Lost and Found: Love Chapter 4 Sequel: Discovery: Who, a yu yu hakusho fanfic

A Past Love: Sequel

Chapter 4: Discovery: Who

by AngelK

Author's Note: Hello, everyone! Welcome to A Past Love/ Lost and Found: Love's Sequel: Chapter Four. Please enjoy!

My usual blather, I do like comments and suggestions/criticism. But, if you don't like this story as you read it, it's kind of pointless just to tell me how much you hated it and how terrible I am. So, I want a reason for why you dislike it so much if you do (in other words, constructive criticism). If you see a problem with it, state it. Otherwise, enjoy yourself.

Disclaimer: This is a story based upon characters of Yu Yu Hakusho. It is for entertainment purposes only.

"Breathe, Yusuke, just breathe."

Yusuke could hear a voice. It was…Akita's? A cool hand rested against his forehead.

"Is he coming to, Akita?" Kurama asked.

"Any minute. Just shock, that's all." Akita smiled at her brother.

Kurama nodded and walked towards the window. He could see the three children, trotting beside Hiei, chattering happily. The redhead couldn't help but smile.

Yusuke sat up, rubbing his head. "What happened?"

Kurama turned. "You fainted. Yusuke, I'm going to try my very best to find an antidote for Keiko. But, I have to return to the Human World right now. I wanted to wait until you regained consciousness. My stepfather called. My mother has fallen ill and is in the hospital. I'll be back as soon as I can." The youko strode to the door, pausing to kiss Akita's head on his way out.

Yusuke clutched his head in his hands.

A gentle hand rested on his knee. "There are threads of poison in Keiko. Her mind and body are flooded with it. I saw them within her. They were thick, black, and vine-like, infecting her bloodstream and nervous system. It worries me. We must know how she contracted such a lethal poison." Akita smiled encouragingly.

A female smiled. She wasn't necessarily beautiful, but was more majestic looking. Her hair was dark bluish purple to match her vibrant dark, almost navy blue colored eyes. She was tall with a short horn protruding from her forehead and had long, gorgeous legs. Her skin was rich and cream colored and her lips were blood red. Gazing into a pool of crystal clear liquid, her grin widened, revealing sharp fangs.

Within the water, a picture began to take shape on the surface.

A brown haired female lay on a bed, sweating heavily and trembling visibly.

A dark haired male with slicked back hair rested a hand on her cheek. "Akita, what can we do? Her fever's getting worse."

A creature with black kitsune ears and tail walked to the bed, a basin filled with cold water in her hands. She set the basin down on the nightstand and lifted a cloth from it. Wringing excess water from it, Akita placed the washcloth on Keiko's forehead. "We just have to wait until Hiei gets back here with Yukina and Kazuma. The herbs that Kurama left should be able to keep her fever down until then. I have no healing magics as Kurama and Yukina do. Anything I try might be too extreme. The fire might produce too much heat while the ice might freeze her. I'll go and brew some tea at least." Akita collected the varied herbs on the table.

"I'll come with you. I told the kids to fetch the guards. We're going to question the cooks and servants. No doubt, a treasonous one poisoned my wife." Yusuke's eyes were filled with determination. He would execute whoever had done this to his beloved Keiko.

Akita nodded her head in the Makai Lord's direction and the image faded as another took its place.

A redhead sat beside a hospital bed, holding a pale white hand in his grasp.

The hand was attached to a frail looking woman who had dark hair and pleasant face that was now twisted with pain. Her body convulsed, shaking badly.

"Mother, please hold on…" Kurama pleaded. His stepfather and stepbrother were also present in the room, grim and serious expressions on their faces.

A doctor stood, talking with the woman's husband. "We don't know what is wrong with her. Her fever continues to climb…" The two men continued to talk, their voices fading as they walked out into the hall, followed by Kurama's stepbrother.

