Hi again people! I'm back! Hehehe time for the next chappie!
Review responses:
Koroga: Wow that was a long one! lol, my poor Kurama! I feel sad now...I've never seen any of the fics where they're thrown to screaming fan girls! lol oh well no matter. Actually I have heard of an author who likes Kuwabara! There was one girl who was threatening anyone who insulted him, it was really weird! Yeah I know Hiei and Kuwabara fights are kinda predictable, but they're classics. You can't have Yu Yu Hakusho without a fight between those two.
Kitsune Kit: Thanks for the suggestion, but actually I thought of someone for Hiei too. She'll come in a later chapter and she's the exact opposite of Hiei personality wise. Your idea sounds really cool too, but having her be his opposite will be funnier.
Hiei: You are not suggesting...
Varan: Yep I am! Actually Jack helped me think her up! It was weird, we both had the same ideas...kinda like we could read each other's minds!
Jack: Yeah it was really creepy. The character ended up scaring me a little.
Varan: Hehe that's only because she's based on...
Jack: Hey don't give it away!
Varan: Oops! Sorry but you guys have to wait a while before you find out ok?
Yusuke: I'm not sure if we wanna find out!
Varan: Of course you do!
Kuwabara: TT I don't have any fan girls!
Yusuke: Ha! I do!
Varan: That was mean Yusuke! Don't worry Kuwabara, there's gotta be at least one fan girl who likes you.
Yusuke: Hey why are you being so nice to him?
Varan: I feel bad for him. Well kinda. I'm not all evil you know.
Hiei: That's a load of bull.
Kurama: Hiei you shouldn't do that...
Varan: It's ok Kurama, I'm feeling strangely peppy right now. I'm kinda scaring myself actually.
Jack: You always scare me.
Varan: That's cause you're my little brother.
Jack: Or because you're a psycho.
Varan: Yep I know!
Yusuke: She admits it?
Kurama: Uh Varan...why don't you just get on with the fic? You just spent a whole page on the beginning notes!
Varan: Oops! Sorry! Here ya go!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. sigh Why is the world so cruel?! TT
"So," K.L. said after about thirty minutes of walking with no destination that she could see. "Does anyone know where the hell we're supposed to find this guy?"
"That's what we're going to find out," Kurama told her. "We're going to make some inquires in a nearby city."
"A demon city?," Yusuke asked. "Do you think they'll like having a bunch of humans barging in?"
"Probably not," Kurama replied. "But they all know that we were the winners of the Dark Tournament. I doubt they'll try anything." K.L. swallowed nervously and picked up Angel.
"Yeah well, I'm not gonna take any chances," she said. "After all, I wasn't around then and I don't really have a reputation for being tough yet. What if they come after me?"
"You'll be fine," Kurama assured her. "All the demons here are fairly low class. They'll be easy to handle."
"Alright if you say so."
"As long as you remember your training then you should be able to stay alive," Hiei said unexpectedly without looking at her. "You aren't totally pathetic." K.L. smiled even though he wasn't looking. She knew enough about him to know that what he had said was meant to be reassuring. She was touched that he cared enough to erasure her.
"Thanks Hiei, that means alot to me," she said. He didn't reply, he just kept walking. Kurama smiled, having heard what Hiei had said. It seemed as though Hiei's views on humans had changed for the better.
"So how much farther is this city?," Kuwabara asked.
"Not much farther," Kurama promised. "If memory serves, then we're about ten minutes away from the city at this point. Angel sniffed the air and growled softly, her hackles rising.
: I don't like the smells coming from the end of the forest. It smells...dangerous. And I feel many evil energies. Do we have to go there? :
"I'm afraid we must, if we're gong to gain on information on Nightshade's whereabouts."
"I don't like it either Angel," K.L. said as she smoothed down Angel's fur in a comforting motion. "But I don't think we have a choice."
: I know. But I still don't like it. :
"Wait, you can smell the city from here?," Kuwabara asked. "That must be some nose you've got Mutt!"
"She's not a mutt!"
