"What?!" I asked a little too loudly. I turned to find my startled sister
with a waiter at her side. The music had stopped and everybody was staring
at me. Fuming, I looked at Yukina.
"Hiei, are you ready to order?" She asked gently.
Smiling, the waiter said: "Perhaps the young sir would prefer the kid's menu?" Knowing instantly that he was referring to my height I retorted:
"No, I'm quite fine with eating from the adult menu, and unless you want to be eating those words, I suggest you bring the best that you have and fast." Daunted by my smooth come back, the waiter bowed hastily and walked away. The music resumed and conversation filled the air once again. Seeing that the waiter had left sake, I poured myself a glass and drank deeply. Yukina just smiled and turned to the stage.
After I had finished three small cups, a different waiter returned with our food. I smiled smugly- coward. Just as Yukina and I started to eat, a hush fell over the crowd. Curiously, we both turned our attention to the stage, which was now fully lit and devoid of any people. I couldn't believe my eyes when a man with wavy brown hair and 'Jr.' written on his forehead stepped up to the microphone. Like usual, he was sucking on his blue pacifier. What was he doing here?
"Hello everyone, and welcome to the deluxe, Yu Yu Hakusho cruise line! This is a ship designed to advertise and support Yu Yu Hakusho as well as provide more money to build on to my fabulous castle in Spirit World. I thank you all for coming to see me, the almighty Koenma. The next few nights will be filled with entertainment provided by none other than the Yu Yu Hakusho cast themselves!" He exclaimed. After he said this, a spot light zoomed in on my table and murmurs broke out through the crowd.
"Hiei, what's going on?" Yukina questioned nervously. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I didn't reply. Thankfully, the spot light soon switched to another table. My mouth dropped open in surprise when I saw it was now hovering above Yusuke, Keiko, Botan, Kuwabara, and Shizuru. The only one missing was-
"Kurama, perfect timing," Koenma stated with glee. The light immediately turned to the doorway where Kurama stood, his hair still wet from his bath. He blushed as girls called out to him, offering him their services and flirting shamelessly. I could hear Tomoyo screaming at them to leave him alone, but her shouts were soon drowned out by the other guests.
"What's the meaning of this Koenma?" Kurama asked as he began to walk towards the stage.
"Yes, we're dying to hear an explanation," I added as I got to my feet. I was still mad at Kurama, but right now, Koenma was my target. A second later, I was by Kurama's side.
"When you asked me to invite all of the others because of the free tickets you had given me, you never mentioned anything about us performing," Kurama said crossly. At this, I stopped and turned to Kurama.
"You knew about this all along? You knew we were all invited? You knew we'd all be together in first class?!" I raged in disbelief. Kurama glanced at me apologetically, but I glared back. As soon as we got out of this, we would be having a long... 'talk'.
"Now, now boys, we must do our best for the fans!" Koenma said as he took a slow step back.
"Yeah right- you just want to use us!" Yusuke yelled angrily. He too got to his feet and joined us. The last to stand, was Kuwabara.
"Urameshi is right! We aren't your private show dogs! We're people!" He yelled. The four of us stood together, united in our rage towards Koenma.
"This is low, even for you Koenma," Botan agreed with a sigh. Koenma seemed to give up.
"Come on you guys- I'll make it up to you! If you do what I want for just a week, then you can have one wish. I'll give you anything you want!" Koenma promised. This proposition was appealing, but before I agreed, I looked to Kurama. He appeared deep in thought. Finally he said:
"All right. We'll do what you wish." Immediately, the guests began to cheer in approval. At least the fans weren't all crazy teenage girls like our other followers. Still, what did Koenma have planned for us?
* * * * *
"You want us to dress in drag and dance?!" Yusuke demanded in disbelief. I stared at Koenma incredulously.
