Disclaimer Man: She does not own Yu Yu Hakusho. We swear of it!!
Warning: Language.
*************************************
"En Satsu Koko Ryu Ha!" Hiei shouted, extending his right arm. The bandages wrapped around it burned off, and a black fire dragon rose from the place. It grew to a large size, made a sound that was sure to be a roar, and charged toward the group of demons. Only after that did he notice Ripper also in the dragon's path.
"RIPPER! MOVE YOUR ASS BEFORE IT GETS SCORCHED!!" he screamed loudly. Ripper shot his head in Hiei's direction, saw the huge dragon, and swiftly leaped out of the way. The dragon rose high in the air and then dove down on the enemy. There was a tremendous explosion, high pitched screams sounded in the air, and the demons disentegrated.
When the smoke cleared, there was nothing in the place except a crater. The dragon decreased in size greatly, spun around, circled Hiei, and stopped, disappearing completely. Where the bandages once were, a black dragon tatoo appearing, circling around his forearm. There was a little bit of smoke rising from the arm, and the small fire youko fell to his knees, exhaused. His Jagan, which had been glowing brightly, begun to fade back to normal.
He fell foreward again, catching himself with his hands. Something was wrong, but he didn't know what. He couldn't tell... Closing his Jagan, he begun scanning Tokyo, searching for the problem. his gaze fell upon one of his targets, Yukina. Her eyes, as crimson as his, were bright with happiness. She was in a garden, laughing as Kuwabara tried to make friends with the blue birds. Her blue hair was down, which was extremely rare.
"Baka..." he muttered, watching Kuwabara.
With Yukina safe, he begun searching again. This time, for Kurama. If he got a safe image of the beautiful redhead, he would dismiss it as just nerves. He continued searching and searching, and yet, he could not find his love. He looked everywhere, but couldnt see Kurama. His hand balled into a fist and he punched the dirt under him.
"Shimatta!" he shouted, growling. Ripper walked over and knelt down beside him, clutching a bleeding wound on his left side.
"Hiei, what's wrong?" he asked, noticing the youkai's distress.
"I can't find Kurama..." he muttered. "I can't find my fox..."
Ripper's face turned from worry to confusion. He had heard that name come from Hiei's mouth a few times before, once even during the fire youkai's sleep. Looking down, he saw Hiei clutching the red rose he had carried with him for almost seven months. Maybe this...Kurama had something to do with this litte rose. The other fire demon was broken from his train of thought when Hiei stood up suddenly.
"What are you going to do?" he asked, looking up at him.
"I'm calling Shiori."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Urameshi! Get them off!" Kuwabara shouted. Yusuke put a hand in his side and raised an eyebrow, seeing the carrot top getting covered in birds.
"Oh Kazuma," Yukina giggled. "They're only blue jays. They won't hurt you."
"You're so dense Kuwabara," Yusuke sighed. A moment later, Atsuko stepped outside.
"Yusuke, that girl Botan is here to see you! She has the cutest little toddler with her!" she said happily. Yusuke surpressed a laugh.
"Alright mom, send them out here," he giggled slightly. She nodded and disappeared into the house again. A moment later, Botan and Koenma came out.
"Hello Yukina, Kuwabara," Botan greeted, seemingly sad. They both waved, the birds leaving Kuwabara alone.
"Hey, you cute little toddler!" Yusuke joked, bending down and pinching the young ruler's cheek. Koenma's eye twitched and he pulled out a large object, smashing it over his head.
"Shut up Yusuke. Get serious." he dusted off his small kimono and put his hands behind his back in a formal fashion. "We have a problem..."
"If I had a dollar for for every time you said that,m I'd be rich," Kuwabara rolled his eyes. Yukina sighed.
"So what is it this time? Another scary demon coming to destroy the Ningenkai?" Yusuke asked sarcastically, walking around the garden. Koenma held back an annoyed growl.
"Yusuke Urameshi, the more you use sarcasm, the more I want to lock you in a vault with my father!" he all but yelled. Yusuke blinked and fell quiet. "Truth be told, our problem is much worse than that. One of our team members is down..."
They all froze and stared at Koenma, fearing the worst. Yusuke's face drained of all color.
"You mean...d-dead?" he asked quietly. Koenma sighed and stared at the ground.
"Fortunately, not dead, but seriously injured. He's under medical attention as we speak."
"Who is it?" Yukin asked, worry very clear in her voice. "Is Hiei..."
"No, no, it's not Hiei. Last time I checked, he was perfectly fine. It's Kurama... He's the one..."
"What happened to him?!" Yusuke automatically demanded of the 700-year-old toddler. "You better tell me Koenma!"
"He was in a car crash. Rule of the Ningenkai, when it's car versus tree, tree always wins." Yusuke bit his lip.
"Where is he?" Kiwabara asked silently.
"Lord Koenma, would they permit us to see him?" Botan almost muttered. Koenma nodded.
"I believe so." He yanked he hat a few times, eventually became his teenage form. He pulled out the pacifier, therefore freeing his mouth, and pocketed it. "Come. This way."
They all nodded and followed Koenma practically across town until they came upon the large hospital. Entering, Koenma strided up to the reception des. The woman looked him up and down and smiled, raising an eyebrow in intrest.
"Hey there, hot stuff. What can I do for ya?" she asked, winking. Koenma sweatdropped.
"Um...I would like the room number for Suuichi Minamino...please," he requested, taking a step back. This woman made him sorta uneasy. She turned to her computer, opened a file, typed some things, and looked back up at him.
"'Kay sweetcakes, it says here that our only Minamino is in room 347. Poor kid's all banged up. Car crash, people say."
"Are we allowed to see him?"
"Yeah, sure, go ahead." Koenma turned and headed off. "See ya around, hun! Call me?!"
Koenma froze, sweatdropped again, and began to hurry off. The others ran after him. Botan glared at the hormonal girl, as if to say 'Back off, he's mine', and hurried along with the others. Deciding steps would be too time- consuming, they boarded the elevator.
"Kurama...I do hope he's alright..." Yukina muttered. Kuwabara silently placed an arm around her shoulders in reassurance, comfort. The others remained silent, wrapped up in their own thoughts. Cheesy elevator music played on the intercom overhead. Yusuke leaned against the wall, arms crossed and eyes closed. After a moment, the elevator stopped on the third floor and opened with a ding. They exited as quick as they entered and searched until finding room 347.
"Let me enter alone first. If Kurama is awake, we wouldn't want to shock him," Koenma explained. Yusuke opened his mouth to argue, but realized he'd only be waisting his breath by doing so. When Koenma was sure that no one else had anything to say, he quietly entered the room.
Kurama was laying in a hospital bed, unconsious, all banged up, strapped to various machines. There were many wounds, all bandaged somehow. His breathing was shallow, yet steady, and a normal pulse was kept. The ruler quietly sat down in a chair and watched the injured kitsune.
