Lies, Deception, and the Forgotten Truth
By: Okami-chan
*****Yoshihiro Togashi, Studio Pierrot, Movic and many, many other important people/companies own all characters in this fan-fiction, with the exception of Ryo and Kumo. How blessed they are, and yet here I am, shamelessly borrowing their characters/terms/whatever else to my pleasure!*****
Running in one of the many forests of Makai, I could just barely make out the small black form flitting from tree to tree several yards ahead. After that sneak attack, Hiei had been boiling with rage at the attempt to destroy the very house that Yukina was visiting. Some other friends, I suppose. But that wasn't at the top of my mind. I wanted to know who was trying to take over the Ningenkai once more. If that's what the case was, that is.
My crimson red hair whipped my face as I tried to follow my friend. Yukina's attack wasn't all that had happened. Keiko had gone with her and was a victim as well. Don't those monsters know good enough to challenge the ones capable of retaliation? My head was so crammed with thoughts I fought to keep Hiei in sight.
Yusuke and Kuwabara had head in another direction back in the Ningenkai, where they were trying to pursue another enemy responsible. As my feet pounded on the hard ground, a thought struck me. Makai felt strange. It felt different, the air thick with evil. Like something had gone terribly wrong. I sensed great Rei ki, but not from any of the Reikai Tantei.
I didn't slow my pace as Botan suddenly zipped up beside me on her oar.
"Kurama!" she panted, "There's something--really big coming! I have no idea, but Koenma-sama sent me."
"Well, right now I'm trying to keep up with Hiei. He wouldn't even talk to me." I replied.
She frowned at me and muttered, "He doesn't have to be so stubborn! Yukina wasn't the only one attacked!"
"I don't expect you to understand him, so just let it be. You know how important she is to him." I tried my best to explain, a bit exasperated.
None of my experience or skill could've prepared me for when an undetected rush of energy, not Rei ki, blasted me hard enough to sweep me off my feet. I must've landed quite a ways from where I'd been running. A sharp pain seared across my back. Botan swung around to come back for me. I forced myself to my feet, summoning my Rose Whip. I darted my eyes around, but nothing was there. My senses detected nothing as well.
"Kurama! Are you ok?!" Botan demanded in a squeaky voice.
It hurt to stand. I sank back to the ground, frustrated. I had no idea how deep the wound was. I could feel the gash as it made itself known. The blood was just seeping through the fabrics of my shirt, rapidly. I cursed myself for being so careless.
"I'm alright, Botan. What was that?" I asked, with my teeth clenched.
She didn't look so sure, but said, "Don't know. Where's Yusuke?"
"I thought you'd know that. Back in the Ningenkai.I lost Hiei! Now we have to really watch our backs." I practically mused. I tried to stand up again, a bit slower. The pain intensified, but I stood up regardless.
I staggered and I noticed Botan's worried face. I smiled, "It's ok, Botan. It was just a surprise attack. I'm fine."
We both agreed to try and track that monster down, or whatever it was. My pace had slowed a great deal, but no demon would just sit around when his allies needed help. I'm still mad at what happened to Yukina and Keiko. But I was not as upset as Hiei might be, because neither of them are loved ones of mine. That's kind of an advantage, really. No rage to blind you. For not much reason, my mother came to mind. I ceased the thought, knowing now was no time for that.
Just when I thought I saw something ahead, there was a black wave of energy that looked suspiciously like Hiei's Kokuryuha. It was unmistakable. I ran faster, hoping that he had found our new cowardly enemy.
"Is that?" Botan trailed off, brushing her blue hair out of her eyes, also speeding up.
This ridiculous wound was tiring me out. I stopped to watch the scene just a few yards away, in a clearing. Hiei was kneeling on the ground, breathing in shallow gulps, with his black dragon tattoo absent from his right arm. A little ways off, there was a tall shadowy figure, which crumpled to the ground, apparently dead. His foul scent lingered in the air.
Botan shouted, "Hiei, what happened? What was that?"
She tried to put a hand on his shoulder, but of course he knocked it away angrily. "Geez, fine, be like that." She grumbled, and turned to stare at the tall beast.
It was altered for me though. I peered at him and bandaged up his arm, after the tattoo returned. I knew he probably wasn't going to stay conscious, and so did he.
"Kurama," he mumbled, "watch out for that thing. It tried to overpower my black dragon."
I winced as I got back on my feet. My shirt was stuck to my back, sticky with blood. Since my friend hadn't gotten any farther than warning me, I decided to have a rest. My body didn't protest; it would have been hard to fight in my condition anyway.
With a difficult sigh, I decided to send Botan, "Botan, I need you to find Yusuke and Kuwabara."
She averted her gaze from the sky, "Huh?"
"We need them with something like this, we're going to need everyone here." I replied earnestly, easing myself very slowly against the trunk of a huge tree nearby. Its branches quivered at my touch.
