Title:Keiko's Revenge
Author:Bradybunch4529
Summary: Keiko overhears a conversation between the gang that causes her to leave everything behind.
Disclaimers: Yu Yu Hakusho and everything related is not mine.
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Keiko/Yusuke Botan/Koenma Kurama/OC
A/N:I am changing things to suit me of course. So slightly AU. At this point Yusuke is not on his way to Makai. Hints of Keiko/Hiei friendship
Reviewers:
Donamarine: Misunderstanding can ruin a relationship. But I'm hoping I manage to make it stronger in the end. It's still going to be awhile before they manage to work it out. There are hints but keep reading; I hope to clear it up this chapter. Thanks for watching out for me; it's very sweet of you. And I'll do the same for you. It's an honor.
Escptheshdw835: Thanks so much!! I wasn't sure if it would work out right with Keiko and Hiei. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. There will be more and more changes with chapter 6. So hang on and let me know what you think.
Kuramalover21: It was short this time? I guess I thought it was longer because I kept going back over it. I think chapter 6 will be one of my longest chapters; so I hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Keta Himura: You came back! Even better. So glad that you liked it! I wasn't sure if I went too overboard or left the emotions hanging. I really wondered if there was enough tension or if I portrayed the scene right. But if you enjoyed it then I know I did something right! Thanks for letting me know and keep reviewing!
AnnechanB:Another new reviewer! So glad that you came to visit. I want to thank you so much for your review. I was trying for a coming of age story. Thanks so much (bows several times) for letting me know that you enjoyed it. Please review again.
Spede: So good to have you back again. I can always count on you to be honest. Yes there was a hint of Botan and Yusuke but that was Keiko's imagination. I hope that Chapter 6 will finally put the Keiko and Hiei relationship in stone. Let me know if I don't accomplish it. And you are correct; Hiei definitely doesn't normally melt. However, Keiko is an unusual experience for him. He's never really dealt with her or anyone like her before. Keep reviewing. (I need you to keep me on the straight and arrow).
SilverRainbow223:Another new one! (Bows deeply) I want to thank you for your compliment. I try to be original but I do like to incorporate other writing styles. Keiko/Yusuke are my favorite couple so I'm only going to focus on those. Though before my next story I'm waiting to finish this one. I want to see how this one goes first. But never fear I have idea for others. Stick with me. Keep reviewing.
Chapter 6: Remembering
The room was silent was silent after Keiko's escape. Everyone avoided looking at Yusuke who stood staring out the window. The only hint of movement was the clenching and unclenching of his fists. The others glanced uneasily at each other; silently wondering who should be the first to approach him. They were still trying to decide when Yusuke suddenly moved.
Hiei just barely managed to dodge the punch to his face. He moved with blinding speed and jumped out the window. Yusuke removed his hand from the wall of Kurama's bedroom and followed Hiei out the window. The anger was beginning to pound its way through his veins. Something was wrong with the woman that he loved and she wouldn't tell him.
Yusuke wasn't even aware of catching up with Hiei. Both of them moving so blindingly fast that they were only blurs. His fist caught Hiei's cheek and Hiei went flying backwards. Yusuke followed Hiei down and managed to get under him. A kick to the back sent Hiei upwards with a grunt. Hiei managed to flip around and caught the next kick and countered with a quick jab to the face.
Yusuke took the blow with out flinching and countered with a knee to the stomach. Hiei blocked the knee and countered with a rapid fire series of blows. For every punch there was a counter and then the two them sprang apart. Blood was beginning to drip from multiple cuts and bruises were forming.
"She's mine Hiei," Yusuke finally said. He glared over at the fire demon, "and you will stay away from her."
"I have no idea what you are talking about Uremeshi," Hiei replied as met Yusuke's hazel gaze calmly. Hiei turned and walked away from Uremeshi without looking back. He tried to ignore the pain that was beginning to make its presence known. It always amazed him how powerful Yusuke became when it came to anything dealing with Keiko. He had to shake his head at the two of them. They had to be the most oblivious pair in the world.
