Hiei opened his eyes, squinting tiredly at the sunlight that poured in from Kurama's window. He frowned, surprised he had slept at all. He glanced to the bed to see Kurama still there. He shifted his position on the futon to sit up, remarking how much more comfortable the bed was in comparison, especially with Kurama there. He actually would have left the house entirely the previous evening if it hadn't been for Kurama's pleading. He absolutely insisted that he never said the cruel thing about Yukina. But Hiei also knew that he was not delusional.
"Kurama, what are you doing home?"
"Yuusuke didn't need help today, so I came home as fast as I could. I wanted to be with you."
"I was thinking we could visit Yukina today. I want to see if Genkai could feed my youki into her."
"Why would you want to do something like that?"
He had given Kurama an icy glare, stunned that he would even ask. After all, the stupid fox would have given his life for his mother.
"Hn. It may be the only way to save her."
"Why bother?"
Kurama had grabbed his shoulders, staring him straight in the eye. There had been something there. Something so...so...not Kurama...that it was a little frightening. "Hiei, it'll be better for both of us if Yukina doesn't recover. The there'll be nothing standing between us."
Before Hiei could recover from the flood of hurt that overcame him, Kurama had gone. Then he tried to come back and act as if nothing had happened. Hiei sensed something different in his friend the second time, even as he tried to pound the shit out of him. That was just the way he was sometimes. His anger was often a pilot of his actions. He'd hit Kurama once, then prepared to do it again, hard enough to break the youko's jaw if he wanted. If only he hadn't faltered, Kurama would never have gotten him pinned to the floor.
He contemplated raising his ki to burn Kurama away, but something the fox said had him on edge. Yuusuke. Kurama had said that he was at Yuusuke's the entire time. Not only that, but he claimed that Hiei had shown up there himself. Of course, Hiei's first instinct was to react with indignant denial. After all, he had stayed at the house, waiting for Kurama to come home, then fuming as he waited for the fox to come back the second time.
That was when time stopped. He managed to free himself from Kurama's slackened grip. He stared at the fox long and hard. The green eyes that met his gaze doubtfully were full of confusion. Hiei wanted to believe Kurama's words, but wasn't sure that he could. For a moment, it seemed as though Kurama was wondering whether to believe that he really hadn't been anywhere near Yuusuke's house. The night that followed was tense, ridden with hints of distrust.
Hiei stayed when Kurama asked, partly because he trusted the youko and partly because he didn't. He insisted on sleeping on the futon, much to Kurama's disappointment. From there, he had watched Kurama's every movement, even as he slept. He had too much on his mind to sleep and he wanted to make sure that Kurama wouldn't try anything. As the night wore on, he counted the number of times Kurama murmured his name while considering the situation. Hiei stubbornly admitted to himself that Kurama would never say anything that would hurt him or his sister. He'd seen too much affection in the now-human fox to think that something so cruel would ever leave his lips. Especially to him. Kurama's emotions were an open window, not too different from the one he would slip into at night, just to watch the beautiful youko sleep.
Now that left the fact that some demon that looked like Kurama and another that looked like himself was running around. But Hiei would discuss that with Kurama when the youko was awake. With that resolved, he had fallen asleep.
Hiei stretched, looking over at the strange device Kurama called a clock. He squinted at the position of numbers and frowned. The stupid fox had forgotten to set that silly...alarm thing again. He would be late for school. Grumbling, he pushed off the blankets Kurama had given him and got up. He headed for the side of the bed and crouched down, peering at Kurama. He was sound asleep, his red hair falling over his closed eyes, his breathing relaxed. Hiei studied him for awhile, noting that Kurama's cheek was slightly bruised where he'd hit him. He immediately regretted the previous evening. Reaching to brush some of the blood-red strands off Kurama's face, Hiei leaned forward to lightly kiss the bruised cheek.
"Gomen ne," he said softly, following it with another kiss.
"Daijobu, Hiei," a quiet voice said softly.
Hiei pulled back to see Kurama looking up at him, smiling. The youko reached out and cupped Hiei's chin in his hand, pulling their lips together.
"Is Touma here?" Kurama whispered.
"No. But you forgot to set the alarm again."
"K'so!" Kurama hissed. "I've got to get up."
Hiei stepped back to let his friend start to get ready. He moved to perch on the futon as Kurama changed.
"Kurama, we have to talk...about yesterday."
"I can't now, Hiei. I have to go to school."
"I'm coming with you."
Kurama stopped buttoning his shirt to look at Hiei.
"I'm not saying I don't trust you, I don't trust whatever is walking around trying to be us. I want to keep my eyes on you at all times."
Kurama smiled. "Funny, I was going to ask that you join me today. I know that wasn't you who was at Yuusuke's, but the resemblance was enough to have us all fooled."
