Lizzie:Okay,so obviously it's not the end yet.But I know what happens at the end!I just need to get there.I'm going to try to make at least 3 more chapters before I make the ending chapter.It may take a while to update because I have to start working on a 600-1000 word essay and pretend I'm Thomas Jefferson writing an autobiography at the end of his life.
Rachel:*sarcastically*Sounds fun.Have you begun your research?
Lizzie:Hence:I have to start working on.No,I've not.
Hiei:I doubt if she will have done any research by the end of this chapter.*smirks*
Disclaimer:........What do you think?!I never have and never will!!!!
Yusuke:Thank hell!*runs away from Lizzie*
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on the balcony.........((Hiei's POV))
Lizzie was asleep in my lap and Yinaro was asleep in Kurama's.We were both in silent laughter.I twirled Lizzie's hair on my finger.It was so soft,but I wish she would leave it black.She ruined it by making it part blue.
"Have you decided yet,Hiei?"I looked up from Lizzie and saw Kurama staring at me.His eyes were flashing much as mine tend to do."Is that why you have been acting so odd lately?"
"I-......Yes......It is.....I can feel that I want to.But I am afraid to ask.She would never agree.I know she wouldn't."I felt myself shaking for some reason."I am not afraid.I am not frightened.I am terrified."My eyes began to water.I wiped them on the back of my hand.
"Well,what about Catilin's dance?Are you going to go?"He was changing the subject for me.I was grateful and tried to show it,but I was still terrified.
"Yes.I believe I will.But......"I felt myself blushing,something I was not accustomed to."Would you teach me as to dance?"This was a question I thought I would never have to ask someone,let alone want to.
"What?You want me to teach you how to dance?Well,I'm not much of one to dance,myself."My face must have shown discouragement."However,I will teach you the tad I know.I am sure that Rachel will lend a hand,as well."He smiled.I felt myself smiling.
"Thank you.I am in your eternal debt."I looked back down at Lizzie."I wish I were as brave as her.She is amazing."I touched her cheek with the back of my hand.She must have felt me because her head turned and she sighed contentedly in her sleep.
"You're not in my eternal debt.I just want to help.This way,you can show your affection for her.It's a simple good deed for a good friend."Kurama smiled and Yinaro turned over in his lap."You really love her.I could never take that away from you.I could never take her away from you."
Rachel came outside onto the balcony and closed the doors.She sat down between Kurama and I."Okay,Hiei,I know that you want to propose to my cousin."She was dressed in her normal clothes now and her hair was down to her elbows almost."You don't have to hide it.We all know.I bet that even Lizzie knows it.So,Kurama and I will teach you how to dance."She grinned."Soon to be cousin-in-law."
I felt myself blushing again."Thank you,Rachel.I will try to hide it less.I just......Nevermind......I think I may like to dance."I grinned a little and looked at her.She was grinning from ear to ear."You are wonderful.......,soon to be cousin-in-law."She and Kurama almost fell over in laughter.Yinaro was wakened by Kurama's laughing.
"What's so funny?What in the world did I miss?"She sat up and rubbed her eyes.She was still tired and it was easy to tell.She leaned on Kurama's shoulder.
"Nothing,Yin.Just something that Hiei said."Kurama smiled and looked at me.I was in great debt to him.
"What did Hiei say?Usually he doesn't say anything funny."
"I said that Yukina should become a nun.And I really fail to see the humour in that."Kurama and Rachel began to laugh again,but I do not know if they were really laughing or were just trying to cover for me.Yinaro laughed,too.
"What?Yukina become a nun?Get real!She's a perfect angel,already!"All of them were looking at me as I was crazy or insane.
"Hiei,I really think you ought let Yukina make decisions for herself."Kurama half smirked and then began whispering to Yinaro.I gave him a quizzical look.He nodded toward me,saying to open a mind-link.
~"What were you saying to her?"~
~"I was telling her that she shouldn't love me since she loves Kazuo."~
~"Perhaps Yinaro loves you and you only now."~
~"I love her,too.But she and Kazuo are going steady,I shouldn't interfer."~He looked up at me,his eyes shining with tears.
~"It is up to you as to what you are going to let happen.But keep in mind that she loves you."~
~"You don't know what going steady means,do you?"~
~"Hn."~I closed the mindlink.He smirked at me.I felt something leaning on my shoulder.I turned to see what it was.Lizzie.She had woken up.I stroked her head gently and she began to hum softly.Her violet eyes were wide open and looking up at me.
"Morning,Sleepy-Butt."It was Rachel talking to her cousin.Lizzie giggled."Okay,Cobra,something's up!You always tell me off when I call you 'Sleepy-Butt'.Why not today?"Lizzie squirmed a bit.
"Nothing can change the way I feel right now.Soy mucha mucha alegre.Mucha alegre."She looked up at me.Her eyes flashed like mine do.She had done something mischevious."Nothing can ever make me triste again."
"What do alegre and triste mean,Lizzie?"I laid my right hand on top of hers.
"Alegre means happy.Triste means sad."Lizzie squirmed again."I really love you,Hiei.You can ask me or tell me anything."Her eyes got the gleam that mine get often when I am thinking of something fun to do,at least fun to me.It would seem mischevious to others.
"You have an evil look about you,Lizzie.What did you do or hear?"Rachel and Yin were glaring at my Lizzie.I looked down at her.She blushed as red as a rose.
"Umm.....Nothing......I really didn't do anything."She looked away from the girls and at me.I had to look away.I heard Kurama whispering to Yinaro again.I didn't open a mind-link this time,though.
"Cobra,what's up?Please tell us!Or,if you don't want some of us to hear,then we can leave and you can tell just those who you want to."Rachel stood up and went over to the door.I heard her rather than saw her.I felt Lizzie tense.
"No,you're one of the 2 people I want to tell.You and Kurama."She squirmed again and I realized that she was almost sitting in my lap."I'll tell you later."Yinaro stood up and I tried to,but Lizzie was gripping onto my arm.
"I'll go,Lizzie.Yinaro and I will leave so that you may tell Rachel and Kurama."She nodded and let go of my arm.Yinaro and I left back into the house and let them talk.
((Author's POV))
Lizzie watched as Hiei closed the doors to the hallway.She looked at Kurama and Rachel,both of whom were looking at her uncertainly.
"What did you want to tell us,Lizzie?"Kurama scooted over to Lizzie and touched her cheek gently,as a brother might.
"Well,I wasn't really asleep earlier.I was half awake,listening.I heard what my Saoa((say-oh-uh)) said.About going to Catilin's dance.I really think it's sweet of him,but he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to!You have to tell him that for me.He would be damn angry at me if he found out that I was pretending to be asleep."She blushed.Rachel blinked unsurely.
"What?What's a saoa?"She blinked again.
"It's my special word for Hiei.I call him Saoa."She blushed even deeper.Her eyes began to 'bleed'((she began to cry tears of blood)).Kurama pulled her close to him in an effort to comfort her.Lizzie didn't refuse,it reminded her of her Saoa.What they didn't know was that Hiei had been passing the windowed doors when that happened.He froze and stared like Hell had come to earth.
"Shhh........Lizzie........It's okay.......It's okay......."He didn't know why she was crying but wanted to comfort her all the same."Lizzie......What's wrong?You can tell us......"Lizzie gasped for breath then wiped her eyes on her hand.
"I can feel Hiei's pain.He's hurting.I know it's because of me.It has to be.I know Hiei's hurting horribly.I want to stop it,but I know that that will only make him hurt worse."She snuggled closer to Kurama.She couldn't help but cry.
"Lizzie......It's okay....Hiei's okay.....It's not your fault.....Shh......"He stroked her head like Hiei always did.It helped her to calm down a little.She stopped gasping for breath."See......It's okay.....Hiei is just fine.....He's just in a bit of shock......"He put his head on Lizzie's.
"Kurama!Stop!She's Hiei's,remember?"Rachel was trying in vain to get Kurama off of Lizzie."Kurama!Get off Lizzie!"Kurama heard her and moved away slightly,but Lizzie moved closer to him.He felt like a brother to her.
"Lizzie,you need to remember Hiei.Why are you clinging onto me?"He patted her back.
"I remember Hiei.My Saoa could never be replaced.You're like a brother to me,Kurama.You really are."She pulled away from him a little and looked at him.Hiei was still watching from the windowed doors.He was aghast.He shook his head then went off down the hall.
"Heya,guys!C'mon!We all know that Kurama and I promised to help Hiei learn to dance."Rachel stood up and so did Kurama.They grinned down at Lizzie and she stood up as well.They went inside and Rachel and Kurama went to find Hiei.Lizzie went downstairs to help Catilin or Auntie Christian.
