Chapter 10: Family Reunion

"Yo! Rona-sama!"

A whizzing sound went through the air at a rapid speed. Suddenly a rock hit me dead in the center of my head before falling innocently to the ground. My hand flew to my forehead as a small trickle of blood rolled down the center of my face.

"Shit! What is it with you and these rocks!? Where the hell do you get those from anyway!?"

Ronoa walked out of her small house to see me standing in front of her house rubbing my forehead with a large bag slung over my shoulders.

"You should know better than to address your sensei in such a manor." I rolled my eyes taking the napkin she tossed at me to clean my face of the blood. Ronoa looked me up and down with a look of pride and affection.

"I can't believe it's been two months already." Ronoa said with a sigh.

"I'm surprised I'm still alive." I replied fixing the strap to my bag. "With your crazy training I should've died a long time ago." I smiled at Ronoa. I couldn't believe that it's been almost two months since I started training under Ronoa Tejina. My eyes drifted to the ground as a small smile rose to my face. I'm finally going back home. I know they're waiting for me, and I can't wait to be back. There are no words to express how much I've missed them.

"Are you all packed then?"

Ronoa pulled my attention back up to her. She had a smile of content on her face. Her hands were folded behind her back effectively hiding them from view. I returned the smile with one of my own. "Yep, all that's left is Hiei. Once he comes I'll be gone."

Ronoa walked down the steps and stopping once she was right in front of me. She examined me, something she has been doing much of lately, seemingly admiring all of the work that both she and I had to put in for me to get where I am now. We both shared a small smile. Ronoa move one arm from behind her back and placed it on my shoulder squeezing it lightly. "There's not much else I can teach you now. We do not train under our masters for very long, for most things in the Tejina clan you must learn and figure out on your own." She said lightly. "However, you've done it once before. There should be no reason why you cannot do it again."

"You always say that."

Ronoa chuckled. "That's because it's true."

She held out her other hand which held in it a small black silk pouch. It was no bigger than the palm of her hand, with a golden string that held the pouch closed. On the front it held the Tejina's symbol. "Take this with you." She dropped it in my open hand. "This may one day prove to be very useful, but I warn you." Her tone became one of caution, "The content of this pouch is very dangerous indeed. It's only to be used once, and is very, very rare."

I looked down at the pouch in open fascination. "What is it?"

"It's a stone."

"A stone?" I asked confused.

"It's a special stone that takes centuries to fashion. However, if it's done right it allows a Tejina to tap into their full power. It negates the Sanken Issue letting the Tejina have full use of all their powers. As you know the seal is placed so that we can't access our entire power because it's not something that we can control."

"So then why the stone? If we can't control our full power then why would we want to tap into it?"

"As sharp as always." She complimented. "This stone not only allows you access to your powers but it also allows control over it. However, there is not one person who has used this stone...and is alive today. After the stone wore off they became suffocated by their own power."

"How....you would you...avoid that...?" I was starting to not like this stone. Sure it was a great weapon but I don't think death is worth power.

Ronoa paused in thought considering my question. "The only way I could think is if you immediately have the Sanken Issue preformed as soon as it wears off, or if you can call the seal back on your own." Ronoa looked me in the eye, making sure she had my undivided attention. "This stone is a wondrous tool, and many Tejina's have died in making, using, and perusing this stone. It's only to be used in a dire situation, when there is no other hope and you have nothing to lose."

I nodded slowly.

"I understand Rona-sama." I then grinned when a familiar presence made itself known. "Seems like it's time for me to go. You know how he is when I keep him waiting." Ronoa chuckled lightly patting my hand.

Seconds later Hiei was standing next to me his arms folded and a look of complete boredom on his face. "Let's go."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, hello to you too Hiei."

I turned back to Ronoa one last time. "Maybe we'll meet again later."

"I'll be looking forward to that day, whenever it may be." I smiled before turning and leaving with Hiei.

"I hope we don't have to walk all the way back." Hiei said after some minutes walking. I smiled looking forward. "If you are truly that eager to get back we may speed up. That is, if you can keep up."

Hiei paused and turned to me a challenge gleaming in his eyes. "Is that a challenge?"

