Chapter Ten
Niri was smuggled from the hide out by a small band of thieves. They were broad and muscular though hidden behind cloaks and masks, keeping their identity from him. They allowed him the small luxury of riding on a horse instead of walking like a few. The leader, known as Koi to
Niri, led the way, leaving the rest behind to get to KoEnma's palace rapidly.
"We shall reach his majesty shortly. If you wish to turn back, now is the time, young one," he said, his voice slightly muffled by the cloth obscuring his mouth.
Niri shook his head, his gaze landing on the huge building which was the palace. He knew he was doing the right thing but was nervous of having to go to the palace. He had killed many people mercilessly and expected no mercy to be shown to him even with his young age. He was smart for his age and knew that what he had done was wrong. Those were the cards life had dealt him. He expected life in prison at the least if not death. Yet somehow he knew he would
have to be ready for anything.
The gates were before them and Koi called out, "I bring a new ally! Open up!"
The gates slowly opened, allowing them passage into the castle. Niri could feel himself begin to shake for the first time from fear of what would happen.
So much for not showing any feelings, he thought to himself.
"Stay calm, child. I will help you through this. I owe Spyk much," Koi whispered as he unsaddled the horse, helping Niri down afterwards.
He nodded, following close behind Koi as he led the way from the courtyard to KoEnma's office. Koi knew the way, and it seemed the Oni's feared his approach.
"Lord KoEnma. Greetings from the desert men."
KoEnma looked up, irritated from Koi just barging in. He sat with Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Han, and Kikiyo trying to figure out where Hiei took Sinamon.
"What do you want, Koi?" he asked aggravated.
"I bring a young boy that seeks your counsel," he answered, keeping Niri hidden behind him.
"I am busy. As you know, the Crystal was stolen, and we now need to lock the Sorceress inside."
"KoEnma, if you let him leave, I assure you, our friend in dark places shall be quite displeased as well as Lady Nonomiko."
His eyes widened slightly before he nodded, "Send the boy in. I assume you will not leave till everything is taken care of," he said, watching Koi nod as he stepped forward. "Very well."
Koi smiled down at Niri though hidden, "This is Niri. Now tell them what you know."
Niri watched them stare, shocked at him, "I was Yoshi's head boy. I was assigned many of the murders that he did not wish to do himself. But Tamamo has taken over and wants to kill us all."
Koi lightly touched his shoulder in support, knowing the boy had murdered in cold blood. He could practically see the fear, disgust, and sadness that plaqued him from those he killed. It seemed to radiate from him as he stared down at his feet. Niri didn't want to see the disgust or betrayal that would more than likely plague their eyes.
"How old are you?" Kuwabara asked, looking the boy over.
"11. I've been with Yoshi since I was 6," he responded quietly.
Kurama got up and knelt before him, "What did she do to you?"
Niri turned around and let the top of his robes fall to reveal his back. The skin was cut up and
red, hardly having time to scab over. One of the wounds had even reopened, blood lightly draining down his back.
Kurama shook his head, also sensing the inner turmoil; he covered the boy once again.
"Here, eat this and you'll feel better," he whispered, giving him a healing herb in the form of a
seed.
Once Niri had swallowed it, Kurama could not resist the urge and hugged the little boy. Niri stood rigid for a moment, watching as Kikiyo got up and, following Kurama, hugged him as well. Niri's mind swirled with the images of those he had killed before the pictures blended together into the picture of his parents. They may have abused him but he did not really want them to die. He let his anger control him, thinking it was his only escape. Now he could see how wrong he was; he could have found a way out of it without killing people, without betraying those who had raised him.
He relaxed, latching onto Kurama's neck and, for the first since he joined Yoshi, he truly cried. His tears soaked his cheeks while he buried his face into Kurama's shoulder as grief gripped him completely. He deserved everything the Prince decided would be his punishment. He knew he needed this more than anything; he needed to just be held and cry out everything he had held inside his whole life. He was a criminal and had had his childhood stolen from him. With that thought, he clung tighter to Kurama's neck, feeling Kurama and Kikiyo hug him tighter as if to give him the comfort and support he needed.
"I killed them. I killed them all. My mom and dad, spies, traitors, thieves. I killed them all. Even that girl. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry," he cried as the tears fell from his eyes in rapid succession.
Kurama looked at Kikiyo who had tears in her eyes, the anger visible in his eyes. He grabbed her hand and squeezed, smiling sadly at her as he let Niri cry himself out.
