Liebestraum
Chapter 29: Loop (Or, a section of music that can be repeated indefinitely)
The bell rang, finally.
Kurama stood up and gathered his books, eager to leave school. Eager to see Asuka.
A small smile ran across his face when he thought of her. She'd be waiting in Kuwabara's living room for him as she always did. If he was lucky no one else would be home, and they could share a kiss.
"Excuse me, Shuichi?"
Kurama turned to see a girl standing behind him looking nervous.
He resisted the urge to sigh. This was going to be the third girl in the last month that wanted to ask him on a date. He wished it would become public knowledge that he was taken. And right now, in particular, he wasn't in the mood for a long drawn-out talk.
"Yes?" he asked politely.
"I was just…wondering. You don't seem to hang out with anyone at this school, so, so, I was just wondering if you wanted to grab some coffee after school with me today."
Well, at least this girl didn't ask to meet her somewhere private to have this conversation. He had to give her credit for that.
"That's very kind of you," he said gently, "But I'm in a serious relationship."
"o-oh!" she stammered. "You are?"
"I am."
It's very serious. I'm going to ask her to be my wife.
"Sorry about that," she said. "Well, have a good day."
Kurama stuck his hands in his pockets. "You too." He gave her a polite smile, then exited the classroom. It amused him to think of what his classmates would say when he showed up with a ring on his finger.
Thankfully, he only had a year and a few months of school left, and then he'd be done. He'd go work a real job in something he enjoyed and was good at. Asuka would probably need to go to college for her music, but that was just fine. He'd already agonized over their finances. Even if she didn't get a scholarship, the money she had from Sakyo would cover tuition. If she did get a scholarship, he would invest that money.
As for the the rest, the starting salary his stepfather promised was generous and it gave him a lot more leeway to do what he wanted. Asuka had always lived simply so she'd never complain about their living situation, but he had decided on getting a nice place for them. A place that would make her smile; where they could build their family and life together. Mortgages were cheaper than renting month-to-month if you had enough for a down payment. Thanks to his investments, he had that covered.
Going home to her every day sounded like bliss. Waking up next to her every day, even more so. He hadn't gotten the opportunity to sleep next to Asuka since she came back from Genkai's which frustrated him. They needed to live together, as soon as possible.
Outside the school, Kurama felt a low level yokai approach. He quickly walked down a block and turned into an alley to wait.
"Greetings Yoko Kurama," the low level yokai hissed from under a hood. "I have a message for you."
Kurama nodded. He'd been waiting for a response from Hiei for the past week.
"What is it?"
"He says the target has been located and to meet him within forty-eight hours."
"Good. Tell him I'll be there tomorrow evening."
The yokai slinked away without any further comment, and Kurama walked back out onto the main road. His steps were firm, and light. There was a lot to do, and he hoped he could convince Kuwabara to come with him to the Makai without telling him the exact reason.
It's better to tell them all at once, though Hiei has figured it out, I'm sure.
Kurama arrived at the apartment the same time Kuwabara did, which was both fortunate and unfortunate. He needed to talk with Kuwabara, but that meant he wouldn't be alone with Asuka. If he was going to the Makai this weekend, he wanted extra time to be with her, and hold her.
"Yooo! Kurama!"
"Afternoon, Kuwabara."
His friend grinned and moved to open the door. Before he could, Kurama stopped him.
"Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Kuwabara's easy grin dropped. "Everything alright?"
"Yes, but I received word from Hiei this afternoon. He needs our help in the Makai and has asked for both you and me to meet him. Are you up for going there tomorrow?"
Kuwbara tightened his lips in thought. "Hmmm…for how long?"
"It should be two evenings. We'd leave tomorrow after school and get back some time Sunday evening."
"Did he say what it was?"
"Not specifically, but you know Hiei."
Kuwabara nodded firmly. "I have to finish up a school project, but I should be good to go. Can't say no."
Inside, Kurama was relieved, but outwardly he simply said, "that's true."
"I'm surprised you wanna go, Kurama."
His heart squeezed. He was, and perhaps would always be, fiercely protective of Asuka. Even though this mission was essential to his plans, it still felt wrong to leave her. Kuwabara understood that.
"Normally you'd be right, but I got the sense it was important."
Kuwabara ran his hand through his hair and said, "You know, I think I'm gonna go to the library for a bit. I'll catch you and Asuka later."
Thank you, Kuwabara.
Once Kuwabara was out of sight, he lightly knocked on the door. It was open, so he stepped inside, took off his shoes, and to his delight, found Asuka alone.
His breath quickened as she stood. Kurama dropped his bag and went toward her—his body and his heart eager for her to be pressed against him.
"Kurama," she said softly.
He embraced her. She tucked her hands between them and let them rest on his chest.
"Hello love," he whispered. "I'm so glad you're alone."
"Me too."
He planted a kiss on her head, and allowed his hands wander down her back and into her long, luxurious hair.
"How was your day today?"
"Uneventful," she murmured into him. "I'm getting tired of sitting around all the time."
"I'm sure."
Kurama moved his hands and cupped her cheeks. She looked up at him, and he ever so gently tugged at her jaw with his thumb.
Her body relaxed the moment their lips touched, and she sighed into his mouth.
Asuka, he ached.
They still couldn't do everything they wanted with each other yet and because of that, Kurama made sure to pay special attention to how he moved his lips and his tongue. If he couldn't make love to all of her, he'd at least make love to her mouth.
She whimpered, and the sound made his knees week.
I love you, he thought as he held her cheeks.
Her hands wandered up his chest and came to rest on the back of his neck. She tried to press them further together even though it wasn't possible in their current state.
A few moments later Kurama broke the kiss and reveled in the way she lightly panted.
Oh the sounds he would coax out of her when she was ready.
