Disclaimers- I still don't own Yuyu Hakusho or Weib Kruez but I still wish I do.
Blood
Since the festival was over, Aya and the others had taken turns picking Yukiko from school. Aya would drive her to school every morning and Ken or Yoji would pick her up afterwards. Sometimes it would be Omi from school and they would head for a nearby ice cream parlor. Sometimes it would be Aya and they would go to the beach to watch the sunset. The boys at her school had been frightened at Yukiko's relatives that they had not moved to even greet her in the corridors. The girls had not minded the cute guys that was picking Yukiko up but they had despised her because of it. Kurama on the other hand grew closer to her.
"Okay class we were informed that we will have a field trip. One would be a trip to the beach and the caves there and the other would be a hike and to this beautiful lake." It had seemed that everyone on class was excited on the trip. Yukiko was some what confused. She leaned towards Shuuichi and whispered.
"What's a field trip?"
"It's a trip where you get to see things in a place. It is also the time to bond with your friends and do fun stuff." Yukiko seemed to brighten at the thought and returned her gaze to the teacher.
"This year however we are bringing four chaperons with us. I would like you all to meet Fujimiya san, Hidaka san, Kodou san and Tsukiyono san."
Everyone seemed to look at Yukiko when they heard Fujimiya and Yukiko on the other hand sweat dropped. They're coming with us? Four good looking guys entered the room and smiled at them except for one that stayed at the back having no emotions what so ever. The girls noted the red hair and wonderful eyes of the unemotional one, the boyish grin of the brown haired one and the sweet smile of the youngest, they had known to be Omi. The last one with the golden hair had a play boyish grin and the girls whispered to each other at how gorgeous they looked.
They all moved from the front of the class to the back where Yoji ruffled Yukiko's hair and said, "Oi Neko." Ken and Omi seemed to sweat drop and the rest of the class giggled at the nickname Yoji called her.
"Okay now I would need the permission slip by the end of the week since we are leaving next weekend and will continue our trip for the rest of the week."
Kurama had looked at the four guys accidentally and was greatly surprised to feel something towards the red head. He had not said anything to him and it had seemed that Yukiko had not said anything as well. A trip like this would definitely mean trouble. He thought as he scribbled some notes on his notebook.
Aya and the others had not told Yukiko the real reason why they had volunteered as chaperons. The real reason was that their mission was to kill a tyrant residing somewhere near the lake. Aya had seen the notice that's why he had said to join the trip much to the protest of the others but when they learned that Yukiko's class would be included in the trip they had reluctantly joined in.
Kurama on the other hand had told Yusuke and the others about the trip and the girl. They had wanted to join in if and ever Kurama needed some help but he had decline.
"There is something I have to do alone. Please understand."
"How about Koenma? He would not let this pass."
"I talked to Koenma. He gave me the permission." At the thought of Koenma Kurama smiled and left.
Yukiko and the others were currently packing when a strange delivery was passed through them. Yukiko took one look at the address and she knew what was coming.
"I'll take the delivery."
"But Yukiko chan it's for 12 midnight."
"Don't worry Omi kun I know what's going to happen."
She left the room and opened her hands to reveal three seeds. One was small and oblong, another was round and another was shaped like a grain of rice. She closed her hands and channeled her energy into the seeds. They grew into three plants, one was a white flower, another was a leaf and the last was a flower with a long stem, those were the ones she placed in her hair and continued to arrange the rest of her things for the trip.
At 11:30 she left the kitty in the house for the temple that was written on the paper. She knew someone was waiting for her there and that was why she had come prepared. She knew the WeiB boys won't follow her since there was a mission tonight and she also knew that no demon would come near her now that the energy attracting them was safely hidden with Aya. She landed on the temple entrance at exactly 11:50. Ten more minutes and she'll know who wanted the flowers. When she entered the temple, the wind brought a warning and everything in the temple was different, and someone attacked her from behind. She was able to evade it but she got a cut on her right shoulder.
Then someone grabbed her throat and pushed her to the wall of the temple. Pain gripped her throat and that made her close her eyes. She had her eyes still closed when another striking pain broke through her body. When she opened them there was a small guy with spiked black hair and eyes were everywhere in his body looking at her and holding her throat.
"What do you want with us?"
It had asked. Yukiko did not answer but tried to get out of the hold. Hiei tightened his hold on her throat and threw her towards a tree. She slammed on one of the tree hard causing her to let go of the flowers and hold her throat. She concentrated on pushing the pain away and stood up, she pulled one of the plants from her hair, the white flower. She twirled the flower and petals showered her. She outstretched her hands sideward and chanted.
"Fire, Water, Air, Thunder... I call the spirits of the earth... Petal dance!" The petals moved towards Hiei and exploded as they came contact with him. Yukiko pulled another plant, the flower with the long stem and it stretched much like the rose whip only it was colored black. She ran towards the smoke and stopped just a few feet away. "Come out I know you weren't hurt by my petals."
Hiei came out from above and attacked her with his sword. She blocked his sword with the whip and delivered punches and kicks. She was very much in trouble for more than half of her original power was trapped in that ball while this person is not even using half of his. Yukiko was caught off guard and was slashed by the sword on her abdomen. She jumped back as her blood stained her clothes.
"What do you want from me?"
"Bring me to Subete."
"How did you know who I am?"
"The beam told us everything we need to know." Another voice had uttered and a figure emerged from the shadows. He had black hair but much shorter than the one in front of her. He had blue colored eyes, he was wearing a white shirt and blue denim jeans.
"I'm not going to show you anything! Nor will I risk my life for you."
She grabbed the last plant from her hair and it turned into a sword. She pointed it towards Hiei and attacked. Hiei being very skilled in the sword easily blocked the attacks she made and Yusuke fired rei guns towards her. She was able to evade the first ball but the second one caught her on the left side. The slight pain the rei gun sent her wasn't really dangerous but she had a very sever injury on the abdomen. She fell to the ground hard and the plant had withered and died. She was able to lean on a tree before Hiei had his sword on her throat and a slight breeze passed them. It played with her hair and then a figure emerged from the shadows but stayed there.
"Hiei, Yusuke Stop it."
"Kurama if we don't bring her with us will never get this mission done."
Silver hair flowed from the shadows and it had seemed that the person they were talking too had pulled something. "Leave her alone."
Yukiko saw the opportunity to escape so she closed her eyes and went through the tree. She had not heard the name the person called her savior all she could think of was escaping, her mind thinking only one thing. Once she was out of sight she ran back to the kitty in the house. She struggled to run with the wounds she got and the pain exploding through her whole body. While she was running she had one of her hands on her abdomen that was still quite bleeding.
By the time she got there it had been around 3 in the morning and she knew the others would have arrived then. When she got to the back door she heard the rustle of movement inside and gingerly knocked on the door. She was losing a lot of blood now and with out her powers she wasn't able to heal herself fully.
The pain was unbearable but she knew she had to get inside if she wants to be safe. She knocked again but this time in her ears it had sounded distant almost a whisper. She had sank unto to her knees and leaned on the door frame. Her vision was already getting blurry so she closed her eyes. Please open up... She thought and then light exploded on her closed eyes and the sound of voices went to her line of hearing.
She left strong hands lift her from the frame and place her on something soft and comfortable. She couldn't understand the words the voices were telling her but she smiled towards them nonetheless. There were urgency in the voices as she slowly sank into darkness. She had let the pain overwhelm her as well as the darkness. Aya kun would know what to do...
They were just about to close the light when they had heard the knock. They were hesitant at first but when Omi confirmed at Yukiko wasn't in her room as of yet Aya had dashed to the door and opened it. When he saw the limp form of Yukiko leaning on the door frame full of blood and wounds of severe accuracy, he had yelled the three of them back awake and carried her to his room.
He had tried to know what had happened but all he got was a smile. He had told Yoji to get some water boiling, Omi to get some bandages and Ken the first aid kit. They had all cramped themselves in Aya's room while they tended to Yukiko's injuries. God this is not good. The only thought that passed through the four guys' mind.
