ÐÏࡱáÿÿRÿÿÿNDTo warn you, I only concentrate on Kurama and Hiei, so if you're looking for the "Adventures of the Idiots: The Urameshi/Kuwabara Chronicles" you're in the wrong spot. Dedicated to the loyal fans of yaoi. There are also some new characters, but their history becomes evident through the course of the story. Enjoy!--
Kurama took a deep breath before opening the heavy wooden doors to the church. It had been a long time since he had set foot onto holy ground, perhaps even longer since he had offered a prayer to any deity. But he would go through with it. Making the sign of the cross with the blessed water, he slowly walked up the aisle. The tall, gilded eaves and stained glass cast eerie shadows around him in the dim candlelight. The pews were empty, the place still and deserted. He reached the altar where the virgin mother held her child, the light dancing off of her face. Kneeling, he bowed his head, pressing his palms together. He gave a quick confession then prayed for his mother, Shuuichi's mother, who lay in the hospital, dying of cancer. Tears fell down his cheeks as he offered everything he had to give for her life. Even his own.
"Since when did you begin repenting your sins, Kurama. I've heard there are too many to be forgiven."
Kurama's eyes snapped open as the chilling voice behind him echoed off the walls. He rose to his feet, scanning the room. His gaze landed on a boy who sat on the rail of the balcony where the choir sang on Sundays. He was dressed completely in black, except for his scarf, which made him blend into the shadows he chose to hide behind. His short, black hair stood on end, marred by a jagged white stripe across the front.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kurama demanded, angry that his treasured prayer was being interrupted.
"Someone you'll get to know quite well before your death," the boy replied. "That I guarantee."
Kurama narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"I've been sent by a man who is less than pleased with your actions toward him. You see, Kurama, I get to kill you."
With that, he leapt off the rail to land on the same level as Kurama, less than ten feet away. It was then that Kurama got a better look at his challenger. He barely stood up to the red-head's chin. A bandanna covered his forehead and a long sword hung at his hip. The boy unsheathed it and pointed it at Kurama. "I'll capture you for my master, then I will tear your body to pieces. Fight me!"
Kurama backed away a few steps. "You can't...not on holy ground..." he said.
This brought a grim, tiny smile to the other's face. His scarlet eyes flickered in mild amusement. "Do you think I care about the so-called 'supreme beings' who didn't give a damn about me? Think again, Kurama. You're just a coward."
Kurama scowled. "Coward?!" he spat. He whipped out a blood-red rose from behind him. In a flick of his wrist, a thorned whip snapped in front of the shorter boy's face.
"Hn!" The boy's eyes became slits as he leapt at Kurama with lightning speed. Kurama gasped as he quickly lost sight of his opponent. The slap in the small of his back with the flat of a sword made him aware that he had not gone for long. He whirled, the whip snaking out to slash at the boy. It merely tore through his black coat. He growled, landing at near Kurama's right side. Twisting his wrist, the Rose Whip jumped backward and struck the boy in the chest. He fell to the ground, the sword flying from his hand as he was caught by surprise. In a moment, Kurama had pinned him, snarling furiously at the other's audacity.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
The other looked indifferent for a moment, then smiled that half smile again. Kurama screamed in pain as something sharp was rammed into his shoulder. The boy slipped easily out of Kurama's loosened grasp. With a soft, sinister laugh, the demon vanished from sight.
Kurama rose to his feet, his teeth clenched as he held his arm, which ached unbearably. With a thought, the whip he had dropped returned to a perfect rose and disappeared. Steadying himself, he began to trudge home, finishing his prayer along the way.
"Kurama!" a startled voice cried as the boy walked into the house.
Kurama managed a weak smile at the black-haired boy, who had dropped his book and was now gaping at him. "I'm back," he said softly.
"What the hell happened to you?!" he asked, running to check him over.
"Long story, Kurohi."
"It had better explain why there's a knife sticking out of your shoulder!" he frowned, his garnet eyes concerned. "Come on. I'll get you cleaned up."
Kurama nodded, the very movement making his head pound and his shoulder throb even more. He was thankful Kurohi was there, or he'd have to go to the hospital and explain how he got knifed in the back while he was in church. He followed his friend up the stairs and into the bathroom. He sat on the closed toilet and presented Kurohi with his blood-stained back. He reached for a rubber band to put Kurama's long, red hair up as he worked. In the meantime, Kurama explained what had happened, trying to keep his mind off of the way Kurohi slowly and agonizingly pulled the blade from his flesh. The warm hands paused as he described his attacker, then went back to work again. He was made to take off his shirt as Kurohi dressed the wound. In no time, he was able to stand up and face his friend.
Kurohi had a worried expression on his face, and Kurama guessed that it wasn't just because he had been injured.
"What is it?" he asked.
"That boy you described," Kurohi told him. "I remember working with him a while back when I was in Makai. His name's Hiei and he's a persistent little bastard." He lifted his shirt to show his muscular stomach, which was home to a long, thin scar that ran across his belly. "I got this from him before he ran off on his own. I owe him for this, and it sounds like it's time to collect."
Kurama changed into his nightclothes as he listened. He sat down on his bed to button up the shirt, clumsily, due to his aching arm. "But that doesn't explain why he came after me."
"I know," Kurohi said with a shake of his ebony hair. "But you let me worry about that. You get some sleep. You have school in the morning."
"I doubt I'll be able to concentrate that much. I want to know why this Hiei came after me tonight. And I will find out."
