact off. "He always helps me out, says I always surprise him in how I always manage to look perfect..." She cupped the side of her face and sighed dreamily.
"Bitch," A jealous Celeste growled, drinking her skim-milk. She was the only woman in the group, minus the 100-something pink-haired crow, that didn't have a man. Even the bald crybaby, who has indeed gained weight, had a sexy ass man giving her attention. She has always been a beauty, so where the hell was her hot stud?
"Celeste," Keiko sighed, "While I must agree that Yukina is, indeed, being an unfair, snobby, show off."
"Hey!" The young demon cried, quite insulted.
"Let's not call each other names. We all need to keep our union strong so as we can defeat men and their insulting ways." The leader continued, fiddling with her long hair. She had been thinking of trying a new hair-style out. A few days ago Yusuke wondered aloud why she never seemed to do anything to it. He was surprised that she kept it so plain when she was so into fashion. Then the man had the gall to laugh and tease that it was probably her nerdy side coming out through her hair.
Yusuke not only called her hair dull but that she was a nerd. This was her complaint in the ASGAIDB, aka: Awesome Spirit Girls Against Insensitive Demon Bastards. It was a great organization. All the girls met up and did nothing but complain, brag, and stuff themselves with chocolate and grease. Sure, once they all get better they might actually go out and do something productive, but for now they were all very content with being lazy and whiny. And all the girls were apart of it whether they liked it or not, even Shiori and Genkai.
Weirdly, it was Celeste, the queen of complaints, who didn't seem to enjoy the get togethers. She was always willing and happy to bitch, but she hardly ever said anything supportive or positive either. Not to mention she took things far too personal and would sometimes lash out against the girls.
And rule one in the ASGAIDB is that the girls stick together. It was a coalition against the demonic bastards, aka the men. It was all in good fun and a way to enjoy each other's company and get away from the testosterone for at least a meal.
"I don't see why I shouldn't speak the truth." The dirty-blonde sneered in response as she got up to her feet. "I'm done with this. Besides, unlike some people I actually am being forced to go out and train." She glared at them again, not very happy with all she had to do. "And if you are gonna whine so much about your weight, stop stuffing yourselves. The pounds are getting noticeable." And with that sauntered out of the kitchen.
The girls watched her go before gave off a collective sigh, "Once again, another meeting brought to an uncomfortable finish due to the blonde."
"I just don't get her..." Yukina whispered, looking at where Celeste left with sad eyes. "We haven't done anything to offend her. Our family saved and adopted her. So why is she acting like this?"
"I dunno," Callie said, done with her pancakes and now stuffing her hamster cheeks with potato chips she found laying around. Hiei wasn't around to tell her what to eat so she was gonna enjoy it. And it wouldn't make her fat! She won't gain any more weight! She was gonna be a pretty, toned, sexy demoness damn it! Demon women weren't fat, they were hot! They wore bikinis to fights, or tight short-shorts, yet miraculously never lost a boob. At least that is how it was in animes and animes never lied. And this stupid pig has decided she was gonna be like them and therefore could not gain weight.
"In all honesty," She continued stuffing another bite of chips in her mouth, "She has been like this since I met her in that room. She doesn't like to talk to people and when she does talk it is about herself or she's complaining or is all negative." Callie swallowed and placed in another round of chips; she was depressed! She will still get that hot demoness anime body! "I am not sure why. I mean, everyone is so nice to her, she is free from that poison, she is now immortal with great power, and she has a family."
"Well, lets just keep trying. It is all we can do for now." Now Botan stuffed her hands in the bag to get some of the goodness. "But let me tell you, I am not the most patient. There is only so much rudeness I can take. And she is very rude. Calling Yukina a bitch like that, despite the fact she was being one,"
"HEY!" Yukina cried out again, insulted. So she bragged a little! She hardly did it! She was entitled to do so. The hypocritical buttheads did it all the time.
"But when we say it, we say it with love. Like, I love you Yukina, you bitch." Botan continued, keeping the potty-mouth she had obtained from years of working with Yusuke.
"I question my relationship with all of you." The formerly sweet ice-demoness grumbled, now chugging down a soda. Hiccuping once the carbonation got her.
"Celeste...I dunno, she just seems to hate almost everyone." Botan finished, ignoring her friend.
Callie handed the bag over to Yukina now, who ate with vigor. So what if they all stuffed their faces when they talked or were upset...or were happy or sad or when they weren't even hungry? It did not make them stereotypical piggish girls who ate to deal with life.
"We need to get more Sea Salt and Vinegar." Yukina hiccuped again, finding those her favorite flavor.
Keiko walked to the counter where a grocery list was always in the open for the residents to add in their desired snackage. There was already twenty-four items despite having been to the grocery store not two days ago. Writing it down, Keiko sighed, "It is rather depressing though. She must be lonely! No one here is really a close friend to her. She pushes everyone away."
"We can't concern ourselves with it." Shizuru shrugged. "It is her own choice. She doesn't want to be around us so badly that is her own decision. I, for one, am not going to let her ruin any of my good times."
"I suppose it is foolish to let her control us. But I had just hoped she would open up more to us." Yukina fiddled with her engagement ring. Her and Keiko tended to exclaim out "Engaged Twin Powers, Activate!" at times since they were the only ones with (spectacular, huge, expensive) rings on their fingers.
Bragging? Of course not. They were just expressing their joy for their fiancees...and the huge rocks on their fingers.
Callie looked a little unsure, "I just think it is probably due to something in her past. As you know all the Pill-Takers were troubled kids from the street or came from a depressing family life, or both. It is possible that whatever happened to her shaped her to who she is today. And unlike Maverick or Terrance she is struggling to accept it. I worry about Josh as well...but while a bit introverted and negative, he is very nice and hard-working."
"Joshua is developing and growing. He is really coming out of his shell thanks to the guys and having a family. But Celeste...I dunno. She is simply stuck." Keiko now brought out the chocolate.
Callie instantly began to stuff her face with that as well.
"Again, don't fret over it." Shizuru flipped some hair over her shoulders, sighing. "Nothing should be able to ruin this time."
"Are you really eating that, fat-ass?"
"Except, of course, Hiei." She finished, looking at the fire-demon who had who had entered into the kitchen, now glaring at his mate and her choice of food.
"I-I am not a fat-ass!" Callie whined, insulted. Now she was all teary eyed and sad about being fat. Therefore she placed more food in her mouth.
Hiei rolled his eyes and went over to her, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt and dragging her away, "You have zero control over yourself. I swear, do I have to do everything for you?" He continued to pull her away and back toward their room. "You already have fat on your hips and stomach, you really want to get more?"
"I-I do not! I do not! It is a lie! They are all lies!" Callie wailed.
"You've gained ten pounds in a week. And trust me, monkey, it shows." He grunted as they disappeared from the girls' view.
"I think he should join our group. He whines as much as the rest of us." Botan snorted. "What a bastard!"
Keiko shook her head, "I agree! Yukina!" She glared at the red-eyed girl who had now confiscated Callie's share of the food. "He's your brother. Can't you tell him to stop talking to her like that? She is very sensitive. It is hard for a young girl to suffer..." She lowered her voice as if she was speaking a horrible taboo, "weight gain."
"And have him whine about what I eat? No thank you."
Botan's jaw dropped, "Aren't you suppose to be the sweet, selfless, martyr we all use...er...I mean depend on to ...er...I mean look up to as a shinning example of good nature-ism?"
"Not any more. I have hung around with all of you for far to long." She stuffed a Snickers in her mouth. "Besides, I like chocolate. I am not going to risk it being taken away from a health-nut brother. I have a mate who doesn't care if I am fat." And to rub it in their noses even more she ate yet another piece of chocolate.