The four of us had gone behind the stage into Koenma's office where he promptly returned to his toddler form. There, he had began to explain his plans for the night... the first being a dance party. We would be the guests of honor, but for some reason, Koenma proposed that we should dress as girls. I laughed silently. Kurama had a hard time getting me to wear hippie clothes! What made Koenma think I'd dress as a girl? The others were just as enraged, but only Yusuke and Kuwabara cared to show it. They shouted insult after insult, venting all their frustration on Koenma. Kurama and I merely watched in silent irritation.
"Fine, fine! But at least do Karaoke!" Koenma pleaded. The room fell silent as the four of us all exchanged glances. Karaoke?
"Well, it can't be worst than having to sing in the amusement park..." Kurama trailed.
"Or the zoo," Kuwabara reminded us. They did have a point. And if all of us were doing it together... what the hell? Might as well get it over with! Kurama looked to me, and I nodded slowly.
"All right," Kurama agreed. Yusuke and Kuwabara shook their heads. Finally, Yusuke said:
"If fox boy is okay with it, then I'm in. What about you Kuwabara- Hiei?"
"Let's just get it over with. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get our wish," I said darkly. Koenma gulped as I looked straight at him.
"Fine then- let's go! Shorty agrees, so I'm definitely in," Kuwabara declared. Koenma breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good. Now all you have to do is pick out your costumes while I talk to the crowd. Go in the back room, okay? Chow!" Koenma bade. Before any of us could object, Koenma turned into his older form and ran out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
"Man, that toddler gets on my nerves! I just don't see why he's the leader of Spirit World!" Yusuke exclaimed angrily.
"I know how you feel, but someone has to rule while King Enma is away," Kurama said softly. Yusuke rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, I guess so," He replied, still unconvinced.
"Let's stop wasting time- come on," Kuwabara urged as he opened the door Koenma had motioned to. With a sigh, the rest of us followed. As we walked into the room, I whispered to Kurama:
"I'm only wearing black- I refuse to look like a hippie again." Kurama laughed gently and nodded.
"Wow!" Kuwabara exclaimed, causing us all to turn to him. "Look at all this stuff!" He went on. All of our mouths dropped open in amazement. We were all standing in the middle of a giant closet, filled with row upon row of clothes. On the right, was women's apparel, and on the left, there were men's garments. Instantly, Kuwabara and Yusuke began looking through the first few racks while Kurama and I made our way to the back rows.
Together, we began thumbing through the outfits. There were many different styles- street, royal, punk, prep, old fashioned- everything you could imagine, from cheap to priceless. Where had Koenma gotten all of these clothes?
"Oh, Hiei! I think I found you the perfect outfit!" Kurama announced excitedly. I whirled around to face Kurama, ready to yell and protest if need be, but to my surprise, he was holding something that I actually liked. It was different from my regular clothes, but it was still the same color scheme. The pants seemed tight, but they were leather, so that was expected. Along with the pants was a matching vest and long sleeved black shirt. Chains hung from the pockets, and there was even a place to put a sword sheath. I stared at Kurama, amazed that he had found something that fit my interests. Seeing my surprise, he handed it to me and smiled.
"Glad you like it. Now, I really must find something for myself..." He trailed. With that, he proceeded to the next row, leaving me with the clothes in my hands. I looked down at them curiously, wondering where I should get changed. Finally, I saw a small door labeled: "Dressing Room". Leaving Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama, I turned the knob and went inside.
In the room I found tables with makeup piled upon them as well as many mirrors of different sizes. Standing behind the door in case anyone decided to come in, I stripped off my clothes and put on the costume. Once I had finished, I looked in one of the full-length mirrors. The clothes fit perfectly, which was surprising. I turned in every direction, inspecting myself at all angles. Then secretly, I smiled.
Humming a song I knew, I spun in a circle and began to dance. I moved my arms and hips, and almost started to sing when I suddenly heard the door swing open. I froze with my hands above my head and turned to see who it was.