Hiei was in the wreck room,staring out the window.It was a full length window,so he was just sitting in front of it.He was crying,but wouldn't let anyone else know it.Kurama went over to him and stood behind him.Rachel came up behind the two of them and sat down behind and slightly to the left of Hiei.
"Hiei,ya still want us to teach you how to dance?"Rachel put her hand on his left shoulder,gently.He gasped for a breath then pulled away from Rachel's touch."S'wrong,Hiei?You can tell us."
"Yes,Hiei.Please,tell us what's bothering you."Kurama kneeled down beside the 2 of them."We will keep it confidental."Hiei curled up into a little ball on the floor by the window.
"Why don't you go talk to Lizzie?!I'm sure she'll listen!"He couldn't believe what he had seen.Kurama and Rachel turned to look at each other.The same thing was running throught their minds.'He knows!'
"Hiei,I wasn't!I swear!Lizzie was upset and I was just trying to comfort her!Like you do!Like a brother would!That's what she said to me!She said that I was like a brother to her!"Kurama was talking super-duper fast."I swear!I wasn't trying to invade!"Hiei moved away from his friend.
"I don't believe you!You seemed to be liking it!"Rachel put her hand on Hiei's shoulder again.Hiei didn't move.He remained motionless.Rachel spun Hiei around a little and kissed his cheek.
"Hiei,calm down.Ask Lizzie.She'll tell you the truth.You know she will.She still loves you.And we will still teach you how to dance!"She stood up and pulled Hiei up.Kurama stood up and went over to the doorway.He checked to make sure no one was coming,then closed and locked the door.
"I believe you.I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."Hiei put his right hand over the bandanna that covered his 3rd eye.He quickly moved it away and leaned against the wall,waiting for insrutction."So.......What kind of dance are you going to teach me?"
"Well......We should teach at least the basic 4 types of dance."At the quizical looks on Hiei and Kurama's faces,she rolled her eyes."Norm,fast,break,and slow!Normal dancing,fast dancng,break dancing,and slow dancing."
Kurama smiled."I don't think he needs to know how to break dance.The others,he will need to know.I can dance normally and I can slow dance.I don't know the other.Let's begin."He grabbed Hiei's arm and Rachel came out to stand in front of him."When you dance normally,you just listen to the music for a moment,then move to the beat."
"It's the easiest form of dance.Everyone dances differently."Rachel turned on her stereo and Avril Lavigne's 'Sk8er Boi' was playing."Listen to the music......feel it move through you......let it flow out of you......"Rachel began to dance to the music,mainly moving just her feet and her arms."Try,Hiei.You won't know if you can until you try."
Hiei slowly started to dance to it.He kept glancing at Kurama to see what he was doing.Kurama was just dancng over to the side and would give an encouraging smile when Hiei looked at him.Hiei loosened up a little and was dancing almost exactly like Rachel."This is simple."He half grinned.
Rachel turned to a different song.This one was Michelle Branche's 'Are You Happy Now?'.Rachel began dancing faster and she was twisting her body rather than moving her arms and feet.Hiei looked at Kurama to see what he was doing.He was snickering,waiting to see what Hiei did.Hiei just stared at Rachel uncertainly.
He slowly began to dance like Rachel was.He looked silly at first,then he looked like he danced everyday of his life.Rachel and Kurama were wde-eyed.Rachel spoke first."Hiei?Are you sure you've never danced before?You look like a pro!"
"Yes,Hiei.You're amazing."Hiei stopped dancng and shrugged."You're going to be able to do this easily."
"Hey!You need to teach him the pelvic thrust!That's hilarious!"Rachel was grinning.Kurama shook his head and backed away."Alright!I'll teach him."
"No,Hiei doesn't need to know that.I think he'll get along fine without it."He grinned too.Rachel turned the song to a new one.It was really slow.It was Backstreet Boy's 'Show Me the Meanng of Being Lonely'.Rachel raised her eyebrows at Hiei.He just backed away a little.
"Hiei,if you want to learn to slow dance then you have to dance with me.Or do you want us to get Lizzie in here so that you may learn to slow dance with her?"Hiei blushed.He nodded unsurely.Rachel sighed and Kurama snickered."Okay,I'll go get the Striking Cobra."She left the room and returned a few minutes later with Lizzie.
"Lizzie!What are you-?"Hiei got cut short by a hug given to him by Lizzie.She drew away from him and waited for Rachel to start the song over.When she did,Lizzie moved closer to Hiei."No!Lizzie-I....."Hiei drew back from Lizzie.He looked up her than ran out the door at un-human speed.
"What did I do?"Lizzie looked at Kurama."Should I have waited for hm to come closer to me?"Kurama sighed and put his arms around Lizzie's neck.
"No,I just don't think we should have let you come in here.He probably got the jitters is all."He laid his head on Lizzie's.He felt like an older brother right now.Kumane cam in,covered in green stringy things.Lizzie and Rachel fell over in laughter.
"Kumane!!What happened to you?"Lizzie managed to say this through gasps for breath and laughs.
"2 words:Silly String."He pulled some out of his hair."I used to think it was funny.Now I think it's a pain.Catilin's looking for me to put some in my ears."He started pulling some off of his clothes."I think she wanted me to be a decoration for her school's 'Welcome to Middle School' summer party."He picked off another peice of silly string."Why was Hiei so upset?And what was he upset about?He ran out of here like a fire had started."
Lizzie looked uncomfortable."Well.....I think it's my fault.Rachel and Kurama were teaching him how to dance.When they were teaching him how to slow dance,he got uncomfortable so they brought me in here to help teach hm.I guess I shouldn't have come.I'll go find him."Lizzie got up and left.She closed the door behind her.
'Where could you have gone,Saoa?Where are you?'
~"I'm on the balcony,Lizzie."~Lizzie jumped when she heard Hiei's voice in her head like that.~"I'm sorry that I ran like that.I just......"~Lizzie heard him sigh in her head.She felt sorry for him.
~"Was uncomfortable?I understand.I was too.Believe it or not,I'm super shy."~Lizzie went over to the windowed doors to the balcony.She didn't go out,but stood there watching Hiei.He was leaning against the wall for support.
~"You know me well,Lizzie.Yes,I was uncomfortable.But you didn't seem so.How can you be shy?You seem so out there."~He slid down the wall and put his head on top of his folded knees.
~"Hiei,I just love you.You don't have to go to Catilin's dance if you don't want to.I know that you don't like being around people.It's fine if you don't want to."~
~"Are you sure?You wouldn't mind if I didn't go to the dance?"~Hiei had a bit of anxiousness in his voice.
~"I'm sure.Besides,being able to dance wouldn't make much a difference.Rachel and Kurama didn't know that it was a skate dance."~She opened the door and took a step outside onto the balcony.
"Lizzie,are you positive?"Hiei still had his head on his knees.
"Absolutely,Hiei.I would never make you do something that you don't want to do."Lizzie sat down next to him.She leaned on his shoulder.Hiei gently stroked her head.They were both silent for a minute.Then they heard some music from the door.It was 'If You're Not the One',one of Lizzie's favorite songs.She started to hum the tune.
Hiei put his hand on hers.He hummed the melody as well.He eventually started to sing a little of it."If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?"
Lizzie began to sing as well."If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?"She laced her fingers with Hiei's."If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all?..............If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?"Lizzie snuggled closer to Hiei.He kissed her forehead and laid his head on hers.
"Lizzie,why do you squirm so much?Are you uncomfortable?"Lizzie snuggled closer to him again.
"No.I'm not squirming."She kissed his neck gently."It's a way of showing affection."She suddenly pulled away from Hiei and clutched her upper-right arm."No!Not again!"She fell over on to her back and her eyes closed.She had fainted for some bizarre reason.
"Lizzie?!Lizzie!!"Hiei knelt down beside her and tried to wake her up.Tears were streaming down his eyes.Wolf ears began to come out of Lizzie's head and her hair began to turn mercury-silver.A tail was growing as well.Her eyes opened and they were forest green.She sat up and was still clutching her right arm.
"Where am I?"She look around then her eyes fell on Hiei.They moved from his eyes to his bandanna."Are you a Jaganshi?Is that why you have a bandanna tied around your forehead?"Hiei nodded at this odd question."Nea-OW!"She almost fell over again and was clutching her arm painfully.Blood was visible on her arm and hand.
"Here,let me help you."Hiei untied his bandanna quickly and held it out to put around her arm.She didn't move her hand."Please,move your hand and I will tie this around your arm.It will help for now."She did as she was told and there was a deep gash down her upper arm.It went from almost her shoulder to her elbow.Hiei wrapped his bandanna around it quickly and tightly.
