AN: Hello! Chapter 3 is finally here. I am so sorry for the slow update! I would like to thank everyone for following my story. I definitely appreciate it! ^^ Enjoy! Chapter 4 should be done and uploaded very soon!

Sincerely,

UniversalGoddess

Disclaimer: I don't owe Yu Yu Hakusho. All copyrights to the manga and anime go to Yoshihiro Togashi. I only have rights to my plot and OCs.

"Barrier of light, please protect this body from evil spirits," Grandpa Saito chanted as both of his index and middle finger touched Yusuke's forehead and heart.

Tsuki was sitting right next to him, jingling her divine bells over Yusuke's comatose body.

They were now in Yusuke's room, creating a barrier for his body.

"Barrier of light, no evil should pass this barrier."

Atsuko and Keiko watched silently and curiously as Tsuki and her Grandfather performed the ritual.

After finding out that Yusuke was still alive, an excited Tsuki told her grandfather the happy news.

As soon as she was finished with her story, Grandfather Saito suggested that they immediately create a barrier over Yusuke's body.

Even though Yusuke was alive, his soul was still roaming outside of his body. By creating a barrier around his body, so the evil spirits and demons could not enter his unoccupied body.

Yusuke was dressed in a clean pair of white pajamas. His black hair that was usually slick back, was now messy and loose.

Grandfather Saito was dressed in his traditional priest outfit: a white kimono with long red pants.

Since Tsuki had to go to school soon, she simply wore her school clothes.

"By the power of earth, air, water, fire, and spirit, barrier of light, protect Yusuke's body from dangers that threaten him."

A clear spiritual barrier began to slowly form around Yusuke's comatose body. Only Tsuki and her grandfather could see it forming.

The barrier rose and spread through Yusuke's head and feet, creating an oval shape sphere all around his body.

After the barrier was completed, Tsuki stopped moving her divine bells.

"All done," Grandfather Saito said after he finished praying. "His body is now protected."

Atsuko bowed at the priest.

"Thank you so much, I appreciate the help."

Grandfather Saito got up from his sitting position.

"No worries. It is a miracle that this boy is still alive."

"His doctor said it was impossible," Atsuko said, laughing as she remembered his words. "The car should have killed him."

Grandfather Saito furrowed his eyebrows as he continued to stare curiously at Yusuke. There was so much he wanted to say.

"In a state like this, he could either wake up or continue to sleep like this forever."

Atsuko stared warmly at her son. She broke out in an optimistic smile as Yusuke chest slowly moved up and down, signaling life for the young man.

"I don't know what's going on with my son, but I firmly believe he'll wake up soon."

She turned to the girls. "Yusuke is really lucky to have friends like you. It was a blessing that he delivered his message in your dreams."

Keiko shrugged, not trying to take too much of the credit.

"I don't know if Yusuke's message was real. It could have been just a dream after all."

"Relax, have more confidence in yourself. Tsuki had the same dream too. It can't be coincidental."

Tsuki gave Keiko an understanding look. Keiko came from a human world that didn't see demons, spirits, and ghosts. Having a spiritual connection with Yusuke was new and confusing to her.

Keiko didn't know if she needed to trust her instincts or her logical brain.

"We should get ready for school," Tsuki said as she stood up.

"Tsuki, I'll stay and talk to Ms. Urameshi for a bit," Grandfather Saito said as he turned to Yusuke's mother. "Atsuko, if you don't mind, I will like to ask more questions about your son."

"Sure, let's go to the living room. I'll make some tea."

Tsuki watched as Atsuko and her grandfather exited the room. She didn't know what her grandfather's intentions were. He barely spoke to her as they made their way to Atsuko's apartment.

Knowing her grandfather, he was going to tell her about Yusuke soon.

"Keiko, I'm going to the bathroom to freshen up."

Tsuki closed the bathroom door and took a deep breath as her divine bells began to glow.

The bells slowly transformed into a small bracelet. The bracelet was designed with small red beads and a golden fox talisman in the middle.

The jewelry was passed down through all the priestess next in line. When her grandmother passed away, the bracelet was given to her mother. Tsuki was only five when the bracelet was given to her.

She remembered when her grandfather first gave it to her. As soon as she put the bracelet on her wrist, Tsuki instantly felt a strong spiritual connection with it.

Tsuki usually didn't bring it with her to school. However, her grandfather needed her help to create Yusuke's barrier.

She stared at the bracelet and closed her eyes, blocking away the sad memories that continued to haunt her.

"Tsuki, sometimes I forget that you are a miko. I know that's not what you like to do, but performing that ritual with your grandfather was so cool," Keiko complimented as they continued to walk to school.

Tsuki chuckled at her comment. She had to admit, a priestess duty can be exciting, especially if there wasn't any danger involved.

"Thanks, Keiko."

"Has your grandfather said anything?"

Tsuki shook her head, thanking the heavens that she hadn't heard any of her grandfather's usual rants.

