Hello O_O I'm back. This chapter is significantly longer than the last xD
I'm SO SO excited to finally be posting this chapter! I hope you guys love it :)
Enjoy!
Chapter 25- Under A Sky of Fire
"And done! Oh, you look beautiful Ren! Ren?" A hand passed over my face.
"Sorry, what?" I was finding it more and more difficult to focus on anything as the minutes ticked by. I couldn't stop thinking about Kuri and my dream last night; when I blinked, I could see everything happen again and hear the lonesome screams of her newborn child… I couldn't think straight. Yet Keiko only beamed at me, oblivious to the turmoil that churned inside me, and turned me around to face her mirror.
The yukata she had lent me really was beautiful. It was a deep blue with sakura blossoms and vines that littered the ends of the sleeves and the bottom then finished off with a darker obi that Keiko had tied into an elegant bow in the back.
"Are you sure I can wear this Keiko?" I asked, moving gingerly, afraid to wrinkle the lovely fabric.
She nodded, "I already told you it was fine. Now, one last touch," She pulled a thin clip from her dresser and pulled my hair up. It was the first time in a while that I would be wearing it like this.
Poking her face around my shoulder, she smiled, "Perfect. Now Hiei won't be able to resist."
I flushed darkly, but skirted around the comment, "I know Yusuke will have something to say too."
She just rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Yeah right, like that idiot notices anything." Keiko's yukata was light orange with large red flowers and a bright red obi, a small flower threaded into her hair; coupled with her cheerful smile, she was radiant.
"Well then, we should get going soon. The others are probably wondering where we are, and I'm sure you're eager to see Hiei." Of course she was right. I had almost felt sick the entire way back to Kuwabara's yesterday only to find that Hiei was still unconscious. I was relieved to see that color had come back to his complexion and he was breathing much easier with Yukina's care.
I hated myself to admit that even now I felt a tiny bit jealous, at a time like this. Yukina was only doing everything she could to help, but it never failed to twist my heart in the wrong way regardless and only now was I beginning to realize how ugly a feeling it was; when had this little jealousy monster of mine become something not-so-little?
Knowing how I had just run out of the room instead, I just felt guilty and pathetic in comparison and I was actually glad that he wasn't awake to see me like this. However, Botan had come to meet Keiko and I this morning with report from Kurama saying that Hiei would be waking up soon and that he should be strong enough to go the festival with the rest of us. She briefly mentioned Kurama's reluctance about actually going too, and I had a sneaking suspicion that he might've been coerced into going, but if that was true Botan failed to mention it.
Keiko smoothed down her robe and ushered me downstairs where Botan was waiting for us. She was in her own pretty kimono, a bright pink robe laced with white flowers and a white, red-accented obi. She squealed and clapped her hands in excitement when we came down.
"Oh you both look so cute! This was such a good idea Keiko. It'll be nice to just relax and have fun today."
That sounded just about impossible to do, but I nodded and smiled along with Keiko.
Outside, groups of people were already out and about despite how early it was, and the atmosphere was already buzzing with chatter and delight, but I felt neither. Rather, the closer we got to Kuwabara's, the more my stomach would alternate between fluttering butterflies and gut-wrenching drops.
When we arrived, Yukina was the one to let us in. Back in her typical icy blue and red yukata, she looked a little tired, but ultimately cheerful and spritely, and ushered us in with a smile.
"You guys look wonderful, and you came just in time too. Hiei should've woken up by now and I was just about to go check on him." She told us as we walked to the living room. My stomach flip-flopped again and I sat down before my jellified legs gave out.
"Hey guys, took you long enough." Yusuke sauntered into the room with a wave and plopped down on the sofa. Keiko crossed her arms with an eye roll.
"The life of a woman's is difficult..." Botan sighed dramatically, "We go through all this trouble of looking nice while boys like you could care less!" Yusuke snorted and didn't even bother denying it. Kuwabara came in moments later, sporting his own yukata.
"I am so ready to whoop some ass on some festival games!" He laughed loudly, flexing. "I'm the grand champion when it comes to goldfish scooping."
"Yeah whatever, I can't wait to get my hands on all the stall food." Yusuke was almost drooling at the thought.
"You're such a glutton." Keiko chastised, but was smiling nonetheless.
Their laughter echoed and dissipated in my head as it all faded away. It made me happy to see everyone at ease, but at the same time, a small bitterness began to well up and pull my heart down. I had to remind myself that they didn't know what was happening, what was going to happen, but the jealousy of their ignorance burned through my veins like poison.
There was a light touch to my shoulder, "Ren?"
My heart flew from my feet to my throat in a flash and I jumped in surprise; Yukina instantly snapped back, equally as startled.
Her eyes were wide and concerned, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You've been really quiet and you seem tense... are you still worried about Hiei?"
I was still trying to calm my accelerating heart, but the flush that descended over my face didn't help. Well… she was half right.
"Why is everyone bringing Hiei up all of the sudden?" I grumbled in exasperation. Yukina blinked, taken aback and I felt guilty at my tone, but after a moment's hesitation she just came around to sit beside me.
"He's been restless since you left yesterday you know. He won't say so out loud, but I think he really wants to see you and is just too stubborn to ask."
At the mention of yesterday, I inwardly cringed, but something ugly must've come across my face because Yukina became really confused.
"Do you not want to see him?" She exclaimed, as if the idea hadn't even crossed her mind.
"No! It's not that!" I immediately contradicted, but only flushed deeper realizing what I was insinuating at the same time. Yukina relaxed, but cocked her head to the side.
I grew solemn, resigning myself and gave a Yukina a side-long glance, "I... really do want to see him, but..." I think I knew what was really holding me back, and I slumped over in defeat. "Yukina... I'm really scared."
"Scared?" She repeated softly.
"I… I already feel like I've lost so much . Everything I do just seems to lead to more pain; anything I bother to... love is just cursed… so, I just don't want to. If I don't feel, I'm safe, they're safe, and everything's ok. As soon as I even start to care though, people just get hurt and worse. I loved my mother, but well... I loved my uncle, but now he's in a coma in a hospital because of me which is no way of living and right now, Hiei is..." The words stuck in my throat. "I can't."
Yukina had remained quiet, letting me speak, but as soon as I had stopped, she grabbed my hand gently, and looked me straight in the eye; I had never seen her more serious.
