Riz:
Lo people! I'm back! Sorry for the long absence, but I'm working on the Quizilla version of this fanfic. The quiz series will be somewhat different from my fanfic, cause Yuki's owner (Who I'm now calling Snow-Rabbit), is the one doing the editing, and she's a more traditional fanfic/quizilla reader.
To Omasuoniwabanshi: What do you mean scrape that last chapter? It's right here! But then again, when I was putting up chapter ten and the notice, I had this major headache and really can't remember what I wrote. Sorry if I made you confused. Yuki and Youko's chapter is 9, by the way.
What else? Oh, yes! I'm sooooo happy that you love my little world! It's flat, and around the edges are these magnetic ripples that prevent things from going outside. Sort of like Golden Sun's world, but with things like Northern Lights surrounding the borders instead of waterfalls.
To Asilin Kheldarson: Chapter Nine, or Yuki and Youko's chapter, is half a year since the start of the fanfic. This is eight month after that, so technically a year and two month. I really couldn't think of anything to write for what happened between all the month; it's just beenschool, training on Yuki's part, some boring missions, and random poking (on Roviel's part). So I got stumped.
From Before: Yes, I've read David Edding's books, but sadly only three, and it's like four years ago or something. I love the "why me"s as well. Lol1
To Mary Tyson: Really? Awww... But I had to do that; it plays a pretty big part in Act Two, which, by the way, is where my dream actually starts. So all of this is just a prelude to the main thing. Pretty long prelude... Sweatdrop
From Before: You know, most of Roviel's remarks works strangly well in real life. Next time some Noob comes upand starts to annoy you, just say the fangirl's comment.(Do it quickly) When they ask you what you just said, then say the second part. It's sooo funny, watching their faces while they try to understand the sentences and wonder if you actually insulted them or not.
Riz:
Here it is, finally! Hope you enjoy it!
Chapter Eleven: ...Just One of Those Days...
Carefully teasing the half finished bowl from under Yuki's unsuspecting nose, Roviel dug into the ice-cream. Mm, ice-cream; glorious glorious ice-cream... Scraping the bowl clean, the amber eyes wandered down the two tables, sunlit gaze alert for any other unguarded desserts. Yusuke's was long gone, and apparently sweet tooth runs in the family, for not a single hint of sugar could be found anywhere near the fox thief or his human counterpart. Only two were left, one was Yukina's while the other was currently within the evil aura that always surrounded Hiei. No way was she going to stoop to such levels as to swipe something from Yukina. And besides, the ice okami had already given her share to Kuwabara, whose temperature had rose high enough to melt the ice-cream to a pool of white water. So like the boy, to accept a gift and then promptly forget about it ever existed.
Which left only one option. Leaning back in her chair, Roviel peered at the fire apparition from behind loose locks of raven blue. Out of everybody associated with the Reikai Tentai, the youngsters included, the black clothed figure was perhaps the only one who she hadn't really gotten to know about. Hell, she's been in Koenma's office more times than she had stayed in the same room as Hiei, and that's a big thing, considering that the brat only asked for her assistance as a last resort. She watched him now, arms crossed against his chest, cold eyes of blood rubies glaring at the blushing Kuwabara in soul-wincing iciness. It must have taken as much self-control as the fire apparition could muster to stop him from chocking that idiotic grin from the boy's face.
"Hey look! Still one bowl left!"
Having spotted Hiei's untouched dessert, Yusuke pointed at the full bowl.
"Well if Hiei isn't going to have that, no point leaving it to waste. I bags it!"
Hearing this, Kurama smiled, the kitsune's forest green eyes also slid down the table to where his friend's finger pointed at.
"I am afraid that I can not allow you to do so. Such an overdose of sugar would be very unhealthy for you. Thus I shall sacrifice my own wellbeing and eat that."
Hearing that, Kuwabara glowered at the red-head.
"You're just saying that, Kurama, so you can get the last share."
Taking in a deep breath, the boy thumped his inflated chest.
"Since Yukina have so kindly given me her share, I will retrieve Hiei's bowl and give it to my sweet love, to show her my eternal love."
Biting down on a growing grin, silver rippled as Youko shook his head in a sigh.
"Such a fine lady as Yukina deserves something much better than the simple milk and sugar combination. Kuwabara, why don't you give her flowers instead, or something more suited to her beautiful personality?"
"Oh shut up Youko. Yukina understands me, even you fox doesn't. I'm taking that bowl, and I dare anyone to try and stop me!"
A sudden crash thundered through the room, and a very angry Yuki banged her fist down on the table again, shaking the cutlery again.
