Chapter 14

The team included Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei, Amaya, Chu, Touya, Shishi, and Suzuki. Jin was forced to stay behind to recuperate, even though he raised a fuss about it.

"Sure, go on and leave me alone to become looney," he pouted.

Yusuke patted his shoulder. "Man just enjoy your alone time, you have no idea how lucky you are. Try being a dad."

There was a tour boat the group had to use to get to the island. This involved fitting in with a boat full of humans. For some, this was easy. But for people like Chu and Hiei, anyone who was barely around normal humans, this task was difficult.

"People still aren't used to meeting demons," Kurama explained. "And in order for our plan to work, we need to become as inconspicuous as possible. Which means," he looked at Hiei and Chu, "it would be best if neither of you talked. And I trust I do not have to tell you, Amaya, not to bite anyone."

"Hn."

All the demons straight from Makai had to wear civilian clothes: Hiei had to wear sunglasses that hid his blood-red irises and adopt jeans and a black jacket that was loose enough to fit his katana in, Amaya had to wear a lavender dress and a white jacket, Chu wore a leather jacket and jeans, Touya had a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and sneakers, and Shishi wore a suave suit, his vanity getting the better of him. Kurama and Suzuki were the only demons who knew how to dress discreetly.

On the boat, there were a few incidents that drew attention, but not enough to ruin the plan; like Chu's complaint that there was no alcohol on the craft and Shishi's seduction of the female attendants. Kurama kept his distance from the rest of the passengers to avoid similar situations; his would be unintentional.

Hiei and Amaya stood next to each other, staring across the ocean. Hiei was fighting the urge to throw away the sunglasses that impeded his vision.

"You look ridiculous in those," Amaya commented.

"Trust me, this isn't going to be a look I'll continue. I'm going to destroy these glasses as soon as the mission is over." Hiei looked around to make sure there were no humans within earshot. "I never asked if how you felt about all this."

"Does it matter?"

"No." Hiei paused. "But I still want to know."

"The only people I can stand are Kurama, Touya, Yusuke, and Kats."

Hiei noticed Amaya using Katsumi's nickname. "You seemed to get really close to the girl."

His daughter said nothing and observed the waves. After a pause, "Do you miss her?"

Hiei was not sure what she meant. "She is just as loud as her dad, but other than that I don't know her enough to miss her."

"Not Kats, Dad," Amaya corrected. Her voice seemed weaker as she clarified. "Do you miss Mom?"

Hiei didn't answer. He mulled over what he knew she wanted to hear and what she needed to hear. Amaya had been told about Ren; what she was like and how she died. But she never expressed any form of grief for the mother she never met.

Hiei sighed, deciding the truth would be best. It would be painful for him, but better sooner than later; a philosophy Amaya seemed to appreciate.

"Yes, I do."

Silence. Then Yusuke walked over, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. Hiei just grunted and shrugged it off. "Enjoying the view, you two?" he asked cheerfully.

Both father and daughter replied with a "Hn." Amaya backed away from the rail. "I'm going to find Kurama."

"I think I saw him in one of the cabins below deck," Yusuke offered. Amaya nodded and walked off.

"Man, she is definitely your kid." Hiei didn't reply.

More silence passed before, surprisingly, Hiei spoke. "Yusuke, I'm sorry." His voice was barely even a breath.

Yusuke stood dumbfounded, picked wax out of his ears and asked, "What did you just say?"

Hiei's knuckles turned white as he griped the railing. He repeated a little louder, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For letting Katsumi get captured."

"Whoa man, you did not let her get captured." Yusuke looked at Hiei but the fire demon kept his face turned toward the ocean. "You fought that bitch, she played a dirty trick and Kats was taken."

Hiei still didn't look at the detective. "Hiei, I know would never let that sort of thing happen. You don't need to apologize. I mean, yeah I get if the situation was reversed I would be on my knees begging for forgiveness-"

"I'm not on my knees," Hiei interrupted.

"Your not? Man, you need a growth spurt bad," Yusuke chuckled. Hiei growled. "Kidding. But I know you've got my back and you know I have yours." Yusuke turned to leave.

"Yusuke." The half demon turned to the Jagan wielder. "Just so you know, if Amaya was ever kidnapped and you were the one with her, you wouldn't even be breathing."

Yusuke chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, I know."