A/N: Okay, guys. I apologize ahead of time for any typos or if you think this chapter sucks. It was actually very hard for me to write this one, and I'm SO SORRY if it's boring, but I tried to make it as interesting as possible. The only thing I sort of like about this chapter is that Hiei and Katana finally have their first confrontation. Also, I'm sorry for not updating. It's taking a little longer than expected, but I'll have more time now. Soccer's OVER. does a happy dance Anyway, I'm rambling. Sorry. Okay, review responses. Thanks SO MUCH you guys.
The Squabbit: heh, heh . . . scratches head Sorry about not updating. But I'll try my best from now on. I promise! I'm really happy that you liked the last chapter. And don't worry, I'll explain more about how they both say they betrayed each other over the whole story. You see, Katana and Hiei used to be best friends, but- OMG I'm totally giving everything away. My bad. laughs evilly I love to leave everyone in suspense. It's so fun. . . Anyway, thanks for being my constant reviewer. You're da best.
Hiei's Shadow Tenshi: reads review Thanks so much for your consideration. I was actually really happy with how much reviews I got for the last chapter. Please keep updating, OK? Yeah, you're right. I did sorta get Kakashi out of the Kakashi from Naruto. I really couldn't think of any names back then, so I thought that Kakashi was a really cool name, so I just used it. He is awesome isn't he? Anyways, here's the next chapter and please review me again!
aznwolf4evr: Wow! Thanks for your complements. tears of joy They really boost my self esteem, you know? Anyway . . . you live in Washington! No way! My brother goes to college there. He's in UW. Huskies ROCK! woot woot Anyway, thanks for your review. I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Very Pissed Fire Demon's Mate: It's nice to have a new reviewer. I'm sorry that I haven't updated in a long time. I'm not even sure if you'll read this, but if you do, please try to be patient with me and review, even though I'm sort of a slow updater. I really like reviews. I love to read Hiei stories too! Do you have any recommendations? I'm always looking for great stories. Anyways, thanks for reviewing and drop by again! I feel like I'm working at McDonalds or something Well, enjoy the chapter!
ladyKaguya: Welcome back! You don't have to apologize for not reviewing. You sound super busy. Hope you do great in college! Is it fun? . . . Anyway, I'm glad that you like my story. I was sort of aiming at making Katana sort of like Hiei. As you'll find out later, they are alike in many different ways and both have similar and sort of intertwined pasts. Sorry I made you wait so long, but here's the chapter and I hope you like it!
Prismdragon: Thanks for reviewing! It's nice to see, um, talk, to you again. Thanks for your comments on my writing style and stuff. If you have any tips, feel free to help me out. Well, sorry for making you wait so long. I was sort of busy with life and all. Anyways, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Tsume-Hiei luver: Hello, thanks for reviewing. I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a long time when you said to update soon, but I was a bit busy and it was really hard to get this chapter out of my head. It's sort of like a filler chapter and I'm sorry if you don't like it, but please review again! I love new reviewers. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Saarah14: Hello! I did review you fic. Did you see? I haven't checked it lately, though. Did you update? Well, I hope that you'll review mine this time. Please enjoy the chapter and I'm so sorry for the delay.
Dragon of the Crimson Flame: Wow! Two reviews! How'd you manage that? laughs I already know. Computers are stupid sometimes, yeah? I did change the plot a lot since you read it last. I really should tell you about it sometime, but we rarely get to talk anymore. You never call. sad face Anyway, here's the next chapter. I hope you like it. This one was kinda hard to write.
Secrets of the Past
Chapter 5: Premonitions
The sun's gentle rays filtered in through the glass window, causing a sleeping kitsune to awake from his deep, dreamless slumber.
The first thought in Kurama's head was, unfortunately, Damn. By the position of the sun and his internal instincts, he could already tell that he had overslept. It must have been around 9:00. He was supposed to meet the others at 9:30, and he had hoped to wake up at sunset and train. I guess it's too late now, he thought to himself disappointedly. Oh well. I just hope that today's match isn't too hard.
He couldn't very well explain it, but Kurama had been getting a bad feeling about today's match. It was unusual; he didn't usually get premonitions, that was Kuwabara's thing. But, somehow, he had a very, very bad feeling about today and he had learned from past experience that whenever he got these feelings, they should not be ignored or taken lightly.
