Author's Note:
Greetings!
Thank you for the loves I got on the last chapter! And I can't believe I've got a hundred reviews now! Thank you so much for being such loyal readers and reviewing! I hope you will continue to support me and leave me lots of review so I can get more inspirations and write faster! Thank you once again!
This chapter is longer than usual but it doesn't really contain that much romance. Sorry... But it contains lots of plot. Next chapter I promise to do it in Kyoko's POV. I haven't written lots in her nowadays as I was too focused on Hiei. However, don't worry, less romance doesn't mean there's none in there. Remember that even thought they can't meet, they can use their spirit phones to contact each other no matter where they are. You'll see lots of Hiei and Kyoko having phone calls for the few future chapters.
Anyway, I will try to update even faster. I have been busy with career-experience day. Who knows working in an office can be so exhausting? I sleep even more often than usual nowadays. I guess I'm just tired.
Also, a reply to Lilcookie84's review! "Thank you for your review! I always enjoy reading your review as it makes me really happy to know you like this story. I am always waiting for your review! As for the songs you recommended, I love all of them! They did give me a lot of boost and inspirations to write. Thank you so much! The song Parting Glass by The Wailin' Jennys is already planned so be in somewhere in this story, I assure you. I have thought about it for a long time. I really enjoy that song. I even write how it'd be in the story in my notebook! Anyway, I'll stop before I begin to rant and bore you. Thank you, once again, for your review, your thoughts of my OCs and your songs recommendation. Please keep supporting me!"
And another reply to the Guest who reviewed, "Hello. I hope you're reading this. Thank you for reviewing my story! You are the 100th! As for your idea, I like it. I have read several fictions where the heroine has abilities like that and I think it's really amazing. I want to be able to see people's auras too. But, unfortunately, I have already prepared an idea for Kyoko. I am proud to say that I haven't read any fictions that have the same idea as mine. Or maybe there is one out there but I haven't read it yet but oh well... Thank you for your idea. I appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed this story and will keep reading."
Well, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
A Key to His Heart
Chapter 24: Separation and Protection
To say the meeting room was tense would be a complete understatement. All the time the meeting went on and discussion were thrown back and forth, Hiei was brooding. He was obviously angered, and would only speak when he was asked. Mukuro, on the other hand, was completely aloof when she took her place beside her heir and proceeded to act as if nothing's wrong.
Anyway, back to the topic of the meeting…
"Protection can be easily done with the power of Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei and Hibiki. I have arranged them to each protect the women of the pack, especially the targeted two." Koenma put the sheet of paper down in front of him, "However we need help in tracking and keeping tracks of our opponents. You have connections all over Makai. It is only wise to ask you to make sure his appearances around Makai are noted carefully."
"But what if he never makes his appearance?" Yomi questioned, "What if he settled himself in the deeper pit? It'd be a problem if their headquarters is placed in the Lagoon of Lost or Venomous Forest? Not any one of us has control of those territories."
"But the Lagoon of Lost and the Venomous Forest are deserted. They are known to be empty. That place should be safe. No one will be stupid enough to build a safe there." Mukuro noted.
Hibiki scratched his cheek, "Err… Well, someone is stupid enough to build their safe there. Or someplace there." Everyone's eyes and attentions switched to the half-breed. He grinned cheekily, "My father's hideout is right in the centre of the Venomous Forest."
"The centre of Venomous Forest?" Kurama placed a hand under his chin, eyes lowered in thought. Mukuro snapped her fingers and the long table in front of them lighted up and a map appeared. As expected of Alaric, the kingdom most excelled in technology. Kurama searched until he found what he's searching for, "Miasma Cave."
"Bingo!" Hibiki grinned, "That's my birthplace!"
"Seriously?" Yusuke raised an eyebrow, "You're born in a freakin' cave of doom?"
