Disclaimer:
Me: Okay, I am really starting to get tired of doing these stupid disclaimers. I refuse to do them.
Kurama: Daijobu, Yume-chan! You really shouldn't be so strange when it comes to such things as this. Besides, you know that if you don't you could get arrested, sued or both if you don't do the disclaimer. Because our original creator, or our "Mother"(Yes, the creator of YYH is a girl) will think you are stealing her characters and using them in your own creations.
Me: So what? Technically, I am taking her characters and using them for my own purposes, but not keeping them. Because I don't own Hiei, Yusuke, Keiko, Kuwabara, Botan, Kaitou, Kido, Yanagisawa, Sniper, Sansui, Bui, Karasu, Koronue, Kurama, Jin, Touya, Shishiwaukumaru, Genkai, Toguro Brothers, The Game Mast-"
Hiei: I think we get the point...
Me: thinks a second then is struck with realization OH CRAP! I did the disclaimer and didn't even realize it! AAAAAAAAAAAH! MUKETE AKUMU! ANATA BAKA! WHAT FATE HAS SHAMED ME WITH! points accusingly at Hiei THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!
Hiei: Hn... and what led you to that accusation?
Me: I NEED TO BLAME SOMEONE, AND I CHOSE YOU! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kurama: ' Daijobu, Yume-chan! Daijobu! (Thinks: Grow up, girl!)
Me: NO! NOT DAIJOBU! Sits down and pouts TT We might as well get this thing over with. Huggles Sniper so he turns into a white cat(Like from Fruits Basket!) I put a curse on him when you weren't looking! Evil grin
Kurama and Hiei: Slowly back away
Kurama: ' runs away See ya!
Hiei: --' Follows Right behind you!
Note: Okay, I know all of you that were smart enough to come to this Sequel and read it are probably really anxious to read this chapter, so I'll try and be quick. Number one, I am really getting pissed that everyone is e-mailing me saying that they want to know when I'm putting up the sequel. I try to be polite, but what I really want to say is: "DUH! IT'S RIGHT HERE! IT'S CALLED 'STORM QUEEN' YOU DEMENTED DRUNKIN' BAKA, TOO HOPPED UP ON COKAWANNAHEROSPEED(Cokain, heroin, marijuana, and speed put together) TO SEE THE NOSE ON YOUR FACE! I SWEAR, IF BRAINS WERE ELECTRICITY, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TO LIGHT THE DYNAMO IN A FIREFLY'S ASS!" As you can tell, I'm getting really annoyed and my attitude problem is beginning to show it(Get's evil ideas on how to torture the stupid). But I'm really trying to be nice about this(Tries to smile nicely but it turns into a dark, evil, and menacing smile). So anyone who actually reads this, please in your next chapter update, could you please advertise this sequel. But of course tell them to please read the first story so this one makes sense. Okay? Thanks. Number two, I realize I am lacking reviews, so when you read this could you PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW! I'M BEGINNING TO THINK NO ONE LIKES THIS STORY! WHAT IS WRONG? AM I NOT FUNNY ENOUGH? AM I NOT TURTLE ENOUGH FOR THE TURTLE CLUB? PLEASE REVIEW THIS STORY AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, OR I SHALL CAUSE DISHONOR UPON YOUR ENTIRE CLAN! TT (Laughs meniacly)(Probably spelt a few things wrong, but it is late and too tired to care. Meh.)
Kurama and Hinoki walked to the park together. "We're being followed." Hinoki whispered.
"I know." Kurama whispered in return.
They walked in silence together, no longer holding hands. They sensed whomever was following them.
"It's him." Hinoki announced quietly.
"Yes, it seems he couldn't resist keeping an eye out for you." Kurama said.
"Whatever. Let him." Hinoki sighed, closing her eyes as she walked.
"I think he may be getting a bit protective of you." Kurama said just above a whisper.
"But it's like that song. How does it go? Oh yeah!" She said. She then began to sing a line to a song that she had heard. "Can't you see that you're smothering me? Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control, 'cause everything that you want me to be, is falling apart right in front of you. Every step that I take is another mistake to you. And every second I waste is more than I can take."
