Cold, dark, damp. Kurama awoke slowly, his head pounding steadily. Opening his eyes, he beheld a small room. He was laying on a mat, the moonlight streaming in from the screen door on his left. Sitting up, he inhaled sharply, still detecting traces of the horrid flower's perfume. He was alone, Hiei nowhere in sight. His stomach twisted worriedly. Getting to his feet, he silently cursed himself. How could he have been so stupid?! He knew Seth was pulling him right into a trap. He should have just snapped the little bastard's neck and be done with it. Now he was alone and Enma only knew what Seth had done with Hiei. He clenched his teeth. Whoever was behind this was going to pay dearly for messing with him.
Ignoring his vengeful thoughts for a moment, the youko looked around him. There were two sets of doors on opposite sides of the room. One obviously led to the outside, hence the moonlight shining in. The other led into the halls of...wherever the hell he was. The room he was in didn't seem to be guarded. He felt no other presence besides his own. The small area was also not warded. Whoever it was wanted him to get out. He growled lowly, knowing his captor was playing games. Kitsune only played games if they made the rules. Everything felt wrong to Kurama, but he couldn't just stay in that room waiting for a trap to be sprung. He had to find Hiei and Touma. Then he would worry about traps.
His mind made up, Kurama walked cautiously toward the inside door, his steps silent and wary. He slid open the screen door, his eyes trying to adjust to the darkness around him. His sight may have been keen, but he wasn't that skillful at night. That belonged to other predators. Slipping into the hallway, he glanced back and forth. It appeared to be the maze of a temple that he was in. There were silk paintings and oriental fans on the walls. Ancient scrolls were either hung on the bamboo, or set onto reading stands. Kurama felt a shudder run through him as he crept silently down the hall. The area lingered with traces...youki that had once been very familiar. The youko sucked in his breath. It couldn't be...
Very soon, he approached the end of the long hallway. Another screen door stood in front of him. There was little light behind it, only tiny hints of gold tinted through. The lingering ki grew stronger and Kurama could now sense Hiei's ki mingled with the other. There were no guards at this door either, but Kurama's hand instinctively went to his silver hair. He produced a blood-colored rose, preparing to enter the room.
"You may come in, Kurama. I have been awaiting your arrival for such a long time."
That voice! The youko's skin began to crawl, the hair on his neck rising. He knew that voice.
"Yomi..." he whispered to himself.
"In the flesh. The time for being shy has passed, Kurama. Come in so that we may talk. I believe some things of yours have come into my possession."
Kurama scowled and pushed the door open. Sure enough, his old partner sat cross-legged on a soft cushion. His eyes were closed, but Kurama felt as though the demon could see right into his soul. On Yomi's right lay Touma's body, pale, the breath shallow and unsteady. On his left, Hiei was on his knees, staring straight at him with anger and defiance in his eyes. His hands were bound behind his back, apparently warded, for the demon could break bonds and burn binding with the littlest effort. Kurama narrowed his eyes, staring straight at Yomi. Part of him was still in disbelief that his old partner still existed. He had ordered a youkai to kill him, hundreds of years ago.
"Are you surprised to see me alive, Kurama?" Yomi asked, his voice calm, insanely so. "You were not as smart as you thought you were."
Kurama frowned. "Your quarrel is with me, Yomi. Let the others go and give Touma's soul back."
Yomi made a clicking sound with his tongue, smiling eerily at Kurama. His eyes still remained closed and slowly, the truth began to dawn on the youko.
"Oh, but that would spoil my fun, Kurama. You never liked a simple strategy. Things had to be much more complicated. You couldn't kill me with your own hands, so therefore I have the pleasure of making you suffer as I have. These two are the perfect way to make you get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness."
Kurama glanced at Hiei. The garnet eyes remained on him, seemingly unmoved by Yomi's threat. Of course, Kurama knew, the youkai would rather die than show any signs of fear. Somehow, it seemed that there was another pair of eyes on him, more burning and deep, but Kurama shrugged it off. It was probably just Seth.
"That was a long time ago, Yomi. I was young and stupid and I thought you'd get us both killed."
"Not much has changed. You're older and just as foolish, for you will die anyway."
"Not a chance!" Kurama spat.
Flicking his wrist, he held his RoseWhip, ready for anything.
"Such a temper you have," Yomi scolded mockingly. "At least I am able to keep control over my anger. No one sees it unless I choose for them to witness its wrath. I have a lot to be angry for, Kurama. You didn't give a damn about how much I looked up to you. Now we'll see just how much you care when someone you really have affection for!"