Hiei grabbed his coat and sword as Kurama finished getting ready. Together, they slipped outside and began walking. They didn't talk and Hiei wished Kurama would hold his hand the way he held Touma's. But he would never say anything that hinted his desire. He felt uncomfortable about the other ningen. Touma had strong feelings for his fox, and he was very possessive. Kurama led him up to the boy's front porch and knocked lightly.
Touma's mother answered the door with a smile. "Shuuichi, a pleasure as always! I was hoping that Touma would keep up the habit he started yesterday, but I guess it's hopeless! Come on in!"
Hiei glanced up as Kurama smiled at her and let himself in. It was then that she noticed him.
"Who's your friend, Shuuichi?" she asked cheerfully, smiling at Hiei.
Hiei was about to tell her that it was none of her business, but Kurama cut him off.
"He's my cousin, Hiei. He's from overseas."
"Oh, nice to meet you, Hiei!" Touma's mother greeted, extending her hand.
"Hn." Hiei only looked up at her, his expression unchanging. Kurama put his hands on his shoulders and smiled.
"He's...a little shy, Hashiba-san. I'll just take him with me to wake Touma up."
"That's fine. Go right ahead!" The woman disappeared into the kitchen.
Hiei was a little surprised when Kurama clasped his hand warmly, squeezing it, flashing him a sly smile. Kurama led him upstairs to Touma's room. He tried the handle only to find it locked. Hiei watched Kurama's features shift to a worried frown as he again tried to open the door.
"Touma never locks his door. He usually leaves it open for me," Kurama murmured to himself.
"Do you kiss him good morning too?" Hiei grumbled.
Kurama glanced at him briefly before turning a little red. "Depends." He looked to the stairs and then down the hall to see if anyone was coming. Assured that he wasn't being watched, he clasped the handle and closed his eyes. A faint yellow glow enveloped him and Hiei noticed tiny vines creeping out from Kurama's jacket sleeve. Seconds later, there was a click as the lock was pushed open. As the vines withdrew, Kurama turned the handle. It worked obediently and the door swung open. Hiei followed Kurama inside, unsure of what to make of the situation. Under normal circumstances, Kurama locked his door. Why was this so unusual?
Hiei's thoughts were interrupted as Kurama darted from his side, running to the bed. Hiei sensed something wrong and closed the door once more. That done, he joined the youko by the bed.
"What...what the hell happened?" Kurama gasped.
Hiei looked down at the teenage boy sprawled out on the bed. He wore the same uniform as Kurama, but it was apparent that he hadn't just put it on that morning. His face was deathly pale, like cold marble, his eyes closed. Kurama pressed his fingers to Touma's throat and waited. Hiei's sensitive ears told him that Touma was still alive before he heard Kurama sigh with relief. But the youkai knew that something was very wrong. The boy wasn't suffering from a normal ningen disease, virus, or condition. It was something much more...complicated.
Kurama headed for the door to get Touma's mother, but Hiei stopped him. He was aware of the youko's eyes on him curiously as he pulled the bandage off of his Jagan. The green light flooded over Touma and the immediate area. Hiei's face twisted into an expression of confusion and amazement. He was about to tell Kurama of his discoveries, but his Jagan hit something...and that something hit back. Hiei let out a yell as he was physically thrown to the floor by a blast of psychic energy.
"Hiei!" Kurama cried, kneeling down by him.
The fire demon quickly resealed the third eye and scowled. "This is worse than we thought."
"What's going on?"
Hiei took a deep breath as he stood. "The ningen...Touma...has been sucked dry of a force that is spiritually linked to him. Whatever that was depends on Touma as much as he depends on it. Without it, the weaker partner will perish in about two day's time."
Kurama paled. The concern he felt was painfully evident on his face. But Hiei wasn't finished yet.
"It isn't youki and it isn't reiki. I've never felt anything like it. It is extremely powerful; that makes it evident which of the two links will die. Whoever stole it from him can probably manipulate its powers once Touma's side of the link vanishes. It needs to be returned in order for him to survive."
"How can we get it back if we don't know what it is or who stole it?" Kurama asked. He was tense with worry and anxious for answers Hiei wished he had.
The youkai looked toward the window, unable to look at Kurama. "We may not know what it is, but that psychic barrier...whoever stole it has an S-level Jagan...just like mine."
Hiei heard Kurama's breath catch and he wondered if the youko was thinking along the same lines as he was. He managed to bring his gaze to the redhead, trying to read his face. Kurama was perplexed, confused. Hiei couldn't help but share those feelings. His Jagan had hit a barrier of force that would have been equivalent to his capabilities, had he been the one to steal the ki from Touma. For a moment, he thought Kurama might blame him for the incident. They both knew that his Jagan was a unique gift, created by Raigo a Netherworld god that Hiei had long since destroyed. There had only been two Jagan's in existence: Raigo's and Hiei's. And since Raigo was dead, there was only one other demon to suspect.
"Kurama," Hiei started.
"Can you carry him?" Kurama asked suddenly.
Hiei blinked, the request being the last thing he expected from the youko. He had expected accusations, questions, but not this.
