One Step Forward, Too Many Steps Back

By: HieiJaganshiMate

AN: Okay…one review for the first chapter :sweatdrop:.. The only reason I'm updating now is because I love to write.

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Tsukiko's POV

"So….um…Koenma…" I started…not really sure of what to say.

Why was I here anyway?

"Why am I here with these strange people?" I asked, pointing to the colorful-hair group of people.

"Oh right! Kurama didn't tell you, did he?" Koenma asked.

"Nope, not a thing on of why I'm here."

"Well Tsukiko, at some point in your life, you must've realized that you were different. Different from all other people." I nodded. Where was he going with this…?

"And you know about my spirit detectives…"

"And…?" I asked. How long does it take him to get to the point?

"Just spit it out tiny toddler!" Yusuke yelled at him frustrated. Koenma ignored that comment.

"Tsukiko, I want you to join the spirit detectives."

"Sure. I don't mind." Koenma stood up on his desk and looked me in the eye.

"Please, don't shrug it off as if it isn't important. Some of these missions will be deadly, some of them you will have to erase memories." I looked Koenma back with equal serious-ness.

Do I really what to take on more horrid memories?

If I want to be stronger, than I will.

"I'll do it." My own voice startled me. I didn't know I could be that serious.

"Good. If you are to join this team, you need to know how to fight…unless you already know how to…?"

"I know hand-to-hand combat. I'm a fourth degree black belt in martial arts." (More specific: let's make it Tae Kwon Do)

"Weapons?" He asked.

"I know a little…mostly basics."

"Then we'll train you."

"Thank you."

"Yusuke, you will train with her in hand-to-hand combat. Hiei and Kurama, you work with her on weapons. Now that's over with…" He said sitting down in his chair. "Now onto living arrangements. Since you all will need to be working together, I decided you will all be staying together." Everybody (with the exception of some) groaned. Koenma turned and looked at me.

"Is that alright with you Tsukiko?"

"That's fine. I don't live with anyone anyway. What about food?"

"Already taken care of. Botan will be staying with you guys. She sees me the most, and I'll give her the money to pay for food, money, etc…"

"Okay."

"Get it? Got it? Good! Okay everybody you're dismissed. Botan, please go give them a portal to their new home."

"Yes sir Koenma sir!" Botan said as she opened up a portal. "Troops, MOVE OUT!" Botan shouted. (Sweatdrop;;;;) Botan stood next to the portal as everybody hopped in.

"Hiei, Botan…could you spare a moment?"

"Sure Koenma Sir!" Botan said as she closed the portal.

"Hn." Typical Hiei responded.

"Um…excuse me, but Koenma…could you hold on a minute…? May I speak to you…err…alone?"

"Sure. Hiei, Botan? Step outside for a moment." Hiei and Botan left the room. "What is it Tsukiko?"

"Koenma, I'm going to be honest. I'm afraid."

"Of dying? Don't worry, the guys will keep you safe."

"No, I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid…. of those memories that may come…" I whispered. "All the memories I'll erase will go directly to me! I don't want that! It hurts to much!" I yelled, tears filling my eyes.

"Calm down, Tsukiko. It'll be all right. You agreed to this."

"I know but--!" The tears started running down my face.

"No buts, Tsukiko. The pain will be immense, but it will make you stronger." I nodded, wiping the tears away. "Hiei has the ability to erase memories to, I may be able to get him to help you. Although his ability isn't like yours. Botan can help you with the emotional pain too."

"Thank you, Koenma."

"Botan! Hiei! You can come back in now!" Botan came bounding in, but stopped when she saw my wet face and red puffy eyes.

"Are you okay, Tsukiko? Were you crying?" She asked me with concern on her face. I also noticed Hiei was casting me a curious glance.

He's probably taking note on how much a coward I am.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you anyway Botan." I said nodding to her.

"Anytime, Tsukiko!"

"Botan, could you make a portal to---" Koenma started.

"No she can wait, she can come back with us." Botan said.

"Then if you wouldn't mind, Tsukiko, could you wait outside?" Koenma asked.

"Sure." I said as I left the room.

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Normal POV

"So what is it that you want, Koenma sir?" Botan asked.

"Well it's about Tsukiko." Hiei rolled his eyes.

"No, really?" Hiei asked sarcastically. Koenma glared.

"When the time comes, Tsukiko will be erasing memories."

"Yes, we know that. Get to the point, toddler." Koenma glared at Hiei again.

"During that time, she's going to need help getting through it. That's where you two come in." He said, pointing at them. "Hiei, you will have to help her through the memories, try to ease the memory pain with your Jagan eye." Koenma paused for a second. "If you can, try to take some of the memories from her. They don't effect you like they do Tsukiko."

"Hn."

"Where do I come in, Koenma sir?" Botan inquired.

"Botan, you'll just have to be yourself. Make her feel happy, try to distract her. Have fun, you know like, have a girl's not out with the other girls." Botan nodded. "Okay, you may leave now."

Botan got Tsukiko and opened up a portal.

"And away we go!" Botan said jumping in. Hiei wordlessly went through the portal.

"Thank you Koenma." He nodded to her and Tsukiko jumped in.

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Back to Tsukiko's POV

Hmm…going through portals….something I don't think I'll EVER get use to…

I went through the portal head first, and now I am currently flying through it with my eyes closed, arms in an 'X' position in front of my face.

I came out the same way….

...and landed directly on Hiei.

I'm pretty sure I caught him off guard, 'cause he fell flat on the ground. I stood up right away, my face read from embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry!" I yelled repeatedly. Hiei quickly stood up, looking pretty ticked off. He glared at me.

"Hn. Baka onna." He said and marched off to the house.

"Geez…I said I was sorry…"

"Don't worry about Hiei, he's ALWAYS like that." Botan said. "C'mon! Let's go!" She said, taking my hand and dragging me to the new house.

Oh boy….I just KNOW there are going to be many new memories made here…

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AN: Okay! Whether I get any reviews or not, it'll be up to you guys…:sweatdrop: Please try reviewing! Any errors, comments….let me know!