Chapter 7 - Rifts

Jenny's eyes slowly fluttered open as she nuzzled into Hiei's warm chest. She snuggled in closer, basking in the sudden realization that she'd actually gotten some sleep. She smiled softly & breathed in Hiei's smokey scent.

After they'd "made up" earlier, Hiei had insisted that she try to get some sleep. He'd asked Yukina to keep an eye on Ziggy a while longer & to wake them if he got hungry. Jenny had protested at first, but Hiei stayed firm, saying he'd stay with her. Eventually, she'd given in. Wrapped up in his arms, his warmth embracing her, she'd felt safe for the first time in the last 24 hours.

"Mmm…" She closed her eyes again, happily. "How long was I asleep?"

"A few hours," Hiei replied, one of his hands resting gently on her hip. "Any dreams?" The second question came out casually, but it made Jenny's heart skip a beat.

"None… at all!" She sat up, resting a hand on his chest, beaming down at him. "Not one dream! I can't believe it! Maybe somehow it's over!"

"Hn," Hiei scoffed. "Don't count on it. He doesn't seem like the type to just give up." Hiei sat up & placed a hand on her upper arm, protectively. "But I'm glad you were able to get some sleep, even if it was only a couple hours."

His eyes searched hers for a few moments before he leaned in to kiss her. Jenny wrapped both arms around his neck & ran a hand into the back of his hair.

"I missed this," she whispered against his lips.

Hiei smiled. "I did, too."

They heard a small knock on the door, followed by Yukina's quiet voice. "Jenny? Hiei?"

Jenny slid herself off the bed, quickly adjusting her clothes & hair before opening the door to see Yukina holding Ziggy. She smiled broadly as she reached out for Ziggy. "Hi, baby boy!"

"I think he's hungry," Yukina said, smiling sweetly at Jenny. "Were you able to get some rest?"

Jenny grinned back at her. "I did! No dreams, either! I can hardly believe it."

Yukina's face lit up genuinely. "I'm so relieved! We've all been so worried about you."

"Thank you so much for keeping an eye on Ziggy for us, Yukina," Jenny said. "You've been a lifesaver."

"Anytime," she replied. "Let me know if you need me to watch him again. He's such a sweetheart!" She smiled down at Ziggy, reaching for him & letting him grab onto her finger.

"He seems to like you," Hiei interjected. Jenny glanced over her shoulder to see him out of bed & walking toward them with a barely concealed smile on his face.

Yukina smiled back at Hiei, "The feeling is mutual." She gave Ziggy's tummy a quick little tickle, then looked back up at Jenny. "Are you hungry? It's almost time for lunch."

Jenny had forgotten all about eating. She'd missed breakfast when Hiei had appeared earlier. "Ummm, yes! I'm starving! This mama's gotta eat to keep up her supply for this little stinker." She smiled down at Ziggy. "Thanks so much, Yukina. I'll be out when I'm done feeding him."

"No problem at all," Yukina said as she turned to leave, closing the door behind her.

Jenny smirked up at Hiei as she turned toward the bed. "You're pretty adorable when you watch Yukina hold Ziggy."

She noticed a small pink tinge appear on his cheeks, but he didn't respond. Instead, he ignored her comment & moved toward her to reach for Ziggy. "Let me hold him while you get ready." He didn't take his eyes off Ziggy. "Last night…. It was the first night I'd been away from him."

Jenny's heart instantly melted. She knew last night had been insanely hard for her, but she hadn't given much thought to how Hiei must have felt being away from Ziggy. Granted, it was his own damn fault, she thought. But still…

She handed Ziggy carefully over to Hiei, who beamed down at their son. She placed a hand on Hiei's cheek, causing him to look up at her.

"I love you, Hiei," She felt tears prick at her eyes as she spoke. "I love you so much. We'll get through this."

Hiei gazed into her eyes intensely. "I love you, too." He looked back down at Ziggy, who was attempting unsuccessfully to get closer to Hiei's nipple. "And I love you, Ziggy, even though I can't give you what you need right now."

Jenny laughed, quickly slid her tank top off, & unlatched her nursing bra. Taking Ziggy into her arms, she expertly latched him & seated herself on the side of the bed as she felt her milk let down.

Within moments of beginning to breastfeed, a tall, brown-haired man loudly threw the door open & announced, "Hello, all! I have arrived!" He stood proudly, hands on his hips, as he entered the room.