"Kurama...why did this have to happen to you? What the hell were you doing driving a car, anyway?! You just have to leave all this to me, don't you...I'm the one that's going to have to inform Hiei of this accident. I better made sure to stay away from him. I don't feel like facing his kokuryhua any time soon. That's not on the top of my things-to-do list, you know. I don't feel like dying either..." A tear escaped one of his eyes. "I'm worried about you, Kurama. I don't know this outcome, and I usually do...It scares me..."
"D-don't worry...so much...a-about Hiei..." It was faint, but Kurama's voice found Koenma's ears. He looked up and saw emerald eyes looking over at him.
"Kurama!"
"Yeah. I'm consious," Kurama dsmiled weakly. "In extreme pain, though..."
"What happened to you?" he asked softly.
"I was going to the store for my kassan...They played a song on the radio that Hiei had dedicated to me...I took my eyes off the road and crashed into a tree..."
"Baka," Koenma muttered.
"I know. It was foolish of me. Gomen nasai."
Suddenly, Yusuke came barging in, followed by Kuwabara, Yukina, and lastly, Botan. Koenma glared.
"Sorry Koenma. Couldn't wait," Yusuke muttered. He rushed over to Kurama's bed. "Hey, you're awake. How are ya feeling, buddy?"
"Alright, I guess. I'm alive, at least."
"Good thing to. I'm afraid of what short might do if you died on us. I was worried about you too, don't get me wrong..." Kuwabara grinned. "It's great to see you alive and kicking, Kurama."
"Indeed," Kuramam nodded. "Has anyone...heard from Hiei lately?"
"No," Yusuke answered. "But you know him. He's not the social type. He's probably just fine."
"I doubt my brother even bothers to use the phones in the Ningenkai," Yukina whispered. Kurama chuckled.
"You're right," he agreed. "Probably not."
*
"Pick up..." Hiei growled, clenching the reciever tightly, listening to the constant ring coming from the other end. Finally, he heard the voice of Kurama's mother.
"Hello?" she asked quietly. Hiei blinked. Something in her voice sounded worried, scared.
"Um, is K-Suuichi in?" he asked, stopping himself from using his real name.
"Who is this?" she inquired. He found this slightly strange, but didn't want complicated matters.
"It's his friend, Hiei. I'm not sure if you remember me..."
"Oh yes. You're the small boy that always dresses in black."
"Um...yeah..." His eye twitched at the description she had given.
"Didn't anyone tell you?"
"Tell me...what?"
"Suuichi's been hospitalized."
Hiei blinked, his mouth hanging open in shock. Kurama was in a hospital?? It seemed that his bad feeling wasn't nerves.
"Are you there?" Shiori asked, snapping him out of his trance.
"Um, yeah. I...have to go. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He slammed the phone down and fell backwards onto his bed. Ripper raised an eyebrow, sitting quietly on the other side of the room. The small fire demon pulled his knees up to his chest, laying his chin upon his knees and staring at the wall. A tear was shed, turning into a round, dark gem. Ripper blinked, looking at him.
"Hiei? Dosh da?" he asked silently.
"I have to back to Tokyo..."
"You can't! You're needed here Hiei!"
"Well, I'm needed there too!" he screamed.
"And why is that, huh?"
"It's Kurama! I need to-"
"No way! I can't believe you're getting personal feelings involved in this! There is a war going on, the entire existance of the world is at stake, and you're letting this Kurama get in the way! That's a a sign of weakness that will destroy you!!"
"Fuck that! KURAMA IS NOT A WEAKNESS! KURAMA IS EVERYTHING TO ME!"
"This world could be destroyed Hiei!"
"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THIS WORLD! HUMANS ARE A PATHETIC RACE AND DESERVE TO DIE ANYWAY! ALL I CARE ABOUT IS MY FOX!" he snarled, eyes glowing slightly. Ripper stood up, went over, and with lack of something better to do, punched Hiei across the face, throwing his head sideways.
"Come to your senses! I know enough from hearing you talk that Kurama wouldn't want you to abandon your place like this! There are others in Tokyo that can take care of things. You do not have to go there."
"What do you think you know about Kurama?!"
Hiei snarled and tackled the larger fire demon, pinning him to the ground. Ripper blinked, having almost forgotten how strong he was. Bright crimson eyes were glaring down menacingly at him.
"You're a tough fire demon yourself, I believe you'll do just fine without me. Kurama's injured. He needs me and I must go to him. I don't give a damn about your thoughts on the matter. Without him...I'm nothing...So I'm going, and you can't stop me."
He stood up, kicking Ripper in the chest when he tried to grab him, snatched his things, and lept out the window. Ripper pushed himself up and walked over to the window, sighing in frustration.
"So Kurama is a guy. That certainly is interesting...He will regret it though. He has no idea what personal feelings are going to cause. He'll see what I mean, in time."
Shutting the window, he turned and left the pane, knowning that persuing him would be useless.
*
Consiousness finally took him. Sitting up, pain rushed through his body, forcing him to wince terribly and stop moving momentarily. Raven black hair fell around his face as he lowered his head slightly. One thing was for sure though. Karasu was alive.
"That damn fire demon..." he muttered to himself angrily, remembering as he faced the deadly fire dragon he was almost killed by. It was extremely surprising that he DID survive. He finally stood, smirking.
"Alive and prepared to finish what I started. Dear Kurama...I will make you mine. If you refuse, your reward shall be eternal darkness in death. I will get what I want, either way, in the end."
Taking his time and spirit energy, he healed his burned flesh, searched for Kurama's ki, and lept off quickly.
*
Night had fallen upon Tokyo, and a nurse was doing nighttime rounds. Enmtering Suuichi Minimino's room, she fgroze and almost screamed. Crouched on the windowsill was a small, shadowy figure.
"Ssh, it's alright," Kurama whispered weakly to her. "I know him. No harm will be done. Go ahead with your rounds and don't you dare speak a word of this. To anyone."
She nodded, sensing his seriousness, turned, and bustled out quickly. When the door was shut behind her, the window slid open quietly, the figure jumped in, and shut it behind him.
"Hiei," Kurama smiled. The youkai rushed over to the bed, leaned over him, and kissed him passionately. Kurama happily returned the kiss, feeling the soft lips that he hadn't felt for so long against his. Pulling away, Hiei gently brushed red lock out of emerald eyes.
"Kurama...What happened to you?" he whispered, running his hand through the redhead's hair continuously, sitting on the bed next to him. Kurama chuckled quietly.
"It's foolish. I was driving to the store so kassan wouldn't have to, she has been having such a difficult time at work lately, and the song you had dedicated to me played on the radio. I got distracted, and looking back up at the road, a semi truck was about to slam into me, so I swerved out of the way and smashed into a tree," he explained. "I was not thinking..."
"You...you got hurt because of me?" he asked softly, and stared at the floor. "I'm so sorry Kurama. It's my fault."
Kurama pushed himself into a sitting position momentarily, pulled Hiei towards him, layed back down on, pulling him on top of him, kissing him lightly.
