Rae-chan/Welcome back, faithful readers! I'd like to give a speecial shout-out Sonya-White-Angel, our first reviewer! You rock! And yush, the fun confusion will keep on coming! '
K-chan+Is Too Busy Ranting About Bowls to Comment+
Rae-chan/o.O
Disclaimer/Ah, do we have to+Police Emerge+ Heh, awight, awight! We don't own YYH, okay! Sheesh!
Genkai sat out on her porch in the shade, legs crossed Indian-style, eyes closed, taking in the sounds of nature. This form of meditation was relaxing indeed. It was too bad that some knucklehead's yelling interrupted her peace.
"COME ON KURA-CHAN, SHARE THE BAGEL! I'M HUNGRY, TOO!" Kusahiko was yelling. It was breakfast, and he had forgotten to bring anything to eat. Kurama rolled his eyes as he tried to juggle eating and carrying Kasumi at the same time. About six hours had passed, and still she remained unconscious. But, that was why they were going to Genkai, right?
Kurama turned around, arching an eyebrow as he finished off his bagel. "Sorry," he apologized. "I'm all out." Kusahiko's mouth fell open is shock.
"THAT'S SO CRUEL!…Ya know what? You always did that when we were kids, too…" His stomach growled. "AHH, I HATE YOUUU!" Kurama gave a small chuckle. It was odd to see two identical twins acting in such a manner-one throwing a fit, and the other completely calm. Kurama rummaged through is stuff.
"You're lucky I was on my own little picnic when Hiei decided to brainwash me…" he muttered before tossing an apple into the air for his older brother to catch. Since Kusahiko was still carrying Reiko, he caught the apple in his mouth, but accidentally swallowed it whole. The poor demon gagged as it went down and then erupted into a fit of coughing. Somehow, he managed to revive and was still holding Reiko.
"Man…I thought I was gonna die…" Then he got a big grin on his face. "Oh, yeah, thanks for the apple!" he said, turning to Kurama. Kurama sighed.
"You know, sometimes, I'm embarrassed to be related to you…" he grumbled.
Genkai opened her eyes and sighed deeply. "Damn…tourists…More and more every year…And interrupting my peace! Time for the Spirit Gun…" She said with a grin, standing up and pointing her finger to three figures in the distance. She pulled hr finger back, and instantly, a bright blast of light surged through the sky.
Kusahiko saw the coming blast and panicked. "DUCK FOR COVER; IT'S THE APOCOLYPSE!" he yelled. Then, he ever so gracefully jumped into a tree. Kurama didn't move. He already knew that this blast belonged to none other than Genkai, and she was probably just trying to scare off some 'strangers'.
He then looked to Hiei, and his gaze shifted to the tree. "Kusahiko, you can come down. It's just Genkai. C'mon," he said, approaching her porch. As they neared, Genkai realized who it was and gave a small chuckle.
"Oh, Kurama, Hiei, it's you. My apologies. Anyhow, who was yelling? Sounded like a dying cat," she added. She eyed Kusahiko and arched an eyebrow. She was about to ask about the Kurama clone, but then noticed the two bodies. "What in the hell did you two do!" she cried in dismay.
"What do you mean 'what did we do' Kurama did it all," Hiei said, trying to feign innocence.
Genkai turned to Hiei. "Actually, I was talking about the Kuramas. I had forgotten you were there. But, usually, you're the one involved in disrespect and violence. Plus, you're a horrid liar. What did you do, then?"
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!" Hiei yelled. His temper had gotten the better of him. Kusahiko looked at Genkai.
"Kura-chan and I are twins. It was me who was yelling, thank you," the demon had regained his composure and was now eyeing Genkai with a face of no emotion. Kurama stepped in before the fight could escalate.
