Hiei thought he had known rage.
When he was cast off a cliff to death at the hands of the Koorime, he thought he knew hate. Time and time again, when low-class scum had tried to take his head, the same feeling coursed through his veins, the fools. When the detective had faced off against him for his human partner's life, and won, it was there again. He was used to rage; was fueled by it. His entire life had been propelled by the emotion.
What was happening to him now was an entirely different sort of rage, and he fought the instinct to curl his lips back on his teeth, his energy swirling so heavily that concrete cracked and frayed around where he stood. His cloak undulated at the wave of power, and within seconds of him standing once again he attempted to lock onto Kazane's signature. The wound to his temple was nothing; he was still alive, and had suffered worse before.
"Come on, Hiei. You moron, I had it. It would've been fine. I can't- I can't do this without you, please."
The memory, as fresh as ever despite time and his wavering consciousness, caused him to clack his teeth together. Demons of his level didn't deserve good things, and despite Kazane's warning, regardless of their plans, she had been taken. Not only her, but Yukina as well. It was if some ridiculous god was truly coming down to put him in his place.
At the same time Hiei made sure he had his sword on him, a crumble of debris moved to his left, and Yusuke emerged. His mouth was stained crimson, and he spat out dust and blood onto the street before trying to stand. It was obvious he was in no shape for a fight; his left arm hung out of its shoulder socket, and there were more bruises and cuts than could be counted. Still, he stood, determined as ever, and met Hiei's gaze.
"Where is she?" He asked venomously, and Hiei was reminded of months ago when he had taken Keiko. For the first time, he agreed wholeheartedly with the detective. If they went against Sensui's team at that very moment there would be nothing left of them.
Kurama's form came into view from his peripherals, clutching his stomach. "You both need to calm yourselves; with Kazane now taken hostage our first priority is regrouping."
Hiei clenched his fists hard enough that crimson pooled up from his calloused palms. He sent a scathing look Kurama's way.
"They had Yukina, and now Sensui has them both."
Kurama's face drew into an expression of horror, and the sound of Yusuke punching a deep crater into the concrete broke the revelation. Frustrated, angry tears pooled up around his eyes, and his own energy was rising.
"That goddamn idiot!" He screamed. "I told her we needed to go back on the plan."
Kurama's jaw clenched, a resolve coming to his emerald eyes. "You are in no condition to seek them out. We must regroup with Genkai and make sure everyone there is safe; if Yukina and Kazane have been taken, then we need to ensure they haven't also taken the others."
"We don't have time!" Yusuke roared back, already shuffling closer to where Hiei was standing, tightly-wound. "That bastard could be doing anything to them!"
"You're underestimating Kazane and Yukina's abilities," The fox cut in sharply. "Don't forget: Sensui's primary target is Kuwabara. We must circle back to Genkai and come up with a sufficient plan to retrieve them without putting more of us at risk."
It took many minutes of silence before Yusuke finally agreed, getting to his feet and silently allowing Kurama to take one of his arms, albeit begrudgingly. His eyes were seemingly unfocused, glaring straight ahead at nothing. Hiei stood in place, Kurama's eyes meeting his own as the anger coursed through his veins. The want to say 'screw regrouping' was almost unbearable; he hadn't returned for the sake of humankind, and he hadn't returned for what fools called teamwork. Sensui had taken two of the only good things to happen to him, somehow, and he'd annihilate Sensui's hideout akin to an army if he had to.
"She would be upset," Kurama said, gently this time. It seemed he could read Hiei's thoughts as if they were written on his face.
"Then let her," Hiei hissed back. "She'll get over it. I'm trying to repay a favor."
He owed her, even if it was the smaller reason he'd go to such lengths. Unfiltered energy, given by one with already fleeting time in this world. A life debt, one owed that he would eventually repay.
"Kazane likely wouldn't be outwardly perturbed if you massacred the entire opposing group, but I'm sure it would leave a shadow on Yukina's psyche," Kurama replied, equally as biting. "In any case, would Kazane forgive herself if you managed to grievously wound yourself trying to rescue her?"
Akin to a standoff, Kurama's words tactfully hit Hiei to his core. Not only would trying to rush to their aid further the chance of Yukina regarding him warmly, but it went without saying that Kazane would get eaten up by her own guilt. As much as he wanted to slit the throats of Sensui's team and damn the consequences, he'd seen the light gone from her eyes once. It would happen just as easily again.