The sleeping youko came into view under the light of the half-moon. He snuck up on it, noticing the fat bag of supplies sitting not very far from the slumbering figure. As quiet as a still night, the youkai advanced. He was a bit intimidated by the youko's size and the probability of sharp teeth and uncaring eyes, but he didn't let it stop him from trying to seize his dinner. He crouched down and undid the ties holding the bag closed. Inside was a plump, fresh loaf of bread, just laying there for the taking. He froze with the loaf in his arms as the youko shifted in his sleep, a tiny yip passing his lips. The youkai held back a snicker, and got up to head away. It was too perfect, and that's why he stepped on the twig that made a snap loud enough to wake a deaf troll.
The youko sprang awake, his cold, golden gaze landing on the petrified youkai. His glance went from his open bag and back to the boy.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" the youko snapped in a growl.
Not waiting around to reply, the youkai took off into the woods at lightning speed.
Muttering curses, the youko quickly fixed his bag and slung it over his shoulder. With a yip signalling a chase, he took off after his thief. All too soon, he realized he was up against a youkai with speed ten times his own. Stopping, he cursed the only thief ever to steal from the greatest thief in Makai.
The youkai didn't stop running, even when he was sure the enraged youko had stopped following. So he didn't notice the huge thing lumbering into his path until he slammed headlong into its massive belly. He fell to the ground, feeling that it just wasn't going to be a good night. Before he could gather his scattered senses, the monster before him seized his slight frame and hauled him up. The horrid yellow eyes lit up at its midnight snack and the youkai screamed.
From a couple hundred yards away, the muttering youko heard the cry and darted after it, feeling that if anyone was going to kill the bastard, it would be him. With a speed and skill unmatched by any other, the youko made short work of the monster. The youkai sat gasping for air on the ground. He looked ready to run, and the silver-haired youko created a rope of tough vines that held the thief in place. The youko bent down to pick up and replace the bread that had been dropped, and he regarded the boy with a grim smile.
"You almost got away from me, a feat no one has ever accomplished. You have great potential as my apprentice. Do you agree?"
The red-eyed youkai glared at the taller demon and spat. This only drew a laugh from his elder.
"Hm, it looks like I'll have to tame you first." With that, the youko brought his prisoner over his shoulder and carried him back to where he had been sleeping.
Kurohi ran his fingers over the smooth blade of his sword as he sat watching Kurama from the tree just outside his classroom. Among the branches he was unknown to the other students who were trying furiously to understand the lesson. But he knew that Kurama was aware of his presence. The leaf-green eyes would often flicker to his exact spot when the teacher wasn't looking. Kurohi smiled, but his mind still wandered. Hiei was back into the big picture again, and he wasn't sure how to react. He was curious as to why the nasty little youkai was after Kurama. His smile turned into a knowing grin. It should be him.
The day passed slow and uneventfully for both of them, and Kurohi was finally relieved when he was able to come down from his post and walk with Kurama. His alert eyes kept darting to the sides, wanting to be prepared.
"Relax, Kurohi," Kurama broke into his thoughts, laying a hand on his strong shoulder. The touch calmed Kurohi's nerves some, and he smiled a nervous smile.
"I gotta look out for you," was the response.
"I never said you had to," Kurama replied.
"I know, but..."
Kurohi's sentence was cut off by the bright flash of light that exploded before them. Kurama let out a startled cry as his throat was caught in the embrace of a leather strap and pulled taut.
"Kurama!" Kurohi shouted.
The red-head's pale hands tugged at the binding that swiftly cut his air supply off. Kurohi pulled out his sword and sliced through the leather in one easy swing. Kurama fell backwards and landed on the pavement, coughing. Kurohi put himself between Kurama and his attacker, who had materialized at that moment. The youko was a head taller than he, with green hair and tail, his coal-black eyes glinting harshly in the afternoon sun. Kurohi narrowed his eyes as he raised his sword.
"Get outta here, Kurama," he told his rising friend.
"No, I'll..."
"No you won't. Go! I'll take care of him!"
Kurama was going to protest or disobey him altogether, but the warning snarl in the youkai's voice advised him to do what he was told. Reluctantly, he left Kurohi to deal with the youko before him.
"Who are you and what do you want with Kurama?" Kurohi demanded, his fanged teeth bared.
"I am Arashi. As for our business with the youko, Kurama, that is none of your affair. It is the master's concern only," the youko answered.
"Very well, then, Arashi," Kurohi said, slipping into a fighting stance. "Prepare to die with your secrets!"
"I very much doubt it, but we shall see."
The youko sprang forward to attack, the sound of clanging swords ringing in the afternoon air. Even with Arashi's youth and strength, the experienced, 250 year old youkai proved a heavy challenge for him. Arashi let out a frustrated yell and slashed across Kurohi's upper arm, drawing blood. He cursed, lashing back at the other with a newly-spawned anger. The youko fell back a few steps trying to parry the blows that were being rained upon him mercilessly. He finally got in another shot that tore through the loose pants around Kurohi's leg.
"Enough!" a woman's voice echoed.
The two fighters paused, Kurohi glancing around, Arashi scowling.
"But it's not finished!" he protested.
"Forget him. You've served your purpose."
Arashi barely had a chance to glare at Kurohi and smile, before he vanished. Kurohi stood, perplexed, catching his breath. Then, he realized what the woman had really been saying. He sheathed his sword and ran off, one thought flashing in his mind. Kurama.
Kurama breathed a sigh of relief as he finally closed himself in his room. He sat down on the bed and assured himself that Kurohi was able to take care of himself. He ran his hand along the base of his red-bruised throat. He let out a growl of frustration as he tried to piece things together. He stood up to change out of his uniform. Something dark and out of place caught the corner of his eye. He spun around to see the boy from the church sitting on his window sill.
