CHAPTER 3
Morning came, Keiko made her way to school.
As soon as she arrived, her worried friends greeted her as soon as she stepped inside the campus.
"Keiko, what happened?" Noticing the band-aid covered wound on her head.
"Are you okay?" Asked another female classmate.
"Why didn't you call us?"
"I knew something bad happened! I had a feeling!'
Her friends were concerned.
"I'm okay, you guys. I had a little bit of an accident yesterday."
"What kind of an accident?" Ayame asked, brows furrowed.
"From a volleyball practice." This was the same white lie Keiko told her parents last night.
She wasn't sure if she even made it sound believable, but where else would they think she got her injuries from?
"And where were you practicing? We didn't see you at school all day" Her classmate asked, still confused.
"It was in the city, I just wanted to try for the team." 'Damn Keiko, all this fidgeting will cost you' She told herself.
"Keiko? What happened? Are you okay?" A familiar voice asked.
Keiko and her friends turned to who the voice came from; Mikuri.
He practically rushed to her and held her arms, scanning her entire body for injuries.
Keiko's eyes were wide open in disbelief.
Mikuri was technically crossing boundaries, it was inappropriate for him to hold her like this!
Her friends were blushing and giggling behind her.
However, Keiko did not find his gesture amusing.
Sure, Mikuri obviously was concerned, but this was too much.
Not to mention, she remembered Yusuke saying something about him.
"Ummm.. Mikuri, I'm okay.' Keiko stated, trying to get out of his hold.
"I was worried about you!" Mikuri implied.
"Thanks, Mikuri. I just had a little accident but I'm okay." Keiko softly smiled, her friends still giggling in the background.
Sure, Mikuri was an ideal boyfriend, he was obviously smart, good looking, tall, and a gentleman.
He surely passed every basic female standard.
But not for her.
The school bell rang, and the students started rushing inside.
"We should go." Said Keiko, to her friends.
As soon as they reached their seats, Keiko's friends were extremely thrilled by what had just transpired.
"Calm down you guys" she told them.
"Keiko, that was so cute! Did you see him? He was so worried about you!"
"He definitely has it for you, Keiko!"
"Go out with him!"
Man, please let the class start already. Keiko begged in the air.
The day went on as usual.
Keiko attended her student council activities for most of her free time.
She was able to catch up with the lessons she missed yesterday, as she surely had the sympathy of her teachers.
She was a star student after all.
In between thoughts, Keiko wondered what Yusuke was up to.
She smiled at the thought.
Her friends, not missing this new side to her, found it relieving, Keiko was strangely happy.
All of a sudden, she had a slightly carefree attitude and a less moody vibe.
Her friends wondered if this could be because of Mikuri, but didn't dare confront her.
Keiko didn't care. Yusuke is home.
And that was all she cared about.
As the school day ended, Keiko started making her way outside the building.
Still feeling a bit tired, and exhausted, still recovering from her injuries, she wanted to leave the school early and rest for the night.
As she made her way outside campus, a certain male called her name, catching up to her.
"Keiko! Hey, come on, I will walk you home!" Mikuri demanded.
Keiko quickly thought of an excuse to decline his offer.
"Thanks, Mikuri! But that's not necessary." She stated.
"Nonsense! I will walk you home, come on." Mikuri answered as he forcefully held Keiko's hand.
Discomfort quickly spread on Keiko's face, trying to pull her hand away, to no avail.
"Mikuri, it's okay. Honestly." Her hand was still in his grip.
It wasn't exactly painful, but it was uncomfortable enough to piss her off.
"Keiko, I insist."
Keiko's temper was starting to rise.
She wasn't feeling fully well, she didn't like to be around him, and Yusuke had reminded her to stay away from him.
All these points were made in her head, as she tried to pull her hand away.
"Mikuri, I'm really not feeling well, and I don't have the energy at all to argue with you, please let me go. I really want to be alone." She pleaded in an irritated tone.
"Keiko, dear. You don't know what you're talking about." Mikuri smirked, as he pulled her close, giving her a menacing look.
Keiko was completely scared.
What's going on with him?
She was trembling inside, he gave her a strange feeling and she wanted nothing more but to get away.
"She already said no. Take a hint, bro." A familiar, authoritative voice suddenly spoke.
Keiko felt relieved in an instant, looking at her beloved who was obviously pissed off at the guy holding her.
Yusuke always had a way of giving a death stare, especially when he's in a bad mood.
And she was glad it worked on Mikuri as he let go of her hand the second he saw Yusuke's deathly expression.
"Who are you?!" Mikuri asked.
"I'm the boyfriend. Not that you need to know that." Yusuke said as he brushed past Mikuri, holding Keiko's hand and gently took her away.
"Are you alright?" Yusuke asked, examining Keiko's hand.
She nodded.
Yusuke gave Mikuri one last look; a look that basically said 'do this again, and I'll kick your ass' before walking away.
As they disappeared, Mikuri laughed silently.
"Hello, Urameshi." He said under his breath, as an excited grin flashed across his face.
"It's only just begun." He uttered.
As Yusuke walked down the road with Keiko, she could tell he was still pissed off by what happened earlier.
Wanting to ease it away, she started "I've been thinking about you."
"Oh yeah?" He responded, triumphant with her mission.
"Yup." She said with happy eyes.
He smiled with warmth, still holding her hand.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"A bit better. Just tired."