"THAT'S IT! I DON'T KNOW WHO TOOK MY HALF-EATEN BOWL, BUT IF SOMEONE DOESN'T OWE UP IN THE NEXT THREE SECONDS, HIEI'S SHARE IS MINE!"
"Come on Yuki. It's only half a bowl. And aren't girls suppose to lay off the sugar things, it makes them look fat."
"ARE YOU CALLING ME FAT YUSUKE?"
"I do not think that is what Yusuke intended to say. He is just worried about your figure, that's all."
"YOU SAYING MY FIGURE LOOK BAD?"
"Forgive my human counterpart. Kurama is not the type to insult someone so readily. Perhaps you should calm down now."
"I AM CALM!"
So engaging was this absurd argument that everyone had quite forgotten about Hiei. Sparing a glance at the short apparition, Roviel raised one brow as soft snores drifted from the black slumbering form. To be able to fall asleep at a time like this, amazing, truly amazing.
The tables shook as something crashed into it, hard. Yuki was now chasing after Youko, screaming something incomprehensible. Seeing this opportunity, Kuwabara made a running dive for the ice-cream, which was a pretty stupid thing to do, considering the boy was about three seats down from his planned destination. But a truly courageous act, never the less. Seeing this sudden attack, Yusuke tackled into Kuwabara, this sending both of them falling onto the table. Dishes flew, knives soaring through the air and embedding themselves deep into the wooden floor. Something arched into the air, a china bowl loaded with melting ice-cream. It stopped, hanging in midair, before finally crashing down towards not the ground, but a certain sleeping figure's head.
When Hiei moved from his chair they never saw, but the evidence was still there. No longer sitting, Hiei gave his trademark huff as he sheathed the naked blade of his katana. The bowl, or what remained of its now hacked pieces, laid in sad dejection on the chair. Glowering at the now completely silent room, Hiei walked out, slamming the door in their face. Recovering from this sudden turn of events, Yusuke surveyed the chaotic state of the room.
"You know, Genkai's going to kill me when she sees this. Wait, I think I know just the thing for this occasion."
Trudging over to his bag, Yusuke fumbled through its contents. Standing up, the Reikai Tentai turned around, one hand holding a deck of cards while the other was full with a stack of beer cans.
"Loser drinks a can. I have more in my bag, and I think Kuwabara's bound to have brought some. So, anyone interesting in getting drunk?"
---------------------
"Dusk Mirror?"
"Lost it."
A sound of scratching pen interrupted the silent night, followed by paper shuffled.
"Firebrand Staff?"
"Broke it."
The questioning voice sighed, and muttered something inaudible into her chest.
"Fine, I'll just go down the list then. Thunder Brand?"
"Sold it."
"Angel Ring?"
"Used it."
"Ragnarok Blade ?"
"Gave it to Kurone as a present."
The sound of grinding teeth echoed in the frosted air. Sounds of druken laughter floated from the room as the boys continued their game.
"One last time. Do you by any chance still have the Book of Celestial Seven?"
"Actually, I do."
Mist grey eyes blinked at this sudden change, looking from the list of artifacts in her hand to the smirking Youko.
"Really? So, is it still working? Can I have it?"
Silver furred ears flickered as flakes of snow landed gently on them, the white gold tail twitched from side to side. Peeking out from the clouds, the moon embraced the kitsune youkai, for they were of one kin, he who also held the true essence of the night. Sneezing as a stray fluff of snow landed on his nose, Youko eyed the human girl in amusement.
"Yes, I do have it, and it's still readable, if that is what you meant. I suppose you can have it,"
The thief's words were interrupted by a very loud yell of triumph to his ear, causing him to wince.
"You can have it, but I'll have to remember where I threw it. It's been such a long time, and it didn't look interesting, so..."
Halting in her celebration, Yuki knew something bad was going to happen.
"...So? What did you do with it?"
"Well, since it looked so boring, I just dumped it somewhere with the rest of the things I didn't like. Sadly, since I had too much items to keep track of, I forgot where I put the thing."
"YOU BASTARD! COME BACK HERE AND LET ME KILL YOU!"
Crashing through the frosted trees, Yuki snarled as the occasional flicker of something white moving down the back of the temple. Damn him, playing with her? What did that bloody fox like seeing her blood levels rise or something? Ripping away the poor branches that happened to be in her path, Yuki felt her blood boil. If she only had her bow and arrows, then they'll see who plays with who. Damn, why did she have to leave them at home? Of cause, walking around the place with weapons isn't exactly what one would call normal. But she was getting so good at it...