Everything happened so fast then. The noise had started Jenny, causing Ziggy to unlatch for a moment. Breastmilk began to shoot out past Ziggy, which caused Jenny to put her attention back to Ziggy & re-latch him quickly. Milk was all over poor Ziggy's face & arms, along with Jenny's legs & the floor. She felt her cheeks growing hot at the sudden intrusion, along with the mess that had just been made.

The man's eyes shot from Jenny's face, to Ziggy at her breast, to the milk on the floor. "Uh… Um…." His own cheeks flushed red as he rubbed a hand on the back of his head.

Hiei moved to stand next to Jenny, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Do you need something, Koenma? Or did you just come in to stare & stutter?" His red eyes narrowed.

"Uh.. Hiei.. No! I mean… Yes!" Koenma stammered. "I - I came to speak with Jenny, but uh…. It appears I came at a bad time." His eyes continued to flicker between Hiei & Jenny. He waved a hand awkwardly in greeting to Jenny. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry for the intrusion. Uhhh… You have lovely… ummm…." His eyes landed back on her breast, where Ziggy was continuing to nurse oblivious to the whole situation.

"You'll think twice before finishing your sentence," Hiei warned, his tone dangerous, as he took a step closer to Koenma.

Surprising both Koenma & Hiei, Jenny burst into laughter. Both turned to stare at her as she continued.

"Is something funny?" Hiei asked, clearly annoyed.

"This was just…. The most ridiculous….." She spoke between giggles. "Way to meet Koenma. And look at this mess!" She waved a hand at the milk everywhere as she tried to stop laughing.

Hiei shook his head at her as he allowed himself a small smirk. "You're crazy, you know that? " Then he turned back to Koenma, his eyes narrowing again. "Well? Are you just going to stand there? Get out! We'll see you when we're finished here."

"Ah, yes!" Koenma snapped to attention, clearly trying to sound in control again. "I'll go speak with Genkai & I'll see you all shortly." And with that, he spun on his heel, cape twirling behind him, as he exited the room.

Jenny burst out in hysterical laughter all over again.

Jenny & Hiei, who was carrying a full & cheerful Ziggy, walked down the hall in silent companionship. They'd quickly realized the others were outside seated around the fire pit, based on the amount of loud, feminine laughter coming from behind the house, so they made their way outside. Botan & Yukina were seated, chatting happily, but Genkai & Koenma were having what seemed to be a more serious conversation a little farther away from the fire pit.

Botan jumped up at their arrival, saw Ziggy, & squealed with delight. "Ziggy! Aren't you the cutest little man, today!" She grinned down at Jenny. "Oh, can I please hold him? I can keep him busy while you have your chat with Koenma."

"I think I'll join Botan & Ziggy," Yukina said as she walked up to join them. "I would love a little more time with this sweetie."

"Ziggy, you're popular with the ladies already," Jenny joked as she tickled his neck lovingly. "Of course you guys can take him for a bit. He's just eaten, so he should be good for a while. If he needs a diaper change –"

"Oh, we'll find you for that!" Botan winked at Hei before reaching for Ziggy.

Hieo sighed & handed Ziggy over. "Thanks."

As Botan, Yukina, & Ziggy went off for their playdate, Hiei & Jenny turned around in unison to come face to face with Koenma & Genkai. Jenny smiled as she saw Kurama walking up to join them.

"Nice to meet you again, Jenny," Koenma began with a formal nod. "This time in a less… awkward… situation." His cheeks reddened as he glanced up to meet her eyes.

"Watch it," Hiei growled.

Jenny gave a small laugh as she saw an amused smile flicker on Kurama's face, then she put a hand on Hiei's arm to calm him. "Relax, it's just breastfeeding."

"Yes, well, anyway…" Koenma laughed nervously. "We do have a more serious situation to discuss, it sounds like."

The mood in the group shifted as all laughter died away.

"Shall we sit?" Genkai motioned for the chairs around the fire pit & they all moved to find a seat. Koenma & Kurama sat across from Jenny, while Hiei & Genkai sat to either side of her in a circle around the fire pit.

"Genkai has told me as much as she knows about this situation," Koenma began. "But I'd like to hear it from you, to see if there's anything else I might be able to glean from your tale. It might be uncomfortable, but I need you to tell me about your dreams with Kai in as much detail as possible. Start with the first dream & go on from there."

Jenny described, in detail, as much as she could remember about her two dreams with Kai. She'd been so excited about not having a 'Kai dream' during her nap earlier that the horror of what she was going through had momentarily escaped her, but now it was back with a vengeance. The anxiety was rippling through her again, making her muscles tense & her heart race. As she spoke, she watched as Koenma's solemn expression gave subtle hints to his feelings about what had happened to her. She showed him the marks on her neck & thigh as she told the story. She felt the furious heat emanating from Hiei's body growing as she spoke.