"Not lately. Yusuke's situation has really caught his attention. He told me he had never encountered a case like this before."

"I'm just really happy that Yusuke is alive. Have you heard anything from him lately?"

"No, I haven't."

Keiko put her head down. "Yeah, he hasn't been in my dreams either."

Tsuki bit her lip. She wanted to tell Keiko that she had seen Yusuke's ghost twice. That she had spoken to him before heading to her place. However, she just simply told Keiko that Yusuke came into her dream to tell Tsuki to visit her.

It sucked lying to her friend, but it was the only way to keep her safe and stress-free from the unnatural.

For Tsuki, seeing and interacting with the unnatural while trying to maintain a normal life was stressful.

Ever since she was a little girl, Tsuki learned how to maintain her double life. However, this life made her empty. She felt as she was never really apart of the human world. She felt alone.

Her grandfather had always told her in order for priests to protect, they must make sacrifices. Well, she didn't want to sacrifice her normal life any longer.

Keiko stopped. They were now by the lake that marked the intersection between Yusuke's apartment and their school.

"It is a coincidence that we both received a message from Yusuke. However, I wish I could be certain that he would come back, but I just don't know."

Tsuki gave Keiko a sad look. She didn't like seeing her friend dispirited.

What could they do to keep their minds away from their sadness, trauma, and confusion?

She touched Keiko's shoulder.

"Hey Keiko, let's go to the movies tonight. Through all that's been happening to us, we deserve a girls night out."

Keiko's eyes lit up. "That will be great. It's been awhile since we have done that."

"Great, I'll meet you at your place."

Grandfather! I am heading over to Keiko's place. We are going to hang out downtown and watch a movie," Tsuki yelled as she put on her small red purse.

After she came home from school, Tsuki took a quick shower and changed into a dark blue skater dress. Her black cardigan was draped over her arm. Since it was cold today, she wore black leggings to keep her lower body warm.

Tsuki could smell the sage essence as she entered the living room.

Grandfather Saito was mediating in the middle of the living room floor. He's been in his lotus position ever since Tsuki came back from school.

She was waiting for him to mention Yusuke, but he just kept quiet as she entered the shrine.

Finally acknowledging Tsuki's presence, he looked up. "What about training?"

Tsuki almost rolled her eyes.

"Grandfather, I have been training with you every day for the past five months. Missing one day will not kill me."

Tsuki body tense up at her comment, waiting for her grandfather to retaliate.

Instead, he replied, "Your friend Yusuke is really fortunate to be given a second chance, especially with Koenma."

"I know, grandfather," Tsuki said. He was extremely lucky. Not a lot of people live the same life twice.

"When I touched that boy, I felt a strong spiritual energy that was hidden within his body. The energy must have been pass down through his generation. I don't know what's going to happened, but I am guessing he's going to release it soon."

Tsuki stood there trying to comprehend what her grandfather told her. Yusuke? Having spiritual powers?

"What do you mean Yusuke is going to release his spiritual powers?"

Ever since she had met and interacted with Yusuke, he had never mentioned or showed any sign of spiritual powers. Why now?

Grandfather Saito ignored her question. He gave her a hard stare.

"Are you going to tell me why you summon Inari?"

Tsuki gulped. Through all that's been happening in the past few days, she forgot to tell her grandfather about that.

"I asked the spiritual guardian if she can help bring Yusuke's soul to the Spirit World. She said it was impossible."

"Why?"

"She said that he had a different destiny."

"And?"

"And I am going to be a part of it."

Grandfather stroked his white beard, lost in his own private thoughts.

"Interesting."

Tsuki shook her head. It was not interesting to her.

"But the problem is, I don't want to be a part of it."

Grandfather Saito gave her a disappointed look.

"You don't even know what's going to happen and you are already deciding your fate already?"

"I know my fate!" Tsuki yelled.

There was silence between them. After a few deep breaths, Tsuki finally composed herself.

"Ever since my mother was killed by that damn demon, I have made a promise to never be in that same predicament."

"My daughter died of honor."

"She died of nothing!" Tsuki whole body shook. She felt her eyes swelling up, but she stopped herself from shedding a tear.

"My mother was only 24! Her life was just beginning! Why can't you see I just want a life where I make my own decisions? I'm tired, grandfather. Sometimes, it kills me waking up in the morning knowing that I will never have the normal experience as a human being. Do you remember what she told you? Before she died?"

Grandfather Saito crossed his arms.

"Of course I remember. Why do you think I'm allowing you to continue on going to school? Aiya told me to make sure you decided your own destiny. She wanted you to have a proper education and be able to have a chance of a normal life before making your final decision."

"That's exactly what I am doing grandfather. I know you want to continue on the Saito tribe tradition. However, I still need time to figure things out on my own. I can't do that if I have to worry about all of my priestess duties."

After a moment of contemplating, Grandfather Saito finally bowed his head.

"Very well. You are right, Tsuki. I should have been more thoughtful. Especially since it was Aiya's final wish."

