Kurama's POV:
The phone vibrated close to my ear, waking me up from my weary sleep, however I just tossed it aside, turning over in my bed. As if hit the floor, it continued its tirade on my fatigued brain, a groan leaving my mouth as I tossed aside the cover. It was way too hot, another dream infested want to be sleep night. Sometimes it feels like I am awake inside my own head, not getting sleep, even if my eyes are closed. The sheets underneath me where scrunched and have remained so for the last days. I cannot be bothered with arranging the bed.
Rubbing my hands across my face, the sound finally stopped only to begin once more. Again I ignored it as I searched for the time, focusing the clock on the wall, red bright numbers flashing over and over again. A power outage, wonderful. The third time this week, usually happening at night.
Getting up, I finally retrieved the phone, Yusuke's name disappearing from the screen. Ten missed calls, all from him. Messages also poured on my screen, the beginning of each and every one of them starting with either an insult or a threat towards me. Truth be told I could not be bothered with a conversation. Squinting at the hour I rolled my eyes. Not even seven in the morning.
What could Yusuke possibly want at this hour? Popping a pill in the coffee maker, it soon started buzzing its familiar song, a button being pressed on the remote, television coming alive with the latest news, its volume set to middle. Through the cracks on the screen, news reporters provided the latest updates on what was going on, yet I paid them no mind. It was all background noise, a way to fill the silence of what I have called home for the past year.
On second that, no, I never called it home and more than likely never will despite the much needed silence surrounding it. A long time ago I might have called it just that, yet I now live in different times and a much more different life.
I know most would consider it the cowardly way of doing thing, but I could not stay another minute more in a town filled with memories to the brim. I needed to get away and so I did. Moved to a different town altogether, worked remotely in order to still support myself. Up to this day, I am still in the same spot, a small hunter's cabin in the woods, infrastructure of the nearest cities providing mobile signal, internet and electricity, all needed for me to continue functioning. I would have lived without whose as well, however I promised mother I would still keep in touch, promise I have not broken.
Something about demons was on the news, the cracks making it hard to read the small text. I threw the remote at the television some while back, breaking its screen. After Darkness allowed for all the souls to go to Spirit World, leaving the message that it was all for Hana, the world shifted its attention on her. Campaigns were formed dedicated to finding her, special lines and numbers created and for what? Her parents were tracked down, called in interviews and reality shows. The parents of a healer. Those ingrates.
A hard knock made the wooden door tremble in its hinges "Open up asshole so I can kick your ass for not answering your phone." Letting out a heavy sigh, I turned to stir some sugar in my coffee ignoring Yusuke "I'm not kidding fox, I know you're there." With as impatient as he was, a kick flung the door open, hard wood hitting against the bookshelf behind it "What, does living like a hobo caused you to be deaf?"
"Good morning Yusuke." I turned indulging in a sip of hot coffee. He stepped inside, muddy boots being thrown away in a corner, Hiei following him. The later refused to meet my eye and I knew the reason behind his most recent behavior.
He chose to return to Demon World, work on patrolling, however the main reason was to try and get a location on Hana and Darkness. He came back empty handed every time, the last visits being brought to an abrupt halt, a shake of his head and no eye contact as he left as quickly as he arrived. Perhaps in a sense he also hated seeing the look on my face every time he came over with the same news.
Yusuke glared at me, finger pointing to the mobile phone idling on the counter "You know you can't avoid me forever." Very well actually, however I could at least try.
"I am aware, your presence in my cabin gave it away." He frowned at my remark before he opened the refrigerator, rummaging through it "Are you searching for something in particular Yusuke?"
"Booze." I heard the familiar sound of his lighter flicking under a strong thumb, smoke reaching my nostrils as he took out a beer inspecting the expiration date before opening it. I refrained from mentioning the god-awful habit, instead going to the heart of the problem.