"Kurama you yaro! Learn to knock," I growled, throwing his words back at him. Kurama frowned as he threw the clothes he was holding on to a nearby chair. Placing his hands on his hips, he looked to me in disapproval.
"And what were you doing that was so private?" He demanded.
"Fixing my hair," I murmured lamely as I brought my hands down to rake through my long black strands. Kurama laughed loudly.
"Oh Hiei, you're so strange," He teased. I fumed silently, letting my hands fall back down to my side. Smiling gently, Kurama said: "You look good in that." I turned away, determined not to let Kurama know I was pleased. Kurama laughed again. "Do you mind stepping outside? I'm going to get dressed now," He said.
"Hn," I replied as I made my way to the door. I could feel Kurama watching me, but I ignored his gaze. Once I had left the room, I closed the door firmly behind me and leaned against the wall. I watched quietly for a few minutes before Kurama reemerged. I turned to him and couldn't believe what I saw.
Kurama was dressed in a flowing red shirt with long poofy sleeves, and on the back was the image of a flowering rose. It was open in the middle, revealing his muscular chest. The pants he wore were a tight black material, and had emeralds going down the side. On the back pocket was a white fox.
"Ha. Now you look like the hippie. Are those really men's clothes Kurama?" I asked with a short laugh. Kurama blushed slightly before answering.
"Actually, the pants are women's, but all of the pants I saw were too baggy or the wrong color," He admitted. I shook my head.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you kitsune?" I assumed. Kurama just looked at me with a twinkle in his eye. I took that as a yes.
Just then, Yusuke and Kuwabara walked up, costumes in hand. The looked at us, exchanged glances, and broke out laughing.
"Nani?" I demanded irritably.
"Nothing. It's just that you two look like a couple of guys from a boy band. Trying to impress the ladies?" Yusuke exclaimed as he nudged me in the ribs.
"Hn. Don't be a fool. I would never do this if it weren't for Koenma," I reminded him coldly.
"Maybe so, but you look pretty funny," Kuwabara chuckled. I glared at him while wearing a grim smile.
"Even if I do, you don't need any help. You might as well go out as you are," I answered coolly.
"What did you say shorty?!" Kuwabara demanded. Before I could answer though, Yusuke pushed Kuwabara into the dressing room and went in after him. Grinning at us he said:
"Give us a minute and we'll be right out." Kurama and I nodded and smiled while listening to Kuwabara's muffled protests. Yusuke shut the door and we continued to wait. After a few minutes had passed, the two stepped out and we both looked to them curiously.
Yusuke hadn't changed much. He still wore baggy pants, but this time, he was dressed in white. He had a matching jacket on, and a black muscle shirt underneath that. Kuwabara looked strange as usual. He wore blue jeans, a white shirt with cut off sleeves, and a Jean jacket with all sorts of logos sewn on the front. Finally, we were all ready.
Just then, someone else stepped into the room- Botan. She was dressed in her familiar pink kimono and greeted us with a smile.
"Hello boys! Are you ready? Everyone's waiting," She explained. In unison, we looked to one another and nodded.
"Show us the way Botan," Yusuke ordered. Giggling girlishly as she scanned us from head to toe, Botan motioned for us to follow her as she exited the giant closet. Moments later, we were back on the stage, and it seemed like word of our performance had spread, because the room was packed.
A karaoke machine had been set out along with four microphones. The girls, along with Koenma were sitting at the table closest to the stage.
"Well... who wants to go first?" Yusuke wondered. We all stood in silence for a moment, listening to the excited crowd. Suddenly, a girl screamed:
"Kurama! Kurama, we love you!" Grinning, Yusuke pushed Kurama forward and said:
"You heard them fox boy! They're calling for you!" Smiling sheepishly, Kurama nodded and stepped up to the microphone. Practically all of the girls screamed in delight. Kurama waved as cameras went off and he began thumbing through the song selection. Finally, he found one and pushed a button to start the music. It appeared he had chosen an English selection. I listened with interest to the words he sang.