The kitsune got out of bed and began to get ready. I'll have to keep an eye out for anything that might pose a potential threat, he reminded himself as he looked in the mirror, brushing his teeth.
"Where the heck is everyone!" Yusuke's loud and angry voice broke the stillness of the morning.
He was answered by silence.
"Am I supposed to answer that?" asked Kuwabara after a few minutes.
Yusuke threw his hands up in exasperation and let out a yell of frustration. "Who the hell do you think I'm talking to you idiot!" He mumbled a few choice words under his breath, pacing around the clearing they were supposed to be meeting everyone at.
"Well," Kuwabara said after Yusuke had calmed down, "How am I supposed to know where everyone is?"
Yusuke looked at Kuwabara, the vein on his forehead showing. "Now, I know why Hiei thinks you're such an idiot," he said.
"Shut up, Urameshi! I've taken enough of your insults for one morning! If you insult me one more time I'm gonna pound you're face in!" He paused, and then retorted. "Plus, we are 15 minutes early in case you haven't noticed genius." His voice oozed with sarcasm.
"Blockhead," replied Yusuke calmly.
"Numbskull," retorted Kuwabara just as calmly.
"Retard."
"Freak."
The forest rang with their insults and put downs until Katana, who had been there way before them, decided to step in, due to the fact that her ears were ringing with the annoying voices.
A strong gust of wind, almost as strong as a hurricane suddenly appeared out of nowhere, almost blowing the boys off their feet, as she jumped out of the tree she had been lounging on and shouted over the two arguing boys, "Alright! You are two are both idiots! So will you shut the hell up!"
Slowly the wind began to calm down as she closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths.
Both boys turned to look at her in awe. For a brief moment, they had been able to sense her power, especially Kuwabara.
Wow . . . Kuwabara thought, She's pretty strong.
"Plus," she said ignoring their surprised and amazed looks, "You're voices are hurting my ears. You sound like a bunch of llamas arguing over food." She rubbed her left ear. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath. Her tone was much softer and controlled now, not as wild and unchecked as it had been before, when she was telling them to shut up.
She seemed to have calmed down, and leant against the nearest tree, crossing her arms, an indifferent expression on her face as she seemed to be observing the clearing.
There was silence for a moment, until Yusuke finally decided to voice the question on both of the detective's minds. "Yo, lady? What kind of demon are you? Wind, right? I'll eat Kuwabara's old socks if that wasn't you who caused that mini-hurricane."
Her hazel brown gaze turned to Yusuke, and he was taken back by their intensity. "It's none of your business," she replied brusquely, as her gaze turned back up towards the sky.
"But-" Kuwabara was cut off as Kurama entered the clearing.
His emerald green eyes widened in playful surprise as he put a hand to his chest, pretending to be shocked. "Wow! You two are actually on time for once. Today must really be special." He looked toward Katana, who ignored his presence. "It's nice to see you Katana," he said, polite as always.
She turned toward him and gave him a nod.
He scanned the area and his teammates, looking for anything that might be out of the ordinary. His gaze landed on Katana. Something seemed . . . off about her, as if she were more . . . tired than usual. Her cerulean hair was tied into a low ponytail, but seemed to be a bit messy, as if she had been tossing and turning during the night. And beneath the indifferent mask she wore, he could see an unnatural tiredness in her hazel orbs.
I wonder . . . could something have happened to her during the night, he thought, considering the possibilities.
As if she had sensed his calculating eyes on her, she turned toward him, and he quickly averted his eyes, pretending to be listening to Yusuke and Kuwabara's conversation.
"Kuwabara, you're way too paranoid," said Yusuke. The previous argument seemed to have been long forgotten, and they talked as if nothing had happened.
"I know," replied Kuwabara, his tone serious, "It sounds stupid, but . . . I don't know I can't explain it." He sounded frustrated.
"Damn right it sounds stupid. There's no one at this tournament even worth our time, Kuwabara," Yusuke explains. "They're all weaklings. We're way too strong to even be scratched by them, much less seriously injured."
"I know, but Urameshi, I just have this really bad feeling, you know, like, a tingling all over my body. And my stomach is churning, and my head is pounding, and-" He was about to continue when he was interrupted by Kurama
"Don't worry, Kuwabara, I have the exact same feeling. It's like something bad is going to happen. I think that we should all keep a look out for anything out of the ordinary."
Kuwabara sighed. "Well, I'm glad that at least someone," he glanced at Urameshi, "understands what I'm going through, and is smart enough to heed my wise and all-powerful words."