"Don't go blaming yourself, my love..." he whispered sensually. "You don't have to."
"But-"
Kurama stopped him, placing a finger over his mouth. Then, he nuzzled him and began kissing his neck, moving the white scarf. Hiei purred slightly and kissed the finger on his lips. Kurama smiled, wrapping his arms around Hiei's waist and rubbning his nose against his cheek.
"Do not blame yourself," he told the fire demon, then put his head back upon the pillow. Hiei gazed down lovingly at his fox, then leaned down and allowed their lips to make contact yet again. Kurama traced a finger down Hiei's spine, making him shiver slightly and deepen the kiss.
"Hello to you too," Kurama siad breathlessly, breaking the kiss. Hiei growled, making Kurama chuckle, and began to kiss his soft neck, nipping at his shoulder once or twice with his fangs. Kurama slid his hand through Hiei's hair, before the small demon went and began kissing his stomach.
A moment later, this stopped and Hiei curled up on the hospital bed next to HIS fox, nuzzling him sweetly. Kurama smiled, wrapping one arm around his waist, kissing his forehead where the Jagan was located, and closing his eyes.
"It is so good to see you Hiei..." he muttered.
"Hai," Hiei agreed. "I was so worried about you. Even with my Jagan, I could not find you."
"So that's why you left New York?"
"Exactly. I'd rather be with you than killing ugly things from the Makai."
Kurama laughed, and the next few minutes were spent in sweet silence. Neither of them had to say a word to each other. There really was nothing to tell that the other one didn't already know. Then, Hiei sat straight up, alert, looking out the window. Kurama blinked, puzzled.
"Hiei? What is it?" he asked, usuing his elbows as supports. Hiei didn't move, still staring out.
"That ki...Can't you feel it?" he whispered. Kurama looked over at the window as well and searched around.
"Yeah...It feels like-"
Not a moment later, Karasu burst through the window. Glass shattered loudly, speareding around the room. The other two sheilded their eyes, then looked at who stood before them.
"K-karasue..." Kurama studdered. Karasu smirked.
"Well well, what has the beautiful Youko Kurama gotten himself into now...hmmmmm?" he asked arrogantly. Hiei's eyes slanted as he snarled angrily. "And you, my dear little fire demon, have made me extremely unhappy."
Karasu made a hand movement, causing Hiei to react. He quickly, but carefully, picked up Kurama and lept to the other side of the room. Moments later, the bed they were both on exploded. Kurama hid his face in the crook of Hiei's neck.
"It's alright love. I'll take care of him," he reassured him, whispering quietly.
"This will be interesting..." Karasu chuckled. "Most certainly..."
He conjured up some Mad Bombs to get to Kurama. They made contact and exploded, sending Hiei crashing painfully into the door. He slid to the ground, tried to get back up, and yet couldn't succeed.
"Kurama..." he muttered, pissed at himself for letting the bombs touch him. Karasu smirked and walked over to Kurama.
"Well now, it seems that I'm at advantage in this situation, hmm?" he asked humorously. Kurama pulled a rose out and held it before him.
"Stay away," he warned. "Or..."
"Or what? You're way too weak to use your weapons. Too injured to fight. Your lover is down. There's nothing for you to do," he sneered. Kurama continued to hoold the rose, even though he knew it to be the truth. Karasu knelt down in front of his prey and caressed his cheek.
"My dear fox, you are mine. Refuse and you will die."
"I'll never go with you. You can't make me. I'll never be yours," Kurama snapped. Karasu growled angrily.
"Fine then. I keep my word." He stood up, grabbed Kurama by the throat, and lifted him off the floor. Then, he kissed him lightly on the lips and threw him hard out the window. Smirking, he disappeared.
"KURAMA!" Hiei screamed painfully. Pushing himself foreward, he darted over to the window, falling again from his injuries, hitting his head on the windowsill. Ignoring the searing pain shooting through him, he pulled himself up enough to see out the window. Looking down, he saw Kurama lying on the ground. He wasn't moving...
"Shimatta..." he said, his voice breaking. Treas fells, clanging to the floor as gems. The door, which had been banged shut, was repeatedly being knocked on. The voice sounded like Koenma. Hiei didn't care. He was focused on the incident. He wasn't moving...
"KURAMA!!" he screamed again before slipping, falling onto the floor, unconsious.
The door finally swung open and teenage Koenma burst in.
"Hiei!" he gasped, running over to the fallen youkai. He was breathing, just knocked out. His head shot to the bed. There...wasn't a bed. There was nothing left.
"Where's Kurama?!" Botan asked, running into the room.
"I don't know..."
"What about the window?" she suggested, seeing the glass shattered. She ran over and leaned out, froze, eyes wide.
"Oh my god. Koenma, sir...I found him..."
Koenma stood up slowly, holding Hiei, and looked out. He said no more than three words.
"Get him, quickly." His voice seemed worried and scared. Botan held out an arm, her oar appeared in that hand, she sat on it and darted out the window.
By the time Koenma turned around, there was a crowd at the door. Whatever happened must have made a lot of noise.
"There's nothing to see here!" he shouted quickly. "Go back to your duties, everything is taken care of!"
It took a long while, but he finally got everyone to leave. As soon as the last person walked off, Koenma disappeared, heading back to the Spirit World with Hiei, where he knew Botan would take Kurama.
Things had happened in that hospital room, that's for sure. Koenma was extremely fuzzy on details. He had to find out.
*
Sitting up proved to be a bad idea. Pain seared through his body almost immediately. No matter where he looked, all he found was darkness. No objects, no nothing. He was in a endless void. Pushing red hair from emerald eyes, he continued to glance around for sign of...well, anything really.
"What's going on?" Kurama muttered.
"Take a guess." A figure shimmered into view in front of him. Kurama growled.
"Karasu, where have you taken me? What have you done to Hiei?"
"I took you nowhere. I just tossed you out a window. As for Hiei, you saw everything I did to him. I left afterwards."
"If you didn't take me anywhere, then explain this."
"This isn't real. I'm not real...at least not at the moment. All of this is in your head, that os which will become your grave. Enjoy death, foolish fox. You should've given up and came with me. This choice was yours."
The image of Karasu disappeared, and he was left alone again. Then, pain begun shooting through him like lightning. He screamed.
*
A scream echoed all throughout Koenma's office. Glancing over, he saw it originate from Kurama. His brow wrinkled in frustration and worry. He had done that four times now...but why? That's what puzzled the small one. On the other side of the room was Hiei, who was still unconsious. Botan charged in the room.
"Koenma sir, what are the screams? The staff is getting real worried," she asked.
"I'm worried too. It's him." He pointed over to Kurama, who screamed again. She gasped, bit her lip, hands flying up to her mouth.
"What's happening?!"
"I wish I knew..." he sighed.
Suddenly, Hiei bolted upright.
"Kurama! Don't leave me!!" he screamed, face drenched in cold sweat. His crimson eyes darted around, he was panting heavily. Botan ran over to him.