Yomi's flung his arm out, his palm aimed straight for Hiei. Before Kurama could blink, a blast of violet ki left him, hitting Hiei in the chest. With a slight grunt, he was thrown to the floor.
"Hiei!" Kurama screamed. He turned his golden eyes on Yomi. "Bastard!"
The thorned whip went sailing in Yomi's direction. Kurama let out a surprised gasp as it was deflected before it even got within a foot of Yomi's face.
"N...nani?!"
"It's useless, Kurama. I've grown quite acquainted with all of your little tricks. Nothing you can do will stop me from tearing you and your companions apart." Without even taking a moment to aim, another shot of ki headed for Hiei. Kurama clenched his teeth. Dropping his whip, he sprang skillfully in front of his friend. He cried out painfully, the ki changing from violet to gold seconds before contact. He struggled to stay on his feet, not daring to move from in front of the youkai.
"Stupid fox, what are you doing?!" Hiei demanded in an enraged hiss. "Get away from me and save your own life!"
"No, Hiei. I can't. I won't just let him kill you!" Kurama practically yelled. "I love..."
He was cut off as another barrage of Yomi's power hit him. He fell to his hands and knees, catching the scent of burning cloth and flesh. He gasped for breath, feeling like he was suffocating. He turned his head away from the direction the ki was coming from struggling to catch some clean air. It was then that he noticed something. Off in a dark corner, a pair of ruby eyes glinted in the soft candlelight. A garnet-ebony glow surrounded a small body, green beginning to erupt from the figure's forehead. Kurama blinked, glancing back behind him.
"Hiei..." he began weakly.
The youkai was loose from his bonds, his hands outstretched for Kurama. Strong arms held him in place as Yomi hit him again. It was too much for Kurama, the pain making every muscle in his body scream for mercy. He threw his head back, his cry echoing in the dim chambers. He had been tricked again. Damn it! He was losing his edge. But he couldn't think properly. Everything in his mind was turning into a haze from the pain and dizziness. Yomi laughed.
"What's the matter, Kurama? Not enjoying the game anymore?"
The intense glow in the corner was growing steadily brighter. Kurama knew who it was and what he was preparing to do. Seth noticed it as well and clenched Kurama's arms tighter.
"Yomi...the other...he's going to release the black dragon..." Seth warned nervously.
"It doesn't matter, boy. If he uses it under the spell of the wards, he'll die."
Kurama's breath caught. Hiei had most likely heard the statement, but never lowered his ki. The burning of fabric reached his delicate nose, probably the bandages on Hiei's right arm being torched by red-hot ki.
"No...Hiei...I don't want to lose you too..."
Kurama felt his mind losing its grip on reality. He slumped in Seth's grip, his head dropping to his chest as he lost consciousness.
Seth felt the youko go limp in his arms. Stealing a hasty glance at the swiftly charging Hiei, he dropped Kurama to the floor. He had no choice but to try and out-match the youkai again. He may have failed before, but the Jagan was a small power. Seth focused his ki, the black dragon appearing on his white skin. He felt unbelievable energy flowing in his veins, and he could see the same garnet flame erupting over his body. He looked back at Yomi. The demon was on his feet.
"Yomi?..." he started.
"Do what you must," came the calm reply.
The walls began to shake, the air teeming with intense youki. On his own, Hiei could level an entire city block... Pieces of the roof drifted to the crumbling foundation. Hiei rose to his feet, his fangs bared, eyes hot with rage.
"Kisama!!!" he screamed. "I won't let you live!"
"You too are going to die!" Seth countered.
The ground shook horribly, every bit of the temple they were in falling apart.
Seth! Don't! You'll kill each other!
The boy froze. "Touma..."
Hiei's ki was steadily building. Seth heard him cry out as the wards began their task of holding his dragon in check.
You can't kill him!
"But if I do, you'll have nothing to stand in your way!"
Seth was sure that his voice wouldn't be heard over the din of the collapsing structure, but he knew Touma could understand every word.
It makes no difference if I am to die anyway! At least give Kurama the chance to be happy!
"No!" Seth ignored Touma's further protests, again concentrating on the dragon that begged to be freed.
Hiei let out another scream, but still did not yield. The air slowly began to smell of burning flesh. Seth smirked, watching Hiei writhe under the wards. The boy had to give him credit for having the guts to contest wards placed by an A-class demon. He would surely die honorably for his efforts.
A flash of red suddenly caught his attention. With lightning speed, a crimson rose split the smoky air. It streaked for the youkai, striking the bonds on Hiei's wrists, disintegrating them in a flash of light. Seth turned back to see the youko collapse once more. Yomi was nowhere to be seen. Seth was alone. Very well, then. He whirled back to face Hiei, the rumbling around them being torn by the screams of the black dragons.