"I know it hurts." She began, making my heart pang, but she continued, "But you have got to know that there is good in it too. There will always be the threat of rejection and it will never be any less painful, but you can't just lock yourself away because at the same time, there is hope and beauty in just loving. Ren, you can't hope to ever receive if you aren't willing to first give away. Rejection is always painful, but to be able to still feel that despite the pain, to love fully, and to give it whole heartedly without reserve... that's what real love is. To be willing to give it unconditionally without expecting anything in return... Just keep in mind that sometimes things like this need to be said aloud. I'm not talking about blindly dedicating yourself to one thing without anything in return but having the willingness to do that. But I really want you to talk to Hiei- just go see him; you may be surprised."
She released my hand and I knew I was dismissed. With a trembling heart, I took a deep breath and slowly got up, thinking over the things she'd just told me.
To give it whole heartedly... I thought.
I shuffled towards the hall, risking a final glance at Yukina who gave me an encouraging smile. I sighed and, firming my resolve, walked to the door.
~.~.~.~.~
Even though he was just now slowly coming back to consciousness, Hiei was pissed. He recognized the sluggish feeling in his muscles and the recognizable pull to reality as if he were coming out of a deep dream. He had obviously been drugged.
That damn fox... Hiei mumbled inside, albeit fuzzily. I'm going to kill him one of these days.
He peeled his eyes open, vision blurry, but he immediately recognized the flash of vibrant red hair; he wasn't surprised but just managed to spit out a frustrated growl.
"Kurama, you bastard..." Hiei groaned, starting to move around as he regained his bearings.
Kurama's face slowly swam into focus. He was smirking, but his eyes were serious as well, "I must apologize Hiei. It appears that the drug might've been too potent for you... it worked a little too well."
Hiei let out a snort, but it was a weak one so Kurama could tell that he at least wasn't seriously angry. Though not livid, he was far from being pleased.
"How dare you Kurama?" Hiei seethed, pushing himself up now. He was pleased to realize that he had regained some of his strength, if anything.
Kurama crossed his arms, expression not changing, "I acted on the basis of what I thought was the best for your well-being. In your state yesterday, you really couldn't afford to put any unnecessary stress on your body. If you did, the more you would have endangered yourself."
"I've been just lying here since yesterday? What the hell!" Hiei spat.
Kurama sighed, "Then if not for your sake," he said, promptly disregarding Hiei's exclamation, "then for Yukina's. She dedicated a lot of her time and energy into healing you. Might I suggest a little bit of gratitude?"
Hiei visibly calmed down, 'hn'ing, but he glanced away with a frown. A beat of silence passed and Kurama could tell that there was something else too. His green eyes softened in understanding.
"Ren is alright Hiei. If that's what you're worried about," Kurama said.
Hiei's reaction was abrupt; for an instant, his body when rigid and his expression was off-guard and surprised, his eyes shining with relief and confusion until he immediately fixed his face once more, but Kurama hadn't missed it . He hid a knowing smile.
"Actually, that's another thing." Here Kurama frowned, "There's a local festival by the river and the girls have decided that we'll be attending today. I told them that we should wait and see how you were feeling, but otherwise, that we could go."
Hiei tensed up, "Is that really wise Kurama?"
"I am wary of how this could be potentially dangerous, but as long as we're all with one another in the same area, I think we should be fine. We'll just have to be careful... Though, admittedly, the most careful decision would be to not go in the first place, but it might be nice to have a little breather from all this madness. "
Hiei didn't feel any less wary, but he was just as desperate, if not more, to get out of this room, and also... the raw despair of Ren's emotions still felt fresh in his mind and Hiei was deeply disturbed. It bothered him how acutely he'd felt them, but he couldn't shake the look on her face from his mind. Even now he couldn't explain her expression, but all he knew was that he needed to see her for himself. He felt that somehow all that pain had come from him in some way, only the biggest reminder of how utterly powerless he was, even more so now.
He clenched the blankets over him, now sitting up, "We can't just keep sitting around and waiting for something to happen. I'll go to this 'festival,' but after, we focus on retrieving my energy. The sooner I get my ki back the better. Then we can properly handle Asami and her henchmen and this nightmare can be over."
Kurama was silent for a few moments, thinking. A subtle, different atmosphere seemed to settle over the room then, one of a more solemn mood. When Kurama spoke again, there was a weary caution and genuine curiosity in his tone.
He began hesitantly, "It's always difficult to imagine anything ending, but it makes me wonder. Hiei... after all is said and done and you manage to regain your ki and powers, what do you plan to do?"
Hiei blinked at the sincerity and serious undertone of Kurama's question, taken aback.
"What do you think? Return to the Makai, what else." He said, turning away.
Kurama paused and then he fixed his most sincere look at Hiei and asked quietly, "...What about Ren?"
~.~.~.~.~
My fist had been raised and had nearly descended to knock on the door when my ears caught the sound of my name and my body utterly froze.
What...?
~.~.~.~.~
Kurama's face was stoic, but he noticed how fast Hiei's body went stiff.
"What do you mean by that?" Hiei responded tightly, "What about her?"
"I can't imagine that you can just return to the Makai with the bond and you certainly can't expect her to go with you. Or is that what you had intended?" Kurama asked.
"Are you mad? Of course I hadn't" Hiei snapped, alarmed at the thought.
Kurama didn't react, "Then... what? After all this, you'd really just go back to Mukuro's?" Kurama had no intention of upsetting Hiei, but besides the fact that he was honestly curious as to what was going through Hiei's head right now, he wanted him to realize what was happening and make him aware of the fact that with the way things were now, Hiei would have to make a decision in the future.
Suddenly aggravated, Hiei responded with a growl, "No! I mean, yes... I don't know. We'll find a way to remove the bond..." the words almost felt strange to say for him and suddenly he was unsure and confused, but he fixed a steely glare on Kurama and went on. He was growing defensive quickly, Kurama's knowing eyes piercing through him. He knew that stare- Kurama was trying to analyze him with that cool, calculated look which went past the exterior and dug deep; he could only imagine what he was thinking. Alarmed, Hiei lashed out without thinking, desperate to get off the topic as fast as possible. Never had he felt so vulnerable.
"After we get rid of the bond, as far as I'm concerned, the girl can carry on with her life. Just because you're fond of humans Kurama doesn't mean that I am. There is nothing for me here- the Makai is my only home. There's no place else I belong." He grit out. He didn't allow himself to think twice about his words; he forced himself to hold his grimace, staring straight back at Kurama.