"I guess you're right," she agreed, summoning her oar, "Good luck, Kurama. Please be careful."
I smiled at her and then she was gone before I knew it. I let the faint whisper of the forest lull me. This isn't right, I should be trying to figure out this situation. But I couldn't think straight. My back now burning painfully, I was growing weak without realizing it. As my mind began to fog, I closed my eyes. Not to sleep, but just to clear my thoughts..
***
I woke with a start and my eyes snapped open. What had happened? I looked over to Hiei, who was sitting up with his chin resting in his palm, apparently deep in thought. When I tried to get up, I couldn't move. Shocked, I groaned in agony. Something felt peculiar. For some reason, my front also felt injured. I looked down, and there was blood oozing through the front of my shirt. Hiei then turned to look at me. He must've noticed me stir.
"What? Hiei, what happened? I--" I spoke hoarsely, not able to say anymore. I couldn't believe how weak I was.
He stared at me, "How am I to know? When I woke up there you were. That damn monster said he had taken over the Reikai."
This was weird. Wait. I just sent Botan back. Wouldn't she know? "I told Botan to go back to the Ningenkai. To get Yusuke and Kuwabara." I explained, anger flowing through me because I knew I must've sounded pitiful.
He perceived my wound, "What happened to you?" There was a hint of concern in his voice, so hidden no one but a friend might have a chance of catching it, which didn't surprise me.
"I don't know. I was running after you and something blasted me from behind; I have no clue how I was hit in front." I replied, my voice no clearer than before as I tried to stop the bleeding.
Hiei seemed rigid, and with good purpose. His fists were clenched tightly, and he looked uncertain. I suppose he didn't know how we were going to fight with him drained of Rei ki, and me severely wounded. I hate to be handicapped in any way. I silently growled and braced myself, trying to stand once more. My hands gripped the dirt, and I gasped in pain. Managing to rise, I leaned on the tree for support.
"Did you see what attacked you?" he asked, now looking at me closely.
I drew a breath sharply, which hurt my chest, "No, nothing. Are you sure that thing is dead?"
"Hn. I was scanning the area and then something shot at my Jagan. Luckily he only temporarily blinded it. I tested it just a while ago." He replied disgruntled. I noticed how he didn't mention the fact that I had been unconscious.
I must've looked pale, because he got up and walked over to me, "Look, you're not going to survive like this." He uttered as he ripped off some of his sleeve.
Silently cursing, I knew I needed assistance. But my eyes did widen, "I can do it." I strained to remove my shirt so I could bandage my new wound.
So, Hiei helped me and it did improve my condition. I definitely didn't feel as weak anymore. It seems that he's really bothered, but not by me. I should've dressed my wound earlier, but I couldn't remember what happened and why I didn't. I did feel a little foolish. But how was I injured in front? I know the attack from behind only went in a little bit, not that much. Not enough for me to have lost consciousness. We couldn't really do much for my back, but that was all right with me.
We started off. Hiei had said that demon took over. Well, he's dead now, but I assume he has allies, so it's not over with. I hope Botan found them all right.
"Hiei," I asked, suddenly realizing something, "How did that thing know to hit your Jagan?"
"He must have known I was coming. Damn. This means he's seen me before.." came the reply.
After running for a while, I came to a halt. I could sense the portal that would take us to the Ningenkai. I looked at Hiei and he nodded. He leaped through and I ensued. There was a blur, and the next thing I can see is our destination. We were invisible to everyone else until we had arrived, which looked like we'd come from around a street corner. I looked around, forgetting the simplicity of just popping through the barrier between worlds, nothing blocking the way even though no demon was supposed to be able to transcend it. Sensing the others, I brushed this common sense away. Botan flew over to us, followed by Yusuke and an enraged Kuwabara.
"Kurama! Hiei! Oi! Man, we didn't find anything!" Yusuke greeted, then noticed Hiei wasn't wearing a ward bandaged around his third eye. He avoided its gaze.
"Grr! I want to slice those bastards in half!" came the promised ranting of Kuwabara.
Yusuke handed Hiei a clean ward. The fire youkai snatched it away, apparently annoyed. "Calm down, fool." He warned.
"Don't tell me to calm down! Of course you don't care about any humans attacked, especially Yukina-san!" the tall ningen roared.
I noticed Hiei's fists clench, and I could tell he just wanted to vacate from our location, to deal with this all on his own. Then again, when does he not? "I won't be the one to save you when you thrash out without thinking, idiot." He growled.
I sighed and decided to relay some needed information, "There's something out in Makai that Hiei fought and it's dead now. But it did know that you had a Jagan, right?"
He humphed and nodded.
"Maybe it's someone from the Meikai. What do you think, Urameshi?" Kuwabara had evidently cooled down and was now giving hopeful suggestions.
Yusuke shook his head and glanced at everyone, "Nope, it can't be. I thought that was all taken care of."