KoEnma also allowed the boy to finish crying before he spoke, "What will we do with you now?"
Niri wiped his eyes, Koi now kneeling beside him protectively, "I don't know. Whatever you want. I should be punished. I should even be killed. It's the least I deserve for what I did."
Kuwabara stood up, staring at KoEnma, "He's only a kid, let him help us. He deserves a chance."
KoEnma nodded, "Niri, if you never, ever commit another crime in killing people, I'll allow you go to the Ningenkai and be adopted. Of course, someone will visit you monthly."
Koi smiled, "Our friend had hoped as much. Niri, what would you say to becoming our mutual friend's son?"
Niri smiled, "Really? That would be cool."
Koi nodded, talking over his shoulder, "Niri'll have to stay here until he can get him."
KoEnma nodded as Koi smirked to Niri, tousling his hair, "See ya soon, kid."
Niri nodded, watching him leave. He still refused to let go of Kurama, his arms linked around the man's neck.
"So…what do you want to do?" Kikiyo asked, her hand running through his hair.
His smile faltered, "I've never done anything besides kill."
She sighed, watching Han kneel in front of the young boy, her cards in hand, "Every heard of poker?"
Niri furrowed his brow in confusion before shaking his head, "But I'd love to learn."
The others groaned, some resting their hands on their heads as Han's smile widened, "Then let's do this."
Hiei laid Sinamon on a bed covered in black silk. Her skin stood out as she continued to remain unconscious. He could feel her power becoming restored.
A small Imp appeared behind him, bowing to him, "Master Hiei, what shall I get thee?"
Hiei turned from Sinamon, "Inform me when she awakes."
The Imp nodded, watching his Master leave the room. Hiei entered his study, feeling out of place in his own Manor. He had refused to live in it even though it was his father, Koji's wish before he left to join Yomi's service. He did not even know if he was still alive, much less care.
"Long time no see, Hiei," a voice Hiei recognized said from the desk.
Kaguya sat with her feet on the well-polished surface of the desk. She had shoulder length strawberry blonde hair with light purple streaks and dark orchid tips. Her bangs were light purple and the right side covered her right eye. Her eyes were different colors: the left being a golden-blue while the right was a purple with a small cat-like iris. She wore a white shirt with long flowing sleeves that rested on her mid upper arm; the sleeves were black at the end. The shirt cut off revealing a stomach of light tan skin. Her pants were low riders with two black stripes on both sides, standing out against the white pants.
She had three line scars under her left eye from a battle. She was a Youkai hybrid, both wolf and cat breed. Her ears were cat ears on top of her head, colored white with small black streaks on the bass. Her tail was that of a wolf, long and colored brown with black streaks. On her back, she had two black devil wings that were small, only about a foot at full length. Though many did not know, she ruled over a small-secluded section of the Makai; which is why she wore the royal emblem around her neck, being her mother's locket. Also around her neck she had a red and black dog collar.
"What do you want, Kaguya?" he asked, annoyed by her sudden choice of time to arrive.
She smiled, seemingly baring one fang, "I heard you Spirit Detectives let Tamamo leave the crystal so I've decided to help."
Hiei scoffed, crossing his arms, "At the moment, I have more important things to take care of."
She raised her left eyebrow, "And what would that be?" she chuckled. "Oh, right. That girl,
Kurama's little sister. How is your relationship coming, or is it even coming?"
Hiei glared, "Hn. She's my partner."
Kaguya laughed, "Fine. Well, I'll be going so you and your 'partner' can have some alone time."
Hiei continued to glare as Kaguya disappeared through a portal she opened. How could she even think that he and Sinamon were anything more? They had saved each other's lives and helped each other but that didn't mean that they were anything more than partners. Kurama and he had done the same for each other when they had worked together as partners. He was sure the others thought the same thing as Kaguya and that angered him. He was unable to do anything without others believing he was breaking and actually feeling things that were alien to him.
He growled, throwing himself into the seat Kaguya had previously occupied. He had work to do and then he would deal with Sinamon and the supposed feelings he had for her. It was a waste of time to even think about such things. He opened the book sitting on the desk and found it full of things purchased over the previous months. With a groan, he set to work.
Sinamon slowly opened her eyes, rubbing her head, hoping to rid herself of the pounding throbbing in her temples.
"Mistress, have thee awaken?"
