4. A Walk Down Memory Lane

Koenma looked At Raven quite surprised. He was surprised that she had come to a decision like this so quickly. "Raven, are you sure about this? It could be hard on you."

Raven looked at him sternly. "Koenma, I know what I'm doing. When do we leave?"

Koenma sighed, not knowing if this was quite the right decision. But he didn't know of any other way. "You guys leave tomorrow morning."

Raven glared at him. "What is it with you freaks and the goddamn morning!"

Koenma slunk back in his chair with fear shown clearly on his face.

Raven started walking towards the door. "Don't worry Koenma, you're not worth it. I'll be here." And with that she was gone. The rest of the gang soon followed suit, all except for Hiei.

Koenma was surprised that Hiei had stayed behind. "What do you need Hiei?"

"What kind of danger is Raven getting herself into?"

"Oh, you wanna know that. I'm sure that it's nothing really but I just don't know if she's going to be able to handle her past. She doesn't remember much because she's blocked it all out. But when she goes back, it's probably going to come all back to her and I'm just not sure if she's going to be able to handle it. That's why I was very hesitant on asking her to help but I'm sorry to say but she's our only option. I'm going to regret this I just know it."

Hiei thought about this for a second. "I'll watch over her Koenma. Don't worry about it."

And with that, Hiei was out of sight. Koenma sighed. "I hope I know what I'm doing."

Raven was walking slowly back to her home, trying to figure out a way to tell her foster parents about being gone for so long. Before she knew it, she was at her house. She stood outside just staring at it. She sighed and went in, not wanting to experience what she was just about to with her family.

As soon as she walks in the door, her mother is on her like nobody's business. "AND JUST WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN YOUNG LADY! WE'VE BEEN WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU!"

Raven just sighed. "I've been out with some friends, that's all. I just came back to tell that I'll be gone for a while with them and would prefer it if you didn't bother me about it. Cause I'm going with or without your approval. I'll be leaving in the morning. Don't expect me to be home for quite a while."

She started up the stairs without even giving them the chance to respond. Raven shut her door and locked it as he mother ran up the stairs after her yelling at her. Threatening that if she left this house in the morning that she would never be allowed back. Raven shrugged. She didn't really care; she didn't really care to be there anyway. She'd rather be with her friends. She laughed at herself as she said that. She still wasn't used to saying that she had friends. It has been so long since she has been able to say that; and to her, it felt pretty good. Her mother had quit after about half an hour of trying to get into her room. Lost in deep thought she didn't notice a certain fire youkai come up behind her and hug her from behind. She was startled at first until she noticed who it was. She smiled and leaned up against his chest.

He looked down at the beautiful demon in his arms and smiled. "Raven, are you sure that you want to do this? I mean, who knows what could happen."

Raven smirked, "That's the whole fun of it."

Then, without warning, Raven's door was knocked down and there stood a very angry mother. "Raven, how dare you talk to me like that and then walk off like it was nothing and then to top that, ignore me! You are so grounded young lady! And what is this boy doing here holding you! You know that this is not allowed in this home. You are sending you're little friend home and coming downstairs to talk to your parents right now!"

Raven stared at her fairly angrily. She got up and walked up to her. "My parents aren't here. They could be dead for all I know but they definitely aren't you so don't think that you can bust down my door and start ordering me around like I'm actually your kid! Don't you dare try saying that you have no clue what I'm talking about. I'm not as stupid as you would like to believe. I'm not even the child that you thought that you knew. I never was. You see, I'm not like you normal pathetic humans. And I don't want to be treated like one." As Raven was talking her power started to flare and there was a dark aura surrounding her.

Her eyes went completely black and her sword appeared once again. She started to advance to her 'mother', making her back up against the wall. "Now, I suggest that you leave me alone before an accident occurs and I get in trouble with Koenma! And never appear in my sights again!" Her mother, terrified, ran downstairs.

Raven sighed and her power went back to normal. Hiei smiled at her. "Wow, quite impressive. Remind me to never get on your bad side."

Raven smiled at his joke. "Yeah yeah, smart ass. But what I wasn't expecting was my power to rise like that. It's never done that before."

"Well, I suppose that you just don't take well to authority where it doesn't belong."

This got Raven to give a chuckle. "I guess. Anyways, I just want to get out of this house. I'm fed up with that ningen. She deserved to get put in her place."

Hiei laughed, "I believe that that's what you just did."