"Hiei, it was just a nightmare. Don't move around too much, your wounds will open up again," she tried to soothe. Hiei jerked from her grip and lept off the bed.
"Hiei, get back in that bed. You're in no condition," Koenma demanded. Hiei ignored him, going over to Kurama, who screamed again. His eyes widened and he leaned over him.
"Kurama..." he whispered.
"We're taking care of him," Botan explained. "You need to lie back down."
"You foolish girl, and you're supposed to be the messenger of death," he sneered.
"Huh?" she blinked.
"Can't either of you tell?" he yelled. "He's dying, dammit!"
"How do you know this?"
"It shouldn't matter HOW, Koenma. do something about it!! He dies and I'll destroy this entire building! You hear me?!"
"You heard him Botan," Koenma muttered. "You know what to do."
"Yes sir." She turned and exited the room. Hiei looked over at the toddler.
"What's she doing??
"Saving Kurama as you requested."
"No, I didn't request, I demanded. There's a difference."
"One of your wounds is bleeding again. I suggest you lie down and focus on your health. We will take care of Kurama, you need not worry. Now, while Botan does her thing, I same business to attend to. I would appprectiate it if you would cooperate."
Hiei looked uneasily at Kurama, who had screamed once again.
"Fine, but I'm not leaving him."
He hopped on the bed containing the fox, curled up beside him, and placed his head on the bandaged chest. He was asleep almost instantly. Koenma sighed and begun skimming through papers scattered in fron of him.
*
The pain was almost unbearable. Kurama had bit his lip so hard it was almost bleeding. The lightning feeling wouldn't stop flowing through his body. He felt on fire. Was this what Karasu meant? Was he going to die in here?
He wanted the pain to end. All of it. Giving in seemed to be a much easier option than trying to fight it.
"No!" he shouted outloud, purposly interrupting his train of thought. "I won't give in. That's what Karasu wants. I must get through this. I have to see Hiei agin..."
Another electric surge. This one stronger than the others. He screamed louder, not able to keep the sound down. His vision wasn't as good, even in this void.
When he tried to stand, it felt like someone dropped a large, heavy object on him. He immediately fell to the ground, his arms giving out on him.
"Hiei..." he muttered quietly, painfully. "Hiei, I need you...Wheer are you Hiei...please...I need you..."
Another scream, more pain. When would it all end?
*
Yusuke sat on the roof of the school, staring up at the clouds. He was considering visiting Kurama when school finally let out.
"Which should be in about five minutes..." he muttered, glancing at his watch.
Those five minutes passed by quickly and the bell rang. He stood up, yawned, and stretched. The door opened and Kayko walked out.
"What the?!" he yelled.
"I figured I'd find you here. You skipped the second half of school again Yusuke!" she scolded.
"I was sleepy," Yusuke shrugged. "Besides, I'm worn out from so much fighting. Which brings me to my next question: Why are you here?!"
"I was worried about you..." she muttered. "I overheard some of the ogres say something about people getting hurt and I just had to see if you..."
"Kayko...." He walked over and pulled her into a hug, leaning his head on her shoulder. "You should've stayed there. You know I can't bear thinking about you being in danger."
"But if the human world, MY world, isn't safe, then where is?"
"I'm admitting it. This world isn't safe. You might not like the idea, but you should go back to the spirit world. Under Koenma's supervision, you can't be touched. I like knowing you're there because I know that you are safe. I don't have to worry about you..."
Kayko closed her eyes and returned the hug, kissing Yusuke on the cheek lightly.
"Ahem," Koenma cleared his throat, getting their attention. Yusuke jumped and spun around.
"K-koenma?!" he shouted.
"Yo."
"Don't do that! I was having an important discussion with Kayko!"
"Well, this is extrememly important, plus I came to fetch her." The small form floating in from of the detective reached inside his kimono and pulled out a videotape, handing it to him. "Go and watch this."
"I was going to go visit Kurama," he grumbled, snatching the tape.
"No. Go straight home and watch this. It'll explain."
"This on better not have a stupid intro like the one we got about Yukina."
"Just watch it and don't complain. Gather everyone else at Genkai's temple. All of you need to see it."
"Should I contact Hiei?"
"There is no need. The video will explain, as I siad. Come Kayko, we must get back."
Kayko sighed, nodded, and walked over to Koenma. They disappeared, leaving Yusuke alone with the tape. He muttered to himslef, stuck the tape in his pocket, and went to get everyone together at the temple.
*
"What's the deal? We should be out kicking bad guy ass!" Kuwabara protested.
"Kazuma, please calm down. If Koenma-sama delivered this in person, it must be important," Yukina pointed out quietly. Kuwabara calmed down slowly.
"Well, let's see what it's about," Genkai sighed. Yusuke nodded and popped the video tape in a vcr. Nothing for a moment, then cheesy, triumphant music.
"Oh lord, not again... Yusuke rolled his eyes, plopping down in a chair near the television. The words 'Koenma Productions' scrolled across the screen in large, fancy letters.
"He's really...creative..." Yukina blinked.
"Creative isn't the word," Genkai muttered. "More along the lines of large- of-head."
The words were replaced by a blue ogre, looking insanely like George, appearing in a golden circle. He did what seemed to be a roar, or at least his version of one, then Koenma appeared. He faced them, looking serious. A scream was heard in the background, which made his sweatdrop.
"Um...ignore that. First off, this is not a missoin, for you are already on one. Second, to others, this tape will seem like Buffy the Vampire Slayer," he explained.
"Buffy?" Kuwabara sniggered.
"Shut up," Yusuke whispered.
"That may seem obsurd, but I was out of ideas," the toddler shrugged. "Now, this is extremely important. There was an attack to Kurama's room. It was Karasu. Hard to believe, but true. He attacked and injured both Kurama and Hiei, who had come back to him."
"Brother?!" Yukina gasped.
"Hiei seems alright, but Kurama is at a critical. They are both here with Botan and I. We're doing what we can. Continue your mission, I'll contact you again later. Ta ta!"
The tape stopped and ejected. The others sat there, taking in what they had heard.
"Kurama...brother..." Yukina whispered. She sounded scared. Kuwabara pulled her into a hug.
"We haven't the time," Genkai sighed. "We have the human race to protect."
"She's right..." Yusuke spoke. "Let's go kick some demon ass!"
*
Hiei opened his eyes slowly, feeling Kurama's skin against his cheek. Then, he noticed something. Som,ething bad. He bolted upright.
"Kurama!" he yelle. Koenma looked over.
"Hiei, what's wrong?" hje inquired.
"I-it's Kurama. He's..."
*
Ceari: Mwahahahaha. A cliffhanger like no other!
Hiei: *growls and pounces on her* HOW COULD YOU STOP?!
Ceari: AHH!
Kurama: Well...she's living up to her name...I guess... *blinku*
Ceari: And that's all...from the...Princess of Kurama Torture! *wrestles to get Hiei off her* Ja-bye-bye!
