The news that Yusuke beat Rando and Suzaku gradually spread from the denizens of Demon City to the demons lurking in the Human World. Many expressed concern, but there were some who scoffed at Suzaku's ineptitude and kicked themselves for ever fearing him. This roused them to action. In their world, the law of the jungle prevails. Anyone who overthrows one of the powerful is to be feared, but he also becomes the next man to beat. Yusuke has become that man, a target for any demon trying to claw its way to the top.
Sayomi was casually wandering around the streets of Yusuke's town, her hands in her pockets as she experienced the new sounds and smells. Yusuke had to go to something he called school, and she didn't really find it interesting enough to stick around for too long. Kuwabara seemed to be in his same class so that made her feel better about leaving him alone for a few hours.
On her walk, she thought about her good fortune so far in her assignment. She had managed to find a teacher willing to teach her wider control of her energy. Just a month and a half of training was enough to push her to develop new techniques of her own. Then, she had managed to find the very person she was looking for. Granted, it was only a hunch she had to go on based on results she had seen, but he was still the most likely candidate. Even the Underworld had their eye on the boy. She could only wonder if they were aware of what they had or if they were really oblivious. Then there was the possibility that she had the wrong person after all.
If he can handle seven copies of the leader of the Four Beasts, then what other proof do I need? Surely not just any human could tackle such a feat. Even Kuwabara had a hard time going toe-to-toe with Byakko and Rando. Kurama is still a mystery, but his body is definitely a human. Even so, would Yusuke be able to lead? I know how loyal the monks are to the King, but how would they react to Yusuke's impetuous nature? Surely they wouldn't just follow him blindly without teaching him about their rules and customs. They're too stuck in their ways to—
"Unh…"
"Guh…"
Sayomi stopped walking when she heard a couple of voices groaning in pain. She stood still and listened carefully.
"That's just for starters, you stuffed twits!"
"We'll get back to you later. Let's go, Kuwa."
Just ahead of her, Sayomi spotted two figures holding pipes run out from a narrow street. She noticed they looked similar to Kuwabara and Yusuke, but there was something off about them. First off, their auras were wrong. They didn't feel as pure as the boys she had grown familiar with. Then, their voices were different. The one who spoke first didn't sound as rough as the psychic and the other imposter sounded too nasally. Also, the boys would use their own fists rather than a physical weapon against mere humans.
She turned down the small street and found four young boys bruised and struggling to catch their lost breath. A couple of them were curling in on their stomachs, trying to cover their heads and protect themselves. One of them was on his knees, using his arms to shield his head. He shook in fear, refusing to lift his eyes, not realizing that the attackers had fled. The last boy was laying on his back, clutching his right arm. It was already beginning to bruise and it was at an unnatural angle.
When she stepped on something cold and smooth, she looked down and noticed a small card. When she crouched down to pick it up, it read: Sarayashiki Jr High Student ID. Scrawled along the bottom was Yusuke Urameshi. Ignoring the wounded boys, she dropped the card in her pocket and took off after the two imposters.
She made sure to keep her distance from the two people, using buildings and crowds to blend in with her surroundings. She had to avoid using her abilities because it would draw too much attention from the human populace, but she knew how to hide in plain sight. Rather than running after them, she would walk calmly, keeping the pair in sight at all times. If they disappeared from view, she was quick to catch up on the balls of her feet, and resume her calm stride. She also made it a point to not look directly at them, otherwise they could sense her gaze and she would draw unnecessary attention.
She eventually followed the mischievous duo until they reached Kasanegafuchi Park, according to entrance sign. The pair had stopped at a tree that bordered around an open green field, while Sayomi hid behind a tree just a few yards behind them. They peered around their hiding spot to watch a large group of young men gather at the center of the field. From what she could make out, they seemed to be rather loud and angry.
"Today Urameshi and Kuwabara die!"
"After sneak attackin' at night, now they issue a challenge?!" The young thug had narrow eyes and thin eyebrows. His black hair was gelled in a similar style to Kuwabara's hairdo and he had a thin mustache. He chewed on a piece of grass while he spoke in a calm angry tone. "They want us to come to the old Hell Housing Site at 4:00!"