Yusuke snorted and was about to retort when Kurama wisely decided to change the subject before an argument arose. "Where's Hiei?" he said. For a moment, there was complete silence.
"Yeah, where is three-eyes, anyways?" asked Yusuke.
"Shorty's late," Kuwabara said needlessly.
"Perhaps," a dark, low voice entered the conversation, "You are all too brainless," he eyed Kuwabara, "Or senseless," he glared at Yusuke, "To realize that I have already been here for the past few minutes." They all looked towards the source of the voice, and there was our favorite fire apparition, standing under a tree in much the same way as Katana.
Kurama frowned as he looked at his friend. There was no big change, no real difference to Hiei's appearance. There were just subtle changes that the ever-observant kitsune had picked up as he first glanced at his friend.
First of all, the bandage Hiei used to cover and restrain his dragon tattoo was slightly undone and scuffed. Hiei never went into a fight without the sign of his most deadly attack perfectly concealed and restrained. Despite popular belief, Hiei was a creature of habit. It just wasn't like him to ignore rebandaging his arm, something he did before every fight or mission.
Secondly, he didn't have on his usual black cape today. As I've said before, Hiei was a creature of habit and always wore the black cape that had become his trademark. The only reason he would take it off was before or during a fight. Today, he wore only the sleeveless black shirt that he usually wore underneath the cape. The shirt had several small tears here and there, giving everyone the impression that the fire demon and his explosive temper had gotten himself into yet another fight.
But most of all it was the look in his eyes that made the demon look tired and worn. The crimson red orbs that were usually shining with full awareness and cockiness now seemed dulled, as if he hadn't gotten enough sleep, or had used too much power and not had enough time to recuperate. Actually, it looked like he had just woken up a few minutes ago. His energy seemed okay, but wavered once in a while, as if he struggled to keep it normal.
All of these observations passed through Kurama's head in a few seconds, and he came to a magnificent and ingenious conclusion that . . . something was off.
Okay, so it wasn't magnificent or ingenous, but, hey! It was something.
The exact same thoughts were going through Katana's head and, though she did not know Hiei as well as Kurama did, she could sense that he was more tired and sapped of energy than usual.
This is bad, thought Katana furiously as she observed his condition. We can't afford to have one of our strongest fighters out of commission! We have to win this, no matter what! It's the only way I can honor her death.
Suddenly, before even she knew what she was doing, Katana was at Hiei's neck pinning him against the tree. Her cold, brown eyes pierced into his angry crimson ones. For a split second all they did was glare at each other, pure hatred spilling between them, creating tension that could be cut with a knife.
Then Katana's voice, quiet and deadly, cut through the silence, "Listen, I know that you don't care about anyone or anything, but this is important to me. Don't you dare," she pushed him up farther against the tree, choking him. She repeated, "Don't you dare, pull a stunt like this again and endanger our chances of winning." Her threat hung in the still air as she stared up at him, anger and passion set in her eyes. Despite her size, at that moment, she looked bigger than Hiei . . . and stronger.
Then, Hiei, showing more self-restraint than the rest of the group ever thought possible, slowly, and calmly, grabbed Katana's arm, and forced her to let go of his neck. They struggled silently for a while, not a sound escaping their lips, but after a few seconds, Katana gave up. She couldn't match Hiei's strength, even if she tried her best.
Still, after she had released him, he held on to her wrist, his eyes carefully blank. He drew her closer and leaned down so that only she could hear. His hot breath tickled her ear as he spoke, his tone low and quiet and . . . threatening, "Don't threaten me, onna."
With those short, but to the point words, he released her from his iron grip, turned, and jumped into a nearby tree as if nothing had happened.
"Are we going or not?" he questioned the rest of the gang, who had been staring at the two of them with wide eyes and open mouths.
With that the whole group, including Katana, snapped out of the trance the argument had created. Suddenly, the tension broke, and time seemed to flow once more.
Everyone acted as if nothing had happened as they headed to the arena. Yusuke and Kuwabara were already in a heated argument about whose socks smelt stinker, while Katana walked behind them, her face blank. Kurama walked quietly beside Yusuke and Kuwabara, seemingly doing nothing. Hiei was, as usual, jumping from tree to tree, following the rest of the group along the path.