Sinamon looked up to see a small green Imp wearing royal blue garments.
"Um, who are you?" she questioned.
"Oh, I am called Styl by my Master, Mistress."
She nodded, "I'm Sinamon."
He nodded, "I must tell Master Hiei thee have awoken, Mistress Sinamon," at that he disappeared with a pop.
She looked around the room, shocked to not be able to see the ceiling. Light poured in through an open doorway leading to a balcony, the rail covered in roses. Their scent wafted in on a cool breeze that fluttered the curtains tied open by black rope. She was laying on a large bed covered in black silk and smelt of…sulfur?
It suddenly dawned on her.
This is Hiei's house. And this is his… bed, she thought, a light blush creeping over her cheeks.
She tried to extract herself from the sheets, but only ended up entangling herself further, being unable to really move.
Hiei walked in, Styl close behind him, his large brown eyes watching them, hoping his Master would not run this one out like he did the others. All he had now from the past was Kaguya only because she refused to leave him alone. His Mother and the other two woman he had been mildly interested in had not been able to stay a day before he became enraged and tried to rid himself of them. He had even nearly killed one of the women for she tried to get to his riches stored in the faults under the Manor. It was not that his Master held money and riches in high fashion but that he wanted someone that could satisfy him both physically and emotionally without being after his money.
"What is going on?" he whispered loudly enough for Sinamon to hear.
"Hiei, look, I'm okay, but I should be getting back to KoEnma because.."
"Because you're trying to bring back my sister," he interrupted. "Why? You never liked her."
Sinamon had been maneuvering the sheets as she could get out and at that statement stormed over to Hiei.
In one fluid movement, she slapped him for the second time, "She was my friend. I trusted her more than anyone else and DON'T you think otherwise. Just because I kidnapped you and locked you away, you think that I'm unable to trust people or like them? Well, 'Master' you need to learn something. I'm Ningen now, I've learned to deal with feelings while you continue to be a cold-hearted Bastard."
Hiei glared at her, "I don't care. Do what you wish."
He then turned and stormed out, leaving Sinamon to stare at his back in anger. She couldn't believe he had actually said that. Why was it no one believed she could care for Yukina? She had done nothing but be nice and friendly with the young girl and in return, she was treated as if she had single-handedly killed her. She sighed, turning from the door to sit on the bed. Now even Hiei thought she was nothing but a traitor. She was his partner, she had saved him and this was how he treated her?
She ran a hand through her hair in aggravation. She couldn't understand how anyone could get along with him. Now since she didn't know where she was or how to get back to the Reikai, she was stuck with him until he decided to take her back.
A young girl slowly opened her eyes, the red orbs focusing on the wall before her. She had light blue hair that fell into her face as she scanned the room. She was clothed in a white robe held closed by a white tie.
Her eyes widened as she thought, What am I doing alive? That man killed me before Hiei told me he was my….'
She smiled, shifting slightly, her pale skin glowing slightly as the energy flowed through her body, reintegrating itself into her, blending with what was left of her power. She could tell she was at KoEnma's palace, but could not tell where exactly since she had never seen this place. She was floating in the air, unable to move from lack of strength. She allowed her eyes to drift shut, following the connection to her brother. She had to know if he was all right or if her death had caused him too much pain.
She could feel he was confused and a little scared, but also happy. She sighed, letting her mind drift back to itself. It was good to know he could find happiness even after her death. She had seen Sinamon in his mind and knew somehow he had found his soul mate, his true love. Yet, like the Hiei she had known, he refused to see it for himself. She needed him to realize it before he gave up and lost her completely. Wanting him to be happy was hard when she knew the only time he would be happy was when he finally accepted his feelings. Another thing that didn't help was she could never understand why he despised feeling so much to begin with.
She felt her energy begin to drain as she thought through all that had been shown to her. She knew if she wanted to see the Spirit Detectives again, see Kuwabara again, she needed to regain her energy. As her eyes drifted close to sleep, she sent out a silent message to any that were listening. She told them thanks for bringing her back, for caring enough to risk their life to save her. Her body and mind gave up to sleep a moment later.
.
Prince KoEnma, King Yama, Lord Inari and Lady Nonomiko sat in the Imperial throne room, silence stretching between them.
"We are the only gods and goddess' who are willing to deal with this problem. Each of us must choose a person to give our powers to that will help destroy Tamamo. Together they can lock her away for good, even send her to the Meikai with Yakumo," KoEnma stated.