"Those guys've turned nasty! They used to play fair, no matter what dirty tricks we pulled!" The loud teenager wasn't wearing a shirt. His hair was sheared in a short cut with two small ponytails lining vertically behind his head. The front of his hair was a bit longer than the back and it curled more than his ponytails. He clenched his fist and strained his muscles while he yelled.
"Go Downtown and round up anyone else who wants in on this! This time Urameshi and Kuwabara are goin' down for good!"
Sayomi clenched her fists and glared down at the field. They wouldn't last five minutes in a fair fight with Yusuke. Only cowards would try to gang up on a single opponent.
"Those flea-brains are all revved to rumble." Sayomi's glare shifted to the Kuwabara look-alike. He was about the right height, and his hair matched up okay enough, but his nose and chin were too large and he lacked Kuwabara's prominent cheekbones.
"They couldn't put Urameshi down on his worst day. Still, they'll serve their purpose." The Yusuke imposter had the right facial structure, but his hair stuck out too much on both sides, making his hair look like devil's horns. His eyebrows were too thick and his eyes too droopy.
"Once our look-alikes are tired out, we'll go in and crush them!" Sayomi grimaced when she saw the Kuwabara imposter begin to change his appearance. Sharp teeth began to protrude from his mouth. His skin turned a sick shade of green. And gills formed at his esophagus. He held up a thin clawed hand as he imagined putting them to use. "Our reps will soar in the Human World and the Demon Plane!"
"Too bad half-breeds like us can't just kill them and disappear, 'cause we're tied to human identities, so we improvise." The Yusuke imposter's skin turned a similar shade of green as his partner and a long purple tongue slithered out of his mouth. At the end of his tongue was a small bulb followed by a small hooked stinger. "Heh heh heh."
Sayomi clicked her tongue in annoyance. Yusuke was still feeling too sore to take on so many humans and a bunch of dishonorable half-demons. His energies were depleted thanks to Suzaku. He can barely keep himself upright as it is. I need to find Yusuke and warn him!
Sayomi left the half-breeds to their plans and made her way back to search for the detective. On her way, she noticed a familiar aura signature. It didn't feel hostile, so she was relieved when she found Kurama. He was in his pink school uniform and he was walking with one hand in his pocket. He greeted her with a pleasant smile. "Good afternoon, Sayomi. I take it you're aware of the situation."
"The Hell Housing Site at 4:00. I need to go warn Yusuke." Before she could take off, Kurama stopped her.
"There is no need. The Underworld has asked me to watch over Yusuke and Kuwabara in case of trouble. I can assure you that no harm will come to them." He resumed his walk and beckoned Sayomi to follow him. "We still have a couple hours until four. I have no doubt Yusuke will be there."
Sayomi took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. He has a point… "Is it safe to assume you know where this place is?"
"Yes, but I just need to make a quick stop before we go there." He smiled down at her, his eyes glinting with mischief. Sayomi began to feel nervous as she followed him into a random building.
He led her to a set of three doors and pressed a button on the wall that had an arrow pointing up. Sayomi looked around the building and noticed the humans were giving her angry looks. When she shifted her gaze downward, she saw a trail of dirty footprints leading to her. She looked back up at the humans and quirked her eyebrow, daring them to do something about it. They weren't aware of why they couldn't approach her, but they instinctively sensed that she shouldn't be messed with. When she heard a low bell chime, she turned her attention to the doors and followed the red-head into the small room. As the doors slid shut, Sayomi smirked and waved at the humans.
Kurama pushed another button and a light turned on, illuminating the number 34. When he looked down at Sayomi, he noticed her laughing quietly to herself. He smiled and asked, "Did I miss something funny?"
She calmed down from her private joke and smiled up at the boy. "Not really. I just never had a chance to interact with the humans in this world. It's kind of fun!"
Kurama looked down at her feet, noticing they were dirty from walking outside on the pavement and dirt, and caught on to the source of her laughter. "Yes, well humans take cleanliness very serious around here. Without proper footwear, it's likely you won't be welcome in many places."