Kurama smiled, "You're pretty good."
Hinoki shrugged and shook her head, "Tch, I'm in chorus. Nothing special."
Yes, but to be in chorus in the Meio Private Academy is no easy feat. You have to be a very good singer to make that high of a mark." Kurama argued.
"I beg to differ. I've been singing since I could talk. I've practiced upon occasion, but I've never actually tried to be great at it. My heart lies in fighting. I really don't have much interest in music." Hinoki said.
Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, Hiei followed the pair. He heard them talking about some ningen class called Chorus, whatever that was. He didn't take much interest to the subject, but listen nonetheless as they entered the park and sat on a bench under a tree. Hiei stealthly landed on one of the tree's branches and listened to the discussion as it began to change.
"So... How do you like Hiei's training?" Kurama said, changing the subject.
Hinoki could tell that he had chenged the subject because he was afraid she might start fighting with him about it, which she might have if he had pushed her too far onto the subject.
Hinoki looked down at the dying grass. The warm weather was fading slowly, but it was still a nice day outside. She took a deep breath and answered his question, "It is hard, but I think I'm doing pretty well. The only part I'm having difficulty with is getting up early. But I think it's harder on Hiei because he has to battle with me just to get me to wake up and stay up, otherwise I keep trying to go back to sleep." Hinoki said with a nervous laugh.
Kurama smiled with a sweatdrop.
Hiei rolled his eyes with a smirk. He remembered the most recent and most grueling of all those battles. It wasn't long ago, either.
Flashback
It was an early three in the morning and they had gone to bed only two hours ago.
Hinoki was not a happy camper in the morning, that was for sure. Hiei woke from his slumber and jumped down from his treebranch to Hinoki's. He always slept higher up than Hinoki did, for some reason Hinoki slept only a few branches from the lowest branch all the time.
Hiei nudged her, "Wake up. We have work to do."
Hinoki made a distasteful face and rolled over.
Hiei tried again, "Wake up, Baka. We must begin our training now."
Hinoki waved a hand ushering him to go away, except her hand was waving in his face so instead of waving, she was patting his face.
Hiei swiped her hand away, he was getting irritated, "Get up or I shall move you."
Hinoki fell back to sleep.
A sweatdrop appeared on Hiei's forehead, soon followed by a crossvein.
With a heavy shove, Hiei pushed her out of the tree. Hinoki fell to the ground with a thud, luckily missing all the branches on the way down. Still, she continued to sleep.
Hiei jumped down, unsheathed his katana, and held it to her throat with one hand while holding her head up with a fistful of hair with the other.
Hinoki continued sleeping.
Hiei realized these tactics were not working, nor were any other threats upon her life.
Hiei sheathed his katana again and sat down next to Hinoki and thought for a moment. Kurama had told him ways to wake a person when they wouldn't wake up. The it occured to Hiei. Cold water!
Hiei went off for a moment and came back with a pale full of cold water. Lifting it above Hinoki's head, he dumped it all over her.
Hinoki stirred. She got on her hands and knees.
Hiei stood triumphantly, only to find that Hinoki shook herself off like a dog and crawled under the tree, curled herself into a ball and fell asleep.
Finally Hiei realized something else and decided it was his last option. He walked back over to Hinoki, leaned over her head and shouted in her ear, "BREAKFAST IS READY!"
Hinoki bolted upright so fast that Hiei didn't have time to react to her. So her head collided with his face. Hiei's hands immediately flew up to his nose and held it in pain as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. He stumbled backwards, watching Hinoki's head look back and forth like a bystander to a tennis match, looking for her morning meal.
He made a mental note to never put his nose in her way ever again.
Back to Present
Hiei shivered at the thought. It wasn't a pleasant incounter either. His nose had bled for three minutes before he finally got it to stop. That whole time Hinoki was looking for her breakfast. Obviously even when she was awake her mind was still asleep. So Hiei had decided to extend her sleeping hours a little.