"Oh don't start this again!," Yusuke exclaimed in exasperation. "And I thought your arguments with Hiei were bad!"
"It's almost like you ENJOY fighting each other," Kurama commented. K.L. grinned.
"Of course I do!" The others looked at her like she was insane. "What? It's fun picking on Kuwabara!"
"Why you..." Yusuke had to once again hold Kuwabara back from physically harming K.L. After taking time to calm K.L. and Kuwabara down, they finally made it to the demon city. K.L. held Angel as close as possible, while at the same time trying to keep fear from her face and body language. Kurama noticed her nerves and stood close to her side. This seemed to help because she calmed down a little. Hiei led the way into a rowdy pub. Without hesitation, he headed to the bar where a lone demon was sitting drinking a beer. He looked up as they approached and grinned, showing two rows of very jagged teeth.
"Well, well, well, if it ain't the winners of the Dark Tournament," he said. "I thought you guys were to good to hang out around here. How are my old friends doin' lately?"
"Hello Leon," Kurama said smoothly as Hiei glared at the demon, now identified as Leon. "We have some questions for you." Leon snorted.
"Now why the hell should I tell you anything? You fuckin' traitors, helpin' Spirit World and workin' with humans...you make me sick!" He spat on the ground at Kurama's feet. K.L. stepped forward, her eyes burning with anger.
"You little fucker," she said. "You should show some respect! After all, who was it who saved all your asses at the Dark Tournament when Toguro went on a rampage?"
"Shit Kurama, now you've even got your own human bitch! You've lost it man." He looked K.L. up and down. "She is kinda pretty though. Mind if I take a spin? She needs to learn some resp-hurk!" Suddenly Leon found himself being held in the air by his collar, choking him. He looked down to see Kurama's emerald eyes blazing with rage. The humans watched in surprise at Kurama's sudden aggression. Hiei shook his head.
"You are a fool," he said coldly. "You're as good as dead now." K.L. grabbed Kurama's arm urgently.
"No, don't do it Kurama. It's just not worth it." Angel growled angrily at the demon and Yusuke and Kuwabara cracked their knuckles menacingly.
"She's right Kurama," Yusuke said. "Besides he still needs to answer our questions." Kurama roughly set Leon back on the ground and Hiei grabbed him, holding his arms behind his back. He drew his katana and held it against Leon's throat. Leon swallowed convulsively and sweat beaded his brow.
"Tell us where Nightshade is," Hiei demanded cooly.
"I-d-d-don't kn-know what you're t-talkin' about!," Leon stuttered. "I swear! Please don't kill me!" Hiei ignored Leon's pleas and used his Jagan eye to look into Leon's mind. He saw that Leon was telling the truth and released him. Leon panted hard and rubbed his throat with a shaky hand.
"It'd be a waste of my time to kill you," Hiei told him. "You're useless." He turned and walked out of the pub. Kurama, K.L., Angel, and Puu followed. Yusuke and Kuwabara stayed behind. After a few minutes they joined the others looking very pleased with themselves. They made sure Leon had payed for insulting their team mate.
"So now what?," K.L. asked. "We're right back where we started."
"Perhaps I could be of some help," said a voice from behind them. The detectives turned to find a demon standing there. He had blue skin, sea green eyes, and short shockingly white hair. A long blue tail could be seen curving behind him with a fin on the end. He wore black pants and a black tank top, with a sword strapped to his hip.
"Oh?," Kurama asked raising an eyebrow. "And who might you be?" The demon bowed slightly.
"My name is Aquarion. As you can see, I am a water demon. I overheard you in the bar. You seek the demon Nightshade correct? I too am seeking him, and I know where he is."
"Why are you looking for Nightshade?," Yusuke asked suspiciously.
"Because Nightshade stole my younger brother to use him as a slave," Aquarion replied. "And I want him back." Kurama nodded.
"Very well. I'm sure you know who we are correct? Then you'll also know the dangers of traveling with us."
"Of course. But a little danger is fine with me." He looked over at K.L. "Although I can't say I know who all of you are."
"This is K.L., our newest memeber. She is an elemental," Kurama told him.