Sayomi sighed and crossed her arms. I've heard that one before… Doesn't matter to me though. "Trust me. Where I come from, people frowned upon me just for being what I am. It didn't take me long to ignore what others think of me. They'll get over it."
Kurama frowned and was about to speak when the elevator chimed and settled. When the doors opened, he looked for a map on the wall and found a set of stairs leading up another level. Ignoring the Do no enter sign on the door, Kurama and Sayomi climbed up and opened the exit door leading outside to the roof of the building.
"Heh heh heh. What am I thinking?" Sayomi physically tensed when she heard the familiar voice.
"Quite a lot of bloodlust in the air, eh?" Kurama asked, smiling at Hiei's back. Sayomi noticed he had flinched when Kurama spoke up.
"Don't sneak up behind me." Hiei ordered without turning around.
"You wouldn't have to worry so much if you weren't standing on the ledge of the roof." Sayomi retorted, glaring at the thief.
"Watch it, woman. If you continue to incite me, I will cut out your tongue." Despite his threat, he seemed rather calm.
"What brings you down here?" Kurama asked casually, as if bumping into an old friend in the street.
"Nothing of consequence. And you?" Hiei asked in a bored tone.
"The Underworld asked me to guard our associates, but my stomach injury isn't fully healed. It's the second severe hit I've taken there, as you may remember." Kurama smirked, as if engaging in a private joke.
"I get your point." Hiei growled and turned to glare at the pair. "I'm not the Underworld's slave, got it? I'm just putting in my 'community service'!"
"I understand. So…" Kurama was about to leave before asking one more question. "The big clash is happening at the Hell Housing Site at 4:00?"
"Yes! Now goodbye!" Hiei growled angrily, annoyed with the red-head.
"Poor Yusuke, stuck fighting third-rate demons. But what do you care?" Kurama held the door open for Sayomi then followed behind her. Before shutting the door, he added, "He already beat you, after all."
"Ha ha ha!" Sayomi couldn't hold in her laugh for long. Just seeing the over-confident Hiei get so riled up was enough to make her day. "How did you manage to do that?"
"It's a matter of knowing a person and just what buttons to push." Kurama led the way to the emergency stairwell instead of the elevators.
"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you known him?" She couldn't help her curiosity. Kurama seemed like such a nice person. Sure he was dangerous, but he wasn't nearly as cynical as Hiei. She couldn't help but wonder how they met in the first place.
"I suppose it's been about a year now. It wasn't the most pleasant of meetings, but at the time we had a common enemy." He looked down at the girl and smiled. "Would you like to hear about it?"
Sayomi smiled but hesitated. "How long will it take us to get to the Hell Housing Site?"
"It's about 2:30 now. On foot it will probably take about an hour." Kurama checked his wristwatch then pulled his sleeve back over the trinket.
"In that case, I suppose we have time." She sighed in relief. She was worried he wouldn't answer her question, but he seemed a little more than willing to share. She smiled to herself as she waited for him to gather his thoughts.
"I suppose I should start from the very beginning. It was my final year in Jr High School and there was a rumor going around about missing students." Kurama thought back to those days, when he was still in hiding.
One year ago…
"What? Again?" A classroom of teenagers were huddled around the room. Desks were angled inward, forming a small circle and students were gossiping about recent events.
"Yeah. One of my brother's classmates— been gone a week."
"Along with two other guys."
"They probably just took off, y'know? I know I'd like to."
"This town's so dull…"
"Maybe they were 'spirited away'?" A young boy suggested. He had dark hair cut short in the back while the top of his head had long, blond-colored locks. Some freckles dotted lightly across his nose. He wore a black shirt under a denim vest and jeans.
"Sure would explain all the recent disappearances!" A young girl agreed, raising her hand excitedly. Her wavy blond hair was cut short and it bounced with every sudden movement. She donned a simple white dress with puffy short sleeves and a pink ribbon that tied at her throat.