Raven thought on this for a moment. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

The two of them laughed for a few minutes and then Raven stiffled a yawn. "I think that I'm going to go to bed. Are you going to join me?" She looked up at him with those eyes that he just couldn't resist.

He smiled at her. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

So, Raven went and did her nightly routine before she climbed into bed with Hiei. They immediately got into the position that they were in the night before and fell into a deep sleep.

Early in the morning about 5 am

Raven woke up feeling cold, no strong arm around her like she was expecting. She felt cold, and alone. She opened her eyes to see nothing but pitch black. She couldn't even see her bed that she was sitting on! She looked around frantically hoping to see or notice something. But all she heard was a voice that she recognized and yet she didn't.

"You shall end up alone; just like you did the last time. Don't you can escape us like you did the last time just because you blocked everything out. We're waiting for you Raven."

Raven shot straight up breathing hard, waking Hiei with the sudden movement and the loss of heat when she sat up. Raven's hands moved up to her head as Hiei looked at her with great concern. When her breathing settled, Raven's hands went back to her lap.

"Raven, what happened? Are you ok?" Hiei couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Raven looked at the worried fire demon. She gave a small smile. "I'm fine. It was just a nightmare that's all." She tried to give him a reassuring smile but she didn't think that it was working very well.

Hiei just looked at her, not really believing her but he wanted to see where this would lead to and if this just might be something that Koenma was talking about. "Alright, if you say so; what do you say to going to Koenma's early huh? Get you outta this house a lot sooner."

Raven was more than willing to go early. She hated it here; she never wanted to come back. She just wanted to stay with her friends; it's where she felt safe, not alone. Or was she alone? Her dream worried her very much but she didn't let it show. She didn't want Hiei to be worrying about her. After she packed up a few things, her and Hiei went to her backyard and was about to leave for Koenma's through her portal when the others stopped them.

Yuske came up first, out of breath from running. "Wait up for us. We were just about to knock on your door when we noticed you guys coming back here. We wanted an early start so that we could get this over with. Apparently you guys had the same idea as we did."

By the time that Yuske was done talking, Kurama and Kuwabara had caught up and were catching their breaths. Raven waited for them to catch their breath and when they had, she opened up her portal and went in, sonly followed by the guys. (A/N talk about ladies first huh? lol)

When they arrived in Koenma's office Koenma looked quite surprised. "Well, well, well. I wasn't expecting you guys here this early. You must just want to get this over with huh?"

The entire gang nodded simultaneously. Koenma sighed. "Alright. Raven, we have a general area of where they are just not the exact location."

Raven sighed annoyingly, "Duh! That's why you need me. I'm not as stupid as all you people think I am."

Koenma gulped and continued. "You're going to be sent to secluded area that was never known to anybody so, we have a hunch that they just might be there. I guess that there really isn't anything that I can inform you guys on so, there's the portal. And good luck you guys. You just might need it." As Koenma said this, he looked over at Hiei and he got what he meant as the others started to go through the portal that had been opened for them. Hiei nodded in understandment and went in after Raven. Just so that he could keep a good eye on her. He couldn't slip up, or he just might miss something that could cost him dearly.

When they landed, all the saw around them were trees; a whole lotta trees. When Koenma said that it was a secluded area, he was kiddin'! Raven looked around. She could remember all the times that she had run around in this forest when she was just a little demon girl, just minding her own business, having fun, having nothing to worry about. She sighed. She missed those days. The days when she was wanted, wasn't rejected just because of what she was. Her younger days were ok because her powers hadn't developed yet, so no one knew that she was different. She hadn't being rejected just because she was different. So what if she was, she hadn't changed.

A slight tap from Yuske took her out of her trance. "Um, Raven. Hello, anybody there?"

"Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry about that. I'm supposed to be locating them. Right. Let me see here." Raven closed her eyes and scanned the area for the energy that only her kind could since. After a couple of minutes of searching, she found a very faint signal coming from a few days walks straight ahead.

Her eyes shot open and she pointed in the direction. "We go this way."

Kuwabara looked at her funny. "Um, Raven, I don't mean to burst your bubble but, there's nothing out that way."

Raven stared at him with a mean look in her eyes. "Kuwabara, one thing that you have to learn about my tribe is that others can't sense us unless you are one of our kind; which I am, for the most part. Anyway, we should start moving; its a few days walk to where we're headed." She started walking and the boys soon followed suit; Hiei on her left and Yuske on her right. Kurama and Kuwabara covered the rear as they walked.

