~ I swear I have a life... I just don't seem to have anything to do lately, so I've been writing… Do not own Yu Yu Hakusho! Nor do I own Hero by Skillet which this here fanfic is named after!~
Chapter 2: What would you do for a Klondike Bar?
My brother eventually came home that night. I heard the front door open from my bedroom upstairs; heard the stairs creak under the familiar weight of his footsteps, and finally his door shut. Going to college full time could be exhausting, I hear. But then again, so could anything really. Including goofing off like he had undoubtedly been doing before he came home.
I stared at the four white walls in my room and watched my blood –soaked visions slowly fade as the sleeping pills took their effect. My space was nothing special, just a little bed with plain blue covers, a poster of Mean Girls (starring Lindsay Lohan. I hadn't actually watched that show since I was thirteen, but the poster made it look like I had a soul.), and a desk with a lamp above it. No books, no clothes on the floor, everything meticulously put back into place…
I hated my room.
I sat with my back against the wall on the covers, the blanket from downstairs wrapped around my shoulders as I tried not to think. I could feel sleep creeping up on me.
Three….
Two…
One…
I dreamed of green eyes and shadows that night.
"Jo, would you wake up?"
I blinked my eyes open to a cacophony coming from my alarm clock and my brother, looking haggard and more then a little angry. He had sandy stubble on his jaw and blue eyes. No freckles though. The jerk had a clear complexion like my father. He ran a hand through his hair. "Jeese, why couldn't you wake up? Your alarm clock has been ringing for ten minutes straight and I can't shut the stupid thing off!"
That's my brother. If it didn't have hips or couldn't be measured in pints, he was at a total loss.
"Sorry Tristan." I muttered and shut it off, glancing at the time. Good. Still enough time to shower quickly and –
My stomach turned and I fell back into bed. "I don't feel good. I think I'll stay home."
"You woke me up for that?" He snorted but his eyes showed legitimate concern. He sat on my bed, his rumpled t shirt and pajama pants blue like my covers. Tristan put a hand on my forehead, feeling for a temperature. Good thing he was going to med school. "You're a little warm. What do you feel like?"
"Crap." I said eloquently. Truth was, there was no way I could walk to school. I was too scared. What if next time Shuichi didn't come save me and it was my blood all over the sidewalk? I couldn't ask Tristan to drive me to school, either. The guy was a total hippie sometimes. 'Conserve energy', 'The ozone layer is depleting with car exhaust', and so on and so forth. He took public transportation or just walked, which I could never understand. I saw how they stuffed people in those trains…
"Hmm…" He got a thoughtful look on his face, which reminded me why he wasted his time at college. "Probably just a virus passing through." He stood up and started out of my room. "Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Doctor's orders."
"Are you gonna be here much longer?" I asked, sitting up. I didn't want to be alone.
Tristan paused at the door. "Um…nah. I'm gonna take a shower. I have classes this morning that I need to go to." Lucky for me my bum of a brother was responsible when it came to the important classes…
"Okay." I said weakly and sank back into bed as he left. I curled up in a ball and tried to think of anything but demons.
I hated my life.
I don't how long I slept as opposed to how long I laid there, but when the doorbell rang, I was sure that school wasn't over. I hadn't wasted the entire day, had I? I slipped out from beneath the covers, smoothed over my hair, and jogged down the stairs. I wonder who it is, I thought as I opened the door.
"Good morning." Shuichi smiled at me from my doorstep.
I blinked. "Am I…in trouble again…?" I leaned against the door heavily. I couldn't take much more of this. What was this guy, a harbinger of doom?
"Oh no. I just came to see how you were doing." He put his hands up in defense. "However, I did bring someone who wants to meet you…" He moved aside and a young man around my brother's age stepped forward.
He looked weird, with funky clothes, a pacifier, and JR printed on his forehead, but hey I'd seen weirder. For example, the chicks my brother brought home sometimes. Made me wonder what kind of parties he went to…
Pacifier guy bowed to me and I bowed back as a response. "Hello. My name is Koenma. You're Joelle O'Connell, correct?"
"Yes." I ran a hand through my hair, slightly embarrassed that I was receiving company in my pajamas. "Would you like to come in?"