She released a deep breath in an attempt to release some of the tension in her body as she finished telling Koenma about the second dream. Before anyone else could say anything, Hiei clenched both of his firsts angrily & began to speak.

"This was my first time hearing exactly what happened in your second dream with Kai," he began, staring down at his fists. "If this bastard wasn't already dead, I'd kill him. What he did was inexcusable & he will pay for it dearly, somehow." He looked up & his fierce, red eyes met hers. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I'll regret it for as long as I live." Their eyes held each other for several long moments before he spoke again. "Koenma, you'd better have some answers & ideas ready for us." His voice held an ominous warning.

Koenma sat up straighter. "I might, but first…" He cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing. "Jenny, I also need to hear more about your dream with Jin."

Hiei immediately turned his anger toward Koenma, his glare now resting on him. "I don't think discussing him will help with Kai. That's a pointless retelling!"

"Now, Hiei, I know you don't really believe that," Kurama raised an eyebrow at him. "Jin & Kai have both visited Jenny in her dreams in the same time period. I can't help but think they're related. We need to get all of the information before we can figure out a plan."

"Hn," Hiei folded his arms across his chest, but continued to glare at Koenma.

Koenma, choosing to ignore Hiei, asked, "Can you tell me every detail of your dream with Jin, Jenny?"

Jenny froze, her eyes moving to rest on Hiei, who still wasn't looking at her. "I – Uh– Yeah, I suppose I can. I know it's important… But…"

"It's fine." Hiei still had his back to her & his voice held an edge to it. "Tell him."

An ache filled her chest as tears welled up in her eyes. He's heard what happened in the dream generally, but now I'm going to have to describe it in detail. This is going to hurt him all over again.

"Hiei, you don't need to stay & listen if it makes you uncomfortable," Genkai interjected.

Hiei bristled at her words. "I'm not going anywhere." He sat back in his chair, folded his arms across his chest, & closed his eyes defiantly.

"Go on, Jenny," Koenma urged, clearly beginning to get annoyed with Hiei's antics.

Jenny took a deep breath and, bracing herself, began retelling everything she could remember about her dream with Jin. While her heart was aching for Hiei, she also ached for her moments with Jin. That part of her that still loved him, that missed him, secretly cherished that short time she'd had with him in her dreams. Those feelings made her feel even worse.

As she finished the description of her dream, the air filled with silence as everyone absorbed her words. Her eyes looked up to Hiei, silently begging him to look her way, to let her know that they were still alright. That he didn't hate her now.

It was Hiei who spoke first, but his gaze had lifted to look at Koenma instead of her. "What do you know?" His voice was hard & angry. "Tell me you have a plan."

Koenma & Genkai shared a look. Genkai nodded at Koenma before he began to speak. "As you know, Jenny, you have a small amount of Spirit Energy. When Jin visited you in that dream several months ago after his death, it was supposed to be a one time thing. He'd made arrangements for that. Jin, in his eagerness to see you & Ziggy again, decided to try to visit a second time, which was the most recent dream. That wasn't supposed to happen. He broke the rules & in doing so, we believe, he created a sort of 'rift' in your mind. Specifically, a rift between your 'dream mind' & those who are dead, like him." Koenma paused, allowing his words to sink in.

"When Jin created this rift, it wasn't just something he could access, unfortunately," Genkai continued. "This was a rift between the dead & your dream mind."

"Kai is dead…" Jenny said quietly, her mind reeling. "He's using that rift to enter my mind while I dream?"

"Essentially, yes," Koenma said. "That's what we believe, anyway. Kai somehow found you & this rift that was opened up. He's taking advantage of it."

"But how is he able to hurt her in the dream while at the same time hurting her real, physical body? When we dream we don't normally get real injuries," Hiei asked, frustration edging into his question.

"That we don't know for sure," Genkai said thoughtfully. "I have a few theories, but it clearly seems as if he's learned to control aspects of dreams along with areas of Jenny's brain that affect her body. Even spirits can learn new tricks, it seems."

"So how do we close this 'rift'?" Jenny asked, her arms now wrapped around herself nervously.

"To be honest," Koenma began. "I'm not sure if we even can, but we're looking into it–"

"We can't just let this thing stay open!" Hiei stood, anger radiating from him. "There has to be something we can do to put a stop to this."