"It is," I spoke up, "That thing had Rei ki. He wasn't from the Meikai." I had just recalled this from my memory.
"Eh?!" Kuwabara awed aloud.
"Hmm? How's that, Kurama?" Yusuke asked, shaken.
"Ask Hiei. He fought it."
Botan suddenly gasped, "Yusuke!" Her oar clattered to the ground, and disappeared. So did she.
"Botan? Botan!" Yusuke called, looking around.
"Why did she take off like that?" Kuwabara asked bluntly as he scratched his head.
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes with disappointment, "Kuwabara, I don't think she left by her will."
Hiei, who had been silent, muttered, "Idiot." And then flitted off.
Everything started to get a little fuzzy. I had forgotten about my wound until now. I bent to one knee, exhausted. My vision faltered and I winced in new pain.
Yusuke turned to me sharply. "Kurama! What is this?" he said in disbelief, but I didn't know why he sounded so disturbed.
"Oi! What happened?" Kuwabara asked, also looking baffled. He obviously hadn't been clued in. But then he stared, almost through me and he didn't seem so puzzled.
I guess they figured I had been handling this wound for a while but now it was really affecting me. Or maybe it was those infamous psychic powers Kuwabara owned. He put my right arm around his neck and I winced again. He helped me along back to his house, and Yusuke followed. As we approached the house, Eikichi bounded down the front steps towards Kuwabara.
"Eikichi! Aww, here kitty kitty!" he cooed.
I couldn't help but give a little smile. Yusuke scooped up the cat and stroked it. As we entered, Shizuru sprung out of her seat.
"Kazuma!" she demanded, "What did you do now?"
"Uh, nothing really, aniki!" he replied as he quickly pushed us upstairs. Eikichi ran to Shizuru.
She eyed us suspiciously with those brown eyes, but said nothing, heading into the kitchen while lighting a cigarette.
"Kuwabara!" Yusuke scolded once we had reached his room, "You've got to be more careful!"
I collapsed onto Kuwabara's bed despite the pain. My breathing slowed and I sat up, denying my body of the rest it was demanding. I suppressed a groan.
Kuwabara waved his hands absently, "Eh, it's okay! She never really bugs me that much about leaving like that!"
"Today," Yusuke muttered, then turned his amber eyes on me, "So, what happened back in the Makai? You all right?"
"Well, I'm not really sure, but something blasted me from the rear. I couldn't sense it that adeptly." I explained.
Kuwabara pulled open a drawer, which contained first aid for just this kind of situation. If you were part of the Reikai Tantei, you'd need that. After I took off the ripped cloth that was around my stomach, I grabbed the gauze and started to wrap it tightly around my middle. After covering it over and over I wound it across my shoulder to partially cover the wound on my backside.
"What about in front?" Yusuke asked another question, eyeing my other wound.
I shook my head slowly, "That's what's bothering me--I don't know."
He tore his intense gaze from me to the window, "You weren't attacked again?"
"Not at all, as far as I know of. I rested with Hiei: until he had come to, and when I woke up, there it was." I replied with a tinge of anger in my voice.
After a long hesitation, Kuwabara mentioned this, "Well, Hiei was the only other person with you, right?"
I spun around in my seat to look at him, "Yes , what do you mean by that?"
Yusuke stared at the floor, his voice sulky, "Are you positive Hiei killed it? Maybe that's what got you."
Kuwabara must've seen the look I was giving him, "Uh, yeah Urameshi. Kurama, that's what I was getting at."
The room fell silent. I ignored the question in my mind easily countering that last comment. I dropped into deep thought, but struggled to remain awake. I wish Kuwabara would think over his biased thoughts before sharing his suspicion of Hiei, especially with me. He was playing with fire. His reasons are his own; if you look at the way he's always picking fights with Hiei. It's typical.
"We've got to go to the Reikai." I said, breaking the silence, my mind somewhat made up. I wasn't too sure to go to the Makai or Reikai.
Worry cast upon Yusuke's face just then, "Umm, you don't have much Rei ki."
My eyes widened. I had neglected to be aware of this. "I-I didn't fight at all! I didn't even use my Rose Whip.." I growled audibly.
"Huh? Did Hiei come yet? Eikichi, are you in here?" Kuwabara asked particularly no one but himself.
I assume he had acknowledged this fact too, and was just trying to lighten the subject. Or he could just be oblivious. But usually he knows what he's doing.usually. No wonder I couldn't concentrate on anything, or even detect battle ki.
"Damn it." I couldn't help but mutter, and put my head in my hands. I knew I had been heard nonetheless.
Yusuke heaved a sigh, "Well, where's Hiei? I'd think he would stick around for something this serious."
We were about to head for the door when the building rumbled and I could feel the structure beginning to crumble, breaking apart.
"Na.." Yusuke broke off as another blast was fired at the already insecure building.
"Kazuma!" Shizuru yelled as she burst into the room, "What's going on? Is it an earthquake, no, it's."
