Synopsis:
She was happiness. She was joy. A charming little girl with who would always see the positive side of things and try to find the good in people's heart. . . That girl was me, at some point. An innocent soul with a pure heart along with the mindset where everyone would get their happily ever after, prince charming and everything like in most fairy tales. . .
But this story is not one of those.
There is no prince charming or a knight in shining armour, but I can guarantee you that there will be dragons with flames, demons from many kinds, creatures from legends, and battles like no other.
But the greatest fight of all is. . . The conflict within the heart with weapons that many know as. . .
Emotions. . .
I am Miyuki Urameshi. The girl who lost her spark, but ended up coming back as the whole damn fire.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or the show's characters, only my OCs. One OC, however, belongs to a friend of mine ( _b.b.e_art_ on Instagram.)
️Warning: There will be cursing, violence, blood and other stuff that you might not like. So read it with your own responsibility. ️
Of course, once we got home, Yusuke and Botan threw me a bunch of questions while lecturing me all the way for almost 'getting myself killed' by a monster. However, after they finished with their scolding rant, I told them everything that I know. About our conversation and the favour, he had asked and I, of course, agreed on. Before things went further, my brother threw a hissy fit about how the alcohol stung his arm.
"You know this could be a trap Miyuki. It seems a little too easy." Botan said thoughtfully to me. "It's no coincidence that he asked for three more days. By then, the moon will be completely full and the power of the Forlorn Hope will reach their maximum. When that happens, the mirror will reflect the strongest desire of whoever looks into it, and it has said that the desire will be granted, that the user must give something in return." Then there was a small and intense pause. "Only a few people know what that something is." I looked at the two with my arms still crossed over my chest while my body was standing with the support of the wall on my back. "Getting our mirror may be pointless if his wish destroys the Earth." Botan pointed out but I shook my head in disagreement.
"By the sound of it he could do that all by himself, right?" I made a point.
"But it's still can be dangerous." Again, Botan tried to convince me but I didn't believe in her one bit.
"He is not like that." I told her with a soft tone that I rarely use as I looked away from the people I work with.
"How can you be so sure about that?" Yusuke asked in a shout like I was the crazy one here. Taking a deep breath, I went over to my bag and pull out my Phoenix book and my favourite bookmark, which was a group picture of three young children on it. Me, Sanyu and Shuichi when were were little.
"You two know him as Kurama." I began to explain as I gave the photo to my brother for the very first time in his life. "But I know him as Shuichi Minamino from my childhood. He is Sanyu's elder brother and we were really close after our first encounter. However, we lost contact when Yusuke and I had to move away from that small city."
"He was Sanyu's brother?" Yusuke asked a little shocked as he handed me back the picture. "I can't believe it. . ."
"Yes." I replied gravely. "We haven't talked much in the past two years, but he is still my friend and I trust him."
"Are you out of your mind?" Botan exclaimed with a small hint of disbelief. "Let's not forget that his dear old teammate tried to rip you and your sibling into little bits." Yusuke sighed as he turned his gaze to the wall.
"It's true but. . ." Yusuke began a little tiredly. "When I was walking up, they were having some sort of argument." The look on our pink-eyed girl morphed into a questioning look.
"Huh?" She asked.
"Yusuke is right." I confirmed his words. "When I spied after Gouki I happened to hear every word. That guy, Hiei I believe freaked out when Shu- I mean Kurama said that he wanted to leave the alliance. They didn't like that and Gouki demanded the mirror from him immediately, but he said he wants to use it for something. That happened right before I blew up my cover and Yusuke showed up."
"I see." Botan sighed. "Do you know what's his plan with it by any chance?"
"I'm not really certain either. . ." I lied. Not completely, but I do have a theory that has to do something . . . or rather someone. . . Shuichi told me to meet at a hospital. . . So that can only mean one thing. . .
"Yusuke, Miyuki I made us some dinner." Yusuke jumped a little while Botan flinched slightly at mom's loud and cheerful announcement. "Will you be eating with us Botan? There is plenty of food." My mother offered.
"Oh yes, that would be lovely, thank you." Botan thanked her.