"I'll explain later, Master Genkai, but could you please help them? It's taken us hours to get here, and they've been stabbed." Genkai nodded and opened the door. Kurama was the first to enter, setting Kasumi down on one of the nearby couches. Kusahiko and Hiei walked in at once. The fire demon made himself comfortable in one of Genkai's chairs. Kusahiko laid Reiko down on the futon, and then he sat in the corner to see what would happen next. Kurama followed suit, taking a seat beside Kusahiko, watching anxiously as Genkai pulled a few jars and vials of herbs from a closet. "So, you said you would explain. Go ahead," she said as she began to treat Kasumi and Reiko, wrapping wounds in bandages and slipping leaves of dark green into their mouths. Kurama looked to Kusahiko and Hiei, leaning back against the wall, waiting for one of them to start.
Hiei sighed. "Well, Kurama lost his mind and stabbed them, to put it in simple terms," the demon grinned evilly. "Oh, yeah, Master Hag, could you look at Kurama's wounds, please?" Kurama's gaze shifted to Hiei. He wasn't about to add that it was all Hiei's fault, and not his. He didn't want Genkai to think lesser of him, if that was possible. He stifled a small smile at his friend's contradictory request. It was never a good idea to insult someone you wanted help from. He looked back at Genkai, snapping out of his thoughts.
"I'm fine. We just ran into a small problem on the way here," he explained. Genkai ignored Hiei, but nodded, going to her cabinet for a few more things.
"A small problem that scorched your arm and stabbed you? One of your wounds," she observed, pointing to his shoulder, "is similar to that of the girls. A stab wound. Rouge demons, I assume?" she said, wrapping his shoulder despite his protests and administering medicine to the burn before wrapping that, too.
"Yep, tho' I wouldn't call them rouge. They were looking for those two girls there," Kusahiko said, motioning towards Kasumi and Reiko. Genkai nodded as she finished and stood up, brushing non-existent dust off her clothing.
"I do sense some sort of demonic aura, but it's faint. Half-demons, perhaps," she added.
"Yeah, that's what those guys said they were," Kusahiko's stomach growled again. "Hey, uh, how do I put this…Do you have any food? If you do, I command that you give it to me," he said, trying to sound official. Genkai and Kurama both turned around to face him. Genkai started to laugh and Kurama sighed.
"I am embarrassed to say that he's my twin," he muttered. He pointed to a small backpack in the corner. "Live it up," he sighed. "So, will they be okay?" he asked, looking over to Kasumi and Reiko. Genkai nodded.
"Yes. They should be awake in a few minutes. Pain will subside in a few hours, but then, what do I know? I'm only 'Master Hag'" she added, shooting Hiei a meaningful glance. Hiei glared at her.
Kusahiko ran over and began rummaging in Kurama's backpack, throwing out various objects as he went. He stopped when an iron pot hit Genkai on the head. Genkai swiveled around, eyes narrowed. "Didn't your parents feed you as a child? Or, are you making up for lost time?" she asked. Kusahiko's face turned red.
"Uh, sorry. I haven't gotten to eat for awhile…Ran outta cash and there was nobody to steal from until now." The fox demon grabbed a bag of Cheese-Its and walked over to the group. He offered the bag to Kurama. "Do you want any?" Kurama shook his head and sighed.
"No, thanks. And as for stealing, I had better not see you doing it around me," he warned. True, he had done that once, but he had given it up. "I wonder what Yusuke and Kuwabara are up to. Wonder if they've heard anything new…" Kurama didn't say it, but he was wondering if there was any news of a new enemy. And, perhaps one who was looking for two female half-demons.
"Heh heh, right…" Kusahiko had, actually, already picked Kurama's pockets. He was extremely disappointed that his brother didn't have more than twenty bucks on him. Something towards the side of the room stirred, and Reiko blinded, opening her eyes. She looked around, waiting for her vision to come into focus as she sat up.
"…Where…" she murmured. Kasumi rose as well. Her ears pounded as they took in all the noise that was in the room. She spotted Genkai after looking around for a few moments.
"Hello, Master Genkai, what exactly are we doing here?" Then, she saw the two Kuramas, and one of them was all bandaged up. "Shuichi, are you alright?" Genkai and Kurama turned around almost simultaneously.