"I've heard of elementals, but I didn't know they really existed. He examined K.L. for a moment then noticed Angel. "Is that your familiar?"
"Yes. Her name is Angel," K.L. replied. Angel sniffed at Aquarion and eyed him suspiciously.
: How do we know we can trust him?, : she asked K.L.
: I dunno, ask Kurama. He's the expert on this kind of thing. : Angel asked Kurama. He gave a slight shrug.
: We really don't know for sure. We'll just have to wait and find out. Even if he proves to be an enemy, I'm sure we'll be able to take care of him. :
: Fine, : Angel huffed. : But don't let him know that I understand you and can communicate with you, just in case. :
: Alright,: Kurama consented. : Be sure to tell the others. : While Angel spoke with the others, Angel talked to Aquarion.
"So why did Nightshade take your brother?," she asked.
"I'm not sure why," he replied. "But I know he had been recruiting demons from all over Demon World. Those that wouldn't go to him willingly were either coreced or blackmailed into joining him. Usually blakcmailed. I think he got a sick joy out of tormenting others."
"How did he get your brother?"
"He used coercion. Jonah was a good person, but his will was very weak. It was easy for Nightshade to control him." K.L. saw the pain and sorrow in his eyes and put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. But don't worry we'll help you get him back." He looked at her surprised.
"What? But what would you gain from helping me reclaim my brother?"
"Absolutely nothing. But that's not the point. We can't just leave someone who's in trouble like that. It's just not right." He shook his head in confusion.
"I don't understand." K.L. smiled warmly.
"Don't worry. You'll get it eventually." She winked and turned to the others. "Besides, it's what we do. Right boys?"
"Right!," Kuwabara said. "It's the manly thing to do after all!" K.L. rolled her eyes.
"No it's just the right thing to do dumb ass," she said. Kuwabara glared at her. Yusuke interfered before they started fighting again.
"It doesn't matter what it is, we're still gonna do it so knock it off! So Aquarion, where is this jack ass hiding anyway?"
"His strong hold is deep in the darkest part of the Forest of Shadows."
"Hn. Seems appropriate," Hiei said.
"The forest of Shadows," Kurama murmmered. "Of course!" K.L. blinked at him.
"Of course what?"
"It is said that the Forest of Shadows contains the shadows of human souls who could not part with their anger and hatred, even in death. The perfect place for a shadow demon to be."
"Oh." Aquarion looked at them and nodded.
"Yes. Because of the forest, his already formidible power has grown to entirely new levels. He is a dangerous foe." Yusuke cracked his knuckles.
"Heh, sounds like fun," he said. "So where is this Forest of Shadows?" "Sadly it is located on the other side of Demon World. It will be a long trip."
"What?! But what if Nightshade attacks the Earth before we even find him?!"
"Nightshade will not attack yet."
"Huh? Why not?" Aquraion sighed.
"I heard that he's been looking for the survivors of his army of demons and also recruits to replace the ones he lost. These demons have been spread all over Demon World after Nightshade's defeat, so it will take a while to find them all."
"Great," K.L. muttered. "Stuck with Kuwabara for only God knows how long!"
"Hey it's no picnic for me either, being stuck with you and the mutt!"
"Don't call her a mutt you baka!"
"Oh shut up! You're lucky you're a girl or else I'd-"
"You'd what tough guy? Sick your kitten on me?"
"Why you!" Aquraion watched in amusement as the two argued and Yusuke and Kurama tried to calm them down while Hiei watched. They are very strange, he thought. And they really want to help me? Why? Do they really care? He shook his head. No, I can't think like that, I can't let my guard down. The only thing that matters is Jonah's safety. He looked up at the sky. Don't worry Jonah, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise.
Varan: Ok well that's it for now! I gotta go to bed before my mom kills me!
Hiei: Ha you still have to listen to your mother?
Varan: Yes I do. I'm only 15 ya know.
Kurama: Hiei...
Varan: Look, I don't have time to bug you so be happy. Now I gotta go, Mom's getting REALLY mad!
Kurama: Alright. See you tomorrow Varan.