He stared at his hand, remembering the coolness of her skin. Why does it feel so familiar? Why does all of this feel so familiar? She couldn't really be . . .?
His thoughts were interrupted as Kurama's calm voice entered his mind.
Wasn't that a bit drastic, Hiei? he questioned the fire demon telepathically. All spirit foxes had this gift of mind speak. How else would they communicate when in fox form?
Get out of my head, fox, was Hiei's heated reply. He sounded agitated and even more grumpy than usual.
By the looks of your clothing, you didn't get that much sleep last night. You look terrible, said the fox bluntly, ignoring Hiei's snappy attitude. After all, he was used to it already.
Unknown to Kurama, at his comment Hiei glanced down at his cloths and realized that he did look terrible. He had spent all night last night "training" on the trees. Okay, so he was taking out some anger on the poor defenseless things, but no one had to know that. As the sun rose, he was finally so tired that he just fell asleep where he had fallen over from exhaustion in a clearing he himself had made. And when he had woken up, he was already late for their meeting. He hadn't had any time to check on his appearance.
Damn, he thought after a few seconds of silence.
Damn is right, commented Kurama, annoying the hell out of Hiei.
Get the HELL out of my head, you damn ANNOYING fox! Hiei's loud furious voice echoed throughout the fox's mind and he winced, his step faltering.
As you wish, he thought calmly, withdrawing from the irritated fire apparition's mind.
Katana stopped short, almost running into Kurama as his step faltered.
What the hell . . . she thought distractedly as she continued walking.
Her gaze turned up to the sky. She had always loved the sky. After all, it was her element . . . sort of. She closed her eyes, trying to let all thoughts wash away into the nothingness, to be swept away with the breeze. . . But it wasn't working.
Images flashed through her mind. Crimson eyes boring into her. The sound of his voice as his hot breath tickled her ear. The familiar, and somehow comforting feeling of his hands on her skin . . . And his scent, his scent, so intoxicating. For that brief moment when they had been so, so close, she had smelt his scent. He smelt like fire and smoke and danger and blood and most of all he smelt like . . . she couldn't quite place that last smell . . .
Damn, she thought. What am I thinking! I can't be distracted now. Especially not by that good-for-nothing, traitorous fire demon. Not by him . . . anyone but him. What is it about him anyway? What is it about him that makes me lose control? What is it about him that makes me snap, makes me think about things I've never thought about in decades? Why do I still feel like he's a friend?
She trailed off at this thought. How could she still tolerate, or maybe even care about him? She felt like she was betraying her family by caring about him, by not hating him, by not wanting to kill him for what he did.
Traitor . . . she thought, trying to bring back all of the hate she had felt towards him the moment she found out what he had done to her father.
Murderer . she thought, feeling emotions rush through her body. But . . . surprisingly, the hate didn't come. She was left feeling sad, and confused. Betrayed.
Why .
Kurama looked behind him, tired of listening to Yusuke and Kuwabara argue as they walked to the stadium. But as he did, he noticed something strange. Katana was falling behind. She was walking slowly, her hands in her pants pockets, her head hung down. The blue locks that had escaped her low ponytail hung conveniently in front of her face, hiding it from view. A strange aura hung about her, full of so many emotions, yet, so empty. To put it simply, she looked sad, lonely, as if she were the only one living in all three realms.
Maybe I'll go and talk to her . . . though I doubt she'll respond. But it's worth a try.
He dropped back, walking slowly as if to admire the view. He didn't want her to notice him, but it seemed that he didn't have to worry, she didn't even look up as he approached.
"Katana, are you alright?" Kurama's concerned voice disrupted Katana's thoughts, breaking her out of the trance she was in. She looked up, straight into worried, emerald eyes.
For a moment, Kurama looked shocked before he broke eye contact. For a split second, he thought that he saw tears shining in her eyes. Then, as fast as he had seen them, they had disappeared, leaving only the indifferent hazel eyes that he was used to seeing.
It must have just been the light, he thought, shaking his head slightly to clear the image from his mind. She had looked so sad, so fragile . . . even he hadn't expected it.
"I'm fine," she replied, almost cautiously. She was about to ask why he had thought something was wrong with her in the first place, but was interrupted by Kuwabara's rarely used, but still loud serious voice.