"You!" Kurama hissed.
"I don't give up easily, Kurama. I swore I'd kill you and I will," replied the youkai.
"Not in this lifetime, Hiei. I don't know what your problem is, but we're going to solve it here and now!"
Hiei looked a bit annoyed at Kurama's knowledge of his name, but shrugged it off to indifference as he slid off the sill to face Kurama. The sword left its sheath with a metallic hiss.
Kurama slipped into a defensive stance, the RoseWhip again at his command. Hiei sprang forward forward, sword poised as if to pierce Kurama's midsection. But at the last second, he changed course, darting to the side and slicing Kurama's forearm. The other reacted immediately, the whip snapping around him. But the youkai was moving too quickly to get in a shot. Blood began to trickle from the cuts that appeared all over his body. Hiei finally paused long enough for Kurama to catch his arm in the thorny trap of his whip. Hiei cried out as Kurama pulled himself back, tearing through Hiei's sleeve and leaving a bloody gash when the vine retracted. The sword dropped as Hiei clutched the wound, snarling furiously.
Kurama smiled grimly as he lowered his weapon. He was about to restrain him for a rough interrogation, when he froze at the sight of before him. The youkai was glowing in a dark flame, a wicked grin on his face. The bandanna on his forehead melted away to reveal a third eye that opened and focused on Kurama. He reeled back in horror.
"Kurama!" a familiar voice cried.
Kurama looked up as Kurohi burst into his room, sword drawn. He noticed Hiei's power start to manifest and ran to strike him down. Hiei didn't have time to react as Kurohi rammed the flat of his blade against his skull. The youkai toppled to his knees, the glow around him dissipating. He let out a yell as Kurohi drew the blade across the flesh of his back. Hiei let out a pain-streaked groan and crumpled to the floor. Kurohi looked ready to finish the job, but Kurama darted between them.
"Wait, Kurohi!" he cried, holding up his hands. "I want to talk to him."
"He won't talk to you," Kurohi muttered. "But if it makes you happy..." He set his sword on Kurama's desk, in easy reach as he sat down on the chair.
Kurama grabbed the first-aid kit from the top of his closet and set to work on the battered youkai. Kurohi watched cautiously, toying with the torn fabric of his pants.
Kurama carefully removed Hiei's tattered black shirt and sucked in his breath sharply. Aside from Kurohi's apparent infliction, there were several other bruises, cuts, and various teeth marks. The shirt had also hidden the fact that Hiei was as skinny as he was small. For someone so strong, he barely had any flesh on his ribs. It sickened Kurama to think that the poor youkai worked to deserve this! Very gently, he bandaged up the gash and applied ointment to the other wounds. As soon as that was done, he picked up Hiei and carried him to his bed. There, he bandaged the ringlet of pain the RoseWhip had left on his arm.
All the while, Kurohi observed, noticing the careful movements, the expressions of pity and sorrow that made his friend's emerald eyes sad. It perplexed him that Kurama was feeling sorry for the pathetic creature who had sworn to kill him. That had to have been Shiori Minamino's influence. The Kurama that Kurohi knew would have ended his life with no remorse.
Finally, Kurama turned away from the unconscious youkai. He looked at Kurohi.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Fine. Nice of you to finally notice," Kurohi muttered. "So what're you going to do with him?"
Kurama glanced back toward the bed. "Feed him. Find out why he's here."
"I don't understand you, Kurama. Why are you being so...so...soft on him!" Kurohi asked, pointing rudely at Hiei. "He's tried to kill you twice and you decide to play nursemaid!"
"There are a lot of things I have yet to understand," Kurama replied in a level voice. "That's why I choose to treat him the way I do."
With that, he turned, heading for the door. "Watch him! And leave him be!"
Kurohi snorted as Kurama went downstairs, mimicking his last words in a mincing tone. He looked back at Hiei. Kurama didn't think he knew what was going on, but he knew a lot more that Kurama was really aware of.
The short, little youkai glared up at his elder.
"What's this?!" he demanded, waving the tiny piece of bread.
"Your share," the other replied, biting into the hunk of meat he held.
"This is it?!"
The older youkai looked thoughtful for a moment, then tossed a small flask of water at his partner.
"This is bullshit, Kurohi! I risk my neck in every marketplace, every tavern! And all you can give me is stale bread and dirty water!"
Kurohi shrugged. "Face it, Hiei. You're still an amateur. I've had to save your neck more times than I can remember. Until you improve, you get what you give."
"Why you...you ungrateful bastard!" Hiei spat. He threw the bread and water into Kurohi's face. "Fuck you! You can do this yourself! I'm leaving!" He stood, turning to go.
"Suit yourself. I'm sure I'll find you on the ground somewhere, handless, dead, or worse. If it weren't for me, that's where you'd be right now!"
Hiei's small fists clenched together. He spun around on his heels. Words couldn't sum up the anger of rejection, abuse, and hunger he felt. Drawing his sword, he lunged for Kurohi. The older youkai jumped out of the way, pulling out his own sword. A fierce battle ensued with Hiei taking the brunt of Kurohi's strong swings. He managed to duck a chop, and dove forward. Kurohi screamed as the smaller blade sliced through his shirt and across his stomach. With a deeper fury, Kurohi sprang forward, hitting Hiei with every ounce of strength he had. Fearing his life, the smaller youkai turned and ran, leaving Kurohi and everything he had behind...
Kurama returned a few moments later with a tray of food and drinks, his entrance breaking into Kurohi's memory. He set the tray down and grabbed the first-aid kit. He knelt down and examined the wound on Kurohi's arm.
"So who attacked us?" he asked.