Lord Inari nodded, "We've had time to discuss this and we've decided on our representatives."
Lady Nonomiko continued for him, "Who we all choose must form an unbreakable bond that can never be conquered or we will lose. I believe those we don't choose will still wish to help their friends."
KoEnma nodded, "I'm choosing Yusuke. He's my best Spirit Detective and undoubtedly the strongest."
King Yama thought a moment, "I choose Hiei. He has a power locked inside he doesn't know about."
Lady Nonomiko smiled, "I choose my loyal servant, Spyk. He's my most trusted worker."
Lord Inari nodded, "I choose Sinamon. She's strong-willed and loyal to those who earn her
trust."
KoEnma stood, "It seems we've decided what we're going to …"
The door slammed open, a figure seemingly floated across the room. He had long black hair pulled in a low ponytail. He had piercing silver eyes that kept your attention. His skin was creamy tan and unblemished besides a scar running down the left side of his face. He wore black pants and a silver silk shirt.
"How could you leave me out?" Lord Hoku, the Lord of Eagles said.
"You mean you'll join us?" Lady Nonomiko asked in mock excitement.
He nodded, "Yep and I choose Han as my representative."
KoEnma smiled, "Well, we should call a meeting to tell the others of what will happen. Thank you, Hoku. We'll need as much help as possible with this."
Hoku nodded, smiling broadly as he sat cross-legged in the air. He loved being the center of attention and knew this would only bring the attention of the god's to him. Truth be told, he only wanted one goddess' attention and helping the Ningens that she so loved to watch was certain to get the recognition he wanted. Lady Juliet was the Goddess of Love but had yet to find someone that suited her. Lord Hoku was adamant to make that lover him.
Styl sat down at Sinamon's feet, making a crown of roses for her. He smiled to himself, content with the peace surrounding the young girl.
"Do thee love Master?" he questioned.
Sinamon shrugged, "He's a pain in the ass if you ask me."
A voice spoke behind her, "Yeah, he is but he's just trying to protect himself."
She spun around to find Kaguya, "Oh, hello. Aren't you Kaguya?"
She nodded, "Yep. I'm one of Hiei's oldest friends. 'Course he won't admit it, but I've seen lots of things happen to him."
Sinamon nodded, "I sometimes wish he'd talk to me about it. We've both got hard lives, we could help each other somehow. Could you tell me what happened to him? I mean, what made him so…cold-hearted."
Kaguya smiled, "Sorry, that's his field. He hardly trusts me as it is. He just takes a little time, but you'll get through. I can already tell by how he treats you. He would have killed anyone else for slapping him."
Sinamon shrugged, "I don't know. Anyway what are you doing here?"
She chuckled, "Oh I'm here to see the lovely fire baby. The cutest in the world for a kid."
Sinamon turned away, her eyes wide as she thought, He has a kid?! Why that little…
Kaguya watched Sinamon; unable to comprehend why Sinamon seemed so angry, "Well, I'll be leaving. Have to make sure Lord Hoku isn't misbehaving. Bye."
Sinamon continued to just stare out over the open land, trying to calm her anger.
"I hate him and that's final!" she yelled finding it calming.
Hiei froze in the doorway, his hand less than an inch from the doorknob. His eyes were wide before narrowing as he turned and walked away in anger. If she felt that way, then he would leave her longer. She deserved to be alone. Why should he care if she ate or not? She hated him and ….He froze.
Why do I feel like I've just been betrayed by her? It's not as if I care for her. Or do I?
He felt himself begin to grow angry at the mere thought that she could make him feel things that he had never felt or cared to feel. She had gone behind his back to bring his sister back to life. Why would she do that? He knew for a fact she disliked Kuwabara. Then had she done it for him?
Against his better judgment, he turned around and stormed back into the room. He found Sinamon sitting on the bed once more, her hair pulled back into a low ponytail while she fiddled with the sheets. Her mind was else where, thinking deeply over something.
"Sinamon, I need to ask you something?"
She turned around, obviously surprised that he was there. She had felt his energy rise as he walked away and knew he had heard what she yelled.
"Why did you try and bring back Yukina? Besides the fact that you two were friends, I hardly see a reason."
She sighed, falling back on the bed. Hiei approached her curiously, watching her gaze focus on him when he came into view.
"Sometimes, that's all you need. Just to know that your friend will be all right, that they'll be there when you wake up. Plus Kuwabara really loves her, he was always loyal and cared for her and made her happy."