"Ha!" The freckled boy laughed. "Figure you'd go for that!"
"Not like Maya would!" The girl protested. She turned to her classmate curiously. "Right?"
"Shuichi! How 'bout you?" A young girl, Maya, kept her black hair cut short. Her bangs hung free across her forehead, but the rest of it was pushed back behind her ears. She wore a simple white collared blouse and matching pencil skirt that reached her knees.
"Maybe they just ran away." A young boy answered logically. His red hair was cropped short and he wore his trademark pink uniform.
"Oh, Shuichi, that's boring!" Maya protested, wagging her finger at him. "I figure abduction by… Oh… Ghosts, or aliens! Maybe a secret cult! That kinda thing!"
"Hmm… Seems unlikely." Shuichi disagreed.
"Ha! Not so!" Maya argued. "There's weird stuff everywhere!"
The freckled boy glared at the pair, frowning at the red-head. He sat backwards on his chair, folding his arms over the back as he sulked. "Wot's she see in 'im…?"
"You still steamed Maya's all gooey over Minamino?" The blond girl teased from her desk. She propped up her cheek in her hand as she smiled innocently at the grumpy teen.
"Well, he… He wears a uniform even when it's not required! Who does that?" The boy grumbled. Just thinking about it was enough to make him angry.
"You're just jealous." The girl teased, narrowing her eyes and smiling at the boy's expense. "Hey!"
The boy had grabbed her eraser and flung it towards the red-head angrily. Darn right!
"Y'know, I've got a bit of sixth sense…" Maya was chattering away with Shuichi, unaware of the projectile. "Huh?"
Before the small rubber bullet could hit its target, Shuichi snapped his wrist back to snatch it from the air without turning. When he held up the item to inspect it, he paused and blinked a couple times. "An eraser…"
"Geez…" The freckled boy glared, annoyed and shocked by the red-head's reflexes.
"Wow…" The blond girl could only stare in wonder.
Later that evening, Shuichi wandered the empty hallways. The sun was already setting and everyone had locked up and gone home. "Missing people… It couldn't be, but an unreal miasma is building up around here…"
He paused when he noticed a rank stench in the air. A small green slime began to spread along the floor and wall. Soon, the slime shifted and a demonic head formed in the goop. It had two large horns and four extra sharp teeth protruding from its mouth. The slime melted over its yellow eyes. "Kurama, you scum… I'm gonna kill ya, I am! And then I'll claim this town for the Demon Realm!"
"Slime Ogre…" Shuichi, aka Kurama, glared down at the demon, unintimidated. "You're back. Forget the vow you made to me in exchange for not finishing you off?"
"I didn't forget!" The demon screeched. "But I've got a new ally, a real killer! We'll get you this time!"
Kurama swiftly flung his arm toward the slime demon.
"I saw that!" The demon dodged the attack and crashed through a nearby window. "Hee hee…"
Kurama stood alone in the darkening hallway. He glared out the broken window, pondering his next move. A lesser demon, out for revenge on the one that nearly killed him. That must be some ally he's got. I'd rather not manifest my own powers, but if he's declared this town his hunting ground, he'll receive no more mercy from the human side of the demon who protects it.
"What was that? A… a ghost?" Kurama froze at the sound of a familiar feminine voice. Maya stood behind him, her hands clinging in worry at the base of her neck. Her eyes were large and she stared in wonder at the spot the demon was previously occupying. "It was so… gross… and smelly! Are things like that always so repulsive?"
"I'm sure you're mistaken, Maya." Shuichi tried to persuade her train of thought. She saw it?! That's not good! I was afraid of this… My presence has enhanced her sixth sense…!
"No, I'm not! It was there, clear as day! And I heard you talk to it! You are in tune with the Spirit World! Don't deny it, Shuichi!" She marched up to the young boy and clapped her hands together, elated by her discovery. "First time I saw you, I knew you were different! I love the occult, so I've dreamed of meeting someone like you!
"And to think you're also my first love!" As she calmed down, she brought her fingers to gently touch her lips. A small blush dusted across her cheeks as she smiled shyly at the stunned Shuichi.