"Hmph, I have a mate who better not care if I am fat." Keiko hissed, though now she pinched her sides, wincing when she was able to grab a bit of stuff. "Maybe a trip to the gym won't hurt me." She then went under her arm and gaped, "I have lovehandles! When did I get these?" She gaped at her best friend, as if accusing her for not preventing this from happening.
Botan held up her hands in surrender, "Love, I don't check your armpits often. And you hardly wear shirts that show it off. How was I suppose to know?" Now she began to sniffle, touching her hips. "FAT HIPS!" She wailed, looking through the pile of candy for some Milky Way. "I'll show him fat hips! I'll go to the gym too and get super skinny! Super model skinny! So skinny he will never be able to have babies! That'll show him!"
"Of course honey, of course. I'm gonna support you the whole way through this." Keiko sniffled, all inspired. "Because we are best friends. We will get each other through this time of pain and MILKY WAY! I SAW IT FIRST!" And then dove on the table to get the candy bar before the blunette could have a chance at it.
"YOU WITCH! You know that is my favorite! Hand it over! Your lovehandles don't need any more caramel!" And then the deity tackled her best friend, clawing for the candy.
Shizuru and Yukina simply shared their own stash, enjoying the entertainment.
"You called me fat-ass," Callie moped on their futon, grounded from the kitchen since she didn't seem to have any self-control when it concerned food.
"You are one." And then he pinched her hips to prove his point. "See? All fat."
"Hmph, you're just jealous."
Hiei tilted a brow, "Of having fat?"
"Of course! You have to live with being perfect! Must be filled with pressure huh? Pressure! Pressure!" She hissed out in a rhythm, wiggling her fingers at him as if she was casting some fearful cures. "Press-ssure!"
He looked completely unimpressed, "You done?"
"Pres...yes." She sighed, moping again seeing her awesome curses weren't working. "Did you need me for something? I mean you know I like to spend some time with the girls."
"We're going to train."
All of a sudden she looked green and she held her stomach, full of starch and junk. "Now?"
He smirked, rather maliciously, "Yes now. I think you should suffer the consequences of disobeying me and not taking control over your appetite."
"You pig out just as much!" She countered.
"I eat a lot, but a lot of it is healthy. Does that non-existent brain comprehend what that term means?" Hiei, the jerk, sneered at her as if revolted. "And when I don't eat healthy I work out, at least five hours daily. You can barely pull through two. And now, every time you try to do a sit up you roll because of the bulge in your stomach." Sure it wasn't that bad as of yet, but he just could not resist teasing her without mercy. Her reactions always provided amusement and some, like her crybaby face, were actually cute.
Why yes, Hiei is indeed a douchebag.
He is also sadistic, thank you for noticing.
"My stomach isn't that big!" She gasped, pulling her shirt up to look at her stomach, no longer sunken into itself. It was a relief to be able to no longer see her ribs and such, but sadly Hiei was right. She did not carry a sexy flat tummy that would make her eye-candy at the beach. "I-I will...get it! I mean...smaller...I will be like a hot anime chick! Just you wait!" Crossing her arms over her chest she continued to grumble, "You know you could give up some positive reinforcement. You don't have to get me to do stuff by insults or threats."
He shrugged, "Less fun that way."
She gave him a look, "You're heartless."
He merely shrugged again and then to further prove this accusation he said, "Get your workout clothes on. We're going to start in five minutes." He wouldn't even let her food digest!
Tears gathered, he was such an unfair and abusive husband. How could he put down such a cute and innocent girl like herself and get pleasure from it?
"Four minutes. You're not dressed by the time I tell you to be, I will strip you, I will have my way with you, and then you will do a four hour workout."
Her jaw dropped even more and then hurried to get dressed; bastard, bastard, bastard!
Putting on her tennis shoe, she gave him a glare as he smirked in victory. "Sad to say you actually got ready on time." Oh well, he will have his way with her later that night. "Come, we are going to do your stretches."
Callie winced, though her stamina wasn't the best, she found herself preferring the cardio, weights, and combat more then the stretches. Those are what hurt the most. They forced her weak muscles to stretch and pull, and forced her to relive the soreness she had obtained from the training session before. She always tried not to cry, but it never worked as there was always a good bit of tears dribbling down her face as she did them.
"Don't give me that look," Hiei sighed, placing a hand on the back of her neck, rubbing it a little. "I know it still hurts, but that is all the more reason to do this."
"I know," It has been explained to her almost every training session and doctor's appointment. It wasn't like she complained about it, she understood that there was very good reasons for her to go through such pain. It just never made her feel good. She always felt so embarrassed for crying over stretches in front of Hiei and never liked actually going through them. Weights were no picnic either, but those were a repetition that made her really sore but not feel so much agony she nearly throws up.
Hiei sighed as he looked at her, he really did feel bad for his mate. Those two months of a nearly completely sedentary life-style and poor nutrition did its damage to her. Her muscles were so deteriorated that the most simple of stretches hurt her a lot. It was taking a good while to get them to a healthy level.
And though he teased her for her weight gain, he knew it had a lot to do with what happened as well. Her body was still in a big need for food and was paranoid that it will have to go through two months again without anything to eat so it was storing everything it consumed. And given she didn't have as much energy as he would like her to have he couldn't get her to work out any more then he does, she was already pushing herself for him daily. He couldn't ask too much more from her.
"Spoiled brat, I'll let you get a massage from Shizuru later today. After you train and sleep."
Her eyes brightened at him, "Really? That would be great! Thank you!" That really helped her feel better. Shizuru was a fantastic massage-therapist along with her hair-styling talents. "I want a bath too...it will hep my sore muscles."
Hiei grunted, though didn't tell her he would be joining her in that. Stupid shy idiot. He sees her naked every single day yet she still gets all flustered when he even mentions sex.
"Down." He ordered, pushing her to her butt. "Spread your legs and lean forward."
"Ugh, hate this one." She whimpered doing as told, giving out a whimper of pain when Hiei leaned against her back, pushing her upper body in between her legs. "O-Ow..." Hiei only pushed her even further hearing her cry, she saw spots for a few moments before he let her back up again.
"You keep forgetting to breathe idiot. Don't stop breathing. That will just make the situation all the more painful." He pushed her down again, "Exhale now or I will slap your back."
Doing as told, knowing from experience that wasn't very enjoyable, she let out her breath. Of course Hiei was right, it was better when she actually breathed.
"Good." He let her up and then did it again. He did it five more times, each time lower, and each time two minutes longer. By the time he had finished she was holding the position for nearly fifteen minutes. "Lay back and leg up." He stood back up and then grabbed her foot and pushed it back towards her stomach, "Keep it straight, dumb ass."
"I'm trying!" She snapped back, tears gathering. He did the same thing as before. He forced her to do the stretches, with both legs, many times, with longer increments, and stretching even further. He made her do nearly ten more leg stretches after that, followed by her arms, back, stomach, and neck. By the time she was done she had to curl up in a ball for a moment to try and get her bearings straight and not pass out.
"You did good. You went about four extra minutes on every stretch. You're getting better." He said, crouched by her side, letting her catch her breath. He stroked her back a little, helping her calm down. "I can only give you a few more minutes and then you have to start on the next part."
She nodded, knowing that the more she did when she was in pain the better and stronger she will be. "O-Ok."
He helped her up, steadying her when she nearly fell back down. "I do not understand why that bitch keeps giving you a hard time."
"Huh?" She blinked up at him, the spots slowly going away.