Yusuke watched Hiei walk away into the darkness of the night. He ignored the presence of the rest of the gang. When Botan's hand landed on his shoulder he shrugged it off and stalked away. The fight with Hiei had only managed to wet his appetite and he knew that he could find another brawl if he went looking. Perhaps if he were lucky he would find a couple demons to pound on. The worry and confusion made his heart clench. He absently rubbed at his chest, trying to ignore the pain. He didn't understand what was going on with Keiko. Last night when he went to bed he was secure in the knowledge that Keiko was fine.
Yusuke sighed and looked up at the moon. His hazel eyes pensive and his face drawn with worry. He would never admit it but he always checked on Keiko at night. He needed to know that she was safe before he could sleep. Sometimes he even stayed outside her window watching her sleep before slipping off to his own house.
He made such a big deal about going to school because he needed to know that she still cared. He didn't mind going to school but he needed to see the worry and the fire in her eyes. As long as that fire was still there, as long as she continued to ride him then he knew that there was one person in the world who loved him.
Keiko had always been there for him. Her hand warm and strong around his, her shoulder a place to rest his head and her arms protected him. Yusuke paused at the bridge, his hand resting on the railing, his eyes staring out over the water. He paid no mind to the way the moonbeams danced on the waves. Instead he wondered when Keiko had become so important to him.
Was it the day they first met? Even at that age he had a reputation but Keiko had never shown any fear of him. Or was it the first time he had got into a fight and Keiko had backed him up? Or was it the first time that she had raked him over the coals for doing something stupid? He looked down at his hands and watched them close. His fingers laced together and his elbows rested on the wall.
He propped his chin on his hands and continued staring into the night. The warm breeze ruffled his hair and wrapped the scent of jasmine around him. His eyes drifted closed and he inhaled deeply, jasmine always reminded of Keiko. He had once given her a lotion and body spray because she had mentioned liking the way it smelled. He had brushed it off but her hug and smile had lit up his world.
As he stood in the night, alone except for the shadows in the night, he couldn't help but remember. He had always hated thunderstorms; the lightening and thunder had always made the night seem scarier. Especially when his mom had been gone or on a bender, the night had always pressed in a little harder on him. The first time he had sat huddling in a corner, jumping at every noise and flash of lights. When he had confided in Keiko she had made him promise that next time he would come to her.
After that it had become a habit. The storm would hit and he would make his way to her, crawling through the window. There would be a change of clothes and a towel on the chair for him. It had always made him feel so loved and when he crawled in bed with her, her arms would curl around his shoulders. His fears would disappear and he could sleep, knowing that he was protected.
Yusuke laughed softly. He wondered what the gang would say if they knew that Yusuke could only really rest if Keiko was near. He had been a fighter too long to really rest; Keikos' presence allowed him to relax and sleep. He knew that he was safe and protected when she was near. Yusuke sighed and stared up at the moon. Keiko was everything that he had ever wanted or needed. She had always been right there and now it was if she was only the other side of a cliff.
He needed to talk to her, Yusuke decided and nodded to himself. He would make her tell him what was wrong. He would admit to everything and finally give her the ring he had been carrying around. Yusuke couldn't help but wonder what Keiko would say when she found out that he had bought the ring the moment he came back from the dead. He had needed to let her know that she was the only one for him. The only thing that had stopped him was the fact that to her it was as if nothing had changed.
She was his anchor, his rock, his steadying influence and it seemed as if she was letting go. He couldn't let her do that. Maybe it was selfish of him but he loved her too much to just let her go. It was too late tonight and she had been through too much.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would talk to her and nothing could stop him.
Keiko cried into her pillow, her hands clutching it tighter against her. Puu's round body pressed against her side as he hooted softly into her ear. Despite the warmth from his body and the covers Keiko couldn't shake the cold that seemed to permeate her bones. With every second the chill seemed to spread and was slowly beginning to take over her body.
The last time Keiko had hurt this much was when Yusuke had died. She had been convinced that she would never see him again. Instead he had come to her in a dream and told her not to worry. Yusuke had never broken a promise to her and this time had not been any different. There had been a time when she had been convinced that Yusuke was all that she would ever need and it was the same for him.
