The Return

Yusuke

Boy it's good to be back to Ningenkai, it's been four years and five months since I left. I smelled the fresh air; it felt wonderful that I was back. The only problem was facing Keiko. I promised her before that I'd be back after three years and marry her. I'm in trouble... ok big trouble. I had practiced over and over again what to say to her. What to say, so she would not give me her worst slap or punch. I wonder how she is, how she looks like. I first checked my mom out, which was weird, because she wasn't here. I guess she went out with her drinking partners. I then went to Keiko's place, but no one was there. I glance at my watch and find out that it was only quarter to six in the afternoon. That's weird because her dad doesn't close early. Where is she? I guess I'd check Kurama's place. But when I got there no one was there. Ok a lot of things had changed since I left. I bet Kuwabara has to be at the house eating at this time. I got to his house and alas he had just arrived because I noticed that he just got his key, I called his name.

"Kuwabara! What's up! Missed me?" I guess he was surprised to see me because he was just staring at me like as if I was a ghost.

"Yusuke... is that you?"

"Kuwabara, it's me, you haven't change..." I wasn't able to finish my sentence because I felt a punch on my face.

"Shit Kuwabara! Is that how you greet a friend?" he then grabbed my shirt and punched me on my stomach."

"What the hell do you think your doing Kuwabara!" I asked angrily

"What the hell do you think you're doing here, showing your face in this small planet?" he shouted angrily

"Hey! I didn't want to see you; I wanted to see Keiko first..." He then tried to punch me again but I was able to block it and punch him back.

"Yusuke, how dare you look for her!" I was totally confused. Why was he so mad, Keiko had the right to be mad at me, what was the problem?

"Look Kuwabara just tell me were Keiko is..."

"You will never find out because no one will help you."

"What the hell are you saying?"

"I'm telling you to leave before Kurama sees you... "

"I'm not joking Kuwabara, where is Keiko and what do you mean about Kurama" right when I said those words, guess who comes.

"Yusuke..." Kurama looked at me as if I were a ghost. He just stood in front of me... looking as if his worst nightmare came true.

"Kurama, what's wrong with Kuwabara..." again I wasn't able to finish my sentence because I was punched but this time thorns ripped my shirt and some blood dropped.

"This is not funny! I don't know what's happening here, but what is your goddamm problem..." this time both of them attacked, I moved away. I wonder how am I going to stop this fight. My question was answered. Botan.

"All of you better stop it." She shouted so loud that I was shocked to see her. "You are not in another dimension, so stop it!" and it stopped. Kuwabara just spitted on the ground and left in disgust. While Botan came towards me, I brushed the dirt away from my pants and smiled at her, but there was no smile in return. Instead a big slap.

"Ouch that hurt, are you trying to be Keiko?" as I rubbed the spot where she slapped me I gazed into her eyes...she was crying...

"Yusuke...why are you here? Why now?" I did not understand "What..." "You're too late..." and with that she turned around. "What do you mean? Tell me!" I was afraid to know the answer. "Im sorry...no one will tell you Yusuke... Let's go Kurama." I followed after them but I did not notice Kurama punching me in the stomach.

"It was wrong for you to return... Yusuke..." with that they left me, while I was knocked out by the final blow... Embarrassing.

---------------------------

"Kurama wait up!"

"Hey Yusuke, what up?"

" I heard that you'll be going back?"

"Yeah, nothing is left for me here, and I miss my family?"

"Boy you are a very sentimental person... I ... well..."

"Yusuke, don't go stuttering on me what do you want."

"When you go... I want you to give two letters..."

"Let me take a look... hey one belongs to Kuwabara... don't tell me your... your... gayyyyyyy!"

"Shut up! Do want to get killed?"

"Joking! Wait... the other one is for Keiko..."

"Yup, I just wanted to say something to her... why are smiling like that?"

"The question is why are you blushing? Well I got to be going, see you in about a year."

"Wait Kurama... I... could I ask a favor?"

"Sure." "I promised Keiko that I'd be back after three years... can you look after her while Im not there..."

"Sure...but being a maid is very expensive."

"Make sure she doesn't date other guys!"

"Fine... but you better come back after three years or else I'll kick your butt."

"

Yusuke wake up..."

I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I said was.

"Damm my body hurts..."

"Good for you, now your awake you can eat dinner and go." Said Yukina

"Not you also, Yukina, what's going on?"