"Can't you knock mom?" Yusuke complained a bit harshly. "We're in the middle of an important conversation." Mentally facepalming to myself I left the room, not wanting to deal with an angry mother at the moment who was now interrogating my poor sibling. Botan was also smart enough to leave with me, but then. . .
"And what about that rose though?" The bluenette girl asked curiously making my body tense up a little, the feeling of embarrassment coming right back up.
"It's. . . None of your business. . ." I told her off before going into the kitchen and stuff my mouth with food, avoid the stupid questions of the young Grim Reaper. This is almost like with Keiko, who would at times tease me about that. . . incident. . . . man I wish I was quiet back then as well. . .
The three days flew by and at the moment and school ended a bit earlier. Immediately Miyuki just left school and went to the nearest flower shop to buy a small bouquet of many colourful flowers while Yusuke and Botan were following her and watch her every movement.
"Why are you buying flowers?" Yusuke, asked confused while Botan was floating nearby just as confused. "Shouldn't that be the other way around? Like last night? Along with some make up and cute dress? I'm sure your 'friend' wouldn't mind it at all. " He teased sarcastically making Botan giggle while Miyuki swallowed back a groan. I knew he was joking around, but knowing him, he would never allow me to be in a relationship with anyone.
"Hmpf. None of your god damn business." The black-haired girl scolded them bluntly before turning to them with a serious expression. "Also, don't you have better things to do, like I don't know, going to the Spirit World with Botan to seek for more information about the Forlorn Hope?"
"Are you sure you can handle this alone dear?" Botan asked worriedly.
"I am. " The girl told the two of them. " If anything happens, I'll give it a call, alright?" The two were hesitant but in the end they nodded their heads in agreement.
"Just. . . be careful little sis, okay?" Yusuke sighed. He felt bad that his sister is going alone, but at the same time he trusts her. Still it didn't stop Yusuke to worry.
"Hn. At least I know how to do it." Was all she said before leaving them. "Unlike some Punk here." She added, giving a pointed look to her brother, steam coming out of his ears.
"HEY! COME HERE YOU LIT-!" Yusuke yelled but Botan covered his mouth.
"Let's just go to Koenma and ask him about the mirror." Botan suggested as she managed to shut the boy up.
"Fine! Whatever! See you around Miyu!" Yusuke grumbled before he an Botan shot up to the skies.
Meanwhile, the redhead boy just finished with his last period. Just as he walked out of the school building and toward the gates, some girls from his or other classes began to surround him and ask questions and such. Kurama of course politely answered and chatted with his fans like a gentlemen he was, wearing his million dollar smile that would capture every female's heart right there and then. However, once he lifted up his gaze in the air, he soon froze on the spot. His forest green eyes spotted a girl in blue uniform and black hair, that had been tied up by those familiar light blue ribbons that he would recognize anywhere. She held a small bouquet of flowers in one hand while she was leaning against the entrance of the gate, waiting. The redheaded teen's nervousness soon began to cease a little, but the pounding in his chest for some reason began to pick up speed as a genuine smile curled up onto his face, his eyes sparking up in wonder. After excusing himself from the small crowd, he lightly jogged over to the Urameshi girl, who was waiting for her old childhood friend patiently.
"You came early." Shuichi stated as he offered a warm smile to Miyuki, who stepped away from the gate's wall.
"The lesson ended a bit too early." Miyuki replied in her usual monotone voice as her gaze was still glued to the ground. The act amused Kurama a little, because she reminded him about a certain friend of his.
"So, shall we go then?" Kurama asked with a polite voice.
"Hn." Miyuki hummed as she nodded her head. The redheaded boy nodded back then began to walk away with the female Spirit Detective who got many shocked looks from boy students or daggers from the girl students behind her back. Just as the two disappeared out of the students of Meiou High School's sights, one of them, a teen boy with black-curly hair and freckles followed the two with his curious eyes as he fixated his square glasses up for a better look.
The Female Spirit Detective followed her childhood best friend into the hospital building and soon they reached a door with the number 501 marked on it. When he opened the door for Miyuki to walk in, she saw a beautiful woman with long blueish black hair resting on the hospital bed.
Miyuki's heart ached when she witness the familiar looking scene right before her eyes, her stomach suddenly tied into a tight knot, making her feel a little dizzy. . .
