Vertical(ly) Challenge
By Tagalog
Chapter 3: Fall Out
" Master Genki, will she recover shortly?" Kurama expressed concern for Naomie as she lay helplessly in a bed.
" She'll recuperate, but I won't use my healing powers on her. The increase in energy may overwhelm her fragile body." Genki finished wrapping the gauze on Naomie's forehead. The blood had stopped flowing since the Detectives arrived at Spirit World, but she still possessed many injuries.
" Well that's great, but what do we do when she begins to rouse?" Yusuke still hadn't a clue what to say to Naomie. He felt bad for being thrashed up and he had no desire to pound her up again.
" You'd better hope she's in a good mood when she awakens, or you might be permanently be replaced."
" Nice try Hiei, but I think you'd better watch your back when she comes to. I'm sure she wants to know who escorted her here." Hiei grunted at Yusuke's smart reply and coolly left the group.
" Geez, what's with him?" Kuwabara inquired; completely lost in the conversation.
" In my opinion boys, I think you should allow her to wake up by herself."
" Goon idea Master Genki. No sense in scaring her a second time." Kurama glanced at the resting girl.
" What're you looking at Kurama? You really have a thing for hotheads, don't you?" Yusuke and Kuwabara teased their friend.
" I was thinking how clam she appears, it's hard to believe that fiery attitude she displayed earlier. She seems more like a small child than a vicious person. You're going to have your work cut out for you Yusuke, good luck." The Spirit Detective's smirk disappeared as he listened to Kurama.
" Gee… thanks." The boys left the room, leaving Genki perched next to Naomie's bedside.
" True she appears tranquil, but her mind is overflowing with horrendous memories and guilt." She lit a cigarette and breathed deeply. " I may require assistance for this one." She let out a wisp of smoke that clouded above Naomie, causing her to stir.
" err…" Genki turned around, and glanced at the arousing teenager. "That stuff stinks." She managed to say and closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
" So Keiko took it pretty hard huh?" Yusuke grimaced at the thought of what she might do to him when he returns back to the Human World.
" Yes, but Yusuke, I think you have your own troubles here to deal with too." Botan gestured to the hallway leading to Naomie's room.
" I know, but I'm still stumped guys!" They all sat around and thought to help Yusuke.
" I'll explain everything to her. That way I know there's no chance that you children can screw it up." Genki rose and proceeded down the hall. " Oh, and Hiei, I'll call for your assistance when she awakens. Just be prepared to utilize some of your spirit energy."
" Wonder what she needs Hiei for?" Kuwabara turned towards the apathetic demon. " What's he got that we can't help Genki with?"
" Didn't you hear her, you idiot?! She doesn't want you to screw up, that's why she chose me." Hiei stood up and stepped out of the room, allowing the insensitive remark to sink in.
" He's certainly in a bad mood. I hope that old hag beats some sense into him." Yusuke sat down cross-legged.
" Or Naomie could flog him a few times." Kuwabara laughed slightly, trying to prevent his chuckle from reaching Hiei's ears.
" Really," Botan complained, " Do you think he deserves that?" Yusuke looked at Kuwabara, who glanced over at Koenma. All three looked at each other for a moment and then turned towards Botan.
" Yes, badly."
" She regained her health already?" Hiei loomed over Genki as she removed the bandage from Naomie's head.
" Quite strong for a human, but not out of talent or training; she's driven with negative influence. That's where you'll assist me." Hiei glared at the aged woman, wondering what services that he could endow.
" Don't gawk at me like that. Just remove your bandana and activate that fancy Jagan eyes of yours." Hiei was a bit astounded that Genki knew of his concealed eye. Very hesitantly, he stripped the cloth off his forehead and placed it next to the bed.
" Now what do you expect me to do? I'm not wasting my time and energy on this pathetic human."
" All you need to do is search the depths of her thoughts and perhaps, drive out some of the sadness that fills her mind. That way she'll cooperate without some much resistance, unless you are unable to manage a straightforward task." Hiei glared at the old hag, wishing for once, that he could strike someone without having to pay for the rest of his lift for it. He triggered his Jagan and without much effort, it opened.
" Good, now stand over her head and place your hands around the temple area. That should be a perfect place to eradicate those thoughts." Hiei towered over Naomie, his palms sweated as he drew closer to her face.
" Wait a minute," Hiei withdrew his hands, " Where will the depressing thoughts go once I've liberated them? I don't want her thoughts flooding my mind!"