Varan: Right. Ja ne!
Review responses:
Koroga: Wow that was a long one! lol, my poor Kurama! I feel sad now...I've never seen any of the fics where they're thrown to screaming fan girls! lol oh well no matter. Actually I have heard of an author who likes Kuwabara! There was one girl who was threatening anyone who insulted him, it was really weird! Yeah I know Hiei and Kuwabara fights are kinda predictable, but they're classics. You can't have Yu Yu Hakusho without a fight between those two.
Kitsune Kit: Thanks for the suggestion, but actually I thought of someone for Hiei too. She'll come in a later chapter and she's the exact opposite of Hiei personality wise. Your idea sounds really cool too, but having her be his opposite will be funnier.
Hiei: You are not suggesting...
Varan: Yep I am! Actually Jack helped me think her up! It was weird, we both had the same ideas...kinda like we could read each other's minds!
Jack: Yeah it was really creepy. The character ended up scaring me a little.
Varan: Hehe that's only because she's based on...
Jack: Hey don't give it away!
Varan: Oops! Sorry but you guys have to wait a while before you find out ok?
Yusuke: I'm not sure if we wanna find out!
Varan: Of course you do!
Kuwabara: TT I don't have any fan girls!
Yusuke: Ha! I do!
Varan: That was mean Yusuke! Don't worry Kuwabara, there's gotta be at least one fan girl who likes you.
Yusuke: Hey why are you being so nice to him?
Varan: I feel bad for him. Well kinda. I'm not all evil you know.
Hiei: That's a load of bull.
Kurama: Hiei you shouldn't do that...
Varan: It's ok Kurama, I'm feeling strangely peppy right now. I'm kinda scaring myself actually.
Jack: You always scare me.
Varan: That's cause you're my little brother.
Jack: Or because you're a psycho.
Varan: Yep I know!
Yusuke: She admits it?
Kurama: Uh Varan...why don't you just get on with the fic? You just spent a whole page on the beginning notes!
Varan: Oops! Sorry! Here ya go!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. sigh Why is the world so cruel?! TT
"So," K.L. said after about thirty minutes of walking with no destination that she could see. "Does anyone know where the hell we're supposed to find this guy?"
"That's what we're going to find out," Kurama told her. "We're going to make some inquires in a nearby city."
"A demon city?," Yusuke asked. "Do you think they'll like having a bunch of humans barging in?"
"Probably not," Kurama replied. "But they all know that we were the winners of the Dark Tournament. I doubt they'll try anything." K.L. swallowed nervously and picked up Angel.
"Yeah well, I'm not gonna take any chances," she said. "After all, I wasn't around then and I don't really have a reputation for being tough yet. What if they come after me?"
"You'll be fine," Kurama assured her. "All the demons here are fairly low class. They'll be easy to handle."
"Alright if you say so."
"As long as you remember your training then you should be able to stay alive," Hiei said unexpectedly without looking at her. "You aren't totally pathetic." K.L. smiled even though he wasn't looking. She knew enough about him to know that what he had said was meant to be reassuring. She was touched that he cared enough to erasure her.
"Thanks Hiei, that means alot to me," she said. He didn't reply, he just kept walking. Kurama smiled, having heard what Hiei had said. It seemed as though Hiei's views on humans had changed for the better.
"So how much farther is this city?," Kuwabara asked.
"Not much farther," Kurama promised. "If memory serves, then we're about ten minutes away from the city at this point. Angel sniffed the air and growled softly, her hackles rising.
: I don't like the smells coming from the end of the forest. It smells...dangerous. And I feel many evil energies. Do we have to go there? :
"I'm afraid we must, if we're gong to gain on information on Nightshade's whereabouts."
"I don't like it either Angel," K.L. said as she smoothed down Angel's fur in a comforting motion. "But I don't think we have a choice."
: I know. But I still don't like it. :
"Wait, you can smell the city from here?," Kuwabara asked. "That must be some nose you've got Mutt!"
"She's not a mutt!"
"Oh don't start this again!," Yusuke exclaimed in exasperation. "And I thought your arguments with Hiei were bad!"