"Uh, I don't know, but let's get outta here!" Kuwabara replied, knowing well that it was far from an earthquake.
"Kazuma! Don't you lie to me. Have you forgotten?! I'm not just some stupid, naive civilian. I can feel that energy. Before you leave again, please be careful you dope." She replied, looking at Kuwabara with an expression only an older sister could have.
I sensed strong Rei ki, once again. It seemed familiar, but how could it? Someone from the Reikai was causing this. But I'm pretty sure Koenma handles things fine over there. Something is going on. As we passed the kitchen on the way out, I supposed Shizuru had been cooking because as the house was hit again, a fairly minor explosion blew us out. This ailed my wounds further alongside my exhaustion.
I found myself outside quite a ways from the house. I staggered to my feet to see Kuwabara and Yusuke with an unconscious Shizuru. Luckily she didn't appear too injured. As I turned to look at his home, the foundation started to collapse along with the rest. Then I noticed something when I turned back to face Kuwabara and Yusuke. There was a small black figure floating in the air with a heavy aura of Rei ki enveloping him. It almost looked like.
"Hiei!" shouted Yusuke, who ceased his Rei Gun from firing.
I felt my eyes enlarge with disbelief and awe as Hiei started to lower down to earth, not far from us. He was still covered in a black mass of energy. The tremendous power I felt coming from him was furious. As his feet touched the ground, he slumped down, hands gripping the cement. The sky was dark and the wind blew strong, tugging at my clothes and hair.
"Hiei, what are you doing?!" Kuwabara demanded with Shizuru over his shoulder.
I started to approach Hiei, but something was wrong. He was trembling violently, and then he stared at me with unusually bright ruby eyes that seemed to burn through me. I froze. Something about his Rei ki was dangerously altered. Not only was it immense, but also there was something else looming about his aura. For some odd reason my wounds reacted and I lurched forward in abrupt pain.
"Huh? Why does he look like that?" Yusuke pondered with a grim expression, "I don't like it."
I started to breathe heavily, clutching my stomach. Not now! I could hardly see anything now. I fought weakly to remain locked in eye contact with Hiei.
"Kurama! What's wrong?" Yusuke asked, turning to me once more with worry in his voice.
Kuwabara growled and began to walk over to Hiei, "What'd you do?! Hiei, hello! What's going on?!"
Hiei shifted his gaze from me to Kuwabara. Immediately, the pain diminished. I let out a rattled gasp, finally being able to take in air properly once more.
"Whoa! Umm, Urameshi! What's wrong with him?!" Kuwabara questioned the fire demon's state through a nervous tone. He started to slowly back away, and I can't say I blame him.
Since I could keep my stance now, I attempted to say something to Hiei, but just then he collapsed, his eyes closed, on the cracked pavement. The abnormal power he obtained disappeared and his Rei ki dwindled. I was now confident that he was safe to approach.
"Kurama," Yusuke said in a wary voice, "Be careful. He doesn't look--"
"I'm not saying it's okay, but he's unconscious. I don't know. Did you see that?" I half-heartedly assured him, trying my best not to sound affected by what had just taken place.
Kuwabara scratched his head in obvious puzzlement, "Eh, where are we gonna go?"
"Where else! The Reikai!" Yusuke said, a bit ruffled.
Just then I heard sirens and a throng of citizens was forming near the burning building. I wasn't sure if they'd noticed Hiei. This was an event moderately concerning another world, so sometimes the trick of illusion was played on the inhabitants of the Ningenkai. I then noticed Hiei's right arm was still bandaged. I could've sworn that black energy was from his Kokuryuha, but apparently not. Especially since his Rei ki wasn't the only thing he possessed at the time. That was what I was most concerned about. What was going on with Hiei?
Ambulances rushed over minutes later. A paramedic moved towards Kuwabara, but hesitated. I sensed awkwardness about her, and that was understandable.
"Huh? Oh, here." He realized what she wanted and put his sister on a stretcher.
After she was wheeled away, we edged from the chaos, with Hiei now over Kuwabara's shoulder. We ran until we approached the barrier. Of course it wasn't easy without Botan, but we managed. Once again I was only vaguely aware of how easy it was to get there, and to go through it without any barrier. I walked through into the Reikai palace, eager to figure out as much of this situation as possible. I also wanted questions answered.
Yusuke glanced at the palace, then at me, "Do you feel that?"
I did. The atmosphere wasn't right. Almost like another dangerous incident was happening here that had already finished in Makai. The balance was upset somehow. There was a small gaggle of humans slowly wandering around in the fog near the entrance to the palace. By the looks of them, they definitely didn't belong here.
Kuwabara pointed to them with uncertainty and sort of whined, "Urameshi! How did they get here?"
After shaking his head helplessly in their direction, Yusuke said, "Well, it can't be helped right now. Let's just hope we can fix all this with little disturbance between the three worlds."
I nodded, "Hopefully nothing's happened to Koenma."