He smiled down at her, and she rolled her eyes while giving him a light tap on the chest. "You're such a tease, you know?"
If only she knew her own powers over him. He stared down at her wishing he could do more and feel more of her body. Every day it seemed to get a little harder though he was very much firm in his resolve.
Not until your dizzy spells stop.
He rested his forehead on top of hers and breathed her in, thankful she was alive. That's what mattered most. He could hold out indefinitely, if he needed.
He loved Asuka so much. Being away from her this weekend would be painful.
"Come love," he said gently.
Kurama grabbed a pillow, placed it in front of the arm of the couch, and sat down so his legs went length-wise over the cushions. Asuka then crawled up and settled on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and flared his ki. She did the same. Her's was so much weaker than it used to be, but if Kurama was still and quiet, he could still feel that refreshing spring rain. For a long while they cuddled, and didn't speak.
"Asuka," he said finally, "I got a message from Hiei before I got home today. He's asking for both myself and Kuwabara to travel to the Makai this weekend."
She shifted in his arms and looked up. Her eyes were wide with worry.
"It must be pretty serious for him to ask you both to go to the Makai. I hope everything is okay."
He ran his fingers through her hair and closed his eyes. She would say something so selfless like that.
"I'm not sure," he said. "It was through a messenger, and he didn't provide any details. He only said that Hiei needed us Friday through Sunday."
Her hand clutched his shirt. "I'll miss you."
He tightened his hold on Asuka. "I'll miss you too. But I promise, I won't be gone long."
She nodded then asked, "will you see Yusuke?"
"I'm not sure," he said honestly. "But I hope so."
"He needs to come back soon."
"I agree."
Kurama wasn't even sure what Yusuke was doing in the Makai or why he wanted to be there of all places. Keiko was waiting for him. She never complained or asked, but Kurama had seen her silent longing.
Fundamentally, Yusuke was a completely different person than himself and Kurama tried his best not to over analyze his friend.
I hope you'll be there tomorrow, Yusuke. There's a lot I wish to tell you.
-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-
The next afternoon Kurama stopped by Kuwbara's apartment only to say goodbye to Asuka. He held her, gave her a searing kiss, and held her some more. He ran his hands up and down her back and arms until they came to rest on her face.
He sighed. "It's so hard to leave you, love."
"I know. Come back safe to me," she said quietly. "Tell Hiei, and Yusuke if you see him, that I say hello."
"I will."
His body felt anchored in place and he kissed Asuka again. Her hands ran through his hair. She had such a delicate touch, and he imagined what those hands would feel like on the rest of him. He pulled her closer.
This time it was Asuka who broke their kiss. She placed her hand on his cheek and said, "It's alright love. Go and do what you do best. I won't be alone here."
Her words poured strength into his body. He would be back, and then he could enact the rest of his plans.
"I'll be home Sunday evening," he reiterated.
"Sunday evening."
With that, he turned and left her, joining up with Kuwabara on the street.
"You ready?" Kuwabara said.
"I'm ready."
The journey through the Makai was not as tedious as it once was. Ever since Koenma took down the barrier between the two existence planes, finding an entrance point close to where they wanted to end up was easier. It only took them a few hours to get to where Hiei was located—Mukuro's palace.
"Geeze," Kuwabara said he as gazed upward at her overwhelming stronghold. "So this is where Hiei lives now, eh? Kinda surprising."
Kurama said nothing. Hiei's decisions were not his to explain.
"I believe Hiei is waiting for us," Kurama said as his gaze fell on his friend's form. He sat atop the wall with one knee propped up and his other leg straight.
"How do we get in?" Kuwabara asked.
In response, the door they were by slowly clicked open and fell flat. Kuwabara glanced over at Kurama. He looked uneasy but said nothing as the pair entered Mukuro's lair. The halls were dark. Kurama knew they were safe as Mukuro would never betray Hiei, but he kept his guard up all the same. In the back of his mind was Asuka. He was going to keep his promise and return to her safely.
"How do you know where to go?" Kuwabara asked.
"Something like instinct."
When they arrived on the roof, Kurama smiled to himself. There, standing with his back toward them looking out over the Makai, was Yusuke.
"You…you asshole!" Kuwabara shouted.
"Hell of a way to greet your friend Kuwabara," Yusuke said as he turned around.
In response, Kuwabara leapt across the remaining distance between himself and Yusuke. He wrapped his arm around Yusuke's neck and punched him in arm, hard.
"Ow! What the hell man!" He said shoving Kuwabara off.
Kurama glanced over to Hiei as the inevitable squabble between Kuwabara and Yusuke ensued. Hiei looked well. More at peace than Kurama had ever seen him.
I'm glad.
"Alright you two that's enough," Kurama said. "We have business we need to discuss."
Yusuke and Kuwabara untangled, straightened, and stood next to each other.
"So what are we doing here, Kurama?" Yusuke asked.
Kuwabara's features pulled downward in confusion as he looked at Kurama. "Wait what? I thought we were here because Hiei needed help with something."
"I'm afraid not. It's me who needs help, but I couldn't tell you before now." Kurama stuck his hands in his pant pockets. He looked at all three of his friends and said, "I'm going to ask Asuka to marry me."
Kuwabara's jaw dropped and Hiei smirked.
Yusuke grinned. "So you two figured it out! Congrats! I asked Keiko to marry me before I left, you know."
"Wait you did?!" Kuwabara shouted. "Then what the hell are you doing here?! I—"
Kurama held up a hand. "Allow me to clarify. I am going to propose to Asuka, and marry her soon after."
There was a moment of silence before, "Eh?!" And "seriously?!" flew out of Kuwabara and Yusuke's mouth at the same time.
Kurama smiled. He was anticipating this reaction from the two of them. "Indeed."
"You're…gonna be married…in high school?" Yusuke asked.