"Some little weakling youko named Arashi. He was a beginning fighter, that much was quite obvious. But we were interrupted by some woman who took him away before I could finish him off."
Kurama listened closely, fingering the chafed skin of his neck. Kurohi sighed and brushed Kurama's hand away. Leaning forward, he lightly pressed his lips to Kurama's throat. Kurama took in an unsteady breath as his friend kissed around the bruise, a gentle hand caressing what the mouth was unable reach. A moment later, they kissed. A friendly one, Kurohi decided, although he wished it was more. Kurama's interests had changed a bit since being reborn. Oh, but when he had been a pure, player youko... Kurohi let his fond memories of the past slip into oblivion as he held the kiss by holding Kurama's neck.
A low-wretched groan broke them apart quickly. Kurama turned to look back at the bed, his cheeks lit up in a soft pink blush. Hiei was stirring, another noise leaving him. Kurohi rolled his eyes and sat back in the desk chair, his enjoyment disrupted.
Hiei slowly pulled himself into a sitting position with a little difficulty. He felt his head, blinking as if he was surprised he was even alive. Finally, his gaze shifted to Kurama and Kurohi, his jaw going slack. His eyes narrowed, a low growl stirring. He looked torn between who he was going to kill first.
"Kurohi!" he scowled.
"Hello, Hiei. It's been a long time," the elder youkai said lowly.
Kurama glanced between them both, noticing a deadly tension building.
"I thought I'd never see your pathetic little face again," Kurohi added.
Hiei's eyes narrowed. "Take a good long look, Kurohi! Because it'll be the last thing you'll ever see!" Even in his injured state, he sprang off the bed with the stealth of a cat, his course clear.
Kurohi jumped up, grabbing his sword. But he found that he wouldn't really need it. Kurama had expected the attack and had thought ahead to trap Hiei in a tangle of gentle, but stong vines. The youkai fell back onto the bed, sitting tight in the plants that quivered slightly around him. Hiei struggled against them.
"Let me go!"
"No, Hiei. I'm your target, remember. You will not touch Kurohi."
"My grudge with Kurohi is much deeper than my vow to kill you, Kurama! Let me out of this!"
"Now will you let me kill him?" Kurohi hissed, his sword poised and ready.
"No!" Kurama snapped. "He's mine to question and kill if I chose!"
"Fine then! I'll just leave you two alone and hope I don't find you dead when I return!" Kurohi yelled, hurrying out into the hall. Kurama heard the front door slam and shook his head.
After a moment, he lifted his gaze to Hiei. The youkai had a frown on his face as he studied Kurama.
"You should have let him kill me," he muttered.
"No. I don't know what it is between you two, but it doesn't concern me. I only want to know why you've been trying to kill me and who sent you to."
"Hn! It's not my place to say, so just kill me and get it over with."
Kurama let a tiny smile pull at his lips. "You won't get out of it that easily. I think I have something that will persuade you to talk."
Kurama's smile faded as Hiei's expression became panicked. Quickly he picked up a piece of his homemade cake from the tray on the bedtable. He sat down next to Hiei on the bed.
"I meant you should eat something and then maybe you'll be in the mood to answer my questions," Kurama explained.
Hiei turned his head. "Hn! It's probably poisoned or something."
"Don't be stupid, Hiei. I can't really question a corpse, now can I?"
"Who's to say that you'll get any answers out of me if I'm alive?"
"Eat it anyway, you need it."
Kurama held the piece of cake close enough to Hiei's mouth for the youkai to be able to bite it easily. Hiei pressed his lips together, pulling away from the offer stubbornly. Kurama frowned.
"Come on, Hiei, don't be difficult."
He didn't say anything, his head still turned like a spoiled five-year-old. Kurama looked from him to the cake and shrugged.
"Oh, well," he sighed, as if talking to himself. "It'd be a waste to throw away such good cake."
He took a huge bite out of the moist creation, tiny crumbs falling from his mouth and into his lap. Hiei slowly turned back to watch longingly. Kurama noticed the movement and took another bite before again holding it out to Hiei. Once more, the stubborn youkai turned away from it. Kurama shrugged and ate more of the cake, polishing off the first piece as Hiei watched with a hungry scowl. It was when he took a bite out of the second piece that Hiei snapped.
"Hey! Don't eat it all! You said it was for me!"
Kurama smiled again as he held the cake to him. Hiei leaned forward and bit off the biggest fanged bite Kurama had ever seen. He swallowed it whole and went for more. Kurama had to pull away from the last bite to keep his hand from being consumed as well. He stopped, lifting a glass of iced tea from the tray and made Hiei drink it. He downed the entire glass.
"Now will you talk?" Kurama asked gently.
"Depends. Got any more of that sweet bread?"
"I have plenty more if you cooperate," Kurama replied.
Hiei nodded his head vigorously and Kurama let loose all the binds except the ones on Hiei's hands.
"Can I trust you?" Kurama asked.
Hiei looked up at him sadly, his red eyes dark with doubt. "I don't know, Kurama. Can I trust you?"
Kurohi stalked grumpily through the woods. He couldn't believe Kurama would choose to be in the company of that scrawny little demon instead of him. He sighed inwardly. He needed answers, more than were offered to him. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the distracted youko that was trudging in his direction until they crashed in a dazed heap. Kurohi shook his head, coughing at the dust they had raised in their collapse. Under him was the green-haired youko he had fought earlier. He glanced at the ebony eyes for a second before jumping up, his sword drawn and ready.
Arashi took a moment to rise to his feet, looking defeatedly at the battle-ready Kurohi. He hung his head, his delicate ears drooping. Kurohi was sure he saw tears running down the young fox's cheeks.