"Are you hungry?"
"I'm starving"
"Okay, let's eat before I take you home."
Yusuke and Keiko walked inside a cafe in the city.
Both ordered beef ramen noodles, an all time favorite.
"I missed this!" Yusuke said, as he sipped the long mouth watering noodles with his chopsticks.
"So good!" He exclaimed.
He remembered how they'd always go on countless dates, just eating at restaurants serving good ramen.
It was her favorite.
And seeing just how excited she was when she consumed the delicious dish, made him feel happy inside.
He decided right then, that ramen noodles were also his favorite dish, given that he's having it together with her.
Keiko laughed at the sight, admiring her boyfriend who's bowl was already half empty.
"I went to see my mom today." He shared, as he took a piece of sushi to his mouth.
"How did it go?" Keiko asked, while drinking her milkshake.
"It was alright. Though I don't think she understood where I've been, since she asked for a souvenir, thinking I'm in some retarded country."
"I'm sure she didn't hover." Keiko commented, knowing Atsuko wasn't the type.
"Yup, good thing I didn't have to come up with a lame excuse."
She chuckled.
"Oh by the way, Keiko." Yusuke added, drinking his cup of warm tea.
Keiko looked as she waited for what he was going to say.
"I'm planning on going to see Grandma, with everyone." Grandma, Keiko knew he was referring to Genkai.
"Really? That's great, Yusuke. When?" She asked.
"This weekend sound good?" He suggested, waiting to see if she can make it.
"Yeah sure, I don't think I have any plans anyway." Answered Keiko, as she placed her elbow on the table, and rested her jaw above her knuckles.
"Who do you think's gonna come?" She followed.
"Kuwabara and Shizuru, for sure. The idiot wouldn't stop blabbering about it, saying he wanted to see Yukina. Kurama's gonna meet us at the train station, but I doubt Hiei's gonna be there."
Keiko looked down at the table as she stirred her milkshake with a plastic straw, picturing the faces of her friends in her mind.
Excitement rose on Keiko's chest, hearing Yusuke's plan, she hadn't seen them in a while.
"And Botan?" Keiko wondered, hopeful the blue haired girl will join them.
She missed Botan,
"TBD" Yusuke answered.
There was a brief silence between them when Keiko's eyes suddenly widened, as she slammed her palms on the table.
"YUSUKE-! WHAT ABOUT PUU?!" She exclaimed, realizing she completely forgot about the little blue, adorable furry beast.
Yusuke practically jumped off his chair in shock.
Well, he's not so little anymore, she reminded herself, thinking back to the time when Puu transformed into a giant bird, just as Yusuke had transformed into a demon.
"I've been meaning to ask you! I completely forgot." She said, with a pout visible on her face.
"I feel bad now" She added, sadness plastered on her face.
Yusuke was doing his best to hold his laughter.
He found this side of Keiko adorable. Damn, she's so cute when she pouts like that.
"Don't worry. He's doing good. Grandma's taking care of him." Yusuke smiled.
He remembered just how Keiko and Puu were practically inseparable. And he liked that, given Puu was basically his spirit beast.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him." Keiko said in excitement.
Yusuke walked Keiko home, but as they reached her house, she was surprised that Yusuke wanted to go in.
"Are you sure?" Keiko asked
"Yup. It's time." Yusuke answered as he made his way through the door, following Keiko from behind.
Mr. Yukimura was doing the dishes when he heard someone come in.
The diner has closed for the day, and he knew it was his daugher, who had come home from school.
Looking up, he saw Keiko approaching with a smile on her face.
Mr. Yukimura had also noticed the change in Keiko's demenoar.
The usual, serious look on her face, and steady attitude, recently changed to a happy, and cheerful teenager. It was like she was back to being her old self.
He wondered if it could mean that Keiko had finally moved on?
Was she dating someone new?
That was highly unlikely. Not his daughter.
But what if she really have moved on? Was he ready for that?
Was he okay with the possibility that Keiko had been dating someone he barely knew?
No. Definitely not. She was too precious to be hanging out with some boy who doesn't deserve her.
But did he dare ask? He didn't want to put his nose around her business.
Ofcourse, he trusts her completely. But he doesn't trust whoever she could be hanging around with, if not Yusuke.
"Hey, sweetheart. You hungry? I can get you something." Her father offered.
"No Dad, thanks I already ate outside." Her answer instantly raised his suspicion that Keiko really might be going out with someone.
"Really?" Her father asked. "Who were you with?" As much as his mind was hesitating to say it, his mouth already beat him to it.
Keiko smiled. She sensed the worry behind her father's question. But she didn't answer.
Instead, she moved to the side and revealed the young man who followed behind.
Her father's eyes widened in shock.
Quickly turning off the tap and rushing to the boy.
"Well, if it isn't Yusuke Urameshi! Long time no see!"
He greeted as he pulled Yusuke into a fatherly embrace.
Keiko giggled at the sight.
"Boy, I sure am glad to see you, son!" Said Mr. Yukimura as he patted Yusuke on his shoulder.
Returning his gaze to Keiko, smiling widely, and then looking back at Yusuke.
"You have no idea how happy I am, now that you're back." Mr. Yukimura added.
"Keiko, she–" He said, trailing off, trying his best to fight back his tears.
"She really is better off with you." Mr. Yukimura felt relieved.
Realizing where this is going, Keiko spoke.
