Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho for umpteenth thousandth time! Is
that even a number? I don't know, I was never good at math! Anyway, I don't
own it . . . it belongs to its creators (the lucky bastards!), okay? Okay.
Author's Note: ::Bows deeply:: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I haven't update this story in SOOOOO long, and I'm really sorry! I just had a little bit of writer's block and then I just didn't get around to it because I'm a lazy person . . . and I apologize for that too! I hope none of you were killing yourselves over my lack of updates, but if you were I . . . well I'm sorry! I really really really really am!!! I'm also sorry if this isn't formatted very well. My computer, it seems, does not like to format, uh . . . what can I say? It just doesn't. Ack!!! My computer is as lazy as I am! Anyway (*cough* I'm sorry!! *cough*) you guys can cut me down any way you see fit if it will make you feel better. I'll definitely try to update more often, although this is coming from a girl who doesn't do her homework till around 11:00 or so every night. I'll also attempt to fix the formatting problem, but once again, this is coming from a girl who couldn't figure out why the remote wasn't working and, two weeks later, found out that it was just out of batteries ^_^, . . . . . . . . . okay, so there isn't much hope for me, but I promise to try harder! Thank you for reading and please enjoy!
Chapter 4
"Oooooooooh no! No nononononononono." Keiko got up from the table and walked passed Kurama and Hiei. She went to her bedroom, followed by the two demons. Kurama sighed. "But-" He started. "No! Not doing it. It's not happening. No way in hell, and I mean that literally, am I going." Kurama tried again as he watched her throwing random items in a suitcase. "But Keiko-" "Nope, notta, can't be done, won't be done, period." "Bu-" "What's with that word? Why must you keep using that word? You sound as if you have high hopes of convincing me." "But-" "Ah! There it is again!" Kurama sighed. "Keiko.please." Finally, the young woman turned to face him, looking at him straight in the eyes. "What DON'T you understand about the word 'no'? Is it the 'n', or the 'o'? Am I not saying it correctly, or are you hard of hearing. NO! Nononononononononononono.and further more.NO!" "Keiko, we really need you to come back with us. We've explained everything to you and how crucial the situation is. Will you PLEASE come with us?" "Hm, let me think about.oh I've got it.NO!" This time Hiei let out an aggravated sigh. "Why not?" He asked in an accusing tone. Kurama was silent then as he too looked to her for the answer. Keiko, in mid-fold, sat down on her bed, leaving the shirt she had to lay crumpled in her lap. She sighed. "Listen. Don't you remember what happened between Yusuke and I? You want me to go back to him? Are you crazy? We could barely manage to keep our tempers in check at Yukina and Kuwabara's wedding! In fact, if it weren't for all of you stepping in, we probably would have ruined the entire thing! Yusuke is an irresponsible fool! He's digging his own grave, and you want me to step in and help him out? Not happening. Plus, I'm supposed to be on a plane heading to the U.S. in about three hours to do a story. I've wanted to go there for a very long time, and I just managed to convince my boss to let me. You're asking me to put my life, my career, everything on hold for Yusuke.again! I can't do it." Hiei and Kurama exchanged looks, speaking in their own special language that many years of friendship and partnership had developed for them. Kurama nodded and gently placed a hand on Keiko's shoulder. "If not for Yusuke, then for us? For all those other innocents who are trapped in a dying city. We aren't asking you to go run into his arms, but you, and only you can set him straight. If you don't find a way to pick him up, then all three worlds could fall victim to something truly horrible. Please don't let that happen." Said Kurama, his voice sounding genuine. His green eyes, with the occasional flecks of gold, pleaded with her own brown ones. When Keiko looked over to Hiei, his expression ever stoic, she saw the same look in his crimson eyes. Finally, she sighed. "Aw, God! Major guilt trip! Fine! Fine, I'll go!" She said, her eyes cast to the ceiling in defeat. Kurama and Hiei smiled at one another, both feeling rather pleased. "BUT!" Said Keiko, sending the demon's moods into nervousness. "I'm only doing this because you two asked me too. Clear?" They nodded simultaneously. "Pack lightly, Keiko." Suggested Kurama. For he'd seen the way many females, demon and human alike, tended to pack. Normally it included shoving half of their house in a dozen suitcases. They really couldn't afford to carry that much weight around. Keiko