Seth! You're going to kill yourself!
"It doesn't matter! I might as well die fighting!"
Seth was aware of tears on his face. He never thought it would end this way. It was too late to stop the dragon from rearing and challenging Hiei's own. He could feel his life leaving with the beast. Was this how Touma felt? Alone? Afraid to die alone? Once, things had been so clear; he thought he knew how things would be. But now, there was nothing but confusion and fear. Not because he was going to die, but because he had taken the lives of others who didn't deserve it. Touma, especially. He screamed in frustration. So much to regret and nothing in his power to change things.
Wooden beams and the frame of the temple shattered, crashing to the ground. The place was coming down fast. Seth sank to his knees, leaving the dragon to finish what he never would. Crawling carefully, Seth sought out Touma's body among the debris. The air was hard to breathe, and he coughed violently. He finally found what he was looking for and he collapsed beside it. He held the body close, trying to hold onto something.
"Touma?..." he whispered.
No one answered.
Kurama groaned, reaching a hand up to touch his forehead. A mistake, as pain jolted his entire body from the single touch. He winced, his lips curling back over his teeth.
"Oi, Kurama!" a voice scolded. "I haven't had a chance to bandage that yet!"
The voice was masculine, familiar, a comforting sound. There had been so much noise... Kurama opened his eyes, the ache in his head making it a slow process. His vision tilted into focus and he was aware of Yuusuke grinning down at him. The Reikai Tantei got to work cleaning the cut on his head. Pain stabbed his thoughts and he was forced to squeeze his eyes shut once more.
"Yuusuke...where...what happened? I remember being hit by Yomi...but Hiei's dragon...Hiei!"
Kurama sat bolt straight, ignoring the pain. Yuusuke gave a surprised yelp, dropping the cotton and bandages he had.
"Relax, Kurama. The runt's sleeping on the futon."
Kurama turned to see Kuwabara sitting in a desk chair. Blinking, he quickly realised he was in his own room, back in his ningen form. Sure enough, Hiei was laying on the futon, his chest rising and falling steadily. He was a little scraped, his arms wrapped in bandages from wrist to shoulder, but the youkai seemed otherwise healthy. The youko was a bit taken aback when he noticed Seth laying on the floor, tied up at Kuwabara's feet. Kurama turned back to Yuusuke, who again tried to get to his head.
"Where's Touma?" he asked, pulling away from Yuusuke.
"In your mom's room. We didn't know what to do to help him. He..."
Kurama jumped off the bed, his stiff limbs protesting to his movements. He shoved any thought of his own pain away as he ran into Shiori's room. His best friend lay unmoving on the flowered spread, his breathing short and erratic. The sweet face was even more pale and marbled. Kurama sat down on the bed, lifting Touma into his arms. Tears running down his cheeks, he cradled the boy in his lap. Kurama pressed him close, his head falling, salt drops staining the magenta uniform.
"I'm sorry, Touma. I don't know what else to do for you. I don't want you to die. I loved you. It may not have been the way you wished, but I did love you. Don't leave me, Touma..."
The small youko heard the door to his master's chamber open, and he sat up. Yomi stepped in, his clothing torn, though his face wore a satisfied smile. Kurushimi hopped off the bed, and hurried over to the taller youkai.
"Master Yomi? Are you all right?"
Yomi chuckled, almost triumphantly. "I'm fine, Kurushimi. My wishes have been fulfilled, I'm feeling quiet well."
Kurushimi tilted his head. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Master."
Yomi nodded. "I don't expect you to. Prepare a bath for me. I need to relax and have a comfortable night, ne, Kurushimi?"
There was a demanding undertone in his master's words, and Kurushimi hurried to get the order done. He looked back, sadly, hoping to see a glimpse of Seth's white hair, or shining silver eyes, returning with Yomi. But he saw nothing, and knew, regretfully, he would never see his Learner again.
He was there again. It was everything in nothing, and yet, just one important thing. Touma felt his body dying, but his spirit remained with Tenku in the depths of Seth's mind and soul, broken and confused though it was. He didn't understand why he would be called back, and even resented it. He knew he really wanted to be near his dying body, hoping Shuuichi would be there, and die comforted. His heart ached as he regretted never telling Shuuichi how he felt. Somehow, he was sure he already knew, but it would have been better if he had spoken up.
"That is truly sad, isn't it?"
