Darkness Before Twilight
Chapter 2: Odds Ends And Idiots
Kurama's POV
"Kuwabara do you even no where your going," asked Yusuke. He was flipping a coin in the air. Our means of decision-making.
"YES!" It's been 2 days now since we started this mission. Kuwabara and Yusuke have been switching places leading and Hiei looks ready to kill them for it.
"We could just use my jagan instead of playing follow the leader for the rest of our lives...' he said. Kwuabara made a nervous face.
"No way man. That thing creeps me out. " He turned and stared walking. Suddenly I saw something move in the bushes. Before I could react thought it got to Yusuke.
"Heeeey..." A demon stood before us... with Yusuke's coin. It was small. It looked like a child of maybe 4 or 5. Fuzzy ears sat on its head and a bushy tail was attached at the other end. It was, of course, a squirrel demon. He fiddled with it a bit.
"OOOOOO shiny..."
"Hey give that back." Yusuke tried jumping on him but the demon jumped into a tree. It stuck its tongue out at him.
"Na Na!" And ran down the path. Yusuke and Kuwabara chased after him followed closely by Hiei and I.
Normal POV
The group ran down the trail following the squirrel demon. They ended up in a clearing, a huge tree in the center of it. The tree looked like a giant willow.
"What's that?" Kuwabara asked.
"It's a Makai Willow." Hiei answered. Yusuke and Kuwabara looked confused.
"Basically it's a giant willow tree." Explained Kurama.
"I'll say it's giant. Yusuke commented. "Hey is that a house?" He pointed towards the tree. Around the base of the trunk was a building of some sort. A fire pit and a lake nearby. In it's branches were a few cabin like structures. Suddenly a voice came from behind.
"Excellent evaluation." The voice said. Everyone turned to see a girl watching them. She had dark, dark red hair and brown eyes. Her hair went down to her shoulder blades. She had only one bang, which framed the left side of her face and went down to her chin. The girl had white fox ears with red tips and a tail to match. She wore a brick red vest with ties instead of buttons, a pair of loose brick red pants and sandals. Her accessories consisted of a curved hunting knife hanging from her belt, a red cloth around her forehead, neck and right fore arm, a bracelet with a black crystal on her left wrist, a choker which had a number of claws or teeth of some sort, and a bag slung across her chest. She had a rose tattoo on her right shoulder were the thorned stem wrapped around her arm down to her wrist and a strange mark of two black curves hooked together on the back left of her neck.
"Excuse me do you live there?" Kurama asked politely.
"Yes." She said. "Names Mika."
"I'm Kurama, This is Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei."
"OOOOHHHHHH...The famous team Urameshi. Well this is a treat. . To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Have you seen an evil little squirrel demon around here?" Yusuke asked.
"Oh, uh does he have brown hair, brown eyes ears and tale and blue eyes?"
"Yes."
"Did...did he steal something." Mika asked dreadfully.
"Yeah. My lucky coin." Mika sighed.
"I must apologies. Kiro is still young and doesn't know any better."
"Kiro?" The guys looked at each other. Mika pulled out a whistle and blew it. It sounded like a bird call. Seconds later the demon in question appeared.
"Yes Mika?" He grinned happily at her like a child to its mentor or at least he was until he saw the stern look she gave him.
"I didn't do it!" Mika shook her head and picked Kiro up by the tale. She shook him and several trinkets fell to the ground but no coin.
"Where is it Kiro and don't you DARE lie to me." Mika looked angry. Kiro shrank.
"I-I don't have it..." he answered meekly.
"And where is it?" Mika raised an eyebrow.
"Umm Terri has it." Mika's faced paled.
"Mika...are you ok." Asked Kurama, concerned.
"Who's Terri?" Mika shook her head.
"I think you better come inside." She turned and started walking towards the tree house. The guys followed. When they reached it they took turns climbing the ladder up onto the front porch and went inside. (ok I will now describe the house...bare with me) Starting at the door turn left.... and you enter the Den room (basically the family room and living room) The den room has a square pit in the center of it. In the pit is a couch that outlines ¾ of the pit walls. There was a table and a fireplace, a window and a few plants. Right of the den is a small washroom. There's no indoor plumbing unfortunately but there's a pump outside. In the washroom is a bunch of toiletries and medical stuff as well as a tub. The hot springs nearby the tree house served for bathing. Back to the front door...turn right...and you enter the dinning room. The dinning room looks like any other dinning room. Finely carved table and china cabinet. There's two windows on the outside wall and a sliding door that leads to the porch (which wraps around the house). Connected to the dinning room is the kitchen. The floor steps down so the kitchen is in the ground. In the Kitchen is a sink, several cupboards, a small table, and an old fashioned stove. Off to the side is a trap door which leads to the cellar and freezer (I'll explain later). There is also a window that faces the tree trunk. (OK that's it ....for now...)
