Awakening the Youko

Revelations and Conversations

Of course, I knew better than to waste the time Hiei was in the human world. Hiei, Kuwabara, Yusuke and I gathered outside the Genkai Temple. We'd named it after its previous owner, Yusuke's late master and teacher, who'd both taught him and fought alongside us. She'd left behind her an inconceivable amount of land, pretty much inhabitable for humans, but good enough for a duel or two. The girls came along to watch, too, and Koenma. Koenma barely seemed to have a spare minute, since he'd taken over from his father as leader of the Spirit World, but he managed to come and see us every now and then.

oOoOoOo

The duels went pretty well. We destroyed a few parts of the grounds and some victories were . . . debatable. But we had a pretty good time. We even got a round of applause. I'm not going to mention the screams – what can I say? It was a pretty full on fight! – When we came to sit by Koenma and the girls, Hiei got quite a warm welcome, due to the fact he'd been away so long. After talking with Kuwabara for a few minutes, Yukina went to Hiei with an apprehensive look in her eyes.

oOoOoOo

"Hiei, you were in the demon world a long time."

"Yeah." He replied simply, not meeting her gaze. He never did.

"Did you . . . Did you find my brother?" He took a deep breath and handed her a jewel he'd had around his neck. It was a memento from her mother. Her lost brother, who was banished from her old home at birth, had one just like it. This now hung around Hiei's neck.

"Is that . . ?"

"Yeah."

"You found him," she breathed, almost silently, "but . . . who?" For the first time I'd ever seen, Hiei looked Yukina straight in the eye.

"It's mine." And, with that, he stalked off into the forest without a backwards glance, leaving us in a stunned silence.

oOoOoOo

Yukina stood frozen, still speechless.

"His . . . It's his . . ." she whispered slowly, "Does that mean . . ? Could it mean . . ? Hiei? My . . . my brother?"

"I believe so." I told her quietly. Kuwabara hadn't moved yet. I think he was still in shock. He'd always cared a lot about Yukina – a lot. And now, to be told she was related to Hiei – Hiei, of all people – he was having trouble with regular speech patterns.

"I . . . He . . . But . . . But she . . . Surely not." He concluded awkwardly. I glanced over to see Yukina's eyes brim over. I didn't know whether she was happy or sad, or just completely bewildered. I decided to take control.

"Come on, Yukina-chan*, let's get you home. In fact, I think that goes for all of us."

– oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo –

I got home late, after that. I'd told them I had gone to see some friends. Technically, it was true. Hatanaka, my step-brother seemed pretty sceptical.

"I didn't know you had friends." He didn't say it harshly, just in a matter-of-fact kind of way. I chuckled.

"Well, it's true I like to keep myself to myself. But that doesn't mean I'm completely devoid of friends."

"Yeah, but I thought your friends went to a different school." I'd told him their names and schools. That was it. In some cases, I guess you could say I'd lied. But then, you could say my whole life was a lie.

"That doesn't mean I never see them." I pointed out.

"I'm confused here. Are we talking about your friends from school or your other friends?" I just laughed, without bothering to answer his question, and sat down to read a book.

oOoOoOo

"Come on, boys! Dinner's ready." My mother walked into the room with her sleeves rolled up. It was like a fresh slap in the face, those scars that covered her forearms; those scars that were because of me. You'd think I'd have gotten used to it by now, after so many years, but I hadn't. I never had. Of course, none of this showed on my face. I just got up and walked to the table, thanking her as I went through.

oOoOoOo

"Shuuichi," my step-father said over the meal, "is it true that they've started taking demons into your school?"He seemed genuinely curious. Not good.

"Um, yeah." I so didn't want to be having this conversation.

"Well, what do you think of it?"

"I, er . . . Well . . . What do you think?" I asked, trying to avoid the question.

"I'm not quite sure what to make of it, to be honest."

"Hmm . . ." My mother had been silent up to now.

"What is it Mom?"

"Well, it's just that they've all just come out of nowhere. Do you think these 'demons' can be trusted?" That hurt. Oh, if only she knew what she was saying. What would she think, I wondered, if she knew?

"Erm . . ." How could I make this believable? "I think . . . Well, surely, they've got to be like people, no? Some good, some bad. You can't just decide on the nature of a whole race. You can't just assume. Well, that's what I think, at least." I didn't want my mother to disapprove of me. Even if she didn't know she was doing it.

"Well said, Shuuichi. You make a very good point. I have to say, you've persuaded me." I smiled at my new father. It felt almost like . . . like a weight off my mind.

Woop! I updated quickly for a change! You guys deserve it, since I'm always taking forever, and the chapters are so short!

Unfortunately I'm going into my second year of GCSEs now *shudder* so my speed is not particularly likely to pick up. Sorry for that.

Bear with me, though, it starts to pick up soon!

As ever, thanks for reviews, favourites, etc. And thanks for giving up a little bit of your busy lives to bother reading this. I hope you found it worthwhile.

Please spare an extra few seconds to review!

xx

Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho is not owned by me . . . yet! Mwahahaha! *cough cough*