Strange, how sniping comes to her as simple as breathing. It didn't take long until her persistent arguments of how she wanted to learn more than just hand-to-hand combat to get onto Roviel's nerves. Finally the youkai gave in, and keeping what little of her sanity intact, proceeded to teach the girl how to snipe. It was easy to see that she didn't have the stamina for the midst of battles, and the girl had good eyesight. Who knew that she had such a talent at it? So now, instead of the occasional lessons with Yusuke and Kuwabara, Yuki would be found elsewhere, improving on her already impressive skill.
The tangle of bushes suddenly stopped, snow scattered earth giving way to a plain of shimmering ice, unblemished in the moonlight. Skidding to a stop, Yuki pawed at her windblown mess of hair. Great, just great. First he insults her by saying that she's mad, then he goes and played a joke on her, then runs away, and now is hiding somewhere, most likely snickering at her untidy state. Crossing her arms across her chest, the girl took in one deep breath and shouted.
"YOUKO! GET YOU TAIL HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE I HAVE TO COME AND FIND YOU. BECAUSE IF I DO, YOU'LL BE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER HUMAN BODY TO JUMP INTO VERY SOON!"
A soft rustle came from the tree above her, and no sign of any wind was near here. Grinning to herself, Yuki looked upwards, thinking that she had found the god-forsaken thief. Instead, a huge dump of ice cold snow greeted her, landing on her upturned face with a very satisfactory splatter. Looking down upon his victim, Youko snorted in laughter. Served her right to think that a human could ever predict what he, King of the Thieves of Makai, would do next. Landing softly, the youkai tread lightly onto the frozen layer of the pond, looking every inch perfect. Watching her spat out the snow, Youko smirked.
"I thought that you would like snow, after all, isn't that your namesake?"
Glaring at the silver haired fox, Yuki stomped towards him, skidding on the ice. Teeth grinding together, the girl felt her blood pressure rise again.
"Yea, of cause I like snow. I like winter for that matter. Let's just see how well you like it when someone smashes your face into the frozen stuff. Wanna try?"
Avoiding her clumsy attempts to catch him, Youko slid further away. Kurone never did like the snow, the winged youkai used to spend days wrapped up shivering before the fire every time they entered some cold level of Makai. Yuki's anger reminded him of Kurone, how his friend made the same death threats when the thief logged a snowball at him. Of cause, Kurone was much more dangerous than Yuki, the wings and scythe making him much more maneuverable than some human girl running around on the ice. Twisting away from another ill-measured punch Youko jumped onto the snow covered bank.
"Just give up already. You know I'll never let you get any of the artifacts on that list, so there isn't any way you are going to become a Reikai Tentai. So why do you bother?"
Clawing her way from the ice, Yuki heaved a sigh at the obvious question.
"You know full well why. I want to go fight youkais and see what Makai is like. You have no idea how boring it's like for me, stuck in Nigenkai all the time and with these weak people around."
At times he almost forgets that she was just a human girl, still young and naive to the world. How could he explain to her the horrors of Makai, where one hint of mercy would be seen as a weakness, and a true friend comes only once in a lifetime? Every second of one's life was filled with danger, where one wrong move, one wrong word would easily signal the end.
"You are a lot like Kurone, you know. Stubborn."
Yuki glared at him, not knowing of the thief was complementing her by saying she was like his deceased best friend or saying that she was stubborn.
"You better hope that I take that as a complement, otherwise there will be a meter hole in the ground exactly your size and shape soon."
"How could that be anything but a complement? Kurone was the best friend I ever had, even closer than my human counterpart."
"Speaking of Kurama, I bet he's nice enough to help me become a Reikai Tentai, unlike someone I know."
"Then go and ask your boyfriend to help then, if you are so desperate to die."
"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY THIS? HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"
Ears flattered in a futile attempt to escape the scream, Youko continued to tease the girl, relishing in the fun as her face became redder and redder.
"Really? I would have thought that you had an eye for him, considering how many other human girls do. And besides, I never see you screaming death threats at him."
Blistering words gathered on her tongue, ready to be shot at the fox when Yuki suddenly stopped. Of cause, he was trying to make her mad, egging her on with those ridiculous comments. Taking in two deep breaths, steel grey eyes closed for some moments, the darkness seeping into her mind and calming her temper. So, he wanted to play eh? Grinning to herself, Yuki ran one hand through her hair as she strolled towards Youko.
"My my, are we sounding jealous? But then again, I suppose it's not your fault that Kurama's personality and looks are loads better than yours. I mean, I can't imagine anyone who would want to be with a smirking, cold, arrogant, know-it-all fox whose stupid selfishness is bigger than his over-inflated ego."