"Greetings, Kasumi, how are you feeling?" Genkai asked gently. Kurama smiled faintly at her.
"Good to see you awake, Kasumi," he said, his smile widening slightly. Reiko sat up, rubbing her eyes once more.
"Erm…hello," she said uncertainly, wondering where she was, and who she was with. She looked around for a familiar face, but found none.
"I feel fine, Master Genkai. Shuichi, why are there two of you-" she noticed Reiko on the couch and smiled brightly at her. "Hello! I'm Kasumi!" Kurama rolled his eyes.
"It's a LONG story," he responded, leaning against the wall. Reiko gave a soft smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Reiko. But, uh…why am I here?" she asked uncertainly.
"That would be a good question. Shuichi, why are we here, and why are you hurt?" she asked, concerned for his health. Kurama shrugged off-handedly.
"I'm fine. We ran into a few problems on the way here though." He turned to Reiko. "I'm Shuichi, by the way. Or Kurama. Whichever you prefer. This is Hiei, Kusahiko, and Master Genkai," he said, pointing to each in turn. Kusahiko waved his hand ecstatically at Reiko, hoping that she, at least, would take him seriously.
"Hello, glad to see you're feeling better!"
"Er, thanks," Reiko replied uncertainly as she took in her surroundings. She failed to notice Kurama bop his brother over the head as she examined the scrolls hanging on the walls, some written in Japanese, and others written in strange languages that she had never seen before. There were several doorways leading off to unknown places, and normally, Reiko would have been a bit more curious, save for the fact that she still didn't know where she was or why.
"Welcome, Reiko, was it? I am Genkai, a master of martial arts and the like. You are in my home, secluded, hopefully, from unwanted visitors. Although it didn't seem to keep Hiei out…Anyway," she continued quickly before he had the chance to interrupt, "you were brought here because of apparent confusion and accidental injury to yourself and Kasumi. Of course, there was also the fact that it seemed as though you two were being followed…" Kasumi looked up, an odd look on her face.
"Followed?" Kusahiko looked over to Kurama.
"Little brother," he said sweetly. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU HIT ME FOR!" Kurama arched an eyebrow, but ignored his brother.
"Yes, well, sorry about the injuries…That was, in fact, my own fault," he added. "Anyway, I assume you knew that you were being followed? By three demons. Didn't you sense them?" he asked curiously.
"Demons?" Reiko repeated. "Those are just figures of imagination. Stories. How can you be followed by non-existing creatures?" she questioned. Normally, she was not one for being so sensible, but this was just absurd. Kasumi looked upset. She had sensed three demons in the woods, but she had ignored them because there had been a lot of demonic auras around recently. Hiei, who had long since fallen asleep in his chair, awoke and looked around.
"Did I miss anything important?" Kurama gave a slight grin.
"Nice of you to join us," he commented with a smirk.
"Hn. It's scary to wake up to your smiling face. Not the mention the fact that it's twice as frightening to wake up to two of you and a hag…" Kurama sighed, and Genkai looked irritated.
"Well, if you don't like it, you can tote your rear end out of here!" she exclaimed. Reiko's eyes darted between the group.
They're crazy! she thought. Somehow, I've ended up in a madhouse... Kasumi looked from person to person, her anxiety forgotten at seeing such a funny scene. Kurama was rolling his eyes and Kusahiko was red in the face. Short little Genkai was shaking in anger and Hiei was…Hiei. The girl couldn't contain herself as she burst out laughing. Her laughter was contagious it seemed as Kusahiko began laughing as well and even Hiei chuckled. Reiko, too, gave a small laugh, which ceased as they heard a knock at the door.
"Genkai! Hey, you old hag! Are you there! You forget about me again!" the voice yelled. Reiko stared at the door, and Genkai sighed. Standing up and moving towards the door, she opened it to reveal a boy of about the same age as the rest of the group. None other than Yusuke Urameshi.
"No, I didn't forget. We had a few more pressing matters to attend to," she explained with a roll of the eyes not unlike Kurama's. Kazuma Kuwabara walked through the door, too. He was grinning like an idiot, and then he saw the girls. He walked over to Reiko and took her hands in his.
