Shuichi caught her before her forehead could slam the floor. Trickles of crystals fall from the hem of her sleeves down to the tatami mat as soon as she fell on to Shuichi's arms. He made it a priority to take her to one of the rooms where the girls are staying. Botan and Keiko immediately followed him to help with anything he might need them for. He noticed that she was burning up with fever and was breathing hard. He hurriedly paced through the girl's room and tucked her in one of the beds. Shuichi asked the girls to grab some towels and cold water to lower her fever. The room consist of 4 beds which Genkai had especially arranged for the girls and of course—their occasional slumber party. The boys just normally grab futons and lay it in the huge living room. Genkai have a soft spot for the gang knowing she'll never have kids of her own. He headed back to the living room and left her in Botan's care. He was fascinated with the crystals that fell from her sleeve.
"This is strange—this doesn't look like a hiruseki stone." He handed over the crystals to Kuwabara and Yusuke.
"Is this…?" Yusuke trailed off looking at Genkai and tried to understand where it came from.
"Yes. I saw them fell from her eyes and solidified right before it landed on the pavement." Genkai wrapped her hands around the beautiful ceramic cup and brought them up her lips to take a peaceful sip.
"So, she's like my beautiful Yukina?" Kuwabara munched on the cookies while being giddy.
"Not quite, she doesn't give off demonic spirit like any of us do. She feels more like Genkai and Kuwabara in a sense." Shuichi felt for the crystals in between his fingertips.
Everyone's attention was caught with a coughing fit heard from the other side of the room. Genkai rose from her seat and tend to the source of the sound. Hiei was on his elbows and sweating profusely that he had to kick off the blanket. His blurred vision slowly steadied as he saw familiar gray locks of hair handing him a wet cloth. He grabbed it from Genkai and cleaned his face with the damp cloth.
"Damn…you look like shit, Hiei." Kuwabara peered through the room with cookie crumbs on his face. Hiei paid no heed as he does feel like every part of his body is crippled with painful stabbing pain.
"You need a long time to recover your strength Hiei. It might take months." Shuichi stepped forward from behind Kuwabara and kneel down to check on Hiei.
"Neither did I expect that the portal would take so much of your power." Genkai spoke in a concerned tone. "Remain here to recover your strength." The old lady left the boys in the room to prepare for dinner.
Shuichi leaned over and aided Hiei to stand up. He escorted him to the next room. Yusuke scooted over and gave Hiei the closest zabuton to sit on. Hiei could feel that his strength isn't regenerating as fast as he wanted it to be. Shuichi poured warm tea on a clean ceramic cup and offered it to Hiei. Hiei is not one who enjoys tea, he is more of a sake kind of guy; but his stomach is craving for something warm. He silently took the offer and reluctantly looked at the brewed leaves before taking it in. He felt the slightly bitter tinged concoction enveloped his tongue and warm his stomach. He rested is elbow on the table and his head on his palms.
"Genkai said she will help you shorten the regeneration time of your reiki." Kuwabara patted Hiei's back as if there's going to be no problem at all. The goof was still enjoying the homemade cookies Yukina left in the temple.
"I see." That was all Hiei could mutter as his thoughts drift off to Fubuki. He wondered why he had to go through such lengths to ensure that there won't be any scratch on her. He could have just let her suffer a little, so they could safely pass through the portal. He wondered if it is because she plagued his dreams. He doubted her, he assumed that this woman has something more and she could not be trusted. He was determined to pry her goals and see what she is hiding. A smirk crossed his face and his plan was set in motion.
Fubuki was stirred up by birds chirping and her stomach growling. Half awake and half asleep her nose twitched into a very delicious aroma. Her eyelids flutter open and she woke up in an unfamiliar room. She clearly remembered she was staying by Hiei's side. She must have lost consciousness. As soon as she tried to get out of bed, she noticed that she wasn't alone in the room. A woman with a long beautiful blue colored hair happily trotted towards her. Her red jacket over her white tank top matched her skinny black jeans well. Fubuki thought that this woman is very fashionable and beautiful. She never thought of a very modern sense of clothing.
"Fubuki, I am Botan." Fubuki was at loss of words when Botan came rushing and grabbed both of her hands. "Let's be good friends. Wash your face and change in to these clothes. I guess Hiei bought them for you right before you guys were chased by demons."
"Oh…how is he?" Fubuki asked and looked at the beautiful set of kimonos laid on the bed beside hers. The kimono was pearl white embroidered with mint blue and silver flowers. She looked at them and was very grateful for this man she owed her life to the second time.