There was something good about being around Roviel; one tends to learn how to insult someone and yet still make it sound good. Crossing her arms together, Yuki tilted her head towards her opponent.
"And besides, what's wrong if I liked Kurama? At least it would be better than falling for you. So what if you are dead rich and is like totally hot and so polite and stuff? Three seconds with you and a girl's head would explode from your love of yourself."
Hiding a grin behind his hand, thief nodded at Yuki's assault.
"Just one question girl."
"Yea?"
"Was that a compliment or an insult?"
"IT'S AN INSULT FOR GOD-SAKE! STAY THERE SO I CAN KILL YOU!"
"You know, you look so cute when you get angry."
"BASTARD!"
---------------------
Chocking on the bubbles, her vision misted further as she placed an empty beer can on her stack, forming a triple layered pyramid. Groaning at her now cloud-filled head, Roviel threw down her hand of cards.
"That's it. I'm going. Six cans of this thing is more than I can take. And besides, it's not as if the game's fair. Don't think I didn"t notice how you,"
The finger pointed at a smirking Yusuke.
"and you,"
The finger wavered at Kurama. Beside Kuwabara, Yukina laughed softly into her sleeve.
"were banding together to make me lose."
Blinking rapidly in an attempt to clear her sight, the youkai half-staggered towards the door. Behind her, Kuwabara protested at this sudden departure.
"Hey you can't go. It's not fun playing with three people, and Yukina don't know how to play. And if you go, then them two are going to be ganging up on me!"
Growling at the sign of a headache, Roviel pulled the sliding door shut and dragged her sorry self away from the temple and towards the moonlit forest. Soon the sound of laughter and the warm rays of light disappeared, swallowed up by the still tranquility of the woods. Having staggered far enough for her liking, amber eyes rolled over her surroundings in the search for a place to sit. Ah, there's one, below that tree over there. The grounds around its trunks were still bare of snow, for the great branches unfurled above had taken most of winter's breath. Dropping down on the hard ground, she leaned back, tawny orbs closing as her mind slowly calmed, chasing away the sounds and touches of life, drowning its consciousness in the biting wind and watchful night sky. It was then did Roviel realize that she wasn't alone, that someone else also occupied the space of this tree. One eye opened, a lazy inspection upwards revealed what she had suspected. Shifting so she sat more comfortably, the hooded eye closed again.
"So, you here as well?"
Hiei didn't answer. Not that she actually expected the fire apparition to. The silence dragged on, she could feel waves of pent up anger rolling off the black-clad figure. But it wasn't really anger, but some other emotion she could not identify. It wasn't a normal part of his aura, something new...
Eyes closed, she continued her half-hearted musing of this find in the calming silence when something crashed past the tree, and without a single notice of Roviel or Hiei, pelted full down the slope. Of cause, Roviel didn't need to open her eyes to figure out the source of the interruption, for the familiar voice screaming death threats down the hillside could only mean one thing, that thief had yet again baited Yuki until the girl was seeing red. They reminded her of another couple, the arguments bringing back half-solid images of some faded memory. She frowned. What is it, what is she trying to remember that seemed so familiar and yet slipping away with each passing second?
Finally she gave up, just as another cry of anger bounced through the woods. Listening to it, Roviel wondered what human the thief would pick... Taking a deep breath of the winter-scented air, one eye twitched. Ever since Yuki and Youko had passed by them, Hiei's aura had been increasing in strength, and now it was so powerful that she won't be surprised of the tree shriveled away under the fiery waves. She was just getting comfortable, and hell if she's got to move because of some of his problems.
"Go talk to somebody."
"What?"
"I said go talk to somebody. It's so obvious you've got some kind of trouble or other gnawing away at you, I won't be surprised if the whole city was feeling your aura right now, considering how strong it is."
The dark waves pulled away as Hiei glared at the youkai sitting below him. Heaving out a loud sigh, Roviel looked upwards at the apparition's branch.
"Go talk to Kurama or something. It's so obvious you've got a problem or something like."
This brought a sadist smirk onto his face, the ruby eyes glittering down at her.
"Look whose talking. I do not see you discussing your black-outs with them, and only an idiotic human would not have realized how serious it is."
She ignored his comment, as he did to hers. The tension grew, each trying to ignore the other's presence, trying to forget their short chat. Running one thumb down the smooth crystal hanging around her neck, Roviel sighed as she gave in. Stalemates such as this one required patience, something that she was three foot short on. Brushing some offending locks from her eyes, the youkai gazed out at the distant horizon.