merely shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Here, call this number and cancel my flight. I'll be ready in 15." With that, she handed Kurama the number and closed her bedroom door. 15 minutes passed and Keiko's door opened. She stood there wearing a pair of baggy khakis with large pockets on the side of both legs. Under those was a pair of darker brown hiking boots. She wore a white tank top covered by a long-sleeved, blue over shirt and her hair was simply pushed behind her ears. Over her shoulder was a small, black travel bag, about the size of a semi-large purse. She smiled. "Ok, we can go now." She said, walking to the door. She threw her keys on the tabletop, deciding that she'd rather be locked out of her apartment and have to use the fire escape to climb through a window instead of risk losing her keys in the Makai. They filed out of the apartment and took the elevator down to the lobby, where Keiko said good-bye to Lee, who was sweet enough not ask question. Kurama then took the lead and they all walked toward the park. Hiei used a bit of you-ki to make a breech between the two worlds. The gleaming portal went unnoticed, as it was hidden in a grove of trees. Hiei looked over to Keiko who starred at it. She started to step toward it, but Hiei stopped her. "It'd be safer to let one of us go first, and then you can follow. That way, you'll have protection on the other side." He said. Kurama nodded. Keiko however, rolled her eyes. "You're strong, and I'm not as weak as I used to be.trust me." And with that, she flung herself through the opening, leaving two very surprised demons behind her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Keiko landed with a 'thud' on the ground, and pulled her self up mere moments later. She was standing in the middle of a grassy meadow speckled with vibrant wild flowers. The warm Makai sun shone down on her and the swaying grasses, giving the meadow a shiny, brazen appearance. She couldn't help but smile. How could a place so lovely be so dangerous? Her question was answered as soon as it struck her mind. From out of nowhere, a demon popped up out of the tall grasses. It was brownish green with a long body and a triangular head. It resembled a warped praying mantis, and it's white, gnashing teeth showed that the omnivorous bug demon was hungry for meat. The creature came toward her at a very fast speed, although it could never rival Hiei's, or even Kuwabara's for that matter. It was just faster than normal humans. Keiko, being human and unused to dealing with demons, wanted to run. However, sense came a knocking, and she realized that running would mean death for sure. Not to mention she could defend herself now. She just had to find the right time to make a move. That chance happened when Kurama falling from the portal distracted the demon for a second. Keiko took the opportunity and ran toward the bug. With one punch to the very long abdomen, the thing fell backwards into the grass. She came up to it and smiled pleasantly, which was odd considering the situation. "Spirit Daggers!" She yelled, the call echoing around her. Suddenly, between the fingers on her right hand, appeared four purple daggers made from Reikai energy. With one very graceful swipe of her hand, the blades were sent flying forth. They landed in the youkai's long abdomen, all four straight in a row. Blood spurted from around each weapon, seeping out and running like trickling water down to the ground, where the red, life granting liquid stained the pretty grass. The creature tried to move, but couldn't. It screeched something awful as it lay there dying, and finally it stopped squirming and lay still and lifeless on it's own personal grave sight. Keiko blinked as the purple daggers disappeared, leaving behind four gaping holes. She felt dizzy then and couldn't keep from collapsing to the ground. She was breathing hard and felt exhausted. She heard two pairs of running footsteps coming towards her. Keiko glanced to her side and saw Hiei and Kurama running toward her. They were at her side quickly, helping to support her. She felt disoriented then and her head was spinning. "Keiko, are you ok?" Asked Kurama, worry evident on his face and in his voice. She just blinked at him. Hiei looked closely at her. "How many fingers am I holding up?" He asked. Keiko counted the fingers. "32." She said, and passed out. Kurama and Hiei looked at one another, then at Keiko, and then at the two fingers Hiei was holding up. "Hm.I think we may have to carry her the rest of the way." Said Kurama. "Yep." Agreed the fire-demon. He shook his head and stood up, followed by Kurama who came up carrying an unconscious Keiko in his arms. The red head turned into his youko aspect then, and the two companions walked away towards Gandara.
