Disclaimer: Now this one I made up while working in a Super Market. Hearing nothing but corny music i immediately thought about my story and decided for all of you DDR fans I need to kick this up a bit. This will be a riot.
Kuwabara: *confused* DDR?
Yusuke: ^_^' Gee, Kuwabara. And here I thought you would know all about that stuff.
Kurama: Yes, considering he spends most of his time in the Arcade.
Kuwabara: WHAT IS DDR!!??
Hiei: Hn... you're of no use.
Yusuke: Ready guys?
Hinoki: I know I am!? *sings* I-I-I am your little butterfly.
Yusuke: As long as we don't have to listen to that all the time. ^_^'
Hiei: -_-'
Kurama: ^_^' Perhaps we could play Pink Rose?
Hinoki: Maybe.
Me: While you're all discussing this, the scene is gonna start. *Everyone rushes to their places*
Hinoki's blushing face faded as she saw the confused face that Jin had accuired. "So Sheila, you all rip-snort and ready to go?" Chu asked, obviously drunk. He picked Hinoki up by the back of her collar as she pretended to be asleep.
"Hold it right there, Chu. I don't think this is the hour to start training someone who had spent all day tiring herself to learn what she had to save everyone's life." It was Genkai. She had the same stern and stubborn look about her as she always did. With as many wrinkles as she had, it was hard to tell if she had bags under her eyes from the lack of sleep.
Hiei stood up to this comment, "Those who do not know a sleepless night can never grow strong, that is the rule." He countered.
Yusuke ignored what Hiei said, "Genkai, you were never like that with me! You made sleep on a bed of nails, meditate on hot coals, sleep with snakes, and everything in between."
Genkai looked at Yusuke coldly, as if he should know what she was trying to do, "Yusuke, I was training you as my successor. Hinoki is not my successor, thus such training is not necessary."
Yusuke blinked bewildered.
"Listen, I had recieved a new game recently. It should be a fairly decent excercise for you all." Genkai offered.
"I persue strength, I have no time for your quizzical horseplay." Hiei said snappishly.
"This is something I suggest you don't pass up. It is no ordinary game. It improves your coordination, speed, and leg movements. The movements this game teaches can prove useful in a fight."
"What game is it?" Kurama asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily(aaaaw).
"You'll see in the morning. Right now I advise you all to get some rest. Hinoki, if you and Hiei will come with me, Chu can take your bed. Then in the morning, our excercise will begin. Chu can begin Hinoki's training afterwards." Genkai advised.
Hinoki opened her eyes after pretending to sleep and struggled against Chu's massive fist. "Hey, you big lug! D'you think you could let me go any time soon?"
Chu looked down at Hinoki and blinked, "Oops, sorry Sheila."
He let her go, allowing her to fall to her feet.
She landed professionally on the ground on one knee. She got up and muttered under her breath, "Yeah, I'll bet you are." with that she followed Genkai into the next room, soon followed by Hiei.
Genkai led the two Youkai to a large two bed room. "This is where you will sleep. I respect the fact that I know I can trust you two and won't need to check on you constantly throughout the night. Choose your beds and I'll see you in the morning." Genkai said briefly.
She left them there to do as they wished(Not everything though).
Hinoki ran to one of the beds and jumped on it happily like a child.
It felt so good not to sleep on the floor for once. She jumped up and down around the springy bed, not interested in Hiei's preparations(Get your mind out of the gutter!).
He took off his cloak and boots, leaving only his black pants remaining(Black hammer pants!). He watched Hinoki for a moment as she jumped around freely like a child.
Then something occurred to Hiei. He smirked, "Hn... you're the same careless child I rescued in the Makai forest. You haven't changed." He said calmly, but loud enough to get her attention.
Hinoki stared at Hiei, not paying attention to the fact that she jumped to high. She bounced high off the bed, bumped her head on the ceiling, and fell on her back on the floor.
Hiei walked to her, checking to make sure she was still conscious.
"Darn, I'm still alive, eh?" Hinoki teased, rubbing her head. She smiled a bit and stuck out her tongue playfully. Hiei rolled his eyes, "What part of spring supported mattress don't you understand."
Hinoki ignored this statement, "H-how do you remember the forest? Shikoshi! Th-the thieves! How do you remember all of that!?" She demanded.
Hiei shrugged, "Hn... it wasn't so hard to remember. Your childish actions simply reminded me of your previous self." Hiei responded.
"I can't help it. I'm excited for tomarrow. I want to train a lot. No offense, but it seems a lot better than the boot camp you were running. I don't know why, but I like Genkai. She seems to possess a strange will, a strange aura I have never sensed about a human before. It almost reminds me of my mother... like home." Hinoki explained.
"What were you doing at that grave site... that day?" Hiei asked, changing the subject.