***
By: Okami-chan
*****Yoshihiro Togashi, Studio Pierrot, Movic and many, many other important people/companies own all characters in this fan-fiction, with the exception of Ryo and Kumo. How blessed they are, and yet here I am, shamelessly borrowing their characters/terms/whatever else to my pleasure!*****
Running in one of the many forests of Makai, I could just barely make out the small black form flitting from tree to tree several yards ahead. After that sneak attack, Hiei had been boiling with rage at the attempt to destroy the very house that Yukina was visiting. Some other friends, I suppose. But that wasn't at the top of my mind. I wanted to know who was trying to take over the Ningenkai once more. If that's what the case was, that is.
My crimson red hair whipped my face as I tried to follow my friend. Yukina's attack wasn't all that had happened. Keiko had gone with her and was a victim as well. Don't those monsters know good enough to challenge the ones capable of retaliation? My head was so crammed with thoughts I fought to keep Hiei in sight.
Yusuke and Kuwabara had head in another direction back in the Ningenkai, where they were trying to pursue another enemy responsible. As my feet pounded on the hard ground, a thought struck me. Makai felt strange. It felt different, the air thick with evil. Like something had gone terribly wrong. I sensed great Rei ki, but not from any of the Reikai Tantei.
I didn't slow my pace as Botan suddenly zipped up beside me on her oar.
"Kurama!" she panted, "There's something--really big coming! I have no idea, but Koenma-sama sent me."
"Well, right now I'm trying to keep up with Hiei. He wouldn't even talk to me." I replied.
She frowned at me and muttered, "He doesn't have to be so stubborn! Yukina wasn't the only one attacked!"
"I don't expect you to understand him, so just let it be. You know how important she is to him." I tried my best to explain, a bit exasperated.
None of my experience or skill could've prepared me for when an undetected rush of energy, not Rei ki, blasted me hard enough to sweep me off my feet. I must've landed quite a ways from where I'd been running. A sharp pain seared across my back. Botan swung around to come back for me. I forced myself to my feet, summoning my Rose Whip. I darted my eyes around, but nothing was there. My senses detected nothing as well.
"Kurama! Are you ok?!" Botan demanded in a squeaky voice.
It hurt to stand. I sank back to the ground, frustrated. I had no idea how deep the wound was. I could feel the gash as it made itself known. The blood was just seeping through the fabrics of my shirt, rapidly. I cursed myself for being so careless.
"I'm alright, Botan. What was that?" I asked, with my teeth clenched.
She didn't look so sure, but said, "Don't know. Where's Yusuke?"
"I thought you'd know that. Back in the Ningenkai.I lost Hiei! Now we have to really watch our backs." I practically mused. I tried to stand up again, a bit slower. The pain intensified, but I stood up regardless.
I staggered and I noticed Botan's worried face. I smiled, "It's ok, Botan. It was just a surprise attack. I'm fine."
We both agreed to try and track that monster down, or whatever it was. My pace had slowed a great deal, but no demon would just sit around when his allies needed help. I'm still mad at what happened to Yukina and Keiko. But I was not as upset as Hiei might be, because neither of them are loved ones of mine. That's kind of an advantage, really. No rage to blind you. For not much reason, my mother came to mind. I ceased the thought, knowing now was no time for that.
Just when I thought I saw something ahead, there was a black wave of energy that looked suspiciously like Hiei's Kokuryuha. It was unmistakable. I ran faster, hoping that he had found our new cowardly enemy.
"Is that?" Botan trailed off, brushing her blue hair out of her eyes, also speeding up.
This ridiculous wound was tiring me out. I stopped to watch the scene just a few yards away, in a clearing. Hiei was kneeling on the ground, breathing in shallow gulps, with his black dragon tattoo absent from his right arm. A little ways off, there was a tall shadowy figure, which crumpled to the ground, apparently dead. His foul scent lingered in the air.
Botan shouted, "Hiei, what happened? What was that?"
She tried to put a hand on his shoulder, but of course he knocked it away angrily. "Geez, fine, be like that." She grumbled, and turned to stare at the tall beast.
It was altered for me though. I peered at him and bandaged up his arm, after the tattoo returned. I knew he probably wasn't going to stay conscious, and so did he.
"Kurama," he mumbled, "watch out for that thing. It tried to overpower my black dragon."
I winced as I got back on my feet. My shirt was stuck to my back, sticky with blood. Since my friend hadn't gotten any farther than warning me, I decided to have a rest. My body didn't protest; it would have been hard to fight in my condition anyway.
With a difficult sigh, I decided to send Botan, "Botan, I need you to find Yusuke and Kuwabara."
She averted her gaze from the sky, "Huh?"
"We need them with something like this, we're going to need everyone here." I replied earnestly, easing myself very slowly against the trunk of a huge tree nearby. Its branches quivered at my touch.
"I guess you're right," she agreed, summoning her oar, "Good luck, Kurama. Please be careful."