When they were quite sure there was nothing more to do, the three of them retired to their rooms and slept while Aya slowly pulled a glass ball from his drawer and channeled it's energy towards Yukiko. He knew it would help but how much he did not know. The wounds started to heal and close but the marks on her throat was stubbornly staying in place. This wasn't a normal scar. When he was satisfied that she could heal the rest in a few hours he turned to the couch and sat there looking at the girl that was now sleeping in his blood soaked sheets.
Omi had not gone to sleep immediately, he was worried for Yukiko. He had not imagined that she could get hurt that much and the thought made him remember something. He ignored it for it appeared only as blurred images. He went to sleep and dreamt of a place he had been before. A place where the most extraordinary flowers bloomed and he was one of the caretakers there. There was a girl, their princess as she was the only daughter of the royal family. She had always wanted to play in the gardens even with the constant reminder not too.
One day on his shift the girl had vanished into the forest. He and the others had frantically looked for her for hours and when they did they found her near a stream lying on the grass surrounded by a pool of her own blood. With the quick scan of her body they had noted some fatal injuries that sent him worrying. The King was horror struck at what happened and punished the four of them, the most severe was his. The princess had tried to explain to his father but he would not listen to the little girl. They were warned never to ignore their duties again or else the consequences would have been grave.
The warning had been left unheeded and the four caretakers were punished to the highest degree. Rairan had lost his wife and was sent to Exile. Kenren was officially taken out of the prestige unit and was also sent to Exile. Yokan had lost two of his sisters and was sent to Exile and he, Mamomi was separated from his family and was sent to Exile. He could remember the grieve the princess had shed when they were sent away.
She had not only given the duty to care for her garden but also the power of the four guardians. The most prestige duty in their world. She had wanted them to be with her forever but the king would not let it be. They were sent to Exile awaiting the arrival of the princess and also their freedom.
Omi woke up immediately and went to Aya's room. The minute he opened the door Aya's katana was on his throat.
"As always you have been the fastest among us."
"And you the most careful."
"When did you remember?"
"When we went to the school for her exam. The demon forced the light out of her so both the spirit and the meta world know she's here."
"And the others?"
"Still asleep."
"When are they waking up?"
"Only time will tell."
"And the princess?"
Aya had went silent and looked at Yukiko. "I just hope she'll be all right."
Yukiko has woken up with the rising sun and when she turned Omi was sleeping by her bed. She slowly sat up and slight pain went around her body. She flinched and looked at the brown haired bishie. Aya appeared in her line of sight and sat on the bed.
"What happened?'
"Demons but unlike the ones that are after me. One has eyes all over his body, another much like a human only in his blood does the demon run and the last was a..."
"A what?"
"A Youko. I'm not really sure if he was one I only felt his presence and the aura around him. The silver hair as well."
"They used spirit attacks right?"
"Yes but one did not. The Youko told the other two off. And the one with the eyes he tried to choke me." Her hands went to her throat and felt the scar still there. She shivered for a moment and looked at Aya.
"I'm so sorry Rairan I won't do it again."
"Well at least you were all right Yuko chan."
Yukiko turned to Omi and saw the gleam on his eyes. "Momi kun!" She hugged Omi and clasped her hands on his cheeks, tears threatened to come down.
"I thought I'd never see you again."
"Our sentiments exactly but that's not really important. Did those demons say why they attacked you?"
"They wanted me to bring them to Subete."
"Why would they want too? They would not have any gain if they go there or in the Dark realm."
Yukiko looked at Aya and Aya nodded. "The spirit world is collapsing. The king made deals with the metaworld."
"So you're saying that these demons are from the spirit world? Sent by Koenma sama?"
"We believe so."
Just then Ken and Yoji came into the room clearly without any sleep. "Oi Neko chan good to see you could be with us."
"Omi kun, Aya kun there are some deliveries downstairs and we need some help getting them arranged."
Yukiko slowly stood up from the bed and used the table to support her body. Her vision blurred for a minute and the pain intensified when she stood up. She had difficulty in walking.
"Yukiko chan you better stay here and rest. We'll finish the things downstairs and we'll bring you food in a while okay."
"But Omi kun..."
"The chibi's right neko chan."
"Please don't call me chibi/neko chan." Omi and Yukiko said in unison.
Aya picked Yukiko up and placed her in the bed. "Rest."
With that there was no room for argument. Yukiko stayed in Aya's room while the four guys went downstairs to take the deliveries and tend to the shop keeping. She had looked around the room and found that it was mostly barren for a guy, there was the bed, table and the couch, then the closet but there was nothing more there. She figured that she should sleep some more and when she woke up after a few hours, red roses in a vase were on the table with a card. She picked the card up and read it.
"For your speedy recovery."
There was no signature nor name on the card and just as she was pondering on the thought Omi came in holding a tray of food, wearing an apron and a sweet smile.
"Hey your awake and I see you read your card. Rairan wasn't very happy."
"Who sent the roses?"
"I think your classmate from school, he didn't give any name."
"That's odd."
"Oh yeah I better go back downstairs I just went up to give you your lunch. Keep resting okay."
When Omi closed the door the roses had turned white and the petals started to fall from the stems. The petals swirled around her and rested on the bed while the stems seemed to blossom new flowers. The flowers, Yukiko remembered as the flowers she loved in the spirit world. And only one person could make those blossoms bloom like that.
"Rai rai..."
Flash Back
"And what is a Cerenian like you doing in this place?"
Yukiko turned around but found no one there. She ignored the voice and ran in the direction of the palace.
A figure emerged from the shadows and attacked her. A demon.
She found a flower and made it bloom on her hand. She stretched it and a whip came out. She killed the demon and ran a different direction. That's when she found herself in a unknown place in Makai. The trees were gone and instead rocks and hills surrounded her. The ground was covered in sand. She was about to turn back when hordes of demons surrounded her. Some of them had horns and some even had scales.
"Well, well, well... Look what the cats brought in."
"Bring us to Subete little angel and we'll let you have some fun."
"Never!"
She ran deeper into the forest and tried to lose the demons that were after her. She had been poisoned by one of the attacks the demon sent her and her vision was beginning to blur. The last thing she saw was a silver haired Youko fighting the demons off.
She woke up a few days later in a den. She was still holding the flower she saw, it was back to being a normal flower and when she let it go it had withered and died. That's when the Youko came into the den and looked at her.
"You must be Yuko the Cerenian princess?"
"H-how did you know?"
"Half of Koenma's men are looking for you."
"Whatever for, you saved me it must have meant something?"
"I'm a thief. I stole you from them that makes me in the unwanted list."
Yukiko looked down at her clothes and sighed. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again the Youko was smiling.
"I never realized that the princess was a Youko as well."
"Papa never wanted people to know. My mama was a Youko from this world. I only wanted to see her again."
She had looked straight in his eyes and she had seemed to be trapped in his golden ones. She felt the bond in her. She knew what it meant but she never wanted people to know her feelings. She had turned away.
"What's her name?"
"Sienna."
"I'll take you to her then."
She had been overjoyed and it took almost half of her energy to control the excitement in her. It had been a three day trip to her grave and when she saw her mother's grave she sank unto her knees and began to cry. The Youko form vanishing from her features. The Youko bent towards her and offered her a flower. She accepted and when she looked up the grave was covered by the same flower. When she looked into the Youko's eyes something happened, their souls' bond grew stronger than ever and the unspoken promise was made.
"What's your name?"
"Kurama."
"Would it bother you if I called you Rai rai?"
"No."
Kurama took Yuko's hand and when they touched Yuko turned back into a Youko. They were both looking at each other's eyes, golden ones trapped in the silver ones. Yuko smiled and Kurama smiled as well.
"You're always welcome to Subete. Your heart will find the way."
At that Kurama kissed her passionately on the lips. Energy swirled around them and petals seem to encage them together. When he broke the kiss he gave her a seed and the petals danced around them and the breeze playing with both their silver hair.
"It doesn't matter if I'm welcome or not. I will find you whatever happens."
Kurama had embraced her and caressed her hair as the petals played around them and everything seemed to stand still but at that moment the king appeared and pulled Yuko away from him.
End of Flask Back
Tears were falling down her eyes. After her father pulled her away he had locked her up in Subete forever. He had Kurama killed and the guardians sent to Exile. And now the flowers that held their promise was staring her in the face.