Regaining his attention to the two youkai below, he listened as they again changed the subject. However, his attention was taken away as a white cat used his pant legging as a scratching post(Sniper! Bad kitty!).
"Well... how do you feel about this whole tournament?" Kurama asked.
Hinoki shrugged again, "I don't know. As long as I win it and get my freedom back, I'll be happy. My mom is going to have one hell of a time explaining my absence at school, and I'll have a helluva load of homework when I get back."
Kurama laughed at this, "Indeed, but perhaps we can work together. After all, we do go to the same school."
Hinoki grinned, "Maybe... Don't you think we should be getting back now? It is getting a bit dark outside."
Kurama stood up, "Yes, that would be the wise option. Wouldn't you agree, Hiei?"
Hiei jumped out of the tree and gave them both a stubborn look. The cat was now hanging from his pant legging with his mouth like a doll attached to some velcrow.
Hinoki shook her head and sighed, "Do you think we are Shoshinshas(beginners)? We aren't pushovers, you know."
Hiei looked at her through the corners of his eyes, "I know that." he snapped. He pulled the cat from his pant leg and shooed it away.
She put her hands on her hips, "No use arguing over it, we'd better use this time to hurry back before Genkai gets pissed."
Kurama nodded, "Agreed."
Hiei only responded with the traditional, "Hn."
On their way back to Genkai's place, they saw a group of bizarre figures heading towards them. It was a group of people, and they were laughing. Two of the laughing voices were familiar: Yusuke and Kuwabara.
It was Yusuke and Kuwabara accompanied by a few strange people they had never seen.
Yusuke looked at the three youkai as they approached one another.
"Hey, guys! Know who these guys are?" Yusuke said jerking a thumb at the people behind them.
One of the boys Yusuke was accompanied by had a familiar face to Hinoki. He had a canine protruding from his mouth, red hair, and blue eyes. He wore a red cap with a black visor, a black t-shirt, and baggy tan shorts.
Hinoki walked up to him and put her face a couple of inches from his, "You look awefully familiar." She said suspiciously.
The boy smiled nervously and lifted the hat slightly so Hinoki could see the horn on his bushy-haired head.
"Jin! That's really you?" Hinoki stammered, backing away and pointing an astonished and accusing finger at him.
Yusuke smiled mischievously, "Yep, that's really them. Touya, Jin, Chu, and Shishiwaukumaru."
Kuwabara laughed, "How does it feel to be out of the loopty-loop?"
Hinoki's eyes flickered angrily. Instead of rashly insulting him, she decided to cut the crap and strike him down.
Kuwabara was introduced to some cement within three seconds of his remark.
Touya was wearing kapris, a white shirt, sunglasses, and a light blue headband.
Shishiwaukumaru wore a baggy, dark blue hoodie that said: 'Swish' in bold red letters, baggy blue jeans, Nike sneakers, and a cap on backwards.
Chu wore a white muscle sleeveless t-shirt, a backwards black cap, sunglasses, a leather jacket, bling bling necklaces, and baggy black jeans with Nike shoes.
Kurama bit his thumb trying to hold in his laughter. His shoulders heaved up and down as he chuckled.
Hiei was the first to make a remark, "Hn...rediculous. Demons are not meant to wear human wardrobes."
Kurama and Hinoki stared down at him as if to say, "Excuse me, Mister Big Mouth?"
Hiei sweatdropped at this and didn't say another word.
Hinoki shook her head, "It's hard to believe that some out of town demons would come to our neck of the woods and change the way they look just so they can fit in with this world."
Kurama shrugged slightly, "What do you expect? They are demons of our old homeland."
They both shook their heads superiorily as the group of demons shook their fists angrily with crossveins leaking out onto their foreheads.
They soon began their journey back. Once they had returned they had found Botan waiting on the steps of Genkai's Shrine for them.
When she saw them coming she stood and approached them, obviously something troubling her.
Yusuke was the first to speak, "What's up, Botan?" He asked gently, not wanting to force anything out of her. He was actually being respectful and gentle in the matter.