"Yeah. I told you before my father kept his women in the cave. And I also told you my mother's life is shortened due to the strong intake of Makai's air." He smiled bitterly, "and like its name, that place oozed miasma. When she died, mom's lungs were blackened and burned to ashes. There's no way of healing them. Even the demon women had hard times in there."
Yusuke nodded solemnly, "Meaning our chances there aren't high."
"But how did your father cope in there?" Koenma asked curiously. Hibiki tilted his head to the side.
"Seriously? Of course he didn't live there. By the centre of the Venomous Forest, I meant not only the Miasma Cave but also the Toxin Pit. He's got a castle, a laboratory too, there." He leaned forward and tapped the mentioned island. Sure, there were two names printed in little letters and writings of Makai's language. "The Toxin Pit has less poison and it doesn't ooze miasma. The only problem is probably that that place's soil is completely poisonous and the water's unclean."
"Doesn't that mean the Miasma Cave and the Toxin Pit are basically the same?" Yusuke inquired.
"Basically." Yomi answered calmly, "The Toxin Pit is less dangerous due to the fact that it doesn't ooze miasma. The Miasma Cave takes dangerous to another level. Its soil, water and gas are all ruined and venomous. There are also almost no way out of that place. The inside is like a labyrinth, or so I've heard from the people who still have luck left to get out of that place."
"There're also dangerous creatures that live there. That must be the reason why Arashi's whores can't escape." Mukuro commented, "Not to mention, all the creatures are also poisonous."
"Wow…" Yusuke sweatdropped, "We're dealing with lots of poison here."
"Well, it is the Venomous Forest." Kurama chuckled.
Koenma cleared his throat and gathered the attention to him once again, "The place they settled in will be the least of our concern for now. If Kurama's deduction concerning Hakua's plan is correct then we should be more concerned about keeping the women safe and the relationships between the three territories are secured."
Mukuro said, "I, along with my territory and my men, shall give out hands. After listening and finding out more about our enemies, it seems like he will be quite the trouble for my kingdom in the future. It will be wise to get rid of potential threats right away." She glanced at the quiet demon beside her and added, "As I am beginning to doubt my heir's ability to rule."
Hiei glared at her, "It's childish to give sentiments in the middle of a business meeting. Are you truly a lord?"
Mukuro opened her mouth to retort but Yomi cut her off with his own words, "I shall do the same as Mukuro. And for that, I have come up with a proposal," he smiled, "if any of you don't mind, I would like Shura to stay with you for a month or more. He will be checking over the area and helping in guarding the females. It will be a good lesson for him."
Hiei wasn't too happy at the announcement. If Shura were to stay with them in Ningenkai, he and his 'cuteness' would take Kyoko's attention away from him. He had already shared her with Yui and the rest of the pack as well as her family. He didn't want her attention gone more.
"We don't mind." Yusuke grinned. That little clone had been a stick in the mud. Once they got him in Ningenkai, he would take the role of the admirable big brother and taught him all about living in Ningenkai, which meant games, arcades, fun, etc. "It'd be cool."
Kurama sighed. He knew Yusuke well and he could catch up to his ideas. "But won't Shura mind?"
"The opposite actually. He would be happy he gets a task to do. Shura had been complaining about how he is bored with the peaceful condition these past years." He smiled when he heard Yusuke and Hibiki muttered 'Brat' under their breaths. His clone of a son indeed was a brat, but that didn't mean he loved him less. "It will also give him a lesson as Shura will be taking my place one day."
"Good for you. You've got one loyal heir." Mukuro boldly stated.
Hiei growled, "Are you doubting my loyalty?"
"Yes. Anyone would if they heard what you said." Mukuro spat bitterly back at him.
Koenma sighed. "Please, don't blend your personal matters with this." He moaned out, feeling a headache forming.
Yomi chuckled, "I think that's enough for today, don't you agree? We can plan the rest of the meeting, along with preparing a squad for protection and spies to check out areas, tomorrow. It's been a long day for all of you. You require rest."