I smiled at her and then she was gone before I knew it. I let the faint whisper of the forest lull me. This isn't right, I should be trying to figure out this situation. But I couldn't think straight. My back now burning painfully, I was growing weak without realizing it. As my mind began to fog, I closed my eyes. Not to sleep, but just to clear my thoughts..
***
I woke with a start and my eyes snapped open. What had happened? I looked over to Hiei, who was sitting up with his chin resting in his palm, apparently deep in thought. When I tried to get up, I couldn't move. Shocked, I groaned in agony. Something felt peculiar. For some reason, my front also felt injured. I looked down, and there was blood oozing through the front of my shirt. Hiei then turned to look at me. He must've noticed me stir.
"What? Hiei, what happened? I--" I spoke hoarsely, not able to say anymore. I couldn't believe how weak I was.
He stared at me, "How am I to know? When I woke up there you were. That damn monster said he had taken over the Reikai."
This was weird. Wait. I just sent Botan back. Wouldn't she know? "I told Botan to go back to the Ningenkai. To get Yusuke and Kuwabara." I explained, anger flowing through me because I knew I must've sounded pitiful.
He perceived my wound, "What happened to you?" There was a hint of concern in his voice, so hidden no one but a friend might have a chance of catching it, which didn't surprise me.
"I don't know. I was running after you and something blasted me from behind; I have no clue how I was hit in front." I replied, my voice no clearer than before as I tried to stop the bleeding.
Hiei seemed rigid, and with good purpose. His fists were clenched tightly, and he looked uncertain. I suppose he didn't know how we were going to fight with him drained of Rei ki, and me severely wounded. I hate to be handicapped in any way. I silently growled and braced myself, trying to stand once more. My hands gripped the dirt, and I gasped in pain. Managing to rise, I leaned on the tree for support.
"Did you see what attacked you?" he asked, now looking at me closely.
I drew a breath sharply, which hurt my chest, "No, nothing. Are you sure that thing is dead?"
"Hn. I was scanning the area and then something shot at my Jagan. Luckily he only temporarily blinded it. I tested it just a while ago." He replied disgruntled. I noticed how he didn't mention the fact that I had been unconscious.
I must've looked pale, because he got up and walked over to me, "Look, you're not going to survive like this." He uttered as he ripped off some of his sleeve.
Silently cursing, I knew I needed assistance. But my eyes did widen, "I can do it." I strained to remove my shirt so I could bandage my new wound.
So, Hiei helped me and it did improve my condition. I definitely didn't feel as weak anymore. It seems that he's really bothered, but not by me. I should've dressed my wound earlier, but I couldn't remember what happened and why I didn't. I did feel a little foolish. But how was I injured in front? I know the attack from behind only went in a little bit, not that much. Not enough for me to have lost consciousness. We couldn't really do much for my back, but that was all right with me.
We started off. Hiei had said that demon took over. Well, he's dead now, but I assume he has allies, so it's not over with. I hope Botan found them all right.
"Hiei," I asked, suddenly realizing something, "How did that thing know to hit your Jagan?"
"He must have known I was coming. Damn. This means he's seen me before.." came the reply.
After running for a while, I came to a halt. I could sense the portal that would take us to the Ningenkai. I looked at Hiei and he nodded. He leaped through and I ensued. There was a blur, and the next thing I can see is our destination. We were invisible to everyone else until we had arrived, which looked like we'd come from around a street corner. I looked around, forgetting the simplicity of just popping through the barrier between worlds, nothing blocking the way even though no demon was supposed to be able to transcend it. Sensing the others, I brushed this common sense away. Botan flew over to us, followed by Yusuke and an enraged Kuwabara.
"Kurama! Hiei! Oi! Man, we didn't find anything!" Yusuke greeted, then noticed Hiei wasn't wearing a ward bandaged around his third eye. He avoided its gaze.
"Grr! I want to slice those bastards in half!" came the promised ranting of Kuwabara.
Yusuke handed Hiei a clean ward. The fire youkai snatched it away, apparently annoyed. "Calm down, fool." He warned.
"Don't tell me to calm down! Of course you don't care about any humans attacked, especially Yukina-san!" the tall ningen roared.
I noticed Hiei's fists clench, and I could tell he just wanted to vacate from our location, to deal with this all on his own. Then again, when does he not? "I won't be the one to save you when you thrash out without thinking, idiot." He growled.
I sighed and decided to relay some needed information, "There's something out in Makai that Hiei fought and it's dead now. But it did know that you had a Jagan, right?"
He humphed and nodded.
"Maybe it's someone from the Meikai. What do you think, Urameshi?" Kuwabara had evidently cooled down and was now giving hopeful suggestions.
Yusuke shook his head and glanced at everyone, "Nope, it can't be. I thought that was all taken care of."
"It is," I spoke up, "That thing had Rei ki. He wasn't from the Meikai." I had just recalled this from my memory.