Hiei, however had no patience for this as Botan only lowered her head, "Will you quit your pathetic pouting and tell us what you have come to say?"
Hinoki shot him a glare, and as she left his side to approach Botan she muttered to him, "You're impossibly moronic."
Hiei's eyebrows sank in an irritated way. Yet he said nothing.
Hinoki offered comfort as she wrapped an arm around her. She was polite and gentle when she spoke, even more so than Yusuke.
"Please, Botan. Tell us what you know so you won't need to bare this burden alone. We're hear for you." Hinoki offered gently.
Botan scanned the group her eyes landed on Hiei and Kuwabara as tears welled into her eyes.
"He's taken them..." She said through broken tears.
Hiei and Kuwbara's eyes widened, "Taken who?" Kuwabara demanded.
"Y... Yukina... and Shizuru...." She said, her shoulders heaved as she let out violent sobs.
Hiei's expression soon enveloped to what looked like disbelief which soon melted to become anger.
"That's not all he's taken..." Botan said shifting her view to Hinoki and Yusuke. "He's taken Keiko and Damien as well."
Hinoki stepped away from Botan with utter horror. She raised her hands to her mouth as she fought back tears.
"He's taken Shiori as well." Botan said shifting her view to Kurama.
Kurama's eyes widened in disbelief, "But... why?" he asked.
It was the second time they had asked that. And the second time the question remained unanswered.
"The answer is simple... " Hinoki said, now realizing the truth was as plain as day.
Everyone turned to Hinoki as her eyes lowered to stare at the dirt on the ground.
"He wanted to make sure we would all compete so he took the ones dearest to our hearts. My brother... Kurama's mother... Kuwabara's sister... Yusuke's childhood friend and girlfriend... " She trailed off.
"What was taken from Hiei?" Kuwabara asked in concern.
Hinoki looked up slightly and turned her gaze to Hiei who only looked away.
Kurama provided an answer, "His pride."
It wasn't exactly a lie. Hiei was always proud of Yukina like an older brother would be. She was his pride and joy, even if he had to watch her from the shadows.
Botan was silent, yet turned to Hinoki.
"Hinoki, he chose you to fight him in the final round, please don't let us down. The people we love's lives rests in your hands. I've taken someone I love once to Spirit World... don't make me take another." Botan said sadly.
Hinoki nodded silently in understanding. She knew that Botan at one time had to take Genkai to Spirit World and was overwhelmed with sadness as a side affect.
Botan dug around in her jeans pocket and pulled out a communication mirror, "This is a link to Koenma. He wishes to speak with you." Botan explained, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Hinoki accepted the gingerly.
Botan's oar appeared in her hand as she mounted it and flew off.
Hinoki looked at the dumbstruck group behind her. She turned and began walking to her room, feeling their eyes upon her as she left them.
Note: Okay.... depending upon your views this was probably short. But I don't care because it is getting late, I am tired, have school tomarrow, an Anime Club meeting to go to after school, a frickin' pen mark on my had to wash off, my hair is in my face and needs to be punished (DIE, HAIR! DIE!), AND MY FRICKIN' TEACHERS ARE TRYING TO RUN ME OVER WITH A CAR! (Sound familiar? Not really... --') Anyways... I'll do my best to try and update, but in the meantime, do you mind trying to review this and tell people what a super great awesome story this is so I don't get mad and kinda sorta try to kill everyone on the known Earth with Machetties, flame throwers, an army of Bakura's, Kaiba's, Yugi's, All three Yami's(yes even Marik! MWAHAHAHAHA!), Joey's, Hiei's, Shuuichi's, Yoko's, Jin's, Touya's, Sansui's, Yusuke's, Shishiwaukumaru's, Tasuki's, Tamahome's, Hotohori's, Chichiri's, Nuriko's, Noruto's, Sasuke's, Kakashi's, Yoh's, and all the guys from Fruits Basket! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ONWARD TO WORLD DOMINATION, AND IGNORE THE SCREAMING FANGIRLS! I AM YOUR ONE, TRUE LEADER THAT SHALL LEAD YOU TO VICTORY! MWAHAHAHAHA!