They did so and we sat in the living room.
"Kurama tells me you have the ability to see and smell demons." Koenma started. I found it odd that he'd keep a pacifier, of all things, in his mouth. Wouldn't it just be easier to talk without it?
"Yes." I glanced at Shuichi. Was this Koenma person a demon too? Why was Shuichi telling people about me?
"I see…" Koenma glanced at Shuichi and then turned back to me. "Well, against my better judgment, I might as well clue you in on what's going on…" And then he explained to me the most fantastic tale I have ever heard. All about Spirit World and demons…he even explained how Shuichi could be Kurama and not smell or look like a demon.
"Now, about you…" Koenma sighed as he rubbed his hands together, a gesture of self comfort that seemed odd to me in a guy with such a commanding presence. "Somebody has definitely 'put the hit on you', so to speak. Meaning you're going to be approached by more and more demons until you're either dead or the man in charge gives up. Something about this seems a little off, so Kurama, could you ask Yuuske and the rest if they'd mind looking into it? Meanwhile, I'd like someone to watch her constantly and keep her out of harms way unless I say so – "
"What…?" I murmured, panic setting in. There was a homicidal demon after me? And he just says 'I'd like someone to watch her constantly'? And who says I wanted someone to 'watch me constantly'?
"It's nothing to worry about." Shuichi assured me. "Yuuske Uremeshi is a Spirit Detective. He'll find out who's behind this."
You ever get that feeling that things are inexplicably spiraling out of control and you're just watching the ends of it burn? Yeah that's how I felt. I listened with half an ear as I tried to figure out how I would explain to Tristan and my good-for-nothing father that I had to go under a supernatural witness protection program because some spawn of Satan was after my blood and no one knew why.
"…This shouldn't be too difficult. I'll do some more research and get back to you all." Koenma was saying, blissfully unaware how close I was to just killing myself and saving everyone the trouble.
Then again…as a coward, I probably couldn't do it by myself…
"We'll wait for your word." Shuichi agreed. "Are you leaving now?"
"Have to." Koenma rose. "Papers don't stamp themselves, y'know." He turned to me. "I'm sorry about all this. Have a nice day."
Have a nice day. He said it like they do when you walk into Wally World. Have a nice day, customer #234232…
I stood up after he'd gone and went directly towards the stairs.
"Wait," Shuichi called and I froze. "Where are you going?"
"To take a shower." I answered honestly and turned to look at him, my blonde hair in my face. "Help yourself to anything in the kitchen, I guess…" This is assuming, you're staying. Which half of me hoped he wouldn't and the other half wished he would.
He hesitated and nodded, and I could see that look of concern. Like the one on Tristan's face except…different. It threw me off and we stared at each other for a minute. Me on the stairs with a hand on the banister, my pajamas swallowing me up like the little kid I was, and him below in the living room, standing alone like a crusading hero.
The romantic illusion faded and I hurried up the stairs before he could see the blush that had collected on my freckled face. I shut the door to the bathroom and sunk to the floor, back to the wall, stupid tears collecting in my eyes.
Sometimes, I really hated myself.
Rule number one, don't be a coward. Rule number two, don't let yourself get stalked by crazy demons. Rule number three…
…Don't start liking the guy who made your life miserable.
I sat on the top of the stairs and watched him for a while, the cool wood of the banister pressed against my cheek. My stringy wet hair was brushed and thrown over a shoulder carelessly as I waited for it to dry, soaking my blue long sleeved shirt.
He was reading a book he found, no doubt from investigating the library downstairs. From here I could tell it was one of my favorites; a well worn copy of Wicked by Gregory Maguire. His finger was slipped in between the pages, held ready to flick it over as his emerald eyes scanned the words on the page. I saw the way he relaxed as he read, the muscles in his shoulders unwinding as he immersed himself in Elphaba's life for a while; just as I did whenever I picked up the book. There was a slight frown on his face and I found myself waiting for it to turn into a smile, too scared to study the rest of him. Even I knew that was creepy. But watching him hold that book made me feel like he was studying my insides; like holding me, instead.
