I'm afraid this will be moving at a fast pace as I didn't originally intend for this to be a multiple chapter story. It was supposed to be a one-shot but… well you know how it is.
Time on my hands: Thank you… but no pressure right? Wow now I feel like I'm going to disappoint, though your review had me glowing.
Ladyasile: Thanks. Nice to hear from you again.
Chaseha-Wing: Yup uh oh is right. Thanks for the review and its always a treat to read one of your reviews.
Disclaimer: A bit redundant but ya know the drill. I don't own YYH nor the song No Giving Up by Crossfade
Kurama looked over his friends and felt a trickle of gratitude. It had been five hours since Hiei had lost conscious and night was falling quickly. They had all holed up in his room waiting for Hiei to wake up but they would soon be leaving as he could not accommodate all of them.
Yukina would stay with him as Shiori would demand it as soon as she came home, giving her the spare room. Talking about Shiori, Kurama was glad he did not have to explain this to her, well at least not all of it. He had long moved out of his mother's home but after the incident Shiori had become ill and Kurama had insisted she come stay at his apartment.
Six months ago Shiori had found out all his secrets in a stunning revelation that still brought warmth and a flood of love in Kurama. Shiori, he had been told, had been shocked and regressed to slight denial before taking charge and accepting him and his demon heritage.
Fox spirit and all he was first and foremost her son whom she loved unconditionally.
Who would have thought that a car would nearly kill the infamous Yoko Kurama and genius prodigy Suichi Minamino? As he lay on the hospital bed he had unknowingly converted into Yoko, his human body would not have lasted long. Shiori had walked in right after Yusuke and in front of Hiei.
Kurama had been somewhat relieved he had been unconscious and had woken up to only a slightly freaked Shiori.
The only warning Kurama had was a low growling before a very deadly katana was placed across his throat. One wrong move and he would not live to see the dawn. Yusuke and the rest jumped to their feet making Hiei take a painful grip on his arm and drag him back the katana never moving.
"Hiei what the hell are you doing to Kurama!"
"Who the hell are you people? Make sure I like your answer or you won't live long enough to regret it." came Hiei's guttural response full of ice and deadly promise. Kurama's eyes widened.
Something was terribly wrong.
Slowly he brought his hands up palm up so Hiei could see he was not a threat. Kurama winced when he felt the edge of Hiei's katana sink into his flesh but he did not move another muscle. He slowly waved a hand side to side indicating he wished to speak.
A low grunt and the easing of the katana implied he was allowed to talk, but was also a warning to not try anything foolish. "Hiei, do remember anything before you ended up in my room?"
Clearly Hiei had no memory of them. He would have suspected it to be a prank from anyone other than Hiei. It was obvious Hiei had no recollection of any of them and that meant they where an enemy to him.
Hiei thought for a moment but the pounding in his head made it difficult. He had been… he didn't know what he had been doing. But this could be a trick. Why was he in the Ningenkai and why was…
"Yukina!" he cried out with out realizing it. Had these men been keeping her hostage here? A murderous haze ran through Hiei at the thought , a low growl escaped his throat and he threw the red headed human away from him as he ran at the closest one to his lost twin sister intending to kill him on the spot.
He flipped neatly to the side and brandished his katana when the black haired human interrupted his kill. Narrowed eyes viewed the motley crew as Hiei's brain worked furiously on an escape plan. His gaze kept on drifting to the silent red haired hanyou.
Contrary to popular belief Hiei was extremely intelligent and his mind was working frantically to provide answers. He could easily set fire to this whole damn building and everyone in it but it would call too much attention and despite being tenacious he wasn't stupid.
Arrogant perhaps but not foolish. He knew he wasn't strong enough to beat this group, his body felt weak and these were extremely powerful demons despite their appearance. If they had hidden reinforcement he didn't know how he would get out and at the moment his sisters' safety was his priority.
But strangely enough he felt he knew this motley group but try as he might all he got was pain for his efforts. His head was throbbing and threatening to explode. It was almost like he was feeling the after effects of having his jagan implanted.