"C'mon, Hiei," Yusuke muttered, finally looking up at the fire demon with renewed determination in his eyes. "We're gonna get 'em, and we're gonna make it a bullseye win. Let's go talk to grandma and make sure everyone's okay...then, we can pound everyone there to a pulp."
Hiei clenched and unclenched his fists, closing his eyes. The distance between him and Kazane prevented any mental link, despite his mark, but her energy still hummed gently under his skin. She was still alive, and knew that regardless of the circumstances would prevent any ill from befalling Yukina. He opened his eyes and looked back towards the rooftop she had been on earlier. The scars adorning her flesh appeared once more in his mind.
For every mark Sensui and his lapdogs laid upon her, he would return them in kind.
Wordlessly the three of them began a trek through the city, Kurama and Yusuke trying to be as inconspicuous as possible while Hiei flit through the treetops and buildings.
Genkai snapped Yusuke's shoulder back into place with a sickening crack, the detective only hissing out an expletive as opposed to the usual, unending curses Hiei had come to expect. Not only were his actions now a mark of her absence, but his expectation was a mark of her influence. The pair had foul tongues comparable to demon standards.
Hiei sat on the windowsill, looking over every human that came within twenty feet of the hotel room while simultaneously feeling for any latent energy. The atmosphere was somber, to say the least, and he found himself nearly to the point of rolling his eyes upon seeing Keiko aghast, hand to her mouth, at learning the news. Kuwabara was the total opposite, trying to rocket out the front door in a way that left Hiei somewhat impressed, before his sister clutched his arm and let out a series of admonishing yells.
"I thought this might happen," Genkai said. "Although the wards around the temple should have been strong enough to repel most anyone, demon or not."
"Yeah, well Sensui kicked our asses six ways to Sunday, so I don't think scraps of paper would've done much," Yusuke responded bitterly, wincing as Botan began healing the deep bruising dotted along his skin. He tactfully ignored the withering look she sent his way.
"The motivation for kidnapping Kazane is obvious," Kaito said thoughtfully. "Though what is the motive for kidnapping this second person?"
Kurama zeroed in on his question instantly, arms crossed. "It would make sense, in a way, if they wanted to force Kazane to their whims. With another person there she'd be more compliant to his demands. I believe it also serves another purpose, however."
"Who here is most susceptible to having this Yukina person taken hostage?" Kaito fired back.
Nearly all eyes glanced at Hiei first, with the exception of the Meiou boys, Genkai, and Kuwabara. The latter looked beside himself with rage, sweat slicked across his skin, and as everyone looked his way his shoulders sagged, frustrated tears nearly welling over.
"Their greatest intention is to obtain Kuwabara," Kurama explained softly. "And they now have two hostages to use for negotiation."
Genkai took a long drag on her pipe, exhaling the smoke slowly before glancing around the room. Yusuke was glaring a hole into the floor, Kurama and Kaito were seated in perfect lotus, no doubt trying to analyze the situation. Shizuru was trying to calm Keiko down near the wall, the brunette muttering something fixedly behind her hand. Botan seemed somewhat distant; focusing on whatever was going through her mind while she healed Yusuke's wounds. Koenma was nowhere to be found after the fight had reached a climax, according to Kurama.
"We have to consider the possibility that Kazane is under duress and being interrogated," Genkai finally said, ignoring the small gasps coming from the other girls. "And take into account that whatever knowledge she shared with us they might also gain."
Hiei drew his lips back from his teeth, resisting the urge to let out a dark chuckle. "You've seen her scars; she won't talk."
Genkai glared back at him. "I know how far she'd go to make sure nothing happens to Yukina. Whatever the case, there's no doubt in my mind Sensui will be using the both of them for a hostage negotiation."
"The two of them for Kuwabara," Kurama summized. "Kazane's wounds are evident of some time in isolation; there are many deep, clinical incisions that lay credence to that fact. Although," He added, frowning. "I cannot say how resistant she would be to torture, especially with Yukina's involvement."
Genkai nodded carefully, stone-faced. "We need to prepare for that. Our greatest strength now is our knowledge of our opponents' abilities. We can use that to facilitate an ambush."
The sound of Kuwabara slapping his hands to his face broke the conversation, and everyone looked over to see his gigantic fists covering his face, his shoulders shaking as he gripped with ridiculous strength.