"I don't know what it is, or why it's happening. My memory has been disappearing, wiped out one by one. It takes all my concentration just simply to remember where I came from. Everything before I came to this world is slipping away from me. I can't even remember my parent's names, or what my house looked like, let alone what that little pouch of strange artifacts I keep with me do."
A soft clink sounded, the muted scrape of metal against cloth and hair whispered from the base of the tree. Opening her palm, worn amber eyes gazed in weariness at the ice blue crystal, straying over the pool of gold chain shimmering white in the moonlight.
"I don't even know how I got this necklace, or why I have it. All I know is how to use it, but when I try to track down its origins, nothing comes up. I know I've always said that I despised humans, but if this memory-loss keeps up and I forget everything single thing, then soon I'll become a human."
Up in the branch, the sound of shifting drifted down to her. Although she can't see it, Roviel felt the sensation of someone glaring down at her. Crimson orbs unblinking, Hiei frowned slightly at the confession.
"Why are you telling me all this? What do you wish to achieve out if it, that I tell you my problems?"
A snort came down below, followed by Roviel's face as she looked up at him, that trademark one-sided grin of hers beaming up at him.
"No, I do not wish to "achieve" anything. And frankly, I don't even know why I'm telling you all these things. But I think that I don't know you well, that fact that it's easier to talk to a stranger than to someone you know, for you know the stranger can't judge you because they don't know you."
"How do you know I'll keep this a secret from the others?"
"I don't. But that's not the point, is it? I did not choose to tell you these things because I thought you'd be quite about them, but because I know you out of everyone, would care about my problems the least, and so won't really be bothered about them."
Up above, the silence started again. But this time it was different, the tension directed only at himself. She could almost hear the gears clicking in his head, could feel him weighting up the advantages and disadvantages. Suddenly, as if some invisible barrier cracked open, the heaviness lifted.
"I can not go to the fox about this, and before you say it, neither the detective nor orange-tops. Not that I'd ever think of going to that imbecile for help, even if he was the last being alive out of all the three worlds."
He shifted slightly, easing the pressure of a jutting twig.
"You'd never think that someone like me could ever get into a dilemma of this kind. I've even been able to keep a hold of myself when Yukina stood before me, offering the tear jewel in her hand. That time I knew what I had to do, but this time… Perhaps there is a god, one who delights in the suffering of mortals."
He laughed, bitterly, the harsh voice sawing though the serene night.
"It's strange, talking to someone else besides the fox for a change. But I can not go to him; that is too close for my liking. The detective would be dying from laughter, and I do not think the imbecile's mental capacity is large enough to comprehend such matters."
The sound of frustrated yelling reached their ears, followed by someone snickering, and then, more yelling. Looking in the direction where Yuki and Youko sounded to be, those blooded orbs narrowed with thinly veiled disgust. His hands curled, fists clenching in unconscious anger.
"The thief has been with humans for too long that he wishes to spend time with them. Has his mind gone insane? He should be with his own people, not that straggly infant of a human girl down there. I do not know what he is thinking, to willingly associate with her."
She stayed silent though all of this, not even moving a finger. Now that it's over, Roviel streched, shaking her head to clear the last of the dizziness.
"You know, aside from Kurama, I don't think anyone else would have picked up the subtlety of your speech. Really, even I had to pick in detail what you were saying between the lines."
Above then, the heavens opened, scattering petals of soft iciness down upon the land. One landed on his cloak, its fragile being a pure white contrast to the rough black cloth. Gazing at it for a moment, Hiei abruptly turned his attention to Roviel.
"I've noticed that you have yet to come up with a nickname for me. So, any ideas?"
She grinned, the lips curving up in a delicate arch.
"I'm not sure yet. Shorty is a great one, but sadly it's already taken. Three-eyes, perhaps?"
He smirked.
"You are losing your touch."
Chuckling to herself, Roviel lifted one hand to brush away snowflakes on her nose.
"I know."
I think I made Hiei's secret a little bit too subtle. But it's not like Hiei, saying personal things upfront... So, did anyone get the secret? I certainly hope so... Personally, I'm not sure why I wrote this chapter. Perhaps just to bring out the "soft" side of Roviel and Hiei and make them get to know each other. The contrast between the two conversations, Yuki's and Roviel's, sort of brings out their personalities... Don't know...sob I'm going mental!
Lol! Na,Ican take a lot more insanitythan that. But I've got a dilemma; what primary and secondary catergories should I put this fanfic in? That's a hard one... So, help please?