Author's Note: ::Bows deeply:: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I haven't update this story in SOOOOO long, and I'm really sorry! I just had a little bit of writer's block and then I just didn't get around to it because I'm a lazy person . . . and I apologize for that too! I hope none of you were killing yourselves over my lack of updates, but if you were I . . . well I'm sorry! I really really really really am!!! I'm also sorry if this isn't formatted very well. My computer, it seems, does not like to format, uh . . . what can I say? It just doesn't. Ack!!! My computer is as lazy as I am! Anyway (*cough* I'm sorry!! *cough*) you guys can cut me down any way you see fit if it will make you feel better. I'll definitely try to update more often, although this is coming from a girl who doesn't do her homework till around 11:00 or so every night. I'll also attempt to fix the formatting problem, but once again, this is coming from a girl who couldn't figure out why the remote wasn't working and, two weeks later, found out that it was just out of batteries ^_^, . . . . . . . . . okay, so there isn't much hope for me, but I promise to try harder! Thank you for reading and please enjoy!
Chapter 4
"Oooooooooh no! No nononononononono." Keiko got up from the table and walked passed Kurama and Hiei. She went to her bedroom, followed by the two demons. Kurama sighed. "But-" He started. "No! Not doing it. It's not happening. No way in hell, and I mean that literally, am I going." Kurama tried again as he watched her throwing random items in a suitcase. "But Keiko-" "Nope, notta, can't be done, won't be done, period." "Bu-" "What's with that word? Why must you keep using that word? You sound as if you have high hopes of convincing me." "But-" "Ah! There it is again!" Kurama sighed. "Keiko.please." Finally, the young woman turned to face him, looking at him straight in the eyes. "What DON'T you understand about the word 'no'? Is it the 'n', or the 'o'? Am I not saying it correctly, or are you hard of hearing. NO! Nononononononononononono.and further more.NO!" "Keiko, we really need you to come back with us. We've explained everything to you and how crucial the situation is. Will you PLEASE come with us?" "Hm, let me think about.oh I've got it.NO!" This time Hiei let out an aggravated sigh. "Why not?" He asked in an accusing tone. Kurama was silent then as he too looked to her for the answer. Keiko, in mid-fold, sat down on her bed, leaving the shirt she had to lay crumpled in her lap. She sighed. "Listen. Don't you remember what happened between Yusuke and I? You want me to go back to him? Are you crazy? We could barely manage to keep our tempers in check at Yukina and Kuwabara's wedding! In fact, if it weren't for all of you stepping in, we probably would have ruined the entire thing! Yusuke is an irresponsible fool! He's digging his own grave, and you want me to step in and help him out? Not happening. Plus, I'm supposed to be on a plane heading to the U.S. in about three hours to do a story. I've wanted to go there for a very long time, and I just managed to convince my boss to let me. You're asking me to put my life, my career, everything on hold for Yusuke.again! I can't do it." Hiei and Kurama exchanged looks, speaking in their own special language that many years of friendship and partnership had developed for them. Kurama nodded and gently placed a hand on Keiko's shoulder. "If not for Yusuke, then for us? For all those other innocents who are trapped in a dying city. We aren't asking you to go run into his arms, but you, and only you can set him straight. If you don't find a way to pick him up, then all three worlds could fall victim to something truly horrible. Please don't let that happen." Said Kurama, his voice sounding genuine. His green eyes, with the occasional flecks of gold, pleaded with her own brown ones. When Keiko looked over to Hiei, his expression ever stoic, she saw the same look in his crimson eyes. Finally, she sighed. "Aw, God! Major guilt trip! Fine! Fine, I'll go!" She said, her eyes cast to the ceiling in defeat. Kurama and Hiei smiled at one another, both feeling rather pleased. "BUT!" Said Keiko, sending the demon's moods into nervousness. "I'm only doing this because you two asked me too. Clear?" They nodded simultaneously. "Pack lightly, Keiko." Suggested Kurama. For he'd seen the way many females, demon and human alike, tended to pack. Normally it included shoving half of their house in a dozen suitcases. They really couldn't afford to carry that much weight around. Keiko merely shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Here, call this number and cancel my flight. I'll be