"That is correct."
Kuwabara smiled. "Shoulda' seen this comin'."
Yusuke scratched his head. "I'm happy for you and everything, but I don't really get it."
"I understand how it would appear strange to you," Kurama said. "A lot has happened since the succession tournament. Suffice to say, marrying Asuka would allow me to solve two problems. First, marrying her is the best way for me to take care of her. Second, I'm tired of being separated from her every night, and I know she feels the same."
Yusuke rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I have been away for awhile. Will you tell me about everything that happened later?"
"Yes, I would like to."
Yusuke nodded, then looked over at Hiei. "You knew about this? You don't seem shocked."
"I deduced Kurama's intent when he asked me for some information."
"What information?"
Hiei looked at Kurama who then said, "I need everyone's help. If I'm going to ask Asuka to marry me, I need an item. A special item."
"From here?" asked Kuwabara.
Kurama folded his arms over as he recounted a memory from his past.
"About 300 years ago I stole one of the most beautiful and rare stones in the Makai. I hid that stone in my vault where it stayed safe and untouched. After my…departure from the Makai, Yomi took everything from my vault. After he disappeared my treasures were divided up, sold, and scattered. I wish to get that stone back so I can give it to Asuka."
Yusuke laughed. "You can't just buy her a normal diamond ring?"
"Considering Asuka is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, I believe it would be insulting to give her a plain diamond," Kurama said seriously.
Yusuke grinned. "You don't go over the top very often but when you do, you can't help yourself, can you? I'm in."
"Of course," Hiei said.
Kuwabara gave a thumbs up.
Kurama didn't think they'd say no, but he was glad all the same.
"Guess this is your bachelor party, Kurama!" Yusuke said, still grinning.
"I don't—" but then he stopped and smiled. "I suppose so."
"So," Kuwabara said. "The information you requested from Hiei—"
"—was about the stone, yes."
Hiei uncrossed his arms and jumped off the ledge. "I've got a map and everything we need inside. Follow me."
Yusuke and Hiei went inside first. Just before Kurama entered, he felt Kuwabara's hand on his shoulder. Kurama turned and looked at his friend.
"I'm real happy for ya. And you don't need to worry about me, Kurama. I'm not gonna say anything to Asuka."
"Thank you Kuwabara," he said sincerely.
"Guess it's been hard for you two since me and Shizuru are always at home."
"It does have its challenges. However, I am grateful you and Shizuru have been there for Asuka while she recovers. Shizuru is most of the reason why I felt comfortable enough to leave her this weekend."
Kuwabara smiled. "We love Asuka like she's our sister. She's always welcome, and so are you."
Just hearing Kuwabara say that brought Kurama a deep measure of peace.
"I appreciate that, more than you know."
"Will you two hurry up?" Yusuke asked.
"We're coming," Kuwabara grumbled.
The boys followed Hiei down another dark hallway and into a room with an oversized table. There were maps, building plans, and documents laid out. Kurama immediately went to the table, sat down, and began to read through the information Hiei had gathered.
When Asuka bid him farewell she had said, "do what you do best." She had no idea.
An impish smirk developed on his face.
One last job.
"What do you think, Kurama?" Hiei asked.
"It seems we'll have our work cut out for us."
Yusuke grinned.
Kurama then went on to explain the plan to his friends. He went into immense detail and made sure to account for multiple scenarios. The longer he talked, the more excited everyone got.
Yusuke rubbed his hands together. "I've never been part of a heist. This should be fun."
"It is an addicting experience," Kurama admitted.
"You would know," said Kuwabara.
Hiei huffed out a laugh.
"Well," Yusuke stretched, "since we're not leaving till tomorrow morning, I'm starved. Got any people food around here Hiei?"
"Yeah. Follow me."
Kurama looked down at the blueprints. "I think I'll stay here and review our plan again."
Hiei shrugged. "Suit yourself."
After Hiei, Kuwbara, and Yusuke filed out of the room, Kurama slouched in the chair and closed his eyes. So far everything seemed straightforward, but plans went awry all the time. His friends were strong though. Much stronger than anyone on his previous crew had been.
Kurama looked at his watch. Asuka would be asleep by now, but he decided to call and leave her a voicemail. She would probably appreciate to hear that he was doing okay and that he was safe.
"Hello, this is Asuka Genkai," the message said, "I'm sorry I can't take your call right now. Please leave me your name, and number, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Have a lovely day!"
He loved the sound of her voice. Listening to her voicemail made him look forward to hearing her use his last name.
"Hello love," he said quietly. "I know you're asleep, but I wanted to call and let you know we made it to the Makai. We're all here, including Yusuke. I'll try and talk to him at some point. I'm not sure if I'll be able to call you tomorrow, but I'll try."
He sighed.
"I miss you, Asuka. I'll be home soon. I love you."
He hung up and ran his fingers through his hair. After this weekend, they wouldn't have to live separately for much longer. He needed to remember that.
Kurama turned his attention back to the blueprints Hiei had provided and began to comb through everything again. He needed to make sure that his friends would be safe and the risk was acceptable.
"It'll be fine, Kurama," Yusuke's voice said behind him. "We've been through much worse you know."
"I know," Kurama said, not bothering to turn around. "But all the same. The last job I did was a failure, and my crewmember died. I would like for all of you to go on living."
"I've already died once," Yusuke joked coming into view.
Kurama eyed him and shook his head.
"Here," Yusuke said thrusting a bowl of rice and Yakiniku pieces toward Kurama. "Don't forget to eat."
"Thank you, Yusuke."
"No problem. So tell me what happened," he said shoving a huge piece of pork into his mouth.
Kurama carefully picked up his own bowl. As he ate he told Yusuke everything that had happened with Asuka.
"Holy shit," Yusuke said when Kurama finished.
