Chapter Three

Fuuko scrunched up her eyes and groaned as sunlight streamed through the balcony. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. She yawned and stretched her arms and limbs luxuriously.

"Ohayou."

She glanced at the voice, and her eyes dulled when she saw the figure sitting on her bed, "Oh, you." She noticed a peculiar smile on his face and quirked her eyebrow, "What are you smiling about?"

"And you called me a grouch," Tokiya poked at her playfully. "Hurry up. We're supposed to assemble at the lobby in ten minutes, and you haven't eaten breakfast yet."

Her eyes widened at the thought of missing breakfast, "Nani yo?!" She jumped out of bed, into the bathroom, and emerged five minutes later, her sopping-wet hair held back her white headband, in her traditional green tank top and khaki shorts. She glared at him, "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" she asked him, while equipping her Fuujin.

"You were asleep," he said simply.

She rolled her eyes, muttering unintelligible curses as she stormed out of the room. Tokiya shook with repressed laughter as he followed her. She walked briskly down the hall, Tokiya trailing behind her casually, running a hand through her still-wet hair when she nearly hit a door as it flung open. "G'morning Fuuko," Recca greeted her sleepily as he scratched his head. He was still in his pajamas.

"Recca! What are you doing, lazy bones?!" Fuuko barked, "We're nearly late! Breakfast is nearly over!" She frowned at him, expecting him to go into panic mode like she had a while ago. He simply stared at her. "Fuuko," he started, "It's eight o'clock am. We're supposed to assemble at 10:30. You have nothing to worry about."

"Nani? D-Demo..." Fuuko stammered, taking in this bit of information. It dawned onto her that someone played a joke on her. Turning a nasty shade of red, she slowly swiveled around to see Tokiya shaking with laughter.

"Tokiya, what on earth were you thinking when you woke me up at eight o'clock in the morning saying that it was time for BREAKFAST?!" she exploded, the vein at her head popping as she unleashed her fury. Still snickering, Tokiya smirked at her, "It was too tempting."

Recca stared at him as if he had grown horns, "You sure are chummy today, Mikagami." It was a rare moment when he saw his fellow team member smile, let alone roll on the floor with laughter. He always had such a hard, cold expression that never melted. He had never thought that he would ever see him smile.

Tokiya smiled good-naturedly, "Let's just say that Mifuyu knocked some sense into my hard head."

Recca found himself smiling and patting him on the back, "Great." He yawned and stretched his arms, "I think I'll go for some pre-combat exercises." He went back inside and they could her him yelling, "Domon! You're gonna be late!"

Grinning, Tokiya turned back to a glaring Fuuko, "Oh come on! You're not still mad about that!" Fuuko gave him an if-you-come-any-closer-I'll-kick-your-ass look as he tried to step towards her. He sighed, "Come on. We're up, we might as well go down to the cafeteria and have breakfast before everyone else comes down."

He walked a few steps and realized she did not move. "I'll treat you," he bribed. She looked at him sullenly, and then fell in step alongside him.

Tokiya opened his mouth to start a conversation, but was interrupted by Fuuko, "We are not on friendly terms Mikagami." She crossed her arms, "You were extremely rude, impolite, cold and ill-mannered yesterday."

He shrugged at her, "I'm always like that-was always like that." He corrected himself. She raised an eyebrow.

"What brought along this sudden change of attitude?" she asked, pressing the down button on the elevator.

He sighed, "I just realized it was time for a change. I shouldn't be a pariah and shun myself away from the outside world. That's simply not how one should spend their life. Separated and exiled into an exclusive world where one does not exist for merely the presence of others. A world in where only you, sorrow and pain dwell. One cannot survive in that world. So I left it, and I left pain and sorrow along with it. I live now, for others, to revel in their warmth and friendship, to fight alongside them in combat and out. I am letting go of Mifuyu's memory, but I am not forgetting her," A beep signaled the elevators arrival, and as the doors opened, they stepped inside. "She paid me a visit, you know, and she told me to leave that world. It wasn't a world she wanted me to stay in. She didn't die for me to remain there all my life, thinking of how unfair her life was taken away, how my own life was taken away when she died... she told me to treat the people who I cared for most with care. And I will live that promise. For her. For me. I will look out for my friends." A tinge of pink appeared in his cheeks, "Especially you."

She glanced up at him, "Me?" She was looking at him in a new light. Maybe there was hope yet she mused as she took in how his entire face perked up when he smiled. How his baby-blue eyes brightened. How his face was basked in a radiant glow. She shook her head.

He leaned against the wall of the elevator, inserting his hands into his pocket. He could feel the Ensui at his fingertips. His faithful weapon, the ice sword. The weapon he had used to slay many opponents the past year. The prized family heirloom. The weapon Mifuyu died for.