"Kurama..."
She buried her face on the pillow and unknown to her Aya was outside the door listening to her crying.
Yukiko's alarm woke her up at 5am and she gingerly sat up from her bed when she found the flowers still at bloom on the table. She caressed one of the blossoms and went to the closet to change into her dress. She opened the closet door only to find pants, shirts and black trench coats three sizes too big for her and that's when she remembered that Aya had let her use his room for a while after the attack. She grabbed the robe hanging on the couch and placed it on.
She headed to her room and grabbed the things she needed and headed for the bathroom. When she opened the door the shower curtain was set aside and a tall form was using the shower, full blast. When she looked at the person it was Yoji still in his boxer shorts and was sleeping. Yukiko thought better of it and went out of the bathroom, she placed her clothes and other things on her bed and went to the kitchen to find the others all dressed up and packing some food.
"Good morning Yukiko chan." Omi greeted heartedly and gave her a cup.
"I would suppose you of all people would be in the bathroom by now." Ken said as he stuffed some sandwiches in the backpack and then his mouth.
"I would be if not for Yoji who's sleeping and taking a bath at the same time."
Omi and Ken sweat dropped at the idea of Yukiko walking in the shower with Yoji taking a bath, naked. So with the cue from Aya they left their work and went straight to the bathroom to see a soaked Yoji in his boxer shorts. Yukiko heard some movement then a shout from Yoji and then the loud blast of the shower. Ken, Omi and Aya came back in the kitchen in silence. In a few minutes Yoji came into the kitchen in a bright yellow shirt and beige shorts.
"I wouldn't have trust any of you to help me take a bath again."
"I wouldn't wear that if I were you Yoji kun." Ken said as he surveyed Yoji's appearance.
Yoji shrugged him off and grabbed some sandwiches. Yukiko finished her breakfast and headed for the bathroom. Half the room was soaked in water. She took her bath and dried the whole bathroom as well. She headed for her room just as she heard glasses drop and shatter on the floor. "Ken kun be careful." Omi. She changed into her violet pants and white shirt. She placed the choker Aya had given her in her throat to hide the scar and the earrings Omi gave her the day before.
She grabbed her backpack and joined the four out the garage to get into Aya's Porsche. She placed the bag in the trunk and headed back inside. She went to Aya's room and took out three of the blossoms from the vase. She fashioned them like a bouquet on her left, to hold her hair and since it was small enough to look like a pin she gathered three more to place on her right. She then gathered five and fashioned it just like the ones on her hair and placed it on her left chest like a pin.
She gathered some hair on her back and as a final touch she picked the last flower and placed it on the gathered hair. She turned to the mirror that was in Aya's room and smiled at her reflection. She looked at her shirt that was not really looking good with the flowers. She closed her eyes and when she opened it she was wearing a light blue shirt that complimented the flowers and a slightly bluish white baggy pants. Not only did they compliment the flowers but also the choker and the earrings.
"Yukiko chan we're leaving!"
Yukiko took one last look at her reflection and touched the flowers one by one. They seemed to grow a little bigger then sprout dewdrops. Satisfied she hurriedly went to the garage where Yoji, Ken and Omi was seated at the back, Aya was just about to sit in the driver's side and she went to the passenger seat and opened the door.
"Oi neko you look really good." Yoji commented and smiled.
Omi and Ken smiled towards her and Aya looked at her lovingly. "Ready?" She nodded and they were off to the school grounds.
Kurama was currently up a tree reading a book when a silver Porsche parked inside the school. He saw the three chaperons come out of the back seat and stretch and the red head from the driver side. It appeared that Yukiko wasn't coming with them after all. Kurama cursed silently until he saw the unmistakably white hair of Yukiko. He smiled to himself when he saw the flowers on her hair and chest.
So she does remember. He jumped out of the tree and headed towards the buses. He got his and Yukiko's bus number as well as the chaperon for it had seemed that there were also others that were going on trips. He hurried to the five figures that was currently making their way to the group.
"Good morning Fujimiya san."
"Good morning Shuuichi san."
"I got our bus numbers, it seems that there are other classes going on a trip as well."
"Not the same destination? That's a little strange."
"Not really. Anyway you look great."
"Thanks. You don't look bad as well." She said as she noticed the blue denim pants, white shirt and denim jacket that Kurama was sporting.
"The destination was changed. We are not going to the beach today, we are heading to the cabins by the lake. It had seemed that there was some accident by the beach."
"That's horrible." And Yukiko shifted her backpack to get a much comfortable hold on it.
"Ahem." Yoji cleared his throat and smiled at Yukiko. "If you two won't mind what bus number are we suppose to be in?"
"Bus number 3, the one near the grounds. Would you like me to help you?" He offered his hand towards Yukiko when he saw her shift the bag again however Aya had taken Yukiko's backpack from her.
"That won't be necessary." They had a staring game, green eyes against violet ones and the three guys sweat dropped. Yukiko stopped the game when she pulled Aya towards the bus.
"I'll see you later Shuuichi san."
Yoji, Ken and Omi smiled towards Shuuichi and hurried to catch up on Yukiko.
"You had always been so protective."
"He was hitting on you."
"Rairan..." Yukiko stopped and shook her head. She smiled and let go of him. "Nevermind."
Kurama smiled to himself and headed to the other direction to get his bag. When he finally went to the bus he saw Aya talking to the teacher and when he entered the bus the three chaperons were at the back talking to someone in front of them.
"Shuuichi san sit here."
"No sit here."
Girls had shouted to make him sit beside them but he ignored them and walked to the back of the bus where he saw Yukiko seated near the window in the right side of the bus. It had seemed that she was thinking of something while looking out of the trees on the ground. Kurama watched for a few second before clearing his throat. Yukiko looked up and smiled.
"Would you mind if I take a seat here Fujimiya san?"
"No not at all."
She took her backpack and placed it on her lap. Kurama took a seat beside her just as Aya was coming into the bus. When he saw the place next to Yukiko occupied he seemed to scowl and make his way to them a little faster. Yoji stood up and walked to Aya. He had said something and pushed him towards the back.
"Thank you Yoji kun..." Yukiko said under her breath but it had seemed that Kurama had heard her.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing nothing."
When everyone was seated and the teacher came into the bus everyone seemed to cheer and the bus moved towards the entrance of the school.
"Ne Yukiko chan you want something to eat?" Omi said as he poke his head above them. It had been an hour's trip and she was getting a little bored.
"Yeah sure. But no more tuna sandwiches..." Then she added in a small whisper. "I think Ken kun placed to much wasabi I still have the spicy taste in my tongue from breakfast." She smiled towards Omi and when he handed her a sandwich she turned to Kurama.
"Oh yeah Omi kun this is Shuuichi san..."
"Please call me Minamino most people do."
"Hi, you can call me Omi."
"And you can call me Yoji." Yoji had squeezed himself near Omi causing Ken to shout.
"Yoji no baka! Get off me."
"That would be Ken and the guy you played staring game with is Aya. Yukiko's Uncle." Omi added as he offered him a sandwich. "Want one?"
"No thanks I have my own."
When everything had settled back and became silent again, Yukiko turned to Kurama.
"Am really sorry about Aya ku... ji san... He can be very protective at times."
"Don't worry about it Fujimiya san."
"And please don't call me that anymore. It feels really uncomfortable. You can call me Yukiko, just like the four of them."
Yukiko smiled and turned towards the window and bit into the sandwich. Kurama on the other hand closed his eyes and rested his head on the chair. Unknown to the two of them Aya had been watching them and now that Yukiko had turned her head he smiled to himself.
"Oi Aya what are you smiling at."
"Nothing."
"Stupid bugs!!!"
Everyone sweat dropped at the curse and started inching away from Yoji.
"Told you not to wear that but you didn't listen to me."
Yoji whacked Ken on the head and started swatting unseen things away from him. People inched away from him even more. Yukiko sighed and opened her backpack. She pulled a bottle and went to Yoji.
"Here use this."
Her eyes widened as her voice seemed to be like a guy's when she turned to the voice she saw Kurama looking at her too. They were both offering Yoji the same thing. Kurama smiled at her and turned to Yoji. When Yukiko heard Yoji talk she turned to him too.