Shuichi had offered to walk her home. He reasoned that it was getting dark and it would be dangerous and impolite to let her go alone. The sun was almost gone and the sky glowed with warm reds and oranges.
"So you had no idea…?"
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't."
"Then… how do you feel… about me?" Maya hesitantly asked. When Shuichi didn't respond right away, she smiled and tried to put on a carefree mask. "It's okay… really! I'll understand if you don't…"
"I'm sorry…" Shuichi refused to look her in the eye. I can't tell you. It's too dangerous to tell you… how I really feel…
Maya's happy mask began to crack. Her shoulders slumped from rejection and unshed tears began to cloud her vision. "Okay… I… guess I'll go home…"
Kurama suddenly sensed a dangerous presence and grabbed Maya's shoulder to keep her from wandering. She flinched at the sudden physical contact and looked over her shoulder in worry.
"Stay close to me…" He warned. I almost didn't sense him! What skill—and bloodlust! This may be serious trouble.
In an instant, Kurama dropped his school bag and swept Maya from her feet. He jumped away from the spot just before their bags were slashed in half. Maya screamed at the sudden movements and she trembled in the red-head's arms.
"You okay?" Kurama asked the frightened girl.
"I-I guess…" She answered wearily.
"You… dodged my stroke!" A short male dressed in black held a sharp katana, ready to attack again. His hair defied gravity and his eyes were blood-red.
"Are you okay?!" Maya asked, worried for her crush. "He looks vicious!" Then she lowered her voice and whispered in admiration, "You're awfully strong, though…"
"He is vicious—and cunning!" He answered. He either didn't hear her last comment or he chose to ignore it. He set her down and jumped away, trying to keep the stranger's attention. He managed to pull a blade of grass from the sidewalk and he fed his energy into the greenery. The blade of grass grew long and it solidified into a sharp sword.
"Ah! Plants are your motif, I see!" The stranger charged in, pitting sword against sword in rapid strikes and parries.
"Run, Maya!" Kurama shouted, fending off the stranger's attacks.
"Uh… Um…" Maya could only sit still and watch. She could barely see her classmate move, let alone the attacker.
Kurama managed to push the stranger away and he took off. Better lead him away. The stranger had no trouble keeping up as they leapt over trees to a nearby park and disappeared from the girl's view. As they ran, they exchanged blows. Neither warrior was able to land a hit on the other.
"You're good!" The stranger complimented. "Too good for Eight-Hands! Why do you serve him?"
"What?!" Kurama reeled. "You're kidding! You mean Eight-Hands is in town?!"
The stranger skidded to a stop across the field, caught off guard by the red-head's reaction. "Wait a second! You didn't know?!"
"I know now." Kurama stood his ground and discarded his weapon. "Know this—I serve no one. This is where I live, as a human."
"Well, this is me looking stupid…" The stranger braced his left hand on his knee as he tried to catch his breath.
There was a quiet dripping sound and Kurama noticed a small red puddle forming under the stranger's feet. Blood…?!
"Unh!" The stranger grunted before falling forward, unconscious.
Kurama stepped toward the wounded swordsman in worry. He proceeded to lift him onto his back and carry him back to his home. Eight-Hands… The eight-handed demon! That's just great! I'm no match for him at my level…
Later that evening, the stranger woke up with a start. He sat up immediately and noticed he was on a bed. He looked around the unfamiliar room and noticed the bookshelf that was filled to max capacity and a desk with a single chair. Sitting under the window was the red-head from before.
"Better already, I see. And after just four hours' rest." Kurama watched patiently as the stranger looked down to see his wounds had indeed fully healed. "It was quite deep, so I treated it with an herb from the Demon Plane. Hope you don't mind.
"You… uh… also talked in your sleep… about someone named Yukina." Kurama smiled when he noticed the stranger's guarded reaction. "And your evil eye… Your aura indicates you got it quite recently. That's not something one acquires without a compelling reason. Is there a link between this Yukina and Eight-Hands?"
