Chapter Two : Unfamiliar Names, Familiar Faces

The test was simpler than both girls had thought, and they both wrote it with ease. The rest of their classes also flew by with the thought of heading up to Genkai's for a party. Kuwabara had met them outside school that morning, and said that the whole gang was invited over to Genkai's that night, to celebrate the return of his 'one true love'. Giggling about how ridiculously love struck Kuwabara looked, Sora and Keiko had proceeded into class. Sora was ridiculously happy. She had been referred to as 'one of the gang' and that made her absurdly pleased. So happy, in fact, that she didn't even realize that she didn't know the NAME of Kuwabara's 'one true love'.

But there was plenty of time to find that out. As soon as classes ended, Sora and Keiko both packed up their bags, and headed in the direction of Keiko's place. Once there, they unpacked their schoolbooks, and packed their bags full of everything they may need to spend the night (Keiko had said that it was assumed that you would be ready to stay the night if you came to a party at Genkai's) and headed off.

They didn't have to wait long at the bus stop long before a bus pulled up, and the girls quickly got on board, and began to search for seats. Suddenly, Keiko let out a squeal, and grabbed Sora's hand, dragging her to the back of the bus.

A young boy of about 17, with flaming red hair, was sitting at the back of the bus. He looked up at the sound of Keiko's squeal, and smiled as she embraced him. "Keiko," he said in a smooth voice, "It has been far too long."

"Way too long!" Keiko said, grinning from ear to ear, "Shuichi, I have to introduce you to someone. This is my best friend, Sora Koyo. Sora, this is Shuichi Minamino."

Sora looked at the boy in stunned shock. Shuichi looked back. The two held that embrace for a moment, and then Shuichi smiled.

"Shuichi is such a formal name," he said hastily, "Please, call me Kurama."

Keiko let out another squeal, and gave Sora a hug. Sora just stood there in mild shock. Gazing curiously into Shui - Kurama's eyes.

Keiko was the one who kept the conversation going on the way to Genkai's estate. Neither Kurama nor Sora seemed to be in a very talkative mood, though Kurama continued to pose questions to Sora as to what she did for a living, and where her parents were. The questions served to make Sora very awkward and she squirmed a lot on the way to Genkai's, but Keiko knew exactly what Kurama was doing. He was testing Sora to make sure that he had made the right decision, and she was very pleased when Kurama settled back against the seat, and stopped the barrage of questions.

"Keiko," Kurama said once they were almost at Genkai's, "Have you heard from Yusuke recently?"

"About a month ago was the last I saw or heard of him," Keiko replied, "Why?"

"Just curious...there are a few things that have come to my attention that I need to discuss with him."

"Is that why you came back?" Keiko asked.

Kurama hesitated, and then sighed, "No," he admitted, "I came back because I wanted to spend some time with my friends, and away from my family. Though..." he continued, "This is not the first place I went to do that. And I will not deny that I wish that he would realize it is time to come home."

"You mean Yusuke?" Keiko asked quickly.

Kurama appeared startled, and then relaxed, "I suppose Yusuke is a wandering soul. He needs the constant change of travel."

"Yes..." Keiko said sadly, turning her gaze to the window. After that, Keiko lost her drive to keep the conversation going, and the rest of the ride was passed in silence.

When they arrived at Genkai's estate, Kurama offered to carry the girl's bags, as he had nothing of his own to carry, and their bags looked quite heavy. Keiko graciously accepted his offer, but Sora refused.

"It isn't that heavy, I can manage," she said politely, with a bit of a cold undertone that Kurama raised his eyebrow at.

"Sora is very independent," Keiko quickly explained, "She likes to do things for herself."

"I see..." Kurama said, smiling, "Well then, shall we be off?"

They reached Genkai's house in record time, and found her waiting for them at the door.

"About time you girls showed up," she barked, "Kuwabara's been here all day, and I've had just about enough of him." Genkai turned her gaze to Kurama, and said with a rare smile, "And isn't this a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you back so soon."

Kurama merely smiled, and embraced the old woman in a hug, "Genkai. It is good to see you well."

"Not for long," Genkai grumbled, "These old bones are not what they used to be. Well come in! Don't stand around out here all awkward, we've got a whole city full of people in here that you're going to have to introduce your friend to Keiko."

"A city?" Keiko asked, "How many people did Kuwabara invite?" But she never heard the answer to the question, for waiting their just inside the door, in a black leather jacket over a white shirt, and torn blue jeans, was Yusuke Urameshi.

"Hey girls," he said, his familiar smirk in place, "Long time no see."

"I resent that 'girls' remark," Kurama said with a smile, as Keiko ran forward to embrace Yusuke, "I simply have delicate features."

"What's up Sora?" Yusuke said, putting her in a swift headlock, and giving her a noogie, "Still as weak as always?"

With lightning fast movements, Sora managed to knock Yusuke to the ground. She chuckled lightly, "You're out of practice Urameshi."