"Koenma," Kurama interrupted calmly. "Is it possible for someone else to go into Jenny's dream & find a way to close it, somehow? We know the dead can enter her mind, but is it possible for someone living to do the same as she sleeps?"

"Like, send someone else into my dreams to find the rift & figure out a way to close it?" Jenny asked. "How would that even be possible?"

Koenma shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I'm not sure that would be wise to attempt, Kurama. We don't know what the consequences of that might be."

"Well, we certainly know what the consequences are if we do nothing!" Hiei roared at Koenma. "We must do something!"

Finally gathering the courage, Jenny reached out a hand to Hiei. His gaze finally moved down to meet hers. It was blazing. The intensity caused her to pull her hand back, but he caught it in his. He pulled on her hand, urging her to stand next to him. Once she was by his side, he protectively slid an arm around her waist & pulled her close. It literally & figuratively warmed her all at once. Never once did his eyes leave hers.

"Well, Koenma?" Hiei demanded, tightening his grip on her waist. "Tell me. What's your plan?" His eyes continued to hold her gaze, the ferocity momentarily stunning her.

Koenma, looking slightly terrified, gaped at Hiei. "Well… as I said, right now we don't know how to close the rift exactly & I don't think it would be wise to –"

This time it was Kurama who interrupted, his voice every bit as intense as Hiei's. "No more excuses, Koenma. We can't let this continue for much longer. Every time Jenny sleeps, she puts herself at risk. We must find a way. Now." His eyes narrowed as he stared down Koenma.

"We understand how serious this situation is," Genkai spoke up, causing everyone, including Jenny & Hiei, to turn to look at her. Her eyes locked with Jenny's. "None of us want Jenny to have to endure any of this again. But we also have to be cautious. This is her mind we're talking about here. We can't just jump in & start messing with it."

"You still haven't told us what you intend to do," Hiei said through gritted teeth.

"Give Koenma & I more time to figure this out," Genkai said. "I know we can't take forever coming up with a plan, but we also can't just rush in, either. We'll look into Kurama's idea of sending someone else in to somehow close the rift & see if we can't come up with something that might work & also not destroy Jenny's mind in the process."

"Yeah," Jenny sighed. "Let's not destroy my mind."

"Don't make jokes about this," Hiei scolded her before turning his attention back to Koenma & Genkai.

Koenma cleared his throat before speaking. "We'll also look into seeing if there's a way we can communicate with Jin. If he opened this rift, he might possibly be able to close it. If we figure out some ideas, Jenny could try to talk with him in her dreams and –"

"No," Hiei pronounced sternly, tightening his grip on Jenny's waist. "That idiot is the one who caused this entire situation in the first place. He'll likely only make matters worse."

Kurama placed a hand on Hiei's shoulder in an attempt to calm his anger. "Hiei, we know how you feel about Jin, but if there's even a slight possibility that he could help put a stop to Jenny's pain, wouldn't you take the chance?"

Hiei glared up at Kurama for a few moments before turning his gaze away with a "Hn".

The group quieted then. Everyone, it seemed, was contemplating the seriousness of their discussion. The sun beamed down on her & Hiei's warmth was pressed tight against her, but Jenny felt a cold chill run through her body at the thought of what might happen in the future. Wind rustled through her hair, throwing strands into her face. She raised a hand to brush them away when she realized she had a tear running down her cheek. She closed her eyes, sighing. She felt Hiei look down at her, concerned.

"Thank you all," she said in a voice not much more than a whisper. "I mean it. Thank you. And… I'm sorry." She felt another tear slip down her face. "I feel like all I do is cause problems for you all to solve."

"Jenny, look at me," Genkai said in a stern, but not unkind, voice. Jenny slowly opened her eyes & brought her face up to meet her gaze. Genkai stood now, her gaze firmly locked onto Jenny. "Now is not the time to feel sorry for yourself or to apologize for anything. By now you should know you're not a burden." Genkai allowed herself a small smile to play at the edge of her lips. "You're part of the team, now, & the team protects one another."

"What she said," Koenma added, nodding at Genkai. "Now let's go find a way to whoop some Kai ass!" His smug smile returned as his gaze passed around the group.

Hiei rolled his eyes at Koenma. "Just figure it out quickly," he demanded, annoyance clear as day on his face.

As she looked around at the group, at all of the determined faces of her friends & loved ones, she felt a burst of warmth in her chest. She leaned her head against Hiei's shoulder & smiled gratefully.

"Thanks…." she said quietly, allowing herself this fleeting moment of happiness ahead of what she knew would be an extremely challenging time.