"Dad,"
"I know, I know, you two go along." Mr Yukimura said as he bid the couple goodbye.
No wonder she has been feeling her normal self, lately. Mr. Yukimura smiled at the thought, as a tear crept on down his cheek.
As soon as the two made it up on her room, Keiko sighed in relief,
"That went well," she thought, as she put her bag on the chair and turned the desk lamp on.
Yusuke followed and shut the door behind him.
He missed being in her room.
Although the wallpapers, and a few furniture had changed, it still smelt the same; the fresh, floral, and girly scent he got used to.
This scent has always suited her.
He decided it reflected her personality. Warm, light, and pleasant.
As the small light on the table lit, a small hint of green wallpaper displayed on the walls, there were also green pillows, and a few green-accented furniture.
"Green?" Yusuke asked in curiosity.
Although he had seen her room before from outside the window, he always wondered why she chose the color, knowing pink had always been her favorite.
"Yup, do you like it?" She asked, as she went to the bathroom to change and get out of her school uniform.
"I thought you liked pink?" He asked as he sat on her bed, taking off his jacket, and throwing it to the chair.
"I did. But now it's green." She answered, slowly making her way out of the bathroom and into the bed where Yusuke was sitting.
The once green school uniform that she was wearing was changed into a thin, plain, white T-shirt, and red, velvet shorts that stopped just below her thighs, and showed so much of her long legs. He could basically see her black bra through the shirt.
This gave him a funny feeling inside, as he blushed.
"Because you loved green. So I decided it's my new favorite color." She added, sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms above his shoulders, just below his neck.
Yusuke smiled, his cheeks turning red from the gesture.
Keiko was silent, her eyes only looking at Yusuke.
Studying his face, she placed one hand on his hair and carefully brushed the style away, turning it into its natural-do.
With his bangs falling naturally on his face, emphasizing his chocolate, brown eyes, she smiled.
"I like it better this way," She commented.
Yusuke was feeling so much at the moment.
He felt as if his heart was going to burst, completely.
God, he loves this woman so much.
Completely taken away, Yusuke leaned closer and locked her in a deep, sensual kiss.
Keiko returned the kiss, basically fighting his mouth for dominance.
The action only made Yusuke more drawn to her, as he deepened the kiss and pulled her closer than she ever was.
There's that funny feeling again. Yusuke's thoughts were distracted.
Yusuke was no fool, he was completely aware of what his body was telling him.
Sure, he doesn't have the experience, but he wasn't innocent.
He and Keiko were nearing their 20's, after all.
Maybe it was time?
But he didn't know if she was ready.
Even if she wasn't, he couldn't force this on her.
He wasn't like that.
As a man, he had an honor code. And this was one of them.
But the longer he spent with Keiko, the harder it gets to ignore his needs.
Yusuke's argument with himself was distracted when Keiko switched from sitting on his lap, to completely straddling his waist.
Yusuke felt an intense emotion surge through him, as Keiko's lips didn't stop moving against his.
Damn, Keiko! He thought, as he was fighting hard for his member to calm down, hoping Keiko didn't notice.
His entire body felt on fire, burning for the woman he held against him.
Yusuke's body completely fell back on the bed, with his hands resting on her waist as he moaned into her mouth.
Earning Keiko so much heat from under her thighs.
Yusuke fought so hard not to let his body react to her hungry kisses, but it was getting hard to ignore.
Yusuke's hand went under the hem of her shirt, and touched the soft skin on her back.
The action made Keiko move in closer, practically rubbing against him.
Keiko moaned in his mouth so deep that it had his member throbbing hard.
As the kiss progressed, Yusuke found his hands trailing the back of her spine, reaching for the clasp of her bra.
He played around with it for a hot second before deciding to unclasp the object.
But before he could succeed, his phone suddenly rang in his pocket, earning colorful words from Yusuke.
The couple huffed in disbelief, Keiko slowly moving away from his lap, and sitting herself on the bed.
Yusuke reached from inside his pockets and answered the call, not bothering to look at the caller ID.
"Whoever you are, you're dead!" He exclaimed through his phone, obviously irritated for interrupting what could've been a beautiful moment.
"Damn Urameshi, who hurt you?" A voice asked from the other end of the line.
"It's the idiot, Kuwabara." He said, turning to Keiko.
Keiko laughed and covered her forehead in embarrassment, shaking her head.
After the phone call, Yusuke turned to Keiko with an apologetic look.
"He wants to hang out?" Keiko asked, hearing every word from the other line.
"Yeah, he can wait though." Yusuke said as he leaned in closer and planted a soft, quick kiss on her lips.
Keiko returned the favor with equal passion, but seeing as it was getting late, and she had school tomorrow, she figured it was time to say goodnight.
"Am I gonna see you tomorrow?" She asked.
Yusuke pretended to think about it, exaggerating the look on his face, as he took his jacket from the chair and wore it.
Keiko laughed and lightly kicked his leg with her foot.
"Definitely." He answered as he pecked her head with a kiss.
Yusuke met with Kuwabara at an arcade in the city.
When he arrived, Kuwabara was already losing in a game of street fighter.
"Damn it!" Kuwabara exclaimed as the screen flashed his defeat.
"I don't get why you're acting so surprised, it's not like you ever won anything." Yusuke said as he walked towards Kuwabara.