Me: Okay, I am really starting to get tired of doing these stupid disclaimers. I refuse to do them.
Kurama: Daijobu, Yume-chan! You really shouldn't be so strange when it comes to such things as this. Besides, you know that if you don't you could get arrested, sued or both if you don't do the disclaimer. Because our original creator, or our "Mother"(Yes, the creator of YYH is a girl) will think you are stealing her characters and using them in your own creations.
Me: So what? Technically, I am taking her characters and using them for my own purposes, but not keeping them. Because I don't own Hiei, Yusuke, Keiko, Kuwabara, Botan, Kaitou, Kido, Yanagisawa, Sniper, Sansui, Bui, Karasu, Koronue, Kurama, Jin, Touya, Shishiwaukumaru, Genkai, Toguro Brothers, The Game Mast-"
Hiei: I think we get the point...
Me: thinks a second then is struck with realization OH CRAP! I did the disclaimer and didn't even realize it! AAAAAAAAAAAH! MUKETE AKUMU! ANATA BAKA! WHAT FATE HAS SHAMED ME WITH! points accusingly at Hiei THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!
Hiei: Hn... and what led you to that accusation?
Me: I NEED TO BLAME SOMEONE, AND I CHOSE YOU! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kurama: ' Daijobu, Yume-chan! Daijobu! (Thinks: Grow up, girl!)
Me: NO! NOT DAIJOBU! Sits down and pouts TT We might as well get this thing over with. Huggles Sniper so he turns into a white cat(Like from Fruits Basket!) I put a curse on him when you weren't looking! Evil grin
Kurama and Hiei: Slowly back away
Kurama: ' runs away See ya!
Hiei: --' Follows Right behind you!
Note: Okay, I know all of you that were smart enough to come to this Sequel and read it are probably really anxious to read this chapter, so I'll try and be quick. Number one, I am really getting pissed that everyone is e-mailing me saying that they want to know when I'm putting up the sequel. I try to be polite, but what I really want to say is: "DUH! IT'S RIGHT HERE! IT'S CALLED 'STORM QUEEN' YOU DEMENTED DRUNKIN' BAKA, TOO HOPPED UP ON COKAWANNAHEROSPEED(Cokain, heroin, marijuana, and speed put together) TO SEE THE NOSE ON YOUR FACE! I SWEAR, IF BRAINS WERE ELECTRICITY, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TO LIGHT THE DYNAMO IN A FIREFLY'S ASS!" As you can tell, I'm getting really annoyed and my attitude problem is beginning to show it(Get's evil ideas on how to torture the stupid). But I'm really trying to be nice about this(Tries to smile nicely but it turns into a dark, evil, and menacing smile). So anyone who actually reads this, please in your next chapter update, could you please advertise this sequel. But of course tell them to please read the first story so this one makes sense. Okay? Thanks. Number two, I realize I am lacking reviews, so when you read this could you PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW! I'M BEGINNING TO THINK NO ONE LIKES THIS STORY! WHAT IS WRONG? AM I NOT FUNNY ENOUGH? AM I NOT TURTLE ENOUGH FOR THE TURTLE CLUB? PLEASE REVIEW THIS STORY AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, OR I SHALL CAUSE DISHONOR UPON YOUR ENTIRE CLAN! TT (Laughs meniacly)(Probably spelt a few things wrong, but it is late and too tired to care. Meh.)
Kurama and Hinoki walked to the park together. "We're being followed." Hinoki whispered.
"I know." Kurama whispered in return.
They walked in silence together, no longer holding hands. They sensed whomever was following them.
"It's him." Hinoki announced quietly.
"Yes, it seems he couldn't resist keeping an eye out for you." Kurama said.
"Whatever. Let him." Hinoki sighed, closing her eyes as she walked.
"I think he may be getting a bit protective of you." Kurama said just above a whisper.
"But it's like that song. How does it go? Oh yeah!" She said. She then began to sing a line to a song that she had heard. "Can't you see that you're smothering me? Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control, 'cause everything that you want me to be, is falling apart right in front of you. Every step that I take is another mistake to you. And every second I waste is more than I can take."
