Author's Note: (Feel free to skip down to the chapter!) Yes, the formatting is a bit different (as far as the order of the title and disclaimer). And yes, I am updating. Those who are fans of my other works will remember that I made a vow to complete all of my fanfiction by May.

Also, a big thanks to those who have reviewed and supported Alternate Universe, which has been my biggest YYH "fiction flop" ever. A big thanks to those of you who have yelled at me to keep going. Another thanks to those of you who have added Alternate Universe or my other fictions to your C2 communities.

The story I had down for Alternate Universe is absolutely not going to change. The fates of the characters are already set in stone, and I know for a fact that the general public will not like it. I'm doing it because I put a lot of thought into this story - some might notice that I've used the Japanese romanized spellings for the enemies - if said normally; these names are the names of stars in the constellation Andromeda. The colors that they burn (according to some sort of scientific scale pertaining to brightness, luster, gases burned…etc) are reflected in the enemy's wardrobes and appearance. The enemies are NOT "OC's" just thrown in there. They are deep, and they are essential to the overall plot of the story, which is not just a backplot thrown in to get Yusuke and Kurama together.

Generally, I don't like to point out every little thing that I put into a story. In school we were taught to look for these things ourselves; but one of the main reasons that I had a hiatus on this fic was because I didn't believe that the readers were paying attention to (or at least made mention of) the deep plot of the work. The other reasons have to with the fact that I do not like writing about Kurama-Hiei romances (though I don't mind reading about it). I made Hiei in love with Kurama for a reason here (you'll see). I also got caught up writing Huminshou, which I believe is just about the best thing I've ever written in my life (and wish that I had used it up on an original fic, or at least had someone to make it into a doujinshi).

Please, keep all of this in mind when reviewing. Also, I love of all you, so please don't be offended and don't believe that your review was why I stopped writing this fic for a while. Thanks!


Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho © Yoshihiro Togashi

Alternate Universe

By Zelia Theb


He stares at me blankly; almost surprised that I have returned. Perhaps even more than surprised; happy? Feh.

"Hiei, don't think for a moment that I'm surprised," Mairaku states coldly, eyes glaring at me. Fine, then, what would you have me believe? That you are even less readable than the fox? Impossible.

"Hn," I grunt, "You left a message for me to return, so why is it that you would be surprised I came? Is it possible that this isn't some sort of trap?"

"It is, Hiei," the half-breed admits, "Possible, that is. Though the reason I sent you that message was to inform you…"

"Inform me?" I stop him. Cold wind blows over the gravel of the rooftop; "That the trap was set for the others instead?"

Mairaku smirks; the bastard. I am truly soft. I quickly turn, but as if predicting my blinding speed, he states, "Essentially, but not yet." Inquisitively I let an eyebrow raise, only slightly guarded with my body half-turned toward him, demanding with my gaze that he explain further. He smirks again, then lets it fade, saying, "Alpheratz wants to prove something to Arumaku. He intends on luring the fox into the basement of the city's Neo-Police headquarters with a proposition."

"And?" I impatiently remark, "Kurama would not be so easily tricked, although if he decided to go, your ally wouldn't stand a chance."

"Do not underestimate Alpheratz," he warns, "He is rather cunning, and hopes to play off of Kurama's love for humans." Who's to say that Kurama would care about his mother in this world? Even if he does, I will be there to make certain that he won't make any foolish choices.

"The first trap will be set for the Detective, and the fox is going to rescue him." Everything has stopped. The wind; the sounds in the city; everything.

"Just what are you inferring?" I demand smugly, desperately trying to calm the confusion of silence and pause of time.

"I am inferring nothing," Mairaku informs me, "So I am not really sure what you mean to ask. Does the fox you call Kurama not love the Spirit Detective Urameshi?"

Denial. Utter denial.

"They will all look for him," I retort quickly, a harsh yet hurt tone in my voice. I simply must perfect my technique; surely I have just given Mairaku my weakness.

"They will, I know, but Kurama will insist on going alone, to be Urameshi's hero. Am I wrong? Alpheratz may not be my favorite but I trust his information."

"You are," I reply hurriedly, "There is no explanation as to why Kurama would need to prove anything to the Detective."

"Are they not lovers?"

No…impossible…

"Are they not lovers?"

The wind is whipping. The sounds of the city infest my brain like insects. Visions run through the Jagan, and air is depleting from my lungs. The red of Mairaku's garments enters my mind, like a deluge of blood and hatred.

"If they are not lovers, then Alpheratz will grow impatient waiting for Kurama and kill the Detective. That is, if you do not inform them of the traps before tonight when it is set."

At least, that is what I believe he said. I have not been on the rooftop for several moments now, and where I head, I do not know.


