Yugana Kashi
By Sakura Takanouchi
Dislaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho! Next lawsuit!
Additional Notes: Yes, for all of you patient and faithful readers, this is the concluding chapter in the YK epic saga. I can't thank all of you enough for sticking it out with me through all of this. sniffles gets a box of tissues Read on...
Chapter 10: Some Friendships are Made to Last Forever
Kateri walked for several blocks, and then she finally saw what looked like some buildings she recognized. She heaved a sigh of relief; that is, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. A voice called out," I've found you. Please explain your feelings, as it is obvious you're all mixed up inside."
Kateri turned around, quickly, and was surprised at who she saw. "Ryuzo!! What are you doing here!" Ryuzo was wearing his classic baseball cap, a worn jacket, and a worried expression.
"I met up with Shuiichi a little while ago. He said you'd run off. I came to find you. This really isn't a safe place for anyone to be."
They both sat down on the curb and Kateri shivered. Ryuzo put his jacket around her shoulders and she smiled gratefully. "Arigatou," She said. "Tell me, why are you in a place like this, then? We're friends, so I can be worried about you, too."
Ryuzo stared at the manhole in the road. "This...is where I live," he said.
"What? Where do your parents work? Why would you have to live like this?" Kateri stuttered in confusion.
"My parents are both in heaven, Kateri," Ryuzo said sadly. "This is where the closest soup kitchen from school is, so I live here. I got a scholarship and a job, but no where to live. Believe me, Kateri, you've got it a lot better than I do."
Kateri shrugged into his jacket and blinked back tears that she couldn't stop from falling. It just wasn't fair! That someone like Ryuzo would have to live in a place like this. And he always had a smile: For her, for everyone. He never gave even one thought to himself.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"Don't be," Ryuzo answered. "They passed away several years ago. And as for me, I can deal with anything that's thrown at me."
"Ryuzo..." Kateri started, throwing her arms around him in a comforting and warming hug. Ryuzo gently patted her back; he could tell that she was crying. Her tears were starting to sting her eyes. It was getting cold.
"Kateri! Kateri! Oh, there you are, thank goodness I found..." They both looked up and saw Shuiichi, leaning against a street light and catching his breath.
Kateri quickly released Ryuzo and they both stood up. "I guess Ryuzo found you before I did," he said. Kateri took off Ryuzo's jacket and handed it back to him. "Thank you," she said sincerely. Ryuzo nodded slowly, and then started skipping down the street backwards, gave them a salute, and said, "See you in school tomorrow!" He rounded the corner and disappeared.
Shuiichi and Kateri were left there in an awkward silence. "I'm sorry!" They both shouted out in unison. Then, they both started to laugh.
"Really, I'm sorry for everything," Shuiichi began, as they started walking back towards their apartment. "I know this past week has been really hard on you."
"There were enough good times to balance out the sadness," Kateri answered, rubbing her arms to keep warm. "All of you are so nice. I couldn't ask for better friends."
"Hey," Kurama said, offering her his hand, "That's what friends are for."
"Yeah," She answered. "Friends." She took his hand and they walked quickly, yet not too fast, back to their apartment. After all, they had a warm house, and a welcoming Shiori, to come home to.
You just couldn't ask for anything better.
Yugana Kashi : FIN
How did everyone like that? I feel so warm and fuzzy right now! I just want to curl up in front of a fire and take a nap. But, alas, there is always the epilogue, the story after the story, and so forth. So, here it is.........................................................
Yugana Kashi
Epilogue
Some Times are Made To Last Forever
Three Years Later
"Congratulations!" Was the cry of the class of 2007, flinging their graduation caps into the air, and feasting on cookies and punch, while saying last good-byes to their high school friends.
"I can't believe high school is finally over!" Yuzuriha gushed as they clinked their punch glasses together. "Cheers!"
And by 'they,' surrounding Yuzuriha was Kirameki, Kateri, Shuiichi, Ryuzo, Mugen, Kakomi, and Yume no Ryuu. They had all become friends, and were now celebrating, with misty eyes, the end of their high school years.
"This means... that we're all going our separate ways," Kirameki took out some tissues and began to blow her nose. Ryuzo grinned. "I'm joining the Tokyo Police Force," he said.
"Really? Ryuzo, that's great!" Kateri congratulated. After the 'incident', when she ran away and Ryuzo found her, they had become especially close. In a way, they had both found themselves that night.
"Yup! I get to fight crime, and get unlimited donuts!" They all laughed. "What about you, Shuiichi?" Ryuzo asked. "What are you going to do?"
"Well, I interviewed for a job with TokyoTech, in their biology and study of plants department. I won't know until next week whether or not I've been accepted."
"I'm sure you will get the job," Kakomi said.