"It's not fair," He yelled. "If they just want me they can have me! Dragging Yukina into this, takin' Kazane...I..."
Shizuru made to try and comfort him, but Yusuke lurched out of Botan's hands, propelling forward until he had the ginger thug pressed to the wall by the collar of his shirt.
"Shut up! Kazane risked her life to make sure you were safe, right?! You're just gonna throw that away, and whatever happens to the rest of humanity?"
Kuwabara glared up at him through red-rimmed eyes. "They have Yukina, too! If this is how we fix everything then that's what I have to do! The honorable thing!"
"Oh, give me a fucking break!"
A loud smack resounded through the air, Kuwabara launched aside the wall as Yusuke stood with heaving breaths, having punched him full on the mouth. Botan began speaking, trying to calm him, but he continued. Within seconds he and Kuwabara were once again face to face, glaring daggers, and Hiei felt the detective's energy fluctuate with his rage. Blood dribbled down Kuwabara's chin.
"I'm not gonna sit here and listen to you give yourself up like it's so easy," Yusuke said, grip tightening on Kuwabara's collar. "I don't know much about what she knew, but what I know is that Kazane did all this to prevent you from being taken by those dickheads. We're getting them both back, without you being used for whatever bullshit they have planned. Did you just forget when she told us about the Dark Tournament?"
Kuwabara took many seconds of confused, aggravated silence before slowly nodding, and Yusuke shook him.
"You were supposed to get stabbed by Toguro," Yusuke yelled. "And instead she faced that head on. If this is how you're gonna pay her back then fine by me, we'll go get the both of them and you can sit here on your ass. I'm not going there for some stupid negotiation; I'm going there to get her and Yukina back. Genkai's right, we need to fight. That's what being a man is; rescuing the ones you give a shit about, not giving yourself up when the going gets tough."
The tension in the room was stifling, to say the least, and in the recesses of his mind Hiei found he was genuinely touched at the detective's sentiment. He voiced aloud almost exactly Hiei's feelings, neglecting some dismemberment, but regardless.
As Hiei sat on the windowsill he realized how many people Kazane had affected, the fact that everyone in the small room was nestled together arguing and postulating ways around her predicament. He wanted to scoff.
"I didn't- I'm not even supposed to be here," She would say, a nervous laugh exuding from her lips.
It was true what Genkai had said: Kazane would do everything in her power to prevent something from happening to Yukina. Observing them both during their time at the temple proved that they would become fast friends. She was alive; the slight, slight energy under his skin confirming that fact. So far she hadn't met with any serious injuries, as far as he was aware. All these idiots, all these fools, gathered together now to rescue not only Kazane but his sister...
Maybe labeling them 'fools' had been wrong.
"There are two options: we try and locate them without drawing attention to ourselves, or we wait until Sensui decides the terms for exchange," Genkai said, gaining the attention of the others. "And we instigate our ambush."
He could see it in the old woman's eyes, the way she hated being on the end of reaction. Genkai nodded to herself, looking more forlorn than the fire demon had ever seen her.
Kaito and Kurama began gathering cushions and seats into a circle, moving one of the smaller coffee tables in between everything and ushering the others to join. Keiko and Shizuru headed towards the bathroom, Botan looking torn before joining the boys. Hiei slid off the windowsill, stopping a few inches from where Genkai was standing. Small pops from her joints echoed loudly in his ears.
"She's alive," He began quietly. "Unharmed so far. If there were signs of injury I would feel them."
Some tension seemed to release from her shoulders at his words, and she nodded. "I assumed as much. Stubborn as a mule, that one." With a glance his way she headed towards the circle. "Something you both share, not that I can complain about that now."
Warmth spread to the tips of Hiei's ears at the backhanded praise, and he huffed out of sheer discomfort before settling himself down onto a cushion. Kaito gave him a veiled look as he sat with no regard for manners, and instead of baring his teeth at the boy Hiei ignored it completely. Before long Kurama and Genkai began the planning discussion.
"Can you find her?" The redhead asked, and Hiei nodded in response. "Considering the tunnel to demon world is nearing completion here it only makes sense that he stays within the city."
"I'm pleased we're all on board with the first option I suggested," Genkai interjected, a wry smile on her thin lips. "Obviously first we need to figure out where they are. Kazane's energy is distinct, and with Hiei leading a search finding them should be relatively simple."