"Urgh, rest sounds even more beautiful than the Princess at this point." Hibiki groaned, slumping onto the table. He was happy to finally be able to get back to his room, showered then got some much needed beauty sleep. He was even more tired out by the tense tension in the room.
"Watch your mouth." Hiei hissed cruelly. He wasn't happy someone dared to compare his potential's beauty and deemed she lost. His woman's the most beautiful woman in the three worlds, thank you very much.
"Calm down, Hiei." Kurama chuckled, "we all know Hibiki doesn't mean it like that."
"Possessive much?" Yusuke joked.
The four of them left the meeting room together. Mukuro crossed her arms and leaned back against her seat. Koenma, sensing that Yomi and Mukuro were about to talk, quietly gathered his things and left. Yomi waited until the automatic door slid closed before he spoke, "Hiei has changed."
"I am aware."
"I heard from Kurama that he found his potential in Ningenkai. She is a human and Hiei is completely taken by her." Yomi felt Mukuro's angry glare on his face. "I take it you don't give your blessing?"
"What do you think?" Mukuro growled.
"Well, I do. I think it is great that Hiei could find someone to calm his temper and bring out his best qualities." The goat demon remembered the time he met the pyro demon, back when he was still a short-built grump, not like he wasn't grumpy now. Hiei was cold and uncaring. Now, he seemed less intimidating.
"You don't know anything." She growled again. "He plans to live in Ningenkai along with the human and his offspring. So tell me, how can he rule while he's away?"
"Hiei is an intelligent demon. He will know what to do."
"He is unstable."
"His brain will make up for it," said Yomi. "Besides, you know as well as I do that mates are the source of peace in demons' minds. As long as Hiei has her, he will be able to keep his head cold and take care of your territory. He-"
"But what if he lost her?" she cut him off, "A human doesn't have the lifespan of a demon. She will die before- much sooner before him. If he died at all."
"Then when the time comes, Hiei will move on."
"You know it isn't easy to move over a mate's death."
Yomi frowned, "Well, should the time arrive, they will think about what to do about Hiei. He will be surrounded by his pack. They will know how to keep him sane."
Mukuro smirked, "And you know a mate's life is worth thousands of his family."
"Well, they are a family with one strong bond."
"Does that mean anything?"
"It sure does. To them." Yomi's frown vanished and his usual smile returned, "Mukuro, the future is always turning and changing. No one can predict the future. What you think might happen has a chance of not coming out as predicted. We all know that from our experience in the Makai Tournament, don't we?"
Mukuro stayed silent.
"I shall take my leave now. Good night."
When Yomi left, Mukuro was left thinking and debating alone. What she was debating about?
She didn't know.
It made her furious that Hiei dared eye another woman, especially a human, and planned to make her his mate for life. She would only weaken and slow him down. Hiei deserved someone strong and someone who understood his pain like her. Besides, she would only hurt him, being a human who aged and died faster. Their offspring would also be an abomination, crossed between two species.
The door slid opened and Mukuro glanced to the side. Hibiki leaned against the doorway, his hands in his pockets and his lips tilted in a lopsided grin. "Hello, Beautiful."
"What do you want?"
"I forgot my sunglasses." Hibiki marched calmly into the room. He plucked the darkly tinted glasses off of the seat he occupied. "What are you doing here? Aren't you going to get some rest? It's been one eventful day."
"That is none of your business. What I do is nothing sort of your concern." She replied uncaringly.
"Hm." Hibiki nodded, "fair enough. I like you, Feisty." He smirked and plopped down on Hiei's seat, his arm on the back of her seat. "So about the date I asked for once the meeting is done, what do you say? It's a beautiful night. Wanna go take a walk?"
Mukuro glared. She stood up. Arms still crossed, she made her way to the exit. "Know your place half-breed. I have no interest in you. You are welcome to summon the female servants should you feel the need to release some tension."
And with that she left.