Hinoki looked at him and crossed her legs indian-style. She pondered a moment, debating if she should tell him or not.
Finally she sighed, "Well... Shikoshi was my mother's best friend way back when my mother was still alive. She possessed a family heirloom," Hinoki pulled down her pajama sleeve to reveal the blackbladed katana in it's leather glove form.
"You see, that was the reason she had called me. My mother had loaned the heirloom to Shikoshi with hopes of keeping it safe until the time had come for me to reposess it and put it back in it's rightful place among my family blood. She explained the reason for calling me to my mother's grave site. She told me things that happened. Things I had already foreseen in my dreams. Nothing special." She explained.
Hiei sighed a moment, "You foresee your past in your dreams as well?" Hiei asked softly.
Hinoki looked at him, a bit taken aback by the question, "Well... yes I do. Why? Do you as well?"
Hiei slightly nodded his head.
Hinoki bit her lip, thinking for a moment. She then opened her mouth to speak, "Hiei, if I entrust you with the memory of my past, would you entrust me with yours?" She asked.
Hiei only replied with two words before walking over to his bed, "Hn... rediculous."
Hinoki awoke the next morning to the sunshine in her window. The sun was bright. A silhouette was engulfed in the sunlight. Hinoki's eyes were not adjusted to the change in light, however she thought she saw a woman smiling at her. She had auburn hair like Hinoki's and deep ocean-blue eyes.
In a soft, almost cooing voice the woman laughed pleasantly, "Good morning Hinoki. Time to start your training." Next to the woman another silhouette appeared. It had spiky hair and a cool voice. "Get out of bed, Hinoki. Everyone is waiting on you." It was obviously Hiei.
Hinoki eyed the woman curiously. This woman could pass for Hinoki's double if it hadn't have been for her blue eyes. "Mother?" Hinoki asked.
"Mother? Kid, you are obviously not ready for my traing program." The gentle voice became old and ragged and the auburn haired woman grew shorter and more prune-like.
Hinoki rubbed her eyes sleepily, "Oh... sorry Genkai. My mind was playing tricks on me for a moment."
"Well, get dressed and get ready for your training. You are worse than Yusuke when it comes to sleeping late." Genkai scorned.
"Sorry, Genkai. I can't help it. I'm in High School and need lots of rest. I'm still growing you know." Hinoki said with a yawn.
It didn't take long for Hinoki to get dressed. She was in her School Uniform. Her training Uniform was dirty and she didn't want to smell while she was training, or so she said.
Genkai was suspicious that Hinoki was only trying to show something off.
Genkai led the demons and humans to her game room. A curtain was draped over her new prize.
"I suppose you'll want us to participate as well?" Shishiwaukumaru asked Genkai smoothly.
"As a matter of fact, yes. But only a few of you. Such as Touya, Jin, and Shishiwaukumaru." Genkai explained.
"What in the bloody hell for, mate?" Chu asked.
"We'll be using these games to not only train Hinoki, but measure the strength that she has gained over the previous days of training." Genkai explained again.
"Well, I guess that makes sense. But what about Kurama, Kuwabara, and me?" Yusuke asked.
"You four will participate in this as well. It would be a greater test for Hinoki if she went against all of you. Chu would be the last test." Genkai said. She looked at Hiei standing the farthest behind the group. Everyone stepped aside so she could have a clear view of him. "I was hoping that you would participate as well." She said calmly.
Hiei looked at her with little interest, "You know me well enough. I needn't partake in any foolish game." He then lowered his head and closed his eyes. Turning away from the group he leaned his back against the wall with one foot propped against the wall as well.
Kurama and Hinoki shook their heads simultaneously.
"You can always count on Hiei to never partake in anything fun with the group." Hinoki muttered.
"Indeed. Hiei seems to have a complex about such things." Kurama said.
"Let's forget about him and move on." Shishiwaukumaru suggested in a cool tone.
"Speaking of complexes..." Hinoki murmured.
"Are you going to show us this thing or not, old lady?" Yusuke asked.
"Yeah, I mean... we need to know what it is, right?" Kuwabara asked.
"Be patiant. I'll show it to you." Genkai snapped. She walked over to a large machine cloaked in a dark purple sheet. Genkai pulled the sheet from the machine and threw it to the floor.
It was a giant screen with buttons underneath it on a five foot high stage with stairs leading up to it. It had two places with metal squares that were big enough for one person to stand on. Above this square would be a light up plastic pad with an up arrow, below a down arrow, left of it a left arrow, and right of it a right arrow. All light up pads with arrows in the shape of a square.
Genkai spoke up to explain how to play, "A person would stand on the metal square in the center and as the arrows on the right side of the screen come to the top, you would step on the arrow exactly at the same moment it reaches to top and fills in it's shadowed shape at the top. There will be times where the arrows come up at the same time, however that just means that you need to jump on both of them."