"Yes. It was…a lot."
"How is she feeling now?"
"Better, but she's still prone to weak spells. They are happening less frequently, so I hope with time she'll make a full recovery."
"I see." Yusuke ate the last piece of his meat and chewed thoughtfully. "When do you hope to be married?"
A smile ghosted Kurama's lips. "That all depends on Asuka's wishes. I don't expect she'll want to wait very long though. Perhaps in the spring, just after I turn 17."
"So a few months."
"I hope."
Yusuke shifted his position on the table. He got a faraway look in his eye and Kurama knew what was on his mind. He also knew Yusuke wouldn't outright ask.
"Keiko misses you," Kurama supplied.
Yusuke turned and stared at Kurama. He smiled. "Yeah?"
"She never complains. But she's lonely, Yusuke. We can all see it."
He nodded absently.
"When are you coming back?"
Yusuke shrugged. "Don't know. I'm not ready to yet."
As Kurama stared at Yusuke, he understood, finally. Despite his friend's attachments, it was easier for him to stay in the Makai rather than go back to the Ningenkai and be constrained by societal standards.
It was so opposite to Kurama's own way of thinking, and his own priorities.
"Are you coming to my wedding, Yusuke?"
"Send me an invite and I'll think about it."
"Fair enough."
Yusuke grinned. "How mad would you be if I missed it?"
"I would definitely hold it over you," Kurama said.
Yusuke's grin turned into laughter.
"What are you laughing at?" Kuwabara said coming back into the room.
"Kurama's gonna be pissed if I miss his wedding."
"Of course he would be. I'd kill you for sure," Kuwabara said.
Behind Kuwabara was Hiei, and he carried a green bottle and four glasses. Kurama knew exactly what it was. He nodded at Hiei appreciatively.
"Here," Hiei said setting the glasses down. He uncorked the bottle and poured a small amount in each glass.
"Cheers," Yusuke said lifting the glass toward Kurama. "Happy marriage."
Yusuke knocked it back in one swoop. He descended into a coughing fit which made Kuwabara laugh hysterically.
"What the hell, Hiei!" Yusuke said, still choking. "You could've warned me! That was on purpose, wasn't it?"
Hiei gave a half smile. "Maybe."
Kurama raised the glass to his lips, took a breath in, and sipped.
"What is this stuff anyway?" Kuwabara said holding up the glass and squinting at the liquid.
"It's a Makai specialty, and quite rare," Kurama supplied. "I'm surprised, Hiei."
His friend shrugged. "Mukuro is still an important yokai and has a lot of connections. When I told her what we were doing this weekend she suggested I open a bottle."
"Sip it, Kuwabara," Kurama advised. "Don't do what Yusuke did."
"Yeah, not a good idea," Yusuke said, wiping the tears from his eyes.
Kuwabara looked skeptical, but still drank a tiny amount. His eyes widened. "Woah. This stuff is really good!"
Yusuke motioned to Hiei, who poured him another glass.
"You shouldn't have any more than that, Yusuke," Hiei advised. "Unless you want to be hungover tomorrow."
"Definitely don't want that."
The boys drank in relative silence until Yusuke burst into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Kurama asked.
"It's just…we're like a bunch of old geezers sitting around drinking like this."
"Well, Kurama is old," Kuwabara said.
"You're the one that suggested a bachelor party," Kurama said with an amused smirk.
"Yeah, yeah," Yusuke waved. "Anyway. I'm tired so I'll probably turn in. See you guys tomorrow."
"Good idea," Kuwabara said.
Kurama drank the last of his liquor, then followed the others out. Hiei had set them up with separate sleeping arrangements. Kurama sat on the bed which was wide enough for two. He imagined Asuka's delicate form under the sheets. He imagined waking her up with a slow kiss, and her inevitable smile.
He couldn't wait to hold her every night. Once she was living on her own, he probably wouldn't go to his mother's house very often, if ever. Asuka was his home, and his future.
That's why I'm here, he thought.
Kurama smiled, then tucked himself into the sheets. He needed to get a good amount of rest for tomorrow. It was going to be a busy day, and they were leaving early.
-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-
The next morning the boys set out for the yokai stronghold on Zeller beasts. Since there were no motorized vehicles in the Makai, getting around required a beast, the ability to fly, or running fast. Most yokai preferred to run since their ki could give them the power they needed. In this case however, the boys needed to conserve their ki for fighting.
Zeller beasts it was.
They were round, muscular animals that looked like a cross between a hippopotamus and a boar. Their large, gleaming black tusks came out of their mouths and curled upward. Their hide was a deep forest green and could blend in well with much of the Makai's landscape.
Each beast could fit two people, so Hiei took Kuwabara and Kurama took Yusuke. They were the only two of the group who knew how to ride and control a Zeller beast.
Kurama had woken up in the morning feeling puckish. Out of all the scenarios he could have predicted in his long life, this one seemed the least likely. He was going to steal a precious stone not for himself, but for the woman he loved, and his best friends were going to help him.
"How long do we have to ride of these things?" Kuwabara groaned from behind Hiei. "I'm so uncomfortable!"
"Stop complaining," Hiei rebuked.
Behind Kurama, Yusuke laughed. "Don't be such a baby, Kuwabara."
They rode for most of the morning and into the afternoon, only stopping to take short breaks.
When evening arrived, Kurama gave the signal to halt. Just on the edge of the horizon lay the castle they were going to infiltrate.
"Seriously I don't know how everyone else can stand to ride these things," Kuwabara complained as he slid off. He did a few squats before shaking each of his legs.
"Maybe you have to be a yokai," Yusuke said with a grin.
"You all can go to hell."
There was a momentary pause before Yusuke fell over into a heap of laughter. Hiei also began to laugh, and Kurama joined them.