However, Hiei was taken aback when Kurama sighed deeply, a touch of sadness sweeping across his face, "Even after all this time, you're still going to let your pride be your downfall. I had hoped you might've learned something from all this... Though you may choose to deny it, you're not the same as you were all those months ago Hiei and try as you might, you're not nearly as heartless as you would like to be. It pains me to see you so obviously blind... but maybe when all is said and done, you might be able to see what is here and might find you've had a change of heart." Hiei was stunned into silence, but before he could even make sense of Kurama's words and his own thoughts, they were suddenly interrupted by a rapping at the door.
"You can come in." Kurama called and the door was shot open; Botan spun through the door, beaming and twirling her kimono, sweeping her arms gracefully.
"We're ready to go!" Botan chimed.
Kurama chuckled while Hiei just grimaced. She pouted, crossing her arms at his reaction, but she looked relieved as well.
"How are you feeling Hiei?" She asked.
Hiei just shrugged and threw the covers off, swinging his legs out of bed. So far so good- no dizziness, just stiffness from lack of use. He carefully stood up, wobbled a second, but waved off their concern in frustration. One step, two... he smirked.
"I'm fine." He said, feeling smug.
Kurama arched an eyebrow, skeptical, but Botan clapped happily.
"I'm so glad! Everyone will be so relieved to hear that. Now come on, they're all waiting, but don't over exert yourself." She said.
Hiei hesitated, stuffing his hands in his pockets, "Is... Ren waiting?"
It was frightening how quickly Botan's expression morphed. Her lips curled, her eyes alight with a knowing, mischievous look, "Of course, Hiei. I know for a fact that she can't wait to see that you're all right!" Or just to see you... Botan added silently, snickering on the inside as Hiei turned himself away with a 'hn.'
Kurama just hid a smile, albeit a slightly sad one. He fixed Hiei one last stare, "Are you sure you're alright in going?"
Hiei brushed him aside, entering the hall, "I said I was fine." He was just desperate to get a move on and get out of the room. He walked with brisk strides, headed for the living room, turned the corner and-
~.~.~.~.~
"Hiei!"
My head snapped up, my heart twisting and sinking. I felt like a deer in the headlights, the way his gaze immediately shot to mine. I instantly scrambled to look away, scared of what I might do if I kept looking at him. Hug him? Cry? I wasn't mentally prepared for this. I stared down at my hands, Hiei's harsh words echoing in my head.
There is nothing for me here- the Makai is my only home.
As far as I'm concerned, the girl can carry on with her life.
So that was it then; that's how he really felt.
I was just the girl.
...Again.
Kami, I was such an idiot. It was so easy for me to forget these days that Hiei, even without his ki, was still a demon. What had I truly expected out of any of this? From the beginning, Hiei had never even tried to hide how much he despised humans and it shouldn't have hurt me so much as it did because I should've known that. I've always known that.
It wasn't any good to get worked up about it now of all times, that was just stupid.
I could tell Yukina was eyeing me with worry and confusion, but I adamantly kept my head turned. I knew she had wanted to say something ever since I'd come running back into the room a couple of minutes ago, but I had avoided her, keeping up the best poker face that I could muster.
"How are you feeling?" Yukina asked earnestly, and Hiei managed to give her a small smile.
"Better." He muttered, slightly abashed.
Yukina smiled with relief, "I'm so glad. We were all so worried. Weren't we Ren?"
My heart jumped to my throat and I shot up, almost tripping over my yukata. Why did she have to call me out like that?
"Yes!" I coughed, cheeks red, but still not looking directly at Hiei, "I'm glad you're okay..." He didn't say anything back, just kept staring.
Oh Kami, this was awkward. I'd never felt as uncomfortable with Hiei as I did now. What was I supposed to say to him? Not one word came to me.
Finally, he just stuffed his hand in his pockets and turned away, "Hn."
My chest squeezed, and the plastered smile on my face dissolved away. With my head turned, I missed the nearly identical expression on his own face . Yukina frowned deeply, realizing something was truly wrong.
Botan started clapping cheerfully, oblivious, "Now that we're all here, are we ready?"
The others, also as equally unaware of the tension between Hiei and me, all cheered.
We all filed out of the house and started walking towards the river. I walked stiffly beside Hiei who was avoiding looking at me as well.
I was also scared in trying to check on the bond; I felt like I would've been invading. I had never felt so far away from Hiei than right now, and it made me truly sad. What made it worse was that of all ways to spend our last day together, it was going to be spent in silence.
Then it hit me.
This was our last day together. I would never see Hiei again after today.
My knees almost buckled and I felt the blood drain from my face.
"Are you alright?" Hiei suddenly asked.
His voice caught me so off guard, I stumbled and would've fallen flat on my face until I felt a warm grip take hold of me and I was staring straight in Hiei's eyes which I had so desperately avoided. With his deep red eyes, I felt like he was staring straight into my heart and mind. Oh no... He can't know!
I snapped away from him with a squeak, "I'm fine!"
He was obviously stung from my brusque push and I inwardly cringed. Fantastic, I had just made it more awkward. He pointedly looked away, looking downright irritated now.
I sighed. If anything at all, I knew I couldn't leave things like this.
"Sorry, you just surprised me Hiei." I offered quietly, "But really... are you truly feeling ok enough to go out like this?"
Hiei growled, "I'm tired of everyone asking that. I said I'm fine!" Right after the words came out, he looked a bit regretful, but I just sighed.
"Sorry." I said.
For a moment, he looked like he actually might say something and my hopes went up, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he closed it again and 'hn'd.'
And we were back to square one.
~.~.~.~.~
Luckily it wasn't super crowded yet, so that was one good thing. I hadn't been to a festival in so long since I was always busy working and I was at a loss of what we could do. It was funny watching Hiei's face though because he obviously also had no idea what was going on.
Kuwabara took in a big breath of fresh air, "It's such a nice day! Bring on the games!"
Yusuke snorted, "You'll be eating those words if you don't watch it. But first, food!"
"Hold your horses Yusuke. There are my parents. Come on, you should come say hi." Keiko pointed, pulling on Yusuke's arm. He waved frantically but there was no chance of freedom from her iron grip.
"Woah woah woah, wait! Keiko!" But resistance was futile and we all watched helplessly as they vanished into the crowd.
"We'll catch up with them later." Botan laughed and turned, spotting a booth that sold all kinds of masks. "Ooh! I want one of those. Oh, but before I forget." She reached into her yukata and pulled out four small coin purses, winking. She tossed one to me, Yukina and kept the last two for herself.
"Now don't go spending it all in one place!" She giggled, "They're gifts from Koenma."
"Hey what about us?" Kuwabara whined. "And why do you get two!"
"One purse ought to be plenty for two! Koenma was kind enough to give us these." She wagged her finger at him. "And I'm saving this last one to give to Keiko!"