Everyone was gathered in the Kitchen seated at the table. Mika had gone around and given everyone a cup with a blackish liquid in it. Kiro immediately began to drink it but the others were hesitant. Hiei was staring at it, Kurama sniffed it, and Yusuke and Kuwabara turned green.
"What the hell is this?" Yusuke asked. Mika laughed.
"Its Kamika juice."
"What's Kamika." Kurama asked. Mika pointed to a corner of the room where a mini tree stood. The tree had blue leaves and some pear shaped fruit on it. The fruit itself was black with purple strips.
"That's a Kamika tree." Mika explained. "It's an extremely rare plant that grows year round. They grow to about that height then grow fruit once a month. It has a number of different uses. The leaves have some healing properties and make a very tasty mint topping. The sap has similar uses. It can heal and tastes good with food. Lastly of course there's the fruit. The fruit has a unique ability. It restores energy. It's amazing really. You can do all sorts of things with the fruit. Drink it, roast it, boiling into a soup. It's a chef's dream. It makes food suit for the gods. Try it you'll like it." She then took a sip from her own cup. The guys looked at each other then at there cups. Kuwabara picked his up and took a sip. His face lit up.
"Whoa this is good!" The others blinked before hesitantly drinking theirs. The table erupted with compliments.
"SWEET!"
"Hn"
"Delicious" Mika grinned. The group sat in silence for a time before being broken by Kurama.
"So Mika... who is Terri?"
"Oh she's my cousin. She and I have live and traveled together since we were ten or so. She's really clever and enjoys tricking people. But mostly she doesn't do anything anyone tells her unless it benefits her...and that includes returning you coin."
"Oh."
"Don't worry I'll talk some sense into her"
"You're a fox demon right?" Yusuke asked.
"Well I'm only ½ fox demon." Hiei turned to her.
"And what's your other half?" Mika opened up her mouth to answer when the sound of thunder shook the house. Kiro eeped and hid under the table. Yusuke jumped and Kuwabara screamed. Mika walked over to the window. It started raining and lighting and thunder rang out through the sky. A few minutes past. Hiei was about to say that Mika hadn't answered the question when the door slammed and in walked a very wet Terri. All eyes turned to her. She had long dark lavender/purple hair that went slightly past her butt and was in a braid. Her eyes were an ash grey color and she was about 4'6". She wore a black poncho that went down past her knees, a pair of loose black pants, and sandals. She had two sy's on either thigh and a dagger sheathed on her belt. The first reaction she got was a 'Terri!' from Mika. Before anyone could react though Kuwabara opened his big fat mouth.
"THAT'S TERRI! SHE SHORTER THAN THE SHIMP!!!" Hiei growled and stood. Indeed Terri just barely past his shoulder by an inch. He took out his katana ready to strike at the fool but Terri him. Kuwabara screamed and looked down at the chair were he sat. There embedded in the chair right between his legs was Terri's dagger it had a gold hilt with skull designs on it. The blade was shape and long, urging for blood. Yusuke winced and stared at her. Kuwabara gulped and Kurama sweat dropped. Hiei stared at Terri. She calmly crossed the room and stood in front of Kuwabara. Slowly she reached down and yank the dagger free raising it up to Kuwabara's chin. He gulped and stared frightened at Terri. She glared at him and growled. Mika sighed and cleared her throat.
"Umm Terri, I'd like to introduce you to Hiei Kurama Yusuke and that his Kuwabara. Their the members of Team Urameshi...they won the dark tournament last year." Terri growled. "Umm Kuwabara now would be a good time to apologize."
"sssssorrrrry" Terri growled deeper. Mika had enough.