"Why are you here?" chugging on the beer, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"So that's how you greet someone you haven't seen in almost a year? No hug, no coffee?" I didn't look away from his face, that wide smile losing its power with each passing second under my cold stare "Sheesh, you really have gone down under. You know why we're here." he took a long drag, smoke being blown through his nostrils, giving me the impression he was an impatient bull ready to charge me head on. Which would not be uncharted territory for Yusuke or uncharacteristic behavior.
Looking over at Hiei, he stirred in his spot by the window, back turned to us "I have no desire to attend, I have told Kazuma that." Hiei's gaze remained transfixed on a certain spot however I knew he could feel the stare at the back of his head.
"Not an option." Yusuke quickly voiced, causing me to sigh "We're all doing this."
Yet I do not want to be a part of it.
Two months of silence followed after the incident without a sign or word, as if they disappeared off the face of all worlds. Then Darkness stormed Gandara, taking everyone by surprise with the sudden visit. He stood in front of the main gates, voice rumbling as he requested to speak with Yomi. Both of them worked on establishing rules for those who died, based on the world they perished in. Anyone living and dying in Demon World would be judged by demon laws, those living in Spirit and Human world by Spirit World rules.
Reapers were sent to Demon World, representing the first division, Botan leading them. The second team was sent out on the six month mark, Ayame following her friend. They helped Darkness round up souls, the last layer reclaiming its initial use. No one saw or heard of Hana and he would not hold a single conversation relating to her. Both Botan and Ayame also referred to his as Hades, the name Hana gave him, one he grew quite fond of. Still he never corrected someone when they call him Darkness either.
Yet hope remained.
Barriers started falling, lands and worlds welcoming creatures of any kind. Another plan brought forth by Darkness. And they all agreed, mostly out of fear of what he might do. As long as he was happy, there were no casualties by his hands. However those ideas seemed to have belonged more to her and not him. It meant to us she was still alive, steering him in the right direction.
Still as days turned to weeks and weeks to months, not even Darkness stirred, more than likely content to watching the development and nothing more. News of Hana died out, being replaced with other, more fascinating events by the humans since ratings started going down. Koenma declared it a cold case, no leads, no news, not even a strand of hair could be found. And there have been countless patrols, Hiei leading the majority of them.
His voice brought me out of my thoughts "Yusuke's woman even ordered a tombstone." The very idea of it made me sick to my stomach. They have gotten this obsession of moving on, burring her despite not even having a body to bury. The temple was taken back, Ito and Harada helping in keeping a base there alongside Kazuma and Yukina and planned on holding the funeral there.
"Yeah, it says in loving memory and all that crap." Yusuke added, throwing the beer bottle away, cigarette being put out in my sink before he reached for another "I don't like it either, just so you know, but it's not like we are forgetting about her." I see he smokes more now that the occasional tab here and there when Keiko is not around.
My eyes snapped to him "Then what do you call it?" my patience was wearing thinner by the day and their intrusion was simply not welcomed, not with just horrendous ideas "You are burring her after a year, how can you ask me to partake in this?"
"There's nothing Kurama." Hiei finally made his way towards us, tracking mud across the already dirty rug. He took me in, eyes cold yet burning underneath with subtle anger "Everything leaves a trace, Darkness included, but there's no sign of her." Most of us could not even bring ourselves to utter her name anymore.
Keiko and Shizuru were the only ones who agreed to go to her apartment and pack up everything in boxes in order to preserve them and not leave her possessions out in the open to just gather dust. Kaito and Kido handled everything relating to remaining bills and expenses for consumables the girls required, of course Spirit World provided the necessary money and pulled all the legal strings needed to close accounts and credit cards.
Yanagisawa was the first one to step aside, not wishing to partake anymore in any dangerous affairs which was understandable. Slowly, Kido and Kaito have done the same, not wishing to deal with anything relating to Spirit World. While Darkness and Koenma reached an understanding and peace was maintained, some simply refused to share the same thrill. For many, Spirit World was to blame and while even Darkness himself concluded Koenma was a far better and gentler ruler than his father, some ideologies still resided and he was yet too young in order to truly understand certain aspects.