Kuwbara, having realized what he said, and more importantly where he said it, also began to laugh.
"I've missed your dumb ass," Yusuke said as he held his sides.
"I missed you too," Kuwabara grinned.
Kurama then unpacked the supplies they brought and passed around some food. "Let's go over the plan one more time."
They boys sat in a circle and looked at the blueprints again. Everyone felt confident. All they had to do was wait for the cover of night.
Kurama checked his watch and stood up. "I'll be right back."
"Where are you gonna go?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm going to call Asuka."
Kuwabara smiled.
Yusuke shook his head. "You've got it bad, you know."
Kurama walked some distance away from the group where he could talk to Asuka without his friends overhearing.
The phone rang twice before he heard her melodic voice on the other end.
"Hello, love," she said gently.
"Hi," he breathed. It felt so good to hear her voice.
"I wasn't expecting a call."
"I know, but I had some time."
"I'm really happy you were able to," she said.
Kurama could hear her smile. He closed his eyes and imagined it in his mind.
"How was your day, love?" he asked.
"Well, I went for a walk with Shizuru and didn't have any dizzy spells."
"That's really good."
She laughed, but he could hear the sadness in it.
"It's weird, isn't Kurama? How weak I've become?"
"It's not weird. And you're not weak, Asuka. Not at all."
She sighed. "I feel weak. I can barely do anything without feeling like I'm going to pass out. And I hate that it prevents me from being with you fully."
His heart ached, and he wished he was there to comfort her in person.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so down."
"Don't ever apologize for feeling a certain way," he said gently. "I always want to know how you're doing, so I know how to best support you. You've been through a lot Asuka. It's alright."
There was a pause, then Asuka said in a choked whisper, "you're really wonderful, you know that?"
A playful smile cracked his lips. "I have some idea."
She laughed, but this time her laugh was genuine. He had succeeded in cheering her up.
"I'm sure you've got your hands full over there. I should probably let you go, huh?"
"Never."
"Never," she whispered. "I love you."
"And I love you. I'll see you tomorrow evening."
"Tomorrow," she echoed back.
Kurama hung up the phone. He walked back to his group of friends.
"How's Asuka?" Kuwabara asked.
"She had a good day today, but she's sad. She's tired of feeling weak."
Kurama looked out over the great expanse of the Makai. Night was settling.
"You ready?" Hiei asked.
"Almost."
Kurama closed his eyes and called forth his Yoko form. He felt his human body melt away and be replaced with his original. To do a job in his human form seemed wrong, and he could always do with an extra boost of power.
Kurama felt his friends standing behind him. He didn't need to turn around to see their determination and their excitement. He could feel it.
"Let's go."
They all took off running towards the stronghold. As Kurama pranced through the tall grass of the Makai with all the elegance and grace of his Yoko body, he felt light, and devious.
It took about an hour to cross and reach the outside of the stronghold. Kurama slowed, which prompted the others to do the same. He crouched in the grass.
"I can sense five, Kurama," Yusuke said. "Up on the wall. But I don't think they've noticed us yet."
"Allow me," Hiei said going to the front.
Hiei unwrapped his forearm, held it up above his head, and released a black dragon. It shot up into the sky where it hovered for half a heartbeat, then split into five separate dragons. There was a brief cry before the dragons simultaneously fell on all five of the watch yokai on the wall.
All was silent.
"Wow Hiei," Yusuke said. "Guess you've been doing some training since the tournament."
Hiei smirked.
The boys ran to the base of wall. Kurama fished in his hair until he found the seed he wanted.
"Stand close to me," he instructed.
Everyone gathered around Kurama. He pushed the seed into the dirt and channeled his yoki. There was a crackling sound before a rush of green. The leaves encapsulated them before the plant thrust upward.
Kuwabara yelped in surprise before finding his balance.
Some air filtered through where the leaves were joined which made a high pitch whistling sound as the vine propelled them upward. It slowed, then stopped.
"Nice, Kurama," Yusuke said as the leaves pulled back. He stepped onto the wall.
Kurama also climbed out and surveyed what was below. Just as the blueprints showed, there was a courtyard below with the stronghold in the center.
"Just like we thought," Hiei said looking down.
"So far," said Kurama.
The boys all leapt off the side of the wall and landed in the courtyard with a thud. Kurama's overly sensitive Yoko ears heard commotion to their left, and he signaled to Yusuke.
With a grin, Yusuke pointed his finger and shot off his Raeki. It hit the yokai square in the shoulder and made it drop to the ground. Yusuke jogged over.
"You're gonna take a nice long nap," he said before punching the yokai.
Kurama nodded, and the four took off for the main building.
Toward the side was a window to the lower level. Kurama reached it, then crouched down. Just as the blueprints said, the window was reinforced with bars and a lock.
All too easy.
He used his nail to pick the lock and within seconds all four were inside.
The room was blacked out and even with Kurama's enhanced eyesight, objects were difficult to make out. He couldn't sense any ki, but that did not mean there weren't traps.
"Here," Kuwabara said activating his ki sword.
Light splashed all over the room and as Kurama suspected, a trap lay directly in front of them. He could now see the trip wire thin as a razor's edge, and the arrows that would shoot out.
Kurama took a seed and flung it at the contraption. When it hit, vines sprouted and began to twist around the gears. Once it was mucked up Kurama stepped over the line.
The gears attempted to turn.
"Woah," Yusuke said. "Looks like that thing would've gone off whether we tripped the wire or not."
They ran out of the room with Kurama in the lead and headed down another level into the subbasement.
There was less security than anticipated, and that worried Kurama. They'd only come across low level yokai who could be easily be knocked unconscious.
Something's wrong.
He couldn't confirm his suspicions until they got to the vault. Kurama picked up the pace, and his friends instinctively followed. They wound their way to the far back corner of the building where a steal bolted door greeted them.