"But why do only the girls get to keep them?" Kuwabara fired and Botan just rolled her eyes.
"Because if I gave them to any of the rest of you, the money would be gone before we knew it!" She stuck her tongue out at him.
Yukina giggled, holding the purse up, "Don't worry Kazuma, we're sharing!" He smiled down at her then and reached for her hand.
"Alright then! Let's go Yukina! I'm going to win you the biggest prizes ever, just you wait!" He shouted excitedly and she just laughed out loud, letting him lead her to one of the many games.
I couldn't help laughing out loud at Hiei's face, momentarily forgetting the tension. It had gone completely sour when Kuwabara had run off with Yukina and he shot me a poisonous glare, but I could see through it. I hid my smile after that.
"We can share then." I said to Hiei at which he just rolled his eyes.
"Now, I want to go get a mask!" Botan announced and Kurama and I followed her, Hiei more just tagging along with an exasperated sigh.
"Hey Kurama look, it's you!" Botan pulled over a fox mask, laughing. Kurama smiled, collecting a fox mask for himself and chuckling with her.
I eyed the masks. There were too many, and none really stuck out to me so I turned to Hiei who was also looking at them curiously.
"Are there any you like?" I asked, curious.
I was happy that he didn't just blow me off and was instead looking over the masks until I saw his eyes widen slightly, eyeing something. I turned to the one he was looking at and blinked, then smiled. A dragon mask! Somehow, it suited him perfectly.
I called over the vender and bought the mask before Hiei could say anything. Smiling I held it up to him.
"Here! Put it on!"
He looked at me, horrified, "I don't want to put on that ridiculous thing!"
I rolled my eyes, "Oh come on, don't be a spoil sport. Just put it on." Seeing that he wasn't going to take it, I sighed and went ahead and put it on myself, moving it to the side of my face. I heard chuckling come from behind us to find Botan giggling uncontrollably.
"What?" I asked her, suspicious.
"Did you pick that out for her Hiei?" She laughed and I was surprised when Hiei's face flushed slightly.
"No!"
"My, then it's just meant to be isn't it?" She said, putting on her own mask. I didn't really get what she meant, but it was funny to see Hiei become so flustered. Plus, it was more than welcome since some of the tension had seemed to thaw.
"Well you two have fun now!" Botan said, waving.
Wait, what?
"We'll meet you guys later. We're going to go look around ourselves." Kurama grinned innocently.
I blinked, realizing what they were doing, and I was almost desperate enough to ask them to not leave. They couldn't just leave me alone with Hiei! Not right now!
"Wait, Botan-" I called out, but they were already gone, disappearing into the growing crowd.
And then there were two...
My heart resumed its pounding, suddenly extremely conscious in my yukata while I was alone with Hiei here at the festival- Hiei suddenly growled and grabbed my arm.
"Hey, what's the matter with you-" He began but I freaked out and forced out laughter.
"Haha! What? Oh, smell that? It smells delicious! Let's go find it." I swiveled around, hunting for the nearest booth. Bewildered, Hiei stumbled after me, unable to get out another word.
I spotted a cotton candy booth. Perfect! I paid for two, and eagerly took the two pink fluffy cones in exchange. Hiei was frowning, eyeing the pink cloud in confusion, but prepared to speak, looking serious, but I wasn't about to have any kind of serious conversation with him. Not while I could help it.
Tearing off a pink corner, I took my opportunity and stuffed it right in his open mouth. While I was ridiculously embarrassed, he looked at me with huge eyes of disbelief but a different look came across his face and he closed his mouth around the puff of candy.
I smiled to myself in victory. Phew.
He swallowed, and I could've sworn his ruby eyes began to sparkle in wonder.
"What... is that?" He asked, clearly overwhelmed. I held one of the cones out to him, smiling.
"It's cotton candy! I thought you'd enjoy it. I also figured you'd never tasted it before. Like it?" I didn't even have to ask. He nodded wordlessly and accepted the cone, all thoughts of asking questions successfully blown away from his mind.
I laughed out loud. It was just too cute.
I popped a piece in my mouth and looked up only to find him staring at me once more. Except this time, there was a tiny smug smile tugging at his lips and I felt my face flush to my roots.
"H-hey, let's go play some games." I said, turning away again to hide my blush, but Hiei stopped me before I completely turned. His eyes shone earnestly and my breath was suddenly sucked away.
"I'm glad you're okay." Was all he said, before he had to look away as well. My face only grew warmer and I got a bad case of fluttering butterflies in my stomach, my heart racing.
This is really bad...
Steeling my resolve, I pulled from his grasp, grabbing onto his hand with a smile and pulled him towards a booth where Yusuke and Kuwabara were competing (though with them, it was more fighting) over scooping gold fish.
If this was our last day together, then I was going to make the most of it.
~.~.~.~.~
Before I knew it, the sun had already gone down. Where had the time gone?
Keiko had briefly left to make the quick walk to her house to fetch a couple of blankets to lay out by the river where we could all watch the fireworks. We still had a little bit to wait before them, but we had to be quick to grab the good spots and we were able to situate ourselves right at the top of the small hill, giving us the perfect view over the river and the skyline.
I currently sat on one of the blankets, staring at the small plushy bear Hiei had won in one of the games. I smiled softly, remembering how I had tried and failed to win it myself until Hiei stopped me and won on his first try and had just tossed it over to me without a word . The entire event had been a calamity (at least for the vendor), but hilarious all the same and I was still giggling about it.* The others were chattering away and playing with some sparklers that Kurama had bought for their entertainment.
I had thought it was hilarious how Yukina was practically buried in all the things Kuwabara had won for her, having been too shy to tell him that it was enough. Instead she had just giggled and kissed his cheek, much to Hiei's obvious distaste.
I jumped when a bright light suddenly sparked in my view and looked up to see Hiei holding a sparkler out, typically grimacing.
"Kurama gave this to me, but I don't want it. Here," He said. Smiling, I placed the bear in my lap and took it from him.
Hiei sat down with a groan and I immediately became worried.
"Are you still feeling ok? It's been a long day." I asked him.
He just shot me an exasperated look and waved me off, "I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired."
I frowned, "But you would tell me if it's too much?"
He rolled his eyes, but just nodded, most likely to pacify me. I sighed, waving around the sparkler, growing thoughtful.
"I forgot how much fun festivals could be." I said, "But I'm shocked that you haven't keeled over from sugar shock."
In the span of time we'd been here, Hiei had ingested at least five cones of cotton candy and could probably have had more if we hadn't run out of money.
"Hn."
