Chapter IV
I remember falling asleep extremely cold, my back lying against the bare ground. But when I awoke, I was not as cold as one would have thought me to be. In fact, I was rather warm, this feeling seeping through me and heating my very bones and I was not convulsing like I remember doing. The sun was peeking through my eyelids as I sat up and rubbed them furiously. It took a second for my eyes to adjust to the blaring light, but once I did, I made an important discovery. Draped over my shoulders and stomach was a long black blanket spread across my body, was this what was keeping me warm last night? I didn't remember bringing a blanket with me, nor did I remember Yusuke or Kuwabara being that mindful. And then it dawned on me like the rising sun; Hiei. This was Hiei's cloak. Perplexed, I wondered why Hiei had left his cloak on me, it had to have been deliberate. Leaning back, my hands touched the ground slightly before I flinched back in surprise. In the surrounding ground there was a thin coat of frost coating the tops of the blades of grass. Not only was it on the grass, but on the trees, and bushes as well. But, frost shouldn't be here at this time of year, it was only the end of summer! I realized that sometimes the temperature would dip down a bit lower when the sun would set, but there was no way it could've been naturally this cold.
Being a girl, I suddenly felt extremely unclean, and had the annoying urge of wanting to take a shower. Furrowing my brow, I determined what options that laid before me as of this moment. I could not take a shower, and feel really grow, or I could battle the intensely ice cold stream that was about a half of a mile east of here. Weighing the pros and cons, I concluded that it was in my best interest to go the stream; I knew I'd feel really disgusting without any means of refreshing myself (even if that meant just splashing water in my face) and on the plus side that I found Hiei, I could give him his cloak back. I knew if Kuwabara and Yusuke (who had yet awoken from their deep slumber, which was surprising that Yusuke and I were not disturbed by Kuwabara's obnoxious snoring) would die with laughter if he saw Hiei's cloak with me.
It didn't take long for me to reach the little stream; I was used to trucking in mud through woods and forests from living in the South back in the States. So I had become fairly apt in navigating my way through areas and remembering key places. For once my redneck life had actually paid off.
Sticking my hand into the clear, and deceivingly inviting water, I immediately jerked my hand back; I had always heard the expression that when something was so cold it burned, but I had honestly never believed it…until now. Leaning over, I came to the horrid conclusion that I could see my reflection in the glassy water. My hair was wild and messy, like that of a madwoman. I desperately needed a brush, like ASAP. And my face wasn't doing so hot either; you could see the bags making their selves at home beneath my eyes and I had a certain dazed look on my face that didn't add to my intelligence. I tried to tame my hair by smoothing it out, but it failed horribly. I gave a groan and flopped on the ever so frigid grass.
"If you travel about another half of a mile, the water isn't cold," I whizzed around to see Hiei standing right behind me upon the branch of a rather large tree. I gave a rather large toothy grin, unable to contain my sense of glee.
"Well that is certainly helpful…like last night. Thanks so much! I probably would've froze to death!" I said, tossing the cloak to him. Despite the fact that he was not wearing his cloak, and that I had a cloak similar to his, he still attempted to act as though he was clueless upon my remark.
"*Hmph* No idea what nonsense you're spouting now," he replied, titling his head so that I could not see his expression, but he still clung to the cloak. If it was possible, I could feel my grin grow.
"O come off of it now, how stupid do you think I am? (No, wait, don't answer that question!) I know that's yours; it's black, it's your size, you seem to be without your usual attire, I think I can add one plus one," I explained, trying to be rational by using logic and the given evidence. It was then that I thought I saw Hiei's face develop into a light scarlet color even though his face was turned away. His cheeks could have already been kissed by the tender cold from this morning, but I don't think so, but I wouldn't bet my life on it either. Maybe slowly but surely I was having some form of effect upon him.
It was then that I became aware of the creeping sun in the horizon faster than I had anticipated, and Kuwabara and Yusuke would be (or rather, "should" be) waking up anytime soon.
"Hey Hiei, I hate to leave, but I think I'd better be heading back towards the guys. I wouldn't want them to think I've gotten eaten or something!" I laughed cynically. Hiei leaped down from the tree and muttered something of a "don't worry, I'll be trailing you guys," and turned away. What compelled me to do what I did after that, I think was a mixture of happiness and excitement; for I ran over to him and squeezed him tight by his shoulders. The gesture wasn't returned, but I do know for a fact that this go around his whole face lit up like a firecracker. Releasing him and waving goodbye, I disappeared into the woods as if nothing had happened.