Inhaling softly, I focused back on the coffee in my hands that was starting to get cold "As I said before, I will not be participating in this mockery." Yusuke clicked his tongue, more than like expecting the resistance from my part.
Yet he insisted "Too bad, you're coming with us." His finger pointed towards my chest, pushing me slightly "Now go shower, you look like a hot mess." He ruffled my bed hair, which granted was harder to keep tamed ever since I cut it. However a hot shower would do me some good, I could smell myself which was not pleasant.
I took my time, letting the water run over me in small cascades, mind running a million miles an hour as the steam filled the small bathroom. Somewhere inside my room, I heard Yusuke fumbling around in search for something. What that something was I could not for the life of me understand nor wished to burden my mind with. I brought the bare minimum, lived off scraps and mostly hunting. The door to the bathroom opened suddenly, starling me "Dude, don't you have any decent clothes with you?"
"Do you mind?" I shooed him away with a wave of my hand Yusuke just shrugging his shoulder as he leaned against the door frame.
"I don't care about your dick, but seriously, do you have any proper clothes? Not for nothing but Keiko will have our heads. She even scared Hiei into wearing a black shirt and pants, if you can believe that. Hiei of all people." He threw his head back laughing loudly, the sound of it bouncing off the walls, ringing in my ears.
Turning to him fully, I raised my brows, Yusuke telling me to cover myself "Well you barged in here, did you not?" taking the body gel I sniffed it before applying it to by body "That is all I have with me, it will have to do."
Pointing a finger at me, he turned away again as if his eyes were burning "Aha, so you're coming."
Cocking a brow I let out a heavy breath "Do I have a choice in the matter?" of course I did not, Hiei was brought as reinforcement after all. Yusuke finally gave me my privacy, me finishing fast enough, not wishing for another intrusion. Somehow he managed to find some of my old work clothes, the ones I actually came in when I rented out the cabin. Have I even bothered washing those?
Hurried fingers fumbled with the buttons on my shirt, eyes shifting between my face and his clumsy attempt to help. Why, I did not know, I was perfectly capable of getting dressed without his help "I miss her too you know." My breath hitched as his hands dropped, Yusuke turning away to choose a perfume for me to wear. Not much choice, I only had the two bottles he was switching between "But I still want to fight and make the world a better place you know?"
"That is your wish and I respect it, however please do not expect the same from me." He was not to blame, we all tried to do our best, made our own decisions. I just did not want to be a part of it anymore "Do you intend to return to Demon World?"
I saw him nod as he turned to spray me with way too much perfume for my liking, a tickling sensation at the back of my throat making me cough. I did not dare ask more, him and Keiko might have reached a conclusion or ultimatum, one I wanted no part of.
Finally ready we walked outside, me stopping in my tracks as I saw Hana's truck parked in front of my cabin. Yusuke looked back over his shoulder, Hiei already jumping in the back of it in order to sleep "Couldn't let it go to waste now could I?" he looked over at me, keys in his hand for me to see "Got my license too."
"And you also had a beer." Jumping in and starting the car he ignored my concerns, voicing out that no cop in Human World would dare stop Yusuke Urameshi, which was not far from the truth. Sliding into the passenger seat, I felt like I was chocking. Memories swarmed my head, how me and her would always leave for the weekend together, talking about our week. How she would drive slower so we could have more time together in each other's company. How she would always complain about how a piece of junk it was but would not look for a new one. How we made love in the back of it, wishing for time to stop for just us.
"You shouldn't have taken her truck." I managed to spit out, tone harsh and menacing. Yusuke did not say a word, instead glancing in the rearview mirror at Hiei, hand cranking up the music, loud beat trying to draw out anything around us. But his knuckles turned white as he gripped the stearin wheel, taking a hard left turn, honking at someone to get out of the way, middle finger on display out the window.
Ignoring his manic driving skills, I watched the passing scenery, trying my best to find it within me to turn off every emotion threatening to run out of my grasp. This is not right in any way, shape or form, we should not all be attending a fake funeral just for the sake of letting go. A whish many were trying to force me into.