I am so glad that I didn't have sex with Kurama. Or, rather, that he didn't have sex with me. Something just really freaked me out about it all; and I can't figure out if I'm really just not all that into Kurama like I thought I was, guilt for Keiko, or something else.

Luckily for me, he's seemed to calm down, even though he actually seems to be a bit upset; almost rejected. I've spent the majority of the morning by his side, and all I've gotten was a cold shoulder; empty responses and a blank gaze. You'd think that he was talking to an opponent or something, because he's been so unreadable and unwavering that I just can't help but think he wants to hide his upset feelings from me.

"Yusuke, I am deeply sorry," he calmly says, his gaze still fixated on the wooden wall of my 'room'. I'm surprised, he's actually starting to talk about it! Gee… I kinda miss Keiko and her "I'm-gonna-tell-you-what's-on-my-mind" attitude.

"I did not realize that you were not in love with me." Um, What? That is such a girl-thing to throw at me. Guilt-trippin' me and then saying it's my fault I'm not in love with him. What the fuck?

Apparently, he's caught on (not that I'm surprised) to my rather pissed off facial reaction to what he said. He sighs and states, "Do not take that the wrong way. It's just that, I do love you, and I was overcome with so many feelings, that I did not even give you a chance to feel as deeply as I do. I desire so much to prove that to you intimately for once; instead of fighting with you and for you by your side." It's so…strange to be confessed to this way…

"Yusuke," he continues, moving over to me and staring me head on, "Please allow me to explain." I nod; taking all of this in is just…unusual. He embraces me, nuzzling the top of my head, and only slightly pulls away to look at me as he speaks.

"I know that my years as Youko has allowed me to perfect certain techniques, such as remaining so indifferent that my opponent has a difficult time being able to discover my next move; however, you have all noticed that this applies to Shuichi as well. I cannot help it; it's a terrible habit that I've not been able to get out of."

Kurama…so this is what's behind you.

"Yusuke, you do not judge harshly. You teach everyone that imperfection is perfect; that scars are there for a reason. You…" He stops to kiss me lightly; "You are amazing. I thought that becoming Shuichi would be my second chance; however, along with my mother, in that instant where you saved my life; you gave me my true second chance. Life is not to be lived selfishly, whether it be stealing ancient treasures, or giving up my life so that I will never have to tell my mother the harsh truth."

He stops; is he waiting for me to say something? I have nothing to say. If I could say that I loved someone for all of the same reasons that Kurama…loves…me, then that person'd be…

"Were you ever planning on telling me, fox? Or did you truly want to leave me hanging?" It couldn't be…Hiei? He looks so sad. Not like tears and all that quivering and stuff, but his voice is calm and soft, and his stance is neither offensive or defensive.

Kurama? Was he leading him on? What happened between them that I don't know about? He lets me go and stands from our spot, walking over to Hiei; who for some reason still hasn't changed his stance.

"We did not want to anger you," Kurama explains. I sit here, acting like a spectator even though I'm involved.

"Hn," the shorter mutters, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "That must be what all of you believe. That my only reaction to anything would be anger; that I would run around swinging my sword at everyone." Kurama makes a move to interrupt him, but he sighs, "Idiot." Believe it or not, the guy peacefully turns and leaves through the door. So he does have the hots for him.

That was weird. And Kurama wants to chase after him. Well, damn it!

"Oh, I won't stop you," I remark sarcastically. He turns, hair following his moments, and looks at me, begging me to explain my change of emotion, and to make it quick. Hmm, not so unreadable now, are you?

"Kurama, we should wait," I say, now that I've got his full attention. He closes the door, the sound of wood rustling against itself apparent, and walks closer to me.

"Wait on what?" he asks, a strange blend of impatience and anger in his voice.

"On us, I mean, until I feel the way that you do." I can almost hear his heart break, am I really that important? I avert my eyes, I don't think I want him staring at me anymore; "I'm…super attracted to you, it's just…that there seems to be a lot going on now, ya know? I mean…" Damn, Yusuke, redundant much? I'm playing that super-whiny girl role again.

"I just think that I might've gotten myself in to something that I don't know how to handle, as usual, okay?"

He closes his eyes as his shoulders slump slightly, and calmly states, in a voice that I don't think anyone could believe, "I understand. May I leave now?"

"I guess…"


Author's Note

Yes, it's a bit of a dull note; but a predictable set-up to go with Alpheratz plan. Sue me, I have to get back into the flow of the story. If you see a way to improve on the chapter - feel free to leave it in a review! I wrote up a tutorial on writing a good review - you can find it at my Thebes forum in the Author's only section.

Expect action in Chapter Seven.

Zelia