"I am the brave Kuwabara, my love. I am a wielder of the shiny Sword of Justice, and if you go out with me, my love for you will be eternal."
Reiko watched as the two entered, and as Genkai and one of the boys started fighting each other, Kuwabara sat down beside her and took her hand abruptly before beginning to rattle off some gibberish or another. Nonetheless, she blinked in surprise. Fortunately, she was saved the effort of embarrassing him. Yusuke did it for her. Striding over to the two, Yusuke tapped his foot.
"Are you done, baka?" he scolded. "I mean, do you even know her? Or, do you greet all random strangers like this?" he demanded. He then turned to Reiko. "Er, sorry for his behavior. He's not entirely there, ya know? And it's been awhile since his last girlfriend…" he added, a grin growing on his face as he burst out laughing. Kuwabara looked at Yusuke.
"What do you care, Urameshi? I am Kuwabara, Warrior of Love," and with that he made his way over to Kasumi and took her hands in his. The foolish boy was about to ask her the same thing he had asked Reiko-until she punched him in the face and sent him flying across the room and into the wall.
"Don't touch me, you perv!" Reiko stifled her laughter, eyes lit up with amusement, while Genkai chuckled openly, and Kurama shook his head before helping Kuwabara up.
"You know, you really shouldn't act so foolishly. It might save you a lot of pain. That's Reiko and Kasumi," he said, indicating them both. "Kuwabara, you've met. This is Yusuke," he added, pointing to the final boy. Kasumi looked from Yusuke to Kuwabara. She had seen both boys with Kurama before.
"Hello, Yusuke, nice to meet you," she said. Hiei looked at the group.
"I'm bored, so if you don't mind, I'll be off." Kurama arched an eyebrow, but said nothing to stop him as he caught the look on his friend's face. Something was amiss, and he decided to let Hiei have his time. As he glanced at the others, they knew to follow suit. Yusuke was quick to change the subject.
"Genkai, you mentioned more pressing matters. What are you talking about?" he asked. Genkai took a seat on the floor.
"There was a slight confusion, and Reiko and Kasumi were wounded. Not only that, three demons were following them through the forest. They were quickly taken care of, of course," Yusuke's gaze shifted the girls, then back to Kurama and…wait…
"Kurama, there's two of you!" he exclaimed stupidly. "What happened!" he cried. Reiko stared between them. She couldn't believe her ears.
"What the hell is the matter with you people!" she cried. "There…There's no such thing as demons!" Kusahiko and Kasumi looked at Reiko at the same time.
"What do you mean, there's no such things as demons? Most of the people in this room are demons," Kuwabara said. Kusahiko nodded vigorously in his support. Reiko stared in disbelief.
"You're…crazy," she concluded. "Everyone knows that they're only in fairytales, and…and sci-fi movies," she added in what she hoped was a confident voice. Kasumi smiled.
"Uh, I hate to burst your bubble, but I hate being called insane." And with that, the half demon revealed her fox ears and tail. Both ears and tail were silver and stood out in her brown hair. Reiko stared and seemed to sit up straighter. Automatically, her hand rested on the top of her head. Nothing. She blinked as Kurama followed Kasumi's example and also revealed fox ears. Yusuke pouted.
"Well, don't I feel left out?" But Reiko didn't seem to hear him as she rubbed her eyes. "Now I'm crazy, too…" she murmured. "I'm seeing things…" Kusahiko walked over to Reiko.
"You're not crazy. Kurama's crazy," he said, revealing his own fox ears and tail. "There's nothing to be afraid of." He touched Reiko's forehead and tiger ears came from her head. Kurama's eyes narrowed in irritation, but he let the comment pass…for now. Reiko's eyes widened as she felt something on her head. Her hand flew to her brown hair and her jaw dropped as she realized that something was sticking up.
"AWWW! She's like a kitty!" Kuwabara cried, running over to Reiko. "You're so cute!" Kasumi sighed and walked over and yanked is ear.
