Chapter 4 Dance Dance Again
The first thing I noticed when I stepped into the room was the eerie silence. It was a silence that dared anyone to make a noise, and by doing so, smother it with using its' sheer power. Yes, a deadly silence- all thanks to the man who stood at the front of the room... Yari. Making brief eye contact with the headmaster, I made my way to the back of the room where there was an empty seat. To my dismay however, Yari ordered:
"Hiei, please sit in the first row. I'm sure someone will gladly give up their seat for you." Instantly, all the students in the front row got to their feet and made their way to the back. I couldn't help but be amazed by their obedience to this man. Slowly I was beginning to see why this place was called the Boarding School of Hell. It wasn't because of the intense classes, but due to the iron fist who ruled over them. Everyone had a fear of Yari. That, was what I couldn't understand... Maybe I would by the end of my time here.
Taking a seat in front as Yari had instructed, I looked up at him coldly, remaining quiet. Just as Yari was about to speak however, the door swung open again. This time, revealing Petenshi. "Ah, Petenshi, perfect timing. Please take a seat beside Hiei," Yari ordered. Immediately, Petenshi sat in the desk at my side, looking to Yari warily. By looking at him I assumed he had just returned from detention. I couldn't help but wonder what horrible visions Petenshi experienced...
"Today, you will all be receiving a weapon of your choice. Keep in mind that weapons aren't allowed in classes. However, you may use them after noon within the school rules," Yari began. This statement made my heart leap. Did this mean I would finally obtain another sword? "First pick, goes to the lovely students up front," Yari exclaimed with a small grin. The man's words perplexed me. If he despised Petenshi and I so much, why was he giving us the first choice of armaments?
Cautiously, I got up, followed by Petenshi. "Name your weapons," Yari ordered mechanically.
"Sword," I answered promptly.
"Chain scythe," Petenshi said softly. Glancing at Petenshi out of the corner of my eye, I studied him. He didn't seem like the type to wield a chain scythe. Actually, chain scythes were quite rare nowadays. Not many used them... If Petenshi could actually wield one proficiently, that would be a sight to behold.
Just then, my mind snapped back to reality as Yari stretched out his hands. Closing his eyes, I watched as two small rays of light formed in Yari's palms. Moments later, they warped to become weapons. The one in his right hand was a sword much like my own, with a few differences. For one, the handle appeared to be made of titanium and littered with diamonds. The blade shone in the light as if it were made of glass, yet looked as sharp as a scalpel. Had Yari really created it out of thin air?
In Yari's left hand, was a chain scythe with sapphires embedded in its' links. Strangely enough, the handle was made of ivory and the blade was formed from a metal similar to the sword. "You only get one weapon in this school. If it is lost, broken, or stolen, you will not receive another one and will be at a serious disadvantage around finals. So, to say the least, take care of them," Yari explained as he handed Petenshi and I our weapons.
Suddenly everything made sense. Yari wasn't giving us theses blades out of the kindness of his heart- there was some sort of test where we would need them. Keeping this in mind, I slipped my new sword into the place my old one had occupied and looked to Yari in acknowledgment. I wasn't the type to thank others, but I inclined my head slightly to show Yari I liked what I saw. Smiling slightly, he nodded before sending the two of us back to our seats.
For the rest of the period, I watched as other demons received their weapons- all of them of high caliber. Each time Yari crafted a blade, it was well formed and beautiful. Seeing him at work made me wonder even more why he was a headmaster. With his skills he could easily triumph over many foes and humans alike. Knowing this, I envied his skills and my desire to become stronger increased.
However, half way through class, I began to feel strangely uncomfortable. Something was wrong- I could sense it. Although I knew not why, I felt as if I had to go somewhere. For some reason my eyes flew to Yari's. The headmaster and teacher glanced back at me grimly before saying: "Hiei, I suggest you go down to the nurse's office. Tell Noroma I sent you to retrieve Kurama," He ordered. Saying nothing, I got up and left. As soon as I closed the door behind me though, I broke out in a run.
I seemed to fly down the halls as my heart raced. Kurama- that's what was wrong. As I got closer to the nurse's office, my worries increased. Recalling Yari's words, I grimaced. ((Kurama's illness is quite contagious... and very painful in its end stages...)) And then I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time- fear. What if Kurama was truly in danger? Could he die from this illness he had caught? No... I had lost too many people. I wouldn't lose my only friend as well.
"Noroma!" I shouted as I sprinted into the nurse's office. Turning the corner, I came face to face with the hag known as the school nurse.
"Yes, annoying brat, what is it?" The lady demanded.
"Yari sent me to get Kurama. Where is he?" I questioned impatiently.
"I locked him in the bathroom. He said he was going to puke and I didn't want to see it," Noroma said with a shrug. Furiously, I yelled:
"You're the nurse, damnit! Aren't you supposed to tend to his wounds? Show me to him woman, before I slit your throat!"