However I could not, I never forget, anything. How could I find the will to abandon one of the best things in my life? Through the corner of my eyes, I glanced at the keychain dangling on the mirror, a small photo of me and her burning my retina, eyes glossing over. I could not look at it any longer.
Inside the cabin, in a small box hidden away under the bed, I brought with me pictures, gifts, any memory I held of her. Countless photos were ripped apart and stuck back together with shaky hands and a poor attempt at using tape. Inside the cupboard, a bottle of whiskey drew my attention each night. I bought it out on a whim, even if I cannot stand the taste of it in my mouth. Placing it away for those cold, ruthless nights when I could not and did not want to deal with myself, I found myself opening the door daily. Yet I never even opened the bottle. I just stared at it, through it, whishing it would shatter under the force of my gaze.
But it always mocked me, like many things tend to do these days. Or try at least.
Several hours later with Yusuke speeding as much as the old truck allowed it, we finally arrived in the familiar forest, taking the only path fit for a car towards the temple "I need to get out."
"What?" Yusuke turned the blaring music down, my ears ringing as I fumbled with the handle to the door even if we were still in motion.
"I need to get out. Stop the car." He complied, my body basically ejecting itself out of that seat and towards the nearest tree, bile travelling up my throat threatening to spill. Taking a few deep breathes I was thankful I did not empty the content of my stomach in front of them, as little as that was with just a morning coffee. Hiei urged Yusuke to continue driving, for which I was infinitely grateful. I needed some time to gather my thoughts, put on the mask I knew I needed.
Would they have a casket? Why did Keiko have to buy a damn tombstone? I understood their need to have a mourning place for the dead, but Hana…
My stomach felt like it was trying to kill me, pain erupting as I once more felt like hurling, but I didn't. Running a shaky hand through my hair, I buried my teeth on the inside of my lower lip, tender flesh burning with pain as I straightened. Blinking a few times, I began walking.
The confidence gathered almost dissipated as I looked up at the stairs leading towards the temple grounds. My legs refused to cooperate with what my brain was telling them, as if I was rotted to the ground, trying to bury myself deep within it. But I knew well enough they all expected for me to arrive.
In the end it would have been disrespectful not to. Dead or alive, in the end her memory, who she was needs to be respected, preserved, honored. What she did ensured we managed to set certain gears in motion. Even if the main cause behind it was fear of Darkness, he was at least steering us on a positive path and everyone had something to gain from it.
With that conviction I managed to force my way up those stairs and push the gates open towards the main yard. Many familiar faces came in view, the day being quite sunny and bright for the event to take place outside. No one was wearing black, yet they still took time to dress accordingly since it was a somber event after all.
Kazuma jogged over to me, however I could not find the politeness in me to offer him a smile in exchange for his. Those large arms wrapped around me, pulling me in a tight hug, making my back pop from the force of it "I'm so happy you could make it."
On normal occasions I would have preserved that joyful bubble of his, but not today "Yusuke and Hiei basically hunted me down." I wiggled myself out of his grasp, Kazuma rubbing the back of his neck as he let out a nervous chuckle.
His eyes locked with mine, a ghost of a smile still playing on his lips "You look good with short hair." Absentmindedly I rose a hand to play with the short strands shrugging my shoulders.
"Come on little bro, don't smother him." Shizuru came by his side, lips holding onto a cigarette, a drink being pushed into my hands. I took a swing without even bothering to know what it was. Big mistake, vodka on the rocks was not the breakfast I had set my mind on.
Looking around in order to avoid seeing the pity in Shizuru's eyes my gut twisted once more when I noticed the trees decorated with garlands of multiple photos Hana took herself. I felt complied to go and look at each and every single one of them, yet I did not. Or either tare them off from the spot they have been so meticulously placed.
Instead I chose to take a seat on the porch as more people gathered. I recognized some of the demons she helped relocate, residents from the farm also traveling for the event. Yusuke's mother also arrived alongside Keiko's parents and my own. This time I took another swing of my drink, grabbing a packet of gums from my pocket, popping a couple in my mouth before I got up to greet my parents, carefully maneuvering myself through the increasing crowd, having to twirl past Yukina who offered me a smile as she continued to serve people snacks.