"That's none of your business!" The stranger growled angrily, pulling his coat back on. "In fact, I should kill you for what you know.
"But that would be ungrateful of me, so…" He got up from the bed and made his way to the window, sliding it open. "…Let me warn you—your humanity will prove fatal one day."
"You're going out to fight again? I'm not sure you're ready." Kurama advised the swordsman.
"This can't wait, and neither can I." The stranger propped one foot on the windowsill, preparing to leave. "The more Eight-Hands eats, the stronger he gets."
"Will you at least leave me your name?" Kurama asked, turning to meet the stranger's eye.
"….." The stranger hesitated for a moment before he relented. "Hiei." As soon as he uttered the word, he leapt from the window, running across rooftops to search for the demon.
"So that's the infamous Hiei. He has quite a rep on the Demon Plane. Still, I don't think even he's up to tackling Eight-Hands alone…" Kurama mused.
When he heard the telephone ring in the other room, he got up to answer it before it disturbed his sleeping mother. "Minamino residence."
"Shuichi? This is Tasaka." An image of the freckled boy from his class came to Kurama's mind. "Kitajima's folks just called; she hasn't come home yet. You wouldn't know where she is, wouldya, jerk-o?"
Kurama gasped quietly at the news. The worst-case scenario—it's happened…
He hung up the phone and took off after the thief. "I'm coming with you."
"What's fried you up, fox-boy?" Hiei asked, not slowing his stride in the slightest.
"There's a new wrinkle." Kurama answered.
"That girl, eh? You're a softie." Hiei taunted.
"You should talk, thief." Kurama countered.
"..." Hiei glared ahead, refusing to look at the red-head. "You're starting to get on my nerves."
"Save that hostility for Eight-Hands." Kurama advised.
They soon found themselves at an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. It was dark and musty. Mannequins littered the space in broken parts. Scorch marks indicated a fire had happened but they were old and worn.
"A burnt-out factory…" Hiei observed, searching the darkness for any sign of movement. "Just the place for third-rate demon trash to hang out."
Kurama clenched his teeth, worried about one person only. Maya…!
"So glad you disapprove."
Hiei and Kurama froze, momentarily startled by the voice behind them. They instinctively jumped away just before the ground was smashed to rubble. They landed several feet away, facing the new-comer without hesitation.
"Don't give up, do you." The demon was tall, about twice the size of the two boys. He had four muscled arms sticking out from his shoulders, two more arms sticking out from his head, and even his legs ended with another pair of hands instead of feet. His only article of clothing was a fur loincloth held up with a belt made of skulls. His thin eyes narrowed more as he smirked at his opponents.
"Never have." Hiei confirmed, glaring dangerously at the large demon. "The ice maiden you ate—who was she?"
Eight-Hands smirked and chuckled as he answered the runt. "We weren't properly introduced… Heh heh heh."
"That girl you kidnapped today…" Kurama interjected. "Where is she?!"
"You one of her little friends? Okay, I'll give you a hint." Eight-Hands mocked the young teen. Then one of the hands that sprouted from his head lifted an item. It was a severed foot that dripped red. "Know what this is?"
Kurama felt his body shiver, as if from a sudden cold draft. Then he glared and pulled out his blade of grass, pouring his energy into it so it could elongate into a sword. He charged Eight-Hands with his weapon raised and shouted angrily, "You beast!"
Eight-Hands dropped the appendage and raised his arms to block the attack. Hiei followed close behind Kurama, aiming his sword at another angle to catch the demon off guard. His attempt proved fruitless as Eight-Hands merely swatted his attacks away like an annoying insect. No matter what angle or sneak attack they tried, the large demon was able to negate their blows. With minor effort, Eight-Hands was able to knock the two fighters from their feet. "I could easily swat 200 runts like you!"
Separate attacks are useless! Kurama and Hiei realized simultaneously. Kurama had a few rips in his uniform shirt across the stomach. Hiei was rubbing his fist across a fresh hit to the jaw, clenching his sword. Without speaking, they ganged up on Eight-Hands, attacking him at the same time.