"Mifuyu told me that I had to watch over someone. Someone who needed taking care of. Someone I had to care for like a sister."

"And that was me?"

The door opened and they stepped out, making their way to the hotel's restaurant. Tokiya shrugged, "You were my best guess."

She nodded, "Sou da ne..." She wrinkled her nose, "Does that make you my big brother?!"

He laughed, a different laugh from the mad snickers he had demonstrated a while ago. It was a laugh full of life and mirth and joy. Something he had thought he would never get to know again. He would have to get used to them. Team Hokage was always full of laughter.

"I guess. If you want to call me that."

She nodded and thought about the possibility. "You still haven't apologized for being so rude last night," she pointed out. He sighed, "Oh alright. I'm very very sorry and I promise never to be rude again, imouto."

He wanted to smile at the expression on her face. She was taken-aback by his sudden change of endearment, but recovered quickly. She smirked slyly in return, "Mi-niichan."

"Fuu-ko," he fired back.

"Tokiya-chan," she retaliated, joyfully.

"Fuuko-chan!"

They laughed enjoying each other's company. They proceeded to poke each other with taunts and jokes until they were so thrilled and annoyed at each other at the same time. And that was a feeling they both missed in quite awhile.

Arigatou imouto-chan.

Arigatou niichan.

*****

Yusuke looked up as someone knocked on the door. "It's open," he called out. Keiko peeked inside and surveyed their surroundings. "Is it safe to come in?"

Kuwabara was still conked out on his bed, and the room was in disarray. Clothes were strewn all over the cabinets, tables and chairs. Yusuke sat on his bed, all ready except for the tousled hair on his head. He nodded at her, then took out a comb and started to comb gel into his still drenched hair until it was styled in its usual way.

He gave Keiko a wide smile, "Ohayou, Keiko."

Keiko smiled tightly, "Ohayou gozaimasu, Yusuke. Sleep well?"

"Never better. You?"

She hid a smile as she remembered her and Botan talking into the wee hours of the early morning. "Relatively well."

He nodded.

Silence passed between them.

"Yusuke? Can we go for a walk?"

Without speaking, Yusuke nodded.

Ten minutes later, they found themselves walking through the alcove of trees behind the hotel. If they ventured too far west, they would come upon the huge circular structure called the Battle Dome. They stayed within eye's range of the hotel though.

Yusuke let off some nerves by aiming at a tree branch in the distance. As he heard a faint crash he nodded, satisfied. "So... Keiko. What was it you wanted to talk about?"

She wrung her hands, "Well, I just want to wish you good luck and take care of yourself and... and..." She flung her arms around Yusuke and kissed him softly on the lips. As she pulled away, she started blubbering, "Oh Yusuke, ai shiteru. I love you. I love you so much... I don't want anything to happen to you. Don't you dare get yourself killed. Because I-I... I don't know what I would do... I'd be so alone... you're the only thing in my life I have to look forward to... you're my everything Yusuke..." She collapsed against him, hugging him tightly.

Yusuke stroked her hair and held her firmly, as if assuring her he would be all right. "Shhh... Keiko I love you too...you know that. I will fight for you. I love you. For ever, for never, remember? That was our promise, and I kept it, and I'm keeping this one too." He embraced her tight. "We're going to be married when we get back, remember? We have our whole lives to look forward to. Our own house, kids... we're going to have a family Keiko!"

Keiko nuzzled her face into his chest, "But when we have children, how can I ensure that they will have a father? You have a duty to Koenma-sama... and your missions always put you in danger... I can't sleep at night without you beside me..."

Yusuke sighed, "When we get back, I promise, no more Tantei missions. This will be the last. I promise you that." Keiko stepped back slightly, her mouth open with surprise. "Nani? D-Demo..."

He pulled her back into his embrace and shushed her. "I promise to live for you Keiko. Aishiteru yo anata."

She felt his fingers tilt her face upward, and she found herself staring into his chocolate brown eyes, full of warmth and trust, yet there was no mistaking the determination and stubborn firmly implanted there. And one thing above all stood out.

Love.

He loved her, with all his heart and soul. He loved her with a love born from the innocence of childhood, forged by trust, strengthened by unwavering loyalty, and branded with a promise. His promise. He would return to her. She knew he would. He had never let her down before.

He leaned down and touched his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Yusuke's grip on her waist turned into a loving embrace. All that mattered to them was that they were together now, and tomorrow, and every day for the rest of their lives.

For ever. For never.

*****

She stared at the surroundings. People milling about, pausing slightly to glance in her direction. The blue-haired one seems harmless, they would think, but the other looked like someone who they shouldn't mess with. With her eyes narrowed and her face impatient, Shizuru looked as if she would have exploded any minute.