Kuwabara humped. "Speak for yourself, Urameshi. I'm a master at this game!" Stating proudly, with arms crossed across his chest.
"Right right, you definitely "mastered" the art of losing, if that's what you mean." Yusuke teased as he eyed Kuwabara.
"Whatever, Urameshi!" Kuwabara gave up.
Yusuke didn't want to stay inside the arcade, surprising as it was, he wanted to be somewhere peaceful, with less crowd and noise where he and Kuwabara could talk.
Kuwabara felt that there was something bothering Yusuke, so he didn't argue even if he wanted to stay and play with him in the arcade.
They walked out of the building and went inside a cafe.
Seeing as it was almost midnight, there was no line by the counter.
Yusuke already decided he wanted a hot cup of coffee.
Kuwabara had chocolate shake.
"So, Urameshi" he started while enjoying his beverage, "What news?"
Yusuke was silent for a moment, looking out the glass window, taking in the quiet, moonlit street.
A street light caught his attention, the light bulb, blinking.
It reminded him of that moment.
A small smile crept on the side of his lips.
He was lost in memories for a minute.
But hearing Kuwabara call him took him back to reality.
He turned his face to the table, bringing the hot beverage slowly into his mouth.
"Same old." He simply responded.
"Come on, Urameshi. I can sense there's something bothering you since seeing you at the arcade."
Kuwabara didn't want to waste the opportunity of asking him what was going on.
Knowing his friend, he wouldn't speak unless information was forced out of him.
"Your face is bothering me." He smirked.
Kuwabara humphed. Annoyed at Yusuke for his endless teasing.
But he knew all too well that this was Yusuke's way of getting out of a conversation.
He wasn't buying it.
Pouting, "You're acting like a jerk." Kuwabara said as he crossed his arms, side eyeing Yusuke.
Yusuke sighed, looking down at the dark coloured liquid as he carefully stirred the cup in motion.
He took a moment, trying to find the right words to explain what was going on in his head.
He looked up, turning his gaze back into the quiet of the outside world.
Slowly taking in the peace the night had brought.
Kuwabara studied his friend.
He was acting weird, however knowing there was something behind his funny behavior, he could only wait for Yusuke to open up.
So he waited, and turned his focus on the delicious chocolate shake.
"I can feel it." He finally talked, still not taking his eyes off the window.
Kuwabara looked up as he waited to hear what he was going to say.
"I can sense there's something that's gonna happen, -something big. Almost like what happened with Sensui a few years back. But different."
"Only this time, I'm not so sure if I'm ready."
This confession horrified Kuwabara, deep inside.
What could he mean 'big?' Did he mean none of us can handle it?
Yusuke was strong.
He could destroy this world in a heartbeat and he still wouldn't break a sweat.
But for him to feel this way, it must mean something more dangerous was in store, more dangerous that he could ever put his mind to.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
Yusuke finally turned to look at his red-haired friend.
"A few months ago I received an invitation from a demon."
Kuwabara's brows furrowed as he listened.
"It was to some stupid address not far from here. In his words, he said "someone by the name of Kageyami wants to do business with me." He continued as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Whatever that is, hell, I don't know."
"And it wasn't the last time the demon showed up. The most recent one was only the day before yesterday."
"What did he say?" Asked Kuwabara.
"Just a warning. If I didn't comply, the people I care about would be hurt, and that time was ticking."
Kuwabara looked down on the floor, his mind instantly thinking of Keiko.
"Not only that, but a stupid bastard had been sniffing around Keiko at her school."
The thought boiled Yusuke's blood, and anger spread on his face in an instant.
"Is she okay?" His friend asked.
"Yeah. For now." Yusuke answered in a worried tone.
"Did you go to the address?" Asked Kuwabara.
"Not yet. In fact, it's part of the reason why I wanted everyone to get together at Genkai's. I already shared the news with Kurama and Koenma, and see if they can dig up information about this Kageyami bastard."
"Of course. It's good to see what we're up against." Kuwabara added.
"It's just that" he paused. "I haven't been entirely truthful to Keiko. She doesn't know." Yusuke said in disappointment.
Kuwabara humphed. "Another secret, Urameshi?"
Yusuke was silent.
"Man, you gotta stop keeping things from Keiko. She's gonna find out sooner or later, you know?" Kuwabara said in disagreement.
"That's what I'm worried about. What if they get to her first before I could tell her?" Yusuke deeply sighed.
"So tell her." Kuwabara suggested.
"It's not that easy. How could I tell her I might have just put her in danger by coming back here?" He expressed.
"I saw just how much pain I caused her when I left. And now that I'm back, she changed." Yusuke closed his eyes, thinking of his beloved.
"She's really happy, Kuwabara. And I can't take that away from her." He added.
Understanding what he meant, Kuwabara was silent for a moment.
"So what are you gonna do?" He asked as he finished his chocolate milkshake.
"I'll tell her, at Genkai's," Yusuke confirmed.
A FEW DAYS LATER'
The weekend came.
Kuwabara, Shizuru and Kurama were already at the train station, at a cafe where they agreed to meet up, only waiting for Yusuke and Keiko to arrive.
"Kazuma, did Yusuke call? We might miss the 9:00 train." Shizuru asked her younger brother as she lit a cigarette between her fingers.
"I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to smoke in here, Sis! And no, he didn't." Kuwabara answered, frowning at his Sister.