Another life force was quickly making its way upstairs and before any of the strange familiars could move the door opened and a human woman walked in. Seeing his chance Hiei acted on instinct flashing by the group faster than they could anticipate or react to and gripped the woman's throat and slammed her against the opened door unconsciously making sure he did not crush or bruise her.
Immediate stillness and danger perpetrated the room. Hiei could sense the most danger from the beautiful red head.
"Hiei leave her out of this. She has nothing to do with this" came his low voice but riddled with equally icy promise.
Hiei growled and caught the hand reaching for him. He glared at the human and something inside him stuttered. The woman was looking at him with kind eyes, no pity or fear just...quiet understanding and...affection?
Slowly the woman's free hand came up and Hiei growled warning her away as he bared his fangs intending to severe the limb but the woman ignored it. A soft tender hand cupped his cheek "Hiei"
At the sound of the soft voice images of the woman flashed through his mind; laughing at him but not cruelly instead slightly teasing. Shiori was her name. Mother to…pain exploded in his head and he growled low in his chest again releasing the hand he had shackled and placed his free hand against his head.
Both of Shiori's arms came up and circled around Hiei's shaking form. For a moment Hiei felt comforted. Pieces of memories flitted through his mind. Shiori cooking for them, Shiori bringing up sweet snow, reading a book quietly while they both waited for someone, quiet days in the park and always, always warmth and comfort.
And the red head, he was always there laughing with him, leaning close, touching him in an affectionate manner.
Snarling he tore himself away from the hatefully comforting arms and made a dash for his sister scoping her up and ignoring the panicked yells and slight shriek from his twin as he jumped out of the window confident none of the strangers could match his speed.
Shiori slumped to the floor her dazed eyes meeting her sons frantic gaze. "You used to be like that when you were a small child." She commented "Not as forceful but confused and defiant. And always a little lost."
Kurama nodded, it was a reminder as well as advice. They were dealing with a hostile and fractured demon with no recollection of who they were. It was like square one all over again.
Hiei felt someone give chase and he knew with out doubt it was the red headed hanyou. He could hear a buzzing that was his sisters voice but nothing penetrated the crashing waves of pain in his head. He was running blindly his feet taking him down a familiar path.
Hiei had always lived by trusting his instincts and now they were telling him to go this way and to not kill the one perusing him. Entering a frustratingly familiar forest he sped through the branches careful not to hurt or jostle Yukina.
Finding a suitable perch where the wind did not reach her Hiei placed her down gently and involuntarily ran a hand down her cheek quickly "Don't move from here. I'll be back momentarily." He order gruffly before fleeting away to meet his adversary.
He was a little surprised when the red head approached him in a short amount of time. They stood facing each other seeing who would break first. Kurama sighed and shook his head.
"This reminds me of the first time we met years ago." he said in hopes of jostling Hiei's memories. "I know you believe I am your enemy but I am not."
Hiei said nothing simply stood there. Something inside him was screaming that he could trust the man but at the same time he felt threatened. "What are you?"
Kurama took it in strides. "I am half human, the soul of Yoko Kurama resides within me."
He abruptly sat down wincing and massaging his legs. Normally Kurama would not show a sign of weakness but if being vulnerable helped right now it was no real hardship for him. A curious glint came into Hiei's ruby eyes.
"Your legs…"
Kurama looked up his voice calm and steady but his eyes were alert to every expression every tone. "I was in a car accident a couple months ago. They said I would never be able to walk again and perhaps that would have been true if you had not been there."
Slowly as if against his will Hiei walked closer to Kurama. A few shy feet away he collapsed onto his knees his hands going to his head and a groan of pain escaped him.
"Hiei please let me help." Kurama implored.
"You were…giving up"
Flashback
So you found out today your life's not the same;
Not quite as perfect as it was yesterday.
But when you are just getting in the groove,
now you're faced with something new.