Yukina gripped Shizuru's hand tightly, "Shizuru-san? Where are Kuwabara-san and the others?" Shizuru sighed. "I don't know Yukina-chan. Koenma-sama said that they should be here at ten thirty for the assembly or something." She checked her watch and sighed, "It's ten fifteen. We're a little early."

Yukina nodded, "Sou da ne..."

Shizuru tossed back her brown hair and, letting go of Yukina's hand, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her lighter and a slim cigarette. Shielding the flickering light from the breeze, she lit the cig and placed it between her lips. She inhaled a ragged breath and, closing her eyes, felt the nicotine worming its way into her insides.

"Excuse me?"

Her eyes snapped open and her head turned sharply towards the voice. "Hai?" she asked curtly, raising an eyebrow at the gentleman in front of her. He was a big shot, she noted, as her eyes ran over the crisp, immaculate, gray business suit, and the gray hair tied back neatly. Even his goatee looked like it was combed. He had steel-blue eyes that eyed her chocolate browns back with equal intensity.

"You're not allowed to smoke here," he told her, in a quiet voice. They held another stare-down. They watched each other hardly, their gazes clashing, steel blue against deep brown. Finally, Shizuru shrugged, "Fine." She let the cigarette fall from her fingers and she stepped on it. She smiled widely at him, a grin that was rather fake, "Happy?"

He raised his eyebrow at her, but kept his composure, "Arigatou." Then he turned on his heel and left, with Shizuru glaring daggers at the back of his head. "Arrogant bastard," she muttered under his breath, while stomping away from him, dragging Yukina with her.

"Now we better find them quick," Shizuru snapped, while running a hand through her hair. "And then we'll all just stay toge-..."

"YUKINA-CHAN!"

"Together," Shizuru finished. She watched her younger brother barrel over to the young Koorime. "Ohayou, Kuwabara-san. Ogenki desu ka?" the ice maiden replied politely, clasping her hands together. She smiled cheerfully at him.

"Ohayou Yukina-chan," he greeted her, with a boyish grin on his face, "How did you get here?"

Shizuru was eying her brother with utter impatience. He was totally unaware of her presence. And he was her brother for crying out loud! She cleared her throat to make her presence known. Kuwabara tore his eyes away from the pretty ice maiden and turned towards his sister. "Neechan!" he exclaimed, his eyes brightening at the sight of his tall and somewhat dangerous sister. "What are you two doing here? Not that I'm complaining..."

"Oi Shizuru! Yukina!"

Yusuke and Keiko were hurrying to them, hand in hand. Keiko looked elated. She embraced both of them at once. "Ooh I'm glad you guys are here!"

"How did you get here?" Yusuke questioned, scratching the back of his head.

Shizuru rubbed her cigarette pack wistfully. "Anou... Koenma-sama invited us to go, and well, we couldn't resist! Oh by the way, he said he would be here for the second round." Yusuke nodded. "Sou da ne..." Kuwabara was gazing at Yukina with stars in his eyes.

"Did I miss anything?" said a voice.

They all turned towards the voice, which belonged to the kitsune. Kurama and Botan were walking side-by-side, Botan's cheek pinkish as she held the rose under her kimono sleeve. They walked briskly to the others.

"Ohayou Kurama-san, Botan-chan." Yukina greeted them, bowing slightly. Botan smiled at them, "I didn't think you were going to come this early."

"You knew about this?!" Kuwabara exclaimed, staring at her.

Botan rolled her eyes, "Obviously. Koenma told me yester--" She was cut off by a microphone being cleared.

"May I have everyone's attention?"

Everyone swiveled to face the source of the voice. A man had stood up on a podium near the front. He was staring evenly out at the sea of faces surrounding him. His own face beheld a serious expression, though his steel blue eyes glinted with amusement. Everybody stopped to look up at him.

"It's that annoying man," Shizuru muttered.

Yusuke turned to her, "Nani?"

"That man," she said. She stared at him darkly. "He asked me to stop smoking here." She crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers resting lightly on her trusty pack and lighter.

Yusuke laughed. He thought it was something serious! "Come off it, Shizuru! Come to think of it, he's right. You really should stop smoking you know--"

A look from her made him shut up instantly.

Tomite Mikoda clasped his fingers together, "Ohayou minna-san. I trust you all slept well? The accommodations have been greatly improved since the previous tournament." He cleared his throat, "The tournament will start in a few minutes. They will be announcing the teams who will combat each other for a place in the semifinals. You will all proceed to the arena after all the teams have been announced."

He gave them all a small grin, "I wish you all the best of luck, players. Let the Ankoku Bujutsukai begin!"