I smirked. "First one to the portal wins."

Hiei closed his eyes. "Hn, fine. Let's hope your training has paid off."

"We'll see...Go!"

We both vanished from our spots running at speeds faster than humans and lesser demons could only hope to reach. I ran on the ground easily maneuvering around the trees in the way while Hiei chose to jump tree to tree. The distance between us began to increase but not in my favor. Hiei was still way faster than me and I could tell he was still holding back. The portal was quickly getting closer and I knew that I wouldn't be able to beat him, at least not now. With the last of my energy I gave a burst of speed easily closing the distance between Hiei and myself but not enough to reach the portal before him.

I reached the clearing two seconds after Hiei. I bent my torso over placing my hands on my knees. "Man...You're...fast..."

Hiei smirked. "I've had practice."

I looked ahead of me and saw the portal a few feet in front of me. It was just a hole that suspended a few inches off the ground, with a swirling mass of black and purple space. I'll tell you it did not look inviting at all. "That's the portal that leads to Rekai, right?"

Hiei only nodded and walked into the portal soon disappearing. Casting one last look around I couldn't help but feel like I was leaving my home after I had just gotten here. I looked at the sky and saw the beautiful mixture of dark blue, and a blood red color. Before I could have any more second thoughts about leaving I ran through the portal which brought me colliding into the front of Lord Koenma's deck with an audible 'oof'. I doubled over desperately trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of me upon impact.

"I swear you are the clumsiest demon I've ever met."

Lord Koenma's high squeaky voice was the first to greet me on this side. I rolled my eyes still doubled over from the now throbbing pain in my midsection. I wouldn't be surprised it there's a bruise there later. Slowly I straightened my back allowing my eyes to meet the young looking lord who sat sitting at his desk, his hands folded, and a blue ogre, that wore a tiger imprinted loin cloth, by the desk holding a large stack of paper.

"Koenma-sama." I said with a slight edge of pain in my voice.

"I trust Hiei has been relaying my messages concerning the tournament?"

I smiled. "Yep, your messenger boy had been doing a fine job of that." I felt Hiei's death glare on my back so I didn't turn around only choosing to ignore him. Besides I felt that would be the best way to keep my head at the moment.

"Tell me. What is it that you know so far?"

I readjusted my bag. "Well I know that you guys were invited as guest for this tournament by a guy named Tuguro. He was the one that Yusuke and Kuwabara had fought when they went to save Yukina."

Koenma nodded. "Yes, this tournament is arranged in the human realm by many wealthy people. They arrange a team of five demons to fight as they bet on which team will lose or win."

"And you let this happen? Shouldn't something like that be illegal?" I questioned.

"Normally I guess it would be but this tournament helps keep the demons that are in the human realm from doing anything stupid. Something for them to look forward too. You'd be surprised how many demons stay out of trouble so they won't miss one of these tournaments." Koenma said. "Now! Onto you. I want you to be the replacement fighter for them. Each team is allowed two substitutes. One for if a team member is unavailable, and the other is for if a team member dies. I want you to be the ladder. That and the healer. Hiei has told me that this Ronoa character has been teaching you how to heal as well."

I nodded. "Yep."

The door's to Koenma's office was opened. "Lord Koenma I did what you asked but I must say that your request wasn't reasonable at all."

I smiled. "Boton!!"

As if Boton just noticed two other people were in the room she looked at me with a mile wide grin. "Yume! You're back!" She ran over and hugged me. She wore her pink kimono and her hair in a high pony tail.

"I know I can't believe it's been almost two months already! I've missed you so much!"

"Me too! You wouldn't believe how boring it is around here without you. Lord Koenma is all work and no play, and don't even get me started on Hiei." Boton grabbed both of my hands. "You have to tell me everything! How was your training? And when I say everything I mean everything!"

"Please! You two are standing right in front of each other so stop yelling!!" Both Boton and I turned and looked at Koenma like he was crazy.

"Anyway, you here to take me home?" I smiled.

"Sure thing, let's go!" I waved as Boton dragged me through the door.

~Later~

I sat on the back of Boton's stick thing. The wind blew through my hair making me smile. "It's nice up here."