"Hiei, are you ready to order?" She asked gently.
Smiling, the waiter said: "Perhaps the young sir would prefer the kid's menu?" Knowing instantly that he was referring to my height I retorted:
"No, I'm quite fine with eating from the adult menu, and unless you want to be eating those words, I suggest you bring the best that you have and fast." Daunted by my smooth come back, the waiter bowed hastily and walked away. The music resumed and conversation filled the air once again. Seeing that the waiter had left sake, I poured myself a glass and drank deeply. Yukina just smiled and turned to the stage.
After I had finished three small cups, a different waiter returned with our food. I smiled smugly- coward. Just as Yukina and I started to eat, a hush fell over the crowd. Curiously, we both turned our attention to the stage, which was now fully lit and devoid of any people. I couldn't believe my eyes when a man with wavy brown hair and 'Jr.' written on his forehead stepped up to the microphone. Like usual, he was sucking on his blue pacifier. What was he doing here?
"Hello everyone, and welcome to the deluxe, Yu Yu Hakusho cruise line! This is a ship designed to advertise and support Yu Yu Hakusho as well as provide more money to build on to my fabulous castle in Spirit World. I thank you all for coming to see me, the almighty Koenma. The next few nights will be filled with entertainment provided by none other than the Yu Yu Hakusho cast themselves!" He exclaimed. After he said this, a spot light zoomed in on my table and murmurs broke out through the crowd.
"Hiei, what's going on?" Yukina questioned nervously. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I didn't reply. Thankfully, the spot light soon switched to another table. My mouth dropped open in surprise when I saw it was now hovering above Yusuke, Keiko, Botan, Kuwabara, and Shizuru. The only one missing was-
"Kurama, perfect timing," Koenma stated with glee. The light immediately turned to the doorway where Kurama stood, his hair still wet from his bath. He blushed as girls called out to him, offering him their services and flirting shamelessly. I could hear Tomoyo screaming at them to leave him alone, but her shouts were soon drowned out by the other guests.
"What's the meaning of this Koenma?" Kurama asked as he began to walk towards the stage.
"Yes, we're dying to hear an explanation," I added as I got to my feet. I was still mad at Kurama, but right now, Koenma was my target. A second later, I was by Kurama's side.
"When you asked me to invite all of the others because of the free tickets you had given me, you never mentioned anything about us performing," Kurama said crossly. At this, I stopped and turned to Kurama.
"You knew about this all along? You knew we were all invited? You knew we'd all be together in first class?!" I raged in disbelief. Kurama glanced at me apologetically, but I glared back. As soon as we got out of this, we would be having a long... 'talk'.
"Now, now boys, we must do our best for the fans!" Koenma said as he took a slow step back.
"Yeah right- you just want to use us!" Yusuke yelled angrily. He too got to his feet and joined us. The last to stand, was Kuwabara.
"Urameshi is right! We aren't your private show dogs! We're people!" He yelled. The four of us stood together, united in our rage towards Koenma.
"This is low, even for you Koenma," Botan agreed with a sigh. Koenma seemed to give up.
"Come on you guys- I'll make it up to you! If you do what I want for just a week, then you can have one wish. I'll give you anything you want!" Koenma promised. This proposition was appealing, but before I agreed, I looked to Kurama. He appeared deep in thought. Finally he said:
"All right. We'll do what you wish." Immediately, the guests began to cheer in approval. At least the fans weren't all crazy teenage girls like our other followers. Still, what did Koenma have planned for us?
* * * * *
"You want us to dress in drag and dance?!" Yusuke demanded in disbelief. I stared at Koenma incredulously.