He sat down beside her suddenly confused, "You never liked Kuwabara, that's not the reason. Is it?"
She yawned, curling up beside him, her head coming to rest on his lap without her realizing it, "I guess I sorta did it for you too. I wanted to show you that I could care for something. I thought maybe it would make you trust me more, tell me more about your past, about why you pretend to be so heartless."
Hiei furrowed his brow, lightly brushing the hair from her face, "How would that help? She was dead and hardly knew anything about me."
She snuggled closer, "But you knew everything about her. You cared about her, even loved her I'd say. I just don't understand why you can't allow…others to see…that side…of you."
He lightly shook her, waking her slightly for her to finish, "Why do you always act that way, Hiei? I always wonder that. I always wonder why you seem to not trust anyone but yourself. Why you always pretend you don't care when one of your partners get hurt. But you never seemed to think of telling me."
He stood, picking her up, "It's difficult to explain."
She peeked at him sleepily, "You should try."
He laid her down, sitting beside her, "Well, I raised myself. I was the only one that cared about me and where I slept the next night. Even with that I knew I needed help. After you live in the Makai most of your life, you can't help but become like me. To them, it's wrong to show emotions, to show any kind is weakness."
He glanced at her, watching her curl up to his side, "Is that why you can't love anyone? People will…hurt you?"
He shook his head, "No, I'll hurt them. I can never find a way to show how I feel unless it's anger or hate. How can I show I love someone when that's all I know?"
It was Sinamon's turn to explain to him, "You say it, you say it whenever possible and no matter whose around to hear it. You kiss them, hug them, hold their hand whenever possible.
You love to talk with them and do so. You listen to their opinion and tell them yours."
He sighed, pulling her up so she rested her head on his shoulder, "But how? I still don't understand."
She draped her arm over his stomach, nuzzling his shoulder, "For someone who doesn't understand you sure can do it."
He glanced at her and smiled, "I can, can't I?"
She nodded, her eyes focusing on him as she felt sleep finally begin to sink its tendrils into her brain, "Yeah. Now all you have to do is…learn to show your…emotions…to others. Do...you …even love…me? Care…about me?"
He looked at her shocked, only to find she was asleep, her body relaxed and resting closely to him.
Sighing, he said, "I don't know, Sinamon. I wished I did but it's just so confusing."
He lifted her arm and head while extracting himself from her hold. Lightly laying them back down, he covered her before leaving. Without noticing it, Kaguya and Styl stepped out from behind the curtains and smiled to each other.
"Does this mean Master and Mistress will be getting married?" Styl whispered.
Kaguya shrugged, motioning for them to leave as Sinamon snuggled deeper into the covers Hiei had left her with.
Kikiyo felt Kurama take her hand in the dark, smiling to herself as he climbed into her bed.
"Night, Kit," he whispered, pulling her to him as he snuggled to her back.
Kikiyo leaned into him, feeling content and happy though feeling like she was betraying the real Kurama. He kissed the shell of her ear; his breath sending shivers over her body.
"I love you, sweetheart," he nuzzled her neck and began kissing down her neck.
"Kurama… please, let's not do this tonight," she whispered breathlessly, suddenly feeling the loneliness she had felt for the last years without him.
He nodded, shifting though not pulling away, "Sorry, it's that season. You know, heat coming on."
Kikiyo's eyes flew open as her mind scrambled, "Oh no, Sinamon's all alone with Hiei and she'll be going into…"
Kurama cursed, extracting himself from the sheets. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips before turning to leave.
"I'll be back soon but I have to find Sinamon before she does something," he said turning quickly and disappearing out the door.
Kikiyo sighed, feeling her instincts try to take over. Between mid-spring and mid-summer, Forbidden Children and some select Kitsunes and Youkai go through two months of heat. Most will only mate with others in their species that are in heat though hybrids like Sinamon and Kurama mate with any Youkai, Ningen, or Immortal.
She bit her lip as the waves of desire and pleasure crashed down on her. She would not give in to her instincts. She owed Kurama that much. Besides the fact she doubted there was another Kitsune near the palace in heat. It also helped that she knew she truly loved Kurama, that he was her soul mate or she would have hated to see what she would have done while he was gone. She only had to hope they would be able to resist each other until it passed. If not, they would have a problem in the fact Kikiyo would more than likely become pregnant.