There was a triple locking mechanism that required three keys to open. This would be a problem for a normal thief, but not for Kurama. He took out three tiny seeds and placed one in each lock. Then he closed his eyes and shot his ki off to each seed simultaneously. The vines began to creep as Kurama directed them. He found the switches and had the vines twist around them at the same time.
The door opened with a long, low groan.
In anticipation, Yusuke held up his hand in case there was someone waiting for them.
The room was empty save for the safe that was pushed up against the far wall. Yusuke lowered his hand, and they cautiously filed in.
This safe weighed almost a thousand kilograms with a triple reinforced door and could only be opened with an approved blood sample. Trying to fake one or giving the incorrect DNA meant the alarm would trip and the safe would emit a poisonous gas. Bypassing those security measures would be nearly impossible for most people, and why Kurama was glad Kuwabara came with them.
"Okay Kuwabara, you're up," Kurama said. "Go slowly and inspect the safe as you cut it. Take your time and make sure there isn't anything hidden or dangerous as you open it."
"Roger."
He ignited his ki sword. Unlike conventional tools which wouldn't be able to handle such a thick, heavy safe, Kuwabara's concentrated ki could cut through it fairly easily. His friend furrowed his brows in concentration. Sparks flew the moment the ki sword contacted the safe.
"So far so good Kurama," Kuwabara said. "Imma cut through the rest of it."
Kurama swished his tail as the door came off.
"…it's empty!" Yusuke said in shock.
I knew it.
"Getting down here was too easy," Kurama said. "I believe we were expected."
"You think the stone is with the yokai?" Yusuke asked.
"Yes."
They all stood silent for a moment until Yusuke cracked his knuckles. "Welp, time to go kick some ass, eh?"
Hiei laughed. "You memorized the blueprints, Kurama? Lead the way."
"He's probably on the top floor. Let's head out the way we came."
Once they were back outside, Kurama craned his neck upward and closed his eyes. As he guessed, toward the top of the building was a massive presence.
"We're going straight to the top," Kurama said taking another seed out of his hair.
He and his friends were whisked upward. The moment they slowed, Hiei sprung out and punched through the window. All four of the boys landed with varying amounts of grace into a sprawling, deep grey stone room.
Fire glowed in sconces on the pillars which went down some distance. At the far end, in his oversized plush couch, sat the yokai. He held something glittering in his hand.
"I knew you wanted this back Yoko Kurama," the yokai's deep wheezing voice echoed down the chamber.
The yokai was sickly taupe color with cankerous knobs all over its blubberous body. It had piercing red eyes which even from this distance, flashed three hundred years of hate.
Kurama stuck his hands into his pant pockets. "You leaked the information for your stronghold, Seraph."
"Of course. I wanted you to come to me, after all." He grinned, then wheezed. "I've heard a lot of rumors about you, Yoko Kurama."
"Which are?"
"That you've been living in the Ningenkai. And that," his tongue licked his lips, "you've got something precious there. But it isn't jewels or gold, oh no. It's a woman."
Kurama's heart jumped, but he remained perfectly still.
"Going to give this to her? Mmmm…I don't think so," he wheezed.
The yokai cleared his throat. "You can come out now!"
Asuka!
For one brief, irrational moment, Kurama thought they were going to drag out Asuka before him. His ki spiked before he forced himself to calm down. They couldn't have Asuka. He'd just talked to her a couple of hours ago. Even if they kidnapped her immediately after she hung up the phone, they couldn't have gotten to this place in the Makai so quickly.
She wasn't in distress when we talked. She's safe, he told himself.
In confirmation, it wasn't Asuka who came out of the door nearest Seraph, but two yokai. One was lean and had six arms, the other was short and stocky. Kurama felt the smallest one's ki and knew immediately which type it was.
Poison.
"You stole this from me, Yoko Kurama," he said holding up the glittering stone. "It was precious to me. It seems only fair to repay you. She'll have a slow and painful death, I promise." He wheezed again.
The two Yokai vanished before their eyes and Kurama leapt off the balls of his feet. The only emotion he felt was wrath.
"Kurama!" Yusuke shouted. "Hiei and I will find and take care of those two! Kill that one in front of you! We won't let them leave the Makai! I promise!"
Kurama didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. He trusted Yusuke and Hiei.
Seraph pushed a button and a swath of yokai guards entered the room.
"Right beside you Kurama!" Kuwabara shouted.
Kurama fished a seed out of his hair as he ran forward. He channeled his ki into it. The plant burst with life and sent out small white puff balls that floated upward and fell down like snow.
As soon as they made contact, the puff balls embedded themselves into the flesh of the yokai. Screams echoed against the stone walls as the plants used their hosts to feed and multiply.
A few of the guards put up ki barriers to keep themselves from getting infected and the puff balls burned up harmlessly.
"I got those guys, go Kurama!" Kuwabara shouted.
Kurama put on a burst of speed. He dashed like lightning until he fell upon Seraph.
The yokai sputtered but was too large to move himself. Instead, he flared his ki. It was a black, oppressive presence that enshrouded him. It forced Kurama to stop.
"If you cross my barrier, you'll die, Yoko Kurama. What are you going to do?" he wheezed.
Kurama reached out his fingers to touch the black barrier. He felt the tips his fingers burn, and his flesh sloughed off, exposing the muscles of his index and middle finger.
"No Yokai can cross my barrier," he coughed. "It's impossible."
Kurama tilted his head to the side. "No Yokai, huh? Interesting." He smiled a wicked, dangerous grin and released his yoko form.
With his normal body, Kurama once again brought his hands up to the black field. They slipped right through without so much as a sting.
"Wait...wait!" Seraph shouted, then wheezed. "How…you have two bodies!"