Kurama gazed at his human mother. She was in the same state as Keiko had been when he had left Makai. "Who could have done this to you?" He questioned softly. His stepfather had explained to Kurama earlier that they had gone for coffee as they did every morning at the corner shop the day before. That evening, Shiori had flu-like symptoms, which seemed normal. The flu had been going around quite a bit and she'd recalled some of her co-workers having similar symptoms. Shiori had simply gone to bed early after a nice cup of herbal tea with fresh herbs she had picked from the garden that her beloved red-haired son, Shuichi, had helped her to plant. Strangely, the next morning, Shiori could not be awakened. Her fever had escalated to a high temperature and she had been rushed to the hospital. Doctors had no diagnosis as of yet.

Kurama rose, looking at his mother with his emerald colored eyes. He had to return to the Makai. After monitoring the symptoms of his mother and Keiko, he knew the dangerous insect that had caused this bizarre sickness. And, he also knew where he'd have to travel in order to obtain the plant that would provide the antidote to save the two humans. The insect and the plant came from the same area of Makai, a hazardous wasteland where no demon ever ventured unless they had a death wish. The kitsune walked to the door, departing from the room.

The image faded and the pool was clear and empty once more. Karynga Yumeji stood, feeling satisfied. She dusted off the outfit she wore, powder blue pants and a silver sleeveless, waist-length tunic. Her muscles were cramped from sitting for so long. But she was pleased nonetheless.

Witchdoctor had the two ningens poisoned with the venom from the insects that he raised himself. His two "nurses" had made sure the two female humans had gotten a healthy dose of venom. They had less than a week to live.

"Lady, you requested to see me?" A smooth voice stated.

"Come forth, Carina, I have your task ready for you." Yumeji commanded, beckoning the female forward.

The one called Carina stepped forward, visible in the light. She was a seductress, one that used sex appeal more than anything else. Her body was filled with rich curves and blonde curls tumbled down her back to her waist. Her icy blue eyes were piercing and could entrance just about anyone. She wore very revealing clothes, showing more skin than necessary. Also a shapeshifter, she could take on any form she wished, after she had seen only an image. After a form was chosen, or she simply kept her own shape, she could seduce any male creature into doing anything she wished. "I look forward to the job you have for me, Lady. Do I get to have any fun?"

Yumeji pointed to the pool as an image formed. Hiei was racing through the Makai, heading for the portal to the human world that was located on the edge of Mukuro's territory.

"Yum, he looks delicious. I can't wait to try some fun with him. I could use some sex… Afterall, you've dragged me all the way here to a place filled with some of the ugliest creatures I've seen. Besides, all they do is drill with that damn Goro. All a bunch of tightasses… Only Haruto keeps my interest and he's al- well, he's got a job." Carina complained, twisting a strand of her hair around her manicured finger.
Yumeji shrugged. "I really don't care what you do with Hiei. Slit his throat, drain his energy, whatever you'd like. It matters not. As long as he's out of the way. I advise you, do not fall in love with the jaganshi."

Carina waved a hand. "Please, Lady Yumeji, I don't fall in love with food. That's all he is to me….just some eyecandy that you're graciously giving me."

"Take his mate's form. She's one of the prizes in Makai. Anyone that's heard or, if they were lucky, even caught an eye full of that one have fallen head over heels in love. Akita would have made a fine enchantress like yourself…" Yumeji commented as the pool showed Akita lounging in the grass, watching her children and her adoptive nephew play a human game called Tag.

"I must admit that she is pretty. Not nearly as much as I am but…" The enchantress didn't finish her sentence, only gazing into the pool enviously.

"Jealous, are we?"

"Of what?" Carina snapped.

Yumeji gave her a hard stare. "Remember who you're addressing."

Carina could feel her skin begin to tingle. "Forgive me, Lady. I forgot myself."

Yumeji walked away, leaving the enchantress alone. "Make sure not to forget yourself again. Next time you will adorn the hallways along with the other sculptures."

Carina collapsed to her knees, trembling.