"Yes me too, and no I won't tell you." As she turned around.

I grabbed her hand and lowered my head and asked again.

"Yukina... please tell me what is wrong. I do know why Kurama and Kuwabara is mad at me... but please tell me where is Keiko?" Yukina turned her back at me and told me to get up and eat. I did eat just incase she would tell me cause it look liked she wanted to say something. When I finished eating, she got my bag and told me to leave and I did but before I left she said what she had to say.

"Wait... before you leave... if you want to know where Keiko is... you have to prove yourself to them that you should see her..."

"How..."

"I don't know... prove something... anything!"

"But..."

"Just shut up! Look I'll talk to them, go to the field were you and Keiko last met around eleven and just wait until twelve..."

"And if they won't appear?"

"Im sorry but you'll never be able to know where she is..."

"Listen carefully." I said "Even if none of you will help me... I will find another way even if it means destroying things or friends becoming my enemies..." and with that I left.

Boy this place is quiet. I bet this would be the place were Keiko would always be. As I look at this place I could not help to remember the expression on her face. I wonder if she asked me to stay and start crying... I wonder how that would be. But she wasn't selfish. I could not help but wonder what had happen to her. I felt scared... I haven't seen her face yet, see the changes. It was one in the morning and no sign of them. I know they would come. I sighed heavily, wondering how long will they be late because the mosquito is dissecting me. I have to explain to them why I was late... really late, but before I would tell them, Keiko deserves to know first. Then I saw someone coming from my right side.

I got up from my position. "So Kurama, where are your partners in crime?" Kurama just smiled darkly. "Are you guys planning a surprise-hit-kill-yusuke-attack?" I looked around just incase. Kurama laughed.

"I've got to admit, even if I resent you so much, damn it's good to know you're alive." I chuckled along. "Don't worry. Kuwabara is still disgusted to see you, so he slept over with Yukina and Botan cause his sister is not here. While Hiei is making sure that Kuwabara won't do anything stupid...but what you have to watch for is me!"

author's description of the fight… sorry if it sucks

Kurama went flying to the air bringing out his thorn whip and attacked Yusuke. Yusuke tried dodging his attack but Kurama was fast. He got hit on the right shoulder. Yusuke let go rei-gun towards Kurama, but not that strong. And then punched Kurama hard on the stomach, just to let Kurama that he wouldn't back down. Kurama jumped away but got the message.

"Damn it Kurama!" I shouted and breathed heavily while landing on the ground. Kurama stood up and started laughing. I think Kurama's crazy. "What's so funny?" I was really pissed now.

"Yusuke- it's been six years since you left. Six years since you made a promise to Keiko and six years since you asked a favor from us- you actually have the nerve to show your face..." I cut off his words.

"I don't care what you think. I thank you for keeping your promise." I noticed Kurama flinch. "I know you...no all of you want to know why I returned now but you must understand that Keiko deserves to know first." I looked at Kurama seriously in his eyes. Kurama then disappeared his whip.

"Yusuke... how long has it been since your mother told you a fairy tale story?" Now that question confused me. What does mother have to do with this?

"Listen closely Yusuke. Once upon a time, there was this beautiful girl. She looked like an angel..."

I just nodded to whatever he was talking about not even listening to the story cause I was sure that he wasn't talking about mother nor Keiko cause I'm sure...angel...Keiko? I smiled mischievously but something he said caught my attention.

"Her best friend decided to leave for awhile, but told her he'd..." He? I thought. There was a he?

"Be back. Days, weeks, months, and years passed, she heard nothing from him. Her friends asked her if she wanted them to find him, but she declined. Cause she knew he'd return." Kurama stopped and looked at me. "Do you still want to hear the ending?" I smiled at him.

"Yeah yeah." It was the truth. Somehow the story intrigued me, it sounded familiar to me. My thoughts were interrupted when Kurama spoke again. When she realized he was not going to return, she started to destroy her life. She went to wild parties, wrong crowd, disrespect her parents, and drink... oh yeah I forgot to mention, and she too was a rule breaker, just like you Yusuke." Kurama smiled bitterly. It somehow did remind me of my life in high school. "But worst of all she almost got raped... after the incident she decided to CHANGE BACK TO HER NORMAL SELF." Kurama said crisply was it just me or did he try to emphasize the sentence change back...wonder why?