"Go ahead," he mumbled softly. "Kill me."
Kurohi's sword lowered slightly at the request, a stunned look on his face. "What did you say?"
"I said 'kill me'," Arashi repeated. "I never meant to fight you earlier. I was forced. For the dishonor I am willing to die. Do me the favor."
Kurohi blinked, his guard slipping away to confusion. "What do you mean you were forced?"
"I was sent by my master to be a distraction to you. That way Hiei could get to Kurama. He forced me to go by saying that he would do terrible things to me if I didn't." The tears began to run again.
Kurohi just listened, watching Arashi. He had looked to be youko Kurama's age when they first fought. But now that he heard the strained voice and looked at his slight body, he realized that he couldn't have been older than twenty-one.
"What kind of terrible things?" Kurohi asked, his tone softer and more gentle.
"It doesn't matter," Arashi sniffed. "But if you will not kill me, than I will do it myself."
Slowly, the youko pulled his sword from the leather scabbard at his side. He closed his eyes, swallowing hard. He turned the point inward, pushing it lightly against his stomach. A trickle of blood stained his white tunic as the sword pierced skin.
"No!" Kurohi found himself screaming.
Time froze for a moment as Arashi's eyes snapped open, his hands still. For a long time, he stared at Kurohi. Kurohi was shocked to feel tears burning their way down his cheeks. He felt like a hypocrite, realizing he was doing the same thing as Kurama. He felt sickening pity, knowing in his heart, he was doing the right thing. He gasped as Arashi's sword delved a tiny bit deeper. More blood seeped out to darken the white fabric.
"Why shouldn't I?" Arashi cried. "Don't I deserve peace?!"
"Yes!" Kurohi shouted back. "But you don't have to die for it!"
"How else will I get it?! No one gives a damn about me! I was abandoned as a kit, trained to kill, and made to do things I never wanted to! And if I don't do what I'm told, I starve! If I do something wrong, I'm sickly punished! If I try to leave, it's beyond explanation! What do I have left to live for?!"
Kurohi hung his head. "How about me?"
This made the youko draw an unsteady breath and stare at Kurohi. The hilt of his sword was starting to go slack, and Kurohi prayed it would drop before he regained control.
"Listen to me. I can help you respect your life again. I know exactly how it feels to go hungry, to feel like no one gives a shit about you. All you need is someone who won't screw you over!"
Arashi winced, his grip loosening again. "But I can't trust anyone!"
"You can trust me. Please...trust me. I don't want you to die."
Arashi looked up at him. "Why?"
The question caught Kurohi off guard. "I don't know. I don't have to know yet. I just know that you're young and scared, like I once was. I don't want you to die not knowing what it's like to be loved, to be helped. And...," Kurohi paused, offering a gentle smile, unusual for his features, "...you're cute."
Arashi blinked, the sword dropping completely from his hands. With youkai speed, Kurohi seized the sword, putting it out of Arashi's reach. The youko dropped to his knees, sobbing. Kurohi knelt down in front of him and shakily put his arms around Arashi. The body in his arms trembled and Kurohi rubbed his cheek against the silky green hair as he wondered, What the hell do I do now?
"Sabriel!" an angered voice thundered.
The tall woman appeared before her master, hair like spun gold fluttering around her as she did. Her brown eyes drifted up to the marble throne.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Where are Arashi and Hiei? Have they completed their tasks?"
"Arashi has succeeded in luring away Kurama's protector and has left to be alone. As for Hiei, there has been no word from him," she replied.
"He should have completed his job by now..." the low, commanding voice said thoughtfully. "I want you to go to Kurama's home and see if the youko is dead."
"Yes, my lord," Sabriel said with a low bow, then vanished.
A moment later, she reappeared in the tree outside Kurama's window. She kept herself hidden among the branches as she looked inside. She tried to hold in a surprised gasp. Hiei sat on a bed with someone who could only be Kurama sitting behind him. The redhead's hands were on Hiei's bare back, and the other looked to be crying out in pain. She wanted to help him, but the master might punish her for acting without orders. She had to tell him what had happened. She clenched her teeth, her eyes watering. Hiei, she thought.
Sabriel prepared to climb into bed. A sudden noise caught her attention and she could have sworn it was crying. Pulling on a silk robe, she opened her bedroom door. Master Jedah had just walked by, his strong musty scent leaving a trail behind him. She glanced down the hall. One door had been left ajar, the faint glow of candle light spilling through the crevice. Waiting until the master was well out of sight, she slipped out into the hall, knowing the room he had come from. Hiei's.
Quietly, she pushed the door open farther, the sobbing becoming more audible and definitely coming from the little youkai.
"Hiei?" she called softly into the room.
When he didn't respond, she crept farther into the room and near his bed. She gasped as she saw Hiei curled into a tight ball, no clothing on his shivering body. A round of fresh bruises colored his back, arms, and legs. His face was buried into the knees he squeezed close. He cried hoarse, choked sobs that wrenched her heart She sat down next to him and carefully touched his shoulder.
"Hiei?" she whispered.
"Please..." he begged. "No more!"
"Hiei, listen to me," she told him gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."
She pulled him up slowly to face her. He still hugged himself, afraid to move as she lifted his chin. He was cold and scared. She removed her robe and draped it across his shoulders.
"Did he hurt you, Hiei?" she asked, not really sure she wanted to know the answer.
He nodded. "He said that I was perfect and that I could do nothing wrong for him. If that's true, why does he do this to me?"