"So, you three, what are you going to do?" Kateri asked.
"Freelance fanfiction authors!" Kakomi, Mugen, and Yume no Ryuu chorused, leaving everyone sweatdropping.
"And you, Kateri?" Shuiichi asked.
"Me? I'm going to Tokyo University," she said proudly.
"Tokyo U?" Everyone said. "Wow, you must be good," Ryuzo commented.
"After that, I may get a job in an office or as a scientist, I'm not sure yet," she said. "But that's the fun of it."
"Yeah," Shuiichi agreed. He was going to study abroad, in America, for one year starting this fall. "Are you going to live with Shiori while I'm gone?"
"No. I'm going to live in a dorm my freshman year at Tokyo U, but I promise I'll check up on her often." They all clinked glasses again as it was announced that everyone had to leave. "To us!"
It was late by the time Shuiichi and Kateri got home. They had gone out with everyone else, and they were both surprised to find Shiori still awake, sitting in her rocking chair and knitting.
"Shiori-san! What are you doing still awake?" Shuiichi rushed over to his mother's side, immediately inquiring about her health.
"That's all right, I just wanted to make sure that I could give you your graduation present before tomorrow." Shiori stood up, set her knitting on an end table, and called softly towards Kateri's room. "Kids, you can come out now."
"YAY!!!" Kateri turned around at hearing two familiar voices, an expression of pure delight on her face as she bent down and picked up both her sisters in her arms and spun around.
"Audrey! Katelyn! How did you both get here?" Kateri said, after setting them down. They were both so much older now, and Kateri regretted not being there to watch them grow up.
"Where's...Toshi?" She asked. Her sisters said nothing, just clung to her skirt and watched as another figure stepped out into the room.
"Hey," he said casually, walking slowly towards her. A small smile was on his face, and his voice had gotten quite deeper since they had seen each other.
"Toshi!" Kateri leaped forward and grabbed her brother in a bear hug.
"Kateri...you're squishing me, cut it out," he mumbled. She released him, and they all laughed.
"Shiori-san, how did you ever manage this? How..." Kateri was at a loss for words. A small tear rolled down her face, which Katelyn wiped off.
"Easy. Mom was found guilty of fraud at that bank she works at. She's sentenced to ten years, and so we came to you," Toshi explained. "You are old enough to take care of us, if you want to."
"Onegai, please please?" Audrey and Katelyn added. Kateri smiled.
"Of course I will," she said, smiling. She then turned to Shiori. "Please understand that I will have to move out, since I do not want to burden you."
"I have already taken care of it," Shiori said. "There is a townhouse one block from Tokyo University, as well as being within walking distance from the local elementary, middle, and high schools. It is yours to move into anytime after next week. Think of it as my graduation present to you. Thank you for filling my life, and Shuiichi's," she motioned to Shuiichi, who was watching the whole reunion with a smile on his face, "with happiness we never thought we could be blessed with. Thank you, Kateri-chan."
"Oh, Shiori-san," Kateri said, a tear falling down her face. She reached out and gave her a hug. She then turned to her siblings and smiled. "I think this deserves a celebration, don't you think?"
"Yeah! Yeah!" Audrey chanted. Shiori went to the fridge and got out a container of ice cream.
"Chocolate for everyone!" She said as they all distributed the ice cream. They munched happily until it was late, and both Katelyn, Audrey, and Toshi were sleeping.
"Ah..." Kateri said peacefully as she helped Shuiichi do the dishes. "I'm so happy that I can spend the rest of my life with my brothers and sisters," Kateri commented as they finished drying the bowls.
"Yes. I'll be sure to come back for the holidays once I start my studies," Shuiichi replied.
"That's right, you're leaving for America. When?" Kateri asked.
"In a couple months, early September to be exact," Shuiichi said.
"That means we better start doing stuff together, and with the rest of our friends. This may be the last summer we all spend together," Kateri said.
Shuiichi turned to her with a smile. "Come to the aquarium with me and Yuzuriha next Thursday?"
Kateri grinned back. "Only if you go with me and Ryuzo to the movies tomorrow."
They laughed, and headed to their respective bedrooms to dream about their new plans for the summer. But now, Kateri's were filled with happiness and hope. She was no longer alone.
But, after she thought about it, she was never alone to begin with.
And that was the happiest thought of all.
Yugana Kashi –
FIN
Aww...I wanna cry and jump up and down and hug something all at the same time! Thank you all so much for reading Yugana Kashi, and for keeping up with me through all of it. I hope you all liked this story, and I hope you continue to read my fanfiction. I love you all! waves See you later! And for the last time, Please review to tell me what you think of this fic, this chapter, life in general, etc.
This is Saku, signing off!
Peace, love, and bulletproof marshmallows,
Sakura Takanouchi