"Hey, Kurama what do you mean tried to change?" He smiled darkly. "You've got to hear the ending Yusuke. Were was I... yes, She moved to another school so she could leave her dark past behind. Later on, she met the guy who tried to save her..."

I interrupted him "wait! You never mentioned someone tried to save..." I was also interrupted. "Stupid, didn't I say she WAS almost raped? Anyway, she hanged a lot with the guy..." I interrupted again, I don't know why but I don't like the guy who tried to save her. "Yeah I know, they fell in-love. Blah blah, blah, blah." I said irritated, even if it was a story it somehow affected me.

"Kurama what does my mother and Keiko have got to do with your story." Kurama smiled again. I swear I'll punch him in the face if all he does is tell me a story, smile and then kill me.

"Don't be hasty, I'm almost to the end. You are correct. They did fall in-love. They were happy...for a while. Until he proposed." What my mind screamed. He proposed!

"But the truth was she wasn't ready... cause she still thought of him... still loved him. They constantly fought. To end the story." What this was the ending? "One day, she woke up and decided to move on with her life and completely leave her past behind and live with her boyfriend..."

I am very irritated now. "Kurama, why don't you mention the name of she, the boyfriend and the he. It's very confusing!" Kurama just looked at me. " Ok, Yusuke, I'll show you Her. Follow me." ..."wait ... Kurama...I'm really confused now. Why are you going to show her, when all I want to know is the name." "What do you mean Yusuke?" He too looked confused. "Wasn't this a fairy tale" I asked sincerely. Kurama dropped down in a comically way. "I'm serious. All I want to know is her name. Like was the girl's name, sleeping beauty, snow white, jasmine, mulan, Lilo...oh I know Rupunzul?"

Kurama just laughed. "Get a life Yusuke. You've been watching too much Walt Disney movies. Just follow me." Kurama still laughed as he walked away.

What did I say? Didn't Kurama say once upon a time? And what's wrong with Walt Disney movies. "Kurama wait up!" I shouted while trying to catch up with Kurama.

authors note the Walt Disney scene, it was inspired by a friend of mine, who loved Disney movies.

Where in the world is Kurama taking me. After the commercial break of the author who wrote this, I end up in the backyard of a hospital. We've been walking for an hour, around this street, and he decides to... I mimicked his voice quietly

"ok I've made my decision, I'll let you see her. Smile" I want to punch Kurama so badly. Can I help it It's three in the morning. I saw Kurama jumped towards the top of the hospital, I followed his suit. This reminded me when we fought the evil doctor who worked for Sensui. I shuddered at the thought. Keiko almost got killed. Kurama entered the door and we walked down. Yes. The exercise. So early in the morning. We then came to a floor that posted 5, guess this must be the fifth floor. We entered the door. The hallway had very few lights on.

Then Kurama spoke. "Sorry for the in convince but we've got to be very quiet. Visiting hours are done." He smiled. No duh, I thought. What a revelation. We then stopped. Kurama opened the door and told me to enter. I didn't read the name that was posted outside. The room was pitch black. The only source of light was from the moon. I could scarcely see the girl that was sleeping. The room smelled like cherry blossoms. These are the kinds that Keiko loves. I did not go closer to the girl but judged her from afar. She had long hair, fair complexion, and did look like an angel. Too bad she's in the hospital.

"She looks so beautiful huh Yusuke?" Kurama came in. I understood now why Kurama told me the story, so I would not tale things for granted that I should not let go of precious things.

"Boy, Kurama you're a good story teller. For a moment." As I walked closer to the girl. "I must admit that you had me for a moment, you know why? She somehow resembles..." I did not dare to finish the sentence. I stopped dead in my tracks not making another effort to take another step forward. The flowers, the complexion, Kuwabara's and his hatred, his story, every ones warning... Botan...

"You're too late..."

No... I looked at Kurama, who just stared at the girl. I close my eyes hoping that this was just a dream...no a nightmare. "Want to hear the ending" Kurama asked quietly. My mind screamed for me to say no, to get out, but my feet seemed cemented to the ground. Kurama came closer and whispered in my ears.

"She got hit by a car, trying to save a boy who was crossing the street..."

I was mortified to what I was hearing. "At the same place were you were hit...Yusuke..." and with that Kurama turned around

"Wait!" I whispered, "What is..."

Kurama understood what I could not bring myself to ask. "She's in a coma.."