Sabriel shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe it's the only way he can show you." She hated her reply, but she knew what Jedah did, sick bastard that he was. He loved his "pretty, perfect" boys. That was why he had recruited Hiei and Arashi, for his own pleasure. He promised them enough to come to him, then he screwed them over. She shuddered at the thought. As for her position...well...she had her reasons for being there. One of them was Hiei. He was too beautiful for her to leave behind. Even though she couldn't help him from being hurt, she was always there to pick up the pieces.
Sabriel looked at his tear-stained face, so hungry, so hurt. She caressed his cheek, brushing his hair with her fingers.
"I'm sorry, Hiei."
I don't know what to do, she added to herself.
He leaned into her arms and she kissed him softly, assuring him of her gentle presence. She led him to her room and fed him what she had left of her stored food. Dressing him in warm nightclothes, she put him to bed and slid in next to him. Tears in her eyes, she held him in a protective embrace as he slept an anxious sleep.
"Shit, Kurama, that hurt!" Hiei cried as Kurama spread ointment against the wound on his back.
"It'll feel much better later," Kurama promised. He finished and handed Hiei a white shirt that was a little small for Kurama, but perfect for Hiei. "Do you want anything else to eat?" he asked.
Hiei shook his head, pressing a hand to his stomach. "I think if I eat anymore, I'll explode."
Kurama smiled. Earlier, they discovered that Hiei liked steak just as much as he did chocolate cake, especially after he ate two, followed by fried potatoes, French bread, whole-kernel corn and another piece of cake.
Hiei stood to face Kurama. "So, what do you want from me?"
Kurama looked up from the first-aid kit. "What?"
"You did something for me. What do you want in return?"
"I did something out of kindness for you. I don't expect anything from you except that you spare my life."
"That much is already owed to you and more. But I have never been given anything without being asked to give something back." Hiei hung his head. "It has never been something I wanted to give. And it was abused so much."
Kurama looked startled. "No one has ever done anything kind for you?"
Hiei shook his head. "Except for Sabriel. But I think she did it just because she felt sorry for me."
"Well I felt sorry for you too. But I do care about what happens to you," Kurama told him.
Hiei seemed taken aback at this, but accepted it with a firm nod, almost if he wasn't sure whether or not to believe him.
"There is one thing I would ask of you," Kurama said after a moment.
Hiei turned a cold stare on the boy as if to say, 'I knew it.'
"Would you come with me to visit my mother? She's in the hospital."
Hiei blinked, considering it. Finally, he nodded his approval at the request.
Kurama smiled widely. "I'll go get my jacket."
"If what you say is true, then we must change our plans," the dark voice said to Sabriel.
"What is your command, my lord?" she said stiffly, still more worried about Hiei than anything else.
"If Kurama has something of mine, it is only fair I take something of his."
Hiei walked alongside Kurama, glancing upward at the strange boy. He had never met anyone like him. No one ever treated him kindly, and now the boy he had tried to kill was trying to be his friend. It confused him greatly, but he wasn't about to ruin things now. He would just have to worry about the way the human mind worked later. Now, he concentrated on the worry in Kurama's green eyes. He had to be very worried about this woman he called his mother. His pace was brisk and full of purpose. She must be dying, Hiei decided. He looked ahead, wondering if there was anything he could do, thinking that Kurama had saved him from Kurohi, fed him, and trusted him, he could try to find something to do in return.
His thoughts were interrupted as they stopped in front of a large building. Kurama took a deep breath, then headed inside. Hiei followed reluctantly, the place smelling unfamiliarly of chemicals and medicines, people bustling about in a hurry. Kurama looked like he knew where he was going, so he just matched the anxious pace, following it to the woman's room. The door was shut and Kurama knocked against it softly. Hearing no reply, he quietly turned the latch and stepped inside. Hiei decided to wait outside, leaning against the wall next to the door. A moment later, he heard Kurama's terrified scream.
"'Kaasan!"
Hiei snapped alert and ran into the room. Kurama leaned against the rail of the bed, his knees shaking. He would have collapsed if his white-knuckled grip on the rail didn't hold him up. Hiei came up beside him and glanced down at the bed. It was empty, except for a delicate gold cross on a chain. Next to it was a note that was written in blood-red script.
The east Tokyo seaside warehouse, midnight, bring Hiei.
The note was signed with a black rose. Hiei frowned. Jedah's handiwork. He looked up at Kurama. His eyes were squeezed shut, tears streaming down his pale face.
"Kurama," Hiei started.
"She's got to be dead," he whispered. "They had her hooked up to all these machines. Without them, she..."
Hiei looked around at the boxes and wires and tubes that were gathered about the bed. He didn't quite understand what Kurama was saying, but he figured that those devices were sustaining his mother until they could find real help. Unsure of what to do, he placed his small hand on Kurama's.
"Jedah would not kill her, Kurama. She wouldn't be much of a bargaining chip if she were dead."
Kurama turned an icy gaze on Hiei. "Did you know he would do this?!" he demanded.
Hiei looked hurt and he pulled his hand away to cross his arms. "Hn! Stupid! I would have told you if I knew. As far as I'm concerned, Jedah is no longer in control of me."
Kurama hung his head. "I never meant for my mother to get involved in this."
"So let's get her back," Hiei said.
Kurama looked over at him. "Let's? You mean, you'll..."
Hiei nodded. Kurama sniffed, a smile coming to his face. "Thank you, Hiei."
"Hn! Shut up and listen to me. I have an idea."