When had that changed? Was it with his death? Had he seen then that she was no longer a necessary part of his life? Was it after the kiss that had given him back his life? Was it after the dark tournament? Or had the final blow came when he became a demon? Had he decided that she was too weak? Was it possible that she had done something? Where had it all gone wrong?
There were no answers in the night. Only the echo of her own pain and thoughts. Once Yusuke had been the one that she could call. He would calm her fears and soothe her tears away. Without his presence Keiko was lost in a storm of doubt. She had only herself to rely on now.
A new determination filled her. Keiko would have to be stronger. She would have to defend herself and not rely on Yusuke or the rest of the gang for support. In the quiet of the night Keiko said good-bye to her hopes and dreams. It no longer mattered that Genkai had once told her that Yusuke needed her and loved her. What mattered was what she needed. In that moment a new Keiko was born. And this Keiko was colder and harder than before.
Keiko would make her own way in the world. And she would not regret her decision. It was time to discover who Keiko Yukimara was and what she believed in. And to do that she had to cut all ties here. So tomorrow she would tell her parents and arrange for her things to be shipped. There would be no regrets. There would be time later for those.
When an ocean was between her and Yusuke and she no longer had to pretend that nothing had changed.
Botan, Kuwabara, Shizuru, Yukina and Kurama stood in silence after Yusuke and Hiei walked away. They weren't sure what had happened but was convinced that something was very wrong. Keiko was acting strange, Yusuke was a ticking bomb and Hiei wasn't acting like Hiei.
"I don't understand," Yukina said softly as she looked up at Kuwabara. "What's going on?"
"We don't know," Kuwabara said heavily, his arms crossed over his chest. "But I think that Keiko's at the center of it."
"I agree," Kurama stated as he stared after Hiei. "And until we get her to explain why, I'm afraid that we are not going to be able to do much."
"Then we'll just have to make her talk," Shizuru decided as her cigarette smoke drifted upwards. "After all Keiko's not one for keeping secrets."
"I don't know," Botan replied slowly. "Keiko isn't acting normally." Botan waved her hand after the two combatants. "Let's face it, Keiko would never have not let Yusuke walk her home and relying on Hiei…" her voice trailed off and she turned to look at the rest of the gang. "Can you honestly tell me that Keiko and Yusuke have ever fought like that before?"
Silence fell in the group, as each of them was lost in their own thoughts. Flashes of memories of meeting Keiko for the first time assaulted them.
Flashback
For Shizuru is was the first time that she had ever met Keiko. Yusuke had been dead then, a spirit hovering over Keiko, doing his best to protect her. The emotions that she had felt between the two of them had been all consuming. Even then it had been apparent that two of them belonged together. Their devotion had been strengthened with each challenge that they had faced.
Keiko was such a prim sort of person. And yet it was obvious that she could and would keep Yusuke in line. The bond between the two youngsters had surprised Shizuru and it had managed to keep her on her toes. Keiko was normally the sweetest, kindest most accepting person in the world unless someone was attacking a friend. Then she became a tiger. Yusuke was the perfect counterpart.
For Kuwabara it was remembering the first time after Yusuke had been him to a pulp. He and his gang had been walking to the soda shop, trying to decide the best way to beat Yusuke. When a commotion had caught their attention at the ramen shop up ahead. There was a girl with her hands on her hips yelling at a boy who was rubbing his toes into the ground and running his hand through his hair. Upon closer examination the gang had realized that the boy was actually Yusuke Uremeshi. They had been so startled that for a minute they didn't believe it. As they got closer they began to hear the conversation.
"Yusuke Uremeshi you are in middle school now," the girl had stated and pointed her finger in his face. "You can not just skip school and get into fights on the first day of school."
"But Keiko," Uremeshi had protested, his voice meek and apologetic. "Those boys jumped me and you know that I have to protect my rep."
The girl had sighed, "even so Yusuke, you know that I worry when you don't come to school."
"I know Keiko," the boy looked at her and smiled, his right hand tucked behind his head. "I'll do better I promise."
The girl had laughed and pulled Yusuke into the shop with her. "Come on, I know you're hungry and you can stay and do your homework with me."