I laughed and I even eyed a small grin on his face.
We fell into comfortable silence and I went back to just staring at the sparkler, the sounds of our friends fading into the background as my thoughts once more consumed me.
It was getting late... it wouldn't be long now. In maybe only a couple of hours, I'd be...
I swallowed, my heart quivering.
But I had to steel my resolve now more than ever. There was no way I could back out of this- I wouldn't let myself. I was doing this for Hiei.
A pang of hurt swept through me.
As far as I'm concerned, the girl carry on with her life … Hiei's words wouldn't stop coming back to me.
That's right, I reminded myself. No matter how I felt, I already knew how he did... my head was greatly hesitant and didn't understand why I was still going to go through with this when he didn't even seem to care. Why was I going to sacrifice myself for a person who had even said out loud that he was perfectly prepared to leave me behind- and why did that have to hurt so much? I should have been used to that by now...
But at the same time... in my heart, suddenly all I could hear were Yukina's words.
Rejection is always painful...
I risked a glance at Hiei and froze up.
But to be able to still feel that despite the pain...
Hiei was looking straight at me. In the dim light, his eyes looked more like fire than ever, but there was something else. Something else...
And to give your whole heart without reserve...
Everything melted away- where we were, our friends, Asami- everything. I vaguely remembered Keiko telling me to look at Hiei's eyes... what was I supposed to be looking for?
"Hiei..." I muttered quietly and took a moment to hear my pummeling heart, "...are you happy?"
The question came without pretense and though it seemed to catch him off guard, I suddenly needed him to answer this question.
"Hn... what kind of question is that?" He replied quickly, but warily, eyeing me suspiciously.
I couldn't help the twitch of my lips that raised my mouth in a tiny smile, and I turned away as casual as possible, "Humor me, and just answer the question."
Hiei fell silent, but instead of answering he just sniffed, "I could think of several things that would make me 'happier', I can tell you that much." He put his arms behind his head and rolled onto his back, closing his eyes.
I chuckled softly. As disheartening as it was, I didn't expect anything else. So I just went on.
Unfaltering, I said quietly, "If you had your powers back...then would you be happy?"
Hiei actually snorted at that question and he replied easily enough, "What do you think? It wouldn't be nearly as aggravating."
"...If none of this had ever happened, would you be happy?" I finally asked, my tone giving away nothing.
There was a rustle beside me as Hiei pulled himself back up, but I couldn't decipher the look he was giving me. His eyes were filled with uncomprehending confusion, his mouth dipped in a serious frown.
"What kind of questions are these?" He demanded.
I just shook my head, chuckling, "They're nothing. I was just thinking out loud is all... But anyways, for what it's worth: whether it matters or not, I just wanted to let you know that I was happy. Am happy. And... It's really because of you." I laughed out loud, just reminiscing over every moment.
"Hiei," I said boldly, "You're the most difficult, infuriating, stubborn person I've ever met. I can't count how many times you've made me want to-eh, well, you've definitely made me angry. And-" I abruptly stopped talking before I got too carried when I spotted the look on his face. I hid a smile.
"But," I emphasized, "At the same time, you've truly turned my world upside down, for the better really, and I can't imagine never having met you. So, thank you for everything. I'll never forget any of it, and I hope, maybe... you won't forget me too… when you do end up going back to the Makai."
Hiei was stayed silent, semi-stunned and semi-concerned, but he finally started, reaching out.
"Ren, what-"
But just then, there was a colorful flash and we both turned to look for just at that moment, we realized that the crowd had gone silent and a high shriek pierced the air as a burst of light was shot into the sky. It flew up, up, up for several seconds and then-
People cheered as the black sky seemed to burst apart with brilliant color, illuminating the night and bathing everything in spectacular color. The firework shimmered like a flower before it died, but was immediately followed by wave after wave of fantastic displays. It was like the sky was on fire; it was beautiful.
"Ren," I was pulled from the wondrous display when my hand was suddenly taken and I was pulled to look Hiei straight in the face. I had avoided looking at him straight in the eye ever since yesterday and my first instinct was to run away, but he held fast. My stomach dropped at the sheer intensity of his gaze.
"Ren, I won't let anything happen to you. You have my absolute word- I'll protect you with my life."
I couldn't move or think or breathe- I just sat there, staring, completely stunned. Under the vibrant light, I saw him in a new light. It hit me so suddenly without reason, but it did and I knew.
Hiei... Hiei had become my whole world. If I couldn't do anything else, then at least I could do this for him because...
There was something even more beautiful, I realized, and as the sky continued to paint flowers of fire, every doubt became clear and I couldn't deny it a second longer.
I was so thankful- so happy- for everything because I was in love with Hiei.
It was true, total, and terribly painful but ... I was in lovewith him.
Yukina was right. I couldn't help the way Hiei felt, but even now it couldn't change the way I did. And in this moment, together with him under this sky of fire, I was genuinely happy. Tears came to my eyes so fast that I didn't even have a chance to suppress them. Obviously not expecting any waterworks, Hiei's eyes widened and he looked momentarily panicked which just made me smile.
He may have said that he didn't care what happened to me after all this was over, but regardless... it couldn't have just been my imagination because right now, in our moments together like this... we didn't just feel like friends. There was something more, something deeper... but I guess with Hiei, I might never be able to tell. And with what was going to happen later tonight... well, all that was left for me to do would be to tell him, wouldn't it? But…
My heart twisted... I just couldn't.
I couldn't bring myself to do it because in the end it would just bring more unnecessary pain. Right now, this was enough.
I don't know what came over me, but before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed onto him and was leaning forward and he just stayed there, silent. He wasn't moving closer, but he wasn't moving to stop me either. Even now, when we were this close, I couldn't read the look in his eyes...
At the last moment, I moved my head to the side and rested my lips softly against his cheek.
Hiei...I love you.
I was never more grateful at how weak Hiei was as we could not seem to really feel each other's thoughts through the bond like normal, even though we were right next to each other. That may change soon enough after tonight though...
The background seemed to be slowly coming back all around us and I pulled away sadly. I almost laughed at his wide-eyed surprise. I opened my mouth to apologize and maybe joke it off, but my voice immediately died in my throat.
Behind Hiei and a little bit a ways, there he was, just standing there and looking straight at me.
Ryuu...No, I inwardly corrected with a sinking heart, Tatsuya.
Catching his eye, he gave me a nod and just as suddenly as he had appeared, he vanished.
It was time.
Reality hit me hard and it took everything I had in me to keep a straight face and even smile despite Hiei's bewilderment. I let him go, casually standing up and dusting off my yukata and not looking at him for the nth time that day.