"Thank you."She supported herself on her good arm.She looked pale."I think I just need to lie down."She leaned onto Hiei.He put his arms around her gently."I really don't feel well.What is your name,by the way?"
"Hiei.Right now,that doesn't matter.You need some help."He stood up and picked her up.She was really light.She moaned and clutched her arm again."Don't clutch it like that.You'll only injure it more."She did as she was told.Hiei opened the door and went inside.He heard Kurama in the wreck room still so he went there.
"Hiei?Who's your friend?"Rachel grinned at him.Kurama turned around and saw that the girl Hiei was carrying was injured badly.
"What happened to her?"Kurama took her from Hiei's arms and put her down on the couch.She moaned when Kurama touched her.Hiei went over to the couch and sat next to it.
"I don't know.I'm not even sure who she is.One minute,Lizzie was leaning on my shoulder.The next,she was on the ground clutching her arm and she was undergoing some sort of metamorphosis."He touched the girl's head gently.She moaned a little."She didn't know where she was or who I was."
Kurama unwrapped Hiei's bandanna from the girl's arm and inspected the gash.He frowned at it."This is really bad.She needs medical help as soon as possible.Let's get her to a hospital,now."Hiei,Rachel,and Kumane(now free of silly string) nodded and they got her and got ready to go to the hospital.They got there fast.The girl was as pale as paper,moaning every few minutes,and she was squirming alot.They took her to the ER.A doctor was standing there like he had known they were coming.
"What happened to her?"He looked from the girl to Kurama.
"We do not know,sir.We just found her like this."
"I'll take her back here,"he indicated a different room,"And you stay here and fill this out."He handed Kurama a clipboard with a few peices of paper on it.Kurama nodded and handed the girl to the doctor.Kumane had taken the clipboard.They watched them go back into the room then went over to some chairs and sat down.Kumane scanned the clipboard.
"Umm.....Do we know what her name is?"The other either shrugged or shook their head."How about a-Wait!She had ears!Wolf ears!And a tail!The doctor wasn't suspicious."
Rachel eyes went from side to side."Maybe he thought that's what happened to her.Like some sort of genetic mutation."Hiei was turning pale and shook his head."Shrimp,what's wrong?"
"Rachel......What was your father's profession?"He turned his head to Rachel.
"Uhh.......He was an ER doctor......Why?"Rachel cocked her head to the side out of curiousity.
"That man.......My Jagan's tells me that he is related to 3 people who came here.....2 of whom are here right now.....1 of whom is with him......."He looked over his shoulder at the door the doctor had disappeared through with the girl."I believe that that was your father....."
"Wah!!"Rachel fell out of her chair and everyone in the room was staring at her.She quietly got back up in her chair,blushing."How could that be my dad?Dad died when Catilin was only a year or so old.He died in a car wreck just outside the city."
"Well,he's back.Kumane,do you have anything to do with this?"Kumane pretended he hadn't heard.Hiei got agitated."Kumane!"
"Kay,maybe I do........Maybe I don't......I don't really remember....."Kumane sighed in apology."We really need to figure out who this girl is.Maybe she's the Youkai form of my sister."Rachel was snapped out of her trance.
"Yeah,maybe......I mean,she can't be the real Lizzie.It has to be the Youkai form of her."She fiddled with a pencil she was holding in her hand.Kurama nodded and kicked the back of Hiei's leg playfully.
"What,Kurama?"He stared out the window that was next to them all,but he wasn't sitting in it.Kurama kicked Hiei's leg playfully again."What?"Kurama playfully kicked Hiei's leg again."What?!"
"What are you thinking about?Normally you would have cut me a look the first time."Hiei curled up into a ball on the chair.He was thinking about Lizzie.
"I.......I am worried......"He stood up and went over to the window.He sat down on the ledge.
"Worried?Amazing.I didn't think the Great Hiei ever got worried."Kurama was just trying to lighten the mood,but it wasn't working.
"Cazador......"He spun around."That's who she is!Her name is Cazador!She's Riyo's decendant."His eyes were flashing.The flicked to the door the doctor had disappeared through.He ran,at human speed,towards the door.The others followed him,trying to drag him away.
"Hiei,wait out here."Hiei broke free from them and opened the door.The doctor was looking for something in a drawer on the other side of the room.The girl was laying on the table breathing heavily and moaning.
"Cazador?"Hiei stepped into the room.The girl stopped moaning and looked towards Hiei.She smiled painfully."I was right.It is you,Cazador.You're Riyo's decendant."He went over to the bed-thingy she was laying on.He took her right hand in his hands."Rest.Don't use energy if you don't need to."She nodded and fell asleep.
"She should be just fine when the medicine kicks in."The doctor had closed the door.He smiled gently at them.Hiei glared at him and Kurama kept a firm grip on Hiei's shoulder.Hiei spoke to him in a woukd-be-calm sort of voice.
"What will the medicine do to her?Stop the 'mutations'?They aren't mutations!They-"Kurama tightened his grip.
"I know that those aren't mutations.I know that they are parts of her real self.I know that she is a demon."He smiled.His brown eyes flashed like Rachel's always did.
Kumane stepped forward."Uhh.....Herman Capontee?"
"Yes?"
"Uncle Herman!"Kumane tackled the doctor."It's you!"Rachel grinned and tackled the doctor as well.He broke free of them with an indignant look on his face."It is you,right?Herman Capontee?"The doctor gave a soft smile.
" 'Course it's me!C'mere and give me a hug!"Rachel and Kumane tackled him again.CAzador stirred on the bed-thing.She sat up and rubbed her head with her left hand.
"S'with the noise?"She yawned and stretched her arms.Her hair slowly turned deep brown and her ears and tail grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared.When she opened her eyes,they were violet."Hey,guys!Where are we.....?"She looked around for a minute."ER room?"
"Hey,Isa!"She looked at the doctor.
"Uncle Herman?!"She tackled him,too.Kurama chuckled and let go of Hiei's shoulder.
~"What in the hell is so funny,Kitsune?"~
~"Just you.You're thunder-stricken."~
~"No,I'm not.I am glad she has her uncle back.I am glad she is back."~
~"Are you still going to the dance?"~
~"She said it was something called a skate dance......What is that?"~
~"That is where you dance while skating.I could teach you if you like."~Hiei looked at Kurama then left the room quietly.Kurama watched him.Lizzie had gotten off her uncle.
"What's wrong with my Saoa?Was it something I did?"She looked at Kurama.
"No,he's just got to clear his head and let his emotions out.It's been so long since he last let his emotions out they're probably ready to burst."He turned to Lizzie."We probably just need to leave him alone for a while."Lizzie nodded.
"Okay,I'll leave Hiei alone......"She took her hair down from the ponytail she had fixed it in after church and re-fixed it into 3 ponytails,1 on the top of her head,1 on the right side,and 1 on the left.Kurama smiled gently.
"No,I said WE should leave him alone.I never said anything about you.You're probably the only one he wants to see."Kurama kneeled next to Lizzie."Go after him.He needs a shoulder to cry on.He needs arms to lock around him.He needs his girl to be there."He smiled.Lizzie nodded,stood up and went out into the other room and scanned it for Hiei.
Hiei was in a room on the other side of the building.From what Lizzie could see of the room,it was dark,had a window just the size for Hiei to love,and it was rather small and cozy.Lizzie headed off towards the room Hiei was in.She stopped just outside it because she heard something that made her heart stop.It was Hiei that was saying it.
"Damn!Damn!!DAMN!!B----!Such a b----!!I can't take it anymore!Shsss a f---ing little b----!"Lizzie opened the door,tears streaming down her eyes and her heart feeling crushed.
"Is that what you think I am?A freaking little botch?"She wouldn't say the words he had said no matter what happened.Her sight was obscured by redness.She wiped her eyes on her hand.Hiei jumped when he heard Lizzie.
"No!!No,Li-"He had tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Don't try!I heard what you said!This is over since you think I'm a b-b-botch!"She turned and left.She sat down on a couch on the other side of the large room.Her face was buried in her hands.She wasn't crying though.She was laughing.It was hysterics.Hiei came out into the larger room and walked slowly towards Lizzie.She looked up at Hiei once he drew level with her.Her face was tear stained and had blood marks on her cheeks from the blood tears.
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
Backwards in time(thanks to TV magic)to when Hiei was in the dark room alone........((Hiei's POV))
I went out to the larger room.It was too crowded for my liking,so I went in to another,smaller,darker room.I felt tears streaming down my face.I leaned on the wall next to the window.I was angry at myself.I didn't know why.I was angry,scared,tired,lonely,all my emotions were flowing out of me.My mind was on one thing,my Lizzie.I wanted her here with me now.