Kurama smiled, "You're pretty good."
Hinoki shrugged and shook her head, "Tch, I'm in chorus. Nothing special."
Yes, but to be in chorus in the Meio Private Academy is no easy feat. You have to be a very good singer to make that high of a mark." Kurama argued.
"I beg to differ. I've been singing since I could talk. I've practiced upon occasion, but I've never actually tried to be great at it. My heart lies in fighting. I really don't have much interest in music." Hinoki said.
Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, Hiei followed the pair. He heard them talking about some ningen class called Chorus, whatever that was. He didn't take much interest to the subject, but listen nonetheless as they entered the park and sat on a bench under a tree. Hiei stealthly landed on one of the tree's branches and listened to the discussion as it began to change.
"So... How do you like Hiei's training?" Kurama said, changing the subject.
Hinoki could tell that he had chenged the subject because he was afraid she might start fighting with him about it, which she might have if he had pushed her too far onto the subject.
Hinoki looked down at the dying grass. The warm weather was fading slowly, but it was still a nice day outside. She took a deep breath and answered his question, "It is hard, but I think I'm doing pretty well. The only part I'm having difficulty with is getting up early. But I think it's harder on Hiei because he has to battle with me just to get me to wake up and stay up, otherwise I keep trying to go back to sleep." Hinoki said with a nervous laugh.
Kurama smiled with a sweatdrop.
Hiei rolled his eyes with a smirk. He remembered the most recent and most grueling of all those battles. It wasn't long ago, either.
Flashback
It was an early three in the morning and they had gone to bed only two hours ago.
Hinoki was not a happy camper in the morning, that was for sure. Hiei woke from his slumber and jumped down from his treebranch to Hinoki's. He always slept higher up than Hinoki did, for some reason Hinoki slept only a few branches from the lowest branch all the time.
Hiei nudged her, "Wake up. We have work to do."
Hinoki made a distasteful face and rolled over.
Hiei tried again, "Wake up, Baka. We must begin our training now."
Hinoki waved a hand ushering him to go away, except her hand was waving in his face so instead of waving, she was patting his face.
Hiei swiped her hand away, he was getting irritated, "Get up or I shall move you."
Hinoki fell back to sleep.
A sweatdrop appeared on Hiei's forehead, soon followed by a crossvein.
With a heavy shove, Hiei pushed her out of the tree. Hinoki fell to the ground with a thud, luckily missing all the branches on the way down. Still, she continued to sleep.
Hiei jumped down, unsheathed his katana, and held it to her throat with one hand while holding her head up with a fistful of hair with the other.
Hinoki continued sleeping.
Hiei realized these tactics were not working, nor were any other threats upon her life.
Hiei sheathed his katana again and sat down next to Hinoki and thought for a moment. Kurama had told him ways to wake a person when they wouldn't wake up. The it occured to Hiei. Cold water!
Hiei went off for a moment and came back with a pale full of cold water. Lifting it above Hinoki's head, he dumped it all over her.
Hinoki stirred. She got on her hands and knees.
Hiei stood triumphantly, only to find that Hinoki shook herself off like a dog and crawled under the tree, curled herself into a ball and fell asleep.
Finally Hiei realized something else and decided it was his last option. He walked back over to Hinoki, leaned over her head and shouted in her ear, "BREAKFAST IS READY!"
Hinoki bolted upright so fast that Hiei didn't have time to react to her. So her head collided with his face. Hiei's hands immediately flew up to his nose and held it in pain as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. He stumbled backwards, watching Hinoki's head look back and forth like a bystander to a tennis match, looking for her morning meal.
He made a mental note to never put his nose in her way ever again.
Back to Present
Hiei shivered at the thought. It wasn't a pleasant incounter either. His nose had bled for three minutes before he finally got it to stop. That whole time Hinoki was looking for her breakfast. Obviously even when she was awake her mind was still asleep. So Hiei had decided to extend her sleeping hours a little.