"It's almost like you ENJOY fighting each other," Kurama commented. K.L. grinned.
"Of course I do!" The others looked at her like she was insane. "What? It's fun picking on Kuwabara!"
"Why you..." Yusuke had to once again hold Kuwabara back from physically harming K.L. After taking time to calm K.L. and Kuwabara down, they finally made it to the demon city. K.L. held Angel as close as possible, while at the same time trying to keep fear from her face and body language. Kurama noticed her nerves and stood close to her side. This seemed to help because she calmed down a little. Hiei led the way into a rowdy pub. Without hesitation, he headed to the bar where a lone demon was sitting drinking a beer. He looked up as they approached and grinned, showing two rows of very jagged teeth.
"Well, well, well, if it ain't the winners of the Dark Tournament," he said. "I thought you guys were to good to hang out around here. How are my old friends doin' lately?"
"Hello Leon," Kurama said smoothly as Hiei glared at the demon, now identified as Leon. "We have some questions for you." Leon snorted.
"Now why the hell should I tell you anything? You fuckin' traitors, helpin' Spirit World and workin' with humans...you make me sick!" He spat on the ground at Kurama's feet. K.L. stepped forward, her eyes burning with anger.
"You little fucker," she said. "You should show some respect! After all, who was it who saved all your asses at the Dark Tournament when Toguro went on a rampage?"
"Shit Kurama, now you've even got your own human bitch! You've lost it man." He looked K.L. up and down. "She is kinda pretty though. Mind if I take a spin? She needs to learn some resp-hurk!" Suddenly Leon found himself being held in the air by his collar, choking him. He looked down to see Kurama's emerald eyes blazing with rage. The humans watched in surprise at Kurama's sudden aggression. Hiei shook his head.
"You are a fool," he said coldly. "You're as good as dead now." K.L. grabbed Kurama's arm urgently.
"No, don't do it Kurama. It's just not worth it." Angel growled angrily at the demon and Yusuke and Kuwabara cracked their knuckles menacingly.
"She's right Kurama," Yusuke said. "Besides he still needs to answer our questions." Kurama roughly set Leon back on the ground and Hiei grabbed him, holding his arms behind his back. He drew his katana and held it against Leon's throat. Leon swallowed convulsively and sweat beaded his brow.
"Tell us where Nightshade is," Hiei demanded cooly.
"I-d-d-don't kn-know what you're t-talkin' about!," Leon stuttered. "I swear! Please don't kill me!" Hiei ignored Leon's pleas and used his Jagan eye to look into Leon's mind. He saw that Leon was telling the truth and released him. Leon panted hard and rubbed his throat with a shaky hand.
"It'd be a waste of my time to kill you," Hiei told him. "You're useless." He turned and walked out of the pub. Kurama, K.L., Angel, and Puu followed. Yusuke and Kuwabara stayed behind. After a few minutes they joined the others looking very pleased with themselves. They made sure Leon had payed for insulting their team mate.
"So now what?," K.L. asked. "We're right back where we started."
"Perhaps I could be of some help," said a voice from behind them. The detectives turned to find a demon standing there. He had blue skin, sea green eyes, and short shockingly white hair. A long blue tail could be seen curving behind him with a fin on the end. He wore black pants and a black tank top, with a sword strapped to his hip.
"Oh?," Kurama asked raising an eyebrow. "And who might you be?" The demon bowed slightly.
"My name is Aquarion. As you can see, I am a water demon. I overheard you in the bar. You seek the demon Nightshade correct? I too am seeking him, and I know where he is."
"Why are you looking for Nightshade?," Yusuke asked suspiciously.
"Because Nightshade stole my younger brother to use him as a slave," Aquarion replied. "And I want him back." Kurama nodded.
"Very well. I'm sure you know who we are correct? Then you'll also know the dangers of traveling with us."
"Of course. But a little danger is fine with me." He looked over at K.L. "Although I can't say I know who all of you are."
"This is K.L., our newest memeber. She is an elemental," Kurama told him.