Hinoki's eyes lit up, "A dancing game! Dance Dance Revolution!" She exclaimed.
"I think I can understand why Hiei doesn't want to play." Kuwabara stated, "He probably can't dance."
"Well, whatever the reason he shouldn't be afraid of a silly game. Maybe he's just afraid of going against me because he's afraid I'll beat his skinny butt." Hinoki said cockily. She was trying to get Hiei angry so he would play.
"Hn... you still have much to learn. I wouldn't want you to suffer a great loss." Hiei mused.
"Oh, I doubt I'd lose. Besides, since when have you ever thought of another persons feelings before you did anything to them? You're obviously lying." Hinoki said confidently.
Hiei took a step forward. A sweatbullet appeared on his forehead. He was silent as he stared at Hinoki.
Hinoki stared silently back. Almost as if talking to him with her eyes.
The others watched this with interest. Their heads went back and forth between Hinoki and Hiei like a tennis match audience.
Hiei finally lowered his head, closed his eyes, and smirked mischievously as he spoke, "Hn... fine. I'll play your worthless game. It's pathetically simple anyways and provides little effort."
"Ooooh! First time and he's already cocky!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
'Hmm... Curious. There may be more to this girl than I thought. She had somehow debated with Hiei and got him to play the game without question or a prize. I wonder... ' Genkai thought.
"Then the first pairing shall be between Kuwabara and Yusuke." Genkai announced.
Kuwabara and Yusuke jumped and snapped their attention to Genkai, then at each other.
Kuwabara looked at Yusuke confidently, "What's the matter, Urameshi? Afraid I'll kick your tail?"
"No, just afraid I'll beat your face into the cement, like always." Yusuke countered.
Kuwabara and Yusuke stepped onto the pads. Yusuke took the right side, and Kuwabara took the left side.
Genkai set up the two player mode and chose an easy song for them.
"I had gotten some songs and programmed them into this game. A lot of them may seem familiar to you." Genkai said.
She played the easiest song and warned them to be ready. The song was called 'My Butterfly.'
The song began and it didn't take long for Kuwabara to lose the beat and fall behind.
In the end Yusuke had gotten a B letter grade and Kuwabara an E.
"And that is how the game is played." Genkai said.
Next was Hinoki and Yusuke. Hinoki was a great learner and it didn't take her long to perfect the song. She beat Yusuke with a class A letter grade and Yusuke a B class letter grade.
Hinoki had beaten everyone in the game so far. The only people left were Kurama and Hiei. The levels had now gone up to the maximum and the fastest songs were now employed. Kurama was first up to bat.
Hinoki took the right, and Kurama the left. The song was fast, and Hinoki was getting tired. However, she would push herself a little more if she had to. It was a great exercise for her.
The song began and seconds later the arrows began to quickly float to the top of the screen. Timing and speed were of importance in this game.
Both Kurama and Hinoki stepped on the front step in sync at the start. Their moves were completely in tune. It was strange but beautiful. The lights were a great effect too.
It was the third round and they were both getting exhausted. The song began mercilessly and they were both forced to begin again.
Both Hinoki and Kurama started the dance, not wanting to give up. They tiredly danced in sync.
Midway through, Hinoki had lost her balance and slipped. She began to fall from the stage. To her it was as if she was suspended in slow motion. Kurama stopped dancing and turned in fear. He reached out to grab her, but was too late. Hinoki saw the fear in Kurama's eyes as she fell. She knew that she could be seriously injured if she fell all the way to the floor.
She closed her eyes, bracing for impact. However, there was none. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Hiei. He set her down and looked away.
Hinoki wanted to thank him, but what came out was, "Why did you do that?"
Hiei only answered with a "Hn.... you're of no use. I'm wasting my time here." with that he disappeared in a blurr.
"Are you alright, Hinoki?" Kurama asked.
Hinoki looked up at him blankly and smiled weakly, "Yes, I'm alright."
Kurama sighed with relief, "I suppose we'll have to go on without Hiei then."
"No, that's alright. You can stop for the day. Tomarrow your training with Shishiwaukumaru begins, Hinoki." Genkai stated.
Hinoki moaned, "But Genkai, I don't want to spend time with that demon Backstreet Boy! He uses a cloak to do what he can't, he uses a sword much stronger than he can control, and he has an attitude problem that I don't like!"
"Fool." Shishiwaukumaru snapped.
"That's what I'm talking about." Hinoki muttered pointing a finger accusingly at Shishiwaukumaru.
"You forgot to mention his greasy hair. But too bad. You'll have to live with it." Genkai snapped.