"That bitch, who always whines." He grouched back. "She makes it out you do nothing."
"You make it out that I do nothing." She laughed, wincing when she found that it hurt.
"I'm allowed to. I am with you nearly all seconds of the day." He grunted, taking off her hat and throwing it to the side, ignoring her insecure protest. "All I see and hear her do is nag and not even attempt to do something with all of her might." He huffed, looking very sensitive and upset. He was a protective man and when his woman was insulted, and it wasn't him doing the insulting, he wasn't all that pleased. Especially when it was done out of petty jealousy. Callie worked so hard in her training yet she was constantly made out to be a lazy slob.
His mate wasn't a lazy slob! And if she was only HE could point that fact out and make her feel bad.
"I take it you heard this morning's meeting." She sighed, giving him a nod to show she was ready after making sure her shoes were tied for a half a mile jog. "It is as I said; I don't know. She has just been like this since I first met her in the room. Nothing about her has changed too much."
Hiei grunted and then activated his spirit weights, this was such a useful training technique. He was rather grateful towards Genkai for teaching him. Now he can move at his mate's slow pace but still get his own training done. Only a slight flinch by his right brow indicated that he felt the huge difference of gravity on his body and energy. This would be very useful for her in a few years. "Are you ready?"
She nodded, smiling weakly. She was a horrible runner. Her speed and running style lacked a lot. But she liked spending time with Hiei. Even if they didn't talk it made her feel stronger to have him so close to her. Sure, he teased her ruthlessly about how pathetic and turtle-like she was, but if she ever began to struggle he would always, in his own way, help her out. And he gave her a fifteen minute break once she reached her limit so he could go a little longer and harder. It wasn't a work-out for him unless he was sweating.
They began and almost instantly Callie was stumbling in her form and struggling to breathe.
"You are out of shape."
"S-Shut it." She glared, having heard this a million times. Yes she was very well aware she wasn't in the best shape around nor that she was attractive when she tried to get in shape. It wasn't her fault! It was his! Anyone would look out of shape next to him. Has he seen himself in the friggen mirror? Damn perfect pretty boy. While his face might not be as "ooh la la" as Kurama's (not like she was complaining Hiei didn't have a girly face), his body was probably the best within the men. He was plenty muscular and lean without being overly bulky or ripped. Kurama and Yusuke had great bodies, but they were on the thin side. The only one that might have just as good as a physique would be Kuwabara. He was tall, thick, and sculpted.
It was no wonder Yukina would hiss possessively at women who would stop and drool should he take off his shirt. Pretty face, maybe not. Hot bod? Oh yes, Kuwabara indeed had that.
"You are doing your breathing wrong again. Why the hell do we have to go over this every time?"
"S-Sorry," Callie huffed, trying to do as he had taught her, to breathe through the nose. It went a lot like that, just a whole bunch of insults and snaps at each other before she couldn't go on any more and collapsed onto her knees, breathing hard, her chest on fire as she tried to catch her breath. Sweat was dripping down from almost every part of her body and onto the grass beneath her.
"You are getting better," He said, a rather good compliment coming from the man who can never seem to be pleased with anything. "You went over your normal distance and it only took you a few extra minutes longer."
"Hooray," She whimpered, not able to enjoy it from the pain. And to think she will need to do this and stretches again to finish up the work out.
"Go rest. I will be back in a little bit to continue." She did not need to be told twice as she forced herself back up straight and limped back to the temple to sit and take a drink of water. She needed the rest, her stomach wasn't feeling so great. Those pancakes were coming back to haunt her.
After making sure she got to a comfortable resting place, Hiei went back to his training. He turned up the power level of the spirit weights and pushed his legs to run as fast as he could with the added burden. It was tough, but he knew this was going to be good for him. Besides, he wanted to be stronger so he could protect his woman from despicable creatures. He wasn't going to have her suffer or be taken from him if he could help it.
He would ensure her safety from now on.
Hiei decided to be a little nicer to her, though he will of course claim he did so for his own gain, and go for thirty minutes instead of fifteen. By the time he came back to her he finally had earned a sheen of sweat and Callie looked a little less green in the face.
"You ready?"
"Ugh, I don't see how I have much choice." She whined getting up.
"Such a baby." Hiei rolled his eyes, dragging her towards the field to start on hand to hand combat.
"Not a baby!" She snapped, getting all defensive. It was times like these Hiei wondered how she could not be the long lost twin of Yusuke's. They two acted, reacted, and sounded so much alike.
"My mistake. You're a fat-ass. Now shut up and try to hit me."
"With pleasure," She growled and threw her fist at him only to, much like so many before her, ended up face down in the dirt. "Damn super speed."
"How you manage to forget about it every time is beyond my comprehension, monkey." Hiei sighed, shaking his head. "You're such an idiot. How the hell would you survive without me?" He smirked when she grumbled spitting out the dirt she swallowed. "Get up and try it again."
"Pig." Callie growled, being a big sore loser.
He gave her a tilt of the brow, "I won't even comment about that." The joys of being with a complete nimrod who would freely give herself up for insults. "Take proper position and actually do something."
The girl groaned, this was going to suck.
"I," A familiar voice and entrance called out. "Have arrived."
"Done it before Koenma. Think of something new." Yusuke grunted playing with the game console again. "The hell are you here for anyway?"
The prince glared, "Still rude as ever. In case you forgot I do have a girlfriend here. I like visiting her every once in a while." He smiled at Shizuru who smiled back...and that was it. They were probably the least romantic couple in existence. All they did was insult each other then talk. Their flirting was creepy too, all sorts of sexual innuendos and who can dominate the other.
Even Hiei cuddled and was (sorta) sweet every so often!
"I am also here to talk with some of you." He took his seat, not bothering to be invited in. "Particularly the pups." Everyone thought that term sounded better then Pill-Takers. Instantly the eyes of the five kids were on him, wondering what could be up. "This is just a question, but do any of you wish to attend school?"
"YEEEES!" The fuzzy-girl shrieked, making everyone hold their ears. "ME! ME!"
"Sit your loud ass down." Hiei snapped, grabbing her by the waistband of her jeans and yanking her back beside him. Really, she complains about her being unable to move after the training and here she was getting all hyper. Little brat just wanted out of working. "And what the hell do you mean, Koenma? She is not attending school."
"Oh Hiei don't be such a bastard." Koenma grunted, "None of them would return to a typical school. Though they are much better I fear they are not ready for something like that. However, with my connections I can have them home-schooled. And they won't just be learning about the human world, but they will be taught about the Makai as well. They need to know of it since they are now apart of it."
"Not interested." Celeste hummed, looking at her nails again. They were in such bad shape. She wished that these demons would let her out to go get a manicure. "Didn't need school before, won't need it now."
Koenma rolled his eyes, "Charming. Back on topic, I wanted to see if it interested any of you. I thought it would be fair to let you all have the opportunity if you so wanted it."
"I DOOO!"
"Damn it woman, I told you to shut up!" Hiei barked then glared at Koenma, "Where would she be taking these lessons?"
"At the Gate and here. I figured the library at the Gate would be very useful. Maybe once a week she would learn there. And honestly anyone can join in. This will help everyone for when the time comes of the integration of Humans and Demons."
Hiei looked at her, she was giving him those big puppy dog eyes again. He groaned, "Is this really necessary?"
"Hiei she won't be far from you. All she does is train for a few hours, sleep, and eat. This will help her do something more in her day and it will be very productive. You always say she is dumb. Well here is her chance to get better." Kuwabara said, "You have to admit, it sounds like a pretty good deal."
"Hn."
And that was point for Kuwabara.