"Awww, neko what's that now?"
"Bug repellant. I took it from the medicine cabinet at the last minute. Use it you don't want to be eaten alive don't you? And please don't call me neko."
"She's right, you know." Yoji's raised an eyebrow and looked at Kurama. He was really getting irritated with all the bugs.
"She's right about what? Calling her neko or being eaten alive?" Kurama laughed and lowered his hand.
"Being eaten alive."
"But I already placed some of that thing a while ago in the bus."
"Mind if I take a look at the bottle?"
Yoji handed Kurama the bottle he took out from his pocket and Kurama in turn sprayed it in his palm. He smelled it and sweat dropped.
"Sorry to burst your bubble but this isn't bug repellant it's honey mixed in sugar solution. It doesn't repel bugs it attracts them." At that they heard a snicker from Ken.
"Ken no baka! Oi, come back here so I can kill you!" Yoji sped off running after Ken while the whole group sweat dropped.
"Here." Yukiko offered Kurama her canteen. "Wash the thing off your hands before bugs start going after you too." Kurama seemed to smile and took the canteen. Aya on the other hand watched Yukiko and Kurama cautiously. Omi had noticed this and went to Aya's side.
"You can't always stop things."
"I'm not stopping anything am just watching."
"And you can't always protect her when she doesn't want to be protected."
"I know that. But he doesn't."
Omi smiled and patted Aya on the shoulder and continued walking with the rest of the group.
They arrived at the cabins they were going to use and when Yukiko looked around it she saw the beautiful lake the teacher was telling them about. She called Aya and the others and decided to eat at its banks. She was so excited that she got there first. She bent towards the water and watched fishes and frogs play on the water.
"Yukiko chan, lunch."
"Coming." She turned away from the lake to see Kurama alone under a tree opening his backpack. She made her way towards him and when he looked up she smiled.
"Like to eat lunch with us?"
"Won't your uncle mind?"
"I think I can handle him. Come on it's not fun to eat lunch alone." She offered her hand and Kurama smiled towards her. He took her hand and something flashed in his mind. He ignored it and stood up. He followed her towards the waiting guys and sat beside Yukiko.
"Nice of you to join us."
"Oi chibi pass the soda would ya."
"Yukiko chan what would you like to have? Each of us made something, Ken kun made some sandwiches, I made some onigiri and Aya kun made the lunches on the bento boxes. Just get what you want okay."
"What did Yoji kun make?"
"You don't want to know."
Yukiko grabbed one of the bento boxes and opened it. Her eyes widened at the decoration Aya had made. It had smelled like dawn, looked like a vast garden with blooming flowers and the texture was as smooth as silk, almost perfect. It instantly reminded her of her garden back home. She smiled at the thought but it had seemed sadder than it was happy for it also reminded her of her mother's grave left unattended and yet growing with the flowers she had left.
"Anything the matter Yukiko chan?" Kurama asked as he saw the sad smile Yukiko had when she opened the box.
"Nothing I just remembered something." She smiled again and started eating the lunch.
Aya had watched her from the corner of his eye and he knew that she had remembered her garden. He stood up and took one of the chopsticks. He meant to show Yukiko something but at the last moment he threw the stick towards Yukiko and it passed on her right shoulder. It collided with a rock and the rock landed beside her.
"Aya kun!"
"Someone's angry at Yukiko." He picked the rock up and showed them. He looked at Kurama.
"Know anything about this?"
"Ah well yeah."
He turned to Yukiko and bowed. "Am really sorry Yukiko chan. Girls at school just tend to be violent when they see me with other girls."
Yukiko looked up and smiled. "Don't worry about it. I think I know the feeling." She turned to Aya and smiled.
"What are you going to do after lunch anyway?"
"Well we need to get our cabin assignments and then unpack. They said there will be bonfire tonight."
"What's a..."
Yoji had cupped his hands on Yukiko's mouth and smiled to Kurama. He whispered to Yukiko, "I think it's best not to ask that question neko. We'll explain later okay." He took his hand away and sat as if nothing had happened.
Kurama would have been confused if he did not know who Yukiko is but then again he had fooled them to believe that he is a human so it wasn't really surprising if they were trying to hide who she is.
After lunch they had went to the teacher for the cabin assignments and found that there are only five cabins that could be used. Two of the cabins were for the girls including the teacher the other two was for the boys and the last was for the chaperons with Yukiko.
"How come Fujimiya san gets to stay with the cute guys?"
"Her uncle requested for it and since they are relatives it's okay."
"But isn't that a bit strange?"
"She's his niece of course it's all right."
"But why doesn't she sleep with us?"
"She's new remember."
"Sensei, sensei we checked the boys' rooms we are one bed short."
"Fujimiya san would you mind another pupil staying at your cabin?"
"No sensei but would you mind if we picked who it is?"
"No not at all."
"Fine then, Shuuichi, Minamino is the student we would like to stay with us."
Girls and boys started talking all at once and Kurama was surprised. And I thought he hated me.
On their way to the cabins Aya came behind Kurama and whispered,
"Take care of Yukiko. I don't like you but she seems to be comfortable around you. Besides I don't really trust those boys in your class. Watch your back Shuuichi, Minamino." After that he walked forward towards the other three. I guess he still does.
When they were inside they found that the cabin was a lot bigger than the rest of the cabins. There was a second floor where three rooms stand. Below there was a dinning table and six chairs, stove, pots and some plates too. The bathroom was below the rooms near the dining table. Aya decided to use the room on the left for the four of them since it was the largest. Yukiko was to stay in the middle so they could get to her if she needed anything and Kurama was staying at the right. Before they went inside the room Aya had turned to Yukiko.
"After we unpack we'll be leaving you here for a few hours. We need to look around. Minamino can keep you company and if you are going out don't go too far all right?"
Yukiko nodded and entered the room. She found a bed in the center, a cabinet on the left side, a window above the bed and a mirror on the right. She smiled and closed her eyes. Vines and branches seem to come out from her and decorate the room even more. The window was curtained with hanging straight whitish yellow roots with red tips. The mirror was decorated with different flowers around its frame and the cabinet was filled with flowers. The floor was carpeted with soft grass, the ceiling was fashioned to look like tree branches and flowers and vines hanging from them and lastly the bed was filled with petals and soft oversized leaves.
All in all the room looked like a rainforest and to top, it once in a while leaves fell from the ceiling. She opened her eyes and smiled at her creation. She unpacked her bag and placed the clothes in the closet after that she sat on the bed and closed her eyes again. When she opened them there was a table on her right. The table was like a tree in itself and the chair was like a flower with the blossom as the back support and the leaves where she was going to sit. A flower lamp was at the left side and some butterflies were frozen on top of the lamp.
Just then someone knocked on the door. And when Yukiko opened it Omi's eyes grew wide.
"Yukiko chan isn't this a little over the top?"
"Don't worry only you and Aya can see it. I made sure that humans won't be able to see it."
"Suit yourself. We are leaving now. I left some food on the table if you get hungry. Don't go too far okay."
"Okay take care of yourselves too okay."
Omi closed the door and Yukiko settled on the bed. When she heard the cabin door close she buried her head on the pillow. She had no time to cry when there was a knock on her door.
"Yukiko chan are you finished unpacking?"
"Ah yes. You?"
"Just finished. I was looking out my window when I saw this hill we can go too. I'm going to check it out do you want to come?"
Yukiko stood up form the bed and looked at the mirror. When she was satisfied she opened the door and smiled. "Sure. Let me just get something." She went back inside and opened her closet. She pulled a small pouch and placed some seed inside. After that she came out to see Kurama had changed into a white shirt and black pants.
"Aren't you changing?"
"Not yet. I think I'll change when we go to the bonfire. Come on." She tied the small pouch on her waist and went down the stairs. She grabbed a sandwich from the plate and turned back to Kurama.
"Grab a sandwich so we don't have to stop later." She smiled and went out the door.
"She's full of energy..." He looked back at the closed door and shook his head. It can't be possible that she was able to change the whole room into a rainforest in seconds. Then again she is a princess of a place where anything is possible.
"Minamino kun."