I traced the edges of the banister with my fingers as I studied his shoes, unsure of what to do now. I hadn't made an effort to announce my presence, which I'm pretty sure went against all the rules in the How-to-be-a-good-hostess-book. But even if I did go to talk to him, what would we discuss? School? Our upcoming project? That seemed like so long ago now; so irrevalent and naïve that it almost made me laugh. No, I had nothing to say to him. Nothing I could say would work.
Then again….I could say thank you…
I saw a flicker of motion out of the corner of my eye and I looked up right as he looked down at his book.
So he did know I was here. But why was he staring…?
I stood up and walked down the stairs, acting like the transaction had never happened. Life is so much easier when you can pretend. "Like the book?"
Shuichi looked up at me. "Yes. American Literature always interests me." He closed it and set it on the table. "Are you alright? I know this must be a lot for you to handle…"
"I'm fine." I brushed off his concern with a small smile and sat myself on the farthest corner of the couch, tucking my legs underneath me. "Thank you." I said, though it came out half strangled. Why couldn't I look at him?
"For?"
"Well…saving me, the other night." I tugged the sleeves of my shirt down. "I don't think I would've been able to survive if you hadn't been there."
"You're welcome."
I looked up and we shared a smile.
Finally he spoke. "I have to discuss Koenma's orders with Yuuske and the others. Would you like to come with?"
"Do I have a choice?" I asked dryly.
"I…thought it'd be nicer if I gave you a chance to make a decision." He admitted, looking sheepish.
"Thank you." I said again, surprised by how considerate he was being, given the circumstances. "I'd love to come."
Shuichi should've warned me.
We walked downtown to a cute little park with a lot of trees, exchanging few words and enjoying the scenery more then anything else. I loved going on walks. It gave me time to think. But it was awkward walking with someone else; like I couldn't think beyond idiotic time wasting conversation starters. I watched a jet fly overhead and absently wondered what it'd be like to fly as we passed under a tree.
Bam.
I could smell and sense another demon almost immediately, though it was different then the one from last night. This one smelled like blood, certainly, but it was more complex… I was confused. He actually smelled good. Kind of like Shuichi, but Shuichi's scent was better.
"There's a lost little girl following you, Kurama."
I looked up in between the branches to see red eyes peering back at me. I gasped and jumped back, bumping into Shuichi as I tried to escape.
He steadied me with a hand on my elbow. "It's alright. He's friendly."
"Maybe to you." Was the snide reply.
Suddenly someone about my height was in my face, same red eyes but now with a white bandana and black hair that looked like someone had dyed a broom and stuck it on his head. "But not to her. Who are you?" He demanded.
"N-no one…!" I squeaked, pushing more into Shuichi as I leaned away from the demon in front of me.
"Come now, Hiei." Kurama switched his grip to around my shoulders. Probably to keep me from running away. "She's already frightened enough as it is."
Hiei studied me for a brief moment more before giving off a noncommittal 'hn', like I wasn't worth the time. "What's she doing here, following you?"
"This is Joelle O'Connell." Kurama replied. "Koenma's asked us to assure her safety. She seems to be having some problems with our kind."
"Ha!" Hiei scoffed. "Koenma can ask all he wants! I won't do it!"
I really wanted to ask if he'd do it for a Klondike bar but, seeing as he scared the crap out of me, I thought better of it.
"He also said something about an exceptionally talented demon that might be involved…" I saw the corner of Kurama's mouth twitch, as if he were going to smile but thought better of it. "…something about them being stronger then you. He honestly didn't believe you could beat said demon."
Hiei's eye twitched as his eyebrows met in the middle of his forehead. "Oh he doesn't, does he…."
Now, you and I both know Koenma said nothing of the sort. I was pretty dang sure Kurama knew this too, seeing as he had been in the room throughout the duration of Koenma's stay, so naturally I was confused. I shot him a quizzical look.
He glanced at me and flashed me a quick smile.
"I want to see this demon. I'll show Koenma who's better." Hiei said vehemently. "Who is it?"
"We're not sure. The only thing we know is sooner or later, Joelle here will draw him out."
Wait, what? That don't sound pleasant.
I shifted nervously as Hiei glanced at me again.