And left the room. While I just stood there. It seemed as time froze for me. Keiko in a coma? I realized that I was near her bed when I felt something wet on my arm. I was crying. I never cry. "Hey Keiko, it's me, dumb head. I'm home. I've got so many stories to tell you...wake up.." I caress her face... "Keiko... wake up..." I brush away some of her hair that was on he face. What have I done? I have always promised myself that I would protect her... but look at her now... and with that I cried like a baby and fell asleep heart broken.

"Yusuke... Yusuke...Wake up boy!"

I jumped up from my position. I thought it was Keiko but I found out it was the father...much worst.

"Yusuke boy, how are you?" he looked sincerely. "It's been years huh..."

I watched him as he looked at Keiko. "Too bad you had to see Keiko like this... Hey Yusuke it's ten... I bet you haven't eaten, let's take a bite and tell me what have you been doing lately?"

I looked at her dad, did he just talk to me as if nothing happened as if this incident was not my fault. I stared at him if he just spoke a foreign language... but I understood food. I was hungry. I got up but felt guiltier when we left the room. We ate in silence. When we were done her father finally spoke.

"Yusuke, I forgot something in the house, do you mind to coming with me." I wanted to shout at him. To tell him to get mad at me but I kept my mouth shut and just nodded. As we walked down the familiar path her father spoke again. "if you noticed, your mother is not here. You know why?" I looked at him. "Your mother is in Seoul, giving out statements about drinking..." I stopped walking. "Oh yeah I forgot to tell you Yusuke. Your mom stopped drinking." What? I said to myself.

"Yeah, surprised huh?" as we continued our journey towards their house.

"Keiko would always look after her... but ever since my Keiko started drinking... your mother treated Keiko also as her own child so she must have seen herself in Keiko. Since then, she has been joining those groups who states alcohol is the spawn of the devil, blah, blah, blah stuff." Chuckled her dad. Mom not drinking? Has the world gone mad?

"Unbelievable huh, Yusuke? But things do change, even sometimes the impossible ones we think." He continued walking. I thought about what he said. So far this is the best news I've heard. "I heard from Botan yesterday that your Mom will be returning from Seoul tomorrow. Well here we are, come in." as Keiko's father went in, I just stood there. Immobile. I looked at the house, all my life I've been into this house, entering as if this was my house. Now I feel that I am not allowed to enter. It even feels weird that Keiko was not here to greet me. Keiko.

"Yusuke are you ok?" he looked at me with concern.

"Sir, how can you stand facing me after all that your child went to. Knowing that it's my fault why this happened to her, but still your standing in front of me, offering things while you should be shouting at me or pulling a gun and shouting at me..." I paused and breathed hard.

"Then what Yusuke, will that bring my baby back? I did blame you for all of this actually I wanted to get the most high tech shot gun and shoot your brain out for every tears that fell from her eyes...but all of this has a reason Yusuke. It made her stronger, it strengthen a lot of bonds. She gained brothers and sister she never once had. Because of her change, your mother changed. Your mother saw Keiko drinking, turning herself like her... which she hated and she knew she'd be in trouble by you.." I smiled "if she didn't try to stop her." What he said deeply moved me.

"So come in Yusuke, I won't shoot you." When I entered I noticed that nothing changed. It was the same restaurant I entered the last time I came here. "Yusuke, I can't find the teddy bear she always sleeps with, do you mind getting it...you know which one right?" I nodded. "The one I gave her, Sir?" he smiled. I went up to her room and the first thing that I saw was the teddy bear underneath her bed. I guess her dad never went up here. I picked up the bear and sat down on her bed. I could not help but remember how I gave her the bear.

backflash
--------------------------

"Yusuke I'm tired. I wanna go home." Complained a young Keiko.

"But Keiko, I want to ride the ghost train" whined young Yusuke.

"Yeah right! Later you'll be hiding underneath the cart. Just like when we entered that hunted house awhile ago. The first exit we saw you wanted to get out." Puffed Keiko.

"What do you expect it was scary in there. A nine-year-old like you should be scared too. Look Keiko ." I pointed to the arcade center.

"You see that machine that has tons of teddy bears?"

Keiko nodded.

"If I get one will ride the the train ok?" Keiko nodded. They raced to the machine and Keiko read

"one token for every trial. Yusuke how much you have?" Yusuke duged into his pockets and had four tokens and the train ticket.

"Don't worry Keiko, this is easy. Which one do you want?"

"You see the one in the back. The one that has, big fans that looks like a vampire. That one."