Kurohi led Arashi into Kurama's house. He knew he'd have to face his friend sometime. It probably meant that he would have to apologize and admit he was wrong, but it didn't matter. He had more important things on his mind. He led Arashi into the kitchen and sat him down on one of the chairs. Scouring the cabintets and counters, he searched for something that the hungered youko could eat. He glanced by the stove. Funny, he could have sworn there was nearly a whole chocolate cake there that morning... He shrugged and decided on Ramen, milk, and an apple. Very quickly, he prepared the meal, wishing he could cook as good as Kurama, then he'd have something really good to give to Arashi. But he settled for Kurohi's meal just the same, eating as though it were the first time in days. Kurohi frowned as he realized just how true that could really be.
When Arashi finished, Kurohi cleared his dishes.
"Come on, I'll take you upstairs to meet Kurama...formally this time. I'm surprised he hasn't come down already. Oh, well, he must have fallen asleep keeping track of that pesky Hiei," Kurohi stated.
"So this is where Hiei disappeared to," Arashi said with a smile. "You managed to capture him, huh?"
"Kurama did, actually. He insisted on finding out why Hiei was trying to kill him."
"It is because of my former master, Jedah. He is seeking revenge against Kurama because long ago, youko Kurama was fooling around with his sister. Well, he got her pregnant with his kit and ran off on her. She carried the child to term, but died in birth, the baby a stillborn."
"Yech!" Kurohi winced. "I can see why this guy is having a fit. I wonder if Kurama knows."
Arashi shrugged. "Why don't we go find out?"
Kurohi nodded and the two headed upstairs to Kurama's room. To Kurohi's surprise, it was empty.
"Kurama?" he called.
Arashi had a worried look on his face. "You don't suppose that Hiei was successful, do you?"
Kurohi scowled, his fists clenching at his sides. "I knew I couldn't leave them alone!"
"So why did you? You must have known what kind of demon Hiei was," Kurohi asked.
Kurohi offered the youko a teasing, bitter smile. "I guess the gods thought it was more important that I found you. Kurama's resourceful. Hiei's gonna have his hands full dealing with that fox."
"I know the way to Jedah's hiding place from here. It's the east Tokyo warehouse, by the docks. Maybe if we hurry, we can head them off before they get there. If we don't, Kurama's in a shitload of trouble."
"Lead the way!" Kurohi cried, already heading the door.
"Damn you, you traitor!" Kurama yelled, struggling against the binds around his wrists. "I thought I could trust you!"
"Hn! Let that be a lesson to you," Hiei sneered wickedly. "Never trust a youkai that's sworn to kill. Master Jedah will be pleased to see you. He's been waiting a long time."
Kurama did his best to squirm free from his captor, but the little youkai had a strong grip on his arm, and every time he tried to get away, he was poked in the side by Hiei's sword.
They neared the docks and Kurama's heartbeat sped up. Somehow, he could feel his mother's weak presence. It drove him nuts to think that something could be happening to her and he was helpless to prevent it. Once more, he pushed against the rope, only to be rewarded with another poke. The warehouse loomed before them, a massive structure that looked like the shadow of a beast in the setting sun. Hiei led him around to the back, the side facing the waterfront. There, he let himself in through a single door.
Kurama blinked to adjust his sight to the absence of daylight. The room was dark, lit up only by faded, dying lightbulbs high in the ceiling. It had a musty smell to it that made him sick to his stomach. Hiei didn't seem to mind the discomfort, pulling the disoriented Kurama forward with hard tugs on his arm. They walked through a long corridor, the surrounding walls making Kurama feel unusually claustrophobic. After what seemed like eternity, they stepped through a doorway. Kurama found himself looking into the most lavishly decorated rooms he had ever seen. Gold accents glinted here and there in the bright candlelight. Priceless treasures were stacked in every corner. But only one treasure caught his eye.
Laying on a marble altar was Shiori Minamino. She was lit up in a faint glow, the source coming from a blonde woman who was seated at her head. His mother was alive.
"'Kaasan!" Kurama cried.
Hiei shoved him roughly to the floor with a laugh. With no arms in front to steady his fall, Kurama landed chin-first on the cement floor, his jaw exploding in pain.
"I have brought what you asked for, Master," Hiei called into the darkness ahead.
Kurama forced himself to look up at the man who sat on a marble throne ahead of him. He was at least twice Hiei's size. Long, plum-colored hair fell over his powerful shoulders. His eerie yellow eyes pierced the depths of Kurama's soul.
"Ah, the elusive youko is at last caught. It's been a very long wait," his cold voice addressed.
"Put Shiori back where she belongs!" Kurama cried, tasting blood as he did. "She did nothing to be involved!"
"Oh, yes, the woman," Jedah sneered. "You see Kurama, I took her because you took something of mine." He indicated Hiei with a small gesture. The youkai snorted softly and Kurama scowled.
"What do you mean I took him! Can't you see that he holds me prisoner!?"
Jedah only smiled a smile that would make any human turn and run. Kurama looked him over as he stood, cream-colored robes cascading to his feet. Long, pointed ears poked through the purple hair that fell to his back. He was no human, but it escaped Kurama what Jedah's kind was called.
"It's the principal of the thing, Kurama," he said. "You have taken many things from me, and I intend to make you pay for every one, including Hiei. Get up!"
Kurama glowered up at the demon, but did not obey. He found himself being hauled to his knees by the strong youkai still positioned behind him. Jedah began forming ki into an ugly sphere of sickening yellow. Even with some distance between them, he could feel the power in that single spell. He was looking his death in the face. Hiei had wisely backed away, moving to stand close to the altar. Kurama shot the youkai a last pleading glance before he was hit hard in the chest with the blast. He screamed as he was thrown backwards, his body slamming into the floor with a sickening thud. Kurama's limbs ached unbearably, his lungs crying out for air that he couldn't get enough of.
"Kurama!"