Hinoki groaned. She looked at Kurama, "Kurama will you come with me?"
Kurama looked surprised, "But of course. Where to?"
Hinoki shook her head and shrugged, "No where special, maybe into town or the park or something."
"Sure. If you need me I'll go." Kurama said sweetly with a smile. (Don't get all jealous girls. She isn't being a Mary Sue, you'll see.)
Kurama walked down the stairs and with Hinoki at his side, they left the room.
"Are those two going together?" Yusuke asked.
"I don't know. But Kurama really gets a lot of girl attention." Kuwabara stated.
"You could probably learn from him." Yusuke said with a smile.
"Now is not the time to start fights, Urameshi." Jin said.
"Right, Mate. We should hit the hay before Sheila returns so we can rest up and be ready for t'marrow." Chu explained.
"I don't feel like sleeping right now." Shishiwaukumaru said coolly.
"Neither do I. Maybe we should take a stroll into town." Touya suggested.
"Won't you guys have to dress like humans, then?" Yusuke asked.
"And Jin might have to put a cap on his head because of his horn." Kuwabara explained.
"No problem, there! "Whoo" and "Whee" and fun sorts!" Jin said happily, his ears twitching.
On their hike out of the forest into town, Hinoki and Kurama were silent. They were enjoying each other's company for a while.
It wasn't long before they were out of the woods. At that moment, Kurama shattered the silence, "So why did you ask me to come with you?"
Hinoki looked down sadly, "I don't know exactly. I mean, I like you a lot and all. However, there is something strange right now. I can't explain it, but I feel a little guilty. I guess you could say I'm split in the middle right now. And whenever I see the girls at school croud around you and act like little fan girls to some rock star, I get jealous. Not of you of course-"
"You get jealous of the girls at school." Kurama finished for her.
Hinoki nodded blushing. "But I feel a little guilty when Hiei looks at me the way he does when I'm with you. You know?" She said softly.
Kurama nodded, "Hiei is a puzzle of many sorts. He has complexed emotions and his way of handling things are more strange to say in the least. He is hard to figure out, and I don't know if many will ever understand him."
Hinoki fiddled with the coins in her pocket(She changed into some jeans and a shirt). "But the thing is, I can understand a lot of the things he does and for what reasons. It's just that it is hard to deal with how harsh he can be sometimes." Hinoki said.
"Indeed." Kurama said simply. They had reached town and were now walking down the sidewalk together.
"Hey, Shuuichi! Shuuichi! Wait up!" Called a female voice from behind them.
"Yeah! Hey, Shuuichi! Wait for us!" Called another female voice.
Hinoki and Kurama turned around and saw two girls running towards them. One girl had long honey blonde hair, blue eyes, and freckles. Another girl had short, curly, bobbed black hair and brown eyes. She was shorter than the other girl.
Once they had approached, they smiled sweetly at Kurama. Hinoki was not yet sure what was going on.
Kurama greeted them warmly with a kind smile in return. "What are you two up to?" Kurama asked them.
"Oh, we were just on our way to the arcade. Wanna come?" Asked the blonde girl.
"Yeah! Hey, why is that girl standing next to you? Isn't she Ari from school?" asked the black haired girl.
Kurama looked at Hinoki, "Yes, this is Ari. And I am sorry, but I'll have to decline your invitation. I am with Ari right now."
Hinoki blushed slightly. Kurama was a sweet boy. Suddenly she felt a hand grab hers. Her eyes widened with surprise as she blushed. She looked at Kurama and saw his gentle eyes look into hers. He too was blushing. She looked down at the sidewalk with a sheepish grin. (You fangirls must hate me by now.)
The two girls gasped softly when they saw this, "Oh, we're sorry. We didn't mean to interrupt you two. We'll see you at school, Shuuichi." Said the blonde girl.
"See ya!" Echoed the black haired girl.
Shuuichi waved slightly as the two left. He turned his attention back to Hinoki who was still blushing and looking at the sidewalk as they turned around and continued walking.
Kurama smiled at her sweetly, "Why don't we go to the park for a while?" he suggested.
Hinoki looked up at him still blushing and nodded, "Okay." she replied.
Together, the two demons walked off in the direction of the park.
Not too far from them, standing on top of a building was Hiei. The wind wipped his cloak around like a flag on a windy day. He watched the two youkai walk towards the park hand-in-hand. His eyes narrowed as a sting of a powerful emotion shot through him like a needle.
He shook his head to clear it and leaped off, following them. But under his breath he muttered, "Hn... rediculous."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ha! In your face! So... things between Hinoki and Kurama are heating up a little bit. However, is the spark between Hinoki and Hiei lighting as well? I think I made this long enough for you all since it took me about two weeks to type up with both school, anime club, and stories. I guess you'll just have to find out what happens on the next Chapter of Yu Yu Hakusho- Storm Queen! R&R!