"Well at the very least I had wanted you all to get the opportunity. Sadly I am not sure if you have a choice or not. You all need the knowledge. What you have entered into is a different world and you are trapped in a political war. This group is who will be helping save the worlds many times in the future, and ensuring a peace of sorts between the demons and humans. No pressure though." Koenma said.
"No pressure my ass." Yusuke snapped, still not stopping in his pursuit of Kirby glory. He was going to beat this game and get the best score if it was the last thing he did! He'll show KUU, aka Keiko, who the ultimate gamer was in this household. Thinks cause she was so smart and has good thumb movement she was the best of the best. But it is he who is the king of gamers!
"I am not interested." Celeste frowned, "I don't want to fight or be apart of some political mess."
Touya glared at his 'apprentice', "You just heard what he said. This isn't about what you want. This is about what is for the best over all. We are talking about three worlds that are going to be affected. And you are apart of this pack. You are a newcomer, a weakling, an omega. You are to support this family and your leader."
Yusuke winced a little, seeing this was not going to go well. And though he had accepted the life of a demon, it doesn't mean he was use to the pack mentality just yet. Though everyone treated each other well, there was a type of caste system working. He was the leader. Hiei and Kurama came in after him, followed by Kuwabara. Keiko was his mate and in charge of the women. All of the Pill-Takers were deeply cared for, but they were at the bottom of the food-chain.
Terrance, Maverick, and Joshua all seemed to understand and accept this. Celeste, on the other hand, was having great issue with this order of power.
"I am not interested." She replied again, looking at her nails. "I have my own plans, and I am not letting any of you tell me how to live my life. I know what I want to do and I won't be stopped in getting it."
"Are you listening to yourself?" Touya growled, on his feet, his normally very easy temper reaching its limit. "You are putting yourself before the people of your world!"
She stared at him, her eyes unwavering, "So? What have the people ever done for me?"
Chuu winced, "Damn there sheela...a bit harsh don't ya think? We are talkin 'bout billions! Little defenseless babes."
She rolled her eyes, "I am not going to be guilted into anything." Celeste began to work at her hair, she kept trying it out into new styles almost hourly. "Might as well stop trying."
Touya looked positively peeved. He couldn't stand how this woman acted. She had such little respect for anything or anyone! And he could not understand how Yusuke could just sit idly back and watch her act like this. Suzaku and Chuu were right; they were going to have to give him a crash course in how to be a demon. Yusuke will need the leadership skills of a demon.
Because they all knew, he was going to have the biggest kingdom in the demon world.
He is going to need to learn to rule people with an iron fist. Otherwise bad things could happen.
But, sadly, Yusuke was still a child. And he had a soft spot for the Pill-Takers. It was hard to get him to show some backbone since whenever he looked at them, he was reminded of their sickly forms and how he had been unable to do anything. Showing a hero he can't save everyone really affected him.
And that was bad since he was starting to spoil them.
Touya was a bit concerned about the three males, but all of them seemed to really look up to Yusuke and would show the proper respect. He also knew that Chuu, Botan, and Kurama were making it clear that when Yusuke tells you to do something, and you can read the mood to know its serious, do it. He just couldn't reach Celeste in doing the same thing.
"You are a selfish, stuck up, brat. Too bad for you, your little tantrums are not going to get your way. I might not be the leader, but I am your master with your training." Touya hissed, putting his foot down. Behind him Jin paled. He recognized that tone from the ice-wielder. He's only heard it roughly two other times in their time together and he knew it meant serious trouble. "You want to eat in this house? You're going to train. You want to sleep? You are going to have to work. You want to go anywhere and have fun? You're going to have to show the proper respect to those who are your superiors."
The blonde glared, "I don't have to listen to you bitch at me like this."
"Actually Celeste," Koenma intervened, "You do. This is your home now. You can't leave and live on your own. Because of what you are you can't just pack up and go out into the world. When the crap hits the fan, as it will soon, you would be in great danger. Even now if you go out without protection a pawn of my father's can swoop down and kidnap you. You can either be forced to work at the Gate for him, dumped in the Makai with no idea where anything is or how anything works, or he could kill you. So yes. You have to listen to him and everyone else bitch at you."
Her pale face went red and she shot to her feet, giving them all one hateful glare before stormed out.
Terrance sighed, "I'll talk with her. I think her pride was just hurt because she couldn't get her way this time."
Maverick didn't say anything for a bit before he shook his head, turning to the rest, "I know she isn't my responsibility...but as the oldest of the pups, I feel like I should say sorry for her. We all appreciate all that you have done for us, and I know she does too on a level. Celeste just...well she really struggles with feelings and people. I know it isn't an excuse, but I can't blame her right now. I know what its like to come from a shitty background, and though I don't know her story, its possible that it is very heavy."
Yusuke sighed, pausing the game and got up, "First off, Mav...you're right, she isn't your responsibility. She's mine. I saw Touya wanted me jump in and show her who's boss but I choked. You, Terrance, and Josh don't need to worry about Celeste. She will be handled. And I can understand a crappy background too. While I might not have experienced pain like you have, I can understand it and know that it sucks. However, that doesn't give her the excuse to act like this." He stuffed his hands into his pocket, looking a bit more confident, "Touya, sorry man that I didn't do anything."
He got a smile in return, "Its fine, Yusuke. You are just learning how to rule over such a large pack. And we all have some emotional issues concerning them."
"Still...I just dunno how to handle her!"
Keiko shook her head, "Why not let me handle her then? Chuu said that I am going to be the alpha-female," It was still so weird for her to say things like that. "I will concentrate on Celeste and getting her set straight. You seem to have enough on your plate right now."
"You always were the best at doing my homework for me."
She smacked him, "I never let you cheat off my homework! You always stole it! Hmph!" Keiko, the Honor Roll student, would never ever let anyone cheat off of her. Your A had better mean the life and death of thousands, otherwise you are not getting a peek at her assignment. "Besides, this is MY responsibility as the leader of the women."
"I really appreciate you both doing that," Terrance intervened, smiling. "But still...I just would like a chance to talk with her. At least to avoid her getting all defensive. More then likely she will just react that everyone is against her and we are throwing the Alphas at her. She might be able to respond some with me." He got up, knowing that he was the last chance for her before the group stopped playing so nice.
Then again, it might be better for her to get smacked in the face a bit. But he had a little soft spot for her. He understood that what she was doing was putting up protective walls. She had been hurt bad in the past and now she was terrified of getting close. Maybe that is why they were so kind to her, it seemed this group of theirs was filled with people who have been scarred by something in their past and have built up barriers to shield themselves of such pain again.
But Celeste was being far too stubborn and downright rude in her ways of shielding herself. He heard Yusuke mutter once, out of good humor of course, that she was like a bitchier, more fashionable version of Hiei.
And hey, if a man who spent well over fifty years pushing people away and was now becoming so open...well so can a bratty seventeen year old. She just needed the right push.
"Well..." Yusuke looked a little unsure, not wanting someone else to take his responsibility. "Fine. But this is your only chance, man. I'm sorry, but she is our biggest weakness at the moment. And we can't have that at the time. We gotta have everyone completely on our side. So you do what you gotta do...but if nothing happens, Keiko will be left to look after her."
"Wouldn't have it any other way. You two are the bosses." He grinned before he went after the tantruming girl.
"Hmph, damn lover boy left me." Maverick grumbled.
"At least you have your other husband." Keiko retorted, "You know, the one who still won't admit to his sexuality and hides behind the image of having a fiancee and wanting kids."
Yusuke glared at his mate, "Don't be jealous just cause you're the second wife."