* * * * *

"...first round of Team Hokage is versus the Ishimaitsu team!" the loudspeaker blared. Recca's ears perked up at the sound of the name and he grinned cheekily at Yanagi, who had arrived earlier with Kagerou, Ganko and Kondo to watch and cheer for them.

"That's us!" Recca announced, jumping up from the sitting position he was in. Domon mirrored his actions, smoothing down his mohawk. He wore a great big frown on his face. Who cares if they call each other brother and sister? I mean, one of my closest friends becomes all chummy with a recluse. That's not exactly normal. Earlier, he had seen them, acting like they were close siblings. Calling each other cutesy little pet names. The day before, she had even refused to stay even a second with him.

He was definitely confused.

Yanagi daintily stood up. "Where are Tokiya and Fuuko?" she inquired. The last time she had seen them, Tokiya had accompanied her to the cafeteria to buy a soda. She was shocked by when Tokiya had smiled brightly at her and greeted her warmly when she had arrived. She was more intrigued than shocked, however, at the sudden closeness between Tokiya and Fuuko. They treated each other like brother and sister.

It's Fuuko, she thought. She has found a way into the water master's heart. And it was about time someone did. She giggled softly as she saw them approaching, squabbling.

"I told you I wanted a Coke," Fuuko barked, "You went along and bought me a Pepsi!"

"They were out!" Tokiya retaliated.

"Yeah right, niichan," she scowled.

She smiled at the endearment she used. When Fuuko first said it, it had taken her about ten minutes to realize it was Tokiya she was referring to. But it was adorable to watch them fight like siblings.

Her gaze drifted to the spiky-haired young man to her right. Recca... all day long she would be worrying and praying for his safety. She liked him a lot. A whole lot. She wasn't sure if it was love. Love was too much of a complicated word. For now, she settled for extreme like.

He always tried to save her from any danger at all, whether it was from Kurei or Mori Kouran, or from a seemingly harmless rabbit. He was gallant, strong and incredibly handsome. She blushed at the thoughts swirling around in her head.

Maybe she did. You know, love him. He was everything she ever wanted in a guy. Sure, he was cute and handsome, but her love went deeper than that. He was so... nice. And he was funny, courageous, brilliant, strong, brave, loyal and understanding. Perfect in every aspect. Yeah... maybe she did love him.

"Hime?"

She realized the others were leaving her behind. Fuuko, Tokiya, Ganko and Kondo led the way, laughing at a joke Tokiya had told them. Domon was glaring at the back of Tokiya's head. Kagerou was flipping through a book, her eyes scanning through the words quickly. And Recca was looking at her anxiously, his hand outstretched, waiting for her to take it.

She reddened. "Gomen... I was thinking about something..." She took his hand and they brought up the rear. They walked in silence, the mere presence of each other satisfying them.

When they reached the arena, Recca reluctantly let go of her hand. "You better get up there," he told her, pointing to the front row where Kagerou, Ganko and Kondo were seated. She looked at him, as if hesitant to release him from her sight. He smiled at her, "Don't worry hime. I'll win this for you. I promise."

Suddenly, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Suki da, Recca," she whispered. Recca froze at her words. He couldn't speak. He couldn't think. Yanagi had just told him that she loved him... she drew away and slowly and smiled sheepishly and then she leaned over.

And kissed him.

It wasn't an earth-shattering, mind-boggling kiss. It was just a feather-light meeting of lips and lips. Yanagi drew away gently and smiled at him, blushing. "Good luck."

"Arigatou," he nodded, his mind still whirling from what she had just said. Shaking out of his reverie, he smiled and squeezed her hand one last time. "I love you too hime," he whispered. After one last exchange of smiles, they separated.

Oh Recca, Yanagi thought, clutching her heart tearfully as she watched him march towards his other teammates. Please be careful. "Takamatte boku kokorowo tashi gameru yo ni, kimi wo tsuyoku dakishimeruyo..." she sang softly. "I'll hold you tightly..." It was Recca's favorite tune, from the anime Rurouni Kenshin. He often hummed it wherever he went, and it wasn't long before Yanagi hummed it along with him. Whenever she subconsciously started murmuring the words, she and Recca would share a smile and sing it together. It was kind of like their special song.

I really do love you... I just hope you won't die on me.

* * * * *

Yusuke narrowed his eyes at the team in the ring. "Isn't that Team Hokage?" he whispered to Kurama. The kitsune's eyes flickered over the scoreboard. "Hai," he replied, "They're going up against Team Ishimaitsu."

Yusuke nodded grimly and leaned against one of the millions of hard plastic chairs of the Battle Dome called bleachers. They were going to fight two rounds after this one. While Shizuru and Yukina unpacked, with Keiko, Botan and Kuwabara with them, Hiei, Kurama and Yusuke decided to watch the first teams.

It was time to see the real ability of Team Hokage.