Chapter 26

The Promise

Boton and Kurama sat on the couch in Genkai's living room. She had been crying for the past few hours. Yukina had healed the bruises but the emotional damage was permanent. She still couldn't believe Muraku did that to her.

Yukina sat down in a nearby chair. "How could Muraku have ever been a part of Riku? I mean, their exact opposites" Yukina said. "It doesn't matter how good a person is, dark sides are always pure evil" Kurama replied. "It's a good thing Kuwabara and Hiei weren't attacked" Boton said. "I don't think Muraku could do anything to rile up someone as stubborn as Hiei" he said. Boton forced a smile.

"I heard that" a voice said from the window. They looked over and saw Hiei sitting on the windowsill. "How long have you been their Hiei-san?" Yukina asked. "Since you sat down" he replied. "So have you heard what Muraku's been dong?" Kurama asked. "Hn" was the reply. "I'll take that as a yes" Boton said.

Yusuke, Keiko, and Kuwabara then entered the room. "What's up you guys?" Yusuke said as he sat down. "How your father, Keiko?" Yukina asked. "He still hasn't waken up but he'll be fine" Keiko replied. ""Kazuma, what happened to your face?" Yukina asked. Kuwabara's face was covered in scratches. "Eikachi (Kuwabara's cat) needed a bath" he replied. "I take it she doesn't like them?" said Kurama. Kuwabara nodded. "Yukina, could you like, heal these scratches" Kuwabara pleaded. "Of coarse" she replied. She placed her hands on his face and they started to glow. In no time, he was healed. "Thanks they stung a lot" he bellowed.

"Pathetic" Hiei said from the window. "What was that?!" Kuwabara said angrily. "Your so weak, you couldn't even handle a cat" he replied. "Why you…" Kuwabara was cut off when the door opened.

Everyone looked to the door. In walked someone in a beaten up red coat. It was Riku. Everyone stood silent as he stood in front of them. His hair was out of its ponytail, he was covered in dirt, his cloths were torn, and he had various cuts on his body.

"Miss me?" he said smirking. "Riku!!!" they all said in unison. "The one and only" he replied. He walked over and sat down. "So how has everything been since I left?" he asked. Everyone's face went solemn. "Muraku?" he asked. "He blew up Keiko's house. No one was killed but her dad still hasn't woken up" Yusuke said. "That's not all. He…" Kurama stopped and looked at Boton. She nodded to him. "He rapped Boton." Everyone gasped. "How awful" Keiko said. "Did he… you know?" Yusuke asked. Boton nodded.

Everyone nearly jumped when Riku let out a growl. It sounded just like an angry wolf. He fisted his hand. "That monster" he growled. A red spark of electricity appeared on his hand. Riku's gotten considerably more powerful Hiei thought. Riku soon calmed down.

"So Riku, learn any new tricks?" Yusuke asked. "Of coarse, I haven't eaten, slept, or rested since I left" he said. "No wonder you look so terrible" Kuwabara said. "In that case, I'll go take a shower now" Riku said getting up and heading for his room. "Yukina, why don't I help you get lunch ready" Keiko said. Yukina nodded and they headed for the kitchen.

While Yukina cooked the food, she thought about Riku. He's defiantly more powerful. I think Muraku's underestimated him she thought. Then something hit her like a ton of bricks. When Muraku had slapped her earlier today, he had given her a glimpse of his full power. Muraku at full power made Toguro look like a fly with no wings. It's still not enough. He'll kill Riku she thought as she started to cry. "What's wrong Yukina?" Keiko asked. Yukina wiped the tears from her eyes. "It's just the heat" she replied.

After they had finished, they set the table. Riku soon walked in cleaned up and in a clean outfit. His hair was back in its ponytail. The food was all for him since he hadn't eaten in a while. It was all gone in less than three minutes.

"Now what?" Yusuke asked. "I think we should just hang out the rest of the day. I'd prefer being around friends the day before my fight" Riku replied. Everyone nodded.

Just before nightfall

"See ya tomorrow" Yusuke said as he and Keiko left. Riku closed the door behind them. Everyone had gone home, except Hiei who was probably in a tree. Then Riku remembered something. During all the time he had been hanging with everyone, he had barely even talked to Yukina. It was as if she was avoiding him. Better find her he thought as he started a search. He saw her watching the sunset at the top of a hill not to far from the house.

Yukina watched the sun go down as night neared. She had been avoiding Riku for a reason. She just couldn't be around the guy she loved the night before he went to certain death. I just can't say goodbye to him. It hurts to much to be around him knowing he'll die tomorrow she thought.

"Yukina" Riku said from behind her. She turned around. Riku was right in front of her. "Yukina, what's wrong?" he asked. Yukina broke down crying into Riku's chest. Her hands gabbed the front of his shirt. "Yukina?" Riku asked worriedly. "Riku, please don't fight him tomorrow. There has to be another way" she cried. Riku's face softened and he hugged her around her shoulders. "I'm sorry Yukina, but I have to. If I don't fight him tomorrow, he'll kill everyone till I do. He said he'd start with you. And if your were to die because of me, I couldn't live with myself. You're the most important person to me. If my death means you'll be safe, then I'll go in a heartbeat. Yukina, I love you, and I won't let him or anyone else hurt you" he said. Yukina's eyes widened a little and she looked up at him. He looked back at her with loving eyes. She rested her head on his chest. "Riku… I love you to. I just don't want to lose you before we ever had a chance together" she said.

"Yukina, look at me" he said. She looked up. "I'll come back alive, for you" he said. "Promise?" she asked. "I promise" he replied. She smiled for the first time that day. Their eyes closed as they closed the gap between their lips. Their lips met in a gentle, loving kiss. The kiss lasted about half a minute though it seemed like hours for the two.

"Lets head back" he said as he took her hand in his. She smiled and leaned closer to him as they walked back. They snuggled up on Riku's bed in each other's arms. (NO, they didn't do that) Both were happier than they had ever been in their lives.

They finally told each other. Lets hope Riku can keep that promise. Next chapter, Riku sets out to the battle. Review please.