Touma looked up to see Seth standing about ten feet away. The area around him flared up at his appearance. Touma felt dizzy among the vivid blues and silvers. Seth looked tense and unsure, his hands shoved into the pockets of his grey uniform. His white hair fell over his eyes, shining silver and almost mocking.
"Why am I here?" Touma asked, staring at Seth. "Why can't you just let me die in peace?! You have everything! Why?!"
Seth looked at him for a long moment. "I have nothing."
"My last wish is to be with Shuuichi, and you bring me back here! What more do you want from me?!"
Touma was on the verge of tears. Ever since he had been thrown into the crazy mess, he had managed to keep his cool. He sustained Seth's tales of Shuuichi's past, always contemplating their accuracy, hoping that he would somehow be saved. But now...now he knew that things were ending, dwindling on the final string of Tenku's Chi. With it came the flood of regrets, promises he hadn't kept, dreams he would never fulfill. His guide into death was a heartless demon and Touma wanted to run...but there was nowhere to go.
"You surprise me, Touma. You know the extent of Kur...Shuuichi's past and you still wish to die in his arms. Don't you feel any kind of dislike, mistrust? Don't you feel hate for his lies or anger for his actions?" Seth demanded.
Touma lifted his eyes to Seth's, holding the silver gaze as tears crept down his cheeks.
"Of course I do. I am human. But I also know of forgiveness and love. I loved Shuuichi for all that he is. He's changed. I've forgiven his past and love him now!"
Seth approached Touma, never breaking their gaze. They were barely a foot apart and both nearly the same size, eye-to-eye.
"And me?" Seth asked. He reached up to brush away the tears falling, touching Touma's cheek almost tenderly.
Touma shivered, his mind going back to the night Tenku was consumed. Shuuichi...wiping away his tears...No! That had been Seth! Touma squeezed his eyes shut, forcing out more hot tears. He lowered his head.
Seth slid his hand under Touma's chin. Touma opened his eyes as his face was lifted to Seth's gaze again.
"If your heart is so pure, Touma, can you forgive me?"
Touma's stormy blue eyes blinked. He pulled away from Seth's hand and stared off at nothing. "I can't judge you, if that's what you mean. I don't know the circumstances of your actions. I only know that you are human...or at least you can hurt and feel pain like one. Humans make countless mistakes, and for them to be at peace, someone has to forgive. Yes, Seth. I forgive you, for all that it's worth."
Seth paused, studying him, Touma's answer beyond what he'd expected after all that he'd done. Seth moved his hand to Touma's hair, brushing his fingers through it soothingly. Touma flinched and tried to pull away. Seth's hand tightened around his cobalt locks, not letting him go. Touma found himself being pulled into the boy's arms, his cheek pressed near Seth's shoulder. It was an awkward embrace that Touma wanted to get out of, but the grip that held him was strong. It almost seemed as if this rough, uncaring demon actually needed the contact as much as he did. Seth pressed the side of his face against Touma's hair.
"I'm sorry."
It was so soft that Touma was sure he heard it in his mind more than he had heard the voice itself. His heart was torn apart under such a small assault on his emotions. In that single moment, he heard the despair, the lonliness that Seth had been hiding so well. He was no different from Touma in the sense that he had no one to love him. Touma was aware that the hold on him had gone slack, not only in Seth's embrace, but the mental hold as well. If Touma wanted, he could grant his wish and spend his last moments in Shuuichi's arms. But things had changed. Touma realised that when he was gone, Shuuichi...Kurama would still have Hiei, his love from the start. Touma didn't stand a chance against the youkai, no matter how close he had gotten in his absence. It was a saddening thought.
::There is always someone who can love you::
Touma blinked. He wasn't sure who had really said it. He knew he was thinking it...but... He lifted his head from Seth's shoulder. Their eyes met. There were no tears on Seth's face as there were on him, but he knew that the boy was crying on the inside. Somehow, he could feel the sobs resonating in his soul. It made fresh tears spring to his eyes.
::Don't cry. Please don't. It never helps::
Touma nodded, even though he'd meant to say that for Seth's benefit. Touma slid his arms around Seth's waist and pulled their hips together. Touma sighed softly, his breath being taken in by Seth as he gasped, startled.
::You're going to leave me::
Touma shook his head, Seth's pain and sadness washing over him as if they were his own emotions.
::No, I'm not::
Touma leaned forward and kissed Seth gently.
::Touma...::
Seth's arms tightened around Touma, and this time, he didn't pull away. Their lips stayed together for a few moments before Touma released them, blushing furiously. For a long time, they couldn't tear their eyes away from each other.