Regaining his attention to the two youkai below, he listened as they again changed the subject. However, his attention was taken away as a white cat used his pant legging as a scratching post(Sniper! Bad kitty!).
"Well... how do you feel about this whole tournament?" Kurama asked.
Hinoki shrugged again, "I don't know. As long as I win it and get my freedom back, I'll be happy. My mom is going to have one hell of a time explaining my absence at school, and I'll have a helluva load of homework when I get back."
Kurama laughed at this, "Indeed, but perhaps we can work together. After all, we do go to the same school."
Hinoki grinned, "Maybe... Don't you think we should be getting back now? It is getting a bit dark outside."
Kurama stood up, "Yes, that would be the wise option. Wouldn't you agree, Hiei?"
Hiei jumped out of the tree and gave them both a stubborn look. The cat was now hanging from his pant legging with his mouth like a doll attached to some velcrow.
Hinoki shook her head and sighed, "Do you think we are Shoshinshas(beginners)? We aren't pushovers, you know."
Hiei looked at her through the corners of his eyes, "I know that." he snapped. He pulled the cat from his pant leg and shooed it away.
She put her hands on her hips, "No use arguing over it, we'd better use this time to hurry back before Genkai gets pissed."
Kurama nodded, "Agreed."
Hiei only responded with the traditional, "Hn."
On their way back to Genkai's place, they saw a group of bizarre figures heading towards them. It was a group of people, and they were laughing. Two of the laughing voices were familiar: Yusuke and Kuwabara.
It was Yusuke and Kuwabara accompanied by a few strange people they had never seen.
Yusuke looked at the three youkai as they approached one another.
"Hey, guys! Know who these guys are?" Yusuke said jerking a thumb at the people behind them.
One of the boys Yusuke was accompanied by had a familiar face to Hinoki. He had a canine protruding from his mouth, red hair, and blue eyes. He wore a red cap with a black visor, a black t-shirt, and baggy tan shorts.
Hinoki walked up to him and put her face a couple of inches from his, "You look awefully familiar." She said suspiciously.
The boy smiled nervously and lifted the hat slightly so Hinoki could see the horn on his bushy-haired head.
"Jin! That's really you?" Hinoki stammered, backing away and pointing an astonished and accusing finger at him.
Yusuke smiled mischievously, "Yep, that's really them. Touya, Jin, Chu, and Shishiwaukumaru."
Kuwabara laughed, "How does it feel to be out of the loopty-loop?"
Hinoki's eyes flickered angrily. Instead of rashly insulting him, she decided to cut the crap and strike him down.
Kuwabara was introduced to some cement within three seconds of his remark.
Touya was wearing kapris, a white shirt, sunglasses, and a light blue headband.
Shishiwaukumaru wore a baggy, dark blue hoodie that said: 'Swish' in bold red letters, baggy blue jeans, Nike sneakers, and a cap on backwards.
Chu wore a white muscle sleeveless t-shirt, a backwards black cap, sunglasses, a leather jacket, bling bling necklaces, and baggy black jeans with Nike shoes.
Kurama bit his thumb trying to hold in his laughter. His shoulders heaved up and down as he chuckled.
Hiei was the first to make a remark, "Hn...rediculous. Demons are not meant to wear human wardrobes."
Kurama and Hinoki stared down at him as if to say, "Excuse me, Mister Big Mouth?"
Hiei sweatdropped at this and didn't say another word.
Hinoki shook her head, "It's hard to believe that some out of town demons would come to our neck of the woods and change the way they look just so they can fit in with this world."
Kurama shrugged slightly, "What do you expect? They are demons of our old homeland."
They both shook their heads superiorily as the group of demons shook their fists angrily with crossveins leaking out onto their foreheads.
They soon began their journey back. Once they had returned they had found Botan waiting on the steps of Genkai's Shrine for them.
When she saw them coming she stood and approached them, obviously something troubling her.
Yusuke was the first to speak, "What's up, Botan?" He asked gently, not wanting to force anything out of her. He was actually being respectful and gentle in the matter.
Hiei, however had no patience for this as Botan only lowered her head, "Will you quit your pathetic pouting and tell us what you have come to say?"