"He's fine. He's already outside training. I'll be waiting down stairs for breakfast." Botan hopped away and gave her privacy.
She stood up and trailed her hands on the soft fabric of the kimono. She smiled thinking that Hiei was a very thoughtful person and that he saved her life twice. She eventually vowed to herself to help him with whatever he may need. After washing her face and fixing her kimono, she oddly looked at the small box that was laid beside the kimono she was wearing. It was a plain wooden box. Her slender fingers held the slender box and her free hand removed the upper lid. There it was, the kanzashi she was admiring in the trading post in Makai. Her face was slightly tinged with pink knowing he bought it for her when she wasn't looking. She hesitantly held her hair up and tie it with the pin. It matched the kimono she was wearing and with a lovely smile in her face—she went down stairs; eager to see him again. She followed he source of different voices, they sounded cheerful. She clearly remembered that these were Hiei's friends from yesterday. She couldn't introduce herself to them because she was clearly shaken with what happened to him. She braced herself and slid the door open, she was expecting an awkward silence from being an outsider. She was surprised that most of them stood and gave her space to sit with them. She only knows Genkai, Kurama and the blue haired girl Botan. There were three more people in the room. Her gaze travelled from a very cute brunette who seems to be busy stretching the face of another unfamiliar man with silky black hair brushed up in an old-fashioned way. Then her attention was caught with an oddly orange haired man whose voice seemed to topple everyone else's.
"Fubuki! You haven't met Keiko, Yusuke and Kuwabara yet right?" Botan jumped on her seat and ushered her on a space in the crowd. She couldn't react when Kuwabara, the orange head suddenly gave a weird flex pose as he introduced himself.
"Kuwabara, the savior of beautiful women and the strongest of the Urameshi team!" Fubuki giggled as Kuwabara keeps flexing.
"Hi, I am Keiko!" Keiko took both of her hands and shook it. Fubuki felt that there is so much warmth in this woman. "And this is my jerk of a boyfriend, Yusuke."
"What jerk?! Oh…hello!" Yusuke beamed her a very charming smile.
"Nice to meet you all, my name is Fubuki." She gave a graceful bow to everyone. However, her thoughts drifted to the missing person that she badly wanted to see the most.
"Alright, let me call Hiei so we can all start eating." Kurama excused himself but as soon as he stood up, the door opened again and Hiei entered the room.
"There's no need, Kurama." He coldly muttered and entered the room. Fubuki's eyes were glued to him. Although, this wasn't the first time she saw him shirtless, she became more conscious of him. He looked like he just got out of the bath. His hair was still glistening with water and his scent faintly enveloped the room. She watched how the muscles in his arms tensed and relaxed as he braced himself down the floor. He sat across her and not even giving her a single look.
"Let's eat." Her gaze broke when Genkai asked them to help themselves.
Hiei noticed her gaze and he decided not to return it. He finished his meal and went out again for training. Fubuki followed the girls and helped them wash the dishes. Botan and Keiko were busy talking about Yusuke and his weird antics. Fubuki giggled listening to the profanities and the things that Yusuke's girlfriend talks about.
"So, Fubuki—do you agree that Kurama is such a handsome man?" Botan said in a teasing manner.
"Uhm…Kurama—the fox? Or do you mean Shuichi?" She innocently asked without even thinking about the type of question Botan was asking.
"I can say both!" Botan giggled as she thought how cute Shuichi Minamo is and how sexy Yoko Kurama is. Fubuki and Keiko joined in laughter.
It was almost sunset when Yusuke and the rest decided to leave the temple after knowing Hiei is already well. Hiei and Fubuki will be under Genkai's care for now. Genkai went down the temple and in to the city along with Yusuke to order supplies to be delivered for tomorrow. She gave Fubuki directions if she wanted to take a bath and the areas where she would be safe to walk around and enjoy the sunset. Hiei was nowhere to be found when the group left. Fubuki had the temple all to herself until Genkai returns. She decided to take a stroll towards the shrine in the top most portion of Genkai's private estate. The pathway was secured with warding charms, the soft wind against the tree's leaves created a serene sound that Fubuki really appreciated. It felt much better than the sound of blizzard that gave her the feeling of impending doom. Three more steps and she arrived at the top most plateau. She watched how the glistening streaks of pink, orange and purple sky reflected itself at the sea below. She smiled and reminded herself to ask Botan and Keiko to go to the shore next time. She sat on one of the concrete perched on each corner of shrine watching the sun go down. She watched how the sky changed hues as the sun paved way for night to take over. Soon enough, she decided to go back to the temple. She took her time; each step gave her a new perspective of the place under the moonlight. The once green shade of life has transformed into mixtures of dim lit blue. The moon was luminescent enough to have created a romantic feel on this side of the mountain. She smiled, and her eyes glittered as she saw fireflies came to life under the bushes. By the time she landed on the last step—her attention was caught from a distance. She was pretty sure she heard someone cursing right behind the short tree line. She lifted the hem of her kimono and slowly treaded the uneven ground towards the sound. The trees were huge, one wrong step you could stumble upon the roots that protrude from the ground. She skirted around the huge tree which seemed to be the final obstacle until she gets to the clearing. Dried leaves creaked under her feet as soon as she stepped over the moss-covered tree log.