After a few hours of walking, they stopped; Raven couldn't stand Kuwabara and Yuske complaining. Raven made a small campfire and went to search for a lake to fish in. She found one not too far off. She knew where it was; she used to come here a lot when she wasn't wanted by her village. She stared out at the lake before she started to go in and catch some fish.

After about 15 minutes she had caught enough for the gang and herself. She walked back to the campfire that she had made and started cooking.

Yuske looked thoughtful for a second before speaking. "Hey, Raven, you act like you've done this before."

Raven avoided looking him in the eye. "I have, I just don't really wanna talk about why." She got up and went left the campfire to let the food cook.

Yuske looked out after her. "I didn't mean pry or hurt her feelings. I was just trying to compliment her on how good she was."

Kurama tried to comfort him. "It's alright Yuske. It wasn't your fault. She's just having a rough time coming back here that's all. She's probably also worried sick about she kin so, you really can't blame her. So don't' bother yourself with feeling guilty of it.

Yuske smiled. "Thanks Kurama."

With Raven

Raven walked back to the lake and sat on its shore, just like she used to when she was little. She saw herself running around the lake's edge, and then sometimes just sitting and watching the sunset. She even remembered herself swimming once; and how she had almost drowned here.

Flashback, in Raven's POV

I ran into the water, thinking that I was ready to swim. I started out shallow like I had been taught, but what I didn't listen to was to slowly increase my distance. I didn't do it slowly like I was taught. I went in deeper and deeper until I was in too deep. I struggled and I struggled to keep my head about the water. I cried for help as loud as I could, but no one came.

After what seemed like hours, I started to get dizzy. I realized what was happening; I was going to pass out from like of energy. Just before I passed out, I felt a strong arm pull me out.

When I awoke, I was really warm and I could smell freshly cooked fish. Then a voice spoke from behind me, "Well, I see that you know just when to wake up, supper just got done. Go ahead, eat up. You look like you need it."

I wasn't used to this type of kindness from an adult but I wasn't going to pass up and opportunity like this one. After I was done eating, I stared out at the sunset as without me knowing it, the man was looking at me like he knew me from somewhere.

After sundown, he started to talk to me. "So, young one-"

I interrupted him. "It's Raven."

He smiled, Alight, Raven. Mind if I call you Rave?"

I thought about it for a second. "No."

The man once again smiled. Now it was my turn for a question. "Excuse me sir, but since you know what my name is it would be fairly much appreciated if you would tell me yours."

He looked at her surprised. "Well, for such a young you sure out polite but you are right. My name is Sai."

I stood up and walked over to him. I shook his hand while shaking his hand and smiling, "Pleasure to meet you Sai."

Sai returned the gesture. "And what a pleasure to meet you Rave."

After that, he continued with his question, "So, Rave, as I was about to ask, why were you in the water so deep; all alone for that matter?"

I stared at the ground. "I was out so because I thought that I could do it. And the reason that I'm alone is-is, because I've been outcasted from my village. They don't want someone like me there; someone that's completely different for them. So, this lake is my home."

Sai gave me a sad look; he knew full well why you were outcasted. "Rave, may I take a guess at why you were outcasted?"

I looked at him and nodded, curious. He continued, "You were outcasted because you are a child born from on outsider of your village."

I was shocked. "How-how did you know that?"

This time, it was his turn to look at the ground. "Because I'm your father, Raven. I was the one responsible for your birth. I knew that it was forbidden but, you have to understand that I loved your mother very dearly. She didn't mind going against her village's rules, because she loved me back just as much to risk having you. When I found out that she was pregnant, she told me to leave. If the village had found out that it was me, they would have killed me right on the spot and your mother didn't want you growing up without a father. So, I did as your mother wished and I left, intending on coming back very soon. But I haven't been able to come back till now, when I found you. You look so much like your mother Raven."

It took me a minute before it all sank in. Then, I lunged myself at him, crying. "Daddy, mommy's not here anymore. She died a long time ago. Ever since, I've been outcasted. I didn't have anyone to protect me. I'm glad you found me dad."

My father started to cry at the news. "I'm so sorry honey. I never meant for any of this to happen. I wish that I could take of you from here on but I can't. I'm being pursued so I can't risk putting you in danger. If you wait a little longer, I'll be back for you. Will you wait for me?"

I nodded and cried myself to sleep.

End of flashback and back to normal POV

Raven had tears strolling down her face. She waited and she waited till she could wait no longer; he never came. She cried silently to herself as Hiei came up behind her. "Raven, is everything alright?"