Hinoki shot him a glare, and as she left his side to approach Botan she muttered to him, "You're impossibly moronic."
Hiei's eyebrows sank in an irritated way. Yet he said nothing.
Hinoki offered comfort as she wrapped an arm around her. She was polite and gentle when she spoke, even more so than Yusuke.
"Please, Botan. Tell us what you know so you won't need to bare this burden alone. We're hear for you." Hinoki offered gently.
Botan scanned the group her eyes landed on Hiei and Kuwabara as tears welled into her eyes.
"He's taken them..." She said through broken tears.
Hiei and Kuwbara's eyes widened, "Taken who?" Kuwabara demanded.
"Y... Yukina... and Shizuru...." She said, her shoulders heaved as she let out violent sobs.
Hiei's expression soon enveloped to what looked like disbelief which soon melted to become anger.
"That's not all he's taken..." Botan said shifting her view to Hinoki and Yusuke. "He's taken Keiko and Damien as well."
Hinoki stepped away from Botan with utter horror. She raised her hands to her mouth as she fought back tears.
"He's taken Shiori as well." Botan said shifting her view to Kurama.
Kurama's eyes widened in disbelief, "But... why?" he asked.
It was the second time they had asked that. And the second time the question remained unanswered.
"The answer is simple... " Hinoki said, now realizing the truth was as plain as day.
Everyone turned to Hinoki as her eyes lowered to stare at the dirt on the ground.
"He wanted to make sure we would all compete so he took the ones dearest to our hearts. My brother... Kurama's mother... Kuwabara's sister... Yusuke's childhood friend and girlfriend... " She trailed off.
"What was taken from Hiei?" Kuwabara asked in concern.
Hinoki looked up slightly and turned her gaze to Hiei who only looked away.
Kurama provided an answer, "His pride."
It wasn't exactly a lie. Hiei was always proud of Yukina like an older brother would be. She was his pride and joy, even if he had to watch her from the shadows.
Botan was silent, yet turned to Hinoki.
"Hinoki, he chose you to fight him in the final round, please don't let us down. The people we love's lives rests in your hands. I've taken someone I love once to Spirit World... don't make me take another." Botan said sadly.
Hinoki nodded silently in understanding. She knew that Botan at one time had to take Genkai to Spirit World and was overwhelmed with sadness as a side affect.
Botan dug around in her jeans pocket and pulled out a communication mirror, "This is a link to Koenma. He wishes to speak with you." Botan explained, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Hinoki accepted the gingerly.
Botan's oar appeared in her hand as she mounted it and flew off.
Hinoki looked at the dumbstruck group behind her. She turned and began walking to her room, feeling their eyes upon her as she left them.
Note: Okay.... depending upon your views this was probably short. But I don't care because it is getting late, I am tired, have school tomarrow, an Anime Club meeting to go to after school, a frickin' pen mark on my had to wash off, my hair is in my face and needs to be punished (DIE, HAIR! DIE!), AND MY FRICKIN' TEACHERS ARE TRYING TO RUN ME OVER WITH A CAR! (Sound familiar? Not really... --') Anyways... I'll do my best to try and update, but in the meantime, do you mind trying to review this and tell people what a super great awesome story this is so I don't get mad and kinda sorta try to kill everyone on the known Earth with Machetties, flame throwers, an army of Bakura's, Kaiba's, Yugi's, All three Yami's(yes even Marik! MWAHAHAHAHA!), Joey's, Hiei's, Shuuichi's, Yoko's, Jin's, Touya's, Sansui's, Yusuke's, Shishiwaukumaru's, Tasuki's, Tamahome's, Hotohori's, Chichiri's, Nuriko's, Noruto's, Sasuke's, Kakashi's, Yoh's, and all the guys from Fruits Basket! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ONWARD TO WORLD DOMINATION, AND IGNORE THE SCREAMING FANGIRLS! I AM YOUR ONE, TRUE LEADER THAT SHALL LEAD YOU TO VICTORY! MWAHAHAHAHA!