Hibiki shrugged and tuck his sunglasses into his shirt pocket. "Won't be needing you for a while." He chuckled at the glasses. He crossed his arms behind his head and eyed the closed entrance.
"Arrogant woman." He mumbled, a pout rising to his lips.
In his room, alone, Hiei locked the door then left to take a quick, quick as in two minutes, shower. He stripped, got into the shower, turned the water on, hissed, lathered himself with shampoo and soap, rinsed then growled. Once he was out of the shower, he flared his energy to dry himself.
When there was no Kyoko to bathe him, he went right back into his gross, water-hating self.
Hiei slipped into his bed, naked. He always slept naked. Reaching out to the pants he left on the floor, he took his spirit phone out. He checked the time and frowned when he found it was close to midnight in Ningenkai. He wondered if Kyoko was already asleep. He wouldn't want to disturb her rest.
But he dialled her number and called anyway.
Not a minute later, Kyoko picked up, dressed in a sleeveless thin nightgown, and he had the pleasure of seeing her smiling at him again. "Hello, Hiei. How was the meeting?"
"Hn."
She tilted her head to the side, "It didn't go well?"
"It went well." He remembered Mukuro's unprofessional antiques and growled, "I am only annoyed."
"Because I am not there?" she chuckled. He blushed. Well, Kyoko's absence by his side was also another cause of his annoyance. He was told he was edgier than usual by Yusuke. "Well, I miss you too. It's lonely sleeping alone."
"I will be back soon." 'And that time I will finally have you- all of you for myself.' he continued in his mind. Kyoko's smile widened.
"I can't wait already. Good luck with things there. Make me proud, Hiei." Make her proud? What's she? His mother?
However, he couldn't deny that Kyoko's motherly attitude drew him in. "Don't get into trouble, Onna."
"Don't worry about me," she yawned, "oh, I need to tell you. I'm learning under Genkai-san to control my mind and our connection better. She said if I am diligent and serious enough then it won't take long to be able to talk with you over the worlds' difference. She said I am a fast-learner." She informed happily.
"Hm." He was a little disappointed. He had wanted to be the one who taught her how to contact him in far distance. But, oh well. At least he knew Genkai made a good teacher and she knew what she was doing. She would help Kyoko greatly and for that he would be grateful. "Don't push yourself."
She yawned again, covering her open mouth with her hand politely, "Okay. But the training is really tiring. I have to meditate all day. My back ached from how tense I sat. Genkai-san said she will add more time into the duration of my meditation. She also mentioned that she would give me other trainings. I hope it won't be too harsh on my poor old self."
"You're only twenty-three." He smirked, "In demon's aging, you are still considered a new-born."
"Unfortunately, I am human and I am considered an adult in human's aging." She retorted with an amused smile. "How old are you anyway, Hiei?"
"I do not keep tracks of my age."
"Ah…" she nodded in understanding. "Then I will ask Yukina for her age. And maybe I can get her to tell me her birthday."
"Do as you please." Kyoko looked at the clock and she sighed. He scowled. He knew they needed rests. Sighing, he said, "I will call as soon as I wake up."
"Smart boy. I will be waiting." She blew him a kiss, "Good night. I love you."
"I know." He muttered before the line went off. Huffing in irritation, Hiei put his phone on the dresser beside his bed and lay down. He hoped morning would come fast so he could call her again.
Really, he was this annoyed even though he could still contact her with the spirit phone. What would happen if he were to live without her? World would have to go through hell once again.
"Kyoko…" he sighed out into the darkness. He disliked the ache in his chest very much. He wanted to press the button of that tiny remote and jumped into the portal as soon as it appeared. He longed for her scent and her lean physique against his.
But he would be patient. He would do his best to finish his job here, as well as giving his best in coming up with a plan to counter Hakua's. He would do everything he could to protect her.
Gods, he sounded like a love-struck puppy.
But, in a way, a love-struck puppy was probably a way to name his condition. He was whipped and completely smitten to this human, no matter how much he wanted to deny that. He would only admit this to himself.