Hiei sat in the window sill of Kuramas living room where he watched the entire group plus Kurama's mother try to coax the red head to stand up. It had been a three in a half months since the accident and Kurama had progressed to being able to stay on his feet for a few minutes with out help.
He could take slow painful steps if he was between those two sticks or some one helped him but that tired him easily and it was more shuffling than actual steps.
Yukina had been able to repair the muscle damage and bone damage when the ningens had told his fox he would not be able to walk again due to the severed tendons in his legs and the bones had shattered completely. But Yukina could not restore his mobility that was up to Kurama.
And I know it hurts and I know you feel torn.
But you never gave up this easily before.
So why do you choose today to give it all away?
His fox was losing his fighting spirit.
Hiei could see how Kurama retreated into himself a little more each day. The light that had drawn Hiei like a moth was slowly burning out leaving an empty shell of who the lively if secretive fox used to be.
Hiei saw Kurama muster up some determination, his green eyes lighting a little. The fire demon held his breath, his hands clenched as he saw his partner struggle to stand on his own.
Hiei's chest tightened painfully when Kurama fell back into a sitting position. Pride arose when the fox shook his head at the helping hand Yusuke offered him and once again attempted to stand only to fall again.
Shiori rushed to her sons' side along with Yukina and Botan. Hiei watched as the woman began to coddle him, cooing that it as alright and he felt anger rise.
Didn't they see they where smothering the fox? Making him feel incompetent?
Hiei's stood abruptly with the realization. Nobody noticed as they where to busy fussing over the blank eyed man with the fake smile.
He knew what he had to do but Hiei hoped his fox would forgive him. If not …
Well it's not so bad ya'll; together we all fall.
Just as long as we get up we'll stand tall.
We shouldn't waste another day thinking 'bout the things that we forgot to say.
"Get out of my way" Hiei ordered in a harsh voice pushing Kuwabara and Yusuke out of the way. Ignoring the annoyed comments from the two he sent the women a fierce scowl that made them move away from the listless red head.
"Stand up" Hiei ordered. Kurama shook his head slowly.
"I can't. I've already tried."
"Then try again" came Hiei's harsh reply. Kuramas eyes widened, surprise and a little hurt flickered in his eyes. Hiei had never used that tone with him.
Kurama lowered his eyes; he couldn't face Hiei not when he was defeated. His head snapped up when rough hands picked him up by his shirt.
"I don't care how many times you've tried. You are going to stand up one way or the other fox!" Hiei shouted as he shook the astonished fox spirit.
"Let go Hiei. I don't care anymore, I've been trying for months and I just can't anymore." He pleaded in a tired voice.
Kurama flew back to land roughly on the floor after Hiei punched him. No one dared to move, dared to breathe as the red head slowly sat up a hand cupping his already bruising cheek. His hand came away smeared with his blood.
In a flash Hiei was surrounded by an angry mobbed, yelling at him of how insensitive he was, a bastard. How could he hit Kurama while he was hurt?
Hiei paid no attention to those around him. His eyes were focused in the disbelieving green eyes of the one on the floor.
"Shut up, all of you!" the cold command stopped everyone's torrent of words. "I've been sitting here watching all of you tripping over your damn feet to give poor defenseless Kurama anything and everything he needs and I'm disgusted."
Kurama had lowered his eyes a suspicious sheen to them but Hiei forged on steeling his heart "Makai's greatest thief and lover rendered helpless. Bo ho. You think you are the only one with problems? Three months and that's it? That's as long as you are willing to fight?"
Hiei's voice was filled with disgust, his eyes cold and flat all the while his heart was giving painful little jerks every time Kurama's shoulders jerked as if his words were physical blows.
"You used to be great even as a human because you had a demons spirit but now you're nothing but a helpless useless human." He sneered.
"Be quiet Hiei" came Kuramas quiet voice.