"Hey there." The sick patient greeted the two teens warmly and began to sit up, making Miyuki's eyes sadden at her while Kurama began to worry. "It's been such a long time you had brought a friend with you."
"It's alright mother, you don't have to sit up." The boy said as he rushed to his mother's side in alarm. Miyuki can't help but melt inside a little.
"It's not so bad, I am feeling well today. " The woman spoke softly as she sent a gentle and reassuring smile to her son.
"Shall I peel an apple for you?" Offered the kind-hearted boy while Miyuki placed the flowers into the pot that was on the bedside table.
"No, I'm not hungry." Ms. Minamino shook her head.
"Please eat mother, you'll never get well without nutrition." Kurama reminded her gently.
"Yes, of course." The mother figure nodded. "It's just so hard to remember these things Shuichi."
"Well try hard, I need you to feel better quickly." Kurama smiled sadly, making Miyuki turn away, not wanting them to reveal her sadness.
"I'll try my best sweetheart." Said the mother before turning to the black haired girl. "Who is your friend Shuichi?" That made the teen girl take a deep breath and turn to face the kind and gentle mother figure.
"I'm Miyuki ma'am." She introduced herself in a polite manner. "Miyuki Urameshi." At her name, Shiori looked a little shocked.
"Miyuki?" She asked a little amazed as recognition started to hit her. "Is this really you?" The girl nodded her head as she walked closer to the woman. Kurama gave a little space for the two while a small sad smile curled up on his lips. "My-my how much you have grown since the last time we saw each other. Such a little beauty you had become." Gushed over the woman with a smile as she placed one hand onto Miyuki's cheek, taking the teen girl aback a little while her face got a small dust of pink colour on it. "How have you been doing lately? Is your family treats you well?"
"My family and I have been doing fine so far." Replied the girl with honesty and a but awkwardly since she was never good at her social skills. "I'm so sorry for not writing to you or to Shuichi." She sincerely apologized with a sorrowful tone and expression.
"It's alright my dear." Reassured the woman kindly as she took the girl's hand into hers. "What matters is you are here now with us, right Shuichi?"
"Yes, mother." Agreed the boy as he tried his best to smile when deep down he felt anxious and sorrowful. Miyuki let out a small sigh as she tried her best to smile through the time, but soon a frown appeared on her face as soon as her eyes caught those old scarves that had marked almost the whole fore arm of Shiori's.
'They're still there. . . ' Miyuki thought as she stole a quick glance from the redhead boy who looked at those scratch marks as well that held a very painful yet life changing memory.
After they had a little catch up, Miyuki and Kurama left Shiori to rest. Now they were on the rooftop of the hospital where they can have the talk the boy had promised to the girl.
"When did this happened?" Was Miyuki's first question while her back was turned against the redhead.
"It happened quiet recently." Shuichi replied with a sigh. His tone was filled with so much guilt that it made the girl's eyes soften at her friend.
"I'm sorry Shuichi." Miyuki apologized quietly as her gaze was set to the ground. "I wish I had known."
"It's not your fault Miyuki." The redheaded boy reassured her as he turned back to the settling sun. A small pause later the Spirit Detective asked another question.
"When we were in the forest, that Hiei guy called you Kurama." The girl started with a little hesitation in her voice. "Why is that?" Miyuki turned her body toward the boy, but still afraid to lift her head up. Taking a deep breath Kurama began.
"That's one half of my demon name." He started. "My truest name is Youko. I was a fox, a spirit fox, gaining the powers of a demon over the hundreds of years that I live." He paused for a short time. "In time I became bored and passed my hours learning the art of breaking codes and seals. Ancient treasures were my favourite." At that, Miyuki thought for a moment.
'So this is how they managed to get into the vault in the first place.' She mentally noted.
"But fifteen years ago, I made a careless mistake." Kurama continued on, snapping Miyuki back to reality. "I was badly injured by a strong pursuer. With the last of my power, I escaped to the living world and became the first child of a proud human family. Knowing if I could withstand humanity for ten years, my spirit energy would have time to safely recover, then I would escape without a trace. "
"But what changed?" Miyuki asked curiously, even though she felt like she knew the answer.