Just as his comrades, his world was ruled by a woman.
Right now, he would give anything to have her in his arms. He missed burying his nose in her hair simply to inhale her gentle scent. Her scent always relaxed him and chased away his nightmares. Maybe if he planted the image of her in his mind as well as in the back of his eyes, she would chase his nightmares away and kept him calm as he slept.
That night, he fell asleep with her smile in his closed eyelids.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Relax. Exhale. Inhale. Relax. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
Genkai kept count of every single twitch and every breathe she took or let out. Her inhales were a little shaky, probably because she wasn't used to meditating and her legs and back were beginning to ache. Her exhales came out normal. And she was also a little bit too tense, but that wouldn't hinder.
Right after she finished the laundry, Genkai summoned her to a quiet room. The old hermit proceeded to teach her about strengthening her mind's focus and securing the bond she has with Hiei.
Genkai was a little surprised that Hiei and Kyoko had a mind connection. She had been suspicious and suspected it for a while but a mind connection was really hard to detect, as it gave out no energy and no sign of being there. Only the ones having it could feel their own bond.
She wondered how far into the relationship they were. And no she didn't mean it like that.
Had Hiei realised his feelings? Did Kyoko know that Hiei, even though he himself didn't realize it, loved her? Did she understand that she was Hiei's potential and she would be taken soon, probably as soon as Hiei came back? If Hiei realised and could finally name his feelings, would he ever say it out loud?
Hiei was a difficult character. If only he wasn't so hard to guess, then Genkai could probably speak for him in his place.
But then, Kyoko seemed to be able to read Hiei just fine. Although the young human didn't know that Hiei actually loved her, she was able to figure out and read him correctly. Could it be that Kyoko was sensitive to lust and not love? Had she never been loved by a man?
So many questions lingered in their relationship. Genkai hoped they would be able to make sense of everything before the time ran out.
Kyoko could feel a sense of peace in her mind as she meditates. Sometimes, because of how peaceful it was, she would accidentally lose her posture and get too relaxed. When that time came, she would quickly straighten up and focused back on her breathing and the tugging inside her head.
Was it Hiei? Was he the one oozing calmness? But even if he did, was she strong enough to feel?
Ah… how she missed him. Her bed had been lonely and cold without him. She wondered if it used to be that cold. Or maybe she was just used to snuggle to Hiei and felt his warmth. She even missed his sniffing her hair like she was some kind of fragrant flower. Or maybe she was. He did say she smelled floral and nice.
"Alright. Ten minutes break. Go and get some drink." Genkai announced. Kyoko opened her eyes and she stretched her arms high above her head.
"Thank you, Genkai-san. I'll come back in ten minutes." She bowed before leaving the room altogether. No doubt Genkai was going to smoke and everyone knew she didn't like smokes.
In the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of water that she drank gladly. Kyoko picked up the pitcher and prepared to pour herself another glass when she felt her pocket vibrated and mewling voice echoed. Her spirit phone.
She took it out happily and accepted the call, face blooming into an instant smile when she saw Hiei's face in the screen. The pyro demon's bare shoulder and chest along with his messy hair gave out the fact that he was just awake.
"Good morning, Hiei." She greeted charmingly, "Although it is almost lunchtime here. How was your sleep?"
"Hn." He grunted, lying back down and hold the phone high so it hovered above his face. "The meeting's starting in twenty minutes."
"Good luck." She chuckled at his annoyed expression. Clearly he didn't want to attend. It touched her that Hiei would attend something he disliked just to ensure her safety. Really, and people asked how she could fall in love with him?
Surely, any woman would fall if a man went so far into ensuring her safety and happiness?
"How's your training?"
Kyoko drank her second glass of water and she hummed, "It went well. I'm on my ten minutes break right now." At Hiei's look she grinned and chuckled, "I know. I'm lucky. Yusuke and Hibiki didn't even get any break when Genkai-san trained them."