"I thought Yusuke, and Keiko was supposed to arrive with you two?" Kurama asked calmly, sitting across the table from Kuwabara and Shizuru.
"Yup, that was the original plan, until last night he called and said something about Keiko having a slight problem with her sick grandma, and that she'll be late and will head straight to Genkais'. Urameshi didn't want her to go alone but she insisted. So I think he went there this morning to check on her, and make sure she's okay." Kuwabara answered as he took a bite of a sandwich he was holding.
"That's too bad, I hope everything's okay with Keiko's family." Kurama responded in worry.
Shizuru nodded.
"Yeah, well Urame– Hey! Urameshi" Kuwabara was cutt off before he could finish, as Yusuke had arrived.
"About time!" Shizuru waved with a soft smile.
"Hey guys" Yusuke greeted them calmly, with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
"Hello, Yusuke. How is Keiko doing?" Kurama asked, noticing the empty space behind Yusuke.
"She's not going to be riding with us today." Yusuke gutted.
"So she's not gonna come?" Kuwabara asked his friend as he stood up and stretched.
"She'll be at Genkai's probably a bit later, I went to their house and no one was there so I called. She said she's at her Grandmas' but promised her Dad will take her to the station a.s.a.p." Yusuke answered.
"Man, her Grandma must be really sick huh?" Shizuru asked, with sadness in her eyes.
As the train whistled, and went up to speed, the group sat across facing each other.
Kuwabara couldn't keep his excitement any longer, as he talked about seeing Yukina again.
"I wish the gang were complete though, too bad Hiei won't make it. Koenma and Boton aren't sure if they'll make it?" Kuwabara asked, clearly directing the question to Kurama.
Kurama nodded, "Yes, Kuwabara. They hadn't promised being present at Genkai's, but I'm sure they'll do their best."
"I wonder what Koenma has been up to? I haven't heard from him since, what? 3 years ago?" The red-haired wonder, added.
Silence crossed between them, with Yusuke, still not talking since they left the station.
His mind, thinking of nothing else, but Keiko.
As if sensing this, Kurama turned to Yusuke. "I'm sure she's alright, Yusuke. Keiko will meet with us, soon."
Yusuke looked up at his friend. He didn't smile, nor did he react.
His face showed the same blank expression. But he didn't want to leave Kurama hanging.
"I'm not really supposed to go today." He shared.
"I'm not comfortable about all this. Truth be told, I wanted to see her and make sure she's okay." Yusuke confessed.
Both Kurama and Kuwabara knew exactly where Yusuke was coming from.
Given the recent events, they knew that Keiko could be in danger at any given minute.
Although worried, Shizuru had no idea what Yusuke was referring to, but she didn't dare pry for information, and instead, she kept her silence.
"What exactly did she say to you, Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked.
"She called me last night, she said she had to race across town with her parents because her grandma had fallen sick." Yusuke began.
"She said we should go without her and that she'll follow and meet with us there. And that was it. She said she was in a hurry and quickly hung up the phone before I could ask questions." Yusuke continued.
"I tried to call her after that but she didn't answer. So I texted and said I'll just wait for her, and we'll go to Genkai's together. She refused, and said her Dad will take her to the station til Genkai's so she won't be alone."
The group was silent, trying to analyze the situation.
"And that's it?" Kuwabara asked.
"That was it." Yusuke returned. "I went to her house this morning, to check but nobody's there. I called her number but the line was dead."
"I really don't think I should go. But I want to know what you know, Kurama. I can't let this go on any longer. Dammit if Koenma can't make it."
"Agreed." Kurama answered.
In less than two hours, the group reached the steps of Genkai's property, making their way up the flight of stairs.
Fresh breeze welcomed them, as soon as they reached the top of Genkai's temple.
Genkai and Yukina greeted the team.
"Hello, you guys! Nice to see you, again!" Yukina waved, happiness visible on her face.
"Yukina!" Kuwabara returned as he ran to her direction.
"Hello, Kazuma!"
"Hello, Yukina! Man, you are as beautiful as ever!" Kuwabara complimented, his cheeks blushing red.
Yukina returned a smile to the red head, as she turned to the rest.
"Hey! How are you?" Shizuru calmly greeted.
"I've been good! " Answered Yukina.
"Hello, Kurama! Hello, Yusuke, oh-" Yukina paused, not seeing a certain brunette.
"Is Keiko not coming?" She asked, looking at Yusuke.
"She'll be a bit late." Yusuke answered with a soft smile.
Genkai waited as the group entered her home and cozied up to the living area.
Having been lost in touch for a while, the group were quickly immersed in a conversation, as they waited for Koenma and Boton to arrive.
Each happily sharing what they have been up to, as half of the group had been from the Demon world for a time, and the other half, kept themselves busy in the human world.
As lunch time approached, Shizuru had offered to help Yukina prepare the meal.
Meanwhile, Yusuke filled Genkai in what was going on of late.
Kurama didn't miss the instances when Yusuke would glance over his phone, checking to see messages or calls from Keiko.
"So Kurama, you can fill me in." Yusuke requested.
Kurama nodded, "I went to speak with my connections in Demon World, to see what information I can get."
Yusuke waited.
"There were many demons who went by the name of Kageyami, but only one in particular has caught my attention."
All ears were on Kurama, as silence spread the room.