She shrugged, looking very calm, "I just married you for the wealth and power. As long as I get my bling," she held up her pretty engagement ring as proof, "what do I care who you're in bed with?"
"Ooooh! Buuuuurn!" Maverick laughed.
Koenma rolled his eyes, they all were amusing. Put them together and you have a show that never stops. "Well I will give you guys some more information later this week about the school situation. I was thinking that they started with it three times a week and then once Keiko, Kuwabara, and Yusuke returned to school they will be going full time as well."
Though Kurama skipped the last bit of his senior year, the school was very helpful with his family. Within a month of summer he got all of his tests and assignments finished and turned in. He was now a High School graduate. Pity he couldn't attend college. But luckily he didn't need it.
He had over 500 years of knowledge and wisdom after all. Who needs college?
"Sounds like a good plan to me." Maverick grinned, "Its been a long time since I have done any schooling. It could be fun. Now my princely buddy of mine," He came up and wrapped his arm around his shoulder, "Lay it on me...just how sextastic will this teacher of mine be? She willing to risk her job for a relationship with a student?"
Everyone gave him a disgusted look.
"Over looking that perverted interruption." Koenma grunted, picking up the boy's hand and shooing it away from his body. "Yusuke, there is something I need to talk to you about, if you don't mind."
Yusuke nodded and followed after him, most watched after him in some curiosity, but all understood that it was something only the leader needed to know at the moment. For now they would just wait until it was their turn to be told.
"Ok...what's up?" Yusuke asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets, trying to look aloof.
Koenma sighed, "Things aren't going as well as I would like. Things like this usually take up a lot of time to boil over. You know, political image, gotta look clean. Play the good guys and all that while secretly playing dirty."
"And by the tone of your voice I take it..."
"They are skipping formalities and are just playing dirty." He sighed. "It doesn't push my timeline back, but it doesn't give you guys much cushion room. I can give you till graduation."
Yusuke looked uncomfortable, "Just until then? That's like..." Didn't know the school system, dumb idiot.
The prince twitched, "Nine months, give or take a few weeks. I really don't think I could give you any more than that. Just to get that will be a pretty big miracle." He rubbed his throbbing forehead.
"What exactly is going on? I mean I understand that your old man wants to exile me for some dumb ass reason. And I get the idea that the two worlds will soon be forced to coexist with each other, again for some dumb ass reason. But I am pretty much been left in the dark."
"I know. Sorry about that."
The leader shrugged, "I didn't really care about knowing in truth. I was a bit too concerned about my family and taking a well deserve break. Everyone was mentally exhausted. But now...well I think its a good time for me to understand things."
Koenma sighed again, "Very true." It was weird to have Yusuke acting so mature. "I can't say too much at the moment. Nothing about it being a secret, its just a little hard to explain. Political battles are different from the battles you face. Pretty much my dad and I are bickering about the domination of the Gate. It is not a responsibility I truly want at the moment however I seriously think it is time he stepped down from power. It has gotten to his head."
"Tell me about it." Yusuke grunted.
"I do need to tell you, my father is not a bad individual. He isn't evil. He's...old fashion. He does not think that the ways on how the worlds have been looked after should be changed. He thinks the humans should be protected at a distance and that most all demons are vile. Its why he has used humans with abilities to protect the world and not demons."
Yusuke blinked, now noticing that.
"Interesting huh? It has always made more sense to me to have a combination of humans and demons protecting the world, the power combination, as you have seen, can be unstoppable. And demons live a whole lot longer. They would be able to protect the barrier. He views things in black and white. He sees the humans as white and the demons as black. He wasn't too fond of my decision to make you the Detective, but we desperately needed one at that moment in time."
Yusuke then scowled, "Why didn't he want me?"
Koenma gave him a 'no duh' look. "Your track record was pretty bad for a human. Sure, you didn't rape, murder, or pillager, but you did your fair share of nasty stuff. The black and white thing, remember? You have to be pure and good to be a protector."
"Yeah," He sneered, "Look how awesome that turned out for his first two picks."
"Exactly!" Koenma threw his hands up in the air, exasperated at how his father has run things. "Anyway, he just didn't like you but you were going to do the job. But he was getting concerned with how fast you were expanding in power. There was something unnatural about it. Of course now we know the reason; you're a demon."
"Bet that gave him a heart attack." He laughed, pleased with himself.
"You bet it did. That is when the desire to get rid of you started. The rules are simple; no demons in the human realm. It is not allowed. The demons are monsters and can't control their hunger for the flesh of humans. I can go on about his views, but I think you get the idea." Koenma bit his lip, it was still hard for him to accept his pacifier was gone. "You were not going to be the exception to the rule. You were too powerful and your past was too shady."
Yusuke shook his head, "He was so picky about getting me out when there is a whole bunch of demons within the world already."
"And he overlooks that a good majority of those demons are living good lives. You just get the bad ones." Koenma shrugged, "Its just the way he thinks. I really can't explain it any more then I am." He cleared his throat to continue. "Dad is refusing the idea of any type of change. And since he does that, he can't get ready for it when it happens. The demons are too strong to be held back by the barrier forever. And if you are no longer the Spirit Detective that means there is no one, technically, doing the protecting. Hell, you could be the one to lead the demons into ruling over the humans and no one could blame you."
"I'm not exactly ruler material." Yusuke muttered. "Though I have been told multiple times I need to be prepared for it."
"You already have a kingdom. You have won over the other two kingdoms. You have an army that is growing by the day. Many demons see that you are going to do them right. I can't tell you how many of them don't want to rule the human world but just be apart of it." Koenma ran a hand through his hair, "I think we are getting off topic."
"Well, I had wanted to know about this whole business anyway. Pretty much I am going to be leading an army of demons to try and integrate the two worlds together. Its possible for a long time I will be seen as a king until a more stable and safe and fair system can be set up. Or at least we are sure that there won't be a mass war between all three worlds."
"That is my biggest fear. But if we can at least bring the humans and demons together...it can work out in our favor, even if my dad wins over the Gate. He CANNOT be biased in passing judgement with souls. Nor can he reject them. No one could be denied to Heaven, Hell, or existence. If he did that to one soul, no matter the circumstances, he would be stripped of all his powers and everything would be given to me by default. So you don't need to worry about the Gate."
"Then why are you so worried about it? Why is it such a big concern for me to worry about all of that political crap?"
"First off, though it isn't important, it does affect you. The laws have and will be followed. If you are told to get the hell out of this world, you are expected to do so. Second, life for all of us will be tons more easier if I am the one who is ruling. I will be able to provide assistant and help you go to and from the human and demon world. By doing that and setting your power here means less headaches and war-threats later on."
"Yeah, I do like the sound of less headaches."
"Third...Keiko."
Yusuke looked at him, worried, "What do you mean Keiko? W-What about Keiko?"
"Yusuke...when you are exiled, you ALL are exiled And they want it permanently. That is why I am trying so hard now. Keiko won't be able to return home once she is in the Makai. Not until the whole situation is either fixed or the worlds begin to collide...which won't be for many years." He sighed, "By then...her family will probably be dead."
The leader looked sick, his mate might never be able to see her parents again?
That wasn't fair! That wasn't right! Keiko was all about family. Her parents were some of her most important people. She would be crushed if she was forced from them. And what about her parents themselves? They would die from worry if their daughter just disappeared one day.
But introducing them into his world at this point in time seemed too soon. He wasn't sure they could accept everything the way Shiori and her family did. Nor was he sure they could get the operation, Koenma did say they had already been denied.