"Coming..." He shrugged it off and grabbed a sandwich and placed it inside his pocket.
Blood
Since the festival was over, Aya and the others had taken turns picking Yukiko from school. Aya would drive her to school every morning and Ken or Yoji would pick her up afterwards. Sometimes it would be Omi from school and they would head for a nearby ice cream parlor. Sometimes it would be Aya and they would go to the beach to watch the sunset. The boys at her school had been frightened at Yukiko's relatives that they had not moved to even greet her in the corridors. The girls had not minded the cute guys that was picking Yukiko up but they had despised her because of it. Kurama on the other hand grew closer to her.
"Okay class we were informed that we will have a field trip. One would be a trip to the beach and the caves there and the other would be a hike and to this beautiful lake." It had seemed that everyone on class was excited on the trip. Yukiko was some what confused. She leaned towards Shuuichi and whispered.
"What's a field trip?"
"It's a trip where you get to see things in a place. It is also the time to bond with your friends and do fun stuff." Yukiko seemed to brighten at the thought and returned her gaze to the teacher.
"This year however we are bringing four chaperons with us. I would like you all to meet Fujimiya san, Hidaka san, Kodou san and Tsukiyono san."
Everyone seemed to look at Yukiko when they heard Fujimiya and Yukiko on the other hand sweat dropped. They're coming with us? Four good looking guys entered the room and smiled at them except for one that stayed at the back having no emotions what so ever. The girls noted the red hair and wonderful eyes of the unemotional one, the boyish grin of the brown haired one and the sweet smile of the youngest, they had known to be Omi. The last one with the golden hair had a play boyish grin and the girls whispered to each other at how gorgeous they looked.
They all moved from the front of the class to the back where Yoji ruffled Yukiko's hair and said, "Oi Neko." Ken and Omi seemed to sweat drop and the rest of the class giggled at the nickname Yoji called her.
"Okay now I would need the permission slip by the end of the week since we are leaving next weekend and will continue our trip for the rest of the week."
Kurama had looked at the four guys accidentally and was greatly surprised to feel something towards the red head. He had not said anything to him and it had seemed that Yukiko had not said anything as well. A trip like this would definitely mean trouble. He thought as he scribbled some notes on his notebook.
Aya and the others had not told Yukiko the real reason why they had volunteered as chaperons. The real reason was that their mission was to kill a tyrant residing somewhere near the lake. Aya had seen the notice that's why he had said to join the trip much to the protest of the others but when they learned that Yukiko's class would be included in the trip they had reluctantly joined in.
Kurama on the other hand had told Yusuke and the others about the trip and the girl. They had wanted to join in if and ever Kurama needed some help but he had decline.
"There is something I have to do alone. Please understand."
"How about Koenma? He would not let this pass."
"I talked to Koenma. He gave me the permission." At the thought of Koenma Kurama smiled and left.
Yukiko and the others were currently packing when a strange delivery was passed through them. Yukiko took one look at the address and she knew what was coming.
"I'll take the delivery."
"But Yukiko chan it's for 12 midnight."
"Don't worry Omi kun I know what's going to happen."
She left the room and opened her hands to reveal three seeds. One was small and oblong, another was round and another was shaped like a grain of rice. She closed her hands and channeled her energy into the seeds. They grew into three plants, one was a white flower, another was a leaf and the last was a flower with a long stem, those were the ones she placed in her hair and continued to arrange the rest of her things for the trip.
At 11:30 she left the kitty in the house for the temple that was written on the paper. She knew someone was waiting for her there and that was why she had come prepared. She knew the WeiB boys won't follow her since there was a mission tonight and she also knew that no demon would come near her now that the energy attracting them was safely hidden with Aya. She landed on the temple entrance at exactly 11:50. Ten more minutes and she'll know who wanted the flowers. When she entered the temple, the wind brought a warning and everything in the temple was different, and someone attacked her from behind. She was able to evade it but she got a cut on her right shoulder.
Then someone grabbed her throat and pushed her to the wall of the temple. Pain gripped her throat and that made her close her eyes. She had her eyes still closed when another striking pain broke through her body. When she opened them there was a small guy with spiked black hair and eyes were everywhere in his body looking at her and holding her throat.
"What do you want with us?"
It had asked. Yukiko did not answer but tried to get out of the hold. Hiei tightened his hold on her throat and threw her towards a tree. She slammed on one of the tree hard causing her to let go of the flowers and hold her throat. She concentrated on pushing the pain away and stood up, she pulled one of the plants from her hair, the white flower. She twirled the flower and petals showered her. She outstretched her hands sideward and chanted.
"Fire, Water, Air, Thunder... I call the spirits of the earth... Petal dance!" The petals moved towards Hiei and exploded as they came contact with him. Yukiko pulled another plant, the flower with the long stem and it stretched much like the rose whip only it was colored black. She ran towards the smoke and stopped just a few feet away. "Come out I know you weren't hurt by my petals."
Hiei came out from above and attacked her with his sword. She blocked his sword with the whip and delivered punches and kicks. She was very much in trouble for more than half of her original power was trapped in that ball while this person is not even using half of his. Yukiko was caught off guard and was slashed by the sword on her abdomen. She jumped back as her blood stained her clothes.
"What do you want from me?"
"Bring me to Subete."
"How did you know who I am?"
"The beam told us everything we need to know." Another voice had uttered and a figure emerged from the shadows. He had black hair but much shorter than the one in front of her. He had blue colored eyes, he was wearing a white shirt and blue denim jeans.
"I'm not going to show you anything! Nor will I risk my life for you."
She grabbed the last plant from her hair and it turned into a sword. She pointed it towards Hiei and attacked. Hiei being very skilled in the sword easily blocked the attacks she made and Yusuke fired rei guns towards her. She was able to evade the first ball but the second one caught her on the left side. The slight pain the rei gun sent her wasn't really dangerous but she had a very sever injury on the abdomen. She fell to the ground hard and the plant had withered and died. She was able to lean on a tree before Hiei had his sword on her throat and a slight breeze passed them. It played with her hair and then a figure emerged from the shadows but stayed there.
"Hiei, Yusuke Stop it."
"Kurama if we don't bring her with us will never get this mission done."
Silver hair flowed from the shadows and it had seemed that the person they were talking too had pulled something. "Leave her alone."
Yukiko saw the opportunity to escape so she closed her eyes and went through the tree. She had not heard the name the person called her savior all she could think of was escaping, her mind thinking only one thing. Once she was out of sight she ran back to the kitty in the house. She struggled to run with the wounds she got and the pain exploding through her whole body. While she was running she had one of her hands on her abdomen that was still quite bleeding.
By the time she got there it had been around 3 in the morning and she knew the others would have arrived then. When she got to the back door she heard the rustle of movement inside and gingerly knocked on the door. She was losing a lot of blood now and with out her powers she wasn't able to heal herself fully.
The pain was unbearable but she knew she had to get inside if she wants to be safe. She knocked again but this time in her ears it had sounded distant almost a whisper. She had sank unto to her knees and leaned on the door frame. Her vision was already getting blurry so she closed her eyes. Please open up... She thought and then light exploded on her closed eyes and the sound of voices went to her line of hearing.
She left strong hands lift her from the frame and place her on something soft and comfortable. She couldn't understand the words the voices were telling her but she smiled towards them nonetheless. There were urgency in the voices as she slowly sank into darkness. She had let the pain overwhelm her as well as the darkness. Aya kun would know what to do...
They were just about to close the light when they had heard the knock. They were hesitant at first but when Omi confirmed at Yukiko wasn't in her room as of yet Aya had dashed to the door and opened it. When he saw the limp form of Yukiko leaning on the door frame full of blood and wounds of severe accuracy, he had yelled the three of them back awake and carried her to his room.
He had tried to know what had happened but all he got was a smile. He had told Yoji to get some water boiling, Omi to get some bandages and Ken the first aid kit. They had all cramped themselves in Aya's room while they tended to Yukiko's injuries. God this is not good. The only thought that passed through the four guys' mind.