Kuwabara: *confused* DDR?
Yusuke: ^_^' Gee, Kuwabara. And here I thought you would know all about that stuff.
Kurama: Yes, considering he spends most of his time in the Arcade.
Kuwabara: WHAT IS DDR!!??
Hiei: Hn... you're of no use.
Yusuke: Ready guys?
Hinoki: I know I am!? *sings* I-I-I am your little butterfly.
Yusuke: As long as we don't have to listen to that all the time. ^_^'
Hiei: -_-'
Kurama: ^_^' Perhaps we could play Pink Rose?
Hinoki: Maybe.
Me: While you're all discussing this, the scene is gonna start. *Everyone rushes to their places*
Hinoki's blushing face faded as she saw the confused face that Jin had accuired. "So Sheila, you all rip-snort and ready to go?" Chu asked, obviously drunk. He picked Hinoki up by the back of her collar as she pretended to be asleep.
"Hold it right there, Chu. I don't think this is the hour to start training someone who had spent all day tiring herself to learn what she had to save everyone's life." It was Genkai. She had the same stern and stubborn look about her as she always did. With as many wrinkles as she had, it was hard to tell if she had bags under her eyes from the lack of sleep.
Hiei stood up to this comment, "Those who do not know a sleepless night can never grow strong, that is the rule." He countered.
Yusuke ignored what Hiei said, "Genkai, you were never like that with me! You made sleep on a bed of nails, meditate on hot coals, sleep with snakes, and everything in between."
Genkai looked at Yusuke coldly, as if he should know what she was trying to do, "Yusuke, I was training you as my successor. Hinoki is not my successor, thus such training is not necessary."
Yusuke blinked bewildered.
"Listen, I had recieved a new game recently. It should be a fairly decent excercise for you all." Genkai offered.
"I persue strength, I have no time for your quizzical horseplay." Hiei said snappishly.
"This is something I suggest you don't pass up. It is no ordinary game. It improves your coordination, speed, and leg movements. The movements this game teaches can prove useful in a fight."
"What game is it?" Kurama asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily(aaaaw).
"You'll see in the morning. Right now I advise you all to get some rest. Hinoki, if you and Hiei will come with me, Chu can take your bed. Then in the morning, our excercise will begin. Chu can begin Hinoki's training afterwards." Genkai advised.
Hinoki opened her eyes after pretending to sleep and struggled against Chu's massive fist. "Hey, you big lug! D'you think you could let me go any time soon?"
Chu looked down at Hinoki and blinked, "Oops, sorry Sheila."
He let her go, allowing her to fall to her feet.
She landed professionally on the ground on one knee. She got up and muttered under her breath, "Yeah, I'll bet you are." with that she followed Genkai into the next room, soon followed by Hiei.
Genkai led the two Youkai to a large two bed room. "This is where you will sleep. I respect the fact that I know I can trust you two and won't need to check on you constantly throughout the night. Choose your beds and I'll see you in the morning." Genkai said briefly.
She left them there to do as they wished(Not everything though).
Hinoki ran to one of the beds and jumped on it happily like a child.
It felt so good not to sleep on the floor for once. She jumped up and down around the springy bed, not interested in Hiei's preparations(Get your mind out of the gutter!).
He took off his cloak and boots, leaving only his black pants remaining(Black hammer pants!). He watched Hinoki for a moment as she jumped around freely like a child.
Then something occurred to Hiei. He smirked, "Hn... you're the same careless child I rescued in the Makai forest. You haven't changed." He said calmly, but loud enough to get her attention.
Hinoki stared at Hiei, not paying attention to the fact that she jumped to high. She bounced high off the bed, bumped her head on the ceiling, and fell on her back on the floor.
Hiei walked to her, checking to make sure she was still conscious.
"Darn, I'm still alive, eh?" Hinoki teased, rubbing her head. She smiled a bit and stuck out her tongue playfully. Hiei rolled his eyes, "What part of spring supported mattress don't you understand."
Hinoki ignored this statement, "H-how do you remember the forest? Shikoshi! Th-the thieves! How do you remember all of that!?" She demanded.
Hiei shrugged, "Hn... it wasn't so hard to remember. Your childish actions simply reminded me of your previous self." Hiei responded.
"I can't help it. I'm excited for tomarrow. I want to train a lot. No offense, but it seems a lot better than the boot camp you were running. I don't know why, but I like Genkai. She seems to possess a strange will, a strange aura I have never sensed about a human before. It almost reminds me of my mother... like home." Hinoki explained.
"What were you doing at that grave site... that day?" Hiei asked, changing the subject.
Hinoki looked at him and crossed her legs indian-style. She pondered a moment, debating if she should tell him or not.