Yusuke had protested even as he allowed the girl to pull him in the shop. Their voices blending together as the door shut behind them. At that moment Kuwabara realized that he had found Yusuke's weakness. And knew that he would never use it. The girl would be under his protection when Yusuke wasn't around. A glance at his gang had shown the same knowledge and Kuwabara nodded and they continued on their way.
For Kurama it was when Hiei had kidnapped her. He hadn't really paid too much attention to her at the time. It wasn't until later, when she knew who and what he was, that Kurama had realized what type of girl she was.
He had been running away from his fan club. It had been Valentines Day and each girl had been determined to give him her chocolate. For him it had been a dreadful day full of polite dodges and slipping around corners. Then on the way home he had seen a familiar figure up ahead of him.
He almost went by her but she had called out, "Kurama?" Her voice had been slightly hesitant and fearful.
He had been tempted to keep walking but simple politeness had forced him to respond. "Yes?"
"Oh good it is you," Keiko had sighed her dark eyes warm as she looked up at him.
"I'm a bit busy," he had started to explain only to stop when her eyes had traveled behind him and widened.
"Goodness," Keiko had whispered.
"As you can see," he had started to explain only to stop when she grabbed his hand.
"This way," Keiko told him as she pulled him along.
"Where are we going?" He had questioned as she led him down alley after alley, almost running as the sound of pursuit came clearer.
"Right here," Keiko said as she pulled Kurama into the back entrance of her parents ramen shop. She pulled him through the kitchen and upstairs into her room. "They'll never find you here and in a couple hours you can go home." Keiko explained as she let go of his hand and placed her bag at her desk.
Kurama had been unsure of what to say. Keiko had never seemed to be of too great of importance except for a weakness. Now he suddenly realized that he had never taken the time to really understand this girl who kept Yusuke on the straight and narrow. For the next couple of hours they had did their homework and Kurama had come to the conclusion that Keiko was Yusuke's strength and without her he wouldn't have anything to fight for.
For Botan it wasn't so much as meeting Keiko. After all with his death, Keiko had been the one that Yusuke worried about the most. He was keeping a constant eye on her. And Botan had always known that Keiko was the most important thing to Yusuke. He worried about her constantly; tried to pretend that he didn't notice when a guy got too close to her.
Perhaps the first true meeting had come when Yusuke had been hiding on the roof after the Hiei incident. Keiko hadn't forgiven Yusuke and he was pouting on the roof. Botan had decided to try and reason with Keiko, after all Keiko was a girl and so was Botan. There had to be a meeting ground somewhere, so Botan had gathered up her courage and caught Keiko during lunch.
"Keiko," Botan had called cheerfully, her hand waving to get Keiko's attention.
"Yes?" Keiko had queried coolly as she looked through Botan.
"Umm, I was wondering if we could talk?" Botan had to fight the urge to shuffle under Keiko's dark brown gaze.
"About?"
"Yusuke," Botan had offered with a hesitant smile.
"What about him?" Keiko had asked carelessly as she settled onto the grass with her lunch.
"There's nothing between us," Botan had hastened to assure her then fumbled to a halt when Keiko had finally met her gaze. The anger and the pain in Keiko's eyes had been enough to make Botan cry.
"I should care why?" Keiko had asked as she bit into her sandwich.
"Umm…" Botan had trailed off as Keiko continued to each her lunch and watch Botan. After a few seconds of silence Botan had finally given up and ran away. Keiko was much scarier than Yusuke. And Botan made the instant decision that Yusuke could get forgiveness on his own. Botan would not be interfering again.
For Yukina it was completely different. From the moment that Yusuke had brought Yukina to Genkai's temple, Keiko had been there every step of the way. Accepting who and what she was. For Yukina Keiko was the first friend that she had ever had. Keiko would often stop by and take Yukina shopping, making sure that she had everything she needed. Keiko had provided a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand.
But what had made the biggest impression on Yukina was the night that she couldn't sleep. Keiko had been staying the night and Yusuke and the rest was out on an assignment. Yukina had heard something and she had slid noiselessly into the hall. At the entryway to the main temple, she had come to a halt at the sight before her.