"If they are not in the area of Demon's Door then Sensui's party will be split," Kaito added. "From our understanding they cannot remove the psychic opening the doorway without halting or reversing their efforts."
"The the only question is, which of these assholes have Kazane and Yukina, and which are guarding the tunnel?"
As much as Kazane adored Yukina, the cold emanating from her body was enough to distract and make her muscles even more tense than she thought possible. Kuwabara was right; she really was like the world's cutest ice pack.
At Sensui's curt nod she was hefted forward by Kaname's hand, the action actually more gentle than probably looked to outward eyes, and despite Yukina's cries he steered her towards a part of the warehouse that was cordoned off by thick, wooden walls. It was super tempting to just go limp and have the kid drag her all the way there, but considering he wasn't being the worst asshole in the world, she used her two good legs to try and keep up.
Maybe she was projecting. Being isolated in a wooden structure wasn't doing wonders for her mental health.
With a huff she resigned herself to being seated while Sensui stood in front of her, towering enough that she had to crane her neck to meet his gaze. There were connotations to it, Genkai had taught her once; putting yourself on a lower rung than whoever you were negotiating with. A bunch of subtle bullshit, and it didn't even matter anyway because she was chained up in a goddamn warehouse. Kaname left the room without a word, and the act alone solidified the suspicion that for whatever reason it was just the two of them in the warehouse. Worry for the others, and especially Kuwabara grew exponentially.
"My apologies we couldn't meet under better circumstances," Sensui began, breaking her out of thought. "Although I have a suspicion that the wonderful ambush was setup by your hand, not the detective."
With a deep sigh out her nose she leaned back against the wood, eyes never leaving his for a moment. "I'm not gonna respond until I know who I'm talking to."
The simple statement was enough for Sensui's eyes to widen minutely. With both hands shoved in his pockets he smiled, an inviting look washing over his features. It wasn't that Kazane didn't have some idea of who was talking to her, but if she could lay some verbal blows and direct conversation then maybe she could get somewhere, Sensui's multiple personalities be damned. It took everything in her to hold her chin high, her back straight and unbowed, and Kazane repressed a shiver. Whatever faults Sensui had on his list, he had one hell of a piercing gaze.
"You lash out with such subtle hostility, despite your brash nature." Sensui's smile grew slightly wider, and slightly more genuine. It only added to Kazane's anxiety. "I'm sure you're aware of who you're talking to already."
God, she hated this. She was good at springing insults, maybe spearing someone with a sick one-liner or two if they embarrassed themselves. Even back when she faced Koenma it was nerve-wracking; wordplay and weird, verbal dominance had never been Kazane's forte, aside from very specific situations. What was happening now was some strange back and forth between her and Sensui, and it was quickly darting towards mental health territory. Even if she had been the one to (kind of) bring it up, it wasn't a place she wanted to go and have the advantage.
"And yet you're sidelining opening the tunnel for me," Kazane barked, her harsh laugh containing no warmth. "I guess I should be honored."
Sensui chuckled. "This is why I like demons; they accept their nature and make no excuses. Even now I can feel how genuine it is. For you, however, humanity still lingers." He was about to continue before noticing the look on Kazane's face, the way her nose had subtly scrunched up. "I apologize if you took offense to my words. It truly is remarkable how you've managed to balance your twin natures...nurture and destruction. I imagine it takes its toll."
This was how Sensui indoctrinated people to his cause: with egregious wordplay that cut right to the core of whoever he was talking about. Kazane unclenched her jaw, thinking that maybe of all the punishments attributed to getting caught she would have been better suited to physical torture.
"Not as much as your droning," She spat. "I have something you need, something that you're not gonna get, and that's why I'm here. So just lay your terms already."
From the shadows a pair of eyes emerged, and Kazane's spine stiffened as she registered that Gourmet was actually staring out at her from said darkness. In between internal cursing she took full stock of the situation she was in. At least there were less people out to look for Kuwabara.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Kazane said loudly, effectively taking Sensui off-guard, at least for a second. "This is your grand plan for kidnapping me? Him?"