Hiei barely noticed sun down for he was busy training his muscles and speed. He must maintain at least a certain amount of activity, so he can recover his power faster. He cursed and regretted the decisions he made when he pushed forward toward the broken portal. His demon ears seemed to have picked up a presence from the tree line. He kept still while his calloused hands reached for the hilt of his sword. His jagan eye gleamed but it is not as strong as it was. From a distance, he noticed it was Fubuki. His brows furrowed at first then he smirked at an idea that came across his mind. He waited until Fubuki reached the end of the tree line. He calculatedly unsheath his sword and threw it to the tree and missing Fubuki's right cheek by a few inches. He wanted to test her, to unveil whatever she was hiding. His sword was embedded on the trunk and he wanted to check how she reacted to it. As he got closer—he noticed her trembling, he was a bit disappointed. Fubuki's back was slightly slumped against the tree trunk, both of her hands were grabbing on to the massive uproot which also served as a cushion to her fall. Her scared eyes darted towards him, he almost felt a little guilty but decided against his better judgment. She was silent as he continued to get closer, dangerously too close at a point of invading her personal space. He slammed his left hand on the tree trunk, trapping her between his sword.
"You know—you shouldn't be here." Hiei's red eyes gleamed like a predator in the night. His voice was low, almost like a whisper. She looked away and started to feel embarrassed by their closeness.
"I—I'm sorry and I wanted to thank—" She couldn't finish her words when his rough hands grabbed her face and forced her to look at him.
"Thanking me again? You owe me your life twice now—mere gratitude is not enough—should I take you right here and then?" His grip loosened on her face and his calloused thumb brushed her soft parted lips. Although he doubts her, Hiei could not deny that this woman was far more dangerous for his own sanity. He was torn between torturing her for the truth and surrendering against the force of attraction he had on her. He had all three eyes to justify that he's an idiot if he denied wanting her. She seemed genuinely afraid of him. He was waiting for her to defend herself or retaliate against him at least. He decided to provoke her even further.
"The kimono suits you." He grinned and was satisfied of his choice. "Pity, it'll be dirtied once I am done with you." Her eyes grew wide at the image he planted in her head. "You act surprised, it is natural to be given the right to undress you—after all, I was the one who bought it." He gently removed the hairpin and marveled at how softly her hair fell to her sides. He smirked and slid the hairpin between her obi—teasing her about removing it. However, his hands found its way back to her face and slid behind her nape forcing her once again to look up. Her silver hair was trapped between his fingers and he enjoyed the feel of it.
She was frozen in fear, she didn't manage to expect Hiei would have this side to his nature. Her heart skipped as she felt his face leaned closer, his breath was warm against her skin. She is starting to feel her knees give in, his red eyes held her blue ones—she couldn't tell what he is thinking. All she knew that he is a man too—she wanted to run away but fear nailed her in place. She shut her eyes as Hiei slowly claimed her lips. She felt his warm lips brushed against hers gently—then it stopped. His warmth was replaced by the cold gush of wind, she shudders at the absence of it and she heard the leaves rustled beneath her. She opened her eyes and saw Hiei's attention was caught with something else. His hand that caressed her nape is now pulling the sword he thrown awhile ago. Whatever he sensed seemed to have fled when he noticed its presence. He cursed again and sheathed his sword. He was clearly agitated by whatever disturbed him but was also thankful that he had not proceeded to do what his raging hormones are demanding.
He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her back to the temple and across the tree line. She almost stumbled and fall until his patience ran out and carried her back. When they arrived at the temple, he never said a word and she was too conscious to even ask him about it. She hurriedly went back to her room and used the wash area there rather than the hot bath Genkai has at the temple. She doesn't want to run in to him after what happened. She is thankful that he saved her life but the payment he's asking of her requires a lot more to think about. She removed her clothes and stepped inside the shower. Botan had taught her how to use it. There are two selections, hot and cold. She made sure that it will be the coldest shower she will take. Her body responded to him so differently. She was scared but at the same time she was anticipating his touch. She hugged herself as if to hold the pieces in place.