"Damn it.I hate my f---ing life.Damn......"I almost fell to the floor from the window ledge.My eyes were aching.The sound of Lizzie's voice was going through my head.
"Damn!Damn!!DAMN!!B----!Such a b----!!I can't take it anymore!Shsss!A f---ing little b----!"I heard the door open.
"Is that what you think I am?"I jumped and turned.Lizzie was standing there withe tears streaming down her face."A freaking little botch?"She began to cry tears of blood.She wiped her eyed on her hand.
"No!!No,Li-"Tears were still streaming down my face.
"Don't try!I heard what you said!This is over since you think I'm a b-b-botch!"She turned around and left the room angrily.I sighed at my absetmindedness.I stood up and walked quietly out of the room and stood in the doorway.I looked around until I saw Lizzie at the other end of the larger room."I am a f---ing b----.Why did I say that loud earlier?Now she thinks I was talking about her."
I walked over to her,quietly and slowly.I heard her laughing.She must have been hysterical or had been pretending to be mad.I drew level with her and she looked up at me.Her face was stained from the blood tears.I rested my hand on her shoulder,but she pulled away.
"Leave me alone;you hate me anyway!"She began gasping for breath.
"No!No,I don't.Lizzie,I was talking about myself.I am a......nevermind.Lizzie,I still love you."I sat down next to her on the couch.She tried to get away from me,but I put my arms around her neck."Lizzie,I love you!I really,really do!I was talking about myself!Now I see that I was absolutely right.I am a botch."Tears were running down my face and onto her neck.I closed my eyes to try and stop the tears.Something grabbed my hand."I am a botch......I am....."
The grip on my hand tightened.I leaned my head on hers."Saoa........It is alright now.......I'm here...I'm here........."It was her hand on mine.I moved my head a bit on hers to show my gratitude((betterly know as nuzzled)).She squirmed a little and I felt her head on my shoulder."Hiei......Everything is alright now.....Everything is alright."I opened my eyes and looked at her.Her arms were aound my neck.I put my arms under her legs and on her waist and picked her up.
"Lizzie........"I felt myself smiling.She moved her head to leaned on my shoulder rather than over my heart.I took her back into the darker,smaller room.I sat down on the ground next to the window.I put Lizzie in my lap."Lizzie,I really love you."She moved her head a bit on my neck.((more commonly known as nuzzled))
"Hiei,I love you too."She squirmed out of my lap and sat next to me."You can always cry on my shoulder.I'll always be here for you."I leaned on her shoulder,and she put her arms around me."Kurama said that you needed some time alone.He said he thought it would be okay if I was with you,though."She kissed my head.
"He was right.It is okay that you are with me."I kissed her head,too.She gripped my hand.Our fingers laced together."Lizzie,I-....Thank you."
"For what?"She moved her head on my neck again.
"For being here for me and forgiving me."My tears were flowing down my cheeks.They ran onto her neck."You are the only one I feel completely safe around.There's just something want to ask you,but I don't know how to say it......."I reached my free hand into my pocket and fingered what was in it.
((Lizzie's POV))
"Hiei....You can tell me anything......You can ask me anything......You know that."He was fingering something in his pocket.I took my hand away from his and fiddled with my red dragon necklace."This reminds me alot of you,Saoa......"I snuggled up to him.
"What is 'Saoa'?A nickname?"I nodded."I like it."He kissed my forehead.My arms went around his shoulders.He was still crying about whatever he was crying about.He leaned his head on my shoulder.
"Saoa,what do you want to ask me?You can ask me anything."I tightened my grip around his shoulders.His face was soaked in tears,and his tears were running down my neck.He put his arms around my waist.It looked like we were dancing but weren't standing up."You know what?"
"What,Lizzie?"He nuzzled my neck gently.
I tried not to giggle.It tickled when he nuzzled my neck."You can slow dance.Your arms are just right.My arms are like we're dancing,too."I looked at him.He lifted his head off my shoulder and looked at me.
"Really?"I nodded.He smiled and stood up.Since my arms were around his neck,I was pulled up with him.We heard music playing on the speakers.
The radio was on.The song was 'If You're Not the One',my favorite song.I started mouthing the words and Hiei looked into my eyes like he was looking at the stars.He began to gently move around,dancing.He had learned to himself,either that or he was just doing what came to his mind,like what his instincts told him.He stareted to sing when the second verse was almost over.
"If you're not for me then why does distance maim my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?"Hiei lowered his hands so that they were just on top my hips.I shifted my arms so that they were gently touching his neck.He winced at first,but then he relaxed and lowered his hands a little more so that they were on my hips but his fingers weren't even near touching my.....you know,seat.
I leaned my head on Hiei's shoulder.He moved 1 of his hands upto my head.He took some of my hair in his hand in an affectionate way.I could tell why he was singing the part that said:'If you're not for me then why does distance main my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?'.For him,distance maims his life.Also,I think he wants to porpose to me......
His index finger touched my cheek gently.A chill was sent down my spine.His touch had felt just like I dreamt it would last night.A shifted my head to let his chin be resting my head.He had a necklace on.I figured it was the necklace with Yukina's tear on it.I bit the chain of his necklace.
"Lizzie,are you alright?"I nodded and nuzzled his neck gently,half hoping he would laugh."Are you sure?"I felt him looking at me concerned.I nodded again."I really want to ask you something......But I don't know how to....."
"Just think about it for I while.You can ask me whenever you're ready."I nuzzled his neck again.He was still crying silently and I wanted him to stop.I heard a chuckle and felt his body pull back a bit like trying to hide a laugh."Laugh if you want."The song on the radio changed to Eminem's 'Cleaning Out My Closet',the uncleaned version.I drew away from Hiei but kept my arms around his neck.
My arms slipped from around his neck and I went over to the window.His hands left my hips and he sighed.I leaned on the window and gazed out it at the beautiful garden.It was the size of a park and was used as a park.It was the only park in this area.There was one section of the park that I wasn't supposed to go to but did anyway.
Hiei came up behind me and put his arms around my neck.His head rested on my shoulder.I grabbed his right hand in mine and leaned my head on him.I wanted to go out to the secret rose garden,but knew Hiei wouldn't want to.My eyes wandered around the veiw from the window.It looked familiar,but I'd been everywhere in the gardens.Five yellow rose bushes were planted together in a form that made a star.My eyes widened when I realized why it looked familiar.
"The Secret Rose Garden......."The star was in the garden I wasn't allowed to go into but always did anyway."It's the Secret Rose Garden......The only place I feel safe in....."I hadn't meant to say that,but I did."The only garden....."That was a coever up,but it didn't work.
"Why don't we go out there,then?"He kissed my cheek.I shook my head."Why not,Lizzie?I thought you said it was the only place that you feel safe in?"He kissed my cheek again.I couldn't help but tell him the truth.
"You're right.It is the only place I feel safe in.No one is supposed to go there because it's where the wife of some government person from Japan.I don't know who......Frankly,I don't even know much about the Japanese government."I looked at him."Well,I really am not supposed to go in there.No one is supposed to go in there.I sneek in there.I feel like the spirit of the wife is there and surrounds me in greeting,in a motherly way......I just feel like my mother is there with me when I go in there."
He smiled at me."Then let us go out there.Even if we are not supposed to.We can go sit there so you can feel safe."He moved a little bit in an affectionate way.I felt myself smiling.He took that as a 'yes' and grabbed my hands."Then let us go!"He pulled me gently out of the room and out into the garden."How do we get to the rose garden?"
I went over to a wall of ivy,still letting him hold my hand."The entrance is under here."I lifted the ivy with my free hand.I went in and pulled Hiei in after me.I lowered the ivy and pulled him close to me so he wouldn't make a bump in the ivy.I looked at him,wondering if he could see me."The door's right here.Just let me unlock it."I pulled the key out of my pocket.It had a ribbon made of mercury.It had a spell cast on it so that it would stay in that shape.
"The light.....It's so beautiful.....Like you....."He looked at me.
The mercury ribbon emitted a silvery light that shone on our faces and a soft humming to my lullaby.I blushed and put the key in the lock.My other hand was still in his.I turned the key;pushed the door open;stepped silently inside,pulling Hiei in after me;and closed the door after removing the key from the lock.I put the key in the lock on this side and relocked the door.
"This place is darker than it looked."I grinned at Hiei's comment and pushed more ivy out of the way."Oh....I knew that."He was blushing now.I stepped from under the ivy and he followed.A soft misty voice spoke to us.
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Lizzie:Thought I'd end this chapter there.
Hiei:Was I correct?
Lizzie:Uhh.....*looks at the ceiling*
Kurama:Yes.She has done no research.
