Not Okay : Campfires and Bounty Hunters
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I was hoping for more, but whatever. At least I got reviews, right? Okay, so keep reading and reviewing, I'm hoping to get some more character building in. R&R!
I
Hiei and Botan stopped walking when it was too dark to see five inches in front of their faces. Well, Botan couldn't see, but Hiei probably could. He tried walking, and it turned out he only had a minor limp. At least that was what he told the ferry onna.
He gathered a few sticks and threw them in the center of a very small clearing. It wasn't noticeable enough to really draw attention. They were far from actual civilization. The fire demon put his clawed and on the onna's shoulder, pulling her back a bit.
"Onna."
She was just finished back stepping when he snapped his other fingers. A fire erupted, blowing Botan's blue hair back. The Koorime watched as her eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed with the sudden warmth and her tremors ceased. Of course, there were side effects.
One, the onna gasped at the temperature change. Two, the feeling and use of her knees vanished. Hiei caught her and brought her a bit closer to the fire, situating her before sitting beside her. Not too close. Not too far away.
"So... what happened?"
From a distance, this scene would have struck the viewer as cute or sentimental. The flickering glow of the fire and the two companions talking in hushed voices to one another. To the viewer, they must be friends.
"Hn." Hiei didn't want to tell her everything. He knew he had to. To admit that Hiei Jaganshi had become weak. "I heard a voice... in my head."
The ferry onna turned to look at him, her hair still down.
"Like when you use telepathy with me?"
The demon nodded.
"Whoever it was... well, they have to have a Jagan Eye. But this person's... it's different from mine." Hiei frowned, still staring into the fire. "This guy told me to run." He looked at the ferry onna out of the corner of his eye. "They wanted you. They threatened to kill you if I didn't cooperate."
A very long silence. Hiei was surprised that she didn't cry. She just nodded and put her hands towards the fire, warming them.
"Oh..." Hiei didn't nod. He took a slow breath. "What do you think Kurama is going to tell Koenma?" The demon frowned. "Do you think... he'll get the wrong idea?"
Fuck. Panic was not an emotion that Hiei was regularly affiliated with, but he recognized when it pumped through him. I didn't think about that. Botan watched his cold and unmoving face as the light flickered off of it. But Kurama... surely he wouldn't accuse me. We're friends!
Hiei knew the fox well. Kurama wouldn't got to Koenma right away, crying about how Hiei betrayed them all. No. He would think about it first. But what evidence does he have that supports my innocence? After Kurama thought about it, he would go to the brat Prince. Out of desperation. Then the Rekai Tentei would be called for the loss of the precious ferry onna.
They are going to search for me like dogs.
Hiei suddenly drew his hand out in front of him, extinguishing the fire. Botan didn't have time to let out a noise of confusion before Hiei grabbed her and jumped up to the nearest tree. DAMMIT! Why the hell didn't I think of this before?
He closed his eyes and expanded his mind. His Jagan glowed as she searched for Yusuke's, Kuwabara's, and Kurama's energy. His eyes opened slowly, gravely, when he found them just two days distance away. They were trailing him.
"We leaving."
Botan didn't say anything. She could only look at the smoke curling up into the air. Like a hand that reaching. Reaching for something with one last attempt at victory. Her pink eyes closed, a few tears leaking out as she was swept away in Hiei's arms.
Hiei could smell her tears. The real danger is just beginning. He could only jump because of his leg. He had to keep himself moving. He couldn't be caught by the Rekai Tentei. Running. I'm scared of the team I was on! His white scarf trailed behind him and loosened. He clamped a hand on it, and Botan soon replaced his hand with hers. She understood now. Nothing can be left behind. The stars were their only source of light that night. The ferry girl's hand had the scarf in her fist. I can't fight them. The Team or my enemy. He didn't even know who his enemy was. I can only run.
II
Yusuke was silent as they traveled back to Kurama's house. Kuwabara was rambling on, saying 'How could Hiei be a traitor all these years?' and 'Sure he was mean, but not that mean.' Yusuke really had to try hard not to knock his best friend out.
Kurama was silent as well. They stopped only to pack for food. Other than that, the Rekai Tentei left immediately. The Spirit detective couldn't grasp it. My pal, Hiei! Sure, Botan and him weren't tight or anything, but Christ! He would never harm a woman!
It just didn't make sense.
"Kurama?"
The fox looked up, his eyes still watery.
"What?"
Yusuke had never heard Kurama's voice so hoarse before. The two fell behind Kuwabara, who had finally shut up.
"Why would Hiei do this? Now? Of all times?"
Kurama rubbed his eyes, murmuring some comment on how bright the sun was.
"I know. I tried, Yusuke, I really did." Kurama bit his lower lip, stopping for a few moments. "He wasn't himself when he was at my house." Another long pause. "He looked scared. As if he was at gunpoint, the end of it just touching the back of his skull."