"Apparently you haven't heard all the rumors."
Seraph's red eyes went wide as Kurama entered his barrier.
"You…you can have the stone! Just don't kill me!"
"Oh, I'll be taking the stone," Kurama said. His voice projected ice as a dangerous cold settled on him. "If you hadn't mentioned Asuka to me, I would've let you live. But now, I'm afraid, I cannot. Her safety is all that matters to me."
Kurama grew a rose whip and snapped it at Seraph's oversized triple neck. It wrapped around the yokai who desperately clawed at it while he choked.
With all the strength he could muster, he yanked and Seraph's head flew off his body. A sickening yellow fluid sprayed across the back wall.
Kurama morphed back into his Yoko form before he pried the stone out of Seraph's disgusting hand and stuck it in his pocket. He turned around to find everyone else who had been attacking them either dead or passed out.
"Guess it's good you came here, eh Kurama?" Kuwabara said looking around. "He probably would've come for Asuka even if you hadn't come for the stone."
"Yes, I believe you are right."
Kurama closed his eyes and forced himself to calm. He then sought out Yusuke and Hiei's ki. They were in the courtyard.
"Let's go."
Kuwabara nodded and stepped over a dead yokai as they made their way back to the window. Kurama channeled his ki into the plant, and it began to retract. Once they were in the courtyard, Yusuke waved them over. Kuwabara and Kurama ran to him.
"They're both dead, Kurama. See for yourself," Yusuke said pointing with his chin. "They weren't the easiest opponents, but they weren't a challenge either."
"They were easy," Hiei said. "Did you get it?"
"Yes. Let's not waste anymore time. I doubt any of Seraph's henchmen will want to pursue us now that he's dead, but it would still be wise to put as much distance as we can between ourselves and this place."
"Agreed," Yusuke said.
They left immediately and ran back to the spot they'd left their Zeller beasts. Even though everyone was exhausted, they rode through the night and didn't stop until they were back at Mukuro's castle at dawn.
"I'm beat," Yusuke said sliding off the Zeller beast. "Kurama are you gonna go back home now?"
"No, not yet. I need a jeweler from here to fashion a ring for me because I can't give this stone to anyone in the Ningenkai. They wouldn't know what to do with it."
"Can I see it?" Kuwabara asked.
Kurama took the stone out of his pocket and it glittered.
"Wow!" said Kuwabara.
"Woah! It's huge!" Yusuke said.
"Yes. A piece of it will have to be taken off for the ring. It'll take some work, but once finished, it will be worthy of Asuka."
"Are you going to see him?" Hiei asked.
"I am."
"Who?" Kuwabara asked.
"A very dangerous yokai," Kurama said. "If he thinks your request is unworthy of his service, he'll try and have you killed."
"Yikes," Yusuke said.
"Not to worry. He'll accept my offer."
The boys made their way up to their sleeping quarters and bid each other goodnight. Kurama laid in bed and wrapped his hand around the stone. He made a mental note of what time to wake up, and immediately fell asleep.
-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-
Late that afternoon Kurama woke up with the stone still in his hand. Unsurprisingly, Hiei was awake but Yusuke and Kuwabara were not.
"I'll be back in a few hours, Hiei," Kurama said. "Tell Kuwabara not to leave without me."
"I will. Good luck."
Once Kurama was outside, he transformed into his Yoko form and took off running. He enjoyed the speed and flexibility this body afforded him. Though he ran for over an hour, his strength hardly felt sapped from the journey.
He stopped when he saw the small mud hut with smoke coming out of it. Kurama put his hands in his pockets and went inside.
"ssssssoooo…after a millennium…yoou've finally paaaid me a visit…Yoookkooo Kkurama," the yokai said not bothering to turn around. "I've heard roumoursssss about your return."
"I only returned for a short while, and now I request your services."
"And what makkessss you thinkkk I should takke yooour request mmmmm?"
"Take a look," Kurama said placing the stone on the yokai's workbench.
The yokai yelped in surprise. He picked up the stone and slithered to the end where there was a jewelers monocular. He held the stone up and began his inspection.
"Maaaagnificant. Sssooo you did have it."
"It left my possession briefly, but I recently reacquired it."
The yokai hissed out a laugh. "Aannnddd what dooo yooou want me to doo, exxxxxacttly?"
Kurama then described in great detail what he wanted for Asuka's ring.
"Thaaattt will cosssst you," he said. "Dooo yoou haaave paaayment?"
Kurama smiled. "How about the rest of that stone?"
The yokai's beady eyes almost bugged out his sockets. "Yoooou don't waaant it?"
"I only require a small piece of it for the ring. The rest I leave in your hands."
"Hmmm…" The yokai's tongue forked out as his hands tented together. "I need tooo know a ssssssizzee. Here," he said tossing Kurama a string of bands for comparison.
Kurama found the end with the smallest sizes. He closed his eyes and imagined Asuka's dainty, slender fingers, and what it was like to hold them. He felt each band until he came upon the correct size.
"This one," he said holding up the band he'd chosen.
"Tiinnny."
Kurama smiled. "How long, do you think?"
"For whaaat you waaannt? Threeee to foouurr weekssss. Howw do I reach you?"
"Send word to Hiei at Mukuro's palace. He'll contact me, and I'll be back to pick it up."
"Deeaall."
Kurama left the hut feeling satisfied. Four weeks was a long time, but perhaps by then Asuka would be feeling well enough to move out of Kuwabara's apartment.
He ran back to Mukuro's and found his friends eating dinner.
"How'd it go?" Yusuke asked through chewing his food.
"It went very well. The ring will be ready between three and four weeks. I told him to send word to you, Hiei."
"Of course."
Kurama sat down with his friends and also ate. Yusuke managed to pry out of Hiei some of what he'd been up to since the tournament. Yusuke had a way of doing that.