"Yeah, I love this. Sometimes when I need to get away from Koenma I just ride around for a couple of hours. It's even better at night."

"I can believe it." We laughed.

Boton took an abrupt dive forcing me to grip the stick so I wouldn't fall off. She laughed at me before stopping right in front of my house. I hopped off. "Thanks Boton." She gave a two finger salute. "No problem. See you soon. We're heading out in two days. You know where to go for the portal right?"

I nodded. "Yeah I know where it is."

Boton smiled one last time before flying off and out of sight.

After watching Boton fly off until I could no longer see her I turned to look at my home. A smile broke out on my face at the sight of it. I can't believe that I ever had doubts about not coming back. How could I? I never realized how much I missed my home, my family, I even missed school. The wind blew from the direction of the house engulfing me with the smell of freshly cooked Lasagna, mash potatoes, and tea. Dad does love his tea.

I couldn't help but grin at my mom's food choice. It was all of my favorites! Not being able to wait any longer I ran up the pathway and up to the door. In my haste I almost ran into the door but luckily I was able to stop myself from colliding into the door. Taking a few slow breaths I slowed my fast beating heart. I swear that my chest was going to explode with how anxious, and ecstatic I was to be back home. Taking one last breathe I knocked on the door.

With my new sensitive hearing I could hear shuffling, and quite a bit of fussing on my mom's part. Suddenly the door was shoved open and two familiar faces were looking up at me. I smiled. "So you two gonna have me stand out here or are you gonna invite me in my own home?"

Two twin grins graced their faces. "Sissy/Onee-chan!!"

The two twins shot at my stomach causing me to step back with a foot so that I wouldn't fall off balance. "I take it I was missed these past months." I sighed out hugging both of them tightly.

"Kinta! Ginta! What did I tell you about opening....the..." I looked up meeting the surprised face of my mother. We looked at each other not saying a thing. Both of us were overwhelmed with emotions at seeing each other. I didn't really know what to say so I just gave a sheepish smile. "Hey ma...I'm home."

My mom's eyes watered with tears and her hand flew to her mouth. "My baby." She sobbed out running to me and embracing me in a tight hug. I threw my arms around her waist hugging her just as tightly. "I missed you ma." I whispered softly my own tears running down my face and into her shirt. She tightened her hold on me as if she never wanted to let me go. Normally I wouldn't mind but she was making it difficult to breathe. From over her shoulders I saw my father smiling with laughter at the pleading look I gave him. "Dear, if you keep this up you're going to suffocate her."

My mom, Sakura, let me go but I could tell she was very reluctant to do so. Finally being able to breathe I went over to my dad. "Hey dad." I said hugging him. I was relieved when he didn't hug me as tightly as my mother. "You gave us quite a scare you know, disappearing on us like that." I giggled. "Yeah, sorry about that. But like I said in my letter I'll explain everything."

"So is it true?" Ginta yelled.

"Are you really a demon?" Kinta grinned.

"So cool!!" I couldn't help but smile at them.

"Don't you guys have homework or something? You both still have another week before summer vacation." The twins pouted. "Oh, you're no fun."

"Come on Ginta! Let's go prank some kids at the park!"

"Yeah, let's go!"

The two ran off. "Boys! Be back in an hour!"

"Ok mom!"

I shook my head. "I see those two haven't changed since I've been gone." I turned to my mom and gasped a bit at the look on my mom's face. She looked angry, ok scratch that she looks passed angry, she was pissed off. Apparently she was finished with the whole being worried and glad I was back thing. I held up my hands in surrender. "Ok before you start yelling let me explain."

Sakura placed both hands on her hips. "Yes, why don't you explain where you've been for the past two months! And then this weird letter you send us by that creepy little boy in black! And what's up with this crap about you being a demon?! What the hell!!?" I winced at my mother who was by now shrieking. Junko placed a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe you shouldn't be yelling about this where other people can over hear us. Besides she did say she'll explain everything." I sighed in relief. I swear the fathers are always the coolest.

I walked past my parents and into the house loving the familiar feel of it. Suddenly I was pushed towards the living room and onto the couch by my mother. "Ok young lady start explaining."