Everyone knew better than to cross Lady Yumeji, even when she wasn't armed with her beloved scythe. The reason was simple… Yumeji could turn anyone to stone with a look. If someone would address her wrong or speak to her ignorantly or just annoy her simply with their presence, she'd freeze them, turning them to stone. Those poor souls would never have another chance either. There was no one able to reverse the spell except Yumeji herself. And, if she did, the resurrected were similar to mindless zombies, easily controlled without wills of their own.

Akita stood from the grass where she had been previously seated. "Your father's on his way back…"

At that very moment, a streak of black came racing towards them at full speed. Two others could be seen in the distance, just over a green hill. Hiei swept Akita into his arms and held her close to his chest, cradling her fondly.

Akita rested her head against Hiei's chest, smiling. "Well, love, how is your dear sister?"

"The idiot is carrying her rather than have her walk that distance. Genkai also came along. I assume the fox is returning as well?" Hiei asked his mate.

"Yes, his mother, Shiori, has the very same illness that Keiko does. He has news to share with all of us when he returns." Akita replied, reaching a hand to stroke Hiei's cheek.

"If all of this romantic mush is done, I found our poisoner. I've got her in the dungeon." Yusuke stated as he walked towards the demon pair.

Hiei deposited Akita onto the ground at her request. "So quickly, Yusuke? Didn't anyone try and defend her?" Akita asked.

Yusuke shook his head. "All of my servants know better than to try and conceal anything from me. Besides, they are utterly loyal to my family. The vast majority were slaves that I purchased and freed, giving them paying jobs in our service. Most would not so easily be turned against us. The girl is one that I am unfamiliar with, one whose name I'm not even aware of. She was planted among the kitchen staff one day and others might not have realized it, let alone questioned it. I'll purchase only one slave sometimes. She will be tortured fitfully if necessary until we get all the information we can from her, as far as whom she works for and what she was sent to do. I would appreciate your assistance, Hiei, with use of your Jagan. You can tell if she truly lies and what is going on in her mind. She appears weak in body and mind with no particular skills. I will leave her to your capable abilities." The Spirit Detective smiled in the jaganshi's direction, who gave the Detective a curt nod in reply.

"Hey, Urameshi! Long time, no see. You don't even have the decency to call, for crying out loud!" Kuwabara exclaimed as he appeared at the top of a hill, cradling Hiei's sibling in his arms.

"Yo, Kuwabara! Things have been hectic…" Yusuke trailed.

Kuwabara glared at the former Spirit Detective. "So, you only call me when you need me! Some friend you are, Urameshi!" The carrot top snapped as he set his pregnant wife on the ground.

Yusuke sighed, throwing up his hands in defeat. "You caught me."

The male ningen shook his fist menacingly. "Why, you little…"

"Children, please, fight nicely. There are more important things at hand." Akita stated, breaking up an argument that could last for quite sometime if allowed.

Kuwabara offered an arm to Yukina who accepted the assistance.

"Akita, I'm so glad to see you're well." The ice apparition declared, arms stretched out for an embrace.

The Koorime-kitsune lovingly embraced her mate's sister. "I see your fine as well. How're you feeling?" Akita asked, placing a gentle hand on Yukina's slightly swollen abdomen.

"I'm fine. Kazuma has been taking such good care of me." The Koorime maiden beamed at her husband.

Kuwabara smiled with pleasure. "Anything for my darling Yukina."

"Hey there, Granma! I see you're still breathing." Yusuke grinned at his former mentor.

"Yes, dimwit, but I can see you aren't able to handle both a wife and a son. Irresponsibility…" Genkai said, her arms folded over her chest.

Yusukes growled, lunging for the old woman. "Damn you, Genkai. I'll knock you back to your grave!"

The small woman side-stepped Yusuke's assault. "Idiot. Will you ever learn?"

Yusuke gritted his teeth as he pushed himself off the ground. "I'm always so delighted to see you, you old hag."

Akita sighed as she helped Yukina into the palace with Kuwabara trailing behind them. Hiei, who had been bored with the conversation and banter for some time, had decided he'd go and watch for the fox's arrival rather than die from boredom.