Warning: Language.
*************************************
"En Satsu Koko Ryu Ha!" Hiei shouted, extending his right arm. The bandages wrapped around it burned off, and a black fire dragon rose from the place. It grew to a large size, made a sound that was sure to be a roar, and charged toward the group of demons. Only after that did he notice Ripper also in the dragon's path.
"RIPPER! MOVE YOUR ASS BEFORE IT GETS SCORCHED!!" he screamed loudly. Ripper shot his head in Hiei's direction, saw the huge dragon, and swiftly leaped out of the way. The dragon rose high in the air and then dove down on the enemy. There was a tremendous explosion, high pitched screams sounded in the air, and the demons disentegrated.
When the smoke cleared, there was nothing in the place except a crater. The dragon decreased in size greatly, spun around, circled Hiei, and stopped, disappearing completely. Where the bandages once were, a black dragon tatoo appearing, circling around his forearm. There was a little bit of smoke rising from the arm, and the small fire youko fell to his knees, exhaused. His Jagan, which had been glowing brightly, begun to fade back to normal.
He fell foreward again, catching himself with his hands. Something was wrong, but he didn't know what. He couldn't tell... Closing his Jagan, he begun scanning Tokyo, searching for the problem. his gaze fell upon one of his targets, Yukina. Her eyes, as crimson as his, were bright with happiness. She was in a garden, laughing as Kuwabara tried to make friends with the blue birds. Her blue hair was down, which was extremely rare.
"Baka..." he muttered, watching Kuwabara.
With Yukina safe, he begun searching again. This time, for Kurama. If he got a safe image of the beautiful redhead, he would dismiss it as just nerves. He continued searching and searching, and yet, he could not find his love. He looked everywhere, but couldnt see Kurama. His hand balled into a fist and he punched the dirt under him.
"Shimatta!" he shouted, growling. Ripper walked over and knelt down beside him, clutching a bleeding wound on his left side.
"Hiei, what's wrong?" he asked, noticing the youkai's distress.
"I can't find Kurama..." he muttered. "I can't find my fox..."
Ripper's face turned from worry to confusion. He had heard that name come from Hiei's mouth a few times before, once even during the fire youkai's sleep. Looking down, he saw Hiei clutching the red rose he had carried with him for almost seven months. Maybe this...Kurama had something to do with this litte rose. The other fire demon was broken from his train of thought when Hiei stood up suddenly.
"What are you going to do?" he asked, looking up at him.
"I'm calling Shiori."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Urameshi! Get them off!" Kuwabara shouted. Yusuke put a hand in his side and raised an eyebrow, seeing the carrot top getting covered in birds.
"Oh Kazuma," Yukina giggled. "They're only blue jays. They won't hurt you."
"You're so dense Kuwabara," Yusuke sighed. A moment later, Atsuko stepped outside.
"Yusuke, that girl Botan is here to see you! She has the cutest little toddler with her!" she said happily. Yusuke surpressed a laugh.
"Alright mom, send them out here," he giggled slightly. She nodded and disappeared into the house again. A moment later, Botan and Koenma came out.
"Hello Yukina, Kuwabara," Botan greeted, seemingly sad. They both waved, the birds leaving Kuwabara alone.
"Hey, you cute little toddler!" Yusuke joked, bending down and pinching the young ruler's cheek. Koenma's eye twitched and he pulled out a large object, smashing it over his head.
"Shut up Yusuke. Get serious." he dusted off his small kimono and put his hands behind his back in a formal fashion. "We have a problem..."
"If I had a dollar for for every time you said that,m I'd be rich," Kuwabara rolled his eyes. Yukina sighed.
"So what is it this time? Another scary demon coming to destroy the Ningenkai?" Yusuke asked sarcastically, walking around the garden. Koenma held back an annoyed growl.
"Yusuke Urameshi, the more you use sarcasm, the more I want to lock you in a vault with my father!" he all but yelled. Yusuke blinked and fell quiet. "Truth be told, our problem is much worse than that. One of our team members is down..."
They all froze and stared at Koenma, fearing the worst. Yusuke's face drained of all color.
"You mean...d-dead?" he asked quietly. Koenma sighed and stared at the ground.
"Fortunately, not dead, but seriously injured. He's under medical attention as we speak."
"Who is it?" Yukin asked, worry very clear in her voice. "Is Hiei..."
"No, no, it's not Hiei. Last time I checked, he was perfectly fine. It's Kurama... He's the one..."
"What happened to him?!" Yusuke automatically demanded of the 700-year-old toddler. "You better tell me Koenma!"
"He was in a car crash. Rule of the Ningenkai, when it's car versus tree, tree always wins." Yusuke bit his lip.
"Where is he?" Kiwabara asked silently.
"Lord Koenma, would they permit us to see him?" Botan almost muttered. Koenma nodded.
"I believe so." He yanked he hat a few times, eventually became his teenage form. He pulled out the pacifier, therefore freeing his mouth, and pocketed it. "Come. This way."
They all nodded and followed Koenma practically across town until they came upon the large hospital. Entering, Koenma strided up to the reception des. The woman looked him up and down and smiled, raising an eyebrow in intrest.
"Hey there, hot stuff. What can I do for ya?" she asked, winking. Koenma sweatdropped.
"Um...I would like the room number for Suuichi Minamino...please," he requested, taking a step back. This woman made him sorta uneasy. She turned to her computer, opened a file, typed some things, and looked back up at him.
"'Kay sweetcakes, it says here that our only Minamino is in room 347. Poor kid's all banged up. Car crash, people say."
"Are we allowed to see him?"
"Yeah, sure, go ahead." Koenma turned and headed off. "See ya around, hun! Call me?!"
Koenma froze, sweatdropped again, and began to hurry off. The others ran after him. Botan glared at the hormonal girl, as if to say 'Back off, he's mine', and hurried along with the others. Deciding steps would be too time- consuming, they boarded the elevator.
"Kurama...I do hope he's alright..." Yukina muttered. Kuwabara silently placed an arm around her shoulders in reassurance, comfort. The others remained silent, wrapped up in their own thoughts. Cheesy elevator music played on the intercom overhead. Yusuke leaned against the wall, arms crossed and eyes closed. After a moment, the elevator stopped on the third floor and opened with a ding. They exited as quick as they entered and searched until finding room 347.
"Let me enter alone first. If Kurama is awake, we wouldn't want to shock him," Koenma explained. Yusuke opened his mouth to argue, but realized he'd only be waisting his breath by doing so. When Koenma was sure that no one else had anything to say, he quietly entered the room.
Kurama was laying in a hospital bed, unconsious, all banged up, strapped to various machines. There were many wounds, all bandaged somehow. His breathing was shallow, yet steady, and a normal pulse was kept. The ruler quietly sat down in a chair and watched the injured kitsune.