Lizzie:See ya!*runs away*
Hiei:Please read and review and have a nice day!*chases Lizzie with a pillow as his weapon*
Kurama:I worry about them.......
Rachel:*sarcastically*Sounds fun.Have you begun your research?
Lizzie:Hence:I have to start working on.No,I've not.
Hiei:I doubt if she will have done any research by the end of this chapter.*smirks*
Disclaimer:........What do you think?!I never have and never will!!!!
Yusuke:Thank hell!*runs away from Lizzie*
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on the balcony.........((Hiei's POV))
Lizzie was asleep in my lap and Yinaro was asleep in Kurama's.We were both in silent laughter.I twirled Lizzie's hair on my finger.It was so soft,but I wish she would leave it black.She ruined it by making it part blue.
"Have you decided yet,Hiei?"I looked up from Lizzie and saw Kurama staring at me.His eyes were flashing much as mine tend to do."Is that why you have been acting so odd lately?"
"I-......Yes......It is.....I can feel that I want to.But I am afraid to ask.She would never agree.I know she wouldn't."I felt myself shaking for some reason."I am not afraid.I am not frightened.I am terrified."My eyes began to water.I wiped them on the back of my hand.
"Well,what about Catilin's dance?Are you going to go?"He was changing the subject for me.I was grateful and tried to show it,but I was still terrified.
"Yes.I believe I will.But......"I felt myself blushing,something I was not accustomed to."Would you teach me as to dance?"This was a question I thought I would never have to ask someone,let alone want to.
"What?You want me to teach you how to dance?Well,I'm not much of one to dance,myself."My face must have shown discouragement."However,I will teach you the tad I know.I am sure that Rachel will lend a hand,as well."He smiled.I felt myself smiling.
"Thank you.I am in your eternal debt."I looked back down at Lizzie."I wish I were as brave as her.She is amazing."I touched her cheek with the back of my hand.She must have felt me because her head turned and she sighed contentedly in her sleep.
"You're not in my eternal debt.I just want to help.This way,you can show your affection for her.It's a simple good deed for a good friend."Kurama smiled and Yinaro turned over in his lap."You really love her.I could never take that away from you.I could never take her away from you."
Rachel came outside onto the balcony and closed the doors.She sat down between Kurama and I."Okay,Hiei,I know that you want to propose to my cousin."She was dressed in her normal clothes now and her hair was down to her elbows almost."You don't have to hide it.We all know.I bet that even Lizzie knows it.So,Kurama and I will teach you how to dance."She grinned."Soon to be cousin-in-law."
I felt myself blushing again."Thank you,Rachel.I will try to hide it less.I just......Nevermind......I think I may like to dance."I grinned a little and looked at her.She was grinning from ear to ear."You are wonderful.......,soon to be cousin-in-law."She and Kurama almost fell over in laughter.Yinaro was wakened by Kurama's laughing.
"What's so funny?What in the world did I miss?"She sat up and rubbed her eyes.She was still tired and it was easy to tell.She leaned on Kurama's shoulder.
"Nothing,Yin.Just something that Hiei said."Kurama smiled and looked at me.I was in great debt to him.
"What did Hiei say?Usually he doesn't say anything funny."
"I said that Yukina should become a nun.And I really fail to see the humour in that."Kurama and Rachel began to laugh again,but I do not know if they were really laughing or were just trying to cover for me.Yinaro laughed,too.
"What?Yukina become a nun?Get real!She's a perfect angel,already!"All of them were looking at me as I was crazy or insane.
"Hiei,I really think you ought let Yukina make decisions for herself."Kurama half smirked and then began whispering to Yinaro.I gave him a quizzical look.He nodded toward me,saying to open a mind-link.
~"What were you saying to her?"~
~"I was telling her that she shouldn't love me since she loves Kazuo."~
~"Perhaps Yinaro loves you and you only now."~
~"I love her,too.But she and Kazuo are going steady,I shouldn't interfer."~He looked up at me,his eyes shining with tears.
~"It is up to you as to what you are going to let happen.But keep in mind that she loves you."~
~"You don't know what going steady means,do you?"~
~"Hn."~I closed the mindlink.He smirked at me.I felt something leaning on my shoulder.I turned to see what it was.Lizzie.She had woken up.I stroked her head gently and she began to hum softly.Her violet eyes were wide open and looking up at me.
"Morning,Sleepy-Butt."It was Rachel talking to her cousin.Lizzie giggled."Okay,Cobra,something's up!You always tell me off when I call you 'Sleepy-Butt'.Why not today?"Lizzie squirmed a bit.
"Nothing can change the way I feel right now.Soy mucha mucha alegre.Mucha alegre."She looked up at me.Her eyes flashed like mine do.She had done something mischevious."Nothing can ever make me triste again."
"What do alegre and triste mean,Lizzie?"I laid my right hand on top of hers.
"Alegre means happy.Triste means sad."Lizzie squirmed again."I really love you,Hiei.You can ask me or tell me anything."Her eyes got the gleam that mine get often when I am thinking of something fun to do,at least fun to me.It would seem mischevious to others.
"You have an evil look about you,Lizzie.What did you do or hear?"Rachel and Yin were glaring at my Lizzie.I looked down at her.She blushed as red as a rose.
"Umm.....Nothing......I really didn't do anything."She looked away from the girls and at me.I had to look away.I heard Kurama whispering to Yinaro again.I didn't open a mind-link this time,though.
"Cobra,what's up?Please tell us!Or,if you don't want some of us to hear,then we can leave and you can tell just those who you want to."Rachel stood up and went over to the door.I heard her rather than saw her.I felt Lizzie tense.
"No,you're one of the 2 people I want to tell.You and Kurama."She squirmed again and I realized that she was almost sitting in my lap."I'll tell you later."Yinaro stood up and I tried to,but Lizzie was gripping onto my arm.
"I'll go,Lizzie.Yinaro and I will leave so that you may tell Rachel and Kurama."She nodded and let go of my arm.Yinaro and I left back into the house and let them talk.
((Author's POV))
Lizzie watched as Hiei closed the doors to the hallway.She looked at Kurama and Rachel,both of whom were looking at her uncertainly.
"What did you want to tell us,Lizzie?"Kurama scooted over to Lizzie and touched her cheek gently,as a brother might.
"Well,I wasn't really asleep earlier.I was half awake,listening.I heard what my Saoa((say-oh-uh)) said.About going to Catilin's dance.I really think it's sweet of him,but he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to!You have to tell him that for me.He would be damn angry at me if he found out that I was pretending to be asleep."She blushed.Rachel blinked unsurely.
"What?What's a saoa?"She blinked again.
"It's my special word for Hiei.I call him Saoa."She blushed even deeper.Her eyes began to 'bleed'((she began to cry tears of blood)).Kurama pulled her close to him in an effort to comfort her.Lizzie didn't refuse,it reminded her of her Saoa.What they didn't know was that Hiei had been passing the windowed doors when that happened.He froze and stared like Hell had come to earth.
"Shhh........Lizzie........It's okay.......It's okay......."He didn't know why she was crying but wanted to comfort her all the same."Lizzie......What's wrong?You can tell us......"Lizzie gasped for breath then wiped her eyes on her hand.
"I can feel Hiei's pain.He's hurting.I know it's because of me.It has to be.I know Hiei's hurting horribly.I want to stop it,but I know that that will only make him hurt worse."She snuggled closer to Kurama.She couldn't help but cry.
"Lizzie......It's okay....Hiei's okay.....It's not your fault.....Shh......"He stroked her head like Hiei always did.It helped her to calm down a little.She stopped gasping for breath."See......It's okay.....Hiei is just fine.....He's just in a bit of shock......"He put his head on Lizzie's.
"Kurama!Stop!She's Hiei's,remember?"Rachel was trying in vain to get Kurama off of Lizzie."Kurama!Get off Lizzie!"Kurama heard her and moved away slightly,but Lizzie moved closer to him.He felt like a brother to her.
"Lizzie,you need to remember Hiei.Why are you clinging onto me?"He patted her back.
"I remember Hiei.My Saoa could never be replaced.You're like a brother to me,Kurama.You really are."She pulled away from him a little and looked at him.Hiei was still watching from the windowed doors.He was aghast.He shook his head then went off down the hall.
"Heya,guys!C'mon!We all know that Kurama and I promised to help Hiei learn to dance."Rachel stood up and so did Kurama.They grinned down at Lizzie and she stood up as well.They went inside and Rachel and Kurama went to find Hiei.Lizzie went downstairs to help Catilin or Auntie Christian.
Hiei was in the wreck room,staring out the window.It was a full length window,so he was just sitting in front of it.He was crying,but wouldn't let anyone else know it.Kurama went over to him and stood behind him.Rachel came up behind the two of them and sat down behind and slightly to the left of Hiei.