"Terri! Won flesruoy mlac esaelp! Retteb wonk tnsoed dna namuh diputs a tsuj si eh! Enola mih evael!" The guys blinked at the language Mika used. Whatever she said worked because Terri with drew with a snort before sitting down. Kiro came and sat on her lap. Terri smiled and took off her poncho handing it to him. Kiro left to put it away. Under her poncho Terri wore a sleeveless, dark blue/purple button up shirt that had the ends tied up showing off her toned stomach. Her accessories were a necklace with a purple crystal on it, a bracelet w/ a black gem on it on her right wrist. She also had a purple sun like tattoo on the back left side of her neck and a dragon tattoo on her right arm that started w/ a dragon head on her shoulder then wrapped around her arm and ended w/ a second head on the back of her hand. Her third mark was on her forehead. No one noticed it there till she brushed some stray hair aside. On her forehead was a dull purple crescent moon. Guy's silently agreed not to mention it till later. Kuwabara was about to when Yusuke hit him. Mika handed Terri a cup of Kamika juice then sat down. An uncomfortable silence descended before Mika spoke.
"Terri? Did Kiro give you a coin?" Terri nodded. "Can I see it?" Terri reached into her pocket and withdrew Yusuke's coin.
"Hey that's it!" Yusuke yelled happily. Terri raised an eyebrow and looked at Mika questioningly. Mika laughed nervously.
"Umm you see Terri Kiro stole that from Yusuke and well he wants it back." Terri looked from the coin to Yusuke in a contemplating manner. Then she shook her head and placed the coin back in her pocket.
"Heeeeeeey..." Yusuke glared at her. "It's mine." Terri took a sip of her drink. Mika looked nervous.
"Terri please return it?" Terri just sat there ignoring everyone and every thing. Yusuke was starting to get angry.
"Hey. What's your problem. The least you could do is give and explanation as to why you won't give it back!" Nothing. "WELL!?" Terri stood finished with her drink and began to leave. Yusuke glared at her. Before anyone could react he charged her. He never got within 5 feet of her. Yusuke was suddenly lifted into the air by some invisible force and flung into the wall. Terri, who had stopped, Turned around quickly and threw her Sy's at him pinning him to the wall. Everyone stared at what just happened. Mika sighed and banged her head on the table repeatedly. Yusuke glared at her defiantly though you could see fear in his eyes. Terri's face remained calm. Her sad eyes locked onto each and every person in the room. They fell on Hiei who held his emotionless mask. Her eyes lingered on him before she turned and left the room. Her Sy's unstuck themselves and followed after her. The room was silent once again.
A/N That's all for now folks!!!
Chapter 2: Odds Ends And Idiots
Kurama's POV
"Kuwabara do you even no where your going," asked Yusuke. He was flipping a coin in the air. Our means of decision-making.
"YES!" It's been 2 days now since we started this mission. Kuwabara and Yusuke have been switching places leading and Hiei looks ready to kill them for it.
"We could just use my jagan instead of playing follow the leader for the rest of our lives...' he said. Kwuabara made a nervous face.
"No way man. That thing creeps me out. " He turned and stared walking. Suddenly I saw something move in the bushes. Before I could react thought it got to Yusuke.
"Heeeey..." A demon stood before us... with Yusuke's coin. It was small. It looked like a child of maybe 4 or 5. Fuzzy ears sat on its head and a bushy tail was attached at the other end. It was, of course, a squirrel demon. He fiddled with it a bit.
"OOOOOO shiny..."
"Hey give that back." Yusuke tried jumping on him but the demon jumped into a tree. It stuck its tongue out at him.
"Na Na!" And ran down the path. Yusuke and Kuwabara chased after him followed closely by Hiei and I.
Normal POV
The group ran down the trail following the squirrel demon. They ended up in a clearing, a huge tree in the center of it. The tree looked like a giant willow.
"What's that?" Kuwabara asked.
"It's a Makai Willow." Hiei answered. Yusuke and Kuwabara looked confused.
"Basically it's a giant willow tree." Explained Kurama.
"I'll say it's giant. Yusuke commented. "Hey is that a house?" He pointed towards the tree. Around the base of the trunk was a building of some sort. A fire pit and a lake nearby. In it's branches were a few cabin like structures. Suddenly a voice came from behind.
"Excellent evaluation." The voice said. Everyone turned to see a girl watching them. She had dark, dark red hair and brown eyes. Her hair went down to her shoulder blades. She had only one bang, which framed the left side of her face and went down to her chin. The girl had white fox ears with red tips and a tail to match. She wore a brick red vest with ties instead of buttons, a pair of loose brick red pants and sandals. Her accessories consisted of a curved hunting knife hanging from her belt, a red cloth around her forehead, neck and right fore arm, a bracelet with a black crystal on her left wrist, a choker which had a number of claws or teeth of some sort, and a bag slung across her chest. She had a rose tattoo on her right shoulder were the thorned stem wrapped around her arm down to her wrist and a strange mark of two black curves hooked together on the back left of her neck.