"In the depths of Demon world, as we all know, there exists Demons of origins we have yet to fully be aware of. Demons of all kinds, ranging from A Class to Upper S Class, like Yusuke, and myself."
"As I did my research, a Demon, by the name of Akuma Kageyami, seemed more interesting that any other demon, for that matter."
"It seemed that Kageyami, and your ancestral Father had quite a history, Yusuke. You see, just before Raizen had been a ruler of one of the three territories, Tourin; Kageyami, ruled them all, approximately 6,000 years ago."
"6,000 years?! Hang on! Are you sure we're talking about the same Kageyami that wants to meet Urameshi here in the human world and the one from thousands of years ago?" Kuwabara exclaimed.
Kurama nodded.
"Kageyami, lost the throne to Raizen" Kurama continued, looking at Yusuke.
"Kageyami isn't also an average Upper S-Class Demon, as the rumors spread, the ultimate depths of Demon World are said to be god-like and mere embodiment of destruction to the point where even a single one of these demons could completely devastate the Earth with no one to stop them. Kageyami, is one of them."
"What?!" Kuwabara said in shock.
Fear and agitation crept within the room. Genkai, as unbelievable as it was, couldn't put her mind to what she just heard.
Yusuke on the other hand, practically felt his heart stop at the news.
What did it mean for him? For Keiko?
If they were going to face a demon this strong, it was obvious that even he wouldn't stand a chance.
Yusuke felt as if his stomach were twisted in a knot, his breath stopped in his throat, and sweat was starting to form against his skin.
"Wait, I don't get it." Kuwabara raised. "If this Kageyami Demon is that strong, then how did he lost the throne to Yusuke's Dad?" He pointed out.
"Understood." Kurama agreed, as the information didn't quite made sense.
"At the time, Kageyami's powers are only more of an average Upper S-Class Demon, whereas Raizen's power is more than twice as powerful than the combined might of Yomi, Mukuro, and his old Upper, and S-Class friends."
"Kageyami moved to the depths of the Demon World when he lost the throne, and for the past thousand years, Kageyami had been taking residence in a major city, here, in the human world"
Terror spread across everyone's faces.
"Does Koenma know?" Asked Genkai, breaking her silence.
"Yes, the Spirit World had known since a hundred-something years ago." A familiar voice suddenly answered by the door.
"Master Koenma" Kurama greeted, noticing Botan following behind, and welcoming her with a smile.
"Hello everyone! It's nice to see your familiar faces, again!" Botan greeted, her bubbly attitude, giving color to the room.
"Botan! Koenma!" Kuwabara waved, scootching over so the two can sit in the conversation.
Seeing the seriousness in everyone's faces, Koenma and Botan took no time to chit-chat.
"What do you know about him?" Yusuke desperately asked Koenma, wanting to get down to business.
"The same thing that Kurama knows." Koenma answered as he sat down from across Yusuke.
"Then why didn't the Spirit World do anything?" Kuwabara asked.
"There was nothing to do, really. Kageyami hadn't done something since coming to the Human World to make the Spirit World on high alert. Sure, he's a strong demon, stronger than Yusuke in fact. But you see, he made an agreement with King Yama, 1000 years ago, that he will never cause harm to anything in the human world, in return, for a permanent residency." Koenma responded.
"That's stupid." Kuwabara replied.
"The Spirit World cannot exactly drive away any demon that comes to the Human World, regardless of their class. If it were that way, then Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei wouldn't be able to step foot inside the Human World." Koenma reasoned.
"So, what do you think he wants with you, Dimwit?" Asked Genkai.
"Beats me." Yusuke simply answered.
"Hold on, if Kageyami has been good all this time, then maybe he wants to make friends with Urameshi?" Kuwabara wondered.
"Could be, but we can't take away the fact that Yusuke is the son of The Great Toshin Raizen, the Demon who basically kicked him out of Demon World and took his throne. I doubt he wants to make friends." Koenma stated.
"I agree. Why else would he threaten Yusuke's safety and of his friends if his intentions had been good?" Kurama pointed out.
Genkai and Koenma nodded.
"What's your plan, Yusuke?" Botan asked, turning to Yusuke, upon hearing the account.
Before Yusuke could answer, Shizuru and Yukina walked in the room, bringing trays of food for everyone.
It was nearing noon, and Yusuke still hadn't heard from Keiko.
While the rest of the group was inside the temple, Yusuke stood by the entrance, waiting for her.
He had tried to call her a few times, but her number still unreachable.
Worry, was all over Yusuke's face.
His teeth gritted so much it started to hurt.
"Dammit Keiko, where are you?" He said in his mind.
Yusuke went back inside, slamming the door open, instantly catching the attention of everyone in the room.
"I don't like this. I'm gonna go to see her." Yusuke announced.
"I'll go with you, Yusuke." Kurama offered.
"It's alright, Kurama, I can manage. I really just don't have a good feeling about this." He responded, respectfully declining Kurama's offer.
"Are you sure?" Kurama asked once more.
Yusuke nodded. "Man I really think I should've stayed and see if she's okay."
"Alright." Kurama added, placing his hand on Yusuke's shoulder, as a sign of goodluck.
"Just let us know how it goes, we'll wait for your call." Genkai told Yusuke.
Yusuke was about to respond, however, a demonic aura suddenly appeared at Genkai's territory, instantly catching the attention of Yusuke, Kurama, and Genkai.
Swiftly pin-pointing the source of the energy, the three stepped out in unison, ready for battle.