"Ah, brave now that you have a sword eh? Calm down, here's the key- the bathroom's over there," Noroma explained as she handed me a small silver object. Going to where the woman had pointed, I inserted the key into the knob and flung the door open. What I saw almost made me sick. Kurama sat on top of the toilet, curled in a ball. On the floor around him were piles of vomit and he was shaking violently. Standing there watching him, I felt more helpless than I had in ages. "Kurama, what's wrong?" I asked roughly. Looking up at me, the kitsune managed a weak smile. Damn, he looked horrible... "Oh, Hiei. Sorry to trouble you like this, I..." But Kurama didn't finish his sentence. Just then, he leaned over and gagged, choking on the vomit coming up his throat. Stepping back slightly, I allowed the puke to cover the rest of the bathroom floor. Then, looking to the kitsune, I made up my mind. Forgetting the mess before me, I went to Kurama's side. Sweeping Kurama up in my arms, I slung him over my shoulder and walked out of the bathroom. "Hey! Where do you think you're going! He hasn't cleaned the bathroom yet!" Noroma screeched as I made my way towards the door. Not in the mood to argue with the woman, I hissed: "Tell that to him when he dies tonight." Not giving Noroma a chance to respond, I stormed out of the nurse's office and down the hall. "Hiei, this isn't a great- "Ursai fox. If you speak you'll throw up all over me," I shushed. At the moment, I didn't care what was right or wrong. Seeing Kurama sick had done something to me. I would stay at his side until he recovered, and then, I would do everything in my power to get us out of here. One pain was enough, and I didn't plan on going back to detention... "Nice sword," Kurama managed to breathe. "Yari made it. One of his powers is to make weapons from nothingness," I explained. Kurama said nothing, but I could tell he was considering my words carefully. That's how it was with Kurama- his silence spoke volumes. Finally, we reached Yari's classroom. Gently, I set down Kurama and opened the door. "Yari," I said, causing the teacher to look at me. Breathing in deeply, I forgot my pride and asked: "I request permission to take Kurama back to his room." Slightly surprised, Yari studied me suspiciously. I never blinked, keeping my pleading expression for as long as possible. Then, Yari nodded, and I was gone. I carried Kurama all the way back to our room where I placed him on the bed. "I thought you wanted the bed," Kurama said weakly. "No, I've made friends with the cockroaches," I replied dryly. Kurama laughed loudly despite his state and then smiled. I smiled back, saying: "You know, they're actually quite good with chocolate." Kurama blinked, unsure if I was serious or not, but I never went on to explain. "Get some rest, I've got to go back to class," I explained as I turned towards the door. "Hiei, are you sure you're not the one who's sick?" Kurama asked in amazement. Looking back, I took on a determined expression. "Kurama, I'm going to do everything in my power to get us out of here. I figure I might as well follow the rules... for a little while. And if that doesn't work, I'll find another way," I promised. Kurama gave me one last smile before closing his eyes and falling asleep. It was time to go to work...

As I stepped into Sokudo, Oke immediately greeted me with an onslaught of daggers, but I easily dodged them. Bowing hastily, Oke exclaimed: "Ah, Hiei-san, good, good. Welcome to class. Late you is, but you passed my tardy test. Take a seat, take a seat!" Strangely enough, I found Oke's quick, jumpy speech, amusing despite all that had happened. Taking my seat, I looked ahead, eager to face the next challenge.
What surprised me though, was Oke calmly took a seat and propped his feet up on his desk. "Does anyone know why we are not having regular class today? Anyone, anyone?" Oke asked slyly. Just then, a boy raised his hand. "Yes, you, small kid! Speak!" Oke ordered.
"Because the annual school dance is coming up, right sir?" The boy answered.
Oke immediately jumped to his feet, surprising some as he rushed forward. "Right you is, right you is! The dance! Does anyone know what this means?" Oke demanded, his voice rising excitedly.
"It means we get to play Dance Dance Revolution to practice, right?" The same boy replied.
"Correct again! Bingo, bingo! Because the dance is also a competition, we will be playing the popular video game to practice for the challenges! Those who win games in the dance are granted an A in any class of their choice!" Oke went on. This immediately raised my spirits. Both Kurama and I were champions at Dance Dance Revolution. Perhaps this upcoming school dance could help us get out of here.
A few moments later, Oke reached beneath his desk and began pulling out multiple game consoles of DDR. Rushing about the room, he revealed hidden TVs in the walls, which he promptly hooked up to the games. Soon, there was a mini-arcade in the room, outfitted with Dance Dance Revolution. "Take turns practicing, remember, practice makes perfect! Begin, begin!" Oke ordered. Immediately, everyone got to their feet and began to play. Whenever it was my turn, I did the hardest difficulty, amazing everyone with my speed and accuracy. This would be easy! But then again, I couldn't get too cocky. A cocky warrior was usually the first to perish. I would have to keep my eye out for other competitors. For now though, I had to focus on improving myself.