"Eh?!" Kuwabara awed aloud.
"Hmm? How's that, Kurama?" Yusuke asked, shaken.
"Ask Hiei. He fought it."
Botan suddenly gasped, "Yusuke!" Her oar clattered to the ground, and disappeared. So did she.
"Botan? Botan!" Yusuke called, looking around.
"Why did she take off like that?" Kuwabara asked bluntly as he scratched his head.
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes with disappointment, "Kuwabara, I don't think she left by her will."
Hiei, who had been silent, muttered, "Idiot." And then flitted off.
Everything started to get a little fuzzy. I had forgotten about my wound until now. I bent to one knee, exhausted. My vision faltered and I winced in new pain.
Yusuke turned to me sharply. "Kurama! What is this?" he said in disbelief, but I didn't know why he sounded so disturbed.
"Oi! What happened?" Kuwabara asked, also looking baffled. He obviously hadn't been clued in. But then he stared, almost through me and he didn't seem so puzzled.
I guess they figured I had been handling this wound for a while but now it was really affecting me. Or maybe it was those infamous psychic powers Kuwabara owned. He put my right arm around his neck and I winced again. He helped me along back to his house, and Yusuke followed. As we approached the house, Eikichi bounded down the front steps towards Kuwabara.
"Eikichi! Aww, here kitty kitty!" he cooed.
I couldn't help but give a little smile. Yusuke scooped up the cat and stroked it. As we entered, Shizuru sprung out of her seat.
"Kazuma!" she demanded, "What did you do now?"
"Uh, nothing really, aniki!" he replied as he quickly pushed us upstairs. Eikichi ran to Shizuru.
She eyed us suspiciously with those brown eyes, but said nothing, heading into the kitchen while lighting a cigarette.
"Kuwabara!" Yusuke scolded once we had reached his room, "You've got to be more careful!"
I collapsed onto Kuwabara's bed despite the pain. My breathing slowed and I sat up, denying my body of the rest it was demanding. I suppressed a groan.
Kuwabara waved his hands absently, "Eh, it's okay! She never really bugs me that much about leaving like that!"
"Today," Yusuke muttered, then turned his amber eyes on me, "So, what happened back in the Makai? You all right?"
"Well, I'm not really sure, but something blasted me from the rear. I couldn't sense it that adeptly." I explained.
Kuwabara pulled open a drawer, which contained first aid for just this kind of situation. If you were part of the Reikai Tantei, you'd need that. After I took off the ripped cloth that was around my stomach, I grabbed the gauze and started to wrap it tightly around my middle. After covering it over and over I wound it across my shoulder to partially cover the wound on my backside.
"What about in front?" Yusuke asked another question, eyeing my other wound.
I shook my head slowly, "That's what's bothering me--I don't know."
He tore his intense gaze from me to the window, "You weren't attacked again?"
"Not at all, as far as I know of. I rested with Hiei: until he had come to, and when I woke up, there it was." I replied with a tinge of anger in my voice.
After a long hesitation, Kuwabara mentioned this, "Well, Hiei was the only other person with you, right?"
I spun around in my seat to look at him, "Yes , what do you mean by that?"
Yusuke stared at the floor, his voice sulky, "Are you positive Hiei killed it? Maybe that's what got you."
Kuwabara must've seen the look I was giving him, "Uh, yeah Urameshi. Kurama, that's what I was getting at."
The room fell silent. I ignored the question in my mind easily countering that last comment. I dropped into deep thought, but struggled to remain awake. I wish Kuwabara would think over his biased thoughts before sharing his suspicion of Hiei, especially with me. He was playing with fire. His reasons are his own; if you look at the way he's always picking fights with Hiei. It's typical.
"We've got to go to the Reikai." I said, breaking the silence, my mind somewhat made up. I wasn't too sure to go to the Makai or Reikai.
Worry cast upon Yusuke's face just then, "Umm, you don't have much Rei ki."
My eyes widened. I had neglected to be aware of this. "I-I didn't fight at all! I didn't even use my Rose Whip.." I growled audibly.
"Huh? Did Hiei come yet? Eikichi, are you in here?" Kuwabara asked particularly no one but himself.
I assume he had acknowledged this fact too, and was just trying to lighten the subject. Or he could just be oblivious. But usually he knows what he's doing.usually. No wonder I couldn't concentrate on anything, or even detect battle ki.
"Damn it." I couldn't help but mutter, and put my head in my hands. I knew I had been heard nonetheless.
Yusuke heaved a sigh, "Well, where's Hiei? I'd think he would stick around for something this serious."
We were about to head for the door when the building rumbled and I could feel the structure beginning to crumble, breaking apart.
"Na.." Yusuke broke off as another blast was fired at the already insecure building.
"Kazuma!" Shizuru yelled as she burst into the room, "What's going on? Is it an earthquake, no, it's."