"Yes..."
"I have to go to school. If we leave him here, his mother will try to take him to ningen doctors. Since the problem involves demons and ki, they won't know what to do with him and she'll be a wreck. If I don't show up for school, they'll call both our parents, they'll assume we ditched and come looking for us, me especially. I know you're good at hiding things. I need you to keep Touma with you while I'm in school. Once we have lunch, I'll find Yuusuke and let him know what happened. Do you mind?"
Hiei glanced toward the boy laying on the bed, then back to Kurama's pleading eyes. "Hn. I'll do it if you stop looking at me like that."
Kurama flashed him a wry smile and thanked him. Hiei shrugged it off and got up, lifting Touma into his arms. He was Kurama's size, but it wasn't a problem to carry him. He was unusually light. He tilted his head questioningly at the window and Kurama nodded. They quickly slipped out of Touma's room and Kurama led them to school taking the back roads to avoid the curious glances from bystanders.
Kurama's mind had been racing in a hundred different directions since he'd found Touma. He was horrified to see such a beautiful face so pale and deathly. He wanted answers that were out of his reach, especially since his worry was swiftly overriding his reason. What disturbed him further was the startling information that Touma had been attacked by a demon with a Jagan. It was essentially impossible considering that the there was only one that still existed. There had originally been two, but Hiei destroyed one with the Kokuryuuha, leaving his the last in existence. Sure, there were demons with multiple eyes, but not Jagan's. They were completely different.
According to the elders he had spoken to after he had his first encounter with Hiei and his Jagan, the so-called EvilEye wasn't something a demon was born with. Back when the Netherworld had been sealed away by Enma, its most powerful god, Raigo, used his power to create Jagan. With it, he was able to manipulate the evil in the souls of humans, spirits, and demons alike. He planned to avenge his master's entrapment by leading another smaller attack on the Reikai. Hiei had stumbled across the balance, half-starved and depleted, still searching for his mother's tear gem. Knowing the Koorime legends of very strong evil in Koorime sons, Raigo recruited Hiei, feeding him, leading him on. He promised that if Hiei helped the take-over, he would give him something to help find his mother's tear gem. Hiei had readily accepted, and Raigo created a second Jagan from his own. It was less powerful, but still had the desired effect. Once set into Hiei's forehead, it immediately took over Hiei's mind and body, making him into a destructive, ice-hearted devil. The little youkai had forgotten all about his search, his half-sister, thinking only of hatred, focusing on all of the anger that had built up in the years of wandering.
When Emperor Enma stepped in to stop Raigo, Hiei was thrown back into the Makai, his strength spent, back in his normal form. He woke up knowing everything he had done, angry, remembering his quest. From then on, he was the only demon to have acquired the Jagan, and he used it carefully, hiding his other side, warding it when it was not in use.
Kurama himself had only seen the side of Hiei spawned by the Jagan three times. It wasn't something anyone wanted to experience on a daily basis. If you ignored all the eyes that covered Hiei's body, he actually made a cute demon, but he had a bad-ass attitude that usually destroyed a thing or two. Kurama unknowingly pressed a hand to his stomach, remembering the time Hiei had run him through under Jagan's influence. He shuddered.
"Hey!" Hiei snapped.
Kurama broke out of his reverie and looked down at Hiei. "Yeah?"
"I said, 'are you okay?'"
"I'm fine. Just thinking."
"Hn."
Kurama realised he'd been quiet for quite some time. He sighed, knowing he had to be right. Suspicions that should have clouded his thoughts were chased away every time he looked at Hiei. The youkai held Touma so that the boy's head rested on his shoulder. It was almost as if Hiei cared about Touma's comfort regardless of the fact that he was practically comatose. There was no way that Hiei could have attacked Touma. Even though the "Jagan" situation gave no other possible explanation....except one.
"It's him," Kurama stated.
"What?"
"Whoever took your identity at Yuusuke's had us completely fooled, right down to the feel of your youki. That's why I never knew the difference." Kurama looked at Hiei to see if he understood. The scowl that formed let him know he did. But he finished his thought anyway. "It could be that this demon may have been able to replicate the Jagan as well."
They reached the school grounds before Hiei could respond. Kurama pointed out the wisteria tree right outside his classroom window. Hiei nodded and headed in that direction. Kurama's stomach began to twist in worry.
"Hiei..." he called.
Hiei looked over his shoulder at Kurama. He smirked at Kurama's concerned expression.
"I'll see you later, Fox."
It was power, power beyond anything he even knew existed. The black dragon that rode his arm screamed to be released. He didn't like that he couldn't grant its wish, just to experience the raw power. But he was told that using it too soon could kill him. Pity. It just might be worth it. If he wasn't mindful of the spell, the demon would find himself pushing long strands of red hair behind his ears. Pulsing in his blood were the delicate strands of Chi; the yoroi locked away in the owner's soul, only the power remaining. The winds howled for him. The last talent was only recently acquired. With it, he had the stars and stratosphere bowing to his will.