::Is this right?::
It was Touma's question, but the curiosity filled them both.
::Does it feel that way?::
Touma sighed, smiling sweetly at Seth as he thought.
::Yes. It feels perfect::
Seth pressed them closer together, nuzzling his face in Touma's soft hair.
::I thought I could shut myself away from love, I've forgotten what it really is::
Touma's breath was hot against his neck, the tingling beginning to echo throughout his body. Touma pressed his lips to the soft skin.
::If you let me, I'll remind you::
Hiei ignored the two protesting humans as he left Kurama's room. Kuwabara tried to stop him, and the youkai shoved him into the nearest wall. His face grave, he found the room of Kurama's mother and silently peered into the open doorway. The youko was sitting on the bed, holding Touma in his lap, crying. Hiei frowned. His doubts slowly began to take shape again, and he wondered whether he should just leave Kurama behind...leave him with his own kind. It was a tempting thought...that would only show his weakness. No! He'd rather die. And he almost had. He looked down at his bandaged arms, feeling the dull burn from his ki. The wards would have killed him, a fate he would have accepted for Kurama's life. The youko had spared him an early death. Surely, that must have meant something. And what Kurama had said before he passed out...
Hiei stepped into the bedroom, approaching the bed with practiced silence. Swallowing hard, he put a warm hand on Kurama's shoulder.
"You okay?" he asked quietly, keeping his gaze low.
Kurama lifted his head, turning to look at Hiei. The youkai could feel the emerald stare on him and he shifted his weight nervously.
"I'm all right, but Touma..." he replied in the softest of voices.
It was a sweet sound to Hiei, but so filled with sadness that it tore the youkai's heart to hear it. Maybe he had been wrong after all.
"You couldn't save him?" Hiei continued, climbing up next to Kurama.
"I don't know how, Hiei."
Hiei looked down at Touma, not knowing what to say next. He frowned, reprimanding himself for not thinking things through a little further. Touma was going to die soon, and no one knew what to do or say to stop it. It was hurting Kurama to see it happening, and while Hiei cared less about the human's life, he cared for Kurama. But if words didn't reveal the truth...
Hiei pressed his teeth together, his body tensing as he moved one arm around Kurama's waist. Shifting his position, the other crossed his chest. He pulled Kurama into his fiery embrace, their cheeks pressing together. Hiei could feel the warm tears, damp against his face. Kurama brought one hand up to Hiei's back, and they held each other for a long time.
"Thank you, Hiei," Kurama whispered.
Hiei didn't reply for a moment, his thoughts a jumble of the questions he wanted answered before he got himself permanently attached to the crazy youko.
"Did you mean what you said at Yomi's?" Hiei finally questioned. He pulled back to look at Kurama, studying his face to get some hint to the fox's reply.
"Do I love you, Hiei?" Kurama answered. His mouth curled into a smile that made Hiei's heart flutter in hope. "I always loved you...but I never thought you would...I didn't know..."
Hiei moved to press his finger to Kurama's lips, quieting him. Smirking, he replaced his hand with his mouth, joining them in a single kiss. Hiei's mind collapsed from relief and contentment, allowing him to surrender and be at Kurama's mercy. His dream had become a reality. Fears that he would never be loved were suddenly lifted away. He was whole, complete.
A sudden movement made the demon pair break apart. Touma groaned and shifted in Kurama's lap. Hiei pulled back as Kurama lifted the boy into a more comfortable position, having neglected his comfort in the moment. Touma's cheeks were now flushed a soft pink, his breath steady and strong. Kurama's eyes lit up, his smile wider. He glanced at Hiei, the joy evident on his face. Touma made another noise, opening his dark blue eyes. They blinked for a moment, then turned to look at the couple above.
"Shuuichi..." Touma said softly. "Is it...really you?"
Kurama took Touma's hand. "It's me, Touma. Thank Enma your alive. I was afraid you would die."
"He...Seth saved me."
Hiei frowned as he watched the human's eyes turn distant, the way Kurama had looked only a few moments before. Seconds later, they were again focused on the youko.
"Shuuichi...Kurama...we need to have a talk."
Kurama looked horribly surprised to hear the ningen speak his true name. As far as Hiei knew, Touma had no knowledge of it.
"Is he alive?" Touma asked, sitting up to face Kurama. His face was serious, concerned. "Did you save Seth too? Is he here?"
Kurama nodded. "Yes...he is here...why are you so worried about him? I don't understand..."
Touma smiled, a calm, knowing smile. He looked at Hiei and Kurama, the smile becoming wider. "You do understand, Kurama. Trust me, you do."
End Part 3