When they were quite sure there was nothing more to do, the three of them retired to their rooms and slept while Aya slowly pulled a glass ball from his drawer and channeled it's energy towards Yukiko. He knew it would help but how much he did not know. The wounds started to heal and close but the marks on her throat was stubbornly staying in place. This wasn't a normal scar. When he was satisfied that she could heal the rest in a few hours he turned to the couch and sat there looking at the girl that was now sleeping in his blood soaked sheets.
Omi had not gone to sleep immediately, he was worried for Yukiko. He had not imagined that she could get hurt that much and the thought made him remember something. He ignored it for it appeared only as blurred images. He went to sleep and dreamt of a place he had been before. A place where the most extraordinary flowers bloomed and he was one of the caretakers there. There was a girl, their princess as she was the only daughter of the royal family. She had always wanted to play in the gardens even with the constant reminder not too.
One day on his shift the girl had vanished into the forest. He and the others had frantically looked for her for hours and when they did they found her near a stream lying on the grass surrounded by a pool of her own blood. With the quick scan of her body they had noted some fatal injuries that sent him worrying. The King was horror struck at what happened and punished the four of them, the most severe was his. The princess had tried to explain to his father but he would not listen to the little girl. They were warned never to ignore their duties again or else the consequences would have been grave.
The warning had been left unheeded and the four caretakers were punished to the highest degree. Rairan had lost his wife and was sent to Exile. Kenren was officially taken out of the prestige unit and was also sent to Exile. Yokan had lost two of his sisters and was sent to Exile and he, Mamomi was separated from his family and was sent to Exile. He could remember the grieve the princess had shed when they were sent away.
She had not only given the duty to care for her garden but also the power of the four guardians. The most prestige duty in their world. She had wanted them to be with her forever but the king would not let it be. They were sent to Exile awaiting the arrival of the princess and also their freedom.
Omi woke up immediately and went to Aya's room. The minute he opened the door Aya's katana was on his throat.
"As always you have been the fastest among us."
"And you the most careful."
"When did you remember?"
"When we went to the school for her exam. The demon forced the light out of her so both the spirit and the meta world know she's here."
"And the others?"
"Still asleep."
"When are they waking up?"
"Only time will tell."
"And the princess?"
Aya had went silent and looked at Yukiko. "I just hope she'll be all right."
Yukiko has woken up with the rising sun and when she turned Omi was sleeping by her bed. She slowly sat up and slight pain went around her body. She flinched and looked at the brown haired bishie. Aya appeared in her line of sight and sat on the bed.
"What happened?'
"Demons but unlike the ones that are after me. One has eyes all over his body, another much like a human only in his blood does the demon run and the last was a..."
"A what?"
"A Youko. I'm not really sure if he was one I only felt his presence and the aura around him. The silver hair as well."
"They used spirit attacks right?"
"Yes but one did not. The Youko told the other two off. And the one with the eyes he tried to choke me." Her hands went to her throat and felt the scar still there. She shivered for a moment and looked at Aya.
"I'm so sorry Rairan I won't do it again."
"Well at least you were all right Yuko chan."
Yukiko turned to Omi and saw the gleam on his eyes. "Momi kun!" She hugged Omi and clasped her hands on his cheeks, tears threatened to come down.
"I thought I'd never see you again."
"Our sentiments exactly but that's not really important. Did those demons say why they attacked you?"
"They wanted me to bring them to Subete."
"Why would they want too? They would not have any gain if they go there or in the Dark realm."
Yukiko looked at Aya and Aya nodded. "The spirit world is collapsing. The king made deals with the metaworld."
"So you're saying that these demons are from the spirit world? Sent by Koenma sama?"
"We believe so."
Just then Ken and Yoji came into the room clearly without any sleep. "Oi Neko chan good to see you could be with us."
"Omi kun, Aya kun there are some deliveries downstairs and we need some help getting them arranged."
Yukiko slowly stood up from the bed and used the table to support her body. Her vision blurred for a minute and the pain intensified when she stood up. She had difficulty in walking.
"Yukiko chan you better stay here and rest. We'll finish the things downstairs and we'll bring you food in a while okay."
"But Omi kun..."
"The chibi's right neko chan."
"Please don't call me chibi/neko chan." Omi and Yukiko said in unison.
Aya picked Yukiko up and placed her in the bed. "Rest."
With that there was no room for argument. Yukiko stayed in Aya's room while the four guys went downstairs to take the deliveries and tend to the shop keeping. She had looked around the room and found that it was mostly barren for a guy, there was the bed, table and the couch, then the closet but there was nothing more there. She figured that she should sleep some more and when she woke up after a few hours, red roses in a vase were on the table with a card. She picked the card up and read it.
"For your speedy recovery."
There was no signature nor name on the card and just as she was pondering on the thought Omi came in holding a tray of food, wearing an apron and a sweet smile.
"Hey your awake and I see you read your card. Rairan wasn't very happy."
"Who sent the roses?"
"I think your classmate from school, he didn't give any name."
"That's odd."
"Oh yeah I better go back downstairs I just went up to give you your lunch. Keep resting okay."
When Omi closed the door the roses had turned white and the petals started to fall from the stems. The petals swirled around her and rested on the bed while the stems seemed to blossom new flowers. The flowers, Yukiko remembered as the flowers she loved in the spirit world. And only one person could make those blossoms bloom like that.
"Rai rai..."
Flash Back
"And what is a Cerenian like you doing in this place?"
Yukiko turned around but found no one there. She ignored the voice and ran in the direction of the palace.
A figure emerged from the shadows and attacked her. A demon.
She found a flower and made it bloom on her hand. She stretched it and a whip came out. She killed the demon and ran a different direction. That's when she found herself in a unknown place in Makai. The trees were gone and instead rocks and hills surrounded her. The ground was covered in sand. She was about to turn back when hordes of demons surrounded her. Some of them had horns and some even had scales.
"Well, well, well... Look what the cats brought in."
"Bring us to Subete little angel and we'll let you have some fun."
"Never!"
She ran deeper into the forest and tried to lose the demons that were after her. She had been poisoned by one of the attacks the demon sent her and her vision was beginning to blur. The last thing she saw was a silver haired Youko fighting the demons off.
She woke up a few days later in a den. She was still holding the flower she saw, it was back to being a normal flower and when she let it go it had withered and died. That's when the Youko came into the den and looked at her.
"You must be Yuko the Cerenian princess?"
"H-how did you know?"
"Half of Koenma's men are looking for you."
"Whatever for, you saved me it must have meant something?"
"I'm a thief. I stole you from them that makes me in the unwanted list."
Yukiko looked down at her clothes and sighed. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again the Youko was smiling.
"I never realized that the princess was a Youko as well."
"Papa never wanted people to know. My mama was a Youko from this world. I only wanted to see her again."
She had looked straight in his eyes and she had seemed to be trapped in his golden ones. She felt the bond in her. She knew what it meant but she never wanted people to know her feelings. She had turned away.
"What's her name?"
"Sienna."
"I'll take you to her then."
She had been overjoyed and it took almost half of her energy to control the excitement in her. It had been a three day trip to her grave and when she saw her mother's grave she sank unto her knees and began to cry. The Youko form vanishing from her features. The Youko bent towards her and offered her a flower. She accepted and when she looked up the grave was covered by the same flower. When she looked into the Youko's eyes something happened, their souls' bond grew stronger than ever and the unspoken promise was made.
"What's your name?"
"Kurama."
"Would it bother you if I called you Rai rai?"
"No."
Kurama took Yuko's hand and when they touched Yuko turned back into a Youko. They were both looking at each other's eyes, golden ones trapped in the silver ones. Yuko smiled and Kurama smiled as well.
"You're always welcome to Subete. Your heart will find the way."
At that Kurama kissed her passionately on the lips. Energy swirled around them and petals seem to encage them together. When he broke the kiss he gave her a seed and the petals danced around them and the breeze playing with both their silver hair.
"It doesn't matter if I'm welcome or not. I will find you whatever happens."
Kurama had embraced her and caressed her hair as the petals played around them and everything seemed to stand still but at that moment the king appeared and pulled Yuko away from him.
End of Flask Back
Tears were falling down her eyes. After her father pulled her away he had locked her up in Subete forever. He had Kurama killed and the guardians sent to Exile. And now the flowers that held their promise was staring her in the face.
"Kurama..."