She wiped her tears away before looking at him. "Yeah, I just was remembering when I was child. It's been so long since I've been here. But I guess that I can't be blamed for not wanting to come back here. I mean, who would want to go back to a place where they're not wanted? It just doesn't seem right, ya know?"

Hiei nodded. "Actually, I can relate to you completely. I'm what my village calls the 'Forbidden Child'. So really, we're more alike that you realized."

This got a smile on her beautiful face. "Ya, you're right." She hugged him. "Come on, dinner should be ready and if we don't get there fast, there isn't going to be anything left with those two dimwits there." This got a chuckle out of him as they raced back to camp.

When they got there, Yuske was just about to take a bite out of one of the fish. Once again, Raven had the perfect timing. Yuske smirked, "Man, Raven, do you have prefect timing or what?"

She smiled. "Let's just say that it's a talent that I picked up a long time ago." She took a bite out of her fish and sat back in silence as everyone ate. By the time that they were done eating, it was nightfall so everyone decided to go to bed; watching the group in shifts.

In the morning, dunno what time XD

Raven was the first to wake up. Apparently no one really kept up with the shifts. She chuckled softly to herself until she noticed that her man wasn't anywhere to be seen. She looked around frantically, worried that he dream was coming true. Hiei, who was in a tree a little ways off noticed this and made his presence known. "Raven, you ok?"

She ran up to him and hugged him tightly, like something was going to be taking him away from her. "I thought that you were gone for good. Just like in my dream that I keep having. I don't want it to happen Hiei. I don't want to lose any of you guys; especially you."

Hiei looked down at the crying beauty in his arms. "Raven, what dream? Is this that nightmare that you told me was no big deal?"

She nodded and told him the story. When she was done Hiei thought about it for a moment. "I'll think this over for a little bit, while you're waiting, wake the others. We're leaving now."

She nodded and went to wake the others. Then, they continued walking. When night came around, they set up camp again and went to bed with the stars shining brightly and clearly in the sky.

Next morning

Raven awoke with a start. Her dream was starting to haunt her ever so. She started waking everyone else up, telling them that they had about a few hours before they were there. With that news, everyone got up quickly and they were off.

After the few hours were up, Raven stared, shocked at the site that lay before her. What once was her village was now just a pile of rubble and ash. She couldn't figure out how this could happen. Not like this. This was almost like it was too easy. And she knew that her village could out up with a fight unless it was one certain person. She looked around while the guys stared in disbelief. Soon, Raven picked up what she was looking for and darted off with the guys not too far behind her. When she got there, she couldn't' believe who was there. It was her father. All of a sudden, memories started to come to her like nobody's business. There was one inparticular that she didn't ever want to see again, the death of her family.

Flashback in Raven's POV

I walked up to the village, thirsty for blood. I don't know what was wrong with me but I had no control of my body. I was just a viewer, not being able to look away from what my body was doing. I wanted to stop, but I couldn't. The things that I did were terrible. I went through my village to my home. I had the intent of killing someone. When I got to my home I saw my mother cooking. She looked at me scared, like she knew that this was going to happen, she just didn't think that it would be so soon, me at such a young age. She didn't think that I could handle the power, and apparently, I couldn't.

I heard myself laughing. I was just about to strike at my mother and I was laughing! I killed her without a care. Then, it was my younger brother. I didn't hesitate. Even though he was a baby, I didn't hesitate. I just killed him without any care what-so-ever. Thank god that my elder brother wasn't home. But after killing my younger brother Zane, everything blacked out completely.

When I woke up, all I could hear was yelling and badgering. That was the day that I was outcasted. The day that I blocked out till just now.

End of flashback and normal POV

Raven grabbed her head and fell to the ground. Her father chuckled. "Well, Rave, I'm glad that you remember now. You were the reason that I had come back that day. What are you going to do about it now?"

Everyone couldn't move. They all stared at the two. Raven, her hands still on her head, glared at her father. "You wanna know what I'm going to do? I'm going to fight you and end what you started all those years ago."

Her father smiled. "That's exactly the answer that I was looking for. Let's get this party started."

With that, he charged at Raven.

HOLY SHIT! A whole 8 pages…that's a record And you want to know what? It's 3 in the morning. Well, I told myself that I had to update for all you readers so I pushed myself to stay up and type it up. I hope that you guys like this one and I shall update ASAP