*********************
Yusuke awoke abruptly by the sound of train roaring right at them; or at least, that's what he thought he heard. In all actuality it was just Kuwabara's snoring that made him leave his rather pleasant dream. It was at that time that become conscious of the fact that he had not kept his watch, or even made an attempt to keep the fire going; all that was left was a small pile of ashes and a few surviving twigs. Hitting himself on the head, he couldn't believe the carelessness of last night, it was a wonder they all didn't freeze to death! But on the plus side, no one had noticed as of yet. But as the thought crossed his mind, he scanned the area and came to a shocking conclusion.
Kit wasn't here.
Frantic, Yusuke jumped out and looked around for Kit or any signs of her. She wasn't the type to run off (he didn't think) and certainly she was strong enough to fight off a simple demon…but maybe it wasn't a simple demon. What if a stronger demon attacked her in their sleep when he was supposed to be keeping watch? Or, what if she had gotten lost trying to go somewhere and gotten eaten by a wild bear?! How would he explain that to Kuwabara? Kuwabara! He'd better tell--
"Damn it you bastard!" Yusuke swore upon realizing that Kuwabara was still out cold.
He then heard the snapping of twigs and leaves as Yusuke put up a defensive. Maybe these were the demons that kidnapped Kit! He thought, his entire body on edge as he prepared for the worst.
And then--
"What the hell is your problem?" Yusuke blinked, and suddenly felt like a complete moron as Kit came from behind the tree, her mouth stretching in a wide yawn that compelled Yusuke to do the same. But what infuriated him even more than him making a mistake, was the fact that he had actually gotten worried over nothing.
"Where the hell have you been?!" he demanded, his attempt at sounding angry succeeding, but he couldn't hide the relief in his voice. She shrugged, but a smirk played across her lips.
"I wanted to wash up before we started, is that a crime now? Did little ol' Yusuke get all scaredy and think I got eaten by a large animal or something?" she replied, her mockery apparent even in her nonverbals that she posed as her eyes fluttered. Yusuke flushed, and in a moment of anger, kicked Kuwabara in the side, muttering something of a "get up you lazy ass,". Kuwabara didn't particularly appreciate this, and proceeded to call Yusuke various names which are better left unsaid.
They walked aimlessly for about an hour, not quite sure where they were going, or what exactly they were specifically looking for; but they figured that they would have to run into a large estate sooner or later. Later drugged by. Yusuke could feel the soles of his shoes beginning to wear out, and neither Kit or Kuwabara seemed to be in the best of spirits. But by around noon Yusuke thought that he'd caught a glimpse of a house from the tops trees for a second there. Maybe we're finally getting somewhere! He thought, rather excited at their find. And just as things were going smoothly, a guard decided to become a roadblock in their adventure.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but you are not permitted beyond this point, leave now." His voice did not falter, and if anyone else had seen him, they probably would've thought he was a normal guard. But that was only looking at him skin-deep. Yusuke could sense a low aura being emitted from his surroundings, he knew Kuwabara could tell, and he'd like to have thought Kit realized this, for her guard seemed to be raised.
Yusuke was feeling rather lucky today, "and what if we say no?" he asked, crossing his arms and looking down upon the man. It was in that instance that the guard's lips split into a twisted grin, revealing fangs. His entire body started to convulse as his skin became drenched in a sickly olive color, his suit ripping to shreds as his previous human form was no more. Not to mention the odd appearance of a second mouth within his stomach, making him look like an overgrown Venus fly trap. Needless to say, he wasn't easy on the eyes.
"Then you'll just have to die!" it screamed, lunging towards Yusuke. Glancing back at Kuwabara, Yusuke gave a nod and simply waited for the opportune moment as he came forward before they synchronized their attacks; Yusuke stunning it with a rapid blows all over, and Kuwabara making sushi out of it. Easy as pie…(as soon as the thought glided into his mind, Yusuke realized how hungry he was, and that he could really go for some apple pie right about now).