"Well, if you'll excuse me." I quipped, "Nature is calling. I'm going to go ask Keiko if we can go to her house so I can use the bathroom." I only hoped this reason was dumb enough to be believable. Hiei slowly nodded, still apparently processing my kiss on his cheek. I couldn't help the tender smile that grew, but I made a show of going over to Keiko and apologizing as I asked if she could come with me so I could use her bathroom.
Keiko was happy enough to come and Botan even said she'd join us because she had to go as well which worked for the better because everybody was more relaxed with the knowledge that we wouldn't be alone and we would be only minutes away. Little did they know, I thought bitterly.
"We'll be right back," I almost panicked when my voice cracked a little, but, thankfully, no one noticed.
I did a quick wave to everyone, but while I wore a smile on the outside, on the inside, I really wanted to cry. I would never see any of their faces again, so if this was it, I wanted to lodge this memory forever, which wasn't much longer for me. Kurama, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina, but of course I let my gaze land on Hiei last. He hadn't said anything else and was still just staring and his face was tight, and I could tell that he was suspicious. Of course he was, I inwardly sighed, but all I had to do was get out of sight and away from them before he said something out loud.
As Botan and Keiko chatted away, I kept shooting glances over my shoulder, watching the others slowly disappear out of sight. The group continued to chat and laugh away, unaware, and even Hiei slowly turned back around.
...and that was it. I would never see him again.
I had to keep reminding myself that if there was any way to repay him for everything he's done for me, this was the only way that I could possibly make up for all the trouble I'd ever caused him.
Tears burned my eyes, but I blinked them back with a deep breath and made myself turn forward. I had made my decision. There was no turning back.
And just like that, I turned my back for good against everything I ever loved as the fireworks obliviously continued to paint the night sky behind us.
~.~.~.~.~
"Hey Keiko, thank you, again, for all this." I must've said for the fifth time. I really needed to shut up before Keiko figured out something was wrong, but thankfully she just laughed and told me to stop because I was making her blush.
It was impossible to not say anything, but I had to hold my tongue. As soon as I was out of sight, I would have to act fast.
Botan came down the stairs, readjusting her yukata and winked at me.
"Alright, you're free to use the bathroom now! I'm sorry it took so long, these outfits are just so difficult to get in and out of quickly." She said. In a way, it just worked out better for me that way because it would buy me more time.
"We'll be waiting for you here," Keiko patted my shoulder and I nodded with a smile and headed for the stairs. Except, instead of going to the bathroom, I went straight into my room, and locked the door behind me.
Now I had to move fast. I stripped out of the yukata as quickly and gently as possible, unable to help laying it out as nicely as I could and eyeing it with regretful longing but ultimately letting it go. I finished changing and took a deep breath. A breeze rustled my hair and I turned curiously towards the window. I had to clamp my hands over my mouth to keep from screaming.
Tatsuya was perched against the window, quietly waiting for me.
I was already this jumpy and he had almost completely given me away. My blood boiled just looking at him.
"Have you been there this whole time?" I hissed, disliking each step I took towards him.
Now right in front of him, I was surprised by his expression- if I knew any better, I'd almost say he looked a little sad, but I was not about to let myself feel anything for this guy. He shook his head.
"No... Now come on," Without warning, I was suddenly grabbed from the waist and I muffled a squeal as Tatsuya leapt down from the second story window; we landed gently on the ground, but I shoved him off as soon as I had two feet planted firmly on the ground.
"A little warning next time?" I seethed, wrapping my jacket around me.
Tatsuya shrugged and turned to leave. However, when he realized I wasn't following right after him, he paused to glance back.
I couldn't help it; I just stared at Keiko's house. I could even hear Keiko and Botan innocently chattering away. I hope that they wouldn't feel guilty about me, I thought sadly, my heart sinking.
"Do you need a moment?" Tatsuya's voice cut into the silence and I roughly brushed away a few tears, shaking my head and abruptly turning around to join him.
"No...Let's just go."
~.~.~.~.~
The farther we walked the more nervous and nauseous I became. Had they noticed by now? When they did, as soon as they got to the others, everyone would definitely come to stop me, but there was no way that I was going to let Hiei die now. I would do anything I could to save him. Also, I couldn't tell for sure, but this might've been the farthest Hiei and I had ever been separated which meant that the bond could restrain me any moment, and then they'd definitely find out. My heart couldn't stop racing, my entire body trembling. But right now, more than anything, I was scared.
As soon as the park came into view, I let go of a shuddery breath. Tatsuya had remained silent up to this point, but now he decided to speak.
"Are you...alright?" He asked carefully. I shot him a dirty look.
Was he serious? I was about to lose my soul and never see the people I loved again and he wanted to know if I was alright? I didn't answer him for a few moments.
"...Could you stop looking like that?" I finally asked, glancing at him.
He was confused, "Why?"
Deeply unsettled and bothered that I was, well, bothered, I avoided his gaze, "You're not Ryuu- you're Tatsuya. When you look like that, it's just a reminder to how dumb I was to ever trust you."
Tatsuya seemed to deflate slightly and he hesitated, as if he was internally struggling with himself until he finally said, "I can't. I'm only able to suppress my energy when I take this form."
"Oh." I said lamely and we continued walking. We were in the park now and I figured exactly where we were headed; it wouldn't be far now-
"But... my name is Ryuu ."
"What?" I almost ran into him, he'd stopped walking so abruptly. He turned to look straight at me.
"Before I met Asami and I became 'Tatsuya'..." He paused, and then turned back, walking again, "I was once 'Ryuu.'"
Realizing I was just standing there now, I scrambled to catch up. I didn't know what to say to him, but the wheels in my head had begun to turn now. Before he had been 'Tatsuya'...It hadn't even occurred to me that there could've been a before. What kind of person had he been then? Who had he been? And why did he change?
All the times that I'd been stricken with how genuine he'd become with me suddenly came back to me and though I didn't want to feel sorry for him at all I could only wonder what kind of story Tatsuya had. Even now, he seemed different: more 'Ryuu' then the Tatsuya that had tried to blow me from kingdom come the first time we met.
However, I had no time to continue pondering over it because we had arrived. As always, there was the fountain, the water glistening under the moonlight. A wry smile came to my face as I was abruptly reminded of the story of the Siren I'd once told Hiei . I was basically sacrificing my life for Hiei right now, but I couldn't help the sudden snort that flew from my mouth. Hiei would definitely have a conniption of some sort if I ever even tried telling him that we were playing out a tragic love story. But the smile was instantly wiped from my face as soon as I saw them.