Speed seemed to end abruptly when Oke announced: "Yes, yes, end of another day! On to lunch you go!" After all the machines had been turned off, the youkai flooded out of the room, chatting noisily. Only I hung back to talk with Oke. "Ah, Hiei-san, what is it?" Oke wondered as began to quickly put away the DDR games.
"You've been a teacher here for a while correct? What can you tell me about this dance?" I asked curiously. To my surprise though, Oke wagged a finger at me.
"Oh no, no! Hiei-san wouldn't try to get information would he now? No teacher is allowed to speak of it. All I can say is that you will need all your reflexes. DDR is just used as a warm up for the competitions. They are harder than normal, but you will be well rewarded with respect and grades if you do indeed win. Yes, yes, students have gained their freedom from the dance, they have!" Oke replied. All I could do was nod. There was no use trying to pressure him for information. If I did and got in trouble, I could blow my chance at being in the dance. Better to play it smart for now... Ha- it appeared Kurama really was rubbing off on me.
Lunch seemed strangely empty without Kurama at my side. Although we had our small quarrels and didn't speak much on worldly things, I was use to his presence. Now that he was absent, I felt more alone than usual. Thankfully, Petenshi approached me, allowing my concerns for Kurama to vanish.
"Care to play another game? Others are joining- it's the quickest way to earn A's you know," Petenshi whispered as he grinned.
"Sure, it may earn me more respect in your circle of youkai friends, but it also turns the teachers against us. Doesn't that make it harder to escape from here?" I demanded sharply. Frowning slightly, Petenshi plopped down beside me.
"I thought you said you might want to stay here- get stronger, all that crap. I thought you were... like me," Petenshi exclaimed coldly. I couldn't help but laugh.
"You and I alike? That's unlikely. You don't know me well enough to even suggest that. Of course I want to be strong, but I've had a change of plans. Oh, and a warning for you... get in my way and I promise I'll destroy you," I declared. Petenshi's eyes instantly narrowed.
"All right Hiei, I see how it is. Well, hell just got hotter for you, that is all I can say. Fare thee well... and good luck," Petenshi bade. Unmoved, I watched as Petenshi returned to the other side of the lunchroom. Although I sensed my life was about to get a lot more difficult, I didn't let it bother me. Kurama and I had already been through hell and back. What was one more trip?
Right after lunch I returned to my room to find Kurama fast asleep. Choosing not to wake him, I decided I'd inform him of the dance in the morning. He appeared to be sleeping peacefully, which relieved me. Soon he'd be back to his old self and we'd be the same infamous pair. We would be feared and respected here just like we were in Spirit World, even if we had to make it that way.
Quietly, I turned off the light and lied down on the floor. In the middle of the night I impulsively reached out to crush any of the cockroaches that crawled past my head... but they didn't bother me as much. I slept without disturbing dreams of my past or present. All I thought of was my future... and Kurama's.

"Hiei! Wake up!" Kurama's voice ordered. Instantly, I sat up off the floor, causing a few cockroaches to scatter. Ignoring them, I rose to see Kurama standing at the door, dressed in a clean uniform. "What is it?" I demanded. "The door won't open. I've tried forcing it, but it won't budge. Every time I touch it strange spirit energy emits from it. I've never seen the likes of it before," Kurama explained worriedly. Perplexed, I made my way to Kurama's side where I reached for the doorknob. Before I had the chance to touch it though, I felt a deadly shock race through my body and stepped back. "Who could have done this?" I asked, but before the words had escaped me, I already had an answer. "Petenshi," I seethed. "Petenshi? But I had the impression he was our ally," Kurama replied confused. "A lot can change in one day. We're enemies now," I announced matter-of- factly. Sighing heavily, Kurama crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, what are we going to do about this?" Kurama wondered. "I guess we'll use the vent... but before we do, there's something you should know," I explained. While I spoke, Kurama summoned his rose whip and used it to pull off the vent covering over our heads. "There's a dance coming up. We can win grades by winning in competitions," I explained as Kurama jumped up and I followed. "So we have to dance?" Kurama confirmed as the two of us began to crawl carefully through the duct. "Yes, we have to dance again," I agreed. "And it seems that Petenshi and his band of lackeys are going to try and make things difficult for us," I added in an amused tone. "More difficult for us? Ha, Hiei my friend, it'll be us who'll be making it difficult for them," Kurama retorted in a tone Youko would have used. I couldn't help but grin. "How silly of me. Of course you're right." Then, smiling evilly I said: "Petenshi, hell just got twice as hot for you."