"O-M-F-G! That was freaking amazing!!!" Kit exclaimed excitedly. Yusuke could see that she was slightly trembling; but he couldn't tell if that was from her being excited, or actually from fear. Shrugging it off, he smirked.
"If you think that's amazing, just wait until you see my spirit gun. That thing would've blown this guy to smithereens!" he replied, puffing out his chest like a robin. She gave a giggle, and Yusuke noticed her trembling had ceased for now. What really began to perplex him was Kuwabara, who seemingly was tying something around his forehead.
"…I love…snow girl?" Yusuke read aloud, not quite sure if he wanted to believe what he just read. Kuwabara hit his chest like an over grown ape and gave his usual dumb-ass smile.
"Hell yes!! I'm going to be her knight in shining armor that's going to rescue her from the clutches of that evil man! No one is going to be able to stop me in my quest for love!" he said triumphantly as he ran into the large mansion.
*******************
Meanwhile, Kurama was finding himself in a most unwanted and rather problematical situation. Realizing that this could develop into something unbeneficial for everyone, he decided to pay a small visit to the Prince himself. It bothered him how unsympathetic people within the Spirit World could be, particularly Koenma, despite his good intentions, seemed to be the most callous out of them all. Reaching the frustrated and busy Koenma, Kurama proceeded to tap him lightly on the shoulder, hoping to gather his attention.
"Pardon me, but if it's not too much trouble, I wish to locate Hiei, may you be so kind as to direct me to him?" he asked, rather calmly, despite internal squabble. Koenma immediately froze, and looked up from the large stacks of paperwork.
"Are you implying that Hiei is NOT here as of this moment?" Koenma asked, fear playing on every word that was spoken. Sighing, Kurama shook his head gently.
"It appears not, it is of my best knowledge that he might have run to go find his sister, whom you know as Yukina. If you can recall, you just so happened to give him the tape which held precious information about her," Kurama replied, his sarcasm and anger slowly seeping through his words, but still attempting to remain calm and collected. Koenma was not so lucky.
"WHAT THE DEVIL?! Someone do something! O dear God, someone has to get Hiei! He'll kill Tarukane! O God! Dad's gonna kill me!!" sobbed Koenma, panicking as he threw his papers around in desperation.
This was just what Kurama had anticipated. Smiling, he laid a calming hand on Koenma's cap.
"Well then, we'd better work fairly fast to compensate for lost time. If you will, keep tabs upon Yusuke, and I'll go find our missing friend. Could you be so kind as to make me a portal?"
********************
Honestly, this was a lot easier than I had previously imagined. I mean, A LOT easier than imagined. Remembering my initial thoughts of tar pits, flying arrows, booby traps, and explosives, this "triad" thing didn't seem to compare. Or maybe it was simply because Kuwabara and Yusuke were so strong. (Though I must admit, they were definitely a strange bunch of people, the first one especially caused goose bumps to find their home upon my arm.) But we were cruising through this place like it was the first dungeon in Zelda! (Even those in comparison seemed harder than that, I mean, the Deku tree can be slightly difficult at times….) Though the fact that I was unable to sense Hiei bothered me slightly; I kept contemplating where on earth could he have been at this time, but rather what was he doing at this time. I didn't want him doing anything he'd regret in the nearby future. But maybe I was looking too deeply into this, Hiei was more than likely alright, I mean, if we were able to get through this place like a cake walk, then he should be able to….right?
Turning right into a long corridor, I realized in horror where Yusuke and Kuwabara were turning towards.
Stairs. A long flight of them too, in fact, I couldn't even see where they ended. Needless to say, in about five minute's time, I still had yet to even catch a glimpse at the top, and I from my lack food I was exasperated to my wits end.
"Stairs, stairs, stairs, and MORE 'EFFING STAIRS! I've said it once and I'll say it again! Elevators were created a LONG 'EFFING TIME AGO!" I screamed, slumping down against the wall, taking a small breather. I expected Yusuke and Kuwabara to continue on, but both of them stopped, but from what I could gather, it wasn't because of my complaining.
"Why did you guys stop?" I asked. Kuwabara placed a finger to his mouth.
"Shhh, I'm trying to make contact with…o what's her name…"
"Yukina," Yusuke interjected, filling in for the missing gap. Kuwabara's eyes widened, and I could see them gleam even within the dark staircase.
"How do you know her name?!" he demanded, his voice rising in pitch.