Yes. This is the power of Tenku.
The youkai blinked, wide-eyed. He glanced around him, even though he was sure he had heard the voice in his mind.
"Who...what?" he stammered.
Hashiba Touma, Tenku's ningen soul.
"Impossible! You...you...I left you behind!"
You left my body behind, but my soul is as much a part of Tenku as it is a part of me.
The demon smirked. "But you are dying. Soon, the Link will vanish and this...Tenku will belong to me. It was fortunate that you were an essential key to my master's plan."
You were wrong to take it. Now I am a part of your mind and soul as well, until I die.
"If you think you're going to lay a guilt trip on me, you're sadly disillusioned. It will not work. You are indeed beautiful and you may be able to influence others, but I do as my master commands."
Did you ever think that your master is only using you?
"Once or twice, he is a strange demon, but he does this for a good reason. Kurama has to pay for his crime."
But if you're the one who stole Tenku, you are Kurama. You said so.
The youkai let out a deep-throated laugh. "You are one of the foolish ones, aren't you?" He laughed again, wondering whether or not he should tell Touma the truth. What did it matter? He was dying anyway.
"My name is Seth, I'm offended you even link me to that youko's name. Don't you understand? Kurama is one of you dearest friends. He just hides his past very well."
Seth realised very quickly that Touma was right. He could feel Touma's confusion in a flood on his own mind. It pleased him that the boy's interrogating guard was down.
What are you talking about?
Seth closed his eyes, seeing clearly the blue-haired boy looking at him with intense midnight blue eyes. He rarely visited the depths of his own mind, having ignored his spiritual capabilities to master the demonic ones. Now he was aware of how much he missed it and smiled to think that he came back because of Touma. Face-to-face, he was much easier to address...to influence.
"That human that you love so much is really not human at all. I have the power to show you what he really was. He's not the sweet, manipulating ningen he appears to be." The demon closed his eyes, focusing on the ki of the youko. His form blurred to become the silver fox spirit. "This is the real Kurama. The thief, the killer, a demon who didn't care. I used him and his little friend to get to you, just so that he will walk right into my master's trap."
Seth's eyes narrowed at the look of surprise and horror on Touma's face. He must have put two and two together, linking the youko with his attack.
That...you are not Shuuichi...That...thing is not him!
"How easily you've been tricked, but then again, the fox was good at using people. Do you know what your precious Shuuichi is? A trick! A lie! A way to hide his past by being born to a human mother! What better way to avoid penance for his crimes! That man you fell in love with is a heartless monster. My master aims to strike him down for his evil! He doesn't even deserve that!"
No...
Seth smiled slyly, reverting back to his white-haired form. The youko was of no more use to him. "Pretty soon, Touma, you'll have to stop defending him. If you live that long."
"Seth." Kurushimi's soft voice was accompanied by the knock on his chamber door.
Seth pulled himself from Touma's spirit, feeling the boy flee, trying to get away. He smiled, concentrating his ki into a surprise for his little youko. He had almost forgotten about Kurushimi in the midst of discovering that he'd trapped a ningen soul inside of him. Now, he wanted to focus on better things, like making his fox happy.
"Come on in, Kurushimi," he said, after finishing the spell.
The chamber door opened, and the tiny youko stepped inside. His eyebrows raised as soon as he saw Seth, a smile pulling at his lips, a chuckle leaving his throat. "Seth..."
The new, four-foot tall youkai twirled around once, grinning from ear to ear. "You like it? I designed it just for you."
Kurushimi laughed again, that tiny smile becoming something more. He stepped up to Seth, those closed, yet all-seeing eyes now even with the white-haired youkai's silver ones. "I love it," he said in his soft voice, leaning forward to kiss Seth on the cheek.
The demon beamed proudly.
"Master Yomi says that you are to see him in an hour. Strict orders."
Seth nodded. "That gives us enough time to take a walk in the woods, ne?" he asked, offering his arm.
Kurushimi smiled yet again. "Yes," he answered, linking his arm to Seth's.
Together, the two stepped out into the warm, Makai air.
Hiei looked down at the human he had balanced precariously in his lap. He didn't like the idea of being stuck with him. H was already being suspected, he was sure, and he wasn't too confident in his luck. He didn't want anything to happen to Touma, because it would upset Kurama and too much had done that already. He felt a little jealous that a seemingly unattractive human such as Touma could have gotten so close to Kurama with so little effort. Perhaps it was because he made a window of his emotions, whereas Hiei did not. He had learned over the years that if demons knew what your innermost feelings were, they used them against you. And he wasn't ready for that hurt again. Even though Kurama was different from any other demon he'd known, he wasn't about to take the chance.