"My brother and my mother. . ." Kurama trailed off with a sorrowful sigh as his bangs hanged above his eyes, hiding them under their shadows. "It might sound foolish but, I couldn't leave them. Considering what they had done for me. But after what happened two years ago. . . ." He trailed off as he looked to the side with pain filled eyes. . .
Losing his little brother was painful for him. Earthshattering even. Agony that was beyond unimaginable. It took him a lot of time to somehow attempt move on, but the memory was still fresh within his heart, meaning the pain was still there.
"My mother, took his loss very hard, and so did I." The redheaded demon then pulled out the Forlorn Hope and looked into it's glass surface that reflected the sadness within his emerald eyes. "As a demon, honestly never in my wildest dreams would have thought that I would be able to experience feelings such as unconditional love and. . . be a part of a family. . . But after spending time with them I was proven wrong. . . " He let out a small exhale. "But now my mother fell ill and from what I heard, she wouldn't last for another month. I couldn't let that happen. . ." A small pause took over the explanation while Miyuki patiently stood there in silence. "That's when they appeared. Hiei had somehow tracked me down, needing my expertise. Then I remembered the power of the Forlorn Hope. . ."
"So, the reason why you had done it all in the first place was to get the mirror and use its power to save Shiori." Miyuki concluded earning another nod from Kurama.
"Correct." Replied her friend. "So please let me use the Forlorn Hope to save the woman's life, then I'll accept my punishment."
At that, Miyuki looked over her shoulder to see Kurama taking a few steps back from her figure and turn his body to the other direction.
"I'm sorry." The redhead suddenly apologized making Miyuki turn to his friend confused.
"Why are you apologizing for?" Asked the girl with black hair.
"For not telling you about my true identity." Shuichi sighed. "I thought in that way I can protect my family and you from the consequences. " Miyuki fully turned her body to the teen's direction. "But now that you're a Spirit Detective I must have placed you in an uncomfortable situation." The redhead exhaled. "I'm sorry for causing that much trouble for you. As you said back then, friends should never lie to each other, yet here I was, being dishonest with you for so long . . ." He said as guilt was painted all over his face. He hated to do this with the people he cares for. Especially his brother and childhood friend. The words Miyuki's younger-self once said made the now teen girl shudder uncomfortably, but due to this serious situation, she just bottled it up and kept her compouser.
"What are you talking about, idiot?" She said, making the boy look at her confused. Miyuki quickly turned herself away from Kurama's stare. "I am not angry at you for what you had done." The Female Spirit Detective began. At that Kurama can't help but let his expression soften up a little.
"So, you're not upset with me. . . or about the fact that I am a demon. . . ?" He asked a little hesitant and a bit shocked. To his surprise, the girl shook her head weakly at the question.
"Well, I dealt with worse creatures." Miyuki lazily replied as she walked over the edge of the building. "It's called my brother." She for once allowed to let out a small chuckle. Shuichi smiled sadly at the girl. "But demon or not, you are still a great person Shuichi." Miyuki continued on." You were there for me and. . . . Sanyu when we needed you the most. That must say something to you right?" Miyuki continued on even though she tried her hardest not to let her true feelings eat her from the inside. "By caring for someone it just makes you. . . well. . . human. . ." At that Kurama's expression fell at the mention of his own little brother's name. Sanyu means a lot to him and so is his mother. . . along with Miyuki who he had always considered someone very precious and special ever since he met her in the park. The redhead boy made his way over to the young Spirit Detective and placed his hand on top her shoulder. The small gesture made the girl flinch slightly, but she soon relaxed as she managed to calm herself down.
"Thank you. . . for trusting me. . ." Shuichi offered a small smile while Miyuki felt her cheeks heat up a little at the sudden contact.
"Hn." Miyuki hummed as she forced her gaze to look over her shoulder to see her friend's face that held a smile. "What are friends for?" She asked making herself feel conflicted again. She had never said this out loud for a long time now. In fact, she felt weird that she even has the confidence to show her true emotions to anyone around her. The redheaded teen demon was about to say something, but a nurse busted through the door and shouted for him.
"Shuichi! It's your mother!" The nurse urgently said making both teens turn to her with a gasp.
Screens and doctors came rushing into the room. Shiori's skin was as pale as the wall while her lungs struggled to take the oxygen in. Pain was written all over her expression.