It made sense. Itmadesomuchsensefuck-
If Sensui thought Gourmet could just consume whatever Kuwabara had going on then it followed that if he thought Kazane was a seer, all latent knowledge would be sucked into his brain (or stomach?) and used for Sensui's whims. Maybe he thought it would help get the tunnel to its opening phase. Hell, maybe he just thought it would make for a near massacre when fighting Yusuke if he was privy to every secret and every dumb memory they shared.
She laughed, slightly unhinged, and fixed Sensui with a stare. "You trust that he'd get my one-off abilities, but also that the demon Gourmet ate before hasn't already taken over?"
"For such a 'one-off' ability it seems to have been quite the boon so far...enough that you know who Gourmet has consumed, not to mention the abilities of everyone in my little group."
This was bad. Kazane was in such a losing situation here it wasn't even funny. There were too many options for what Sensui could choose to do with her; trade with Yukina for Kuwabara, let Gourmet consume her on the hopes of getting some knowledge, keep her and let Yukina go for whatever future negotiations, the list was endless.
"It's not genetic," She said, almost desperately. "I'm not a seer, at least not how you think. I saw one version of how things could go right when I was born. I can't just see whatever I want whenever I want."
"I wonder, since this is all just based on your word."
"If you think this is a bluff then go ahead," Kazane grimaced. "All he'll get are some watered-down wind powers."
Instead of any type of verbal response, Sensui simply snapped his fingers. Gourmet didn't move, but in the soft darkness footfalls grew closer to where Kazane sat, two pairs. Horror climbed up her throat at the sight of Yukina being shoved into the same space, Kaname leaving after the act almost instantly.
"It's a shame it had to come to this, Kazane," Sensui began, a crestfallen expression crossing his face. "I was hoping you would be truthful with me."
Short, stuttered breaths wracked through her chest, and as Gourmet walked closer to the ice apparition she jolted to her feet, trying anything to shield Yukina from whatever the fuck was going to happen. Sensui was there immediately, hauling her back by the cuffs affixed to her wrists.
"Stop! Stop okay?! I'm telling the truth!" Hysteria grew as Gourmet invaded Yukina's space, even though her gaze wasn't the usual kind, open-hearted ruby Kazane had grown so accustomed to. Something steely and cold had taken its place, and the girl simply sat rigid and stone-faced as the behemoth of a man took one of her fingers between his own.
"I'll do whatever you want, just don't hurt her!" Kazane yelled, using all of her strength to try and rocket forward out of Sensui's grip. "Please! I'm telling you the truth! Stop!"
Half a second was all it took, and a sickening crack resounded through the air as Gourmet pulled back on Yukina's finger.
After that it was chaos.
Wind exploded outwards from Kazane, splintering wood and ripping paneling off of the walls. It wasn't the graceful force that usually came when she used her power; it bubbled and undulated in bursts, and once propelled out couldn't be contained well. The cuffs on her wrists glowed almost white, searing skin like it was melting to bone. Whatever rational thought was locked away into a small box in her head, and bleary, delayed surprise registered as freezing cold met with the wind and quickly drew the warehouse down to subzero temperatures. Frost began covering nearly every surface, the damp wood of the walls around them coated and likely frozen solid in ice.
There were shouts around Kazane, but the wind distorted them to the point she couldn't figure out where they were originating from. Someone pulled on her wrist, and it took barely a second to register that the digits were even colder than the air around them.
Note:
Hey. Hi. Hello.
I'm sorry for disappearing for so long. I really don't want to make excuses but these last few months have been a lot, and that combined with how difficult this chapter was to write just...took forever. That's the main reason this is so short despite the hiatus, and I am deeply unhappy with how it turned out. Regardless, I wanted to get something out and let y'all know I'm not dead. I'm writing, shit's just hard sometimes. That's life, y'know?
Plot isn't going to return to normal after this for a minute, and I'm in the process of editing the next chapter so hopefully I'll post that soon if I don't throw my laptop out my window. Sorry if this is all really vague; I don't have a whole lot to say unfortunately.
My overwhelming love and admiration to: bucklesceramics, Akagame Hime Chan, KiraKelsay, and especially Xiyou-Chan who left a review on nearly every chapter they binged. Thank you so much, truly. I appreciate reviews more than y'all know.
I am going to aim for updating again on my regular monthly schedule, but as I said this whole non-plot shenanigans is hard as fuck to write and is likely to take me more time. Thanks in advance for your patience.
Title credit goes to Harness Your Hopes by Pavement.