Yusuke watched his friends depart and turned to his mentor. "Genkai, do you think you can help her at all?" His question was futile, for they both knew that the psychic could do nothing.

Genkai sadly shook her head. "I doubt it, Yusuke."

Yusuke sighed and swiped at his eyes, which had begun to tear again. "God, I can't believe this is happening. Especially to Keiko, of all people."

The elderly woman patted her apprentice's arm. "I know, Yusuke. I know…"

"Finally, the way I want things to happen." Yumeji turned from her pool, a thin smile gracing her lips.

"Lady Yumeji?"

A pool of yellow light appeared in mid-air before the demon female to reveal her horned general's head. "Goro?"

"Witchdoctor would like to know if you require any more of his expertise." The kyukonki filled the communication circle.

"Well, if any servants of his are up to the test, I have a place to send them."

Goro smiled, malice lining his features. "Very good, Lady. I will tell the Witchdoctor immediately."

Yukina sat in a chair at Keiko's bedside. She was knitting embroidery on two infant-sized kimonos, gifts for her coming twins.

Keiko shuddered, tossing restlessly beneath the bed's sheets.

The ice apparition placed a cool hand on the human's forehead. "Isn't it almost time for Kurama to come with his herbal tea?"

A noise came from the window about two feet behind where Yukina sat.

Probably just the tree outside. The Koorime decided as she returned to her knitting.

The window lifted noiselessly and a black clad creature entered the room. With a dagger in one hand, it reached for Yukina with the other.

The ice maiden turned, eyes wide with terror.

"If you call for help, I'll gut you like a fish. I'll make sure your children suffer first." The masked male claimed.

Yukina stiffened. What could she do?

"Who sent you?" Yusuke demanded.

The shackled female turned her head and spat on the ground. "You'll find out soon enough."

Hiei stood with his back to Yusuke and Akita, Jagan focused on penetrating the mind of the creature responsible for poisoning Keiko.

The oaf and Kurama were observing the three children as they trained with Genkai.

Akita sat in a wooden chair, watching the girl with interest.

"Do you like Haruto?"

The Koorime-kitsune looked at the bound demon, eyes wide. "What are you talking about?"

"Witchdoctor told us about some of Lady's plans. Sounds quite entertaining." The girl smiled thinly.

Akita turned her attention away as she stood to go and tend her children. She vanished through the doorway without another word.

"That got rid of her. Now, what can I say to get rid of you two?" The demon asked with a sneer.

Yusuke leaned down, glaring at the female. "Tell me who sent you, what their motive is, and what they intend to do next. Then I'll leave so I can appoint your executioner."

Hiei waited. Her mind seemed to be opening up.

"I'll tell you that Witchdoctor will succeed as long as he is at Lady Yumeji's side." Suddenly, her skin began to bubble and abruptly, she became stone.

Yusuke stood back, thinking. "At least we know what we're going aft-"

The jaganshi's eyes were wide and he was…trembling? "Where's Yukina?"

Yusuke and Hiei rushed to the master bedroom that Keiko and Yusuke shared.

Yukina's chair was empty and a note was pinned to the bed's comforter.

The Makai Lord hesitantly picked it up.

Hiei could see faint traces of demon energy all along the piece of paper.

Yusuke read the letter silently as Hiei inspected the rest of the room.

The fire apparition picked up the kimonos that his sister had been making. They were unmarked…no sign of blood of his sister. There was a trail of fine drops of blood that didn't belong to Yukina that ended at the open window. The pin that held the note in place… "It's one of Yukina's knitting needles. It's got her captor's blood on it."

The ex-Spirit Detective offered the note to Hiei. There was a bold scrawl upon it.

We have Yukina. She will not be harmed unless you take drastic action. Our spies are everywhere. She will die.

Please tell Akita that Haruto sends his love.

Lady Y.

Hiei crumpled the piece of paper in his hand.

Yusuke rested his hand on his wife's. "That makes two hostages."

"More like three." Kurama stood in the doorway, frowning. "Let me explain."

Author's Note: Hope you like this one.