"She's fallen into what we call the critical stage." The doctor informed Shuichi. "If I'd be perfectly honest, your mother is about to die."
"How long?" Asked the redheaded boy calmly but deep down he was panicking with the knowledge that there is not much time left.
"Probably tonight." The doctor stated with a sympathetic eye. "We'll do what we can. Shuichi I'm sorry."
Hours later he was back on the rooftop where Miyuki had been waiting for.
"How is she?" She asked worriedly.
"They say they'll do their best, but there is still a high chance that she'll die tonight." Kurama replied as he pulled out the mirror. "I'm sorry Miyuki, but I have no choice. I need to use the Forlorn Hope now."
"Hold on." The girl suddenly called out. "For the wish to work you have to give something in return. . . .Do you even know what is it? "
Kurama set his stare at his old childhood friend, pain written all over his face. "Yes. . . " He replied as his gaze fell. "Life."
"What?" Miyuki gasped in disbelief.
In the spirit world with Yusuke and Botan the both of them were in Koenma's office.
"Life? What does that mean?" Botan asked just as shocked and confused at the same time just like her Spirit Detective partner who had slammed his hand palms onto the office desk's surface.
"Just like it sounds." Koenma replied seriously. "The one who makes the wish the same time loses their life. That's why they called it the Forlorn Hope, you two should get a dictionary."
"SAY WHAT?!" Yusuke was now angry while his eyes were trembling with concern.
"DON'T YOU THINK MIYUKI NEEDS TO KNOW THAT?!" Botan screamed before running out of the office all freaked out.
"HEY, WAIT UP!" The brother figure ran after his friend, leaving the young ruler alone.
"Well, it's not like SHE is going to use it. " The toddler pointed out, but it was too late, the two were rushing their way over to the hospital Miyuki had mentioned.
Meanwhile, the full moon shines brightly, sending a strange vibe to the Second Spirit Detective's awareness while she watched Kurama placing the magical artefact onto the floor.
"Forlorn Hope, I ask you to wake from your slumber and hear my plea." The boy began as Miyuki watched it all unfold worriedly. "Reflect my greatest desire so that you can make it true."
Then it began, the reflecting glass began to shine brightly as magic started to escape in black streaks. Soon it ceased and now it was reflecting Kurama's deepest desire. His mother's happiness.
"The happiness of this woman, is that what you desire?" The magical mirror asked in a deep voice.
"Yes, it is." The boy replied without any hesitation.
"Shuichi wait!" Miyuki pleaded as she tried not to get herself blind by the artefact's light. "There's got to be another way to do this!" The boy didn't even look up at her.
"No, there is not." Kurama replied sadly.
"To grant this wish you must give your life, is that you desire?" The Forlorn Hope asked.
"If that will save my mother's life then yes, I do." Shuichi replied within a heartbeat and without a second thought, making Miyuki go thought the same feelings she had felt when she had lost Sanyu and her brother.
Fear. And that triggered something within her.
"Then your desire shall be fulfilled." The mirror replied then began to shine brighter. While doing so waves of small lightings began to take Kurama by the hand, then took over his whole body, connecting him to the artifact. He grunted in pain, but he let it.
'For you, mother. . . Sanyu. . . ' Was his last thought as he was ready to accept his fate. Miyuki snapped out of it and immediately took action.
"NO!" She cried out before kneeling down and put her left hand out to the mirror, letting the waves surrounding her as well.
"What are you doing?" Kurama asked with shock written all over his face.
"Forlorn Hope, listen to me!" She shouted at the magical object. "I offer you my life instead, so Shuichi can still live and still get his wish!"
"No Miyuki, you can't do this!" Kurama argued but Miyuki snapped her gaze at him and for the second time in the redhead's life he was her pain-filled face. The very one he had witnessed back in two years.
"NO, YOU LISTEN HERE STUPID! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE YOUR MOTHER LIKE THIS!" The girl shouted with agony. "Shiori still needs you! " She grunted in pain.
"But-." Shuichi began but was cut off my the black-haired Spirit Detective.