"It looks ugly, Keiko."

"It reminds me of you..."

"well fine. Just watch the expert." He put one coin in, moved it forward than backward, to the right, backward again and hit the ok button, it went down but got nothing.

"Opps that was just a warm up, I'll try again." He put one in. Failed. Put another one, failed. Another failed. "

Yusuke, it's ok leave it alone." Patted Keiko. Yusuke then went to the boy beside him.

"Psst, wanna exchange? A token for a ticket?" asked seriously to the boy, he agreed.

"yusuke why? How are you going to ride the train?"

"I promised you I'll get and I do keep my promises." He tried one more time. He put one coin in, moved it forward, than backward, to the right, backward again and hit the ok button, it went down this time right where the teddy was. "See? I told you!" Yusuke smiled proudly. Keiko hugged Yusuke.

"Thanks, I'll always keep it"

"You better. I spent my money for this vampire of yours." He then glanced at the train ride. Keiko saw this. She knew he wanted to ride it. She went to the ticket booth, before Yusuke could stop her.

"Excuse me, one ticket please. Com'on Yusuke, lets go?" Yusuke was dumbstruck.

"Keiko... you spent your one week allowance... the fieldtrip is next week."

"Don't worry, it just an educational fieldtrip?" he still knew that Keiko loved to go on those types of trips.

"I can go to those places, it would always be there anyway... but the carnival comes once a year. Besides, what fun is it to go if your not coming?.." With that she went ahead. Yusuke smiled.

"Yo, Keiko, wait up!" When they were about to enter the cave, Keiko saw young Yusuke, slowly going down his seat as if a flower was withering. Young Keiko suppress a I-told-you-so statement. She took his hand into hers, which Yusuke looked startled. She looked into his eyes seriously and smiled.

"Don't worry Yusuke, I'll always be here for you too.

-------------------------------

Yusuke smiled. Since then, whenever the carnival would arrive in town. He would always hold her hand because he felt safe. He looked around the room. It was very neatly. That how Keiko is. Neat. The room reminded him so much memories he spent with her as a child. He got up and went to her study table. He saw picture, a guy and Keiko. Embracing each other. People might say from this picture that they looked as a perfect couple. He wanted to smash it. He got it and looked if anything was inscribe in the back. It simply said "Me and Eric" –wait wasn't there a boyfriend in the story Kurama mentioned? Now he wanted to blast not only the picture but also pretty boy into little particles...no...molecules... no... atoms is much better. Better yet out of this planet, this universe. I was suppose to go down and ask her dad to make sure, so I wouldn't commit murder, but something caught my eye. Another picture. I went to it. It was a Keiko alone. She looks so beautiful. She was wearing a two-piece and a sarong that covered her lower body. I bet it was a scrapbook. Keiko loves taking mementos. It said "my summer vacation" the first stated "going to Hawaii"

"Keiko won a family trip to Hawaii" said her father. I didn't hear him come in. I looked again at the picture. All of them were at the airport, I didn't see pretty boy there. Good. I guess her dad read my mind. "Eric was sick then." He smiled at me. I turned the page around and saw Kurama carrying Keiko bride like style. It said "me and big bro. "They must have a fun summer. Her father came forward and took a peek of the picture.

"this happened last year... you know... Kurama and Keiko have a very strong friendship bond, just like you had with her." I didn't look at her father but continued scanning the pages. There were clips were Kuwabara and her was trying to surf. Yukina, Botan and her, dressed up in the Hawaiian traditional clothes. Even Hiei, wore a flower polo and posed with Yukina alone. I bet Hiei has a copy of this. Keiko and her father looking for souvenirs. They looked so happy. Then was the last picture, there were two pictures inscribed "My family" it was all of them, in a group hug. She was in the middle, Kuwabara was on her left, Kurama on her right, Botan hugging her from behind, Yukina to the left of Botan and Hiei at the right. They looked as if they had no problem at all. Heck even Hiei actually smiled in the picture. The other pic, was only the boys, including her father, while they carried her in their arms. "I like that picture, it was a really unforgettable experience... too bad you didn't come. I think you would have enjoyed it." After that he left the room. Somehow I felt jealous of them, of all of them. Every time when her family would go for a vacation, I would always be with them, tagging along. Always in the pictures but this time I wasn't in it. I looked at the teddy bear that I was holding. Is this what I'm going to have. Memories of the past, while they had the present and the future, but because of what I did will Keiko even have a future? No. I will not allow that. As I started walking out from her room, She will have a future... even if it means I won't be having memories of her, if it means letting go. Keiko is in a coma because of him, he had to do something. Then it came to me, Reiko. Why didn't I think of it before. I slapped my forehead. I practically ran down the stairs.