"What did I hurt your human feelings?" Hiei snorted "I'm done wasting my time here. As a matter of fact I believe I'll pay Yomi a visit before I go to Alaric, tell him his prized and accomplished demon is no more. Perhaps I'll take him as a partner. He honed his skills despite his blindness, more than what you have done, that is for sure. Hell even Makuro, once human is a step up from you."
I'm hitting back ya'll;
kicking these four walls just as hard as I can till I can't crawl
I won't waste another day with all these silly things swimming in my brain.
"Shut up Hiei!"
Hiei looked down on Kurama sneering "Or what?"
Kurama's eyes where blazing, flecks of gold rimming the green. "I'm warning you. I will not take this not even from you."
Hiei laughed "Oh now I'm scared. What? You're going to kill me with a glare from down there?"
Kurama was livid as he got to his knees and slowly pushed himself up ignoring his burning muscles. Holding one of the wooden support poles he advanced towards Hiei in his haze of red he did not hear the gasps nor did he see Yusuke holding everyone back his eyes calculating with an undertone of surprise and hope belying his cool brainless brawler image.
His eyes where solely trained on the ruby eyes ahead of him, the ones that were filled with smugness and disdain.
There's no giving up! NO!
Do you really want to give this all away?
Can't you ever see things in a different way?
Some days; There's no giving up! NO!
Such a beautiful thing to throw away.
You should think things through over and over again.
Yea Yea, All over again yea yea
A foot away from Hiei he grasped the fire demons shirt and tugged him towards him bending slightly down until their noses were scant inches apart.
"Don't you dare mock me again Hiei. You have been my friend and partner for years now but I will not accept this talk from you or anyone. Repeat what you have said or continue to do so and I swear to you, you will regret it friend or not. Am I understood?"
Hiei was pleased but he wanted more. He slapped the hands away his posture of defiance.
"Why shouldn't I Kurama? You have given up on everything so why do you care? Weren't you just a few minutes ago sitting on the floor over there contemplating the end of your life? How you couldn't go on any longer?"
Kurama was shocked. He had momentarily considered suicide. Being a fox spirit the possibility of being caged, unable to run and go where he pleased had been overwhelming especially when he could see the pity and disillusion in his friends eyes. The blank stares that revealed nothing from his red eyed partner.
His partners eyes, that were mere inches away.
So your scars fade away; you soaked up the pain
A better person 'cause you lived through those days but;
And now you know what it's like to prove
you can overcome anything that gets to you.
Kurama looked at Hiei his eyes wide in wonderment, anger forgotten to be replaced with tentative hope and a sense of loss.
Hiei held Kurama up by his waist when the red heads legs buckled. With his trade mark smirk Hiei's low rough voice reached the stunned fox
"And here I thought I would have to kick your ass a little more before you stopped being as stupid and stubborn as those two idiots." He said jerking his head to the overwhelmed boys.
"I was kind of looking forward to it too."
"Hiei! I…I stood up…and I…walked" Kurama stuttered his eyes filled with hope, determination and…something Hiei did not understand or know it's name for but made his stomach do funny flips.
"Hn. Brilliant deduction fox. Maybe you should be the detective" he said roughly. Hiei couldn't stop the pride that spread through him as he saw his old Kurama fighting back.
Kurama gave a weak laugh "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?"
Well it's all right we're saying our goodbyes;
to the past that everything that ain't right
We won't waste another day with all these silly things in our brains.
"That's right fox, you are strong" Hiei murmured and uncharacteristic gently lowered Kurama back down. "Don't forget it"
Kurama looked up his eyes again shinning with that peculiar gleam Hiei was unaware of. When Hiei would have moved away to fade into the shadows Kurama kept a surprisingly strong grip on him.
A single word was torn out of the red heads lips and because Hiei knew how much it had cost the fox he silently stepped behind the fox as the rest crowded around him, making sure Kurama could feel him pressed against his back.
"Stay."
I know we have given all that we can give
When there's nothing to lean on
Well I remember this;
All we make of this lifetime is always here within
And remembering that's why
We should never give in!