Hiei smirked. "It's good. That old bat better not abuse you like she did them."
"Sush! Don't be disrespectful!" she scolded harshly. "It's not nice to talk like that, okay? Especially about someone who lets us stay at her home for so long. You need to learn about being more grateful." She sighed. Hiei shrugged.
"Listen to her you dumb shit." Genkai's voice joined into the conversation. Kyoko looked over her shoulder and found Genkai walking leisurely into the kitchen. "Or you're going to get spanked for being a bad boy." She smirked.
"Well, I do think Hiei needs lots of spanking sometimes." Kyoko agreed.
Hiei growled; his cheeks red. If there was someone doing the spanking in their relationship then it would be him. He was dominant. Although he wasn't sure he could because he wouldn't want to hurt her.
"Hmph." Genkai opened the refrigerator, took out a can of beer then left. "You've got only two minutes left." She yelled once she was out of sight.
Kyoko gasped and checked the clock and indeed it was two minutes before her training started again. She sent Hiei an apologetic look, to which he responded with an annoyed grunt. He crossed his arms and a pout, which he didn't notice he had, rose to his lips. Kyoko giggled inwardly at how cute he looked.
"I'm sorry. But I need to go now. I will call you tonight, okay?" she blew him a kiss. She always blew him a kiss before she ended his call. "Good luck with your meeting. I wish the best for you. Don't skip your meals and I love you."
Hiei glared. "Fine. Call me. And don't tire yourself."
Kyoko smiled, "Yes. Goodbye."
"Hn."
She ended the call, put the phone back into her skirt pocket and quickly left the kitchen, after washing the glass and putting in the rack. Genkai was waiting for her, a can of beer in one hand. The old hermit glanced at her then jerked her chin over to the mat. Kyoko bowed, sat down then began meditating again.
"So, has he told you?" Genkai's voice was a soft, husky whisper. Kyoko didn't open her eyes as she questioned her question. She heard Genkai's shrug. "That you're going to be mated to him once he came back?"
"Excuse me?" she still didn't open her eyes.
"So I guess he really didn't tell you. But he made it really clear. Why don't you try calling him and tell him that you found another guy? He'll explode and come barrelling over, despite having to attend to the meeting." Genkai chugged down more beer. "He is going to make you his life-mate, his wife, once he came back."
Kyoko's eyes snapped open and she jumped, "Wife?"
"Yeah." Genkai nodded nonchalantly. "That idiot. What kind of potential keeps secret?"
"Uh, I don't think that's a secret. I think Hiei just doesn't feel the need to inform me now. He'll surely tell me once he came back." Give it to Kyoko to always back Hiei up. The young woman spoiled Hiei more than Kuwabara spoiled Yukina.
"Hmph." The pinkette crossed her arms and she put the can of beer down on the table. "You better watch out for Mukuro. That woman has feelings for Hiei. Who knows what scheme she had in mind?"
"Mukuro?" Kyoko blinked, "Hiei's boss?"
"Yes. She has been obsessed over Hiei for some time now."
"Obsessed…" Kyoko mumbled to herself. Genkai expected her to grow worried and fussed. After all, she had only been together with Hiei for a while. Even Keiko and Yusuke, who had been together longer and knew each other even longer, sometimes got suspicious over their partner.
"You don't look too worried" Genkai commented.
Kyoko's face, surprisingly, broke into a smile. "Well, Hiei is obsessed with me so… I don't think I'd need to worry that much." She closed her eyes then went straight back to her meditation. "He also wants me to be the one he spends his life with. Hiei doesn't change his mind that easily." She spoke calmly.
"At least we can agree on his stubbornness, that thick-headed pig."
Kyoko chuckled. She imagined chibi Hiei with pig nose and it was so cute she almost squealed. She would surely make a doll of him dressed in a piglet costume. Maybe she could make some puppets play about the 'Three Little Pigs'." Or maybe he would make a better wolf? Kurama could be the youngest pig, considering he was the smartest. Yusuke and Kuwabara would be the first and second pigs.