"Sir! Sir!" I called out.

"yeah I'm here in the living room" he replied "what's up?"

"I have to go. Here is the bear." I gave it to him and opened the door.

"Yusuke..." I stopped. He slapped me at the back.

"It's good to see you."

"Sir." I looked at him straight in the eyes never letting my gaze wonder. "She will wake up. I promise. And if she does, don't tell her I came back." And I left not able to hear what her father said,

He looked at Yusuke running off. "you still love her...Yusuke. I'll be waiting. Good luck." Then he entered the house.

"Sir, wait."

Did Yusuke forget something. He opened the door again. Eric. "Come in Eric." Eric's head was down ,when he entered. "So Eric you going to visit Keiko or you need something?"

"Was that the Yusuke..." he whispered.

------------------------

Why didn't I think of her, I kept repeating over again when I came back to Macao. Coming back to Makai was easy. I was the son of Rizen. I went running towards the east, towards the dark forest where demons from Makai was even scared to enter, because of the "Soul Ripper", I smiled. It took me half a day to reach my destination. When I got to the entrance, I got that shiver whenever I entered here. Why? Because this territory was a very dangerous. I saw the house and I just barged in. "Reiko!" I shouted "Where are you? You need to come with me." "Why Yusuke?" called out a black long hair girl. Her hair was until her bottom but tied in a ponytail. Her skin was fair. To the creatures in Makai, she was to be feared. "Why you need medicine?" "I need more than your stinky herbal medicine. I know how you can repay the debt you owe me."

Were back but not in earth, in the spiritual world. We came upon a humongous door, I knocked impatiently.

"Master Koenma!" I shouted loudly. Finally someone opened. "Where's KOENMA?"

"Yusuke, control your rage." Said a smiling Reiko "You look like a savage. This is how you ask. Were is this Konema of yours, because if you do not produce him within a minute I will cut your throat and take your ugly soul of yours and feed it to my dogs. Oh yeah, PLEASE?" the goblin went running out so fast.

"See" she smiled "That's how you ask."

"thank for the tips." I said grimly. Then the goblin came out. "Please follow me" we entered a huge hallway full of doors. We entered the door where Konema would always be.

"Why Yusuke, this is a pleasant surprise. You also brought a guest with you." Greeted the small Konema. "This small guy is the son of the huge fat guy of this spiritual word" asked Reiko placidly. I hit her on the foot. "What?"

"No actually this is my true form" Konema then transformed into the teenager size.

"See I'm much cuter now, huh"

"Can we stop this nonsense and return to the main subject. THE REASON WHY WERE HERE!" I shouted again to get his attention.

"Ok ok fine. Just give me a minute. I just have to clear something. Stay here." Konema then left.

"Ummm Yusuke, I just want to take a look at this place..." asked Rekio. "I promise I won't poison anyone!" she smiled mischievously. And before I was able to reply she went out. I smiled when she left. I looked at paintings that was placed on the walls. Then.

"Excuse me Master Konema, but I have to ask you a fav..." as she saw me in the room.

"Yusuke..."

"he just went out for awhile plus I have some business to conduct with him when he returns. So it may take a long wait. Can I take a message." I asked.

Botan laughed. "so are you becoming one of those annoying operators on the phones or the answering machine?" This was the first time I seen her laugh since I returned. "But nevertheless, I'll just wait till your done."

She opened the door, when I couldn't help asking.

"are you a couple?" Botan looked confused with the question. "I mean are you and Kurama a couple?"

Botan blushed. "How did you find out?"

"I went with her dad to their house and saw from your Hawaiian vacation pic, that you look like a couple. Holding hands, embarrassing...you know what you did..." I smiled wide.

"yes... about two years already..."she said embarrassed.

"Botan don't be embarrassed, your in love,... you know the rules..."

"Yeah but..." she was cut off "Yusuke let's get to business..." Konema trailed off, at the back of him was Reiko.

"Botan, Is there anything I could do for you.?"

"No... it's ok. I'll come back when you're done." She went out "Wait Botan!" I called out. She stopped.