Suddenly an energy orb appeared from outside, with its light so bright, it was almost blinding.
And then, a human-like figure flawlessly came out of the orb, landing to the ground.
Yusuke's eyes instantly locked on the form, his eyes widened at the clearing, realizing who it was.
THE NIGHT BEFORE:
Keiko was up in her room, doing her studies.
Wanting to make sure she had a spotless record as she neared her graduation, she revisited her lessons from the past term, leaving no topic behind and making sure she'll finish everything tonight.
Because tomorrow, they were going to visit Genkai.
Keiko smiled at the thought.
I can't wait! She said, as she couldn't contain her excitement any longer.
Tomorrow was going to be a good day, with Yusuke, and their friends.
Yusuke had walked her home from school a few hours ago, making sure she made it inside her house before he went on his way.
Yusuke.
Sometimes, she wondered if this was all real.
Maybe she still hasn't woken up from her dream.
It just felt too good to be true.
Either way, she hoped it would never end.
If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up. She hoped.
The silence of the room was broken by a phone call.
Keiko picked up her ringing phone but an unregistered number displayed on the screen.
Who's this? She wondered.
"Hello?" She answered, but didn't receive any response.
"Hello? Who is this?" And again, nothing.
Keiko decided to hang up. But before she could press a button, the call disappeared.
"Must be a prankster." She thought.
She was about to get back to her studies when her phone rang, again.
Hesitating to answer, she stared at the screen for a moment.
With brows furrowed, she accepted the call.
"Hello, who is this?"
Again, there was no response.
"Hello?"
"..."
"If you have nothing better to do, leave me out of it!"
She exclaimed as she hung up.
"Jerk" She said under her breath.
Before the next minute came, her phone rang, once again.
Fear crept across Keiko's face.
'What's going on?'
She didn't answer the call until it ended, but then came another one, and another.
The calls didn't seem to stop.
Keiko decided it was the final straw, and answered the phone.
"Stop calling me!" She yelled through the speaker.
"Keiko, it's Mikuri." A voice suddenly came from the other line.
"What?" Keiko thought, in disbelief. 'What did he want now?'
"What do you want?" She firmly asked.
"Such a harsh attitude," Mikuri laughed.
Keiko didn't respond.
"Look outside your window."
Keiko felt a familiar discomfort rise through her body, dreading to look outside, not wanting to find him there.
Slowly, she turned to the window and saw Mikuri standing across the street, looking in.
He waved, as he spoke through the speaker.
"Come outside, there's something I want to say to you." He requested.
Keiko's knees felt weak, she didn't want anything to do with him, let alone meet outside with him, without anyone else in the area.
Her parents are asleep by now, after working the diner all day, they were getting a much needed rest. She couldn't simply tell her father to get rid of the boy outside.
Besides, Mikuri seemed strangely 'dangerous', and not a normal kind. She wouldn't dare place her father in such harm's way.
"Whatever it is, you can say it over the phone." She demanded.
"Come outside. This is important."
"I'm not going out there, Mikuri. I don't have time for this. Whatever you want to say, you can say it over the phone."
"Alright, would you rather have me knock on your door and wake your sleeping parents? Or perhaps I can kick your door down instead, and climb up to your room."
"W-what?" Keiko stuttered in fear.
"Exactly. Now are you gonna come out or what?" Mikuri grinned in the darkness.
Keiko hung up the phone.
This was not happening. She thought.
She was not falling for his tricks.
She quickly decided to dial Yusuke's number and tell him of the ordeal outside, but before she could press the call button, a voice spoke from behind her ear.
"Don't even think about it." Mikuri whispered with piercing eyes.
Keiko gasped in shock, but before she could even scream, Mikuri's hand was already covering her mouth, blocking every sound.
Mikuri took the phone away from Keiko even if she protested.
"You see, Keiko." He whispered as took her phone and put it inside his pocket.
"I have little patience for stubborn girls." He smugged, as he brushed the hair out of her face.
Keiko's eyes were wide in horror.
How did he get inside her room?
What does he want?
Seeing Keiko's angry and scared expression made him all the more excited, and laughed.
"So? Where's your boyfriend?" He continued.
Surprised, Keiko's brows furrowed.
What did he want with Yusuke?
Mikuri stepped closer, pinning her hard against the wall.
Slowly, Mikuri started taking in her scent, trailing his nose from her ear, down to her neck.
"Where is Urameshi when you need him?" He teased, as his hands traveled from her thigh up to the lines of her underwear, under her dress, and his tongue slowly licked the skin on Keiko's neck.
Keiko whimpered in fear.
She kicked him hard where she could and pushed him away.
But to her surprise, he was strong. Incredibly strong, as he didn't even flinch from her action.
"I don't like that." He said, in a steady tone.
Before she knew it, Mikuri had hit her head against the wall, knocking her out.
Keiko fell to the floor, but Mikuri had caught her before her body met the carpet, making sure to stay quiet and not wake everyone up.
He carried Keiko over his shoulder as took out her phone and grinned.
Yusuke was in the shower, white mist clouding the entire room.
He had spent the afternoon with his Mother, Atsuko.
She needed help with rearranging furniture.
It has been quite some time since her home had been redecorated, and now that Yusuke's back, heavy lifting shouldn't be a problem.
Sure, she couldn't simply rely on Keiko to help her with that. The girl might break a bone.