His vision slightly hazy, Kurama looked up to see Kurohi dart into the room, sword drawn, followed by the youko who'd attacked them earlier.
"Arashi!" Jedah growled. "Traitor! How dare you turn to them after all I've done for you!"
"You used me! I'm not going to let you get away with this!" the kitsune responded. He joined Kurohi in drawing his sword.
"Fool!" Jedah spat. The next ki blast that had been intended for Kurama slammed into Arashi and Kurohi before they could even begin their own attack. They were tossed across the room, landing with Kurohi slumped over Arashi's stomach. Neither moved to rise. Kurama glanced over at Hiei. The youkai stood, his eyes aware of the events taking place, but emotionless, indifferent to them. Once more, Kurama's eyes begged for the youkai to react now, before it was too late. But it was to no avail.
Kurama's hoarse scream echoed in the room as he was hit again, his body exploding in agony, the smell of burning flesh painfully obvious to his scent. He lay still on his stomach, unable to move anything, all limbs numbing to the pain he felt. He closed his eyes, ready for the blow that would end his life. But it never came. Jedah had paused in his torture to approach the helpless Kurama. He knelt down, his eyes meeting Kurama's in an evil, contemplating gaze.
"You are so much weaker than I remember you, Kurama," he said in a soft voice, dripping with false pity. His hand found its way under the red-head's chin, lifting the bruised face even further. His thumb played across Kurama's cheekbone, making the other shiver in disgust. "But you are so much more beautiful." The hand moved into his hair, brushing it off his shoulders.
"Get your hands off him," a low, vicious voice warned.
Both Kurama's and Jedah's heads turned to Hiei, who stood closer to them, his menacing gaze on Jedah.
"I won't let you do to him what you did to me. Get your hands off him...now!"
"Hiei..." Kurama murmured.
"So, you have decided to take his side as well?" Jedah sneered. "Very well then. You shall see his mother die, then him, and then...I will tear your traitorous body to pieces of rotting flesh!"
Jedah snapped his fingers. The woman at Shiori's head opened her fawn-colored eyes. The glow around her and Kurama's mother faded. She stepped away, the light disappearing completely. Kurama felt the panic rise as he sensed his mother's life slip away quickly. He realized then that Jedah was using the other woman's life force to sustain his mother until he died. Tears sprang to his eyes and he turned a cold gaze on Jedah. Injuries or no, he got unsteadily to his feet. He was surprised to feel a brush of metal against his wrists, his binds slipping free. Hiei had cut him loose!
"Murderous son of a bitch!" Kurama hissed.
"You'll be silent, fool!" Jedah summoned his ki, one blast with enough strength to take his life and more.
"No!"
Kurama never felt the impact of the attack, only the thrust of another body being thrown into him. It was small, but with enough force to knock him on his back. Kurama gasped in horror as Hiei slumped against him, his head laying on Kurama's chest, unmoving.
"Hiei!"
Another scream of surprise matched his own as he struggled to see what was happening and if Hiei was alright. The room was flooded in orange light. Kurama saw Jedah erupt in flames, coming from Kurohi's extended fist. Hiei's actions must have distracted the demon enough for the older youkai to attack. Kurama's head swayed as he again smelled burning flesh, stronger than before. He had to lay his head back and shut his eyes to keep from being sick on Hiei. Moments later, the cries died down and the smell was drifting away. There was a flutter of clothing and Kurama turned his head, expecting to see Kurohi kneeling by him. It took him by surprise to see the youko crouching beside them, the blonde woman not far behind him.
"Hiei?" he whispered.
Kurama carefully sat up, his arms moving to steady Hiei as he slouched into his lap. He looked extremely pale and Kurama brushed the hair from his eyes.
"Hiei?" Kurama murmured, pulling him close so that his lips brushed his ear.
Hiei moaned, shifting painfully in Kurama's embrace. "Kurama?"
"Yes, Hiei, I'm here."
"You okay?" Hiei said, his voice knocked down to a hoarse whisper.
"I'm fine. Hiei, why did you have to be so stupid?!"
"I didn't want you to die..." Hiei told him, his trembling hands sliding around Kurama's waist, the gesture making Kurama's heart break. "There wouldn't be anyone to make me any more cake."
In spite of himself, Kurama laughed, tears coming to his eyes. Hiei managed to pull back to look at Kurama with his intense crimson eyes. Hiei didn't care what Kurama would think about him afterwards.
"Kurama, I..." Unable to find words to finish his thought, he leaned up and pressed his lips to Kurama's, holding the boy in a death grip. Finally, he pulled away, and, without any more strength to rely on, slumped into the arms that held him. Arashi looked startled, and Kurama smiled up at him, caressing Hiei's cheek as he did.
"He'll live. You should know that," he admonished. "Kurama," he introduced.
"I...I'm Arashi."
"Nice to meet you, Arashi. I hope you and Kurohi are up to it, because I think you'll be carrying us home."
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a flicker of motion. The blonde had witnessed the entire scenario and was now sprinting away.
"Sabriel!" Arashi called after her.
So, that was Sabriel, Kurama found himself thinking. Then it struck him. She had been the only other person to care for Hiei the way he did. That meant...he had just taken away any chances she had without even knowing it. At once, the thought left him as he remembered his mother. Handing Hiei to a surprised Arashi, Kurama rose to his feet and limped to the altar where Shiori lay. His heart sinking at her pale, unmoving features, he placed trembling fingers to her throat. He was startled by the chill in her skin and collapsed over her when he felt no pulse. He began to sob fitfully, his tears staining the stark hospital gown she wore. Kurohi came up and put his arm around Kurama, the best he could do for his friend, given the situation.