"I just want to say it's good to see you...and...I' am truly sorry..." She turned her head around and smiled. "It's good to see you too." Then she left.

"Ok! Lets get back to business." Said Konema as he clapped his hands.

"So what do you want me to do for you?" Konema asked cheerfully "Its time to REQUITE" as I slowly emphasized each word. His face lost the cheerfulness "Excuse me?" he even had the nerve to look dumb?

"It's time to pay your Debts, Master KONEMA" I snapped. There is no time to lose.

"what do you mean debts?" butted Reiko. I explained.

"Don't you start forgetting your debts...I would have let it go, but this time..."

"I understand" replied Konema softly. "So what are we going to do illegal this time?" he smiled mischievously.

"I know how to wake Keiko."

"Shoot, I'm listening." As Konema sat down in the big chair.

"Going through the thoughts, meaning brain, of Keiko." I said simply Konema fell of the chair.

"that technique had been banned years ago and my...WHAT! Oh no any thing but that! "

"I will leave my body behind and then enter the mind of Keiko..." I was interrupted

"You wanna WHAT" as Rekio and Konema said in union.

"what it god's name are you talking about?" shouted Konema as he got back to his sit. "coma"

"What?"

"Coma, it means your half dead... Rekio knows..."

"Oh so this is what you mean about how I can repay you?" Rekio said with a scorn

"Plus Yusuke, you can only stay for an hour, that's why it was banned, no one could revive you that fast nor can we. We have to through procedure..."

"as I was saying before I was rudely INTERRUPPTED, Rekio knows a way." Konema stood up and started to laugh "ARE you CRAZY, what we are or what you are THINKING is way to illegal..."

"To hell with illegal horse shit" as I approached him closer.

"Listen Yusuke, father will not allow this"

"Your father let's you go with it, believe me. Listen, you and your father once asked me a favor... that was ILLEGAL TOO! And its THE REASON WHY I BROKE MY PROMISE TO KEIKO" I roared out.

"Look mister pacifier guy, its no problem with me cause I want to be free from my debts from Hell boy here." Smiled Reiko. As I calm my self, looked dead serious at Konema.

"This thing isn't for any selfish reason... it's for Keiko..." Konema looked at Yusuke. Boy he would be in big trouble by his father. "Fine. Let's go"

----------------------------

"Sir! Young Master is going to let Yusuke enter the thoughts of a human being, isn't that way against our laws." Asked a very ugly looking goblin. But there was no answer. "Sir?"

"Konema knows what he is doing." Said a gruff voice. "Once in a while it isn't bad to help out close friends... just like anyone would do for a friend... even me. Besides, we do owe Yusuke this. If not for him... and if we didn't ask him

----------------------------

"So Miss Reiko." Asked Konema trying obviously to make a conversation. "what do you do for a living?"

"Well, I collect souls in Makai, do you want to me to take yours?" she took out her ripper and faked an innocent smile? Konema looked at me in bewilderment.

Never Mind her, Master Konema" as I smiled at Reiko.

We finally stopped walking through this black hallway. Konema pointed out to the only door that was there in the end of the hallway.

"So you still want to do it?"as he looked at me seriously.

"Don't worry" as I patted him in the back. "It's not as if we are selling drugs here."

I looked immediately what was inside. Nothing but a big glass shaped into a circle. "What's that ?"

"That is were your going to enter, once you are temporarily dead. So you still want to continue?" Asking me for the 99th time since we came here.

"Of course, you know me, I love the excitement and the adventure." As I did a superman pose.

"You know the risk your taking, Yusuke Once your spirit leaves this world and you fail. Your existence on this planet will be erased. The memory of the people who knew you will also be erased. While you, will wander forever with no contact at all, in an endless universe. Understand?" I just nodded.

Reiko approached me. "Here take this virulent potion, it will keep you dead for an hour only and then I'll give you the antidote. I nodded.

I was about to drink it when. "Remember Yusuke," as Rekio looked deeply into my eyes, which made my skin, shiver. "I'm still the Soul Ripper, what you are about to do is gamble your soul and you know how much I want to collect it. I have paid my debts by killing you for an hour." I smiled when she said that. ''You know me, I would love to keep you dead but you asked me to revive you, that's a different story. Keep this in mind, I have no mercy to anyone who makes a bargain with me... even you. So you better show me proof that you succeeded."