Did Kurama love Touma? Hiei frowned, not sure if he really wanted to know the answer. It was unknown to Kurama how Hiei felt about him, and he would keep it that way if he found out that Kurama's heart belonged to the ningen. He scowled in disgust. He hated this game Kurama called love. Love was not something Hiei was familiar with. In fact, he'd never known it existed. There were allies, enemies, a race that banished their sons to a harsh world, demons that took advantage of innocence. There was pain, anger, purity, but until Hiei had met Kurama, there was no love. Thanks to that youko, Hiei was now consumed by it. He wanted to share himself with Kurama. He would do the same for no other. No one understood him, shown him love the way Kurama had. But he didn't know if Kurama would accept his love the way he had accepted the other aspects of Hiei's life. He would welcome the kisses, the caresses, the nightly visits. It appeared to be love, but the emotion had many facades, so many things to lead creatures on a trip in circles. He loved Kurama, but could the youko accept a Forbidden Child who had no innocence, none of what the humans praised as intelligence, who only knew of dark sides and sins? Hiei shook his head. He was a partner. Nothing more.
Hiei growled at the sudden shift in his disposition. He looked through the huge window into Kurama's classroom. He was well-hidden, knowing he wouldn't be caught by the silly human children and their mentor. Kurama stood out unknowingly. He was the only one who looked like he knew what he was doing. Hiei admired the look of determination on his face. He often put everything he had into everything he did, no matter how unimportant anyone else would deem it. Locks of his bright red hair fell over his shoulder and, every so often, Kurama would twirl it around one finger as he listened to the lesson. Hiei wished he could touch the beautiful softness at that moment. He wished for reassurance, even though he was sure in his mind it would never come.
Hiei turned his head from Kurama, wanting to escape his own dark thoughts. In no time, he heard a rather annoying sound that came from the inside like a bell, and echoed outside. Looking back towards the classroom, he noticed the students getting up from their seats and pouring into the halls. Kurama was among them. It must have been lunch time. He had spent so much time brooding over his emotions, the time had passed by quickly. Hiei waited for the youko to come under the tree and glanced down when he did. The green eyes turned upward.
"Hiei, just a little longer, okay? I'm going to find Yuusuke."
"Hn."
Then, to his disappointment, Kurama disappeared once more.
Kurama climbed the stairs quickly, his heels echoing off the dank walls with each step. Barely out of breath, he reached the door to the school's roof. Faintly, he felt an expulsion of reiki, Yuusuke's scream following. Kurama pulled a rose from his hair and prepared for a fight. Grabbing the handle, he yanked the door open and searched for his friend. He let out a startled cry as a blast of Yuusuke's ki barely missed his head, shattering the bricks in the wall next to him.
"Yuusuke!" he called.
His friend either missed it or ignored it, landing with his back to Kurama. It seemed that the Reikai Tantei hadn't even noticed him. Kurama turned his attention to the attacker. His breath caught as he saw wild red hair whipping in the face of the green-eyed boy that Yuusuke was in battle with. The maroon uniform was torn in a couple places where Yuusuke might have been lucky to hit. Kurama swallowed hard as a thorned whip snapped in their direction. Yuusuke was fighting him!
Yuusuke leapt out of the whip's path, the weapon settling to bite into Kurama's leg. He jumped to the side, the fabric of his pants torn, drops of blood sliding down his calf. It was then that Yuusuke notice Kurama's arrival. He froze, looking from one Kurama to the other. The second Kurama seemed equally surprised to see the first, but smirked anyway.
"What the fuck...? Kurama?!" Yuusuke panted.
"Yuusuke, I'm the real Kurama," Kurama said, brandishing his whip to attack his imposter. "I would have no reason to fight you."
"I didn't think it was you, but I was holding back...just in case."
Kurama stepped forward. "I don't know who you are, but you've tried to turn Hiei against me and have attacked my friend! I won't let you get away with it!" He attacked, his whip flying toward the double.
He countered with his own whip and laughed. "Come now, Kurama! You don't want to kill me, do you?" He leapt away from Kurama's whip again, landing atop the rise of the door. "I mean, if you do, you'll never save Touma."
Kurama paused, his eyes narrowing as he squinted to study the boy. The red hair was showing signs of pure white, the green in his eyes glinting silver. "I see I have your attention. Listen to me carefully, youko. To save Touma's soul, you must accept my master's invitation into the Makai for a little...get together. You see, he wants to talk up old times, Kurama. And when he's done, you can have your little human's life back. But if you kill me, you'll never get it. It is mine!" With a laugh, he was gone.
Kurama lowered his whip, looking at Yuusuke. The boy was out of breath and glancing back as if he had gone crazy. Finally, he took hold of Kurama's collar and shook him.
"You mind telling me just what the hell is going on here?! I just came up to the roof to eat a nice, quiet lunch, and someone who looks exactly like you comes along to beat the shit out of me! Then you show up and suddenly the fight stops! What is going on?! And what the fuck does Touma's soul have to do with it?!"
Kurama pulled away from Yuusuke's grip. "I don't quite know all the answers yet, but I can tell you what I know. Come with me," he said, walking towards the stairs. "Hiei is waiting."