"Mother." I forced a smile for her sake as I hugged her. We exchanged a few words, before I focused on the flowers in her hands, her eyes searching for what I did not wish to see. Or what I tried to not look at. Next to Genkai's tombstone laid another, bold letters spelling Hana's name.
People set flowers on her fake grave and I almost felt the urge to summon some of my own.
A portal opening caused some commotion, Botan stepping out of it, hair lashing around her face as she closed her eyes due to the dust rising. She brought a message from Yomi, offering his sincere apologies, he wished he could have made it, yet he had another meeting to attend, one which he could not miss. Of course, he was now more busy than usual with being king of Demon World. However his wish did come true, he managed to unite the kingdoms under one ruler, something he wanted all along.
The small chatter ceased when Yusuke tapped a microphone strapped to a large speaker "Is this on, can you all hear me?" causing giggles to explode from within the crowd "Good. Thank you all for coming and being a part of this." His chocolate orbs squinted as he took a breath in "I know this isn't an event anyone wants to be a part of but we are all here to honor the name of a friend, a lover, a daughter, a healer." He sniffed his nose, voice breaking down and I could hear faint gasps and sobs also breaking out in the crowd "She wouldn't want us to sit here sucking ass and balling our eyes out…" no she would most certainly not.
As he took another breath in ready to deliver his next line, one unprepared more than likely but still heartfelt, the air around the temple dropped by a few degrees. A new energy could be sensed, one overpowering us all as Darkness slid through the open gate, an arm full of flowers or the rarest kind held. He spared us no mind as he went directly at the tombstone, placing them on the ground.
I could not stand for it, if he was here, informed of the event it could only mean on thing. He was admitting to Hana being no more, that she died back in Demon World and he was paying his respects "How dare you show your face here?" I erupted, sprinting through the crowd. Jin tried to catch me, but my plants lashed out at him first. Chu and Shishiwakamaru stepped aside seeing me march with the intent to kill. Other familiar faces did not even dare touch me.
Darkness slowly turned to me, head held high, unblinking eyes sockets taking me in "Before you decide to attack I have but one question for you Yoko Kurama, king of thieves." He pointed a finger at me, long claw at the end of it telling me how dangerous he was, how fast he could burn my flesh with his cold touch.
Through gritted teeth I spoke, rose whip already out for an attack "Ask." I felt my energy increasing, anger burning through me uncontrollably.
He tilted his head to the side, a somewhat pensive look before his voice rumbled once more "Tell me, what does the fox say?"
My eyes widened, grip almost faltering on the whip "What did you say to me?" laughter exploded from somewhere behind me, causing me to turn so fast that if I had my long hair I would have given myself whiplash, but I did twist a vein in my neck, causing me to hiss.
Hiei's voice was heard as he came out from within the temple, angry look searching the grounds "I can't start the damn music woman." Has he gone mad?
From behind the tree in the yard, stepped mischief herself, hair now as white as snow covering her pale shoulders, grin shaping her lips as she shook her head in a dramatic way "Seriously Hiei, you were supposed to be the one." Turning a pair of honey colored eyes, she shaped her hand in the form of a gun pointing it at me "Bang!"
I did not register the event unfolding in front of my eyes, blinking repeatedly telling my mind to dissipate the mirage in front of me. Yet it did not, Hana taking now everyone in, that smirk never fading. Am I the only one seeing this? As Hiei marched back inside from within the temple, music started playing that infernal stupid fox song, him being successful in finding the play button more than likely.
"Damn look at you boring lot, a funeral really? I almost came back the moment Hiei told me." Hiei knew? He knew she was alive for at least a month "Let's make one thing clear, if I die I want dancing, music, booze, fun. For you to remember my pranks and charming good looks." She flipped her long hair out of the way, no one reacting in the slightest "Seriously?" she snapped her fingers repeatedly "Come on you fuckers, react." A loud clap of her hands resonated through the yard.