Yusuke shoved his hands in his pockets.
"If he was really kidnapping Botan, then why would he stop to wake you up first?"
Kurama's eyes lowered to the ground.
"Yes. I know. But... then again, why did he run from me?" Yusuke couldn't talk. "He could have thrown Botan at me for all I care. But he didn't." Kurama's throat tightened. "He ran. And only guilty men run."
Yusuke hissed, causing Kurama to look up.
"Yeah, or scared ones."
Kuwabara let out a shout, startling the other two men.
"Hey guys! Take a look at this!"
He ran forward to a bush. His big and clumsy hands yanked at the vegetation until he came up with his prize. He brought back a white bed sheet. Kurama's mouth went dry.
"Botan was wearing that when I last saw her."
Yusuke scrunched up his nose.
"Are you saying that she's naked now?" All Kurama could do was shrug. Yusuke threw up his arms in frustration. "Great! Botan could be nude and Hiei is her freaking captor!"
"Wait." Kurama's smooth voice interrupted Yusuke. "Hiei would never allow Botan to be without clothes." The fox frowned, deep in thought. "So he had to have had an extra pair with him." For the first time since Yusuke had seen him, Kurama's face took on a cheery overtone. "Why would a kidnapper take clothes with him? Since when would a kidnapper be that considerate?"
Kuwabara, of course, ruined it.
"The shrimp could have lent her that overcoat."
The small smile that was on Kurama's face shattered. His shoulders slackened and he paled once more.
"Y-yeah. Or he could have done that."
III
Amiri smirked as he tailed Yusuke and the rest of the gang. His purple hair sighed with the wind. His Jagan Eye only hurt a bit. He had overused it a bit. No matter. Everything is going just as Malik planned.
The demon sighed, bored already. This "amazing" Rekai Tentei really was taking their time catching the infamous Hiei Jaganshi. His golden eyes widened as he watched emotions pass over the team members faces.
Could it be that he is their friend?
That would be rather interesting. To think, Hiei Jaganshi, the Forbidden Child, having friends. Amiri twisted a purple lock around his finger. Maybe the teammates were merely delusional. Did Hiei lead them on?
Amiri closed his eyes, leaving the Rekai Tentei. When he opened his golden orbs he saw Hiei. Right below him. So close... within striking distance...
The demon scoffed as he saw the thief jumping from tree to tree, the onna in his arms. Amiri licked his lips, a bit disappointed to see that she was no longer in her sheet. Her blue hair was down, and her eyes were closed as she held on tighter to the fire demon.
Amiri stumbled on a branch, lashing out so he could catch himself. His suit was almost scratched! His golden eyes narrowed as he massaged his forehead, easing the pain in his Jagan Eye. Saliva was building up inside of his mouth and he tried to spit it out. He couldn't. For a short moment, panic seeped through him.
It vanished. Almost instantly, Amiri was back to normal. He remembered his mission. His duty.
His lips went slack and he shook out his limbs. His purple hair shifted as his eyes drifted closed. His hands moved slowly, as if he were practicing some ancient form of dance. His movements stopped when his right hand was out in front of him, his left bending to form an X of his two arms.
His Jagan Eye glowed. His skin changed, skinny black lines shooting across the peach color. His lips curved upwards, his breath visible in the night air. One word left his mouth in white puff.
"Botan..."
IV
Botan jerked. Hiei didn't notice it. Her mouth opened in a silent shriek as liquid fire replaced her blood. Tears fell out of her eyes, but instantly evaporated when they touched her skin. Her vision flashed white, pain stabbing her head. When she was able to scream, it was too late.
Botan was gone.
The ferry girl found herself in darkness. She opened her eyes. There wasn't any pain anymore. At the same time, however, she could not relax. The hairs on the back of her neck were stiff.
"Ah, we finally meet."
A voice was heard. Botan frowned. Something was off about it. It didn't sound real. The best way she could explain it was that it didn't have a second "bounce" or vibration. It sounded... flat. Artificial.
"Hello?"
Emerging from the surrounding shadows stepped a tall, handsome man. His features were delicate. His purple hair looked so soft. His eyes were wide and genuine. He looked nice.
"Botan, right? I've been wanting to speak to you for so long."
The ferry girl was soothed by his puzzling voice. Her pink eyes drooped as she stood slowly.
"Yes... that's me." The two stepped closer to each other. "Why do you want to talk to me?"
Her voice was barely a whisper. Her head was foggy. She felt as if she was on some sort of drug, where she couldn't feel her arms and legs. All she could do was act. Breathe. Live.
"You're a very special girl, Botan." She couldn't talk. The man touched the side of her face. His hand was cold. "I tried to contact you before."