"I've heard of elementals, but I didn't know they really existed. He examined K.L. for a moment then noticed Angel. "Is that your familiar?"
"Yes. Her name is Angel," K.L. replied. Angel sniffed at Aquarion and eyed him suspiciously.
: How do we know we can trust him?, : she asked K.L.
: I dunno, ask Kurama. He's the expert on this kind of thing. : Angel asked Kurama. He gave a slight shrug.
: We really don't know for sure. We'll just have to wait and find out. Even if he proves to be an enemy, I'm sure we'll be able to take care of him. :
: Fine, : Angel huffed. : But don't let him know that I understand you and can communicate with you, just in case. :
: Alright,: Kurama consented. : Be sure to tell the others. : While Angel spoke with the others, Angel talked to Aquarion.
"So why did Nightshade take your brother?," she asked.
"I'm not sure why," he replied. "But I know he had been recruiting demons from all over Demon World. Those that wouldn't go to him willingly were either coreced or blackmailed into joining him. Usually blakcmailed. I think he got a sick joy out of tormenting others."
"How did he get your brother?"
"He used coercion. Jonah was a good person, but his will was very weak. It was easy for Nightshade to control him." K.L. saw the pain and sorrow in his eyes and put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. But don't worry we'll help you get him back." He looked at her surprised.
"What? But what would you gain from helping me reclaim my brother?"
"Absolutely nothing. But that's not the point. We can't just leave someone who's in trouble like that. It's just not right." He shook his head in confusion.
"I don't understand." K.L. smiled warmly.
"Don't worry. You'll get it eventually." She winked and turned to the others. "Besides, it's what we do. Right boys?"
"Right!," Kuwabara said. "It's the manly thing to do after all!" K.L. rolled her eyes.
"No it's just the right thing to do dumb ass," she said. Kuwabara glared at her. Yusuke interfered before they started fighting again.
"It doesn't matter what it is, we're still gonna do it so knock it off! So Aquarion, where is this jack ass hiding anyway?"
"His strong hold is deep in the darkest part of the Forest of Shadows."
"Hn. Seems appropriate," Hiei said.
"The forest of Shadows," Kurama murmmered. "Of course!" K.L. blinked at him.
"Of course what?"
"It is said that the Forest of Shadows contains the shadows of human souls who could not part with their anger and hatred, even in death. The perfect place for a shadow demon to be."
"Oh." Aquarion looked at them and nodded.
"Yes. Because of the forest, his already formidible power has grown to entirely new levels. He is a dangerous foe." Yusuke cracked his knuckles.
"Heh, sounds like fun," he said. "So where is this Forest of Shadows?" "Sadly it is located on the other side of Demon World. It will be a long trip."
"What?! But what if Nightshade attacks the Earth before we even find him?!"
"Nightshade will not attack yet."
"Huh? Why not?" Aquraion sighed.
"I heard that he's been looking for the survivors of his army of demons and also recruits to replace the ones he lost. These demons have been spread all over Demon World after Nightshade's defeat, so it will take a while to find them all."
"Great," K.L. muttered. "Stuck with Kuwabara for only God knows how long!"
"Hey it's no picnic for me either, being stuck with you and the mutt!"
"Don't call her a mutt you baka!"
"Oh shut up! You're lucky you're a girl or else I'd-"
"You'd what tough guy? Sick your kitten on me?"
"Why you!" Aquraion watched in amusement as the two argued and Yusuke and Kurama tried to calm them down while Hiei watched. They are very strange, he thought. And they really want to help me? Why? Do they really care? He shook his head. No, I can't think like that, I can't let my guard down. The only thing that matters is Jonah's safety. He looked up at the sky. Don't worry Jonah, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise.
Varan: Ok well that's it for now! I gotta go to bed before my mom kills me!
Hiei: Ha you still have to listen to your mother?
Varan: Yes I do. I'm only 15 ya know.
Kurama: Hiei...
Varan: Look, I don't have time to bug you so be happy. Now I gotta go, Mom's getting REALLY mad!
Kurama: Alright. See you tomorrow Varan.
Varan: Right. Ja ne!