"Excuse me do you live there?" Kurama asked politely.
"Yes." She said. "Names Mika."
"I'm Kurama, This is Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei."
"OOOOHHHHHH...The famous team Urameshi. Well this is a treat. . To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Have you seen an evil little squirrel demon around here?" Yusuke asked.
"Oh, uh does he have brown hair, brown eyes ears and tale and blue eyes?"
"Yes."
"Did...did he steal something." Mika asked dreadfully.
"Yeah. My lucky coin." Mika sighed.
"I must apologies. Kiro is still young and doesn't know any better."
"Kiro?" The guys looked at each other. Mika pulled out a whistle and blew it. It sounded like a bird call. Seconds later the demon in question appeared.
"Yes Mika?" He grinned happily at her like a child to its mentor or at least he was until he saw the stern look she gave him.
"I didn't do it!" Mika shook her head and picked Kiro up by the tale. She shook him and several trinkets fell to the ground but no coin.
"Where is it Kiro and don't you DARE lie to me." Mika looked angry. Kiro shrank.
"I-I don't have it..." he answered meekly.
"And where is it?" Mika raised an eyebrow.
"Umm Terri has it." Mika's faced paled.
"Mika...are you ok." Asked Kurama, concerned.
"Who's Terri?" Mika shook her head.
"I think you better come inside." She turned and started walking towards the tree house. The guys followed. When they reached it they took turns climbing the ladder up onto the front porch and went inside. (ok I will now describe the house...bare with me) Starting at the door turn left.... and you enter the Den room (basically the family room and living room) The den room has a square pit in the center of it. In the pit is a couch that outlines ¾ of the pit walls. There was a table and a fireplace, a window and a few plants. Right of the den is a small washroom. There's no indoor plumbing unfortunately but there's a pump outside. In the washroom is a bunch of toiletries and medical stuff as well as a tub. The hot springs nearby the tree house served for bathing. Back to the front door...turn right...and you enter the dinning room. The dinning room looks like any other dinning room. Finely carved table and china cabinet. There's two windows on the outside wall and a sliding door that leads to the porch (which wraps around the house). Connected to the dinning room is the kitchen. The floor steps down so the kitchen is in the ground. In the Kitchen is a sink, several cupboards, a small table, and an old fashioned stove. Off to the side is a trap door which leads to the cellar and freezer (I'll explain later). There is also a window that faces the tree trunk. (OK that's it ....for now...)
Everyone was gathered in the Kitchen seated at the table. Mika had gone around and given everyone a cup with a blackish liquid in it. Kiro immediately began to drink it but the others were hesitant. Hiei was staring at it, Kurama sniffed it, and Yusuke and Kuwabara turned green.
"What the hell is this?" Yusuke asked. Mika laughed.
"Its Kamika juice."
"What's Kamika." Kurama asked. Mika pointed to a corner of the room where a mini tree stood. The tree had blue leaves and some pear shaped fruit on it. The fruit itself was black with purple strips.
"That's a Kamika tree." Mika explained. "It's an extremely rare plant that grows year round. They grow to about that height then grow fruit once a month. It has a number of different uses. The leaves have some healing properties and make a very tasty mint topping. The sap has similar uses. It can heal and tastes good with food. Lastly of course there's the fruit. The fruit has a unique ability. It restores energy. It's amazing really. You can do all sorts of things with the fruit. Drink it, roast it, boiling into a soup. It's a chef's dream. It makes food suit for the gods. Try it you'll like it." She then took a sip from her own cup. The guys looked at each other then at there cups. Kuwabara picked his up and took a sip. His face lit up.
"Whoa this is good!" The others blinked before hesitantly drinking theirs. The table erupted with compliments.
"SWEET!"
"Hn"
"Delicious" Mika grinned. The group sat in silence for a time before being broken by Kurama.
"So Mika... who is Terri?"
"Oh she's my cousin. She and I have live and traveled together since we were ten or so. She's really clever and enjoys tricking people. But mostly she doesn't do anything anyone tells her unless it benefits her...and that includes returning you coin."
"Oh."
"Don't worry I'll talk some sense into her"
"You're a fox demon right?" Yusuke asked.
"Well I'm only ½ fox demon." Hiei turned to her.