Hiei was sure he felt someone observing from a distance. It doesn't help that his powers are not as strong as it was. He couldn't tell where the sudden spike of force came from. He slammed his fist against one of the columns.
"My columns are quite old—I suggest you try to be gentle with them." Hiei looked behind and saw Genkai entering the compound.
"There may be a threat around us. It is best to be on guard." He immediately left Genkai to avoid being questioned further about what he meant by it. Kissing his ward wasn't really part of his plan. He wanted to push her to the limits, but he least expected her immediate surrender. He figured he needed a new strategy and went straight to Genkai's bath house. He discarded his clothes and sank his body in the water's warm embrace. He felt his muscles relax and his thoughts drifting to what happened. He needs to find another way to get her to squeal her secrets. It is a trouble that she lost her memories, maybe if he traumatizes her further—the gears in her brain might move. He least cared about how she feels. All he wanted are answers to these dreams that she might have planted in his head. He ought to understand that she may be trying to get inside his mind and he planned to play along.
The next day, Shuichi came to visit to check on Fubuki and Hiei. Hiei was no where to be found again so Shuichi spent his afternoon with Fubuki and Genkai. Fubuki served them the tea and he graciously smiled at her. He noticed a certain grace in Fubuki. He liked how she moves and how she gently speaks. When she softly laid the ceramic cups, it barely made any sound.
"Oh, don't pour me tea. I must check on the delivery. It should be here by now." Genkai excused herself and left Shuichi with Fubuki.
"Uhm...hey…" He did not know how to start a conversation with her.
"Yes?" Her innocent eyes glimmer like crystals. Her silver hair was pinned in to a bun. She was wearing a midnight blue kimono this time. Her pale skin glow in contrast to the dark shade of the silk kimono.
"I know it has only been—three days? Yeah, three days since you arrived here, but I do hope you feel much safer." Kurama's statement was more of an irony realizing what happened to her the night before. He noticed there was something behind her gaze as he voiced out his concern. She looked away but there seems to be a light blush in her cheeks.
"I am grateful to all of you. And I am deeply indebted to Hiei." She unconsciously touched her lips as she spoke of his name.
"Would you like to come with me? There's practically no one here. I'd like to show you the shore." His heart stopped when he saw her face lit up in to a beautiful smile.
"Oh! I'd really want to go there!" Her excitement resembles that of a child. As agreed, Kurama offered his hand and took her for a walk towards the sea shore. It was a fifteen-minute walk from Genkai's estate. They walked passed the red columns and towards the less shaded area connecting to the seashore. Her hand rested comfortably on Shuichi's forearm. You could mistake them for a couple, walking peacefully.
"Are you and Yoko really one and the same?" She giggled as she asked him the most common thing he always hears.
"Yes, weird as it may—he seems to be my mischievous side." He chuckled. "Would you like to walk with him too?"
"Oh, no—" Before Fubuki could finish her statement, the beautiful Yoko Kurama is already the one holding her. His silver tresses matched hers in grace and softness.
"You just need a pair of ears and a tail—we could be siblings or—mates." There goes the playful Yoko again, flirting with her the moment he appeared. He was very captivating and leaves her almost breathless when he smiles. "Do you agree that I am more handsome than Shuichi?" He smirked and raised his chin in a funny proud motion.
"You are so mean! Shuichi has a different charm but you're both very handsome." She keeps giggling and doesn't feel awkward admitting that both human and demon side appeals to her.
"So, tell me…is there anything between you and Hiei?" She was caught off guard with the question. He noticed her flinch.
"I honestly feel a great sense of debt towards him. He's quite aloof and I can't understand him. I don't really think that I am anything more than a mission or a responsibility." She was also deep in thought and she couldn't place herself in his perspective. Sure, he stole a kiss from her probably out of annoyance and things she could never explain.
"I guess, he won't mind if I make a move on you." He placed his free hand on top of hers that was holding on to his forearm. He grinned when he elicited a deep blush from her.
"Stop teasing me, Kurama." She playfully pulled strands of his silver hair. He grinned and took a seed from his pocket. He gently held it in his hand and made a blue flower bloom. He placed it near her bun—just right beside the hairpin that Hiei gave her.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing." His smile was warmer this time—it caused her blush to deepen in shade.