"Jao ensatsu ken!"
"Nani?!"
The branch Hiei had been sitting on was suddenly separated from the tree trunk. The youkai had barely a moment to react, hanging on to Touma as they landed on the ground, keeping the body from being damaged. When the dirt settled, Hiei looked up. His eyes narrowed as his gaze landed upon a perfect image of himself, holding onto a replica of the sword Hiei was able to create from his youki.
"Trees are never very predictable, are they?" the look-alike taunted with a laugh. "You never know when one of the branches might give out."
Hiei snarled, his ruby eyes narrowing to slits. "You!"
"No, you! I must say that you have quite an array of talents, Hiei. That black dragon of yours looks extremely powerful. I can't wait to try it out. Perhaps my master will let me use it on Kurama once he's finished with that bothersome youko."
Hiei got to his feet, drawing his sword.
"Oh, come on, Hiei. Why fight me? I only want Touma's body. The time to kill is later."
"Go to hell! I'm not giving you anything!"
Hiei leapt forward, swinging his sword, small and fast. His double was equally quick, dodging the parry expertly, lashing out with his own sword. Hiei hadn't expected the second demon to be able to dodge and was caught in the arm by the ki. Scowling, he pulled off his now-torn jacket and faced the other youkai.
"What do you want with Kurama?" Hiei demanded.
"That's really none of your business. My master has some old business to take up with the fox, and that's all you need to know. I'm just here to deliver invitations and tie up some loose ends. Now give me the body, Hiei."
"Fuck you!"
"Have it your way." The youkai reluctantly removed the bandanna around his forehead.
Hiei's eyes widened. He was the one! Scowling, he tore off his own headband. The power of each of their Jagans was equally matched. They both would be affected by the clash of psychic energy. But if he did nothing, the other Jagan would overwhelm him and there wouldn't be any chance to protect Touma. Hiei felt a wave of pain as his Jagan opened and was met with the driving force of the second EvilEye. He clenched his teeth, gripping the hilt of his sword to focus, ignoring the pain and making himself fight back. The other demon's sword had vanished, all of his energy concentrated on defeating Hiei. Hiei closed his eyes, the pain making him dizzy. He wouldn't last much longer, but it was a relief to know that his opponent would not be able to keep up the battle either. His only hope was to wear him out before he lost his strength himself. Falling to his knees, the youkai opened his eyes to watch his imposter collapse, knowing he had managed to beat him. With barely any ki left to keep him conscious, he passed out on the grass.
Kurushimi's head came up sharply as Yomi's hands closed tightly on his slight shoulders. He was shaken a bit, his body being racked helplessly beneath his master's iron grip.
"So you like everything to be your size, ne?" he asked, a hint of a growl under the deep voice.
"Master?" Kurushimi began, a bit confused.
Yomi shoved him down onto the bed, looming over him with a certain scowl on his face. Kurushimi lifted himself up to his elbows, reading the look on Yomi's face with his wavering ki. He never expected his master to be this rough for no reason.
"I thought I gave you everything you wanted, Kurushimi," Yomi hissed, capturing the tiny youko's mouth with his own, crushing his tender lips brutally.
"You...you do..." Kurushimi gasped, when he was finally released. "Master..."
"That demon, Seth..."
Huge hands tore at the loose shirt Kurushimi wore, snapping the tailored buttons and shredding the fine silk with their sharp nails. The kitsune gasped as cold hands roamed his flesh, far less than gentle.
"...you like him, don't you?"
"Master...he's nothing but a companion...another of your servants...he means nothing--"
Kurushimi let out a startled yip as fanged teeth sank into the skin of his neck, piercing skin.
"Don't lie to me, Kurushimi. You've been with him every chance you've gotten since he arrived here," Yomi scolded, his tongue lapping up the blood he'd drawn.
The youko shifted uncomfortably beneath him, reaching up to wrap his arms around his master's neck. He brought those harsh lips to his own in his gentle kiss, tasting his own blood.
"If it will please you, Master Yomi," he started, his lips capturing one of the larger youkai's ears and teasing it. His voice was strained, sad, but sincere. "I will stay away from him."
Yomi pulled him into his arms and kissed him fiercely. "You had better, Kurushimi. Or I guarantee, there'll be circumstances."
"Yes, Master."
"Hiei!"
Kurama broke into a run as he noticed Hiei sprawled out on the grass. A large tree limb and Hiei's jacket lay not too far away but Touma was nowhere to be found. Kurama knelt by the youkai's side, carefully rolling him over to lay on his back. He felt a faint pulse as Hiei's ki strived to restore itself. He'd been in battle. The Jagan was closed, unclothed and unwarded.
"Where's Touma?" Yuusuke asked.
Kurama had told him all of the events that had occurred up to that point. He had expected to see Touma along with Hiei.
Kurama touched Hiei's cheek and the fire demon stirred under the contact. One hand came up to touch his head, the movement making him wince.