Finally she sighed, "Well... Shikoshi was my mother's best friend way back when my mother was still alive. She possessed a family heirloom," Hinoki pulled down her pajama sleeve to reveal the blackbladed katana in it's leather glove form.
"You see, that was the reason she had called me. My mother had loaned the heirloom to Shikoshi with hopes of keeping it safe until the time had come for me to reposess it and put it back in it's rightful place among my family blood. She explained the reason for calling me to my mother's grave site. She told me things that happened. Things I had already foreseen in my dreams. Nothing special." She explained.
Hiei sighed a moment, "You foresee your past in your dreams as well?" Hiei asked softly.
Hinoki looked at him, a bit taken aback by the question, "Well... yes I do. Why? Do you as well?"
Hiei slightly nodded his head.
Hinoki bit her lip, thinking for a moment. She then opened her mouth to speak, "Hiei, if I entrust you with the memory of my past, would you entrust me with yours?" She asked.
Hiei only replied with two words before walking over to his bed, "Hn... rediculous."
Hinoki awoke the next morning to the sunshine in her window. The sun was bright. A silhouette was engulfed in the sunlight. Hinoki's eyes were not adjusted to the change in light, however she thought she saw a woman smiling at her. She had auburn hair like Hinoki's and deep ocean-blue eyes.
In a soft, almost cooing voice the woman laughed pleasantly, "Good morning Hinoki. Time to start your training." Next to the woman another silhouette appeared. It had spiky hair and a cool voice. "Get out of bed, Hinoki. Everyone is waiting on you." It was obviously Hiei.
Hinoki eyed the woman curiously. This woman could pass for Hinoki's double if it hadn't have been for her blue eyes. "Mother?" Hinoki asked.
"Mother? Kid, you are obviously not ready for my traing program." The gentle voice became old and ragged and the auburn haired woman grew shorter and more prune-like.
Hinoki rubbed her eyes sleepily, "Oh... sorry Genkai. My mind was playing tricks on me for a moment."
"Well, get dressed and get ready for your training. You are worse than Yusuke when it comes to sleeping late." Genkai scorned.
"Sorry, Genkai. I can't help it. I'm in High School and need lots of rest. I'm still growing you know." Hinoki said with a yawn.
It didn't take long for Hinoki to get dressed. She was in her School Uniform. Her training Uniform was dirty and she didn't want to smell while she was training, or so she said.
Genkai was suspicious that Hinoki was only trying to show something off.
Genkai led the demons and humans to her game room. A curtain was draped over her new prize.
"I suppose you'll want us to participate as well?" Shishiwaukumaru asked Genkai smoothly.
"As a matter of fact, yes. But only a few of you. Such as Touya, Jin, and Shishiwaukumaru." Genkai explained.
"What in the bloody hell for, mate?" Chu asked.
"We'll be using these games to not only train Hinoki, but measure the strength that she has gained over the previous days of training." Genkai explained again.
"Well, I guess that makes sense. But what about Kurama, Kuwabara, and me?" Yusuke asked.
"You four will participate in this as well. It would be a greater test for Hinoki if she went against all of you. Chu would be the last test." Genkai said. She looked at Hiei standing the farthest behind the group. Everyone stepped aside so she could have a clear view of him. "I was hoping that you would participate as well." She said calmly.
Hiei looked at her with little interest, "You know me well enough. I needn't partake in any foolish game." He then lowered his head and closed his eyes. Turning away from the group he leaned his back against the wall with one foot propped against the wall as well.
Kurama and Hinoki shook their heads simultaneously.
"You can always count on Hiei to never partake in anything fun with the group." Hinoki muttered.
"Indeed. Hiei seems to have a complex about such things." Kurama said.
"Let's forget about him and move on." Shishiwaukumaru suggested in a cool tone.
"Speaking of complexes..." Hinoki murmured.
"Are you going to show us this thing or not, old lady?" Yusuke asked.
"Yeah, I mean... we need to know what it is, right?" Kuwabara asked.
"Be patiant. I'll show it to you." Genkai snapped. She walked over to a large machine cloaked in a dark purple sheet. Genkai pulled the sheet from the machine and threw it to the floor.
It was a giant screen with buttons underneath it on a five foot high stage with stairs leading up to it. It had two places with metal squares that were big enough for one person to stand on. Above this square would be a light up plastic pad with an up arrow, below a down arrow, left of it a left arrow, and right of it a right arrow. All light up pads with arrows in the shape of a square.
Genkai spoke up to explain how to play, "A person would stand on the metal square in the center and as the arrows on the right side of the screen come to the top, you would step on the arrow exactly at the same moment it reaches to top and fills in it's shadowed shape at the top. There will be times where the arrows come up at the same time, however that just means that you need to jump on both of them."