Asami was already there. She looked majestic in her flowing robes and quite happy, actually. Just behind her, a black hole identical to the one we'd used to enter her dimension before, loomed open and hungry. And beside it stood her entourage minus one. Minoru, face straight and unrelenting, Kuro, his scythe typically leaned over his shoulder, Aya, fangs bared, and perched on Itsuki's shoulder who just looked concerned. Shiro was nowhere in sight, but that didn't bring me any comfort.
I clenched my hands by my side. We were finally here. All these months, from that first moment at school, who'd imagine that it was to end like this? But in the end, I don't think I regretted any of it. Or at least I'm grateful that I got to meet and know Hiei. I closed my eyes, relishing the breeze on my face and the sound of the fountain and trees.
"Ryuu..." I said.
Tatsuya stumbled, whirling around in surprise, eyes wide.
I held my ground, "If any of that time we spent together was even the slightest bit real, could you do one thing for me? If you ever see Hiei again, please, just... tell him I'm sorry."
I opened my eyes, a new determination blazing and walked straight past him. Tatsuya, still wide-eyed just watched me hopelessly as I walked by, but I stared straight ahead, eyes locked on Asami. I wasn't going to break down right now. Right now, in this moment of truth, I was going to be strong for once. For myself. Hiei would want me to.
I stopped before Asami and waited.
She swept her arms out as if waiting for an embrace, "Come here my darling,"
I didn't move. Keeping a calm expression, I said coldly, "I'm ready to carry out my part of the deal, but there's no way I'm doing anything without knowing that you did your part too."
Asami's expression twitched and she lowered her arms. The ghost of a frown swept across her face, but she just sighed and held out her hand. A familiar thrumming red orb grew and my breath hitched.
I'm so close Hiei... just wait a second longer.
Asami held out her free hand, "As I've said, you have my word. Your beloved's ki will be returned the moment you're truly mine. Now come." It was no longer a suggestion.
Goodbye Hiei... you had to know somewhere deep down, that I want you to live. Be happy.
I reached out, stepping forward-
And stopped dead in my tracks.
My blood turned to ice.
No no no... Not now!
I literally could not take another step, for as I peered down my arm, the bond glowed bright gold.
~.~.~.~.~
Hiei would later kick himself for not saying anything as soon as he felt suspicious, but he felt it before he actually saw it. While usually he'd feel a slight tingle, this time it came more as a shock since it had been so long since he'd seen it.
The bond.
And there it was in all its physical glory, glowing brightly and thrumming with energy, and signifying that Ren had moved the farthest she could away from him. And something dark and foreboding seized him in that same instant. Keiko's house was closer to the river than even Kuwabara's was so it should not have even been close to exceeding the bond's limit. What-
"Yusuke!"
The others had just noticed the bond and as Hiei was in the motion of standing up, horror already beginning to dawn on him, Keiko and Botan came sprinting into view. Tears were running down Keiko's cheeks while Botan was in pure hysterics, but all Hiei could seem to comprehend was the very prominent lack of Ren.
"Keiko!" Yusuke exclaimed, running over to meet her. He grasped her shoulders tightly, looking between her and Botan.
"What's wrong? What happened?" Kuwabara asked as Yukina reached for his hand, searching for comfort.
"The door, her clothes- the window- she-" Keiko was so stressed she could barely form a full sentence.
Hiei couldn't take it any longer and would've yanked her shoulders if Yusuke weren't already holding her and straight out demanded the only thought that clouded his mind, "Where is Ren?"
"She's missing!" Botan cried, "Her room was locked, but when we finally opened it her yukata was there and the window was open and- there's no telling how long she's been gone!"
Ren's funny mood was starting to make a lot of sense. Hiei cursed harshly. What was going on? How could she ever expect him to trust her ever again after this? Something must've been happening right now and here they were still standing around! There was no time to lose.
~.~.~.~.~
Asami raised a smooth brow, eyeing the bond.
"What's this? Aya," She muttered and a moment later I suddenly felt two hands on my shoulders that were shoving me down onto my knees. I cried out in surprise and lifted my head just in time to see Aya leaning over me with a feral hiss. Asami slowly approached the bond, moving her hands to barely hover over it.
"Hmm... interesting." She said quietly to herself, "This reeks of Koenma. It appears that whatever this is, it's keeping you connected to another. I've never seen such a strong manifestation of interwoven energy. I recognize this other's energy as well..."
Asami's gaze slithered to meet mine knowingly and my stomach churned sickly. What was she planning to do? Judging by her gaze, clearly nothing good.
"Kuro," Asami called behind her, "Cut it."
Kuro grinned slyly, swinging his scythe around his shoulder, "With pleasure."
I hadn't thought of something like this. True panic began to race through my veins.
"Wait, you can't!" I cried, "You can't break it! We've already tried."
"Why not?" Asami replied easily, "Kuro's scythe can cut through space, why shouldn't it be able to cut through energy as well? Besides, I won't be able to extract your soul while it's tethered to another's."
What?
And then something very inhuman and dark descended over Asami's eyes which shook me to the core.
"And if that doesn't work, then we'll just have to cut your arm off." She had said it sweetly, but her words ignited pure terror within me. Asami waved Kuro forward.
Kuro stopped right next to my outstretched arm and swung his scythe up in preparation. It flashed sharply in the white light, looming menacingly closer and closer.
I desperately tried to back away, but Aya's grip held me like iron.
"No, wait- please!" I whimpered, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.
The blade swooped down on the golden cord.
"NO! Hiei-"
My voice cut off instantly as an explosive, acute pain unlike any other erupted everywhere inside of me. It twisted and writhed inside my body as if a physical part of myself had just been ripped out, leaving a gaping hole.
I eagerly welcomed the numbing darkness.
~.~.~.~.~
Like a rag doll, Ren's body slumped in Aya's grasp. Sniffing with distaste, Aya dumped her body and wiped her hands, ignoring Asami's mild glare.
The bond had snapped perfectly under Kuro's blade. Ren had blacked out almost instantly. Tatsuya initially reached out for her, but had to stop himself from rushing over as Asami was still looking over her, eyes slanted in interest.
Finally, Asami turned away, "Her soul should be unharmed. Tatsuya, retrieve her." She ordered and Tatsuya didn't waste a moment in dropping by her side and gingerly picking her up. Her face had gone deathly white and her limp form felt so broken in his arms that it was only the timid beat of her heart that reminded him that she was still alive.