And then behind me Yusuke sniffed his nose and passed me, tears streaming down his face as he marched over to her and picked Hana up in a tight bear hug "You fucking ass bitch, you fucking cunt, how could you not tell us you were fine?" her arms wrapped around him, a smile as bright as the sun lighting up her face.
Slowly the crowed started coming out of their daze, each offering either a word or a hug towards her, but I did not move. She quickly worked through all of them, excusing herself hastily in order to come to me. She waited on my move, on me to say something, however I still analyzed, mind feeling like it was collapsing onto itself.
She appeared slightly older, as if one year equaled ten. Scars spread on the surface of her skin, as if left there as a reminder for something she had to endure, yet she did not try to hide them. She wore then proudly, like badges telling the story of her survival. Her eyes travelled to Darkness which I even forgot I had my back turned to "Thank you Hades." He slid across to her, extending a hand which Hana took, smiling up at him. There was no sign of her being in pain and true enough her skin remained unharmed as he let her go.
"Until next time Hana." And with that he left to return to wherever hole he had been dwelling in.
Her focus turned back to me, a gentle hand taking mine and for some reason I half expected it to be cold, yet it was warm "Come on." Slowly I allowed her to pull me away from everyone somewhere at the back of the temple where she removed her hand from mine, turning to look me in the eye "You cut your hair, but it kind of looks good on you."
"Did you just prank me?" I managed to verbalize and she just laughed, not to spite me but in genuine delight.
Pointing a finger at her head she grinned "Pretty nifty huh? I got you good, admit it."
Good? Are you serious right now? Clenching my fists I wanted to scream at her "I thought you died, I was almost certain of it." She accepted the pain filled accusation with ease, nodding her head in understanding, something in her eyes dimming.
"Look, a lot has happened in the time I was away, but that's a discussion for another day Kurama. It wasn't easy to deal with him, make him see things in certain ways, change his views on the worlds around him. I had to get him to trust me and will need to continue maintaining that trust for the benefits of the worlds. This is something I need you to wrap your mind around right this very moment."
The stare in her eyes was burning with vibrant determination, she was confident in every word pouring out of her sweet mouth. However it meant she would need to return, just as she promised with their treaty, after all Persephone was allowed to be with Hades for six months while the remaining six were spent on the surface of the earth, bringing nature back to life.
"Alright, then how did you manage to find Hiei?" of course she had the answer prepared for that as well.
"Darkness told me they were patrolling, asking different demons about me. I didn't dare ask him until then if I could return, but my stories spoke of friendship, how you guys meant more than my family ever did. I filled his head with hopes and dreams of love and a better place. So he asked me if I missed Human World." And as it is in her character she did not lie to him.
She approached Hiei, divided him from the patrol for a few minutes in order to discuss. He told her about what everyone was planning here and she came up with her biggest scheme yet. How poetic, arriving at your funeral a little late.
I could not contain the chuckle leaving my chest despite how foreign that sounded to me "Pardon my language, but you are a real fucking piece of work." She smirked, eyes closing halfway, allowing for the small dose of pettiness to reach her.
"Still you never truly answered me Kurama. What does the fox actually say?" rolling my eyes I could not stay away any longer. Pulling her in my arms, I traced her scars, taking in the foreign scent on her hair, how it smelled of distant lands, each holding their own stories. She melted against my chest, wrapping her arms around me, a sigh of relief leaving her.
"The fox says only one thing." I whispered as I kissed her softly, a lifted brow being the only indication that she wanted me to finish that statement once we parted "That he loves you Hana."
A/N: Well my lovelies, we have finally reached this moment. The last chapter of What Does the Fox Say. While I knew it was time to let it end I must admit I will actually miss this story, their shenanigans and how everything developed during there 73 chapters. I would have never imagined that what was initially a one shot made for fun would grow to be this huge story of love, overcoming and getting over certain things in life. A story about how one does not have friends, but a family, a tale about power of a heart and what lies within each and everyone.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