While the two were busy enjoying the sound of waves crashing in to the sandy shores, a pair of red eyes were flowing them from a distance. Hiei's brow furrowed and was disturbed at the way the two are interacting. Shuichi barely transforms to Yoko Kurama in the human world. He was concerned that she may also be pulling strings and using Kurama. He wasn't so sure, but he definitely needs to get to the bottom of it. Kurama and Fubuki were still giggling as they were walking back towards Genkai's temple.
"Did you know that Hiei used to be so short?" Kurama chuckled as he shared more stories from before she came.
"I'm pretty sure that he's not as short as I am." She tried to muffle her amusement.
"Actually, he is as short as Yukina. Yukina is about two-inch shorter than you—I guess." She couldn't stop laughing realizing that the man who saved her used to be even shorter than her.
"I am surprised that you two get along well by talking about my unfortunate times." Hiei smirked as he butt-in to the conversation. Both silver haired stopped in their tracks to acknowledge Hiei's presence.
"I came to bring you some newly discovered pill that Koenma gave me. It is to help with your recovery—it was a variation taken from Ichigaki's old experiments. Don't worry—I refined it myself. It'll only boost your power." Kurama already shifted to business mode and has let go of Fubuki.
"It's much more surprising for you in your fox demon form here in human world. I can see that you taken a liking to my ward?" Hiei stared at Fubuki mockingly while ignoring his friend's main concern about his recovery.
"In fact, I do. I think I could do a better job protecting her if she only agrees to be my mate." Yoko chuckled knowing he hit a string within Hiei. He can already sense a little animosity from his good friend. They know each other well enough to understand what is going through their minds.
Before Hiei could respond to Kurama—a page from Koenma ended the tension between them. Kurama reached for his pocket and answered the call.
"I need you for a short mission in Aoi Mountain, Kurama. I need you to retrieve a plant made to recover memories." Hiei stared at Fubuki as soon as Koenma mentioned the purpose of the mission. Kurama agreed and excused himself.
"Well, I have to go." He held Fubuki's hand and gave it a soft kiss. "I hope you get your powers back Hiei—so we could probably have a little sparring." It was meant to be a spar between friends as what they usually do—but it seemed to be a challenge this time.
"Sure, I'll try not to mark your pretty face." Hiei responded and only elicited a smirk from Kurama before he left. He gave Fubuki one more look before deciding to ignore her.
"Hiei…" She muttered under her breath before he could turn away from her.
"What do you want?" His response was short and sharp.
"I am greatly indebted to you. I wanted to return the favor—but I can't give you—" She trailed off and was a little embarrassed about saying it.
"You can be my slave instead. I have no interest in a woman like you. You're weak and helpless—far too distasteful to my liking." It is true, Hiei admired Mukuro's strength the most. He doesn't pay heed to weak women, he likes them feisty. "You live to serve me and you will do as what you will be told."
"Understood." She gave a slight bow admitting to her responsibilities but what he said tore her heart through and through. She doesn't understand it either. He was so nice to her before and now he barely even considers her as a being to be respected the least.
"My first order—stay away from Kurama, if you wouldn't want your heart tattered and torn. He'll dispose of you like how he disposes most of his women once he gets tired of them. However, if you feel so strongly attracted to that fox—do not ever come crying for my help." He did not wait for her to respond and went back inside the temple.
"It's an irony because—you've just torn my heart into pieces." She whispered as soon as he disappeared from her sight. She never liked being helpless. She doesn't want anyone to suffer the same way as Hiei did. She doesn't know where she will start picking up the lost parts of her memories. If only there is something she could recall. The plant that Kurama will retrieve is the only way for her to do something about her flaws.
"What are you doing here outside, my child?" Genkai caught her attention. She spun around to look at the old lady. There were tears in Fubuki's eyes again. Each tear drop fell and crystalized. "If you keep crying, I will be a rich old hag and people will come raiding my temple for your tears." She chuckled and hoped the girl would cheer up.
"I'm sorry, Granny. I just don't want to feel helpless anymore. I want to be able to control my scent at least. I don't know where it is coming from or if it really my body producing it." She said while she bowed her head low admitting defeat.
"Come inside, child. I assume—this isn't the only thing that you are crying about. I will help you by sunrise to control it—but for now—we must eat. I also brought some everyday human clothes, I'd like to bring you down the city."
"Okay…" She finally smiled looked forward for tomorrow.
Author's notes:
Zabuton - is a Japanese cushion for sitting, generally used when sitting on the floor.
Sake - Japanese rice wine