After the excitement Hiei helped Kurama up to his feet and they slowly made their way to the fox's bedroom, temporarily moved to the first floor.
Hiei was pleased when Kurama tried walking with out much of Hiei's help. Entering the room Hiei guided Kurama to his bed where the fox gratefully sat and watched Hiei move around collecting the things he would need for the night. Kurama's green eyes were shadowed, not with worry but with puzzlement.
Kurama had hoped Hiei would someday be comfortable around him and had resigned himself to a strictly friendship/partner relationship but with these turns of events…he was not so sure anymore.
"Hiei, why?"
Kurama's sharp eyes caught the minute hesitation in Hiei's strides before he roughly began undressing Kurama and redressing him, unconsciously rearranging the wayward hair.
Silence prevailed and Kurama sighed. What happened today was nothing short of a miracle and he would not push it. After Hiei had helped him settle into his bed Kurama laid still looking up at the ceiling.
After what seemed like hours he felt the slight shift indicating Hiei had lain next to him. Keeping his breathing even Kurama waited patiently almost drifting off.
Kurama almost missed the nearly inaudible words murmured but warmth spread through his body, tears pricked his eyes and a smile bloomed.
"Because you pulled me from the dark abyss and kept me safe. I can do no other than help my best and only friend. What's more I would want nothing else."
End Flashback
Hiei looked up recognition lit his eyes as well as pain. "Kurama" he breathed out.
The fox spirit let out an enormous sigh of relief and caught the falling fire apparition. Re-arranging him gently so Hiei was cuddled against him he asked softly "How much do you remember?"
Hiei was silent for a few minutes. "Enough to know I would probably regret skewering you"
Kurama chuckled lightly "Thank goodness for that."
Hiei was silent as he stayed in now familiar arms as snippets of memories with his fox flitted through his mind. Everything was jumbled and often made no sense but he knew enough to trust his judgment, something he was not altogether too sure he should be doing.
Different times, different places but always that underlying feeling of something foreign yet comfortable. Kurama laughing, yelling, coolly assessing as a fox spirit or as a red head. Challenging and teasing, unyielding but oddly compassionate. Emotionless to all but him, he who was a trusted companion.
All the thoughts and emotions made him dizzy and a sudden wave of exhaustion over came him, but nothing not even the sense of dread, of panic at succumbing to the darkness where he would be vulnerable did the feeling of being around the fox disappear.
The impossible yet irresistible feeling of home.
His troubling thoughts were interrupted. "Hiei I know right know you don't know enemy from ally, but your instincts at least tell you I can be trusted. We need to find who did this to you and why it affected you. Also…"
He felt Yukina's presence approach just as his eyes dropped. "Fox" Kurama paused.
"I have no idea what the hell you are talking about and this is only adding to my headache. I have no allies. Besides Yukina is coming."
Warm silky lips brushed his forehead "Alright Fire Baby. Sleep now."
Hiei wanted to grumble it wasn't as he had much choice but the darkness claimed him. Kurama looked up when Yukina approached them. "The rest are coming and the temple isn't that far." She ventured.
Nodding Kurama stood up slowly and once again lifted an unconscious Hiei in his arms. They walked side by side to the temple. Reaching it Yukina led the way to Hiei's usual room when he stayed at the temple.
"What is going to happen now Kurama?"
Kurama brushed his hand against Hiei's slightly rough cheek. "I'm not sure Yukina, but Hiei won't give up and neither will we. We need to figure out a lot of things, mainly who would do this to Hiei and why the Maliks plant affected him. More importantly we need to find a quick method of regaining Hiei's memory. If he can't remember us we will just have to make new memories together."
Just then dawn broke through the window and illuminated Kuramas' hair causing a red halo to spread around him while Hiei's hair blazed a dark blue like twilight. Yukina observed how the colors represented their auras and they intermingled and fit.
Smiling she walked out of the room leaving her brother in the capable hands that already held his heart.
OK so this is rushing it and probably a bit confusing but all will become clear in time.
Please review!
