Well, here's another chapter straight from my beta reader. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: None of the charaters, nor the world(s) they live in belong to me, but their respective owners. The exceptions to this are Sorako, Ayashige, and Sahirah. Also, the plotline is mine, so don't steal.
Chapter 9
Pain.
He cracked open his bleary sapphire eyes and was greeted by the same angel he thought he'd imagined right before falling into oblivion. Guess it was real then.
She smiled softly, her silvery white hair cascading around her. "You're finally awake. That's good," She turned, placing the damp cloth she held in the water basin. "I was worried you might not."
He blinked. Trying to sit up, his body screamed in pain, and he fell back. "Where am I?" He groaned, rubbing his head. Dammit, I feel like hell.
"My home," She placed a firm yet gentle hand on his chest. "You mustn't move. Your wounds are deep and could still be the death of you." She whispered.
"Why'd you save me?" He murmured, his head suddenly beginning to pound. He closed his eyes, trying to block it out.
She sighed softly causing him to open his eyes and look at her. "It is not in my nature to watch any living creature die . . . especially in such a way," She leaned over him, checking his injuries. He was thankful for such a beautiful distraction from pain. "I'm sorry, but I was unable to fully heal you."
"What?" He hadn't actually been listening.
She turned to him, brows furrowed slightly. "I said I was unable to heal you fully."
"You . . . . you can heal?" He was confused. He'd never run across someone who could before.
A slight blush erupted across her pallid cheeks. "Ah, yes. I am known for that." She smiled, a warm, all-encompassing tingle began to form in his gut.
"You thieves are more trouble than you're worth," She whispered, unwinding his older bandages caked in dried blood. "Always getting into perilous situations and needing a nursemaid," She sighed dramatically. "Or perhaps I am just doomed to forever run across you."
What does she mean? "Who are you?" He asked huskily. She was a puzzling creature.
"Simply a healer." Brows furrowed in worry as she ran her fingertips across a particularly deep wound. This is troubling . . . .
"What is it?" He asked anxiously, wincing from her touch. The expression on her face was one he didn't like.
She didn't even look up from the wound. "I don't understand . . . you're healing so slowly. Perhaps, you were poisoned, and I did not detect it." She murmured, her smooth fingertips feathering across his swollen, aching flesh.
Her ministrations sent a shiver through him, which she immediately detected. "Oh, I'm sorry. Are you cold?" Her kind crimson eyes darted up to his, clearly filled with worry.
He sighed, head collapsing back to the floor, letting her finish bandaging the wound. The woman was too big a distraction for him. Never mind that she reminded him way too much of Kurama. "No, I'm fine."
"You look tired," She stated, putting away her things after finishing the last binding. "I'll leave you to rest now." She rose and turned to leave when a strong hand grasped her wrist. She turned back to her patient, startled.
"Stay." He murmured groggily, his eyes pleading. It looked as though he were already half asleep.
Nodding softly, she once again seated herself beside him. "Alright." She whispered.
Unwinding his palm from her wrist, she cradled the appendage in her own hoping to provide the injured thief what little comfort she could. He will have a difficult time . . . especially with that leg wound. It may never fully heal.
Turning to gaze out the moon-lit window, she let her mind drift. I wonder where Youko is, she mused, eyes saddening at the thought of the silver haired fox. She pushed it away, instead focusing on her new patient. He must think his friend is dead. How sad. She turned her gaze back to the slumbering man. He spoke so highly of you.
A loud noise crashed, bringing Sorako out of her tear-induced sleep. Rubbing her eyes tiredly, she blinked, searching the room. Last thing I remember was . . . . She blinked incredulously, the incident replaying in her mind. Hiei. He allowed me to hug him, and he hugged back. Her rather . . . intimate encounter with the kitsune from her dreams was temporarily forgotten.
She stopped, her eyes landing on another pair staring at her from the side of the bed. Those eyes, a strange sort of golden brown looked at her curiously, set in a handsome teenage male's face. She jumped, scooting away from the stranger, startled.