"Kurama...why did this have to happen to you? What the hell were you doing driving a car, anyway?! You just have to leave all this to me, don't you...I'm the one that's going to have to inform Hiei of this accident. I better made sure to stay away from him. I don't feel like facing his kokuryhua any time soon. That's not on the top of my things-to-do list, you know. I don't feel like dying either..." A tear escaped one of his eyes. "I'm worried about you, Kurama. I don't know this outcome, and I usually do...It scares me..."
"D-don't worry...so much...a-about Hiei..." It was faint, but Kurama's voice found Koenma's ears. He looked up and saw emerald eyes looking over at him.
"Kurama!"
"Yeah. I'm consious," Kurama dsmiled weakly. "In extreme pain, though..."
"What happened to you?" he asked softly.
"I was going to the store for my kassan...They played a song on the radio that Hiei had dedicated to me...I took my eyes off the road and crashed into a tree..."
"Baka," Koenma muttered.
"I know. It was foolish of me. Gomen nasai."
Suddenly, Yusuke came barging in, followed by Kuwabara, Yukina, and lastly, Botan. Koenma glared.
"Sorry Koenma. Couldn't wait," Yusuke muttered. He rushed over to Kurama's bed. "Hey, you're awake. How are ya feeling, buddy?"
"Alright, I guess. I'm alive, at least."
"Good thing to. I'm afraid of what short might do if you died on us. I was worried about you too, don't get me wrong..." Kuwabara grinned. "It's great to see you alive and kicking, Kurama."
"Indeed," Kuramam nodded. "Has anyone...heard from Hiei lately?"
"No," Yusuke answered. "But you know him. He's not the social type. He's probably just fine."
"I doubt my brother even bothers to use the phones in the Ningenkai," Yukina whispered. Kurama chuckled.
"You're right," he agreed. "Probably not."
*
"Pick up..." Hiei growled, clenching the reciever tightly, listening to the constant ring coming from the other end. Finally, he heard the voice of Kurama's mother.
"Hello?" she asked quietly. Hiei blinked. Something in her voice sounded worried, scared.
"Um, is K-Suuichi in?" he asked, stopping himself from using his real name.
"Who is this?" she inquired. He found this slightly strange, but didn't want complicated matters.
"It's his friend, Hiei. I'm not sure if you remember me..."
"Oh yes. You're the small boy that always dresses in black."
"Um...yeah..." His eye twitched at the description she had given.
"Didn't anyone tell you?"
"Tell me...what?"
"Suuichi's been hospitalized."
Hiei blinked, his mouth hanging open in shock. Kurama was in a hospital?? It seemed that his bad feeling wasn't nerves.
"Are you there?" Shiori asked, snapping him out of his trance.
"Um, yeah. I...have to go. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He slammed the phone down and fell backwards onto his bed. Ripper raised an eyebrow, sitting quietly on the other side of the room. The small fire demon pulled his knees up to his chest, laying his chin upon his knees and staring at the wall. A tear was shed, turning into a round, dark gem. Ripper blinked, looking at him.
"Hiei? Dosh da?" he asked silently.
"I have to back to Tokyo..."
"You can't! You're needed here Hiei!"
"Well, I'm needed there too!" he screamed.
"And why is that, huh?"
"It's Kurama! I need to-"
"No way! I can't believe you're getting personal feelings involved in this! There is a war going on, the entire existance of the world is at stake, and you're letting this Kurama get in the way! That's a a sign of weakness that will destroy you!!"
"Fuck that! KURAMA IS NOT A WEAKNESS! KURAMA IS EVERYTHING TO ME!"
"This world could be destroyed Hiei!"
"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THIS WORLD! HUMANS ARE A PATHETIC RACE AND DESERVE TO DIE ANYWAY! ALL I CARE ABOUT IS MY FOX!" he snarled, eyes glowing slightly. Ripper stood up, went over, and with lack of something better to do, punched Hiei across the face, throwing his head sideways.
"Come to your senses! I know enough from hearing you talk that Kurama wouldn't want you to abandon your place like this! There are others in Tokyo that can take care of things. You do not have to go there."
"What do you think you know about Kurama?!"
Hiei snarled and tackled the larger fire demon, pinning him to the ground. Ripper blinked, having almost forgotten how strong he was. Bright crimson eyes were glaring down menacingly at him.
"You're a tough fire demon yourself, I believe you'll do just fine without me. Kurama's injured. He needs me and I must go to him. I don't give a damn about your thoughts on the matter. Without him...I'm nothing...So I'm going, and you can't stop me."
He stood up, kicking Ripper in the chest when he tried to grab him, snatched his things, and lept out the window. Ripper pushed himself up and walked over to the window, sighing in frustration.
"So Kurama is a guy. That certainly is interesting...He will regret it though. He has no idea what personal feelings are going to cause. He'll see what I mean, in time."
Shutting the window, he turned and left the pane, knowning that persuing him would be useless.
*
Consiousness finally took him. Sitting up, pain rushed through his body, forcing him to wince terribly and stop moving momentarily. Raven black hair fell around his face as he lowered his head slightly. One thing was for sure though. Karasu was alive.
"That damn fire demon..." he muttered to himself angrily, remembering as he faced the deadly fire dragon he was almost killed by. It was extremely surprising that he DID survive. He finally stood, smirking.
"Alive and prepared to finish what I started. Dear Kurama...I will make you mine. If you refuse, your reward shall be eternal darkness in death. I will get what I want, either way, in the end."
Taking his time and spirit energy, he healed his burned flesh, searched for Kurama's ki, and lept off quickly.
*
Night had fallen upon Tokyo, and a nurse was doing nighttime rounds. Enmtering Suuichi Minimino's room, she fgroze and almost screamed. Crouched on the windowsill was a small, shadowy figure.
"Ssh, it's alright," Kurama whispered weakly to her. "I know him. No harm will be done. Go ahead with your rounds and don't you dare speak a word of this. To anyone."
She nodded, sensing his seriousness, turned, and bustled out quickly. When the door was shut behind her, the window slid open quietly, the figure jumped in, and shut it behind him.
"Hiei," Kurama smiled. The youkai rushed over to the bed, leaned over him, and kissed him passionately. Kurama happily returned the kiss, feeling the soft lips that he hadn't felt for so long against his. Pulling away, Hiei gently brushed red lock out of emerald eyes.
"Kurama...What happened to you?" he whispered, running his hand through the redhead's hair continuously, sitting on the bed next to him. Kurama chuckled quietly.
"It's foolish. I was driving to the store so kassan wouldn't have to, she has been having such a difficult time at work lately, and the song you had dedicated to me played on the radio. I got distracted, and looking back up at the road, a semi truck was about to slam into me, so I swerved out of the way and smashed into a tree," he explained. "I was not thinking..."
"You...you got hurt because of me?" he asked softly, and stared at the floor. "I'm so sorry Kurama. It's my fault."
Kurama pushed himself into a sitting position momentarily, pulled Hiei towards him, layed back down on, pulling him on top of him, kissing him lightly.