Yusuke felt like ripping his hair out, and it was getting harder to breathe. Compared to being exiled, a war, being hated by the ruler of the Spirit Gate this might not seem bad...but it was huge. His mate was the only one of them who was not an orphan. She had a normal, loving family who has not been dragged into the whole mess.
Who couldn't come with them.
It was going to be his Keiko who was going to lose the most.
And Yusuke had no idea how he could prevent it.
"You done bawling yet?" Terrance grumbled, looking bored as he slouched by Celeste who refused to talk to him. "So someone actually stood up to you. Big deal. You deserved it. You pushed and whined too much."
Her green eyes narrowed dangerously at him, "I did nothing! I am not someone who will be treated like this. Touya had no right to do that to me."
"He had every damn right. You were just told you had to go to school for the sake of millions and you spat at it and then at the group. Who, by the way, has rescued you, clothed you, fed you, given you a place to sit, some awesome TV systems, and whole hell of a lot of love. You seem to expect to keep receiving all of this but never once even thought about giving something back."
"I never asked them to give me any of this stuff. They want me to have it, I'll take it. But I am not going to do any sort of thing back." She hissed, "We had no business deal or contract. We didn't even lock our pinkies together and make a promise to be BFFs." Celeste sneered sarcastically, a true cynic.
"Classy." Terrance grunted, "It really shows great character when you choose your nails over people who have done so much for you."
"I don't care what you think of me. What I do and how I feel isn't any of your business. It has nothing to do with you. Nor am I some bitch you can boss around. I am not going to be told how to live my life."
"You act like everyone here is going to be willing to turn on you the moment we get your trust. Wake up idiot, not everyone is like that. You might have faced a butt load of people that will do that, but surely you can't be stupid enough to think everyone will turn on you in the end."
"Nor can you say for sure that these people won't. They're demons. Have you forgotten what demons have done to us? They are monstrous! They have powers and ability that we cannot begin to understand, even with training and learning." She growled, "And associating with the likes of them after all of what they have put us through? No thank you. The cleanliness of my nails far exceed my love for them."
Now Terrance gaped, looking disgusted. "I can't believe a person can be so wrong about so much." He glared, "I can say with all confidence these people won't turn on us. They are good and wonderful and have given me so much. Unlike you, I am not afraid to grasp at it before I lose it. And just because those demons before hurt us so badly doesn't mean all demons are bad." He grunted, "Didn't think you are a racist. All whites must be supremacists, all blacks criminals, and all Asians nerds huh? Because thats what YOU have seen in your little life."
"I have seen enough to know that no good thing lasts forever, no one is ever going to hand you happiness, and no one is going to just give you love and trust. Family, friendship, relationships...its all a load of shit. It doesn't happen outside of fairytales. Everyone is a worthless, soulless, piece of dung that looks after themselves. Theses people," She spat out, "Are no different. They act all friendly, but each of them would be more then willing to turn against each other. All they are doing is lying to each other and themselves."
"Man, you are a piece of work. So you are a worthless, soulless, piece of dung huh? Certainly have proved yourself to be that image. Funny...how a person sees the world can really just be a little bit of denial on how they view themselves. You really hate yourself."
Her face colored, "I am the best thing for me. I am the only way to raise into anything great. I am the only one who will get me money and fame and power and safety."
"Yeah...keep telling yourself that. But everyone can see how you really view yourself. You are a lowly, worthless, pathetic girl. Someone who would rather hide in her little slimy hole then actually do anything at all. I wouldn't be surprised if you have done prostitution...and not because of desperation, but because you simply didn't want to try. You figure all you needed to do was lay there and spread your legs and you get money. The man does all the work. And while they do that work you can be off pretending to be someone better...yet instead of trying to be that better someone you just gather up your clothes and go look for the next easy lay."
She slapped him hard, "You know know about me you ass!"
"Nor do you know anything about me." He rubbed his cheek, "Yet, unlike me, you aren't doing anything to prove my image of you wrong. I've been seen as a thug, some gang member, a druggie. No one has known that I love Tolkien or Hemingway or Frost. Nor does anyone know I have been to anti-gun rallies and go to church every Sunday. But you know what? I'm trying to show everyone wrong. You know what else? I am doing it through these 'monstrous' people."
Celeste hissed, "I don't need your life story."
Terrance glared, "You're nothing but a piece of trailer trash."
"DON'T CALL ME TRAILER TRASH!" She shrieked, looking murderous. "I am not trash! I am not trash! I am something great! I will be something great! Now you just stay the hell away from me you bastard. All of you just stay away from me!" And then stormed away, tears in her eyes.
The young man glared after her, feeling a bit guilty at her reaction and what he said to her. He wasn't one for calling a girl such a thing. But this girl just needed to wake up from this world of hers. But still...it seemed whatever he had said was a trigger word that really broke her down. And as someone who understood how one little thing could bring upon a wave of painful memories, he felt cruddy.
"You don't know me either," He grunted, "You don't know what we have been through." Terrance turned to go and tell Yusuke the bad news; he wasn't able to reach her. Yelling and bickering certainly hand't helped. It just made her all the more hateful and hurt.
"Stupid, stupid." He hit himself over the head a few times. "Can't believe I actually called a girl a prostitute."
Botan brushed out her long hair, trying to get the curls and knots off of her scalp. "Well, this was a pretty stressful day."
"It could've gone better, I do admit." The red-head chuckled, perched on their bed, reading a novel. "But it wasn't too bad. Keiko will come out with a plan for Celeste. She is an intelligent girl. She's going to figure something out in handling her emotional outbursts."
The deity snorted, "Thats not what I meant! I am use to her and I know Keiko can do something to make her behave. She will probably get Shiori's help to reach her emotionally."
Kurama chuckled, "Then what do you mean, love?"
"I mean, darling," She snarled, "How you said I have big fat flubby hips!"
Kurama blinked, looking a little surprised at the outburst, "I-I never used any words like that to describe your figure, Botan."
"Oh? So NOW there is something wrong with my figure? I was just talking about my hips!" She shot to her feet, glaring at the fox. "You bastard...you told me yesterday I gained curve in my hips!"
"I-I didn't mean you gained fatness!" He tried to defend himself. Even someone as smart as Kurama had no idea how to talk with a girl who is dealing with weight issues. A suave gentleman such as himself always knows how to properly woo a girl. However, even his smoothness can be dumbed down by a man's natural idiocy. "I just thought you looked a bit curvier..."
"CURVES EQUALS FAT!"
He gulped, "Love, you're not fat..."
"Am I as skinny as Yukina?" The bluenette asked, using the clever ploy of trapping him.
"S-Skinny as Yukina...? N-No Botan you're-"
"So I'm fatter then her?"
"I-I never s-sai-"
"YOU DIDN'T HAVE TOO!" She cried, pointing at him in dramatically. "Your silence has said enough!"
"B-But Botan, I'm not being sil-"
"Bastard!" She sobbed, "I knew it...I knew it. I'm fat, its my hips...those blasted Milky Ways and pancakes."
"You had Milky Way pancakes?" He asked, he knew his woman had an interesting taste in food, but mixing candy bars with pure starch?
"Huh? No...I meant them separate. But you know, that sounds really good. Little caramelly and chocolatey nuggets in pancakes? Much better then any blueberries!" She drooled at the thought before she realized what it was she was drooling about then turned back to him in accusation, "You gave me a friggen craving when you already told me I'm fat!"
Kurama looked positively exhausted, "Huh?"
"Why do you want me so fat?"
"I-I..." Oh his head. No wonder he didn't deal with women back when he was Yoko. One night stands were all he needed. Sadly he was far too in love with this insane woman before him to ever think about leaving her. Or making her fat. He had thought she had the best body out of all the girls. She was deliciously curvy. Why would he want someone skinny? Skinny girls can't handle demon's when they were in the mood nor carry children as well.