"Hiei,ya still want us to teach you how to dance?"Rachel put her hand on his left shoulder,gently.He gasped for a breath then pulled away from Rachel's touch."S'wrong,Hiei?You can tell us."
"Yes,Hiei.Please,tell us what's bothering you."Kurama kneeled down beside the 2 of them."We will keep it confidental."Hiei curled up into a little ball on the floor by the window.
"Why don't you go talk to Lizzie?!I'm sure she'll listen!"He couldn't believe what he had seen.Kurama and Rachel turned to look at each other.The same thing was running throught their minds.'He knows!'
"Hiei,I wasn't!I swear!Lizzie was upset and I was just trying to comfort her!Like you do!Like a brother would!That's what she said to me!She said that I was like a brother to her!"Kurama was talking super-duper fast."I swear!I wasn't trying to invade!"Hiei moved away from his friend.
"I don't believe you!You seemed to be liking it!"Rachel put her hand on Hiei's shoulder again.Hiei didn't move.He remained motionless.Rachel spun Hiei around a little and kissed his cheek.
"Hiei,calm down.Ask Lizzie.She'll tell you the truth.You know she will.She still loves you.And we will still teach you how to dance!"She stood up and pulled Hiei up.Kurama stood up and went over to the doorway.He checked to make sure no one was coming,then closed and locked the door.
"I believe you.I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."Hiei put his right hand over the bandanna that covered his 3rd eye.He quickly moved it away and leaned against the wall,waiting for insrutction."So.......What kind of dance are you going to teach me?"
"Well......We should teach at least the basic 4 types of dance."At the quizical looks on Hiei and Kurama's faces,she rolled her eyes."Norm,fast,break,and slow!Normal dancing,fast dancng,break dancing,and slow dancing."
Kurama smiled."I don't think he needs to know how to break dance.The others,he will need to know.I can dance normally and I can slow dance.I don't know the other.Let's begin."He grabbed Hiei's arm and Rachel came out to stand in front of him."When you dance normally,you just listen to the music for a moment,then move to the beat."
"It's the easiest form of dance.Everyone dances differently."Rachel turned on her stereo and Avril Lavigne's 'Sk8er Boi' was playing."Listen to the music......feel it move through you......let it flow out of you......"Rachel began to dance to the music,mainly moving just her feet and her arms."Try,Hiei.You won't know if you can until you try."
Hiei slowly started to dance to it.He kept glancing at Kurama to see what he was doing.Kurama was just dancng over to the side and would give an encouraging smile when Hiei looked at him.Hiei loosened up a little and was dancing almost exactly like Rachel."This is simple."He half grinned.
Rachel turned to a different song.This one was Michelle Branche's 'Are You Happy Now?'.Rachel began dancing faster and she was twisting her body rather than moving her arms and feet.Hiei looked at Kurama to see what he was doing.He was snickering,waiting to see what Hiei did.Hiei just stared at Rachel uncertainly.
He slowly began to dance like Rachel was.He looked silly at first,then he looked like he danced everyday of his life.Rachel and Kurama were wde-eyed.Rachel spoke first."Hiei?Are you sure you've never danced before?You look like a pro!"
"Yes,Hiei.You're amazing."Hiei stopped dancng and shrugged."You're going to be able to do this easily."
"Hey!You need to teach him the pelvic thrust!That's hilarious!"Rachel was grinning.Kurama shook his head and backed away."Alright!I'll teach him."
"No,Hiei doesn't need to know that.I think he'll get along fine without it."He grinned too.Rachel turned the song to a new one.It was really slow.It was Backstreet Boy's 'Show Me the Meanng of Being Lonely'.Rachel raised her eyebrows at Hiei.He just backed away a little.
"Hiei,if you want to learn to slow dance then you have to dance with me.Or do you want us to get Lizzie in here so that you may learn to slow dance with her?"Hiei blushed.He nodded unsurely.Rachel sighed and Kurama snickered."Okay,I'll go get the Striking Cobra."She left the room and returned a few minutes later with Lizzie.
"Lizzie!What are you-?"Hiei got cut short by a hug given to him by Lizzie.She drew away from him and waited for Rachel to start the song over.When she did,Lizzie moved closer to Hiei."No!Lizzie-I....."Hiei drew back from Lizzie.He looked up her than ran out the door at un-human speed.
"What did I do?"Lizzie looked at Kurama."Should I have waited for hm to come closer to me?"Kurama sighed and put his arms around Lizzie's neck.
"No,I just don't think we should have let you come in here.He probably got the jitters is all."He laid his head on Lizzie's.He felt like an older brother right now.Kumane cam in,covered in green stringy things.Lizzie and Rachel fell over in laughter.
"Kumane!!What happened to you?"Lizzie managed to say this through gasps for breath and laughs.
"2 words:Silly String."He pulled some out of his hair."I used to think it was funny.Now I think it's a pain.Catilin's looking for me to put some in my ears."He started pulling some off of his clothes."I think she wanted me to be a decoration for her school's 'Welcome to Middle School' summer party."He picked off another peice of silly string."Why was Hiei so upset?And what was he upset about?He ran out of here like a fire had started."
Lizzie looked uncomfortable."Well.....I think it's my fault.Rachel and Kurama were teaching him how to dance.When they were teaching him how to slow dance,he got uncomfortable so they brought me in here to help teach hm.I guess I shouldn't have come.I'll go find him."Lizzie got up and left.She closed the door behind her.
'Where could you have gone,Saoa?Where are you?'
~"I'm on the balcony,Lizzie."~Lizzie jumped when she heard Hiei's voice in her head like that.~"I'm sorry that I ran like that.I just......"~Lizzie heard him sigh in her head.She felt sorry for him.
~"Was uncomfortable?I understand.I was too.Believe it or not,I'm super shy."~Lizzie went over to the windowed doors to the balcony.She didn't go out,but stood there watching Hiei.He was leaning against the wall for support.
~"You know me well,Lizzie.Yes,I was uncomfortable.But you didn't seem so.How can you be shy?You seem so out there."~He slid down the wall and put his head on top of his folded knees.
~"Hiei,I just love you.You don't have to go to Catilin's dance if you don't want to.I know that you don't like being around people.It's fine if you don't want to."~
~"Are you sure?You wouldn't mind if I didn't go to the dance?"~Hiei had a bit of anxiousness in his voice.
~"I'm sure.Besides,being able to dance wouldn't make much a difference.Rachel and Kurama didn't know that it was a skate dance."~She opened the door and took a step outside onto the balcony.
"Lizzie,are you positive?"Hiei still had his head on his knees.
"Absolutely,Hiei.I would never make you do something that you don't want to do."Lizzie sat down next to him.She leaned on his shoulder.Hiei gently stroked her head.They were both silent for a minute.Then they heard some music from the door.It was 'If You're Not the One',one of Lizzie's favorite songs.She started to hum the tune.
Hiei put his hand on hers.He hummed the melody as well.He eventually started to sing a little of it."If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?"
Lizzie began to sing as well."If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?"She laced her fingers with Hiei's."If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all?..............If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?"Lizzie snuggled closer to Hiei.He kissed her forehead and laid his head on hers.
"Lizzie,why do you squirm so much?Are you uncomfortable?"Lizzie snuggled closer to him again.
"No.I'm not squirming."She kissed his neck gently."It's a way of showing affection."She suddenly pulled away from Hiei and clutched her upper-right arm."No!Not again!"She fell over on to her back and her eyes closed.She had fainted for some bizarre reason.
"Lizzie?!Lizzie!!"Hiei knelt down beside her and tried to wake her up.Tears were streaming down his eyes.Wolf ears began to come out of Lizzie's head and her hair began to turn mercury-silver.A tail was growing as well.Her eyes opened and they were forest green.She sat up and was still clutching her right arm.
"Where am I?"She look around then her eyes fell on Hiei.They moved from his eyes to his bandanna."Are you a Jaganshi?Is that why you have a bandanna tied around your forehead?"Hiei nodded at this odd question."Nea-OW!"She almost fell over again and was clutching her arm painfully.Blood was visible on her arm and hand.
"Here,let me help you."Hiei untied his bandanna quickly and held it out to put around her arm.She didn't move her hand."Please,move your hand and I will tie this around your arm.It will help for now."She did as she was told and there was a deep gash down her upper arm.It went from almost her shoulder to her elbow.Hiei wrapped his bandanna around it quickly and tightly.
"Thank you."She supported herself on her good arm.She looked pale."I think I just need to lie down."She leaned onto Hiei.He put his arms around her gently."I really don't feel well.What is your name,by the way?"