"Impertinent microbes!" Eight-Hands yelled, blocking their attacks just as easily. "You're no better together!"
While circling Eight-Hands, Kurama and Hiei crossed paths. Once behind Kurama, Hiei disappeared from the large demon's view. Eight-Hands hesitated a moment, searching for the thief. Then he smirked as he caught on to their plan. He looked up and noticed the cloaked figure leaping in the air.
"Hah!" Kurama took advantage of the distraction and charged to attack with his grass blade.
"Heh heh…" Eight-Hands swatted the weapon away with one of his larger arms. "So easy to parry!
"No challenge at all…" Eight-Hands pulled back one of his other large fists. "…'Cause I saw it comin'!" He smashed his fist into the cloaked figure's face, smashing the mannequin into pieces of broken clay.
"What th-?! A doll decoy!" Eight-Hands looked up higher, his fist still extended out, leaving him open. He caught sight of Hiei, sans his cloak, bringing his sword down to attack. "Aww, spit…"
As Hiei decapitated the apparition, Kurama severed his torso at the waist.
"I'm impressed." The demon's head complimented. "…So I'll answer your questions!" The pieces of Eight-Hands' body landed spread out on the back as blood flowed freely from the severed arteries. "The girl is safe… and I never partook of an ice maiden. If I had eaten something so fine… you'd be the ones… on the ground… in pieces…" With a final wheeze, the demon fell silent for good.
On the way home, Kurama carried a sleeping Maya on his back. He supported her legs with his arms and leaned forward slightly so she could rest easy. When she opened her eyes, she noticed the swaying motion and a head of red hair.
"…Uh… huh? Minamino… What…?" Maya asked groggily, then lifted her head to see she was being carried. "Oh, I see… a dream…"
"That's right, a dream that you'll forget when you wake up." Kurama answered, just loud enough for the sleepy girl to hear.
Maya smiled to herself and rested her head against his back. Her eyelids felt heavy and she let them fall shut as she took in a deep breath. "This one… smells nice…"
Kurama continued walking in silence, letting her fall back to sleep. You'll forget your feelings for me, as well.
"Dream flower pollen to erase memories." Hiei observed, walking next to the red-head as if he'd been there the whole time.
"It's for the best." Kurama smiled at the thief, unaffected by the demon's sudden appearance.
"As you say. By the way…" Hiei tilted his gaze at the red-head curiously. "…Care to leave your name?"
"Kurama."
Present day at 3:30…
"Then about a month ago, Hiei asked me to join him in recovering the items of darkness. I suppose Yusuke briefed you on his involvement in the matter." Kurama smiled down at Sayomi, observing her reaction.
Sayomi nodded absently, lost in her own mind as she thought over Kurama's experience. So because a demon had taken his classmate, and there was a rumor about said demon eating an ice maiden, they teamed up rather than kill each other. But then, what is it with Hiei and this Yukina? And why did Kurama treat the thief's wounds after he had tried to kill him? Kurama's story had left her with more questions than before.
"You dare to show your face, Urameshi?!"
Sayomi snapped out of her thoughts as Yusuke's name reached her ears. She was about to run towards his direction, but Kurama grabbed her gently by the shoulder and held a finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet. They walked into the abandoned building and made their way through until they could see everybody from the vacant windows without being spotted themselves. On one side of the construction site was a mob of angry male teenagers. On the other side, Yusuke and Kuwabara were trembling on their weary legs.
"You challenge us to a face-off after all those ambushes?! Hope you're ready to die!"
"Challenge you?! You summoned us, dipstick!" Yusuke countered angrily.
"After beating up my posse!" Kuwabara added in accusingly.
"What for? It's us you wanted!" Yusuke yelled.
"What the hell you babblin' about?!" One of the thugs asked, confused by the accusation.
"Don't play dumb!" Yusuke growled.
"We ain't playin'! We mean it!" Sayomi recognized the loud teen from earlier. The other teens shouted threats behind him. "You're dead!"
"I don't think I'm ready for this…" Kuwabara grumbled to his rival.