The four of us had gone behind the stage into Koenma's office where he promptly returned to his toddler form. There, he had began to explain his plans for the night... the first being a dance party. We would be the guests of honor, but for some reason, Koenma proposed that we should dress as girls. I laughed silently. Kurama had a hard time getting me to wear hippie clothes! What made Koenma think I'd dress as a girl? The others were just as enraged, but only Yusuke and Kuwabara cared to show it. They shouted insult after insult, venting all their frustration on Koenma. Kurama and I merely watched in silent irritation.
"Fine, fine! But at least do Karaoke!" Koenma pleaded. The room fell silent as the four of us all exchanged glances. Karaoke?
"Well, it can't be worst than having to sing in the amusement park..." Kurama trailed.
"Or the zoo," Kuwabara reminded us. They did have a point. And if all of us were doing it together... what the hell? Might as well get it over with! Kurama looked to me, and I nodded slowly.
"All right," Kurama agreed. Yusuke and Kuwabara shook their heads. Finally, Yusuke said:
"If fox boy is okay with it, then I'm in. What about you Kuwabara- Hiei?"
"Let's just get it over with. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get our wish," I said darkly. Koenma gulped as I looked straight at him.
"Fine then- let's go! Shorty agrees, so I'm definitely in," Kuwabara declared. Koenma breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good. Now all you have to do is pick out your costumes while I talk to the crowd. Go in the back room, okay? Chow!" Koenma bade. Before any of us could object, Koenma turned into his older form and ran out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
"Man, that toddler gets on my nerves! I just don't see why he's the leader of Spirit World!" Yusuke exclaimed angrily.
"I know how you feel, but someone has to rule while King Enma is away," Kurama said softly. Yusuke rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, I guess so," He replied, still unconvinced.
"Let's stop wasting time- come on," Kuwabara urged as he opened the door Koenma had motioned to. With a sigh, the rest of us followed. As we walked into the room, I whispered to Kurama:
"I'm only wearing black- I refuse to look like a hippie again." Kurama laughed gently and nodded.
"Wow!" Kuwabara exclaimed, causing us all to turn to him. "Look at all this stuff!" He went on. All of our mouths dropped open in amazement. We were all standing in the middle of a giant closet, filled with row upon row of clothes. On the right, was women's apparel, and on the left, there were men's garments. Instantly, Kuwabara and Yusuke began looking through the first few racks while Kurama and I made our way to the back rows.
Together, we began thumbing through the outfits. There were many different styles- street, royal, punk, prep, old fashioned- everything you could imagine, from cheap to priceless. Where had Koenma gotten all of these clothes?
"Oh, Hiei! I think I found you the perfect outfit!" Kurama announced excitedly. I whirled around to face Kurama, ready to yell and protest if need be, but to my surprise, he was holding something that I actually liked. It was different from my regular clothes, but it was still the same color scheme. The pants seemed tight, but they were leather, so that was expected. Along with the pants was a matching vest and long sleeved black shirt. Chains hung from the pockets, and there was even a place to put a sword sheath. I stared at Kurama, amazed that he had found something that fit my interests. Seeing my surprise, he handed it to me and smiled.
"Glad you like it. Now, I really must find something for myself..." He trailed. With that, he proceeded to the next row, leaving me with the clothes in my hands. I looked down at them curiously, wondering where I should get changed. Finally, I saw a small door labeled: "Dressing Room". Leaving Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama, I turned the knob and went inside.
In the room I found tables with makeup piled upon them as well as many mirrors of different sizes. Standing behind the door in case anyone decided to come in, I stripped off my clothes and put on the costume. Once I had finished, I looked in one of the full-length mirrors. The clothes fit perfectly, which was surprising. I turned in every direction, inspecting myself at all angles. Then secretly, I smiled.
Humming a song I knew, I spun in a circle and began to dance. I moved my arms and hips, and almost started to sing when I suddenly heard the door swing open. I froze with my hands above my head and turned to see who it was.
"Kurama you yaro! Learn to knock," I growled, throwing his words back at him. Kurama frowned as he threw the clothes he was holding on to a nearby chair. Placing his hands on his hips, he looked to me in disapproval.