"Hiei.Right now,that doesn't matter.You need some help."He stood up and picked her up.She was really light.She moaned and clutched her arm again."Don't clutch it like that.You'll only injure it more."She did as she was told.Hiei opened the door and went inside.He heard Kurama in the wreck room still so he went there.
"Hiei?Who's your friend?"Rachel grinned at him.Kurama turned around and saw that the girl Hiei was carrying was injured badly.
"What happened to her?"Kurama took her from Hiei's arms and put her down on the couch.She moaned when Kurama touched her.Hiei went over to the couch and sat next to it.
"I don't know.I'm not even sure who she is.One minute,Lizzie was leaning on my shoulder.The next,she was on the ground clutching her arm and she was undergoing some sort of metamorphosis."He touched the girl's head gently.She moaned a little."She didn't know where she was or who I was."
Kurama unwrapped Hiei's bandanna from the girl's arm and inspected the gash.He frowned at it."This is really bad.She needs medical help as soon as possible.Let's get her to a hospital,now."Hiei,Rachel,and Kumane(now free of silly string) nodded and they got her and got ready to go to the hospital.They got there fast.The girl was as pale as paper,moaning every few minutes,and she was squirming alot.They took her to the ER.A doctor was standing there like he had known they were coming.
"What happened to her?"He looked from the girl to Kurama.
"We do not know,sir.We just found her like this."
"I'll take her back here,"he indicated a different room,"And you stay here and fill this out."He handed Kurama a clipboard with a few peices of paper on it.Kurama nodded and handed the girl to the doctor.Kumane had taken the clipboard.They watched them go back into the room then went over to some chairs and sat down.Kumane scanned the clipboard.
"Umm.....Do we know what her name is?"The other either shrugged or shook their head."How about a-Wait!She had ears!Wolf ears!And a tail!The doctor wasn't suspicious."
Rachel eyes went from side to side."Maybe he thought that's what happened to her.Like some sort of genetic mutation."Hiei was turning pale and shook his head."Shrimp,what's wrong?"
"Rachel......What was your father's profession?"He turned his head to Rachel.
"Uhh.......He was an ER doctor......Why?"Rachel cocked her head to the side out of curiousity.
"That man.......My Jagan's tells me that he is related to 3 people who came here.....2 of whom are here right now.....1 of whom is with him......."He looked over his shoulder at the door the doctor had disappeared through with the girl."I believe that that was your father....."
"Wah!!"Rachel fell out of her chair and everyone in the room was staring at her.She quietly got back up in her chair,blushing."How could that be my dad?Dad died when Catilin was only a year or so old.He died in a car wreck just outside the city."
"Well,he's back.Kumane,do you have anything to do with this?"Kumane pretended he hadn't heard.Hiei got agitated."Kumane!"
"Kay,maybe I do........Maybe I don't......I don't really remember....."Kumane sighed in apology."We really need to figure out who this girl is.Maybe she's the Youkai form of my sister."Rachel was snapped out of her trance.
"Yeah,maybe......I mean,she can't be the real Lizzie.It has to be the Youkai form of her."She fiddled with a pencil she was holding in her hand.Kurama nodded and kicked the back of Hiei's leg playfully.
"What,Kurama?"He stared out the window that was next to them all,but he wasn't sitting in it.Kurama kicked Hiei's leg playfully again."What?"Kurama playfully kicked Hiei's leg again."What?!"
"What are you thinking about?Normally you would have cut me a look the first time."Hiei curled up into a ball on the chair.He was thinking about Lizzie.
"I.......I am worried......"He stood up and went over to the window.He sat down on the ledge.
"Worried?Amazing.I didn't think the Great Hiei ever got worried."Kurama was just trying to lighten the mood,but it wasn't working.
"Cazador......"He spun around."That's who she is!Her name is Cazador!She's Riyo's decendant."His eyes were flashing.The flicked to the door the doctor had disappeared through.He ran,at human speed,towards the door.The others followed him,trying to drag him away.
"Hiei,wait out here."Hiei broke free from them and opened the door.The doctor was looking for something in a drawer on the other side of the room.The girl was laying on the table breathing heavily and moaning.
"Cazador?"Hiei stepped into the room.The girl stopped moaning and looked towards Hiei.She smiled painfully."I was right.It is you,Cazador.You're Riyo's decendant."He went over to the bed-thingy she was laying on.He took her right hand in his hands."Rest.Don't use energy if you don't need to."She nodded and fell asleep.
"She should be just fine when the medicine kicks in."The doctor had closed the door.He smiled gently at them.Hiei glared at him and Kurama kept a firm grip on Hiei's shoulder.Hiei spoke to him in a woukd-be-calm sort of voice.
"What will the medicine do to her?Stop the 'mutations'?They aren't mutations!They-"Kurama tightened his grip.
"I know that those aren't mutations.I know that they are parts of her real self.I know that she is a demon."He smiled.His brown eyes flashed like Rachel's always did.
Kumane stepped forward."Uhh.....Herman Capontee?"
"Yes?"
"Uncle Herman!"Kumane tackled the doctor."It's you!"Rachel grinned and tackled the doctor as well.He broke free of them with an indignant look on his face."It is you,right?Herman Capontee?"The doctor gave a soft smile.
" 'Course it's me!C'mere and give me a hug!"Rachel and Kumane tackled him again.CAzador stirred on the bed-thing.She sat up and rubbed her head with her left hand.
"S'with the noise?"She yawned and stretched her arms.Her hair slowly turned deep brown and her ears and tail grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared.When she opened her eyes,they were violet."Hey,guys!Where are we.....?"She looked around for a minute."ER room?"
"Hey,Isa!"She looked at the doctor.
"Uncle Herman?!"She tackled him,too.Kurama chuckled and let go of Hiei's shoulder.
~"What in the hell is so funny,Kitsune?"~
~"Just you.You're thunder-stricken."~
~"No,I'm not.I am glad she has her uncle back.I am glad she is back."~
~"Are you still going to the dance?"~
~"She said it was something called a skate dance......What is that?"~
~"That is where you dance while skating.I could teach you if you like."~Hiei looked at Kurama then left the room quietly.Kurama watched him.Lizzie had gotten off her uncle.
"What's wrong with my Saoa?Was it something I did?"She looked at Kurama.
"No,he's just got to clear his head and let his emotions out.It's been so long since he last let his emotions out they're probably ready to burst."He turned to Lizzie."We probably just need to leave him alone for a while."Lizzie nodded.
"Okay,I'll leave Hiei alone......"She took her hair down from the ponytail she had fixed it in after church and re-fixed it into 3 ponytails,1 on the top of her head,1 on the right side,and 1 on the left.Kurama smiled gently.
"No,I said WE should leave him alone.I never said anything about you.You're probably the only one he wants to see."Kurama kneeled next to Lizzie."Go after him.He needs a shoulder to cry on.He needs arms to lock around him.He needs his girl to be there."He smiled.Lizzie nodded,stood up and went out into the other room and scanned it for Hiei.
Hiei was in a room on the other side of the building.From what Lizzie could see of the room,it was dark,had a window just the size for Hiei to love,and it was rather small and cozy.Lizzie headed off towards the room Hiei was in.She stopped just outside it because she heard something that made her heart stop.It was Hiei that was saying it.
"Damn!Damn!!DAMN!!B----!Such a b----!!I can't take it anymore!Shsss a f---ing little b----!"Lizzie opened the door,tears streaming down her eyes and her heart feeling crushed.
"Is that what you think I am?A freaking little botch?"She wouldn't say the words he had said no matter what happened.Her sight was obscured by redness.She wiped her eyes on her hand.Hiei jumped when he heard Lizzie.
"No!!No,Li-"He had tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Don't try!I heard what you said!This is over since you think I'm a b-b-botch!"She turned and left.She sat down on a couch on the other side of the large room.Her face was buried in her hands.She wasn't crying though.She was laughing.It was hysterics.Hiei came out into the larger room and walked slowly towards Lizzie.She looked up at Hiei once he drew level with her.Her face was tear stained and had blood marks on her cheeks from the blood tears.
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
Backwards in time(thanks to TV magic)to when Hiei was in the dark room alone........((Hiei's POV))
I went out to the larger room.It was too crowded for my liking,so I went in to another,smaller,darker room.I felt tears streaming down my face.I leaned on the wall next to the window.I was angry at myself.I didn't know why.I was angry,scared,tired,lonely,all my emotions were flowing out of me.My mind was on one thing,my Lizzie.I wanted her here with me now.
"Damn it.I hate my f---ing life.Damn......"I almost fell to the floor from the window ledge.My eyes were aching.The sound of Lizzie's voice was going through my head.