I nodded. "Don't worry about me Reiko." I assured her with a smile. Then I took it. Damn it was awful. Worst than medicine. All of a sudden, my heart felt as if someone was squeezing it. I can't breath...my skin felt as if it was on fire. Ahhhh it hurts! I dropped to my knees then to my face. Slowly my eyes closed. When I opened my eyes I saw Reiko and Master Konema looking at me with... laughter? The both of them laughed madly. I darkened in fury.

"What?" I asked as they still kept on laughing.

"From all the people who died in front of me...you were the funniest and the worst person to die. Ha! Ha! Ha!" as she continued laughing. I wanted to punch her.

"Hurry up, you've only got an hour" as Konema tried to control his laughter.

I went through the glass. It took me back to the Hospital where Keiko was. I went through the door. Kuwabara was talking with Yukina. Hiei watching every movements of Kuwabara just incase he makes a wrong move he'd use his sword. I laughed at the scene. In the other side, Botan was telling Kurama something funny cause Kurama started laughing quietly. Then Keiko's father came in. He smiled at the company who was inside when he was greeted. He went straight to Keiko's bed.

"Guess what honey, I brought with me the bear that you never wanted to wash since when you were a child. You know, someone came over to our house... he told me your gonna wake up... you have to dear. Ever since your mother died when you were only two, you would always cook our meals even if I was the chief of our restaurant... yours tasted better... please wake up..." tears were rolling down his eyes.

Botan and Yukina came forward and hugged him tightly. "It's going too be ok." Assured Yukina "yeah, I know she's going to wake up cause where suppose to go to Disney Land next month." Botan gave him an extra squeeze.

I wiped the tear from my face. So many people... no her family loved her so much. I looked at her father. I swear I will keep my promise this time no matter what it takes.

I touched her forehead and suddenly I was falling down so fast into complete darkness. When I stopped falling, I landed with a big thump. Ouch. Boy it was dark. How am I going to find Keiko? I just walked... to nowhere. Then I heard something. A hymn. I followed it. I then came upon a girl who was humming. It was Keiko. But seeing her for the first time...took my breath away. She was so beautiful. I didn't come closer. I wanted to view her first. She was lying down, her long hair sprawled all over. She was wearing a white long sleeve polo until her hips and white shorts underneath. Then she started singing was she was humming.

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears and if you have to leave
I wish that that you would just leave
Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wound won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just to much that time cannot erase

When you cry I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

You used to captivate me by your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face still hunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice chased away all the sanity in me

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

She then wiped away a tear. She looked like a fallen angel. I knew she had so much pain...and the pain was because of me.

"So this is what you've been doing. Having a concert?"

Keiko got up quickly. Surprised that someone was here. Surprised that someone could enter her thoughts. Surprised that the person was him. She just stared at him

I closed my eyes because I saw fury in her eyes and that would lead to her slap. Actually I missed her slaps, cause Reiko hadn't the strength of Keiko. What was taking so long. I reopened my eyes to see, and I saw Keiko lying down. That annoyed me. That wasn't Keiko.

"Keiko is someth..." I was cut of.

"What are you doing here" she said in a whisper.

"Duh! To make you wake up."

"Thanks but I'm not going too."

This is definitely NOT Keiko. "Are you really Keiko? And if you are... ARE YOU CRAZY!"

"Don't you dare start making jokes and start ordering me around. I'm not your goddamn maid!" She yelled back.

Keiko never yells...ok she does... "goddamit Keiko, don't start acting foolishly and don't start with the end of the world line!" I yelled back.

Keiko got up so fast that I didn't see the slap coming. Did I just say I missed it... scratch it off. It was the worst slap I have ever receive.

"How dare you come over here and enter my thoughts. Then start giving me orders. You don't know how much I despise you that I want so much to kill you right NOW!" She yelled with fury. I have never seen her that mad. I could even feel the heat.

"Keiko..." I said softly. Keiko broke down. Which I hate when that happens. She started attacking me by pounding so hard on my chest over and over again.

"Just tell me why... why you didn't return? Why? Why? Why you broke my heart into million pieces?"

I couldn't stand it. Just seeing her crying like this broke mine into million of pieces.

"after six years...why return now? Why?"

"you" I said slowly

She let go of me.

"Ok. I'll tell you why."

Author's note: Just want to say thanks to all who reviewd my story.

StoryWeaver- thanks for the compliment

Ax- gush you made me blush.

Jessica- you were my first reviewer, thanks.