"I know you care for her but what's the point of rescuing if she had lost both of her sons, both her happiness in the process!" At that, Kurama became paralyzed. " Or have you forgotten about the look on her face when we were standing by his hospital bed, spending the last minutes with him before he. . . he. . .? " Miyuki reminded, her eyes shut tight, preventing her eyes to tear up. "Shiori loves you and your brother more than anything in the world and I know Sanyu wants you to live and protect her when he couldn't." Each word the girl said made Kurama fell completely speechless. "Please Shuichi, just let go of the Mirror!" Miyuki pleaded as the electric shock began to feel stronger.
"Your desire shall be fulfilled." The mirror boomed before the light covered both figures.
"HOLD ON MIYUKI!" Botan shouted as she and Yusuke flew toward the bright light as fast as they could.
Eventually, the clouds began to cover the light of the moon. The power and magic that the mirror let out once it now ceased like a candle that someone just blew out.
Kurama and Miyuki were lying on the floor motionless. However, it didn't last long. Miraculously the redhead stirred and opened his eyes.
"What?" He gasped as he raised his upper body from the floor. "I'm still alive but then. . .?" He then turned to his old friend, only to find her out cold on the floor besides him.
"Phoenix?" He called for her softly by her childhood nickname as he scrambled over the girl's body and began to gently shake her by the shoulder. "Miyuki?" The redhead called her once more, louder this time, but she didn't even budge, earning a look of horror from Kurama. "Miyuki!" He gathered her small figure in his arms but as soon as she was lifted by the upper body, the head limply fell backward like she was nothing more than a corpse. Her eyes remained close as her body felt slightly cold. A chill went down on the redhead's spine as his body began to tremble a little. "N-no. . . This. . . This can't be. . . " Kurama breathed shakily as one trembling hand began to reach for the pulse but his hand froze in mid air when-.
"MIYUKI!" Two voiced shouted making the redhead boy stop what he was doing and turn to their direction. The other Spirit Detective and his assistant stared at a terrified looking Kurama for a second before turning their attention to the girl who was in his arms unconscious. The sight made the brother's eyes widen while Botan covered her mouth with her hands as her eyes began to fill themselves up with tears, thinking of the worst thing that could have happened here with with the Forlorn Hope.
"What did you do to my sister?!" Yusuke yelled angrily as he was looking at the criminal who was holding his sibling.
"I. . . I. . ." Kurama struggled to find the right words but his mind was a complete mess. He couldn't find the words for himself for once. . . he was pertrified. . .
"Answer me!" Demanded the brother figure, but before he can even lift a finger, a sharp inhale came from the thought to be dead girl.
A loud groan left my mouth as I groggily opened my eyes. The first thing that greeted me was a figure with red hair. Blinking away the blur, the focus soon started to become clear.
"Miyuki!" Botan exclaimed not far from my left side. I said nothing for a while, and just sat up.
"What happened?" I asked with a little hoarse voice as I shut my eyes tight and rub the side of my head. "How am I even alive?"
"What do you mean by that?!" Yusuke snapped at me angrily. But to everyone's surprise, the Forlorn Hope spoke up.
"In honour of your noble deed, I fulfilled the desire without taking life." It said.
"So that means. . ." Shuichi gasped, but then he turned to me with concern.
"Go." I nodded to him. "She needs you."
Giving me a grateful look Shuichi ran to the door and left me, Botan and my brother.
"What on earth were you thinking?!" Yusuke shouted at me. "You almost got yourself killed!"
"Hn. Like you are any different." I replied to him before getting up and pick up the small round mirror.
"Ugh, being the Meany again." Grumbled Yusuke as he crossed his arms over his chest and pouted like a child.
"The Spirit Detectives strike again!" Botan exclaimed cheerfully. I nodded before tossing the artifact to my brother, who caught it with ease.
"Yep, only one artefact to go." Yusuke agreed before turning to me. "Good job getting this back by the way, even if it was a pretty bold move."
"Hn." I hummed as I turned my head away. "Well, I got it back now, didn't I?"
"And just to think that I doubted in the great Miyuki and Yusuke. What was I thinking?" Botan said with a little playfulness in her voice.
"Nah, The Great Urameshis sounds better. " Yusuke laughed.
"Oh, my mistake." Botan apologized before joining into my brother's laughter. However, it was still too early to celebrate just yet, because there is one more artefact left.
The last one that's in Hiei's grasp.