"Me neither!" Yusuke agreed, clenching his teeth nervously. "Ready or not, though, here we go!"
The angry mob of teenage thugs charged toward the two exhausted fighters. Shirts were thrown off, weapons were raised, and a deafening battle cry erupted from the raging horde of delinquents. Yusuke and Kuwabara braced themselves for the oncoming pain that was approaching too quickly for the boys' liking.
"Hold it right there!"
The mob of teens stopped and stared in confusion as a few lone roses were thrown across the field. Yusuke and Kuwabara relaxed there tense bodies at the familiar voice and flowers. All eyes turned to see Kurama as he calmly walked up to the fighters with his hands in his pockets.
"Kurama!" Yusuke yelled, shocked but glad to see the red-head.
"What?!"
"Who's this jerk?!"
"Starting early, gentlemen? Tsk… such impatience. It almost led you to beat up the wrong guys." Kurama pointed an accusing finger towards a pile of lumber, where the imposters were hiding just out of sight. "The ones you want are over there!"
Everyone turned their attention to the two imposters. They hunched over and their lips twisted up into satisfied smirks.
"My, my, looks like we's busted. Oh well…" The Kuwabara imposter commented, carefree despite getting caught.
"The masquerade's run its course anyway. We've now got the manpower to crush all of you!" The Yusuke imposter declared with confidence.
"So you're the ones who did the ambushing?" One of the thugs asked.
"And fooled us into blaming Urameshi?" Another thug questioned.
"You got it, morons!" The Kuwabara imposter confirmed. He raised a hand triumphantly with his partner in crime.
"Not that it matters! You're surrounded!" The Yusuke imposter declared. "Forward, fellow half-breeds!"
A moment of silence passed. The crowd of teenagers looked around nervously until their nerves settled into confusion. The imposters held their positions as the silence stretched to a minute. When the imposters turned around, they nearly jumped out of their human skins. The Yusuke imposter let his true tongue spring from his mouth in shock before biting it.
"You looking for these guys?" Hiei and Sayomi stood in front of a pile of unconscious half-demons. Sayomi crossed her arms and glared while Hiei continued to taunt the pathetic imposters. "Sorry. I thought I was just cleaning up some trash."
"Kn-know what I think…?" The Yusuke imposter asked, his voice pitched high with fear as he began to sweat and shake nervously.
"Oh yeah… We're screwed!" The Kuwabara imposter squeaked in terror.
The two frauds clung to each other and laughed nervously as the mob began to surround them. "Punks… get ready… to pay big time!"
"Eeeeyaaah!" The Kuwabara imposter screamed with tears in his eyes.
"Stay back! Or we'll—" The mob wasted no time beating to brains out of the two phonies. Even Kuwabara had jumped in on the action to get revenge for his friends. The two half-breeds were left in tattered clothes with bruises and swelling making it almost impossible to recognize them. Their bodies twisted and bent in unnatural directions and they dribbled blood from their busted lips.
"That was close." Yusuke smiled in relief. "Thanks, Hiei. Sai."
"I couldn't let them just jump you while you're already down. It would be too pitiful to watch." Sayomi teased.
"I can't believe I had to step in at all." Hiei sneered at the detective. "No matter what shape you're in, you can't go losing to a coupla weenies like that. I lost to you—even if by a fluke—so that would hardly reflect well on me. You guys need to toughen up!"
Sayomi glared at Hiei but kept her mouth shut. As much as I hate to admit it, he has a point. If he becomes king, he'll need to keep on his toes at all times.
"Ha ha…" Yusuke laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "That's a fact. I owe you for two now."
"Who'd ever mistake that pug-ugly for me?" Kuwabara growled as he came back from his revenge pummel.
"Happy to have you at my back, Hiei." Yusuke smiled and held out his hand. "Put 'er there!"
Hiei turned to the detective and met Yusuke's hand with an unmarked video cassette. Yusuke blinked in confusion and pulled the tape closer to inspect. "A video tape? Of what?"
"Your next assignment from the Underworld." Hiei walked away, ignoring Yusuke's faceplant and Sayomi's suspicious stare.