She buried her face on the pillow and unknown to her Aya was outside the door listening to her crying.
Yukiko's alarm woke her up at 5am and she gingerly sat up from her bed when she found the flowers still at bloom on the table. She caressed one of the blossoms and went to the closet to change into her dress. She opened the closet door only to find pants, shirts and black trench coats three sizes too big for her and that's when she remembered that Aya had let her use his room for a while after the attack. She grabbed the robe hanging on the couch and placed it on.
She headed to her room and grabbed the things she needed and headed for the bathroom. When she opened the door the shower curtain was set aside and a tall form was using the shower, full blast. When she looked at the person it was Yoji still in his boxer shorts and was sleeping. Yukiko thought better of it and went out of the bathroom, she placed her clothes and other things on her bed and went to the kitchen to find the others all dressed up and packing some food.
"Good morning Yukiko chan." Omi greeted heartedly and gave her a cup.
"I would suppose you of all people would be in the bathroom by now." Ken said as he stuffed some sandwiches in the backpack and then his mouth.
"I would be if not for Yoji who's sleeping and taking a bath at the same time."
Omi and Ken sweat dropped at the idea of Yukiko walking in the shower with Yoji taking a bath, naked. So with the cue from Aya they left their work and went straight to the bathroom to see a soaked Yoji in his boxer shorts. Yukiko heard some movement then a shout from Yoji and then the loud blast of the shower. Ken, Omi and Aya came back in the kitchen in silence. In a few minutes Yoji came into the kitchen in a bright yellow shirt and beige shorts.
"I wouldn't have trust any of you to help me take a bath again."
"I wouldn't wear that if I were you Yoji kun." Ken said as he surveyed Yoji's appearance.
Yoji shrugged him off and grabbed some sandwiches. Yukiko finished her breakfast and headed for the bathroom. Half the room was soaked in water. She took her bath and dried the whole bathroom as well. She headed for her room just as she heard glasses drop and shatter on the floor. "Ken kun be careful." Omi. She changed into her violet pants and white shirt. She placed the choker Aya had given her in her throat to hide the scar and the earrings Omi gave her the day before.
She grabbed her backpack and joined the four out the garage to get into Aya's Porsche. She placed the bag in the trunk and headed back inside. She went to Aya's room and took out three of the blossoms from the vase. She fashioned them like a bouquet on her left, to hold her hair and since it was small enough to look like a pin she gathered three more to place on her right. She then gathered five and fashioned it just like the ones on her hair and placed it on her left chest like a pin.
She gathered some hair on her back and as a final touch she picked the last flower and placed it on the gathered hair. She turned to the mirror that was in Aya's room and smiled at her reflection. She looked at her shirt that was not really looking good with the flowers. She closed her eyes and when she opened it she was wearing a light blue shirt that complimented the flowers and a slightly bluish white baggy pants. Not only did they compliment the flowers but also the choker and the earrings.
"Yukiko chan we're leaving!"
Yukiko took one last look at her reflection and touched the flowers one by one. They seemed to grow a little bigger then sprout dewdrops. Satisfied she hurriedly went to the garage where Yoji, Ken and Omi was seated at the back, Aya was just about to sit in the driver's side and she went to the passenger seat and opened the door.
"Oi neko you look really good." Yoji commented and smiled.
Omi and Ken smiled towards her and Aya looked at her lovingly. "Ready?" She nodded and they were off to the school grounds.
Kurama was currently up a tree reading a book when a silver Porsche parked inside the school. He saw the three chaperons come out of the back seat and stretch and the red head from the driver side. It appeared that Yukiko wasn't coming with them after all. Kurama cursed silently until he saw the unmistakably white hair of Yukiko. He smiled to himself when he saw the flowers on her hair and chest.
So she does remember. He jumped out of the tree and headed towards the buses. He got his and Yukiko's bus number as well as the chaperon for it had seemed that there were also others that were going on trips. He hurried to the five figures that was currently making their way to the group.
"Good morning Fujimiya san."
"Good morning Shuuichi san."
"I got our bus numbers, it seems that there are other classes going on a trip as well."
"Not the same destination? That's a little strange."
"Not really. Anyway you look great."
"Thanks. You don't look bad as well." She said as she noticed the blue denim pants, white shirt and denim jacket that Kurama was sporting.
"The destination was changed. We are not going to the beach today, we are heading to the cabins by the lake. It had seemed that there was some accident by the beach."
"That's horrible." And Yukiko shifted her backpack to get a much comfortable hold on it.
"Ahem." Yoji cleared his throat and smiled at Yukiko. "If you two won't mind what bus number are we suppose to be in?"
"Bus number 3, the one near the grounds. Would you like me to help you?" He offered his hand towards Yukiko when he saw her shift the bag again however Aya had taken Yukiko's backpack from her.
"That won't be necessary." They had a staring game, green eyes against violet ones and the three guys sweat dropped. Yukiko stopped the game when she pulled Aya towards the bus.
"I'll see you later Shuuichi san."
Yoji, Ken and Omi smiled towards Shuuichi and hurried to catch up on Yukiko.
"You had always been so protective."
"He was hitting on you."
"Rairan..." Yukiko stopped and shook her head. She smiled and let go of him. "Nevermind."
Kurama smiled to himself and headed to the other direction to get his bag. When he finally went to the bus he saw Aya talking to the teacher and when he entered the bus the three chaperons were at the back talking to someone in front of them.
"Shuuichi san sit here."
"No sit here."
Girls had shouted to make him sit beside them but he ignored them and walked to the back of the bus where he saw Yukiko seated near the window in the right side of the bus. It had seemed that she was thinking of something while looking out of the trees on the ground. Kurama watched for a few second before clearing his throat. Yukiko looked up and smiled.
"Would you mind if I take a seat here Fujimiya san?"
"No not at all."
She took her backpack and placed it on her lap. Kurama took a seat beside her just as Aya was coming into the bus. When he saw the place next to Yukiko occupied he seemed to scowl and make his way to them a little faster. Yoji stood up and walked to Aya. He had said something and pushed him towards the back.
"Thank you Yoji kun..." Yukiko said under her breath but it had seemed that Kurama had heard her.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing nothing."
When everyone was seated and the teacher came into the bus everyone seemed to cheer and the bus moved towards the entrance of the school.
"Ne Yukiko chan you want something to eat?" Omi said as he poke his head above them. It had been an hour's trip and she was getting a little bored.
"Yeah sure. But no more tuna sandwiches..." Then she added in a small whisper. "I think Ken kun placed to much wasabi I still have the spicy taste in my tongue from breakfast." She smiled towards Omi and when he handed her a sandwich she turned to Kurama.
"Oh yeah Omi kun this is Shuuichi san..."
"Please call me Minamino most people do."
"Hi, you can call me Omi."
"And you can call me Yoji." Yoji had squeezed himself near Omi causing Ken to shout.
"Yoji no baka! Get off me."
"That would be Ken and the guy you played staring game with is Aya. Yukiko's Uncle." Omi added as he offered him a sandwich. "Want one?"
"No thanks I have my own."
When everything had settled back and became silent again, Yukiko turned to Kurama.
"Am really sorry about Aya ku... ji san... He can be very protective at times."
"Don't worry about it Fujimiya san."
"And please don't call me that anymore. It feels really uncomfortable. You can call me Yukiko, just like the four of them."
Yukiko smiled and turned towards the window and bit into the sandwich. Kurama on the other hand closed his eyes and rested his head on the chair. Unknown to the two of them Aya had been watching them and now that Yukiko had turned her head he smiled to himself.
"Oi Aya what are you smiling at."
"Nothing."
"Stupid bugs!!!"
Everyone sweat dropped at the curse and started inching away from Yoji.
"Told you not to wear that but you didn't listen to me."
Yoji whacked Ken on the head and started swatting unseen things away from him. People inched away from him even more. Yukiko sighed and opened her backpack. She pulled a bottle and went to Yoji.
"Here use this."
Her eyes widened as her voice seemed to be like a guy's when she turned to the voice she saw Kurama looking at her too. They were both offering Yoji the same thing. Kurama smiled at her and turned to Yoji. When Yukiko heard Yoji talk she turned to him too.