"Damn!Damn!!DAMN!!B----!Such a b----!!I can't take it anymore!Shsss!A f---ing little b----!"I heard the door open.
"Is that what you think I am?"I jumped and turned.Lizzie was standing there withe tears streaming down her face."A freaking little botch?"She began to cry tears of blood.She wiped her eyed on her hand.
"No!!No,Li-"Tears were still streaming down my face.
"Don't try!I heard what you said!This is over since you think I'm a b-b-botch!"She turned around and left the room angrily.I sighed at my absetmindedness.I stood up and walked quietly out of the room and stood in the doorway.I looked around until I saw Lizzie at the other end of the larger room."I am a f---ing b----.Why did I say that loud earlier?Now she thinks I was talking about her."
I walked over to her,quietly and slowly.I heard her laughing.She must have been hysterical or had been pretending to be mad.I drew level with her and she looked up at me.Her face was stained from the blood tears.I rested my hand on her shoulder,but she pulled away.
"Leave me alone;you hate me anyway!"She began gasping for breath.
"No!No,I don't.Lizzie,I was talking about myself.I am a......nevermind.Lizzie,I still love you."I sat down next to her on the couch.She tried to get away from me,but I put my arms around her neck."Lizzie,I love you!I really,really do!I was talking about myself!Now I see that I was absolutely right.I am a botch."Tears were running down my face and onto her neck.I closed my eyes to try and stop the tears.Something grabbed my hand."I am a botch......I am....."
The grip on my hand tightened.I leaned my head on hers."Saoa........It is alright now.......I'm here...I'm here........."It was her hand on mine.I moved my head a bit on hers to show my gratitude((betterly know as nuzzled)).She squirmed a little and I felt her head on my shoulder."Hiei......Everything is alright now.....Everything is alright."I opened my eyes and looked at her.Her arms were aound my neck.I put my arms under her legs and on her waist and picked her up.
"Lizzie........"I felt myself smiling.She moved her head to leaned on my shoulder rather than over my heart.I took her back into the darker,smaller room.I sat down on the ground next to the window.I put Lizzie in my lap."Lizzie,I really love you."She moved her head a bit on my neck.((more commonly known as nuzzled))
"Hiei,I love you too."She squirmed out of my lap and sat next to me."You can always cry on my shoulder.I'll always be here for you."I leaned on her shoulder,and she put her arms around me."Kurama said that you needed some time alone.He said he thought it would be okay if I was with you,though."She kissed my head.
"He was right.It is okay that you are with me."I kissed her head,too.She gripped my hand.Our fingers laced together."Lizzie,I-....Thank you."
"For what?"She moved her head on my neck again.
"For being here for me and forgiving me."My tears were flowing down my cheeks.They ran onto her neck."You are the only one I feel completely safe around.There's just something want to ask you,but I don't know how to say it......."I reached my free hand into my pocket and fingered what was in it.
((Lizzie's POV))
"Hiei....You can tell me anything......You can ask me anything......You know that."He was fingering something in his pocket.I took my hand away from his and fiddled with my red dragon necklace."This reminds me alot of you,Saoa......"I snuggled up to him.
"What is 'Saoa'?A nickname?"I nodded."I like it."He kissed my forehead.My arms went around his shoulders.He was still crying about whatever he was crying about.He leaned his head on my shoulder.
"Saoa,what do you want to ask me?You can ask me anything."I tightened my grip around his shoulders.His face was soaked in tears,and his tears were running down my neck.He put his arms around my waist.It looked like we were dancing but weren't standing up."You know what?"
"What,Lizzie?"He nuzzled my neck gently.
I tried not to giggle.It tickled when he nuzzled my neck."You can slow dance.Your arms are just right.My arms are like we're dancing,too."I looked at him.He lifted his head off my shoulder and looked at me.
"Really?"I nodded.He smiled and stood up.Since my arms were around his neck,I was pulled up with him.We heard music playing on the speakers.
The radio was on.The song was 'If You're Not the One',my favorite song.I started mouthing the words and Hiei looked into my eyes like he was looking at the stars.He began to gently move around,dancing.He had learned to himself,either that or he was just doing what came to his mind,like what his instincts told him.He stareted to sing when the second verse was almost over.
"If you're not for me then why does distance maim my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?"Hiei lowered his hands so that they were just on top my hips.I shifted my arms so that they were gently touching his neck.He winced at first,but then he relaxed and lowered his hands a little more so that they were on my hips but his fingers weren't even near touching my.....you know,seat.
I leaned my head on Hiei's shoulder.He moved 1 of his hands upto my head.He took some of my hair in his hand in an affectionate way.I could tell why he was singing the part that said:'If you're not for me then why does distance main my life?If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?'.For him,distance maims his life.Also,I think he wants to porpose to me......
His index finger touched my cheek gently.A chill was sent down my spine.His touch had felt just like I dreamt it would last night.A shifted my head to let his chin be resting my head.He had a necklace on.I figured it was the necklace with Yukina's tear on it.I bit the chain of his necklace.
"Lizzie,are you alright?"I nodded and nuzzled his neck gently,half hoping he would laugh."Are you sure?"I felt him looking at me concerned.I nodded again."I really want to ask you something......But I don't know how to....."
"Just think about it for I while.You can ask me whenever you're ready."I nuzzled his neck again.He was still crying silently and I wanted him to stop.I heard a chuckle and felt his body pull back a bit like trying to hide a laugh."Laugh if you want."The song on the radio changed to Eminem's 'Cleaning Out My Closet',the uncleaned version.I drew away from Hiei but kept my arms around his neck.
My arms slipped from around his neck and I went over to the window.His hands left my hips and he sighed.I leaned on the window and gazed out it at the beautiful garden.It was the size of a park and was used as a park.It was the only park in this area.There was one section of the park that I wasn't supposed to go to but did anyway.
Hiei came up behind me and put his arms around my neck.His head rested on my shoulder.I grabbed his right hand in mine and leaned my head on him.I wanted to go out to the secret rose garden,but knew Hiei wouldn't want to.My eyes wandered around the veiw from the window.It looked familiar,but I'd been everywhere in the gardens.Five yellow rose bushes were planted together in a form that made a star.My eyes widened when I realized why it looked familiar.
"The Secret Rose Garden......."The star was in the garden I wasn't allowed to go into but always did anyway."It's the Secret Rose Garden......The only place I feel safe in....."I hadn't meant to say that,but I did."The only garden....."That was a coever up,but it didn't work.
"Why don't we go out there,then?"He kissed my cheek.I shook my head."Why not,Lizzie?I thought you said it was the only place that you feel safe in?"He kissed my cheek again.I couldn't help but tell him the truth.
"You're right.It is the only place I feel safe in.No one is supposed to go there because it's where the wife of some government person from Japan.I don't know who......Frankly,I don't even know much about the Japanese government."I looked at him."Well,I really am not supposed to go in there.No one is supposed to go in there.I sneek in there.I feel like the spirit of the wife is there and surrounds me in greeting,in a motherly way......I just feel like my mother is there with me when I go in there."
He smiled at me."Then let us go out there.Even if we are not supposed to.We can go sit there so you can feel safe."He moved a little bit in an affectionate way.I felt myself smiling.He took that as a 'yes' and grabbed my hands."Then let us go!"He pulled me gently out of the room and out into the garden."How do we get to the rose garden?"
I went over to a wall of ivy,still letting him hold my hand."The entrance is under here."I lifted the ivy with my free hand.I went in and pulled Hiei in after me.I lowered the ivy and pulled him close to me so he wouldn't make a bump in the ivy.I looked at him,wondering if he could see me."The door's right here.Just let me unlock it."I pulled the key out of my pocket.It had a ribbon made of mercury.It had a spell cast on it so that it would stay in that shape.
"The light.....It's so beautiful.....Like you....."He looked at me.
The mercury ribbon emitted a silvery light that shone on our faces and a soft humming to my lullaby.I blushed and put the key in the lock.My other hand was still in his.I turned the key;pushed the door open;stepped silently inside,pulling Hiei in after me;and closed the door after removing the key from the lock.I put the key in the lock on this side and relocked the door.
"This place is darker than it looked."I grinned at Hiei's comment and pushed more ivy out of the way."Oh....I knew that."He was blushing now.I stepped from under the ivy and he followed.A soft misty voice spoke to us.
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Lizzie:Thought I'd end this chapter there.
Hiei:Was I correct?
Lizzie:Uhh.....*looks at the ceiling*
Kurama:Yes.She has done no research.
Lizzie:See ya!*runs away*
Hiei:Please read and review and have a nice day!*chases Lizzie with a pillow as his weapon*
Kurama:I worry about them.......