"And what's your other half?" Mika opened up her mouth to answer when the sound of thunder shook the house. Kiro eeped and hid under the table. Yusuke jumped and Kuwabara screamed. Mika walked over to the window. It started raining and lighting and thunder rang out through the sky. A few minutes past. Hiei was about to say that Mika hadn't answered the question when the door slammed and in walked a very wet Terri. All eyes turned to her. She had long dark lavender/purple hair that went slightly past her butt and was in a braid. Her eyes were an ash grey color and she was about 4'6". She wore a black poncho that went down past her knees, a pair of loose black pants, and sandals. She had two sy's on either thigh and a dagger sheathed on her belt. The first reaction she got was a 'Terri!' from Mika. Before anyone could react though Kuwabara opened his big fat mouth.
"THAT'S TERRI! SHE SHORTER THAN THE SHIMP!!!" Hiei growled and stood. Indeed Terri just barely past his shoulder by an inch. He took out his katana ready to strike at the fool but Terri him. Kuwabara screamed and looked down at the chair were he sat. There embedded in the chair right between his legs was Terri's dagger it had a gold hilt with skull designs on it. The blade was shape and long, urging for blood. Yusuke winced and stared at her. Kuwabara gulped and Kurama sweat dropped. Hiei stared at Terri. She calmly crossed the room and stood in front of Kuwabara. Slowly she reached down and yank the dagger free raising it up to Kuwabara's chin. He gulped and stared frightened at Terri. She glared at him and growled. Mika sighed and cleared her throat.
"Umm Terri, I'd like to introduce you to Hiei Kurama Yusuke and that his Kuwabara. Their the members of Team Urameshi...they won the dark tournament last year." Terri growled. "Umm Kuwabara now would be a good time to apologize."
"sssssorrrrry" Terri growled deeper. Mika had enough.
"Terri! Won flesruoy mlac esaelp! Retteb wonk tnsoed dna namuh diputs a tsuj si eh! Enola mih evael!" The guys blinked at the language Mika used. Whatever she said worked because Terri with drew with a snort before sitting down. Kiro came and sat on her lap. Terri smiled and took off her poncho handing it to him. Kiro left to put it away. Under her poncho Terri wore a sleeveless, dark blue/purple button up shirt that had the ends tied up showing off her toned stomach. Her accessories were a necklace with a purple crystal on it, a bracelet w/ a black gem on it on her right wrist. She also had a purple sun like tattoo on the back left side of her neck and a dragon tattoo on her right arm that started w/ a dragon head on her shoulder then wrapped around her arm and ended w/ a second head on the back of her hand. Her third mark was on her forehead. No one noticed it there till she brushed some stray hair aside. On her forehead was a dull purple crescent moon. Guy's silently agreed not to mention it till later. Kuwabara was about to when Yusuke hit him. Mika handed Terri a cup of Kamika juice then sat down. An uncomfortable silence descended before Mika spoke.
"Terri? Did Kiro give you a coin?" Terri nodded. "Can I see it?" Terri reached into her pocket and withdrew Yusuke's coin.
"Hey that's it!" Yusuke yelled happily. Terri raised an eyebrow and looked at Mika questioningly. Mika laughed nervously.
"Umm you see Terri Kiro stole that from Yusuke and well he wants it back." Terri looked from the coin to Yusuke in a contemplating manner. Then she shook her head and placed the coin back in her pocket.
"Heeeeeeey..." Yusuke glared at her. "It's mine." Terri took a sip of her drink. Mika looked nervous.
"Terri please return it?" Terri just sat there ignoring everyone and every thing. Yusuke was starting to get angry.
"Hey. What's your problem. The least you could do is give and explanation as to why you won't give it back!" Nothing. "WELL!?" Terri stood finished with her drink and began to leave. Yusuke glared at her. Before anyone could react he charged her. He never got within 5 feet of her. Yusuke was suddenly lifted into the air by some invisible force and flung into the wall. Terri, who had stopped, Turned around quickly and threw her Sy's at him pinning him to the wall. Everyone stared at what just happened. Mika sighed and banged her head on the table repeatedly. Yusuke glared at her defiantly though you could see fear in his eyes. Terri's face remained calm. Her sad eyes locked onto each and every person in the room. They fell on Hiei who held his emotionless mask. Her eyes lingered on him before she turned and left the room. Her Sy's unstuck themselves and followed after her. The room was silent once again.
A/N That's all for now folks!!!