Asami, smiling again, glanced at the red orb that still glistened and buzzed in her hands and sighed lightly. Before she could do anything though, Minoru stepped forward, a protest on his lips.
"Let's not be rash my Lady. Before you return the fire demon's ki, we should consider this. We have the girl; if we keep the energy, that's one less enemy to worry about. We can use it-"
Asami's hand whipped out so suddenly and powerfully that Minoru had no chance to recoil. Her nails raked across his face and her electric blue eyes flashed darkly.
"How dare you suggest something like that. I will not allow myself to sink to the same level as a lowly demon or human; I do not go back on my word. We already have a clear advantage regardless and Koenma's 'saviors' don't stand a chance."
And with that, she gently guided her hand in the air and the red orb was gone in a flash.
She turned to Tatsuya, "Now, our work here is done. It's finally time for our true operation to begin."
~.~.~.~.~
"Hiei!"
Hiei barely heard Kurama or any of the other's voices as he lay doubled-over from the mind-blowing pain. He was by no means a stranger to pain, but he'd never felt anything so deep and wrenching like this before and it took all the strength and will-power he could muster to not just keel over and black out.
Amidst the pain, Kurama had caught him before he could completely turn over, but Kurama's shocked gasp caught his immediate attention.
"Hiei... the bond!"
Hiei instantly looked at his arm. Before his eyes, the golden light began to fade, but not as it normally would. It was literally dissolving into a string of particles until it completely dispersed as if it had never even existed to begin with.
Never had Hiei felt so free- and suddenly so empty and hollow.
"What just happened Hiei?" Kuwabara asked.
"... Ren..." Hiei grit out, but then he gasped sharply and his eyes flew open wide, the initial pain almost vanishing immediately as it was replaced by-
"Hiei!" Kurama gasped, letting him go as soon as he felt it, "You're-"
Then Hiei's heart came to an abrupt stop.
And stayed stopped. **
He could feel the energy coursing throughout him, weakly at first, but steadily growing into a roaring river. It was nearly overwhelming: such pain followed by so much power. It was coming all back at once: his strength, as his feet took a stronger stance on the ground beneath him, his senses, as the smells and sounds of the festival that had been so dull before now flowed acutely around him, and his spiritual awareness of all the different energies surrounding them; there was a strong tingling behind his third eye as well and he stared at his arm in disbelief as the incredibly familiar black tattoo of his dragon technique seemed to soak back into his skin as if sensing the fresh power rushing beneath it and welcoming itself back home.
For the first time in months, he felt back home in his own skin, but there was no rush of joy or relief...only growing horror.
Everything about this was wrong.
"What the hell's going on?" Yusuke yelled, but Hiei tuned him out. Only one thing mattered at that moment.
Without a second's hesitation and before someone could stop him, Hiei took off and in the next moment, he was back to easily leaping over tree tops. However, his own agility had become alien to him and he stumbled with his footing and fell, but he was right back up again and moving.
Without the bond to find her right away, there was only one place that she could've gone and if she wasn't there...
Hiei grit his teeth, urging his legs to go faster.
Ren... what have you done?
~.~.~.~.~
"Asami!"
Tatsuya was only steps away from the doorway when he heard him. Shocked, he whirled around, but Asami barely flinched, slowly turning around.
Hiei had felt their power before he'd even spotted them and landed abruptly on the ground in the clearing. However, he'd gone too fast and his legs were so weak due to lack of use that they buckled as soon as he hit the ground and he came crashing down, sliding roughly across the ground.
"What's wrong Hiei? Are you so in love that you're weak at the knees?" Asami smirked, staring down at the pitiful figure.
Hiei growled fiercely, picking himself up. He stopped dead though as soon as his eyes landed on Ren's wilted form tucked in between the arms of-
The rage came fast and furious as realization hit him, "You..."
Tatsuya looked away, unable to meet the fire demon's eyes.
Hiei could barely stay still; his body was trembling with rage, "Drop her now."
Asami glared, sweeping an arm out and separating him from Tatsuya, "I'm sorry but we made a deal."
"A deal?" Hiei repeated angrily.
"One life for another; your ki for her soul. I'm only collecting my end of the bargain. It's time to say your goodbyes."
Dread filled Hiei, but he didn't let it show, "Over my dead body!"
Asami almost giggled, "Oh dear. Are you really so eager to lose what you just regained? And it was for such a price too. But as much as I'd like to stay and kill you, I don't have the time. If we have the pleasure of meeting again in the future, I'll be sure to not hold back. Until then,"
Asami tipped her head slightly with a smile, and turned to walk through the black hole followed a second later after a brief moment of hesitation on Tatsuya's part.
"No!" Hiei threw himself at them, but it was too late. His fingertips brushed air as the hole swallowed them, leaving no hint that they had ever even been there.
They were gone.
*Could be a cute little bonus chapter in my omake story :D But only if you guys want! So let me know in a review!
** I don't know if anyone remembers, but there was one chapter where I made Hiei's heart beat and someone pointed out that in the anime they clearly state that their heart's don't beat as demons and I knew that even while writing it, and it really bothered me that I wasn't sticking to canon, so I know it's a bit of a stretch, but I'm basically deciding that what happened was that a demon's heart is there more like an emergency generator, it operates to keep them alive if their bodies reach a point of great weakness or vulnerability. And since Hiei got his ki back, his heart didn't have to work for him anymore, so it's stopped! I don't know if anyone actually cares, but personally I feel a lot better about it XD
Welp, I've been gone for a little bit. I'M REALLY SORRY ABOUT THAT ;A;
I finished the chapter, then my beta was really busy with school, and I was really busy (*AM ...OTL) and I really just couldn't find any time to fix this up. But now I am in my last two weeks and maybe I'll get a chapter out then because I will be FREAKING DONE WITH MY FRESHMAN YEAR WHOOP!
Sooo much has happened this year, it's crazy O_O But thank you all so much for continuing to stick with me, and although it is true we are nearing our climax in this story, I can tell you now that it still may be a couple of months (...ormore...) before we're done XD (So I hope your lovely faces will stick around to the very end :3 And I'll still have my Omake story after that, "The Rest of Our Days & All Those in Between" (Which BTW if you haven't checked it out yet, is on my profile page so check it out nao B3)
I really hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Personally, I loved it XD Does that make me sounds arrogant... It's okay that I fangirl over my own fic, right?! LOL
Thank you thank you thank you for all your reviews AS ALWAYS too. I don't think I could ever thank you guys enough :3 So please continue! I'm not lying the slightest when I say they legitimately make my day.
As always and forever:
Love, InuChimera7410