"You-You what?"
"E-Er...I love you dear?" What can he say? He is a coward. He's not going open up his big mouth any more and risk getting the boot to the couch. He liked being with his woman in a comfortable bed after all. "Come on Botan. I dunno what has gotten you like this," Oh he knew, it was that damn feminist girl club they had. Once they got together and complained they got a little drunk on power, got an idea in their head, and would act insane. "But you should know I would never call you nor think you are fat. I think you look like a gorgeous woman. You have beautiful breasts and hips and thighs."
She wasn't screaming at him yet, so maybe that means he was doing some good now. "I think you are the most attractive girl. You're better than any super model or whatever you think is the definition of skinny." He shook his head, "Besides, all the beauty is based on the beholder. You might think fatness...I see nothing but lovely curves I would love to get to know more personally."
The girl continued to stare at him, her arms crossed at him.
"You're my queen you know?" He urged, willing to bring out any type of sickly sweet terms of endearment. Besides maybe it was a good time to talk to her about the possibility of her actually being a queen. Would she handle it well for her to know that Yusuke has decided he couldn't rule so much and wanted to split the power with him and Hiei?
Botan might be a little silly at times, but she would understand the seriousness of that. Besides she wasn't mental. She would make a very good queen.
"YOU ONLY LOVE ME FOR MY BODY!"
Then again, maybe not.
Callie smiled, looking all giddy and excited, gazing up at her mate, "I am so excited I will be able to return to school. You don't know how much that means to me."
Hiei sighed, "So you have told me." He was not nearly as excited about this as she was. But he had to admit there were some good points about her doing this. And she would be very protected the whole time. There was also that idea that he would be able to do intense training and not have to worry about where she was (or what she was getting into).
"You're acting like a sourpuss." She giggled poking his chest, "You hate to be wrong or lose."
He glared at her, "Shut your mouth or you will not ever be allowed out of this room."
"And you call me a baby." She sighed
Those red eyes glared even more, not to pleased at her behavior. She just rolled her eyes right back, use to his grumpiness. It was hard to make him happy. He was so dominant any little act against his orders or manliness made him even more of a grumpy bear.
"Hey Hiei?" Callie pulled at his hair a bit for attention, pretty much just to be a brat since she already had his attention.
"Hn."
"Are things ok? I mean, it really seems sorta tense around here at times. I guess about the exiling thing and all of that. What's going on? Anything I can do to help?"
Hiei looked at her a moment, impressed her instincts and ability to read emotions were getting better. Then again they were all being pretty damn obvious. "You need to take the classes," He sighed, caving in on the fight. No use in being stubborn at the moment. "You need to continue your training and help the others. Yusuke and Koenma will probably explain everything later," He shrugged, not too sure what was going on either. He felt that their timeline was being squished, but he wasn't too sure.
And he didn't care too much. Really, he had been wanting to return to his home for a long time now. Though his stubbornness made it hard for him to enjoy going back since people were ordering him too, it was something he was looking forward too. And he wanted his mate to be there with him and enjoy his home as well.
"Thats it?" She looked a little confused, "Thats all I need to do?"
"At the moment no one can do much of anything except work hard at what they have been told to do. We all need to train. And you and the rest, especially Yusuke, need to go through some intense teachings to be prepared for the world you are going into. But there is no enemy approaching us. We can't relax, but you shouldn't worry yourself too much on what is going on."
"I guess so..." Still it felt like she should do something. She was a big cause in why so much was falling apart so fast. If she just hadn't been kidnapped things wouldn't be so tense between everyone. She was sure Myouga would've helped her out eventually and it would've been ok.
Seeing the guilt in her eyes Hiei pinched her hard, "Stop thinking about stuff like that, moron. You can't change it. Besides had you not been...taken," He visibly winced at that memory, "the others would not have been found." Of course he was only saying this to make her feel better. He would've been just fine had she been safe with him and the others died.
While Hiei might be less jerky it didn't mean he was a fluffy-wuffy 'I love everyone' type of man. He was still willing to kill others for his own gain and don't care about when strangers suffer.
"Y-Yeah...that is true."
"This was bound to happen anyway. There was a tension between Yusuke and the Gate before you showed up. There was going to be a exile and a war of sorts. This just helped it move faster and finally make the damn prince grow a spine."
The brunette sighed, leaning on his shoulder as a pillow, "You are too hard on him."
"He allowed you to suffer for too long."
"He didn't allow me, his hands were tied. He probably wanted to avoid all of this trouble anyway." She shook her head, "He's helping us a lot now. You should give him another chance."
Hiei sneered, "He's a pompous royal."
"And you are a pompous ass. You snobs fit well together." She responded playfully. "I'm not saying you should be BFFs, just ease up on the insults."
A grunt was her only response. Seems like he was done with the conversation and wanted her to sleep. Sighing she caved in, knowing no good will come out of her pressing the subject. Just another fight that will lead her to be even more tired then she already was.
"I think we need to push your training a little harder tomorrow." He told her, making her groan. "Don't whine, monkey. Its for your own good."
"Doesn't mean I have to like it any more then I do." She grumbled.
"Keep up that attitude and I'll make you get up when I do and run." He warned, earning a pale face. Hiei smirked in victory, he loved to threaten her with getting up at 5 just to go on an intense run. It always shut her up good since she knows he would wake her up and force her to go (he's done it before as a punishment and she learned her lesson well). "You're the one who keeps acting like an infant."
The fuzzy hair girl snorted in disbelief, but didn't say anything in fear of getting Hiei's revenge. But still! It was hard not to react in some way. Here he goes on about how she does nothing but whines and mopes. Hmph, she does more than that thank you very much.
"Still you are better then the bitch."
"You are so obsessive. You lock on to an idea or thought and you cannot let go of it." She sighed, "Just leave Celeste alone for now. I dunno what is up with her. But she hasn't done anything to you personally."
"Going after you is personal." He growled. "You're my property."
"Not your damn piece of property." She hissed back, twitching as she cuddled up to him, getting comfortable for the night.
"Damn it." He sighed, knowing what was next. And as usual the dragon flew and clung to his face, curling up on it and fell asleep almost instantly. It was like they were magnetized, the speed that thing had to grab on to him (and always his face at night) had to be something due to physics.
"Meep loves you." Callie giggled.
"Ugh," Hiei groaned back, still feeling a little suffocated by the love. "I would prefer it almost anywhere else." He sneered, "Probably knows that, but because its you it is therefore a brat and does it on purpose."
"First off, Meep is a SHE. And second...can't we just say you are just super gorgeous and that no one can resist your face?" She tried, batting her eyes at him.
He scowled, the idiot knew the dragon did it on purpose to be a brat! Probably because she would do the same thing if she was in dragon form. "Damn it." He repeated, hating himself for being so soft now. He just allowed the stupid thing to make a bed, of course he had moved her to at least his hair to let him inhale oxygen.
His mate laughed again, it was starting to sound a little slurred. She was beginning to drift off finally. "You're the best Hiei."
"Hn," He grunted, not wanting to admit his ego expanded a little thanks to that little comment.
It fell silent in their room, he pulled her in close to him, like normal. He could feel her beginning to fall into the slumber. He knew their normal routine was about to begin.
"You're staying with me, right?" She whispered again, like she does most every night.
"Yeah," He answered with his normal response. He buried his face against her, feeling able to relax himself. Strange how it was easier to fall asleep with a warm body in his arms. "I'll be here."