"We're here you guys." He was met with silence as the Kurama and Katana caught up with the rest of the team, and they gathered in front of the back entrance, staring it down. At that moment, everyone, even Yusuke, the most spiritually unaware person on the team, sensed a bad feeling emanating out of the two dirty black doors. Not the bone-chilled, I'm-gonna-die feeling that they had had when they had faced the Toguro brothers, but a bad feeling nonetheless. Like goose bumps all over your body, and a rock at the pit of your stomach.
Kuwabara continued, still in his serious tone, "This is where bad things happen, you guys. We could be seriously injured or maimed for life. Or worse," he paused for dramatic effect, "We could die and be separated from our loved ones forever. . . Oh my precious Yukina . . ." Hiei scowled at Kuwabara's mention of his sister. "This is it, you guys, if we walk through this door our lives will be changed f-"
"Kuwabara," Yusuke interrupted in his serious voice. "Would you please," he continued, "SHUT THE HELL UP!" He yelled into his friend's ear, knocking Kuwabara over and making birds within a few miles scatter into the sky.
It took the whole group a while to recover. That was loud, even for Yusuke. Kurama rubbed his sensitive ears, making a face while Kuwabara lay on the ground, looking unconscious.
"Yo, Kuwabara," Yusuke said, kicking his friend. "Get up, would ya? We're gonna be late." Still, he got no answer. He bent down shaking the poor orange-headed human.
Just when they thought they would have to carry him in, he suddenly got up and pounced on an unsuspecting Yusuke, knocking him to the ground, where they started to wrestle each other.
"What the heck was that for, Urameshi!" said Kuwbara, pinning Yusuke down. "I was just trying to tell everyone about the danger we would be facing and-"
"Exactly, Kuwabara," Yusuke cut him off rudely, "That's exactly it. We already know about your tickle feeling and all that crap. We already know about the danger we're facing. You don't have to stop us all with your moronic speeches and dumb ass comments."
"At least I'm spiritually aware, unlike some people. . . and its called a premonition, it's not just a tickle feeling. And I do not make moronic speeches or dumbass-"
"Yeah, yeah. You wanna prove it, tough guy?"
"Alright, calm down children," said Kurama, stepping in the middle of the two angry teens. As always, he had to play peacemaker. He sure as heck knew that Hiei and Katana wouldn't. They actually looked quite amused with the whole thing.
"Let's just go inside, alright?" Kurama led the way in, and after a few seconds, the others followed.
By now their match was just about to start and they had no time to stop and chat with the girls or Koenma. Quickly, they made their way down to the door, where they waited to be introduced.
For once, there was silence as they waited to go out. Everyone was busy pondering about what was about to happen. Even Yusuke, who had been so cocky, was beginning to doubt if they really would escape this round unscathed as they had last time.
What the heck am I worrying about? thought Yusuke to himself, This'll be a piece of pie, nothing could be as strong as Sensui. My power could probably sink this whole island. . . but what about the others. In a one on one match, I won't be able to help him. I'm sure Hiei and Kurama can take care of themselves, and that Katana lady probably can too, but what about Kuwabara? He's probably aged even more and gotten even weaker since the last tournament. After all, he's only human. . . Ah, who gives, I never was good at brooding.
Koto's voice cut into his thoughts and he almost jumped. Almost.
"Okay, folks. Last round we witnessed the absolutely brutal slaughter of Team Yuki by Team Kamiko. It was wonderful wasn't it?"
The loud, and most likely drunk, crowd whistled and cheered in response.
"Now we can witness some more action and death as we watch Team Urameshi, defending champions, and Team Yuri!"
The crowd erupted into cheers once again, screaming things like, "We want more blood!" or "Slaughter Team Urameshi!"
"Wow, aren't we popular," said Yusuke sarcastically, knowing that they would get this kind of reaction.
"I sense strong demon energy," warned Kurama, "We'll have to be a bit more careful with this team than the last."
"I told you guys something bad was gonna happen," said Kuwabara, matter-of-factly.
"Shut up. We're on," stated Katana coldly. And sure enough, Koto announced them two seconds later, "And now, Team Urameshi!"
"Ready, guys?" asked Yusuke as the door opened.
"Ready," answered Kuwabara for the rest of the team
A/N: Hello again! Well, I hope you liked the chapter. PLEASE review. I'd really appreciate it if you did. I'll try to update soon, but I have to write a novel for school so I'm not sure. Oh yeah, anyone know of some good name, girl or guy (preferably guy) that I could use for my novel? Thanks. Well, hopefully, I'll talk to you guys soon!
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