"Leave her alone, baka."
"Ahhh, you're as bad as Hiei?" he cried. Reiko' s eyes flickered briefly to Kuwabara and Kasumi, but she ignored their comments. At the moment, she was preoccupied with more important things. Yusuke, who had burst out laughing, was having some difficulty containing himself. Kurama turned to Kuwabara.
"You know, you really should work on more effective communication…"
"Kurama, would you stop using big words?" Kuwabara cried. In a normal situation, Reiko would have laughed at the whole thing, but for now, she had other problems. Kasumi sighed.
"Kuwabara, don't be so self-centered. Can't you tell Reiko's having problems?"
"Don't worry, my goddess of love. I, the brave Kuwabara, will help you through this ordeal." Reiko gave him a look that clearly told him that he was crazy. Yusuke eyed her carefully.
"So, you, uh…didn't actually know that you are a demon?" Kusahiko walked over to Reiko.
"Don't worry. Being a demon is perfectly normal. It's like a, uh, bumpy walk in the park." Reiko shook her head in answer to Yusuke's question before turning to Kusahiko.
"Bumpy walk in the park?" she repeated blankly.
"Uh, well, um…" he smiled. "It's like a normal walk in the park, but not as easy…A bit more difficult than a simple walk…" Kurama rolled his eyes and sighed deeply.
"Great analogy."
"Excuse me Mr. Perfect. How would you describe it?" Kusahiko replied, rather irritated at Kurama.
"I would simply avoid and analogy…"
"You guys said something was following us. Why?" Reiko said.
"Um, uh, well we don't really know why they were following you. They never said, and they died before we could ask 'em," Kusahiko said, calm once again. "What were you doing in the forest?"
"I live in a village near the forest. I was about to engage in some self-training when I heard a cry for help," she explained. Kasumi's face turned red.
"Um, I always wander in random places," she tried. Kurama gave her a look of doubt.
"You know, you're a really bad liar, Kasumi," he said quietly, a grin forming on his face, his emerald eyes lighting up as though amused. Kasumi's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"I-I was just in the woods, okay?" she said softly, her blue eyes begging Kurama to leave it at that. Kurama's amusement faded, and he shrugged, making a mental note to uncover the truth later. It was Reiko who decided to direct the conversation away from Kasumi, also making a mental note to talk to her later.
"So, lemme get this straight. We're being stalked by unknown demons for unknown reasons?" she confirmed.
"Were," Yusuke corrected.
"Yes, but they were probably just low-class, weak demons working for bigger criminals," Genkai added. Up until now, she had remained silent, so her voice startled several people in the room.
"WOAH, you're still here!" Kusahiko stepped back in alarm. Genkai turned towards him and sighed.
"You're almost as bad as Yusuke and Kuwabara…" she muttered. Kurama and Reiko both gave small laughs.
"Hey, I resent that. I just forgot that she was here is all…Tho', I will admit, that was a bit foolish of me to think when this is her house…" Kusahiko said, his face turning pink. Kasumi laughed.
"I don't think you're a thing like Kuwabara. You at least seem to have a brain and use it at times."
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!" Kuwabara yelled, apparently not happy with what Kasumi said. Reiko couldn't help but chuckle at this, but her face straightened quickly.
"Ah, you two shouldn't be so hard on him. We all have our moments," she said, shrugging off-handedly. Kurama laughed openly.
"You give them far too much credit."
"WATCH IT LITTLE BROTHER. I'M NOT AN IDIOT AND YOU KNOW IT-" Kusahiko cut off suddenly and took a deep breath. "I'm going outside to get some air," he said. Kurama stood up after him, giving the rest of the group an apologetic look and followed him outside. Outside, Kusahiko saw Kurama behind him. "Yes?" Kurama cleared his throat, for once unsure of what to say.
"You know, I was only joking, Kusahiko," he said quietly. Kusahiko sighed again.