"And what were you doing that was so private?" He demanded.
"Fixing my hair," I murmured lamely as I brought my hands down to rake through my long black strands. Kurama laughed loudly.
"Oh Hiei, you're so strange," He teased. I fumed silently, letting my hands fall back down to my side. Smiling gently, Kurama said: "You look good in that." I turned away, determined not to let Kurama know I was pleased. Kurama laughed again. "Do you mind stepping outside? I'm going to get dressed now," He said.
"Hn," I replied as I made my way to the door. I could feel Kurama watching me, but I ignored his gaze. Once I had left the room, I closed the door firmly behind me and leaned against the wall. I watched quietly for a few minutes before Kurama reemerged. I turned to him and couldn't believe what I saw.
Kurama was dressed in a flowing red shirt with long poofy sleeves, and on the back was the image of a flowering rose. It was open in the middle, revealing his muscular chest. The pants he wore were a tight black material, and had emeralds going down the side. On the back pocket was a white fox.
"Ha. Now you look like the hippie. Are those really men's clothes Kurama?" I asked with a short laugh. Kurama blushed slightly before answering.
"Actually, the pants are women's, but all of the pants I saw were too baggy or the wrong color," He admitted. I shook my head.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you kitsune?" I assumed. Kurama just looked at me with a twinkle in his eye. I took that as a yes.
Just then, Yusuke and Kuwabara walked up, costumes in hand. The looked at us, exchanged glances, and broke out laughing.
"Nani?" I demanded irritably.
"Nothing. It's just that you two look like a couple of guys from a boy band. Trying to impress the ladies?" Yusuke exclaimed as he nudged me in the ribs.
"Hn. Don't be a fool. I would never do this if it weren't for Koenma," I reminded him coldly.
"Maybe so, but you look pretty funny," Kuwabara chuckled. I glared at him while wearing a grim smile.
"Even if I do, you don't need any help. You might as well go out as you are," I answered coolly.
"What did you say shorty?!" Kuwabara demanded. Before I could answer though, Yusuke pushed Kuwabara into the dressing room and went in after him. Grinning at us he said:
"Give us a minute and we'll be right out." Kurama and I nodded and smiled while listening to Kuwabara's muffled protests. Yusuke shut the door and we continued to wait. After a few minutes had passed, the two stepped out and we both looked to them curiously.
Yusuke hadn't changed much. He still wore baggy pants, but this time, he was dressed in white. He had a matching jacket on, and a black muscle shirt underneath that. Kuwabara looked strange as usual. He wore blue jeans, a white shirt with cut off sleeves, and a Jean jacket with all sorts of logos sewn on the front. Finally, we were all ready.
Just then, someone else stepped into the room- Botan. She was dressed in her familiar pink kimono and greeted us with a smile.
"Hello boys! Are you ready? Everyone's waiting," She explained. In unison, we looked to one another and nodded.
"Show us the way Botan," Yusuke ordered. Giggling girlishly as she scanned us from head to toe, Botan motioned for us to follow her as she exited the giant closet. Moments later, we were back on the stage, and it seemed like word of our performance had spread, because the room was packed.
A karaoke machine had been set out along with four microphones. The girls, along with Koenma were sitting at the table closest to the stage.
"Well... who wants to go first?" Yusuke wondered. We all stood in silence for a moment, listening to the excited crowd. Suddenly, a girl screamed:
"Kurama! Kurama, we love you!" Grinning, Yusuke pushed Kurama forward and said:
"You heard them fox boy! They're calling for you!" Smiling sheepishly, Kurama nodded and stepped up to the microphone. Practically all of the girls screamed in delight. Kurama waved as cameras went off and he began thumbing through the song selection. Finally, he found one and pushed a button to start the music. It appeared he had chosen an English selection. I listened with interest to the words he sang.