"Don't go blaming yourself, my love..." he whispered sensually. "You don't have to."
"But-"
Kurama stopped him, placing a finger over his mouth. Then, he nuzzled him and began kissing his neck, moving the white scarf. Hiei purred slightly and kissed the finger on his lips. Kurama smiled, wrapping his arms around Hiei's waist and rubbning his nose against his cheek.
"Do not blame yourself," he told the fire demon, then put his head back upon the pillow. Hiei gazed down lovingly at his fox, then leaned down and allowed their lips to make contact yet again. Kurama traced a finger down Hiei's spine, making him shiver slightly and deepen the kiss.
"Hello to you too," Kurama siad breathlessly, breaking the kiss. Hiei growled, making Kurama chuckle, and began to kiss his soft neck, nipping at his shoulder once or twice with his fangs. Kurama slid his hand through Hiei's hair, before the small demon went and began kissing his stomach.
A moment later, this stopped and Hiei curled up on the hospital bed next to HIS fox, nuzzling him sweetly. Kurama smiled, wrapping one arm around his waist, kissing his forehead where the Jagan was located, and closing his eyes.
"It is so good to see you Hiei..." he muttered.
"Hai," Hiei agreed. "I was so worried about you. Even with my Jagan, I could not find you."
"So that's why you left New York?"
"Exactly. I'd rather be with you than killing ugly things from the Makai."
Kurama laughed, and the next few minutes were spent in sweet silence. Neither of them had to say a word to each other. There really was nothing to tell that the other one didn't already know. Then, Hiei sat straight up, alert, looking out the window. Kurama blinked, puzzled.
"Hiei? What is it?" he asked, usuing his elbows as supports. Hiei didn't move, still staring out.
"That ki...Can't you feel it?" he whispered. Kurama looked over at the window as well and searched around.
"Yeah...It feels like-"
Not a moment later, Karasu burst through the window. Glass shattered loudly, speareding around the room. The other two sheilded their eyes, then looked at who stood before them.
"K-karasue..." Kurama studdered. Karasu smirked.
"Well well, what has the beautiful Youko Kurama gotten himself into now...hmmmmm?" he asked arrogantly. Hiei's eyes slanted as he snarled angrily. "And you, my dear little fire demon, have made me extremely unhappy."
Karasu made a hand movement, causing Hiei to react. He quickly, but carefully, picked up Kurama and lept to the other side of the room. Moments later, the bed they were both on exploded. Kurama hid his face in the crook of Hiei's neck.
"It's alright love. I'll take care of him," he reassured him, whispering quietly.
"This will be interesting..." Karasu chuckled. "Most certainly..."
He conjured up some Mad Bombs to get to Kurama. They made contact and exploded, sending Hiei crashing painfully into the door. He slid to the ground, tried to get back up, and yet couldn't succeed.
"Kurama..." he muttered, pissed at himself for letting the bombs touch him. Karasu smirked and walked over to Kurama.
"Well now, it seems that I'm at advantage in this situation, hmm?" he asked humorously. Kurama pulled a rose out and held it before him.
"Stay away," he warned. "Or..."
"Or what? You're way too weak to use your weapons. Too injured to fight. Your lover is down. There's nothing for you to do," he sneered. Kurama continued to hoold the rose, even though he knew it to be the truth. Karasu knelt down in front of his prey and caressed his cheek.
"My dear fox, you are mine. Refuse and you will die."
"I'll never go with you. You can't make me. I'll never be yours," Kurama snapped. Karasu growled angrily.
"Fine then. I keep my word." He stood up, grabbed Kurama by the throat, and lifted him off the floor. Then, he kissed him lightly on the lips and threw him hard out the window. Smirking, he disappeared.
"KURAMA!" Hiei screamed painfully. Pushing himself foreward, he darted over to the window, falling again from his injuries, hitting his head on the windowsill. Ignoring the searing pain shooting through him, he pulled himself up enough to see out the window. Looking down, he saw Kurama lying on the ground. He wasn't moving...
"Shimatta..." he said, his voice breaking. Treas fells, clanging to the floor as gems. The door, which had been banged shut, was repeatedly being knocked on. The voice sounded like Koenma. Hiei didn't care. He was focused on the incident. He wasn't moving...
"KURAMA!!" he screamed again before slipping, falling onto the floor, unconsious.
The door finally swung open and teenage Koenma burst in.
"Hiei!" he gasped, running over to the fallen youkai. He was breathing, just knocked out. His head shot to the bed. There...wasn't a bed. There was nothing left.
"Where's Kurama?!" Botan asked, running into the room.
"I don't know..."
"What about the window?" she suggested, seeing the glass shattered. She ran over and leaned out, froze, eyes wide.
"Oh my god. Koenma, sir...I found him..."
Koenma stood up slowly, holding Hiei, and looked out. He said no more than three words.
"Get him, quickly." His voice seemed worried and scared. Botan held out an arm, her oar appeared in that hand, she sat on it and darted out the window.
By the time Koenma turned around, there was a crowd at the door. Whatever happened must have made a lot of noise.
"There's nothing to see here!" he shouted quickly. "Go back to your duties, everything is taken care of!"
It took a long while, but he finally got everyone to leave. As soon as the last person walked off, Koenma disappeared, heading back to the Spirit World with Hiei, where he knew Botan would take Kurama.
Things had happened in that hospital room, that's for sure. Koenma was extremely fuzzy on details. He had to find out.
*
Sitting up proved to be a bad idea. Pain seared through his body almost immediately. No matter where he looked, all he found was darkness. No objects, no nothing. He was in a endless void. Pushing red hair from emerald eyes, he continued to glance around for sign of...well, anything really.
"What's going on?" Kurama muttered.
"Take a guess." A figure shimmered into view in front of him. Kurama growled.
"Karasu, where have you taken me? What have you done to Hiei?"
"I took you nowhere. I just tossed you out a window. As for Hiei, you saw everything I did to him. I left afterwards."
"If you didn't take me anywhere, then explain this."
"This isn't real. I'm not real...at least not at the moment. All of this is in your head, that os which will become your grave. Enjoy death, foolish fox. You should've given up and came with me. This choice was yours."
The image of Karasu disappeared, and he was left alone again. Then, pain begun shooting through him like lightning. He screamed.
*
A scream echoed all throughout Koenma's office. Glancing over, he saw it originate from Kurama. His brow wrinkled in frustration and worry. He had done that four times now...but why? That's what puzzled the small one. On the other side of the room was Hiei, who was still unconsious. Botan charged in the room.
"Koenma sir, what are the screams? The staff is getting real worried," she asked.
"I'm worried too. It's him." He pointed over to Kurama, who screamed again. She gasped, bit her lip, hands flying up to her mouth.
"What's happening?!"
"I wish I knew..." he sighed.
Suddenly, Hiei bolted upright.
"Kurama! Don't leave me!!" he screamed, face drenched in cold sweat. His crimson eyes darted around, he was panting heavily. Botan ran over to him.