"Fine." He snapped. "I'll help babysit." He turned to me. "You better not do anything stupid and ruin my chances or I'll make you pay."
Believe me brother that is the furthest thing from my mind.
I nodded anxiously and Hiei, satisfied, turned away.
"Stop gaping at me. I won't kill you." He paused. "Yet."
Kurama frowned disapprovingly as I swallowed. "We're going to meet with Yuuske and Kuwabara. Would you like to come with?"
-
"No."
There is a God.
"But I'll meet up with you later when that…girl, isn't around." Hiei concluded, throwing me a disdainful look. And with that, he disappeared. Quite the conversationalist, no?
"Hiei has a…distinct lack of patience with humans…" Kurama let go of me, staring at the space where Hiei had been.
"That's putting it eloquently." I said and put my hands over my mouth, eyes wide.
Kurama laughed. "He won't hear you. He's gone, now."
I still wasn't going to take any chances. "Um…are Yuuske and Kuwabara…are they…?"
"They're human." Kurama assured me, starting to walk again.
I let out a sigh of relief and followed after him.
"If you don't mind me asking, why is your family never home?"
I looked at him as I caught up to him. "What do you mean?" I asked, though I knew what he meant. I wasn't stupid.
"There's been no one besides you today and yesterday." He pointed out.
"Oh." I chewed on my lip. "My brother's usually home, he's just…well, actually, he's never home. He's in med school."
"What's his name?"
"Tristan."
"And your father?"
"John O'Connell. He's a very busy man." I pursed my lips. There were so many things I could say about that man. Very busy indeed… He never wanted to come home.
"And your mother?"
"Living in the states." I shrugged. "My parents are separated."
"I'm sorry to hear that." He said softly.
"It's completely fine. It happened a while ago." I brushed it off, but it was still a sore subject. I loved my mother, and for her to just pack up and leave and give her husband custody over me like that…
Well, whatever. I had more important things to think about. For example, what I was going to do now that I was under witness protection. I pursed my lips as I walked beside Kurama in silence, musing over my options. I didn't have a lot. It's not like I could refuse their help, and even if I could I didn't want to. Facing on whoever this was all alone didn't sound very pleasant. I could just ask Dad and Tristan what I could do, but I didn't want either of them to get mixed up in this. Neither had my gift for seeing and smelling the unnatural. It would just confuse them and set everything up for disaster. Besides, there had to be a reason this whole Spirit World thing was a secret. I'm betting there was a penalty if you told normal people what was going on, but I didn't want to find out through experience.
"It seems we're receiving odd looks." Kurama murmured, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I blinked. "Supernaturally odd looks or…human-ey odd looks?"
He looked amused. "Both, I suppose. You tell me. You seem to have a gift for picking our kind out."
"I try not to…" I muttered.
"Well, now's your chance." He pointed out. When I didn't answer, he added. "It would be an immense help to know who to watch out for, actually…"
I didn't want to be a burden. Aw hell, who was I kidding? I already was. But I could be less of a burden… I closed my eyes for a bit and breathed in deeply, focusing on stretching that extra sense I carried around to timidly feel out my surroundings. I'd done this before, but not often. Sometimes, ignorance is indeed bliss. And its not something you can exactly tell the person standing next to you. Hey, you don't know me but that guy right there? Yeah he's gonna eat your soul in a bit. Have a fantastic day, friend!
I got the smell of rotten food mixed with beef cooking from a vendor across the street. The whole thing practically oozed demonic aura. I guessed it must've been the cook.
The next demon was walking the opposite direction. He smelled like stale bread, which wasn't that unpleasant. I would bet anything to say he was harmless.
I opened my eyes and said, "The man cooking over there is a demon. He's killed before and reeks. There's another one but I'm guessing he's harmless."
"I smelled him." Kurama admitted, looking impressed. "But I didn't notice the vendor. That's quite the gift you have, Joelle."
I almost glowed. It was ridiculous.
"I hope you mind that I don't call you Joelle." He looked apologetic as we started walking again; away from the demonic vendor, I might add.
"No." I smiled goofily. "No, I don't mind at all."
~Please R&R!~