"I'm the one who should apologize, Kurama. I shouldn't have let my temper get away from me like I did. I'm sorry." Kurama looked up, a small smile creeping onto his face. It wasn't one of amusement, as it had been the past few hours.
"It seems strange to argue over who should be sorry. I probably should not have given you such a hard time. But, I'm curious. What brings you to the human world? And, looking like…me?" he asked. He should have looked much older, unlike Kurama, who had started over by possessing a human embryo. Kusahiko looked to Kurama.
"Well, I suppose that's my secret, isn't it?" he said with a smile. Kurama looked back at him.
"So, you have no intention of telling me?" Kusahiko got a huge grin on his face.
"Depends, can I keep this?" he dug around in his pockets and pulled out Kurama's wallet. Kurama's eyes widened in shock as he snatched his wallet back, stuffing it in his pocket.
"What did I say about stealing!" he moaned. Kusahiko smiled.
"You didn't see me do it, so it's okay that I took it 'cause all you said was that you had better not see it." Kurama glared.
"Here I was, feeling so horrid because of the way I had treated you, and you steal my wallet! You always were the better thief, but when I said I didn't want to see it, I meant that I didn't want you to do it at all," he explained with a sigh. Kusahiko grinned.
"I stole it before you said you didn't want to see it, anyway, so that part doesn't matter. Don't worry about the way you treated me. I shouldn't have let my temper catch me in its vile net. And I look like you 'cause I wanted to. That's why." Kurama looked at him curiously.
"Care to elaborate?" Kusahiko sighed.
"Okay, I give. I actually have no idea why I look like this. I just woke up one morning, about a month ago and I looked like this. I came here to Human World to see if you knew anything about it." Kurama stared at him incredulously.
"I've never seen anything like this…" he murmured. "After I came to the Human World…Well, I assumed that you would still be the same demon…But, what happened to change you? When I left, so long ago, you were just like me-cruel, cold, and heartless."
"Now, Kura-chan, I was never heartless. Just cold and cruel. Actually, I changed for an entirely different reason from you. You see, things weren't all well and good in the Demon Plain after you left," Kusahiko started. Kurama nodded in agreement. Well, maybe not heartless, but still...
"What do you mean? Things were never great in the Demon Plain, but what happened after I left?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. This story was just getting more and more interesting.
"That's what changed bro'. You left, so the top gang in Makai was leaderless and weak. There had never been more gang riots in history. Makai was a disaster. You could barely walk two steps without getting attacked, especially if you were a high ranking gang member," Kusahiko paused. That year had been hell for him. He had been the leader of his own gang for years. He and his brother had been close, and he had done his best to protect Yoko's gang as well as his own but- "The riots lasted for about a year. In that year, all of the friends I had, my gang were killed. Yours, too."
Kurama listened intently as the wind blew around them, scattering leaves about the lawns. Part of him felt no remorse for this, for demons who had been so cruel and careless as he. But the rest of him felt some compassion for those that he used to work with. "I didn't realize that my leaving would have such an impact," he said truthfully. "But what does that have to do with your change?" he asked. Kusahiko smiled.
"I'm not done yet. In the attack that killed my friends, I was seriously injured. I might have died, but I decided that I would get my revenge on the fool who killed them. As I was recovering, I got the chance to rethink my life and who I was. I had a second chance at life and I decided that I would change. This is the result," Kusahiko finished his tale with a somber look on his face. All of his gang had been a merry bunch of demon's and it hurt to talk about them. Kurama took a deep breath and gave a small smile.
"I think I like the new Kusahiko better," he said at last. Kusahiko gave his brother a weak grin.
"So, what happened to you? Your midget friend, Hiei, told me a bit through telepathy, but he didn't go into detail. "Kurama shook his head.
"I would not comment on his height again. He may not look it, but Hiei is more dangerous than you know, especially when you anger him," he warned before taking a deep breath. "And me? I possessed a human embryo before it acquired a soul, planning to leave in ten years, once I regained my strength. But, I became attached to my mother after she saved my life," he added, his voice quiet and calm. Kusahiko gave a stronger smile.