Hinoki's eyes lit up, "A dancing game! Dance Dance Revolution!" She exclaimed.
"I think I can understand why Hiei doesn't want to play." Kuwabara stated, "He probably can't dance."
"Well, whatever the reason he shouldn't be afraid of a silly game. Maybe he's just afraid of going against me because he's afraid I'll beat his skinny butt." Hinoki said cockily. She was trying to get Hiei angry so he would play.
"Hn... you still have much to learn. I wouldn't want you to suffer a great loss." Hiei mused.
"Oh, I doubt I'd lose. Besides, since when have you ever thought of another persons feelings before you did anything to them? You're obviously lying." Hinoki said confidently.
Hiei took a step forward. A sweatbullet appeared on his forehead. He was silent as he stared at Hinoki.
Hinoki stared silently back. Almost as if talking to him with her eyes.
The others watched this with interest. Their heads went back and forth between Hinoki and Hiei like a tennis match audience.
Hiei finally lowered his head, closed his eyes, and smirked mischievously as he spoke, "Hn... fine. I'll play your worthless game. It's pathetically simple anyways and provides little effort."
"Ooooh! First time and he's already cocky!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
'Hmm... Curious. There may be more to this girl than I thought. She had somehow debated with Hiei and got him to play the game without question or a prize. I wonder... ' Genkai thought.
"Then the first pairing shall be between Kuwabara and Yusuke." Genkai announced.
Kuwabara and Yusuke jumped and snapped their attention to Genkai, then at each other.
Kuwabara looked at Yusuke confidently, "What's the matter, Urameshi? Afraid I'll kick your tail?"
"No, just afraid I'll beat your face into the cement, like always." Yusuke countered.
Kuwabara and Yusuke stepped onto the pads. Yusuke took the right side, and Kuwabara took the left side.
Genkai set up the two player mode and chose an easy song for them.
"I had gotten some songs and programmed them into this game. A lot of them may seem familiar to you." Genkai said.
She played the easiest song and warned them to be ready. The song was called 'My Butterfly.'
The song began and it didn't take long for Kuwabara to lose the beat and fall behind.
In the end Yusuke had gotten a B letter grade and Kuwabara an E.
"And that is how the game is played." Genkai said.
Next was Hinoki and Yusuke. Hinoki was a great learner and it didn't take her long to perfect the song. She beat Yusuke with a class A letter grade and Yusuke a B class letter grade.
Hinoki had beaten everyone in the game so far. The only people left were Kurama and Hiei. The levels had now gone up to the maximum and the fastest songs were now employed. Kurama was first up to bat.
Hinoki took the right, and Kurama the left. The song was fast, and Hinoki was getting tired. However, she would push herself a little more if she had to. It was a great exercise for her.
The song began and seconds later the arrows began to quickly float to the top of the screen. Timing and speed were of importance in this game.
Both Kurama and Hinoki stepped on the front step in sync at the start. Their moves were completely in tune. It was strange but beautiful. The lights were a great effect too.
It was the third round and they were both getting exhausted. The song began mercilessly and they were both forced to begin again.
Both Hinoki and Kurama started the dance, not wanting to give up. They tiredly danced in sync.
Midway through, Hinoki had lost her balance and slipped. She began to fall from the stage. To her it was as if she was suspended in slow motion. Kurama stopped dancing and turned in fear. He reached out to grab her, but was too late. Hinoki saw the fear in Kurama's eyes as she fell. She knew that she could be seriously injured if she fell all the way to the floor.
She closed her eyes, bracing for impact. However, there was none. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Hiei. He set her down and looked away.
Hinoki wanted to thank him, but what came out was, "Why did you do that?"
Hiei only answered with a "Hn.... you're of no use. I'm wasting my time here." with that he disappeared in a blurr.
"Are you alright, Hinoki?" Kurama asked.
Hinoki looked up at him blankly and smiled weakly, "Yes, I'm alright."
Kurama sighed with relief, "I suppose we'll have to go on without Hiei then."
"No, that's alright. You can stop for the day. Tomarrow your training with Shishiwaukumaru begins, Hinoki." Genkai stated.
Hinoki moaned, "But Genkai, I don't want to spend time with that demon Backstreet Boy! He uses a cloak to do what he can't, he uses a sword much stronger than he can control, and he has an attitude problem that I don't like!"
"Fool." Shishiwaukumaru snapped.
"That's what I'm talking about." Hinoki muttered pointing a finger accusingly at Shishiwaukumaru.
"You forgot to mention his greasy hair. But too bad. You'll have to live with it." Genkai snapped.
Hinoki groaned. She looked at Kurama, "Kurama will you come with me?"
Kurama looked surprised, "But of course. Where to?"