" Stupid boy! I guess I'll have to do a majority of this after all! Put one hand on the right side and I'll place mine on the left. Is that more convenient for you NOW?!" Genki screeched at Hiei, completely ticked that she receives the disobedient pupils to work with. They could feel a madness emerging from Naomie's skull. They must have been hidden for the longest time, because when they went to release those thoughts, Naomie's body sprung forward in desperation.
" No! Mother where did you go? Baby brother, where's your face? I can't see your face!" She ranted on for a few more seconds before she realized she wasn't alone. She stood up, completely shocked and angered by the assault on her innermost feelings. With a frantic heave, she attempted to flee out the door.
" YOU, SIT!" Master Genki darted in front of her path and pummeled Naomie back to the bed. " That will be enough of that!" Flustered, Master Genki sauntered back to where Hiei lay grasping his forehead.
" Shit! My Jagan eye! What the hell happened?"
" Keep your mouth shut you whiner! Now Naomie," The teen gulped at the mention of her name, " You aren't throwing another outburst until I'm done explaining things to you." Naomie whimpered a bit, but nodded her head understandably. Her eyes glowed red; memories now awakened in her head.
" Another thing. None of this ever happened, do you hear me Hiei? I know you glanced at some of the thoughts and I'm sure Naomie would be grateful if we didn't converse of them." Hiei just began sitting and nodded, still rubbing his sealed Jagan. Out of the corner of his eye, Hiei noticed a faint smile from Naomie.
" Everything okay here Genki?" A crowd rushed into the room, presented with Hiei glaring at Naomie, Naomie partially upset and Genki who was fed up with both of them.
" Everything is fine, except that I didn't request for your presence. You shouldn't be here."
" Well, sorry grandma, but we heard screams and when you here yells like that, you know something is wrong." Yusuke fought with his Master for a few minutes before he lost and was forced to return outside.
" You've been brought to Spirit World to be trained at the Detective's apprentice." Genki crossly professed to Naomie.
" I guess I have no choice in the matter, huh?"
" No. Not a single word."
" Well, do I at least get one phone call?"
" Humph. Yusuke will finally know
what it's like to deal with a real delinquent like himself. Anyway, enough
smart remarks, you're permitted to transport your belongings to this facility.
This will become your new living quarters."
" You make it sound like I'm going to jail." Hiei snickered, trying not to reveal what costs there were to living here in Spirit Worlds hospitality. Unfortunately for Hiei, Naomie overheard his irrelevant laugh.
" What's so funny you little freak?!"
" Look who's talking?"
" Both of you: stop acting like…"
" Stay out of this you old witch!!!!" Hiei and Naomie turned back towards each other, locked in the verbal argument.
" It's too bad that semi didn't plow you over! I think you would have been better off dead!"
" Then maybe I should have left you there for a punching sack in the alley!"
" You asshole!"
" Stupid bitch!"
"ENOUGH"
Hiei sat on the floor, facing the opposite direction of Naomie. She slumped on the bed; trying to bury her swollen lip that Genki had given her.
" Does your face hurt?" Naomie attempted to make pleasant conversation. Hiei continued sitting, without replying Naomie's question. " Guess you're still ticked that you have to supervise me?"
" Babysitting is more suitable." Naomie heaved a long sigh to prevent any retorts to spark another dispute.
" Look, try and understand that I'm still shocked over this apprentice thing. Despite that, I'm grateful for you rescuing me."
" Hhn. Rescuing isn't the right word."
" Thanks for saving me."
" I didn't save you!"
" Kudos, for a job well done."
" I didn't do this for you benefit!" Hiei stood up; again infuriated by Naomie's quick responses.
" So did you so it for your own?" Hiei prepared to attack her at the throat, when he realized he didn't have an answer. She stares at him, expecting another impetuous remark; when instead, Hiei left the room.
" Wow, they must have done something to stress grandma out. I've never seen her smoke so much at one time." Yusuke laughed.
" It isn't that entertaining. Each time we start a struggle with Naomie, we isolate her further away from the collaboration."
" What collaboration? I have to train her first and if she qualifies, only then will she be even close to the group."
" Urameshi could always promote her up so she can work with us."
" Give it up Kuwabara, it's been a full day and she hasn't even spoken a word to you."
" Well," The uneasy redhead muttered, " These things take time."
" Do you think we should check on those two?"
" Don't freak out. When we hear frequent curses, them we'll go check on Hiei and Naomie."
" No need." Hiei spoke softly to the astonished group.