"Uh, I don't know, but let's get outta here!" Kuwabara replied, knowing well that it was far from an earthquake.
"Kazuma! Don't you lie to me. Have you forgotten?! I'm not just some stupid, naive civilian. I can feel that energy. Before you leave again, please be careful you dope." She replied, looking at Kuwabara with an expression only an older sister could have.
I sensed strong Rei ki, once again. It seemed familiar, but how could it? Someone from the Reikai was causing this. But I'm pretty sure Koenma handles things fine over there. Something is going on. As we passed the kitchen on the way out, I supposed Shizuru had been cooking because as the house was hit again, a fairly minor explosion blew us out. This ailed my wounds further alongside my exhaustion.
I found myself outside quite a ways from the house. I staggered to my feet to see Kuwabara and Yusuke with an unconscious Shizuru. Luckily she didn't appear too injured. As I turned to look at his home, the foundation started to collapse along with the rest. Then I noticed something when I turned back to face Kuwabara and Yusuke. There was a small black figure floating in the air with a heavy aura of Rei ki enveloping him. It almost looked like.
"Hiei!" shouted Yusuke, who ceased his Rei Gun from firing.
I felt my eyes enlarge with disbelief and awe as Hiei started to lower down to earth, not far from us. He was still covered in a black mass of energy. The tremendous power I felt coming from him was furious. As his feet touched the ground, he slumped down, hands gripping the cement. The sky was dark and the wind blew strong, tugging at my clothes and hair.
"Hiei, what are you doing?!" Kuwabara demanded with Shizuru over his shoulder.
I started to approach Hiei, but something was wrong. He was trembling violently, and then he stared at me with unusually bright ruby eyes that seemed to burn through me. I froze. Something about his Rei ki was dangerously altered. Not only was it immense, but also there was something else looming about his aura. For some odd reason my wounds reacted and I lurched forward in abrupt pain.
"Huh? Why does he look like that?" Yusuke pondered with a grim expression, "I don't like it."
I started to breathe heavily, clutching my stomach. Not now! I could hardly see anything now. I fought weakly to remain locked in eye contact with Hiei.
"Kurama! What's wrong?" Yusuke asked, turning to me once more with worry in his voice.
Kuwabara growled and began to walk over to Hiei, "What'd you do?! Hiei, hello! What's going on?!"
Hiei shifted his gaze from me to Kuwabara. Immediately, the pain diminished. I let out a rattled gasp, finally being able to take in air properly once more.
"Whoa! Umm, Urameshi! What's wrong with him?!" Kuwabara questioned the fire demon's state through a nervous tone. He started to slowly back away, and I can't say I blame him.
Since I could keep my stance now, I attempted to say something to Hiei, but just then he collapsed, his eyes closed, on the cracked pavement. The abnormal power he obtained disappeared and his Rei ki dwindled. I was now confident that he was safe to approach.
"Kurama," Yusuke said in a wary voice, "Be careful. He doesn't look--"
"I'm not saying it's okay, but he's unconscious. I don't know. Did you see that?" I half-heartedly assured him, trying my best not to sound affected by what had just taken place.
Kuwabara scratched his head in obvious puzzlement, "Eh, where are we gonna go?"
"Where else! The Reikai!" Yusuke said, a bit ruffled.
Just then I heard sirens and a throng of citizens was forming near the burning building. I wasn't sure if they'd noticed Hiei. This was an event moderately concerning another world, so sometimes the trick of illusion was played on the inhabitants of the Ningenkai. I then noticed Hiei's right arm was still bandaged. I could've sworn that black energy was from his Kokuryuha, but apparently not. Especially since his Rei ki wasn't the only thing he possessed at the time. That was what I was most concerned about. What was going on with Hiei?
Ambulances rushed over minutes later. A paramedic moved towards Kuwabara, but hesitated. I sensed awkwardness about her, and that was understandable.
"Huh? Oh, here." He realized what she wanted and put his sister on a stretcher.
After she was wheeled away, we edged from the chaos, with Hiei now over Kuwabara's shoulder. We ran until we approached the barrier. Of course it wasn't easy without Botan, but we managed. Once again I was only vaguely aware of how easy it was to get there, and to go through it without any barrier. I walked through into the Reikai palace, eager to figure out as much of this situation as possible. I also wanted questions answered.
Yusuke glanced at the palace, then at me, "Do you feel that?"
I did. The atmosphere wasn't right. Almost like another dangerous incident was happening here that had already finished in Makai. The balance was upset somehow. There was a small gaggle of humans slowly wandering around in the fog near the entrance to the palace. By the looks of them, they definitely didn't belong here.
Kuwabara pointed to them with uncertainty and sort of whined, "Urameshi! How did they get here?"
After shaking his head helplessly in their direction, Yusuke said, "Well, it can't be helped right now. Let's just hope we can fix all this with little disturbance between the three worlds."
I nodded, "Hopefully nothing's happened to Koenma."
***