"By watching the rest of the video, dumb-ass," snickered Yusuke. Despite this, I could see Kuwabara focusing his thoughts on her. I knew Kuwabara was capable of doing such things, it just bewildered me that he was so apt at doing them. He snapped out of his trance and grinned once again.
"The Brokers of Darkness are just up ahead! Don't worry my precious love, I'll save you!" he announced, finding a burst of energy as he raced up the remaining stairs. Sighing, Yusuke fumbled with his hair, and then looked down at me.
"Well, you're still down there eh?" Bending down, he randomly grabbed me by my waist and lifted me up to my feet. A wave of pink; yah, that's the best way to describe the color change in my usually tan face. Brushing the situation off, I gave a half hearted laugh in a failed attempt to divert the attention from myself.
"Good thing Kuwabara didn't see the rest of the video," I said in a slight stammer, still uneasy, when it dawned on me that Yusuke's hands hadn't left their position. "Uhh…" Jerking his hands back, I could see Yusuke too became a tinted pink; not replying, he headed up the stairs in pursuit of Kuwabara.
Perplexed, I too followed, desperately pushing the instance aside as I opened the door to reveal a wide white room. Bare, it's walls were a smooth sheen white, save for five large screens that made their home on one side of a wall, and a large window which allowed you to look into a large control panel room. Or rather, allowed the people in the large control panel room to look and observe you. Within it, was a rather portly man in a crumpled suit was clutching a small girl. I couldn't make out anything more than that, for it was rather high up, but I assumed that they were Tarukane and Yukina. The room was also built circularly, so, in fact, that I could feel myself becoming dizzy within each second. But this wasn't to say that we were alone, in fact, it appeared as though we had been expected.
There was two men there; one towered above us, and if I had to estimate his height, I would probably say he was about seven foot at the very least. He had a cold appearance, and a dark aura lingered about him. This may have been due to the fact that his face was covered by a pair of dark sunglasses, concealing his eyes, like he was concealing a part of him, like his soul. And if his height wasn't intimidating by itself, you could see his muscles bulge even from the inside of his long green trench coat. The other one was perched upon the taller's shoulder, his entire body looking sickly and twisted. He too, hid his face behind the drapes of his long and white hair, only you see his dull eyes eyeing you from a distance. He reminded me of a monster that would lurk and kill from the shadows, burdened by the light. Call it intuition or a premonition, I got the strangest feeling that we weren't going to be able to beat these guys like the previous demons.
"Welcome, I hope you three will go easy on me," the tall man said, his deep voice ringing throughout the room, and echoing within my own ears. I couldn't tell if he was being serious or simply mocking us, but it was apparent that Kuwabara was unaffected.
"Pfft! This doof has got zilch demonic aura, this will be just as easy as the last time!" Kuwabara said optimistically. I disagreed; I didn't know what it was, for as Kuwabara so obviously pointed out, he lacked demonic aura, but there was just something that made me feel uneasy about him. Yusuke appeared to be on the same wavelength.
"No."
"Huh? Why not?" Kuwabara asked.
"…I dunno, but if you ask me, this guy is big trouble. Just a creepy feeling in my gut that screams "watch it"," It was in that instant that Yusuke's face no longer held childish excitement, he was serious. I nodded in agreement.
"You feel it too?" Yusuke didn't answer. But it was then that something eerie occurred; the little guy on the tall one's shoulder body began to deform as it twisted and scrunched until it appeared into a "sword-like" shape.
I was freaked out, "What the f*# is that?!" I questioned, inching back towards the door. I wasn't prepared for this, not mentally or physically. The tall man scoffed at my fear.
"Amazing, isn't it? My brother can transform into anything I wish him to, meaning he's only as effective as his wielder allows him to be, but I think you'll find me a bit of a challenge," the tall man said, his aura beginning to fill the entire room like water filling a tank. And we were the small fish. His muscles grew even larger than their original state, making the Hulk look tiny and meek in comparison. My throat was caught, I couldn't move, my entire body was convulsing tremendously. I tried to take another step back, when I realized he was no longer there. My eyes moved only fast enough to see him come down on us. I still couldn't move. My body no longer performed simple tasks. I squinted my eyes shut to brace myself for the blow when I felt myself being swept up in one motion. Opening my eyes, I saw that floor where I was standing cracked and it caved in upon itself. He missed. Or rather…looking down, I saw a familiar green sleeve clutching my waist…again. If Yusuke hadn't had jumped in and saved me, I would've been a goner for sure. I attempted to squeak out a thanks, but my voice was failing me as well. Letting me down, Yusuke whispered something in my ear.