" I thought Master Genki instructed you to look over Naomie."
" Not much to guard. Besides, I don't think she really expected me to look after that annoyance for an additional five minutes." Hiei leaned himself against the wall in a callously manner.
" I'm sure you and that old hag didn't expect me to wait in that room for any amount of time whatsoever." Naomie emerged from the hall and turned strait towards Hiei. " Now I want an answer. Why did you save me back at the alley?"
" I already told you I didn't save you!" Naomie sprung forward and placed a hand over Hiei's lips.
" When I release my hand, I hope that you will answer my request, and not start another argument. I'll let go when you promise to answer." Hiei gallingly signaled his head in agreement. The others watched in disbelief at Naomie's confidence in Hiei. That confidence was soon shattered. Naomie was fortunate enough to be thrown into Koenma's chair, instead of continuing to the floor. Hiei had thrown a punch at Naomie's previously wounded face and hit her firmly.
" THERE'S YOUR ANSWER!" Yusuke and the other rushed to aid Naomie's thrown body, while Kurama scurried to Hiei's side.
" Please Hiei, that was unnecessary and appalling. Restrain your anger or you'll ruin more than just the mission."
" Stand aside," Hiei shoved Kurama away, " She should have kept her mouth shut!" With that, Hiei disappeared from the room and left the gang in a state of alarm and resentment from Hiei's actions. They all sat around Naomie as she regained her stability.
" You guys don't have to ask if I'm doing okay. I'll be fine as soon as the stars go away."
" Hiei you bastard! Come back here and apologize to Naomie!" Kuwabara boomed.
" We're sorry for his ill-treatment of you. He's never been this bad-mannered to anyone."
" Maybe I should have kept my trap closed. Oh well, there's always tomorrow."
" You don' t have time for regrets. You're going to collect your possessions and bring them back. I'll accompany you so you won't get sidetracked." Genki returned to the group, only to lead Naomie and Botan back to the Human World. They soon left, leaving the three boys (Koenma had paper work to do elsewhere) to converse about the future troubles they may encounter.
" Do you think Hiei will continue to harass Naomie even if we kept him under watch and vice- versa?" Kurama didn't want to see Naomie or Hiei obtain any more scars from their scuffles.
" He'll still have his temper, so I assume he'll keep at it unless we help out." Yusuke folded his hands and thought harder.
" How could he do that to a girl? If I were to hit my sister, I'd be more than toast." Kuwabara shuddered at the thought of his sister bullying him.
" So you think we should get Hiei to fear Naomie, huh? I don't think that's very liable."
" Maybe we can force them to become comrades. He lightened up once he joined you two."
" Possibly, but I don't think Hiei's that gullible and besides, he still hates Kuwabara."
" Yeah and I still hate that little weasel too." He wrung his uniform in frustration.
" Damn, this may take a while."
" Don't fret over it too much my friend, after all, you have to rise early tomorrow to commence the training."
" Don't remind me. Genki said she might supervise too. Man, it's going to be Grandma's boot camp again." He slumped over letting out his breath. " I think we should hit the sack. Those girls probably aren't going to be back for a little while longer." All three let out a humungous yawn, as they trudge for their rooms.
" At least they haven't agreed to any pathetic idea yet, but knowing them, they'll come up with something." Hiei reopened his eyes and shut his Jagan, sealing it with his white bandana. He stood on the roof of Koenma's fortress eavesdropping on his unsuspecting comrades. He refused to return inside until the others returned and fell into a profound sleep. The wind stung at his face where Genki had earlier clouted him. It formed a good-sized inflammation and was now, more noticeable than an hour ago. He shut his eyes tight and felt the return of three individuals.
" I'll wait it out here. They won't be up for very much longer." He already sensed that two had left; only one remained in the main room.
(Naomie no doubt.) Hiei thought to himself. He was disgusted by her persistence and how she was never in favor of his wishes.
(I'm sorry Hiei…) His eyes snapped open at the sound of another voice inside his head. It sounded like Naomie's, but how had she known to reach him telepathically.
(Why are you still bothering me!) He waited for a reply to get him angered, but it was silent.
(Let's talk.)
(Did you hear me?!)
(Got to go.) That was the last messages he was sent. Hiei was still slightly annoyed by her pushiness to communicate with him, but he was now debating with himself whether or not to acknowledge her invite. The others were asleep; Naomie has her own room and no one would dare bother Naomie during the late night.
Huh?
Review and tell me what the story needs or doesn't need
Thank You- Tagalog