"Don't be too harsh on him please, Genkai-san. Hiei is a good boy."
Genkai rolled her eyes. "Only to you," she grunted. "Sometimes we wonder who wear the pants in your relationship."
Kyoko's lips quirked up into a smirk, "Well, isn't that the question of the year…"
"I don't want to know, if you're wondering." Genkai wrinkled her nose, "That'd be gross."
Kyoko laughed softly.
Then, as if the whole conversation never happened, they both went into quiet silence and focused on their own tasks. Kyoko's being her meditation and Genkai playing shogi all by herself. The old hermit was trying to come up with new strategy, or so she said. Maybe she just had no one to play with. She should offer to play with her sometimes. After all, she was quite trained in the art of playing shogi, considering her father loved to play and she was always stuck as his opponent.
Kyoko and Genkai weren't best friends. But they held respect for each other. It wasn't that obvious that Genkai was fond of Kyoko but it wasn't a well-kept secret also. Genkai enjoyed her presence. After all, Kyoko was not as loud and obnoxious as the others in the pack.
For Kyoko, Genkai was a very stern yet attentive teacher. She was also very kind and generous. Whose money did you think was used whenever they had a feast or party? Obviously it's all Genkai's fortune. And she let them stay in her temple knowing that two members of the pack, Yusuke and Kuwabara obviously, loved to waste her electricity and water.
They enjoyed each other's silence and serenity. It was a good change from the other members.
Genkai huffed, "Silence is nice."
"Yes." Kyoko agreed. "I miss them though."
Genkai huffed again. "Don't I know that?"
The second day meeting went smoothly. If things kept up like this, they would be done in less than a week. The thought got Hiei smirking. If he could pack quickly, which everyone knew he could, and hurried, he could go back without Mukuro piling works on his shoulder. He missed his home.
Koenma was talking and explaining about the spying squad he had arranged to be scattered all over Makai and some Ningenkai. "And we'll put some lower A to higher S class on the Venomous Forest. The miasma won't hurt if they finish things fast, probably within three days. Of course, Yusuke and the others will have to lead the team. Each of you will be handling five teams."
Yusuke groaned. He wasn't particularly fond of leading. He preferred being treated as an equal. Because he's just that type of guy. The same went for Hibiki. The Whitehead was pouting at the thought of his time being monopolised by a bunch of ugly male demons.
Kurama was okay with it, being the most strategic one in the pack. Hiei was used to leading teams and he wouldn't have any problem with it.
"Yusuke and Hiei, Your squads will be trained thoroughly. You will lead the protection squads. In total, the two of you have ten squads. Do well in deciding which team will protect and which will train for the day. It is also your duty to confirm the position and safety of all rips or portals to Ningenkai." Koenma, after finished explained Hiei's and Yusuke's duty, turned to Kurama and Hibiki, "As for the two of you-"
"Let me guess, we perform stakeout?" Hibiki cut off.
Koenma nodded, "Precisely. Kurama was very observant. It would be next to impossible for him to miss a clue." Kurama gave a curt nod and a flattered thank-you, "as for you Hibiki, you have been there before. You know the layout and the perks and traps that place had. I suggest you start gearing your memories."
Hibiki groaned and slumped onto the long table.
"Your squads will also be trained thoroughly, prepare the training regimen. You will be performing stakeout and checking the Venomous Forest for every sort of clue. It is also required that Kurama bring and grow every single antidotes he knew," he grinned at Kurama, "We all know you all will need them."
"Great. More bitter herbs." Hibiki pouted. Hiei scoffed at him. They glared at each other.
"This," Koenma held up a square black device, "is a device Reikai invented long ago. When you press this button," he pointed to the yellow button in the middle of the device, "it will send out energy that will memorize the layout of the place and send it to the main system here and my office in Reikai. I suggest you press this button every second you're there. Great sport for your thumb."