"And so, the Legendary King of Bandits is tamed by a mortal woman." Kurama shrugged.
"Think of it that way, if you will," he said simply. Kusahiko smiled.
"Shouldn't we go back inside?"
Meanwhile, Reiko looked around the room. "Maybe we should meet at another time," she suggested.
"What do you mean?" Kasumi asked. Reiko hesitated.
"I just, I um…think we all need to do some thinking about what's going on here, and since half the people who should be here are missing…" she added, thinking of Hiei, Kurama, and Kusahiko.
"Hmmm. You have a point. But I don't think it's a good idea for you to go back to your village without some kind of protection," Kasumi replied.
"Ooh ooh, I'll protect her!" Kuwabara cried eagerly. Reiko nodded in agreement with Kasumi and turned to Kuwabara.
"Erm…thanks, but uh, I think I'll be able to handle it in um…another way," she replied, choosing her words carefully. "At least now I know what's following me, and that helps," she replied. She reached down to her shoe and pulled something out-a knife. "It may not be much, but it'll help," she added. Kasumi looked to Reiko.
"It won't help a whole lot, unless you can juice it up a bit." She seemed to think for a moment. "Hmmm…Master Genkai, is there anything we can do to improve the knife a little bit at least?" she asked. Reiko handed it to Genkai, and she looked it over.
"Not much. Sharpen it, maybe. Nothing that I could do, at least. Most of the attacks that I know rely upon years of training," she explained. Kasumi looked at the blade herself.
"Hmmm…"
"Ooh ooh, let me, let me! I know something that can help and she can learn it fast!" Kuwabara volunteered. Kasumi looked at Kuwabara, dumbstruck. "She can channel her aura into the knife and make a Spirit Sword like me!" Genkai eyed him suspiciously.
"I thought it took you longer to learn it," she said, voice filled with skepticism.
"It took me longer 'cause I didn't know what I was doin'. She should be able to do it 'cause I can tell her how and she has a stronger aura than I did when I learnt it," Kuwabara said matter-of-factly. Genkai stared blankly at him.
"I…I think that he may have a point!" she cried, as though she never thought it was possible. Reiko stood up and held her dagger, facing Kuwabara.
"Thanks in advance," she said with a grin. "Hope this works." In truth, she didn't relish the idea of venturing into a demon-infested forest when she was being stalked by some unknown…thing.
"Channel your energy into the dagger as if it was and extension of your arm," Kuwabara said, obviously thrilled that he got to be the teacher.
Reiko looked up at Kuwabara, a blank look on her face. She didn't even know she had spirit energy an hour ago and now he wanted her to channel it! "Alright…I'll try," she muttered. She focused on the blade that she held in her hand, concentrating intently. Nothing.
"Hmmm…" Kuwabara was puzzled. "Oh, I know! I always found it easier to use my sword in battle, so would it help her if we fought or something?" he asked, looking to Genkai. Genkai shrugged.
"If it'll help." Truth be told, she wasn't sure if it would help or not. "Just don't kill each other." Reiko immediately grew nervous.
"A…a fight?" she repeated. "Well, what if…what if…" Her voice trailed off. Yusuke snorted.
"Psh…He couldn't hurt you if he tried," he said with a laugh. Kuwabara stepped back suddenly.
"Uh, I can't fight girls. It goes against my honor code."
"You useless dolt," Kasumi remarked. She stepped forward. "I'll fight you. Kuwabara might get distracted by your ears anyway." At this, Reiko seemed enraged.
"What the hell do you mean, you don't fight girls? I'm not gonna break a nail," she grumbled, her grip tightening around her dagger. Kasumi got into an offensive position and smiled.
"You can make the first move, if you want." Reiko still seemed enraged, but she took a deep breath. She didn't like to be offered first strike, and didn't like the unfair advantages, but she decided not to argue, just this once. She quickly brought her dagger down towards Kasumi's leg, ready to veer off in another direction if Kasumi didn't escape the attack. Kasumi dodged the attack, however, and moved to punch Reiko in the jaw. Reiko ducked and quickly drew herself to her feet, concentrating her energy into her dagger. A weak glow began to surround it as she aimed for Kasumi's abdomen. Yusuke watched their movements carefully, eyes flickering back and forth to match their movements. Genkai gave a small smile, as though it was a triumph for her as well.