"Awww, neko what's that now?"
"Bug repellant. I took it from the medicine cabinet at the last minute. Use it you don't want to be eaten alive don't you? And please don't call me neko."
"She's right, you know." Yoji's raised an eyebrow and looked at Kurama. He was really getting irritated with all the bugs.
"She's right about what? Calling her neko or being eaten alive?" Kurama laughed and lowered his hand.
"Being eaten alive."
"But I already placed some of that thing a while ago in the bus."
"Mind if I take a look at the bottle?"
Yoji handed Kurama the bottle he took out from his pocket and Kurama in turn sprayed it in his palm. He smelled it and sweat dropped.
"Sorry to burst your bubble but this isn't bug repellant it's honey mixed in sugar solution. It doesn't repel bugs it attracts them." At that they heard a snicker from Ken.
"Ken no baka! Oi, come back here so I can kill you!" Yoji sped off running after Ken while the whole group sweat dropped.
"Here." Yukiko offered Kurama her canteen. "Wash the thing off your hands before bugs start going after you too." Kurama seemed to smile and took the canteen. Aya on the other hand watched Yukiko and Kurama cautiously. Omi had noticed this and went to Aya's side.
"You can't always stop things."
"I'm not stopping anything am just watching."
"And you can't always protect her when she doesn't want to be protected."
"I know that. But he doesn't."
Omi smiled and patted Aya on the shoulder and continued walking with the rest of the group.
They arrived at the cabins they were going to use and when Yukiko looked around it she saw the beautiful lake the teacher was telling them about. She called Aya and the others and decided to eat at its banks. She was so excited that she got there first. She bent towards the water and watched fishes and frogs play on the water.
"Yukiko chan, lunch."
"Coming." She turned away from the lake to see Kurama alone under a tree opening his backpack. She made her way towards him and when he looked up she smiled.
"Like to eat lunch with us?"
"Won't your uncle mind?"
"I think I can handle him. Come on it's not fun to eat lunch alone." She offered her hand and Kurama smiled towards her. He took her hand and something flashed in his mind. He ignored it and stood up. He followed her towards the waiting guys and sat beside Yukiko.
"Nice of you to join us."
"Oi chibi pass the soda would ya."
"Yukiko chan what would you like to have? Each of us made something, Ken kun made some sandwiches, I made some onigiri and Aya kun made the lunches on the bento boxes. Just get what you want okay."
"What did Yoji kun make?"
"You don't want to know."
Yukiko grabbed one of the bento boxes and opened it. Her eyes widened at the decoration Aya had made. It had smelled like dawn, looked like a vast garden with blooming flowers and the texture was as smooth as silk, almost perfect. It instantly reminded her of her garden back home. She smiled at the thought but it had seemed sadder than it was happy for it also reminded her of her mother's grave left unattended and yet growing with the flowers she had left.
"Anything the matter Yukiko chan?" Kurama asked as he saw the sad smile Yukiko had when she opened the box.
"Nothing I just remembered something." She smiled again and started eating the lunch.
Aya had watched her from the corner of his eye and he knew that she had remembered her garden. He stood up and took one of the chopsticks. He meant to show Yukiko something but at the last moment he threw the stick towards Yukiko and it passed on her right shoulder. It collided with a rock and the rock landed beside her.
"Aya kun!"
"Someone's angry at Yukiko." He picked the rock up and showed them. He looked at Kurama.
"Know anything about this?"
"Ah well yeah."
He turned to Yukiko and bowed. "Am really sorry Yukiko chan. Girls at school just tend to be violent when they see me with other girls."
Yukiko looked up and smiled. "Don't worry about it. I think I know the feeling." She turned to Aya and smiled.
"What are you going to do after lunch anyway?"
"Well we need to get our cabin assignments and then unpack. They said there will be bonfire tonight."
"What's a..."
Yoji had cupped his hands on Yukiko's mouth and smiled to Kurama. He whispered to Yukiko, "I think it's best not to ask that question neko. We'll explain later okay." He took his hand away and sat as if nothing had happened.
Kurama would have been confused if he did not know who Yukiko is but then again he had fooled them to believe that he is a human so it wasn't really surprising if they were trying to hide who she is.
After lunch they had went to the teacher for the cabin assignments and found that there are only five cabins that could be used. Two of the cabins were for the girls including the teacher the other two was for the boys and the last was for the chaperons with Yukiko.
"How come Fujimiya san gets to stay with the cute guys?"
"Her uncle requested for it and since they are relatives it's okay."
"But isn't that a bit strange?"
"She's his niece of course it's all right."
"But why doesn't she sleep with us?"
"She's new remember."
"Sensei, sensei we checked the boys' rooms we are one bed short."
"Fujimiya san would you mind another pupil staying at your cabin?"
"No sensei but would you mind if we picked who it is?"
"No not at all."
"Fine then, Shuuichi, Minamino is the student we would like to stay with us."
Girls and boys started talking all at once and Kurama was surprised. And I thought he hated me.
On their way to the cabins Aya came behind Kurama and whispered,
"Take care of Yukiko. I don't like you but she seems to be comfortable around you. Besides I don't really trust those boys in your class. Watch your back Shuuichi, Minamino." After that he walked forward towards the other three. I guess he still does.
When they were inside they found that the cabin was a lot bigger than the rest of the cabins. There was a second floor where three rooms stand. Below there was a dinning table and six chairs, stove, pots and some plates too. The bathroom was below the rooms near the dining table. Aya decided to use the room on the left for the four of them since it was the largest. Yukiko was to stay in the middle so they could get to her if she needed anything and Kurama was staying at the right. Before they went inside the room Aya had turned to Yukiko.
"After we unpack we'll be leaving you here for a few hours. We need to look around. Minamino can keep you company and if you are going out don't go too far all right?"
Yukiko nodded and entered the room. She found a bed in the center, a cabinet on the left side, a window above the bed and a mirror on the right. She smiled and closed her eyes. Vines and branches seem to come out from her and decorate the room even more. The window was curtained with hanging straight whitish yellow roots with red tips. The mirror was decorated with different flowers around its frame and the cabinet was filled with flowers. The floor was carpeted with soft grass, the ceiling was fashioned to look like tree branches and flowers and vines hanging from them and lastly the bed was filled with petals and soft oversized leaves.
All in all the room looked like a rainforest and to top, it once in a while leaves fell from the ceiling. She opened her eyes and smiled at her creation. She unpacked her bag and placed the clothes in the closet after that she sat on the bed and closed her eyes again. When she opened them there was a table on her right. The table was like a tree in itself and the chair was like a flower with the blossom as the back support and the leaves where she was going to sit. A flower lamp was at the left side and some butterflies were frozen on top of the lamp.
Just then someone knocked on the door. And when Yukiko opened it Omi's eyes grew wide.
"Yukiko chan isn't this a little over the top?"
"Don't worry only you and Aya can see it. I made sure that humans won't be able to see it."
"Suit yourself. We are leaving now. I left some food on the table if you get hungry. Don't go too far okay."
"Okay take care of yourselves too okay."
Omi closed the door and Yukiko settled on the bed. When she heard the cabin door close she buried her head on the pillow. She had no time to cry when there was a knock on her door.
"Yukiko chan are you finished unpacking?"
"Ah yes. You?"
"Just finished. I was looking out my window when I saw this hill we can go too. I'm going to check it out do you want to come?"
Yukiko stood up form the bed and looked at the mirror. When she was satisfied she opened the door and smiled. "Sure. Let me just get something." She went back inside and opened her closet. She pulled a small pouch and placed some seed inside. After that she came out to see Kurama had changed into a white shirt and black pants.
"Aren't you changing?"
"Not yet. I think I'll change when we go to the bonfire. Come on." She tied the small pouch on her waist and went down the stairs. She grabbed a sandwich from the plate and turned back to Kurama.
"Grab a sandwich so we don't have to stop later." She smiled and went out the door.
"She's full of energy..." He looked back at the closed door and shook his head. It can't be possible that she was able to change the whole room into a rainforest in seconds. Then again she is a princess of a place where anything is possible.
"Minamino kun."
"Coming..." He shrugged it off and grabbed a sandwich and placed it inside his pocket.