Botan felt as if that were the most amazing thing she had heard. What was wrong with her...?
"Y-you did?"
The man nodded slowly, smiling. A seductive and charming smile. Hugh Grant maybe? Or maybe... Johnny Depp... something was off...
"I was interrupted. Rudely." Botan shook her head, agreeing with his irritated eyes. "That annoying demon friend of yours..."
Botan stepped back. This actions seemed to startle Amiri.
"Who, Hiei?" She started to slip back into her dream state, but she caught herself, pinching herself. "He's not annoying! He's smart!"
The man cupped her face, and he was about to kiss her! Botan might have wanted that before, but not now! She shoved him away, and as soon as he was off of her, she slapped him. Hard.
"Onna..." His cheek was red, and his gold eyes gleamed. The ferry girl gasped in horror as skinny black lines appeared all over his skin. Suddenly, she saw his fangs. Now she could see the insane gleam in his eyes. "You're going to regret that."
Botan couldn't move. All she could do was tense up and shrink away from him as he came closer. HieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHieiHiei!
Nothing was right. She wanted to wake up from his terrible nightmare. Deep down, she knew this was real. Save me!
He hit her. And it hurt. Her jaw was burning.
Please!
Another smack. He left a small cut with his nails.
HIEI!
She was punched in the stomach. The man was about to strike her again, but stopped. Botan opened her eyes. Her entire body was shaking, her image flickering before her own eyes. She looked up at the man.
"You won't win."
She didn't really know why she said that at the time. Her pink eyes were defiant as she disappeared, the pain dulled by the satisfaction of the look of horror on his face.
V
Hiei tripped. He fell as gracefully as he could and protected the onna's body with his own. She had squeezed him. Hard. The demon pushed her off of him, his muscles tensing as she fell on the leaves.
Her eyes were black, the red lines thicker now. She looked to be crying, only steam would come out of her eyes. Her mouth was open as her chest heaved. She just stared ahead, at the tops of the trees.
"Onna!" She was jerking a bit, but she didn't answer him. It was like she didn't even hear his voice. "ONNA!"
That was when she gasped. Her mouth stretched open even more, her face paling.
"HIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEIHIEI!"
Over and over his name was screamed by her. She only stopped when a red welt appeared out of nowhere on her flawless features. Next a small cut happened. Hiei's Jagan opened and he pulled her to him. His forehead touched hers as he gritted his teeth.
LET ME IN!
Her stomach was bruising. Hiei squeezed her, his arms tightening around her. Her breath was fanning across his face.
ONNA!
She was sobbing his name. Begging him. Pleading for him to save her, even though to her, he was nowhere in sight.
BOTAN!
Her eyes flashed open. Hiei couldn't see this, his eyes closed and his forehead against hers. She coughed. Soon he found her arms to be wrapped around him. For a frightening flash, Hiei thought that she was still not herself and was going to attempt to kill him.
"H-hiei!" The Koorime couldn't move. He was on the ground, and all of the sensations were overwhelming to him. Her tears hitting his skin. Her own body warmth mingling with his. But mostly, it was her tears... "I was s-s-so s-scared!"
Hiei sat up, his clawed hands touching her shoulders.
"Onna, what happened to you?"
The cut on her cheek was still bleeding. She blinked, her bubble-gum pink eyes shimmering.
"I-I don't know..." She bit her lip. "I think I was under a... spell..." She stopped, obviously thinking that the term was absurd. Hiei wasn't laughing. "Well... there was a really handsome man... but... he tried to k-kiss me."
Hiei's crimson eyes widened.
"He what, onna?"
Botan's eyes left Hiei's and traveled to her hands.
"Triedtokissme!" She rushed it, not wanting to say it again, her face turning red. "Anyway, he was hitting me... did it show up? Or was I dreaming?"
Hiei stood, pulling her up. He pulled up her shirt a bit, and a bruise was already growing on her stomach. Shit.
"You weren't dreaming." He picked her up again and they were soon in the trees. Hiei didn't want to stay still too long. Yusuke and the others would catch up if they waited too long. "We've got to keep running."
Botan nodded, her arms around his neck.
"Do you think... I did something to deserve this?"
Her one finger wiped away at some blood on her cheek. Hiei was silent for a few minutes.
"No."
That was all. He didn't elaborate. He just kept moving. Keep running.
Hiei didn't look behind him. He could feel Yusuke's energy. They were about to reach the campfire. Hiei wished that his damn leg didn't hurt so much! He would have been able to move so much faster. He wondered what Kurama was thinking. He hoped that they had their doubts. Kami, I'm on their team!
Hiei didn't take time to breathe.
I have to keep running.
VI
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Keep on leaving them! What did you think? Good, bad, ugly, or gorgeous? I would love to know! Thanks again, don't forget to leave a review! Hahahha!