ready in 15." With that, she handed Kurama the number and closed her bedroom door. 15 minutes passed and Keiko's door opened. She stood there wearing a pair of baggy khakis with large pockets on the side of both legs. Under those was a pair of darker brown hiking boots. She wore a white tank top covered by a long-sleeved, blue over shirt and her hair was simply pushed behind her ears. Over her shoulder was a small, black travel bag, about the size of a semi-large purse. She smiled. "Ok, we can go now." She said, walking to the door. She threw her keys on the tabletop, deciding that she'd rather be locked out of her apartment and have to use the fire escape to climb through a window instead of risk losing her keys in the Makai. They filed out of the apartment and took the elevator down to the lobby, where Keiko said good-bye to Lee, who was sweet enough not ask question. Kurama then took the lead and they all walked toward the park. Hiei used a bit of you-ki to make a breech between the two worlds. The gleaming portal went unnoticed, as it was hidden in a grove of trees. Hiei looked over to Keiko who starred at it. She started to step toward it, but Hiei stopped her. "It'd be safer to let one of us go first, and then you can follow. That way, you'll have protection on the other side." He said. Kurama nodded. Keiko however, rolled her eyes. "You're strong, and I'm not as weak as I used to be.trust me." And with that, she flung herself through the opening, leaving two very surprised demons behind her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Keiko landed with a 'thud' on the ground, and pulled her self up mere moments later. She was standing in the middle of a grassy meadow speckled with vibrant wild flowers. The warm Makai sun shone down on her and the swaying grasses, giving the meadow a shiny, brazen appearance. She couldn't help but smile. How could a place so lovely be so dangerous? Her question was answered as soon as it struck her mind. From out of nowhere, a demon popped up out of the tall grasses. It was brownish green with a long body and a triangular head. It resembled a warped praying mantis, and it's white, gnashing teeth showed that the omnivorous bug demon was hungry for meat. The creature came toward her at a very fast speed, although it could never rival Hiei's, or even Kuwabara's for that matter. It was just faster than normal humans. Keiko, being human and unused to dealing with demons, wanted to run. However, sense came a knocking, and she realized that running would mean death for sure. Not to mention she could defend herself now. She just had to find the right time to make a move. That chance happened when Kurama falling from the portal distracted the demon for a second. Keiko took the opportunity and ran toward the bug. With one punch to the very long abdomen, the thing fell backwards into the grass. She came up to it and smiled pleasantly, which was odd considering the situation. "Spirit Daggers!" She yelled, the call echoing around her. Suddenly, between the fingers on her right hand, appeared four purple daggers made from Reikai energy. With one very graceful swipe of her hand, the blades were sent flying forth. They landed in the youkai's long abdomen, all four straight in a row. Blood spurted from around each weapon, seeping out and running like trickling water down to the ground, where the red, life granting liquid stained the pretty grass. The creature tried to move, but couldn't. It screeched something awful as it lay there dying, and finally it stopped squirming and lay still and lifeless on it's own personal grave sight. Keiko blinked as the purple daggers disappeared, leaving behind four gaping holes. She felt dizzy then and couldn't keep from collapsing to the ground. She was breathing hard and felt exhausted. She heard two pairs of running footsteps coming towards her. Keiko glanced to her side and saw Hiei and Kurama running toward her. They were at her side quickly, helping to support her. She felt disoriented then and her head was spinning. "Keiko, are you ok?" Asked Kurama, worry evident on his face and in his voice. She just blinked at him. Hiei looked closely at her. "How many fingers am I holding up?" He asked. Keiko counted the fingers. "32." She said, and passed out. Kurama and Hiei looked at one another, then at Keiko, and then at the two fingers Hiei was holding up. "Hm.I think we may have to carry her the rest of the way." Said Kurama. "Yep." Agreed the fire-demon. He shook his head and stood up, followed by Kurama who came up carrying an unconscious Keiko in his arms. The red head turned into his youko aspect then, and the two companions walked away towards Gandara.