"Hiei, it was just a nightmare. Don't move around too much, your wounds will open up again," she tried to soothe. Hiei jerked from her grip and lept off the bed.
"Hiei, get back in that bed. You're in no condition," Koenma demanded. Hiei ignored him, going over to Kurama, who screamed again. His eyes widened and he leaned over him.
"Kurama..." he whispered.
"We're taking care of him," Botan explained. "You need to lie back down."
"You foolish girl, and you're supposed to be the messenger of death," he sneered.
"Huh?" she blinked.
"Can't either of you tell?" he yelled. "He's dying, dammit!"
"How do you know this?"
"It shouldn't matter HOW, Koenma. do something about it!! He dies and I'll destroy this entire building! You hear me?!"
"You heard him Botan," Koenma muttered. "You know what to do."
"Yes sir." She turned and exited the room. Hiei looked over at the toddler.
"What's she doing??
"Saving Kurama as you requested."
"No, I didn't request, I demanded. There's a difference."
"One of your wounds is bleeding again. I suggest you lie down and focus on your health. We will take care of Kurama, you need not worry. Now, while Botan does her thing, I same business to attend to. I would appprectiate it if you would cooperate."
Hiei looked uneasily at Kurama, who had screamed once again.
"Fine, but I'm not leaving him."
He hopped on the bed containing the fox, curled up beside him, and placed his head on the bandaged chest. He was asleep almost instantly. Koenma sighed and begun skimming through papers scattered in fron of him.
*
The pain was almost unbearable. Kurama had bit his lip so hard it was almost bleeding. The lightning feeling wouldn't stop flowing through his body. He felt on fire. Was this what Karasu meant? Was he going to die in here?
He wanted the pain to end. All of it. Giving in seemed to be a much easier option than trying to fight it.
"No!" he shouted outloud, purposly interrupting his train of thought. "I won't give in. That's what Karasu wants. I must get through this. I have to see Hiei agin..."
Another electric surge. This one stronger than the others. He screamed louder, not able to keep the sound down. His vision wasn't as good, even in this void.
When he tried to stand, it felt like someone dropped a large, heavy object on him. He immediately fell to the ground, his arms giving out on him.
"Hiei..." he muttered quietly, painfully. "Hiei, I need you...Wheer are you Hiei...please...I need you..."
Another scream, more pain. When would it all end?
*
Yusuke sat on the roof of the school, staring up at the clouds. He was considering visiting Kurama when school finally let out.
"Which should be in about five minutes..." he muttered, glancing at his watch.
Those five minutes passed by quickly and the bell rang. He stood up, yawned, and stretched. The door opened and Kayko walked out.
"What the?!" he yelled.
"I figured I'd find you here. You skipped the second half of school again Yusuke!" she scolded.
"I was sleepy," Yusuke shrugged. "Besides, I'm worn out from so much fighting. Which brings me to my next question: Why are you here?!"
"I was worried about you..." she muttered. "I overheard some of the ogres say something about people getting hurt and I just had to see if you..."
"Kayko...." He walked over and pulled her into a hug, leaning his head on her shoulder. "You should've stayed there. You know I can't bear thinking about you being in danger."
"But if the human world, MY world, isn't safe, then where is?"
"I'm admitting it. This world isn't safe. You might not like the idea, but you should go back to the spirit world. Under Koenma's supervision, you can't be touched. I like knowing you're there because I know that you are safe. I don't have to worry about you..."
Kayko closed her eyes and returned the hug, kissing Yusuke on the cheek lightly.
"Ahem," Koenma cleared his throat, getting their attention. Yusuke jumped and spun around.
"K-koenma?!" he shouted.
"Yo."
"Don't do that! I was having an important discussion with Kayko!"
"Well, this is extrememly important, plus I came to fetch her." The small form floating in from of the detective reached inside his kimono and pulled out a videotape, handing it to him. "Go and watch this."
"I was going to go visit Kurama," he grumbled, snatching the tape.
"No. Go straight home and watch this. It'll explain."
"This on better not have a stupid intro like the one we got about Yukina."
"Just watch it and don't complain. Gather everyone else at Genkai's temple. All of you need to see it."
"Should I contact Hiei?"
"There is no need. The video will explain, as I siad. Come Kayko, we must get back."
Kayko sighed, nodded, and walked over to Koenma. They disappeared, leaving Yusuke alone with the tape. He muttered to himslef, stuck the tape in his pocket, and went to get everyone together at the temple.
*
"What's the deal? We should be out kicking bad guy ass!" Kuwabara protested.
"Kazuma, please calm down. If Koenma-sama delivered this in person, it must be important," Yukina pointed out quietly. Kuwabara calmed down slowly.
"Well, let's see what it's about," Genkai sighed. Yusuke nodded and popped the video tape in a vcr. Nothing for a moment, then cheesy, triumphant music.
"Oh lord, not again... Yusuke rolled his eyes, plopping down in a chair near the television. The words 'Koenma Productions' scrolled across the screen in large, fancy letters.
"He's really...creative..." Yukina blinked.
"Creative isn't the word," Genkai muttered. "More along the lines of large- of-head."
The words were replaced by a blue ogre, looking insanely like George, appearing in a golden circle. He did what seemed to be a roar, or at least his version of one, then Koenma appeared. He faced them, looking serious. A scream was heard in the background, which made his sweatdrop.
"Um...ignore that. First off, this is not a missoin, for you are already on one. Second, to others, this tape will seem like Buffy the Vampire Slayer," he explained.
"Buffy?" Kuwabara sniggered.
"Shut up," Yusuke whispered.
"That may seem obsurd, but I was out of ideas," the toddler shrugged. "Now, this is extremely important. There was an attack to Kurama's room. It was Karasu. Hard to believe, but true. He attacked and injured both Kurama and Hiei, who had come back to him."
"Brother?!" Yukina gasped.
"Hiei seems alright, but Kurama is at a critical. They are both here with Botan and I. We're doing what we can. Continue your mission, I'll contact you again later. Ta ta!"
The tape stopped and ejected. The others sat there, taking in what they had heard.
"Kurama...brother..." Yukina whispered. She sounded scared. Kuwabara pulled her into a hug.
"We haven't the time," Genkai sighed. "We have the human race to protect."
"She's right..." Yusuke spoke. "Let's go kick some demon ass!"
*
Hiei opened his eyes slowly, feeling Kurama's skin against his cheek. Then, he noticed something. Som,ething bad. He bolted upright.
"Kurama!" he yelle. Koenma looked over.
"Hiei, what's wrong?" hje inquired.
"I-it's Kurama. He's..."
*
Ceari: Mwahahahaha. A cliffhanger like no other!
Hiei: *growls and pounces on her* HOW COULD YOU STOP?!
Ceari: AHH!
Kurama: Well...she's living up to her name...I guess... *blinku*
Ceari: And that's all...from the...Princess of Kurama Torture! *wrestles to get Hiei off her* Ja-bye-bye!