Kasumi leapt backwards to avoid the dagger. She jumped over Reiko and aimed a blow at her back. The glow around Reiko's knife intensified, as did her senses. She whipped around in time to point her dagger towards Kasumi's neck. Kasumi got firm footing and immediately back flipped away from the dagger. Then, she shot a small bit of energy off at the floor, very close to Reiko's feet. Reiko stumbled backward a little less gracefully than she had hoped for, catching her footing quickly and charging back towards Kasumi. She aimed for her left thigh, but then veered upwards, towards her face.
At this instant, Kurama, walked in with Kusahiko and stared, dumbfounded. "Wha…what are you two doing!" he cried, watching as Kasumi fought with her fists and Reiko used a glowing dagger that resembled Kuwabara's Spirit Sword. Kasumi stopped her fist in mid-swing and did a couple back flips to get away from Reiko's sword-dagger-thing.
"When did you two come back in; I didn't hear you?" she said, now confused.
"We're teaching Reiko how to use the Spirit Sword," Kuwabara supplied. Reiko turned around and gazed at her dagger. "Uh, yeah. We decided to meet again at a more convenient time. We didn't expect you guys to come back, and Hiei should be here, too…What do you guys think about tomorrow?" she asked. Yusuke shrugged, indicating that it was fine with him. Genkai nodded as well.
"Works for me!" Kasumi said.
"Sure." Kuwabara walked over to Reiko and began to fiddle with her ears. Reiko gave him a strange look before wrapping her fingers around his wrists and pulling his hands away.
"I was going to thank you for your aid, but now, I feel compelled to remind you that I am NOT a toy," she said indignantly, moving towards the doors. "Anyhow, I had better get going. See you guys tomorrow!" Kasumi waved goodbye, and Kusahiko ran over to her. He put something in her hands. It was a seed of some sort.
"If you run into danger on your way home and need our help, throw this to the ground and we'll come as fast as we can." Reiko turned and smiled at him.
"Thanks. I'll remember that," she said before disappearing out the door. Kusahiko looked at Kurama hopefully. "Please tell me you know a place where we can stay the night?" Yusuke nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it'll take us ages to get back to our houses…" he added. Kurama thought for a moment.
"We'll have to make our way to the nearest village, which, incidentally, isn't that near." Kasumi stretched.
"Well then, shouldn't we get going? It's a long way and it'll be dark soon."
"I agree with Kasumi," Kusahiko added.
"I don't like the dark," Kuwabara muttered. Genkai shifted slightly before exiting the room. When she came back, she tossed each of them a small pack.
"Here. Food for the road, and the return. Don't get lost, 'cause I don't want to have to come and save your sorry rear-ends," she warned. "But, at least, Kurama and Kasumi seem to have actual brains in their heads…" Yusuke opened his mouth to object, but Kurama cut him off.
"Thank you, Master Genkai. We'll be off, then. See you tomorrow!" With that, he was the first one to exit, and, thus, begin the journey home.
"See you Master Genkai! Be careful!" Kasumi said with a cheerful smile. She reverted back to her human form and followed Kurama out the door.
"Um, Genkai, do you have a flashlight I could borrow?" Kuwabara asked nervously. Kurama rolled his eyes as Genkai gave him a flashlight.
"Just try not to wet yourself," she murmured. Kuwabara walked out the door before he said something he would probably regret saying later. In Kurama's opinion, this was the smartest thing Kuwabara did in a while, but he kept his mouth shut as he looked around.
"Let's see. I believe that the nearest village is Takashika, to the south."
"I don't really know where any villages are, so I'll just agree with you…Geography always was my worst subject," Kasumi said, more to herself than anyone. Once again, another long journey began.
Rae-chan/You know you loved it! So review!