Keiko was kneeling in front of Yusuke, a rag in her hand and a dish of water by her side. Yusuke was protesting slightly, even as he tilted his head into her hand. Keiko had continued to gently wipe away the blood and scold him.
The look on Yusuke's face as Keiko washed the rag out and rested her hand on his thigh, had almost made Yukina cry. Yusuke's hand had covered Keiko's where it rested on his thigh. Keiko had let her head drop to his shoulder and her other hand had come to wrap around his neck, then linked together than hands that rested on his thigh. Yusuke's head had dropped onto hers and he leaned more comfortably against the wall. Eyes closed and hands united, both of them sighed and relaxed, seconds away from falling asleep, each secure in the others presence. Yukina had withdrawn but the images of the two of them had stayed with her for a very long time.
End Flashbacks
"You're right,"Shizuru's voice brought each of them out of their memories. "Keiko isn't acting like she normally does. But the best bet is to get her to talk. So I say we get together tomorrow and get some answers from her."
They had all agreed and then headed into the night, confident in their new plan.
Early the next morning, Keiko was walking down the street. Her hair bounced around her face as the sun began to dissipate the shadows. Her short blue skirt bounced around her thighs and her white blouse was open over a pale blue tank top. Puu perched carefully on her shoulder. His blue and yellow feathers cascading down her back, his head tilted towards hers. A smile graced her face as she made her way to the post office. She had finished packing this morning. All of her boxes were taped and labeled. All that remained was to arrange pick up and get prices.
She climbed the steps into the post office, her white sandals tapping softly on the stone steps. Keiko didn't notice the glances she got from people leaving the post office. She smiled at the man who opened the door for her but didn't really register his presence. She was too concentratedon her task and determined to see it through.
It only took a few moments and then she was back in the sun. As she made her way down the street, she became aware of being watched. Instead of stopping she had continued on her way, it took only a few seconds for her to realize who it was.
"Hello Hiei," she greeted as she paused beneath a tree. There was a whisper of sound and then Hiei was beside her. "Is there a reason that you are following me?" Keiko asked after a few minutes.
Hiei remained silent. His black gaze fixed on something in the distance. He didn't understand why he was following her. He had decided last night to stay away and yet this morning he had been perched on her roof, determined to protect her. The fight with Yusuke had made no sense to him. He didn't love Keiko, but there was something in the way that she had trusted him. It had caused emotions that he didn't understand.
"You know," Keiko's voice brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to meet her gaze. "If you don't want to tell me you don't have to." Keiko met his gaze and smiled at him.
"I…" Hiei's voice trailed off and he found himself lost in her gaze. His hand rose of its own violation. Keiko caught it and shook her head slightly.
"Thank you, Hiei." Keiko smiled at him. "You came to my rescue last night and I am thankful. But we both know it would never work." Keiko paused and shook her head at him. "You simply want someone to take your sisters place. You've never had anyone rely on you before or not fear what you can do, especially not a girl."
Keiko pressed a kiss to his forehead. "It will all be taken care of in a few days," Keiko assured him and took a step back. "So don't worry. Though you might want to finally admit it to Yukina," Keiko scolded gently with a smile on her face. Then she turned and walked away from him.
"Wait," Hiei called after her. "You never explained how you knew about Yukina."
"It wasn't hard Hiei," Keiko tossed over her shoulder. "You are as transparent as glass." Keiko continued down the sidewalk without turning around.
Hiei was left to watch her walk away. There was something about the way she walked and the new confidence that seemed to permeate the air around her. For a moment he felt regret for what might have been before he shrugged and disappeared. Whatever was going on with Keiko wasn't his concern.
She was Yusuke's and always would be.
A/N: Well there's another chapter. Hopefully this one was longer. I want to thank everyone for his or her reviews. I sat down and wrote this in an afternoon after reading all of them. You guys are definitely my inspiration. Once again, this chapter was nothing like I planned and I hope that you liked it. Let me know if you did or if you didn't. If there are any mistakes, they are my own. Bows deeply to the readers, thanks for reading my story.