"My head," he muttered. "Damn it."
"Hiei," Kurama said, helping his friend into a sitting position. "What happened? Where's Touma?"
Hiei frowned, glancing about him. Scowling, he replied, "He should have been laying close by. I defeated...that demon...are they both gone?"
"You were attacked by a youkai?" Yuusuke questioned, crouching down next to the other two.
"Not just any youkai," Hiei muttered with anger in his eyes. "The same demon that tried to be me. He wanted Touma's body...I guess he got what he wanted."
"Goddammit!" Kurama hissed. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Fox. It came down to a battle with our Jagan's. Mine won out, but he must have had a partner. The one I was fighting passed out before I did."
"That must be the one that looked like Kurama on the roof," Yuusuke supplied, frowning.
"You were attacked too?" Hiei wondered. "Kurama, what is going on?"
"Why are you asking me?" Kurama protested. "I wouldn't know anymore than you two would."
"Well, your imposter said that his master was looking for you. You must have some idea who it might be and why he's after you," Yuusuke pointed out.
"Do either of you realise how many enemies I've made in my past life?! More than I can count. All I know is, those demons and their master have messed with you and Yuusuke and put Touma's life on the line! And they're going to pay if it kills me!"
"So you're going to meet them in Makai?" Yuusuke said somberly.
"What choice have I? It's the only way to save Touma and find out just what the hell is going on."
"You know it's going to be a trap," Hiei said seriously, studying Kurama's face.
"I'll take that chance."
"Not alone you won't," Hiei snapped. "One of those demon's is walking around with a black dragon and his sights set on you."
"We'll come with you," Yuusuke said, grinning at the thought of a mission.
Kurama turned to the boy. "That's a kind offer, but you have studying to do. Besides, the more of us that go, the more targets there'll be. It's our business. Let me and Hiei handle it." The youko gave a sidelong glance at the fire demon. "That is, if you're up to it."
"Hn."
Yuusuke pouted, but understood. "You can find Botan at Genkai-'baasan's temple. She can take you guys right to the Makai so you don't have to track down a chance gate. Be careful, guys. I still need tutors."
Kurama grinned and got to his feet. Hiei did the same, gathering his jacket and sword. They prepared to go, but Yuusuke took hold of Kurama's shoulder.
"Congratulations, star student Minamino Shuuichi, you are about to ditch school for the first time in your life."
"And the last, if I can help it. Come on Hiei."
Together, the demon pair headed for Genkai's temple.
Seth carried Touma's body over to the mat on the floor. Carefully, he set it down, kneeling next to it. It was beautiful bait to lure the elusive youko to them.
Before he could tap into his powers to reach the human, he felt a familiar youki. He smiled, forgetting Touma and turning to greet Kurushimi.
"Hey!" he said cheerfully, coming over to kiss him on the cheek.
"Seth," the youko responded.
Seth raised an eyebrow, his smile fading at the dead-serious tone in the kitsune's voice. Kurushimi's expression was dark, more hidden than usual. He pulled back to study the youko worriedly.
"Kurushimi?" he said softly, his hand falling onto his shoulder.
Kurushimi pulled away, causing Seth to blink in surprise. He lifted his head, closed eyes regarding him with no trace of the amusement he usually had when he was with Seth. He inhaled deeply, as though contemplating what to say.
"Seth...I don't know what you think there is between us...but..."
Seth took a step back, crossing his arms, waiting for Kurushimi to continue.
"...but I'm not looking for a relationship with you. I'm sorry if I've led you on. I had no intentions of doing so."
"Ha!" Seth snapped, angry. "Really?! Letting me play the fool every day, kissing me like you care, and you weren't leading me on?! Come on, Kurushimi, what's the real story?!"
"Are you saying that I'm lying?" Kurushimi demanded, his face never changing.
"Damn right, I am! What, I'm not as good as Yomi?! Is that it?! I can't give you gold at every turn, or please you in bed like he can?!"
Kurushimi stepped back. "That's not it, Seth."
Seth turned away from the youko, hurt and angry. "Whatever," he muttered.
Kurushimi let out a barely audible sigh and left the room. I just didn't want you to get hurt...
Seth trudged over to the unconscious human he'd left on the mat. Dejected, he sat down next to it, his arms still crossed, his eyes closing. His mind pulled at Touma's spirit, yanking the unwilling human back into the depths of his soul. He could tell that it was the last place he'd want to be. Perhaps Touma wanted to be near Kurama, even if it wasn't physical. He could easily understand how the kitsune could be so attracted to him. He was everything Kurama would love.
But he doesn't.
"Welcome back." Seth slipped into his mind once again, meeting Touma. Like his body, his spirit was pale. His time was coming very soon.
I wish he loved me. But his heart belongs to someone else.
"Is that so? Doesn't that make you feel that he won't come after you at all? Maybe he'll betray you like he has many others that followed him. Maybe he'll choose his life over yours and leave you with me to die."