"Hey Mom, where did you want this?" Yusuke asked, pointing to a large bookshelf by the living room.
It was his old bookshelf that used to be in his room.
As the warm water hit his face, he gasped as he suddenly felt his heart pound loudly through his entire body.
'woah' what the hell was that?
It was the same feeling he felt just before he completely transformed into a Mozuku.
Yusuke quickly turned off the shower, trying to analyze what just happened.
"What the hell was that?' Could he be going through another transformation?
That was unlikely.
What kind of transformation could there still be?
Suddenly, his thoughts diverted to the image of Keiko.
Yusuke's brows furrowed.
Keiko.
Listening to his instincts, Yusuke stepped out of the shower, and decided to head to the Yukimura household.
As got dressed and dried his hair with a towel, his phone suddenly rang.
It was Keiko.
With the funny feeling he had, he quickly answered the call.
"Hey, Keiko. Wha-" He was cut off.
"Yusuke, I'm sorry, I know it's late, but it's my grandma, she's really sick. I'm with Mom and Dad, we're on our way across town right now." Keiko stated over the phone.
"Is everything oka-?" Yusuke asked in concern, but was cut off, again.
"The thing is, you're gonna have to go without me tomorrow. But don't worry, I'll be there. Dad will take me to the station at Genkai's. I promise. Don't wait for me." She said, and the call disconnected.
Yusuke's brows furrowed.
"Okay? That was bizarre." Yusuke thought.
Bizarre not because of what Keiko had said, but because of how she acted.
Even if she were in a hurry, she wouldn't tell him in a way she just did. That wasn't like her.
Will an unsettling feeling in his stomach, Yusuke went and dialed her number again.
But didn't receive an answer from the other line.
He dialed the number again, and like before, there was no answer, so Yusuke sent a message her way.
"Tell me where you're going, I'll follow you."
"You don't have to. It's just outside of town." Keiko responded.
"Fine. I'll wait for you to come back and we'll go together."
"No need, Yusuke. My Dad will take me there, don't worry. I love you." This was the last message he received from Keiko.
Despite the discomfort Yusuke was feeling, he responded to the message with "I will wait for you at Genkai's. I love you too."
Yusuke put the phone down on the bed, still completely doubting the situation, he still wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.
What if she really was in a hurry? She had a sick relative who needs her right now, maybe the circumstance really just happen to make her act unusually.
He was torn, he didn't know whether to trust his gut, or to trust Keiko.
After being at war with his own instinct, he chose the latter.
Keiko woke up to the sound of her parents whimpering.
Her eyes slowly opened.
Although the lights were off, Keiko instantly recognized the walls of their living room.
Her heart pounded hard against her chest, recollecting what had happened before she passed out.
Keiko found herself on a chair, with a cloth gagging her mouth. Her hands and feet were tightly bound.
Hearing the cries and wihimpers of her parents, Keiko frantically scanned the room to where they were.
As her eyes landed on her parents, tears started cascading down her cheeks.
Her parents were also tied up, but was knelt on the floor together.
She could see her father's anger toward the culprit standing just beside her, while her mother, couldn't do anything but cry.
Keiko turned her head to Mikuri and begged for her parents to be released, practically screaming and pleading against the cloth on her mouth.
"You are so cute, Keiko. Man would I have done anything just to be your boyfriend." Mikuri badgered as he leaned closer to Keiko and whispered in her ear.
"Soon enough, you are going to be my personal rag doll." He said, as he ran his fingers down her cheeks.
"Soon enough, I can do whatever I want to you," He whispered menacingly.
Keiko felt the disgust rise up from her body, while Mikuri laughed at Keiko's hateful expression.
"You want to say something?" Mikuri teased, tucking her hair in her ear.
Keiko's piercing eyes didn't leave his sight.
Mikuri grew an interest to what she had to say, roughly, he removed the cloth covering her mouth.
"You want to say something, Keiko?" provoking her to say what was on her mind.
Keiko glared at his face. "Yusuke is going to kill you."
Mikuri smirked, a bit annoyed that she was underestimating him.
"I doubt that's going to happen." He stated.
Keiko's father, still protesting against the constraints.
Keiko looked at his direction with an apologetic look in her eyes.
Mikuri stood up.
"Alright, let's get down to business."
Turning to Keiko, he began.
"If you want your parents to stay alive, you have to do exactly what I say,"
Keiko felt the agony in the room, what did he want? What was he going to do if she can't do it?
"You will call Yusuke Urameshi, make an excuse, and tell him you will be late at your meeting tomorrow."
Keiko felt confused, why? What was his purpose? What was he going to do with Yusuke?
"If you, tell him something otherwise, I will put a bullet inside your Father's head." Mikuri stated as he put out his gun and pointed it on Mr. Yukimura's head.
Keiko screamed for him to stop, her father, closing his eyes from the nightmare.
"If Yusuke Urameshi suspects the truth, even the slightest bit, your Father will pay for your carelessness." Mikuri stated, pinning the gun harder against Mr. Yukimura's temple.
Keiko's tears raced down her face. She couldn't dare lie to Yusuke. But her parent's lives were on the line.
What if she slips? Yusuke was no fool, he knew her too well.
Too well to know the difference between her truth and lies.
How can she play it off?
Keiko dreaded as Mikuri called Yusuke from her phone.
'Yusuke…' She cried.