Tsuki continued to listen.

"I have a proposition. I will still train you until your 15th birthday. However, If you can not properly perform the ritual, you will no longer be a priestess."

Tsuki eyes widened. "Why until the ritual?"

"The heart never lies Tsuki. The ritual will show if you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually ready to be a priestess or not."

Tsuki thought for a moment. Would she be ready? She honestly didn't even know.

"I have to go," Tsuki said as she put on her brown ankle boots. There was nothing left to say.

Grandfather nodded and turned back to his position, continuing with his meditation.

"Hey Keiko, do you think this pink purse will match with my outfit?" Tsuki asked as she continued to stare at the window.

Her and Keiko were roaming through downtown, window shopping at their favorite clothing stores.

As usual, downtown was crowded with people that wanted to enjoy their Friday evening. The girls had about forty minutes to spare until the start of their romantic comedy movie.

Tsuki was trying to clear her thoughts from the conversation with her grandfather. On the bright side, she felt relieved. All the tension that she was holding back was release. On the negative side, she felt deep down inside, she was making a mistake.

When her mother was born, she never had a chance of a normal life. She had already known that she wanted to be a priestess. When she turned 15, she stopped going to school and focus more on her priestess duties.

Tsuki didn't want to be in the same predicament. Her life was more than being just a priestess.

She shook her head. She shouldn't be thinking about this. Right now she should be enjoying her night out with Keiko who still didn't answer her question.

"Keiko, how about this purse?"

Tsuki turned to Keiko who was dazed out, not really paying attention to her, the clothes, or the environment that they were in.

"Keiko?" Tsuki said. Now she was getting worried.

Keiko stopped daydreaming and gave Tsuki an apologetic look.

"I am sorry, Tsuki. I just had a flashback when Yusuke dragged us to watch a stupid gang movie. We kept telling him it was going to suck, but he insisted," Keiko laughed. "We yelled at him throughout the ending credits."

Silly her, Tsuki forgot that she was not the only one who has to hurt.

"Keiko, I am sorry. I thought-"

"No, no. This is fine Tsuki. I just wish I knew for certain that Yusuke will be alright. I am glad we were able to save his body. But him being in that comatose state scares me. I don't know if he will awaken or-"

Keiko sentenced was cut off short when some strange boy grabbed her breasts from behind.

"Keiko, guess who?" The boy teased as he firmly squeezed her boobs.

Keiko screeched as her face began to turn hot red.

"Yusuke, you idiot!" She fumed.

She turned around and slapped the boy so hard, he fell down on the ground. A big red hand mark was now on his face.

Keiko huffed.

"Oh no, wrong guy."

The boy that she slapped was not Yusuke. He was taller, uglier, and had reddish-orange hair.

Tsuki glared at him, recognizing their school uniform.

"It's a pervert! And he goes to our school. Have you been stalking us?!"

"Ow, that hurt," the boy said as he rubbed his left cheek. "No, it's me! I'm Yusuke!"

"Prove it."

"Tsuki, remember when you were in fifth grade and you tried to kiss Lee but you accidentally fell down and-"

"Okay, I believe you." Tsuki cut in, shuddering as she remembered that horrid day.

Keiko stepped forward, unsure if she was actually talking to Yusuke or an odd perverted stranger.

"Yusuke, is that really you?"

"Listen, don't doubt it. It's not like I had a choice in that matter. I had to borrow someone's body."

Yusuke, who was somehow in someone else's body, looked at the sky. The sun was beginning to fall low into the orange sky.

"Ah! I don't have time to explain. Listen to me! Today is the last day I can communicate with you guys. I need to leave for a while."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to take care of some things before I come back to my body."

"For how long?" Tsuki asked.

"I don't know."

Keiko lowered her head, avoiding Yusuke's glaze as her eyes began to fill with tears.

Yusuke got up and gave her a tight hug.

"Please, don't cry Keiko. This is not the time to get emotional right now. Wait for me. I will be back. Have faith in me."

"I will wait for you, Yusuke," Keiko said after a few sniffles. Her arms tightly wrapped around his back. "I will wait for you, forever."

Yusuke looked at Tsuki.

"Tsuki, please watch out for her when I'm gone."

"You got it."

"I'll be home okay! Wait for me!"

A few seconds later, the boy blinked and looked around. He was unsure what happened or how he ended hugging a crying girl.

Noticing how cute the girl was, the boy gave her a cheesy grin.

"Hey there cutie, please don't cry. Want to go on a date with me?"

Realizing that Yusuke was gone, Keiko slapped the boy again.

Tsuki grabbed Keiko's hand and bowed at the boy.

"Eh, sorry about that. Let's go, Keiko."

As they both ran away from the scene, Tsuki thought about their conversation with Yusuke.

She didn't know what was in store for Yusuke, or how she was going to be part of the journey. Right now, she didn't care. At this moment, she felt certain that she had the power to change the future for the better.