I put a finger under my chin. "Where to begin...." I muttered not missing my mom's glare.

For fear of my life I guess I'd better start explaining before I'm not alive to be a part of the tournament. "Well I guess it would begin with the time when we were kidnapped. We, as in the twins and I, were transported into the Makai."

My father spoke up. "That's the demon realm right?"

I smiled. "You've been studying." I looked at both of them who by now was sitting in the couch in front of me. "But yeah that's where we were transported too. While there my brother's were supposed to be used to bring down the barrier that kept some pretty powerful demons called Saint Beast, from entering the human realm. Apparently, they both have some type of power buried inside of them as well. I don't really know how but they do. I was supposed to be used to unlock their abilities but transferring my power over to them. However, the Saint Beast's plans didn't go over so well because they were all killed by the people who saved us."

"And who are these people?" My mother asked still sounding a bit angry and something like this being kept from her.

Sighing I replied, "I can't really tell you that. Koenma-sama has agreed to let me tell you this much but I'm afraid that I won't be allowed to tell you who those people were."

Sakura huffed. "Fine. Will you be allowed to tell us were you've been these past two months?"

"I thought I already told you both in my letter? I was in the demon realm training." I told them as if it was obvious.

A rustling of paper caught my attention so I looked at my father who was pulling out a sheet of paper. My head tilted to the side as I realized that the sheet of paper was in fact the letter that I had sent with Hiei. Figures they would still have it. "In your letter," Junko started, "You said that you would have to explain in person about this whole demon thing. What's that all about?"

Using my index finger I scratched the side of my head while looking out of the corner of my eye. "Yes well...That's going to be a long story." I started with tell them everything that I know about Saruka, which isn't very much, and how she supposedly died and sent her spirit into a child who hadn't gained a soul yet. I also explained to them why my hair and eyes are this color with my father nor Sakura had neither trait. Like I thought my mother actually thought that I wasn't her child but after I assured her that I was indeed her daughter I just had a demon's spirit inside of me I think she was convinced...Sort of. Trying to explain the two different clans to them was quite difficult but I think after going over it the third time they finally understood it to a certain extent. Next was the task of explaining to them the whole training with Ronoa and the fact that I had powers.

"How do you expect us to believe all of this?" My mother sighed out. "It all sounds too farfetched. There's no way you can be a demon or whatever it is you say you are."

I knew this would happen. The only way she would believe me would be if I gave her a visual demonstration. "Maybe if you see some of the power I posses you'll finally believe me." I held out my hand and nodded towards the vase on the shelf behind my parents. "Watch." I whispered. The palm of my hand glowed a bright blood red as a familiar seal appeared. The vase began floating in the air and traveled over to me until it was hovering over my hand. It was the same trick Ronoa used back when she was throwing rocks at me.

"This is only a small fraction of the power I've acquired over the past couple of months." The glow that emanated from the palm of my hand casted an eerie shadow over my face. "There are many other things that I can do now and many things that I'll most likely learn to do."

At this moment the door opened and the twins came inside. When they saw what I was doing they ran over sitting on either side of me with wide eyes. "Oh wow.." They whispered in awe. For right now I ignored them keeping my focus on my parents shocked faces. "Now do you see? I'm telling you both the truth, and now that I know what potential I have there's no way you'll be able to stop me from furthering my training." With a light flick of the wrist, the vase gently landed back to its original position.

My parents looked at me in utter shock and unwilling belief. They didn't want to believe that they're little girl could be a demon and have powers like this. I sighed. "I know this is hard to believe, and you may not want to believe this...But no matter what you want to believe it's the truth."

Sakura shot up looking at me with watered eyes. "Of course I don't want to believe it! How could I? You've been gone for months and when you come back you tell us that you're some demon!? My mind is telling me that this whole thing isn't possible but I know...There's something telling me that everything thing that you've been telling us is true." She put her face in her hands. "But after everything I've seen I know I can't deny the truth." She sobbed out before running upstairs no doubt to her room.

Junko watched her go before turning back to me. "I'll talk to her. Now tell me about this tournament that you're supposed to be attending, as well as your so called employment with this character called Koenma."