Hinoki shook her head and shrugged, "No where special, maybe into town or the park or something."
"Sure. If you need me I'll go." Kurama said sweetly with a smile. (Don't get all jealous girls. She isn't being a Mary Sue, you'll see.)
Kurama walked down the stairs and with Hinoki at his side, they left the room.
"Are those two going together?" Yusuke asked.
"I don't know. But Kurama really gets a lot of girl attention." Kuwabara stated.
"You could probably learn from him." Yusuke said with a smile.
"Now is not the time to start fights, Urameshi." Jin said.
"Right, Mate. We should hit the hay before Sheila returns so we can rest up and be ready for t'marrow." Chu explained.
"I don't feel like sleeping right now." Shishiwaukumaru said coolly.
"Neither do I. Maybe we should take a stroll into town." Touya suggested.
"Won't you guys have to dress like humans, then?" Yusuke asked.
"And Jin might have to put a cap on his head because of his horn." Kuwabara explained.
"No problem, there! "Whoo" and "Whee" and fun sorts!" Jin said happily, his ears twitching.
On their hike out of the forest into town, Hinoki and Kurama were silent. They were enjoying each other's company for a while.
It wasn't long before they were out of the woods. At that moment, Kurama shattered the silence, "So why did you ask me to come with you?"
Hinoki looked down sadly, "I don't know exactly. I mean, I like you a lot and all. However, there is something strange right now. I can't explain it, but I feel a little guilty. I guess you could say I'm split in the middle right now. And whenever I see the girls at school croud around you and act like little fan girls to some rock star, I get jealous. Not of you of course-"
"You get jealous of the girls at school." Kurama finished for her.
Hinoki nodded blushing. "But I feel a little guilty when Hiei looks at me the way he does when I'm with you. You know?" She said softly.
Kurama nodded, "Hiei is a puzzle of many sorts. He has complexed emotions and his way of handling things are more strange to say in the least. He is hard to figure out, and I don't know if many will ever understand him."
Hinoki fiddled with the coins in her pocket(She changed into some jeans and a shirt). "But the thing is, I can understand a lot of the things he does and for what reasons. It's just that it is hard to deal with how harsh he can be sometimes." Hinoki said.
"Indeed." Kurama said simply. They had reached town and were now walking down the sidewalk together.
"Hey, Shuuichi! Shuuichi! Wait up!" Called a female voice from behind them.
"Yeah! Hey, Shuuichi! Wait for us!" Called another female voice.
Hinoki and Kurama turned around and saw two girls running towards them. One girl had long honey blonde hair, blue eyes, and freckles. Another girl had short, curly, bobbed black hair and brown eyes. She was shorter than the other girl.
Once they had approached, they smiled sweetly at Kurama. Hinoki was not yet sure what was going on.
Kurama greeted them warmly with a kind smile in return. "What are you two up to?" Kurama asked them.
"Oh, we were just on our way to the arcade. Wanna come?" Asked the blonde girl.
"Yeah! Hey, why is that girl standing next to you? Isn't she Ari from school?" asked the black haired girl.
Kurama looked at Hinoki, "Yes, this is Ari. And I am sorry, but I'll have to decline your invitation. I am with Ari right now."
Hinoki blushed slightly. Kurama was a sweet boy. Suddenly she felt a hand grab hers. Her eyes widened with surprise as she blushed. She looked at Kurama and saw his gentle eyes look into hers. He too was blushing. She looked down at the sidewalk with a sheepish grin. (You fangirls must hate me by now.)
The two girls gasped softly when they saw this, "Oh, we're sorry. We didn't mean to interrupt you two. We'll see you at school, Shuuichi." Said the blonde girl.
"See ya!" Echoed the black haired girl.
Shuuichi waved slightly as the two left. He turned his attention back to Hinoki who was still blushing and looking at the sidewalk as they turned around and continued walking.
Kurama smiled at her sweetly, "Why don't we go to the park for a while?" he suggested.
Hinoki looked up at him still blushing and nodded, "Okay." she replied.
Together, the two demons walked off in the direction of the park.
Not too far from them, standing on top of a building was Hiei. The wind wipped his cloak around like a flag on a windy day. He watched the two youkai walk towards the park hand-in-hand. His eyes narrowed as a sting of a powerful emotion shot through him like a needle.
He shook his head to clear it and leaped off, following them. But under his breath he muttered, "Hn... rediculous."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ha! In your face! So... things between Hinoki and Kurama are heating up a little bit. However, is the spark between Hinoki and Hiei lighting as well? I think I made this long enough for you all since it took me about two weeks to type up with both school, anime club, and stories. I guess you'll just have to find out what happens on the next Chapter of Yu Yu Hakusho- Storm Queen! R&R!