"Guess you're not leaving here," Kuwabara said to Hiei.
"This is my home now," he said simply. "But if you need anything, contact me."
Kurama smiled.
"Are you gonna come back with us?" Kuwabara asked Yusuke.
"No. I'm…not ready to go back yet."
Kuwabara glared at Yusuke. "Keiko is pining away for you. Don't you care about that at all?"
"Of course I do!" Yusuke groaned. "It's just…ugh, never mind Kuwabara you wouldn't get it. I told her I was coming back and I will. Just not today."
As if to get under Yusuke's skin, Kuwabara turned and said to Kurama, "Guess we should head out. You're more than ready to leave and see Asuka, eh?"
Yusuke folded his arms and grumbled.
"I am," Kurama said. "I've been away from her for too long."
"I'm good to go."
Kurama stood.
"Well this was fun," Yusuke said. "Guess I'll see you two around sometime soon."
"Hopefully sooner, rather than later," said Kurama.
Kuwabara frowned.
"I'll be in touch Kurama," Hiei said.
Kurama picked up his bag and he and Kuwabara exited Mukuro's stronghold. Kuwabara muttered under his breath, clearly still irritated by Yusuke's actions. "I don't know how she puts up with him," he said they began to journey toward the exit point to Japan.
Kurama didn't say anything, but he privately wondered the same.
Later that evening Kurama and Kuwabara returned to the apartment.
"Ah, you're finally back," Shizuru said when they stepped into the living room. "Asuka's already asleep Kurama."
He dropped his bag on the floor. "Did she have a bad day?"
"Not…terrible, but not great either. She really wanted to see you so I don't think she'd mind if you woke her up. I'm not planning on going to bed for a while. Take your time."
Kurama gave his thanks and walked down the hall. Asuka was sharing a room with Shizuru, which also added to their difficulty of trying to find times to be alone together.
He opened the door and crept in, not wanting to wake her just yet. She lay on her side, cuddled up with a pillow. He smiled and placed his hand on her cheek.
Two and-a-half days was far too long.
Asuka shifted, which brought attention to the curves that were hidden just below the blanket.
My fairy.
As he stared at her he allowed himself to fantasize what he was going to do with her once she was healed. He was going to put all of the skills he'd acquired to the best use and make her completely euphoric. He imagined her hair sprawled out on the sheets and her glowing face even while her body was utterly spent from their lovemaking.
He could hardly wait.
Kurama bent down and lightly kissed her. "Asuka," he said gently, "I'm back."
She stirred and opened her eyes. She blinked, then gave him a dazzling smile. "Kurama?"
"I'm here, love."
"I missed you," she said reaching up to run her fingers through her hair.
"I missed you," he said leaning down and capturing her lips.
It was a slow, wet kiss. He wanted to settle on top of her. He wanted everything he'd just imagined moments before. Asuka's softness called to him and he ached for it.
Stop. You need to stop, now.
He gripped the sheet as he slowly pulled away, his lips wet from her. He breathed huskily.
Kurama could see the longing in her eyes. He swallowed. He should've kept his own desires under control. He shouldn't have thought about her in that way while she slept.
"If only I were better," she said quietly.
She looked downtrodden. That was the last thing he ever wanted her to feel. It wasn't her fault. Nowhere near her fault.
Kurama exhaled. "It's alright, love. We'll get there."
"Some days it feels like we never will."
"Don't worry, we will. You're getting better with every passing day. And besides," he said leaning his forehead on hers, "would we really want our first time to be here?"
Asuka looked up at him, then began to laugh. "In Shizuru's bed? You have a point."
He smiled.
"Will you hold me for a while?"
"Always," he said snuggling into the bed with her. He wrapped his arms around Asuka and held her tight against his chest. Her warmth sunk into the fibers of his clothes and he relished the feeling of having her so close to him again.
"I love you," she said.
"And I love you."
"How did everything go?"
Kurama kissed her head and began to tell her about his trip with a little spin. He told her Hiei had intercepted a threat to Mukuro and needed their help to deal with it. He told her about his conversations with his friends, and that Yusuke still wasn't planning on coming back.
"Kuwabara and I both tried, Asuka."
"That's all you could've done. And maybe Yusuke will still decide to come back a little earlier."
Maybe he will.
Kurama held onto Asuka until she was nearly asleep again.
"I'm going to go back to my mother's house love," he whispered. "I'll be here in the morning."
"mmmkay," she murmured. "I wish you could just stay."
"Me too. I love you."
She didn't respond, but he was glad she was peacefully asleep. When he stepped outside the apartment, he found Shizuru lighting a cigarette.
"So," she said puffing on it. "How long until you propose to Asuka?"
Kurama stuck his hands in pant pockets. Shizuru was extremely intuitive, and he supposed she guessed his intentions a while ago.
"About one month. As soon as her ring is ready."
"Good," she said. "And Asuka can stay with us as long as she needs to, so don't worry about that."
"Thank you, Shizuru."
She closed her eyes and exhaled. "Goodnight, Kurama."
"Goodnight."
As Kurama walked to the train his mind went through his mental checklist. He already sold most of his stocks and took care of some other financials. The only big item left was to find the perfect place for him and Asuka to live. Perhaps he would take a day off of school this week to go around and look for apartments.
Hang on just a little longer, love. I'm working as fast as I can. We'll be settled soon.
Author's Note:
Holy shit that was a long chapter. I hope you liked it! I had a lot of fun writing the boys running around the Makai together. I realized that I hadn't really had anything for the four of them to do in this entire fic and I had to rectify that. I love their friendship so much, and I love that they're all so different from each other.
Tashio: Kurama wonders the same thing, lol.
Rosentic: Yes, I believe you are right about that ;-)