I nodded and explained everything that I know about the tournament, my role in it, and all about my employment with Koenma.

"So this guy is the leader of the Rekai?" I nodded. "Yeah, he's also my boss." I then pouted. "The only difference with this job is that I don't get paid for my services." Junko laughed apparently amused by that.

"That's not funny! Who knows how dangerous this tournament's going to be. The guy's that I'll be working with are stronger that you could ever imagine, and even they'll be having some problems in there. I don't know how my power matches up with them but I'm positive I'm not stronger than them right now." I leaned back in the chair draping my arms over both Ginta's and Kinta's shoulders. "You do know that I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow...I don't know how long I'll be gone this time...."

Junko smiled sadly. "You know I always knew there was something different about you. Something special, and strangely enough I'm not as surprised about this as I know I should be. There's something I've learned in my life and it's that everything happens for a reason. If you must go then I won't stop you, but you have to promise me, that you'll come back home to us. Not just for our sake but for your sake as well."

I smiled. "Of course. Just make sure you have my welcome back party ready for me." My dad smiled before standing and following after my mother.

"Can we come with you?" I shook my head at my brothers.

"Sorry boys, but where I'm going is a no pest zone."

I stood up. "I'm going to bed. Wake me when the foods done." I yawned before heading to my room and falling asleep.

~Two days later~ (A/N: I just decided to skip to the day that Yume leaves. Beside the other day isn't really anything going on.)

I stood at the front of the door with my dad, and my two brothers. I looked sadly towards the stairs holding my bag to me closely.

"Yume it's time for you to go." My father sighed.

I looked back at the stairs. "I can wait a bit longer."

"I don't think she's coming down. Your mother is still having a hard time...You know." I looked down biting my lower lip trying not to cry. I only had one day here at home and that whole day my mother had avoided me. She wouldn't even look at me, and only talked to me when she needed too. That hurt me deeply. I know she was having a hard time with everything that's been happening but I really thought she would see me off.

I wiped my eyes and turned around. "I guess I'll leave now. Tell mom that I'll be back as soon as possible." I gave dad and the twins one last hug before leaving the house. Unknown to me right after I was too far to be seen my mother came running downstairs, but by then it was too late. I was already gone.

"Stupid bugs!" I smacked my arm killing a mosquito. I've been walking through this forest for a while now and I haven't sensed the portal I'm supposed to use for my transport to the tournament site.

"It's supposed to be around here somewhere." I mumbled to myself.

Suddenly a rustling in a bush caught my attention. I stopped in my tracks and turned to it. "Who or whatever you are you better come out now." When no one came out I raised my spiritual level and soon a red glow encased my body. "Either you come out now or I force you out."

There was some grunting then the last person I expected was pushed out of the bushes. Instantly my spirit energy decreased as my face melded into surprise, then relief, and lastly into anger. "Ginta what are you doing here? And if you're here then Kinta must be here too."

"W-we just wanted to come with you." Ginta pouted standing up.

"Yeah! You always have all the fun. We won't get in the way we promise!"

I glared at both of them before sighing and covering half of my face with my right hand. "Even though I should take you two back I can't. I just don't have enough time to make the back trip. If you two come with me then you have to promise that you'll do everything that I say, and you can't tell our parents about anything that you see. Understand?"

"Crystal!" They yelled with twin grins. (A/N: I'm changing their ages. They're going to be 8 years old instead of 5. I think it'll be much better that way. Anyway back to the story)

"Just come one and stay close." I said walking forward with two new faces following me. Soon after I felt the familiar energy of a portal and right afterwards we came across it. I held out my hands for them to grab. "Don't let go." I said and walked through once they were holding on tight.

Ok, I'm finally done. In the next one Kurama will be in the story I promise. As well as the old loveable gang.

I was watching some of the older episodes and I realized that my time frame is way off in the beginning. No just pretend the 6 months had miraculously passed in the short time that I made it seem. I'm talking about after Yusuke won the Genkai tournament thingy with was right before the Saint Beast episode.

And finally I'm changed the mother's name to Sakura.

Oh, wait this is the last thing. Don't for get to review!! It's greatly appreciated!! ^^