"Stay right here, we'll take care of it," he said as he walked back to battle ground. Kuwabara summoned his spirit sword, and I could feel his and Yusuke's aura overflowing. I wanted to bawl as I watched helplessly from the sidelines. I was useless, dead weight. All I could do was stare as the man closed in on Kuwabara and Yusuke. Even combined their attempts were futile. Every attack he dodged and retaliated with an even stronger blow. And then…
He swung hard towards Kuwabara's abdomen, and Kuwabara appeared to be like that of fly as he was sent hurling into the wall.
"Kuwabara!" I screamed, terrified. Blood dripped from Kuwabara's mouth, staining his lips crimson, he was in a daze and not getting up. He had to have broken at least one rib, I wanted to move over to him, but my body still refused to obey my commands. Yusuke on the other hand, gave the impression that he was not happy, to say the least. He leaped behind the man and I could see a blue aura surrounding his index finger. Growing, and growing. I ducked down, my hands over my ears and my eyes shut tight. I could hear the shot go off and sound of debris flying against walls. Was…was it over? Did we win?
"That's the last of you, you bastard!" shouted Yusuke, his own body looking weary. But the smoke began to clear and the man was simply standing there, not a mark to be shown for Yusuke's brave attempt. In a form of explanation, he raised his arm to show his brother, but this time, not in a sword. His brother had coiled himself around the tall man's arm into that of a sturdy shield, taking the blow for him. It was then that he ran in quickly and hit Yusuke square in the jaw with the back of his hand covered by the stone shield. I could see Yusuke's body go limp as he hit the floor, his left arm still twitching.
I couldn't take it.
I had to do something.
I was stronger than this.
....Wasn't I?
I could feel a warm sensation fill my entire body and as if focused into the palm of my hand. I imagined the small kunai as they took shape, and transformed. Right as the man was about to strike Yusuke once more, I threw one of the kunai with all my might; I knew I wasn't strong enough. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to beat him. But I'll be damned if I was going to sit back and watch him kill my friends.
The kunai made contact.
Blood trickled down his large back; he then peered at me through his sunglasses like one would at a gnat or a mosquito; annoying and useless. He dropped Yusuke and he simply walked towards me; as if he could sense my fear, he knew that I was dumbstruck. He knew it. I know he did. His shadow loomed over me and within a second I was on the flow clutching my stomach in pain. One blow, that's all it took. A swift kick to the abdomen was all he needed to take me out; I could feel the blood brimming to my lips, the salty taste was unbearable. I felt as if my insides had been taken out, and been rearranged by a three year old. And then as he disregarded me and walked back to Yusuke, and horrible thought found its way into my subconscious, one that had never found its way there before.
We could die.
I began to think of all the things I had yet to do in my life, I began to think how I'd never really loved anyone, or how I'd never really found my purpose, or helped mom or dad...or...or.....I felt hot water streak down my face, and in a helpless realization, I realized I was crying, crying like the pathetic baby I was. Useless to everybody.
Useless.
Hitting and hitting and hitting and hitting, blood spattering everywhere like paint, groans of pain, and jeers of pleasure and resentment. He just kept hitting and hitting and hitting, Yusuke had to be dead. There was no way a human body could withstand so much abuse. And yet...
I was only attacked once, no, I didn't even begin the fight, I was entirely unneeded even at the beginning, he only approached me later, and I still lacked the courage to attempt to dodge or attack again. We were going to die.
Die.
Die.
Die.
Die.
Die.
"STOP!" I reached for my head and shook violently. My mind was at its limit. The "think" function had been switched off. Rationality and logic were already past friends, emotion and impulsive had replaced them. I focused my chi into my hand, but this time, I didn't form them into a kunai. The raw energy bubbled furiously in my palm, waiting. Since my "thinking" function disappearing, my legs suddenly found new movement, and instinctively carried me towards the big man, in a similar way that my chi had sprung on its own. I then proceeded to strike the man in the back of the head, hoping to distract him once more.