Koenma sat in his office, his fingers drumming against the desk periodically. There were no papers needing his immediate attention, so much of the typical hustle and bustle of his office had dwindled. Many of the Ogres had been reassigned to another part of the Gate, ones that was more loyal to his father and wouldn't have to be around someone who was associating with a traitor.
At least the normal work was being taken care of. People were dying by the minute and all of that work needed to be done. He had to feel some pity for his "replacement" who was now being thrown into the lion's den in how to take control over such an intense office. But he knew that his father would not bring in someone incompetent, and really those souls were important and needed their attention.
War or no war, disowning or not...these souls deserved attention and a fair chance in getting to their proper afterlife.
At least he and his father could agree upon that.
But now that, for the most part, the death portion of the Gate was taken out of his hands, the prince could give concentration on something else. This whole business of the exiling of his friends and the introduction of demons and humans.
Sadly, he couldn't see himself getting enough power to prevent their banishment within nine months. It took a long time to do a proper take over. And honestly, while he loved his friends dearly, he simply could not risk the structure of this Gate collapsing because of one immature take-over.
His father might be an ass and closed-minded, but he knew what he was doing in leading this Gate and having it function properly. There was too much, more so then his friends and the human-demon world, to risk.
Koenma was so relieved that everyone understood and accepted that.
It made him all the more angry to think that such (for the most part) kind people were being treated in such a way. How could his father remain so blind when they were so obvious in their pure actions? They all were prepared to risk their lives here and Enma still refused to accept the idea that demons could be something other then dark, monstrous beings.
Even back in the Hellish days of the wars, not all demons were such villains. They lost friends and family just like the other sides did.
Sighing, he picked himself up, walking around the office, feeling exhausted. And it would only get worse from here. He wouldn't have much time with Shizuru now. Sadly she was not the understanding sort and tended to get even with him every chance she got. Strangely he liked that spunk about her.
He questions his and the other mens' sanity in their taste of women.
Of course, the women probably questioned their own...so he supposed they were all even.
Running a hand through his hair he noticed he needed a haircut. Maybe he could use that as an excuse to go see them all again. Though he doesn't show it, he really loved them all and wished he could be around them more. He sometimes felt like an outsider due to how long he had to be apart from them, while they all practically lived together.
The prince was too prideful at times, but even he could admit he was lonely. He was doing a lot on his own and, like most in the group have felt, he really wanted a hug every so often. Sadly, he just didn't have the opportunity to go out and get one. George was willing at times, and Koenma has told him he is blessed (yes he used that word) to have the blue ogre at his side for so long.
George had weeped at finally receiving the gratitude he had wanted for so long. And he was more then willing now to push himself and the remaining ogres to do what they can for their prince.
He gave off a big yawn, feeling the muscles in the back of his neck all tense. He needed sleep. There hasn't been a good night sleep for the prince in months. Every time he closed his eyes he would be unable to shut his mind down. It was constantly turning and thinking, forcing him to go over more plans or face the outcome should he fail. His doubts and insecurities were growing and Koenma found himself very tempted in picking a fight with Hiei just to get knocked out for a few, uninterrupted hours.
As he continued to pace, a way to give some feeling back into his legs and think clearly, he continued to worry. Yusuke didn't take the news that his poor Keiko could be ripped from the warm arms of her family and never see her again. But it took a lot of convincing and worming around loopholes and regulations to get them to be allowed to stay in their world for this long. Forget about getting the OK to transform her parents into demons. Myouga did it before as a favor and because he knew it was the right thing to do, lives were in danger. In this case, it wasn't. And Myouga was a professional, he would not do such a procedure when no one was suffering.
At least he was going to try and let Keiko come in to visit, but he wasn't yet sure how to pull that one off. Well, first off she was going to have to tell them about what she was now and what she was a part of.
The prince hoped they were as accepting as Shiori, that they will see their daughter, remember the love they have for her, and accept it. If they do that, if they at least do that for her, he will risk everything to make sure she saw them when she wanted. And he knew Yusuke and the others would be willing to do the same. It was too unfair for them all to get their families to come with them on this scary journey while Keiko doesn't. At the very least she should be given a pass to come back and visit them.
Then there was the little issue on how Yusuke was very well on his way to becoming a bigger king then they all had ever imagined. Though he has his own kingdom already in the Makai due to the tournament, at that time no one had expected for him to perhaps be a ruler within two worlds.
Poor Yusuke looked like he was going to throw up when he was told that. He has confidence in being a fighter and a leader of a small force, but not a whole kingdom. Which was why he was already talking with his closest friends about them taking off some of the load from his shoulders. Because that is really too much for one boy who has not been raised to rule to handle.
That still doesn't mean he was going to be able to avoid the leadership duties. It was now up to the demons, and of course the prince himself, to school the young man in what it takes to be a king. Yusuke was going to be taking on a big load himself. And he needed to be prepared.
"Nine months..." He whispered aloud. Sounded like he was looking down a road of pregnancy with forlorn. "Ugh...how am I going to accomplish all of this within nine months?" How the hell was he going to survive nine months without any sleep!
Groaning, he felt like he had a long enough break and dragged himself back to his desk to go over some more ideas and call in George to get an update on how his image is looking with China's Gate.
He was in for another long night.
Author: Don't go hating Celeste. She isn't the best person around, but I have plans for her. At the very least you will be introduced to her past. In fact, I have a lot planned for the four (Maverick, Celeste, Terrance, and Joshua), they won't be main characters necessarily, but they will play a big part and each get their time to shine in some way. I want you all to get to know them more.
I also want to give Koenma a bit more screen-time as well. I dunno how much of screen-time he is going to receive, but I want to give him little moments. He is doing a lot for the gang and deserves some recognition. Kurama's family will play a nice role as well, however, they won't appear all the time (Gets overwhelming with how many characters there are at the moment).
Also, it might be another chapter or two till we get more about the procedure, it is important and it will open up to good emotional scenes and such. However, so far there hasn't been a right time for it yet. There has been a lot of humor, but I think it is needed seeing how the final chapters of Wit and Courage were pretty straining, emotional, and intense. But starting next chapter there will be more emotional things. Can't seem to do a story without it, haha! Also, everyone has an idea about them being exiled, however not everyone knows the true extent like Yusuke, Koenma, and some of the others do (mostly it is the girls, the Pill-Takers, and Kuwabara).
I had fun with stereotypes here, I think it might be a running joke, and even a serious issue that is brought up (through Celeste, and probably Enma). I want to play off it some. If I do the other series I have planned for this anime (Fundamental Associates) it will have a lot of stereotypes as well, so I am seeing how well I can pull it off.
And you will see more of the ASGAIDB, they are too great together to not have more scenes XD
See you all next time! Have a wonderful, filling, safe Thanksgiving!
TWO more fanarts!
Hiei and Callie by AquariusWind ( http:/ /browse. deviantart . com/? qh=§ion=&q= callie+hiei#/d4eap4h )
Callie Minamino: fan art by PaperAsylum ( http:/ / browse. deviantart. com/? qh=§ion=&q= callie+hiei#/ d3tfsbz )
They are both wonderful and fantastic! I hope you all will take a look at these works on deviantART because they really should be recognized!
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Next time: The girls decide they need some time away from the intense testosterone level produced by the sweaty men and have a nice day out together. But its through this quality time together, they finally discover the side to Celeste she has tried to hide for so long.
"We won't be breaking any law. All the girls who are demons are pretty weak. F-minus Class." She said, knowing that didn't exist but it got the point across. "We can't very well ruin all of humanity and the balance between the three worlds at Banana Republic."