"Cool! We're like Totally Spies!" Hibiki grinned as he took the device from Koenma. Kurama took his and he examined it closely.
"It has tracking device." He pointed out.
Koenma shrugged, "Wouldn't want to lose you there. No one here has the detailed map of that place."
"I understand." He backed down.
"Then I will leave the arrangement of the teams to the four of you." the God junior gave each a few sheets of paper. On each were tables with twenty-five columns. "I expect you to hand in those papers as soon as possible. Tomorrow morning, we'll have an assembly to announce the squads and your duties. Yusuke, Hiei, Hibiki don't you dare be late."
"I'll see what I can do." Crossing his arms maturely over his chest, Yusuke nodded solemnly.
"I'll try my best." Hibiki followed his action.
Hiei crossed his arms but he looked away, "Hn."
"Really, you three…" Koenma sighed tiredly. Kurama chuckled and offered to wake them up. They blanched. No one wanted to be woken up by Kurama. Everyone knew he would use his nastiest plants to threaten the very organ that signed they were male unless they woke up. The scariest part of his threats was probably his calmness and formality as he said the cruel words.
"Then today meeting is done here." Koenma smiled as he picked his papers up. Finally…
Mukuro and Yomi, who had been quiet along the meeting, as it didn't exactly concern them, stood up and left. Koenma followed them soon.
"It's still early," Yusuke noted. He turned to his friends and grinned widely, "Wanna hit the training room and spar?"
Kurama stood up, "I apologize but I will have to decline. I have these papers to fill and plants to plant. Have fun." He took his papers with him and left. Yusuke pouted.
"Right. The papers…" Hibiki moaned, "Why do I feel like I'm at school?"
"Urgh!"
Hiei glanced at the two pathetic whimpering men. He took his own papers and tucked them under his arm, taking his spirit phone out as he walked towards the exit. Yusuke called out, "Calling Kyo-nee, Hiei? Aw, you're such a mushy bear!"
"Or a mushy kitten," Hibiki laughed. "Look at his fluffy phone straps. Oh, they are so cute!" he squealed, mimicking a girl's voice. Yusuke laughed.
He growled, cheeks reddening and glared at them, "shut up before I take your ability to laugh, Clowns." And he left.
Yusuke stared at the closed door, "As cold as ever, I see." He mumbled. "He's only talkative with Kyo-nee. He even uses those girly straps because Kyo-nee made them for him." Hibiki shrugged. Yusuke glanced at him, "So…" he began unsurely. Hibiki raised an eyebrow at him and he cleared his throat. "You aren't jealous or something?"
"Nope." The Whitehead responded surely. "My feelings for Princess are purely platonic." He pouted, "Although I did want those cute straps."
"Platonic like?"
"Hm…" Hibiki rubbed his chin, "You can say I think of her as a mother. She's real nice and she acted like my mom so… yeah." He shrugged. "Princess is the first one to act so kind to me and well… I guess she spoils me. It makes me nostalgic. If only my mother was alive."
"You mean Kureha?"
"Yeah." Hibiki nodded. He was silent for a second before he said, "You know, I don't think Princess is the reincarnation of my mother."
Raising an eyebrow, Yusuke inquired curiously, "Why the hell not?"
"I don't know. I sure want her to be. But somehow… I just get the feeling she isn't."
"Oh." Yusuke didn't really know how to respond to that. "So, where's your mother soul then?"
"In heaven, somewhere… I don't know." Hibiki leaned back against his seat. He closed his eyes and smile bitterly, "no matter where she is now, I hope she is happy. My mother deserves happiness."
"Yeah…"
To Be Continued…
I haven't got anything to say. I'm just going to head to bed, read some fictions then sleep. Goodnight Loves!
I hope you enjoyed! Please look forward to the next chapter and leave me lots and lots of review, okay? Thank you for reading!