His glazed eyes became apparent being so close to him.
"You're becoming very annoying," his deep voice boomed. He grabbed the collar of my shirt and threw me against the wall, my back arching in a way UI thought never possible. Slumping over, he seized me once again and I could feel his breath against my ear, "I'll kill you quickly because you're a woman, but I'll let you know that you brought this upon yourself," his ominous voice whispered. I forced my eyes shut. I only hope death would come swiftly, that I would feel no pain. But that was my naivety of my youth kicking in. And then, there was no blow.
Opening my eyes, I saw a bright golden orange energy surge from the tall man's back, his eyes rolling back, revealing the whites. His body became limp and heavy as he collapsed to his side. He had been struck in the heart from behind. I was baffled. Within seconds I was being embraced by a similarly battered Yusuke, through frantic and relieved laughs explained how he and Kuwabara killed the big man. His strong arms held me tight, despite the apparent fragility that hung on his bones.
"Hey brave girl, how ya doing?" he asked tenderly, easing his hug. His words were comfort, and I knew not how he had lived through that beating, but I cared not for logic now.
"I'm not dead am I?" I replied; suppressing the laughter for fear it would gouge at my stomach like a knife into a slab of meat. He smiled softly and picked me up towards Kuwabara, who apparently was the best off out of us all.
Despite the joy and sensation of being alive, I was embarrassed to no end.
"I can walk, Yusuke," I said, trying to cover me seemingly red face. I didn't know why, Yusuke was only trying to help. Why did I have to be such an ass all the time?
Luckily, whether it was from being beaten almost to death, or from him being dense, I would never learn, he didn't catch on, at least, not to my observation. "You sure?" he asked. I nodded, not completely sure if I could convince myself that I was okay. It was then that I could've sworn I'd seen Hiei from the other side of the window.
Did he find Yukina?
"I'll be right back," I said, mustering what little willpower and energy that had survived to go up yet another flight of stairs. While pulling myself up, I could see Yukina coming down. She stopped.
"O dear! You're hurt, hold on a minute and let me assist." she said compassionately.
Ice maiden was a horrible understatement.
She was more like an ice angel if you were to ask me.
Her voice rang like sweets chimes on a spring day, and her touch was cool and soft, and it was as if all the pain from my stomach evaporated within seconds. My fatigue was still present, but the excruciating pain that had previously resided within my stomach and moved out, replaced with a warm and tingling feeling. But I still hadn't mentioned how beautiful she was. I suddenly felt inferior as a woman to her, her long tinted white hair flowed like water and her large eyes was like an inviting fireplace of warmth and love.
Definitely Hiei's sister.
"I hope this helps...O! I should go help your friends too!" she exclaimed, trotting down the stairs in a hurried fashion. Walking up the stairs, I saw Hiei alongside with Kurama, fixated upon a certain point that I could only assume was Yukina.
He was safe.
"Since when did you two get here?" I asked weakly, but hoping to give them an impression of anger and maybe annoyance. Hiei shrugged, and he could've smiled, I could've been delirious as well.
"I've been here for a while. disposing of trash," he said, pointing to an uncontrollable man laughing in hysteria. Someone certainly didn't take their meds today.
"Did you, did you tell Yukina?" I inquired, though feeling more drowsy by the second. Hiei didn't answer, he was still fixated upon his sister who was smiling and laughing down below, as if nothing had ever occurred. As if she'd been free this entire time, or as if she was reuniting with old friends. I never completely understood Yukina.
"He...he didn't want to tell her," Kurama said, filling in for Hiei's silence. Hiei glanced up.
"She...she deserves to be happy. She believes her brother is someone great, I want her to continue think that way. Can you imagine the horror she'd feel if she found out her beloved brother was a common felon?" he answered, his gaze returning to his sister. He closed his eyes, and a sense of calamity coming over his face.
"It's easier to watch from afar."
"Hiei..." But before I could finish that train of thought, my head began to spin violently and I could feel the entire room beginning to move on its own.
I collapsed, I was expected to hit the hard tile once again, but to my comfort, I did not. Rather, I was swooped up by strong and consoling arms. I could feel the light whisper against my neck, and soft voice echoing within my ears, the soft lullaby that everything was going to be okay. I wouldn't bet money on it, but I think it was Kurama.