I said he didn't love me. I never said he didn't care!
Seth chuckled softly, his voice bitter. He could feel a twinge of doubt enter Touma's mind. "But you wouldn't be the first. Old habits die hard, Touma. If it came down to saving his life over a friend, he would usually chose his. He cared only about himself, conceited youko."
Stop it!
"Does the truth hurt, Touma? How long will it take you to realise that I have nothing to gain by telling you lies."
And yet you have nothing to lose, either.
"Stupid ningen! I know what I'm talking about! I've seen proof!"
Touma's mind wavered now, and Seth continued. He hated to be called a liar, and his current disposition didn't exactly warrant much patience.
"My master, Yomi used to be one of Kurama's partners. Kurama taught him everything he knew to be a thief. Yomi trained, wanting to be just like his mentor. But the fox thought him too ambitious. He thought that my master would become more powerful than he. Selfishly, he made a demand to have him killed. Kurama was sloppy, though, and only succeeded in blinding Yomi. What do you have to say for him, Touma? Someone who adored and looked up to Kurama was made forever blind. You are no different! You have been made blind by his false front and his non-existent love!"
Damn it! Seth felt Touma's resistance crumbling with each word. It can't be true. Kurama cares...I know he does.
"Then why isn't he here? Why isn't he trying to save you? Instead, he chooses to stay with that little Forbidden Child, that little boy!"
Hiei...
"Face it, Touma. He will not come for you. Or if he finally does decide he cares a little, you will already be gone."
Touma stared at him, wide-eyed, tears shining. Seth knew he didn't want to believe him, but his words left him little choice. Touma's faith in Kurama was wavering and it pleased him for a reason he couldn't explain. Perhaps it was because he wanted Touma to believe in him instead of Kurama, or maybe it was the satisfaction of driving the two apart, like something had driven Kurushimi from him. Deciding he was finished, he released his hold on Touma. The spirit fled, no doubt to the traitor he now distrusted. Seth could feel Touma's last wish, and it hurt him. Touma wanted to die at Kurama's side, no matter where he was or how much he really cared.
"Seth!"
The new voice startled the youkai and he withdrew from his mind. He turned to face Yomi. The tall demon was facing him, and even though his blinded eyes were closed, he could feel a piercing gaze. Seth's first instinct was to rail at the taller demon, blame him for Kurushimi's words. But Yomi would have...could have killed him in an instant.
"I'm sorry, Master. What is your request?"
Yomi smiled, walking toward Seth, his long dark robes brushing the ground. He lay a cool hand on the demon's shoulder, making Seth want to yank himself away. "They have come. I want both of them, alive. Kurama is mine to kill and the Forbidden Child shall be a wonderful way to make him suffer. Do you understand?"
Seth nodded, even though Yomi wouldn't see it. "I understand, Master. I shall bring the demons to you."
"Very well."
Yomi turned and left Seth's chambers, and the youkai smiled, evilly thoughtful, anxious for the fun to begin.
"This place never changes," Kurama mumbled, glancing around him.
The Makai was a cesspool of rancid demons, chaos, and taverns. It was sundown by the time he and Hiei got there, the marketplaces either closed or in the process of doing so. Kurama shifted to his youko form, knowing full well that a ningen among youkai would stir up trouble.
"Are you here to sightsee, Fox?" Hiei grumbled, keeping a wary hand close to the hilt of his sword.
"No, but I haven't a clue where to start looking for Touma."
"Look no further, youko, for I am here to take you to him."
The demon pair looked up to see a young boy standing before them. Kurama narrowed his golden eyes. He didn't like being snuck upon, and he never even felt him coming. Shoulder length, pure white hair fell over a pair of silver eyes. The curtain didn't hide his smirk, however. Hiei's sword was drawn, his eyes like burning embers in the fading sunlight.
"Who are you?" Kurama demanded, stepping in front of Hiei.
"You may call me Seth. My master has been awaiting you, Kurama." Seth reached into his hair and pulled out a seed. With a flash of light, it quickly became an odd-looking flower. Kurama recognised it as a Makai plant, but he probably hadn't used it for a long time. Seth smiled sweetly and held the flower to his lips.
"It's beautiful, ne?" he asked softly.
Kurama tensed.
Seth let out a long breath, scattering the reddish-hued pollen in the demons' direction. Too late to move, they began coughing on the rough grains, the perfume clogging their senses. Kurama fought to move, to think, but the only thing that filled him was an irresistible urge to lie down.
"Kurama...don't..." Hiei warned.
"Hiei..."
Against his will, Kurama's taut muscles began to relax. His mind went numb to his surroundings, barely acknowledging the fire demon that collapsed to the ground. The world spun in a crimson haze. His body gave out into a relaxed sprawl as he crumpled to the rough grass. He buried his head in his arms, trying to block out the pollen that bid him to sleep. His furry ears twitched lightly, hearing Seth's laughter. It wasn't much longer before he heard nothing at all.