Yusuke hopped to his feet, and smiled at Kurama, "Sorry about the girl comment man. It's good to see you, Shuichi."

"Kurama, Yusuke," the red haired boy said pleasantly, embracing him, "We're among friends here. No need for formalities," he turned and smiled at Sora, "You would think after all that we've been through together he would remember that."

"You would think," Yusuke chuckled, giving Sora a wink.

"So you are going to go by Kurama for this party then?" Genkai asked, warily eying Sora.

"Yes, I don't see why not," Kurama said, smiling.

"I will tell everyone then," Genkai said, moving out of the entrance way and into the main hall.

Keiko squealed, and hugged Yusuke again. Yusuke rolled his eyes, but allowed her to bounce all around him.

"Hey! You guys are here! Awesome!" Kuwabara said, coming into the entrance way, "KURAMA! Hey how you doing man?"

"Most excellently, and you?" Kurama asked, turning his gentle smile to Kuwabara as he too proceeded into the main hall.

"Can't complain, can't complain," Kuwabara said, grinning from ear to ear, "Hey, Sora! Come over here! I want to introduce you to someone!"

Sora smiled lightly, and moved closer to Kuwabara. As she approached, her tosses his arm around her lazily, and steered her through the crowd. There was definitely a turn out of people. As they passed them, Kuwabara pointed some of them out.

"So when I heard that my sweetheart was coming back to town, I went all out, and invited pretty much everyone we know in the surrounding area! Seems everyone was looking for a chance to get back together, because pretty much everyone showed up! I mean we've got all our main guys like you, Keiko...and heck, even Urameshi, and Kurama showed up too, how sweet is that! And of course Genkai and me are here...and then we've got some guys that really are part of the gang, but you've probably never met 'em. They're over there, the girl with the blue hair, talking to the guy with the pacifier in his mouth, see 'em? That's Botan and Koenma; they're in charge of spirit world!"

"Spirit world!"

"Yeah! I know, it does exist! It was a big surprise for me when I found out too," he paused for a moment, and then said, "Genkai's had a few dealings in spirit world, so that's why they're here," then he quickly changed the subject, "Oh, and over there, see the tall guy with the blue Mohawk and the little kid on his shoulder? That's Chu and Rinku; they're some of the many guys Urameshi has fought, and beaten of course. Chu's got amazing power when he's drunk, and Rinku can kick your ass with a yo-yo...Oh, and near them, see the guy with the pointy ears, talking to the guy that looks like he's made of ice or something? That's Jin and Touya...and the little imp guy hovering around is Shishi...oh hey, Jin's also known as the wind master, 'cos he can practically control the wind, and Touya's the ice man...Shishi's just got a really powerful sword..."

"I'm getting confused..."

"Yeah right, Sor. You forget that I know you; you're somehow managing to keep it straight. Besides, you'll get introduced to them better later probably. Oh, and see the blond guy Touya's talking to now? His name is Suzuka," Kuwabara suddenly snickered, "'The Beautiful Suzuka' but you don't have to call him that."

"...Okay..."

"You know Kaitou right? The guy with the glasses, who's really good with words and stuff? Well, there is he over there, and next to him are his two friends, Kido and Mitsunaru. Kido's the blond...and Mitsunaru's the blue haired one, okay? They're all really powerful psychics, and they can create their own little area in which to work their psychic magic. When they do that, it's called their territory. Inside their territory, you gotta play by their rules. Kaitou's a word freak, and he plays these sort of word games with you in his territory, and violence isn't allowed, Kido can step on your shadow to stop you from moving, and Mitsunaru can copy everything about you by touching your head. Including your memories. With me so far?"

"Sure."

"Oh, and the black haired one's name is Murota; he can read your mind."

"Okay."

"Oh, and see those two little kids there? Over there, playing video games? That's Matari and Amanema, they're only like twelve and they've already got amazing powers! Matari can turn water into this little attacking guy with his blood, and Amanema can whip your ass in any video game. Their nicknames are Sea Man and Game Master, but we don't really call 'em that anymore..."

"Heh...cute kids..."

"And of course, Okubo and my other buds had to be here – hey guys! – and my sister – you know Shizuru, right? – and Puu's hiding somewhere in the back, 'cos he doesn't like parties too much..."

"Kuwabara, if you tell me the name of one more person, I think my head might explode..."

"But hold on! I have to introduce you to the guest of honor!" Kuwabara said, making a pouty face. Sora sighed, and allowed herself to be steered into another room.

"I'm back, my love!" Kuwabara sing-songed as he entered the room. A young girl stood with her back to the two of them. Sora sighed softly, and tried to clear her mind which was now racing with the name of just about every person at that party, and glanced up.

The young girl turned around slowly, all smiles for Kuwabara, and allowed her brown eyes to connect with Sora's blue ones. As their eyes connected, the two girls gasped, mixtures of fear and recognition covering their faces. Kuwabara, oblivious to the tension now in the room, proceeded with the introductions.

"Yukina, this is Sora. Sora, meet my love."