What is it with strange men startling me? She grumbled silently, watching the man as he jumped as well, surprised by her sudden movements. It was then she noticed the man had a pacifier in his mouth. She would have smiled, had she not been so unsettled.
"I'm not going to hurt you." The man said, trying his best to quell her fears.
The words she spoke tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them. Maybe she just felt she could trust this man. "That's what Youko said." She murmured, clutching the covers to her chest.
The young man's eyes widened marginally. "Did he hurt you?" He inquired, his voice carrying a tone of worriment Sorako didn't understand. He doesn't know me . . . why should he care?
"N-no." She stammered, blushing as she remembered his last kiss.
At the time, she'd been so frightened, nothing about the moment had registered other than an invasion of personal space. But now . . . now she remembered the way it felt, the emotion sent shivers through her body. Just as she had thought from her dream, he was a very passionate kisser. And lover I bet, She silently added, thinking back. Even though he wanted to, he didn't touch me. I told him no . . . and he stopped. She was shocked.
Koenma leaned toward her, gazing placidly at her face. "Are you ok?"
She turned back to him, and nearly screamed when she found he was inches from her face. Both fell back, Sorako hitting the wall, Koenma slamming down on his rear.
"Oh! Are you alright?" Sorako asked, staring down at the fallen male on the floor. I didn't mean to do that.
"I'm fine. Don't worry." Koenma stated, a small blush staining his cheeks. I can't believe I just did that! Trying to regain his lost air of composure, he stood, brushing the imaginary dust away.
"Are you sure?" She asked, reaching out and running her fingers down the fabric of his sleeves, double-checking his health. "I really didn't mean to startle you. I'm sorry." She continued, her tone strained with worry and . . . Nervousness? Koenma wondered silently.
"Please," He began, removing her hands and placing them in her lap. "I'm fine. Though," He rubbed the back of his head. "My pride may never recover."
That brought a small smile to the girl's lips as she settled back under the covers. After a few minutes of silence, she quietly asked his name.
"I am Koenma, Prince of Reikai." He stated, standing majestically before her.
Her eyes widened, head whipping over to him. "Reikai?" She exclaimed, but a long bout of violent coughing that shook her whole body silenced anything else she might have said. Instead, she fell forward, pawing her throat. I . . . Can't Breathe! She choked and sputtered, trying desperately to take in at least a little air.
Alarmed, Koenma bolted forward, leaning the small woman back, into his arms. When he saw her face, he gasped. She was pallid, deathly so. Panicking, he called out for Botan.
A moment later, the ferry girl was by his side, her eyes tracing worriedly over her friend's face. "What happened?!" She exclaimed, looking to her boss. Her cotton candy eyes began to glisten, tears filling them. First Kurama, now Sorako! What's happening?!
"I don't know!" Koenma explained, eyes frantic. "I told her who I was, and she started hacking her lungs out!" He watched the girl, anguish pulling at his every fiber of being. He hoped the small woman would be ok. Her life had been so terrible . . . he just wanted her to have some small bit of happiness.
Sorako moaned, her crimson orbs fluttering behind closed lids. So . . . much . . . PAIN! She griped the front of the Reikai prince's shirt for dear life, her blunt nails scratching down his chest. She wanted anything to make this pain go away.
It felt as if her soul were being ripped apart at the seams and lain out for all to see. She felt herself collapsing, her mind plunging into darkness. And like so many times before, she welcomed it. It was a relief from pain, and one she desperately needed. I don't want to hurt . . . anymore. I want to be happy . . . .
One word fell from her lips, barely a whisper. "Kuronue." Then, for her, the waking world was no more.
Happiness.
The feeling overtook her, latching hold and not letting go. Though she couldn't say she minded. It's been so long since I've felt this way . . . since I've been happy. Her mind wandered back to the time not so long ago when another thief had been harbored under her roof. She shook her head, banishing the thought of golden eyes and silver hair. He's gone, Sahirah, and he's not coming back. Don't think of him.
The look on her face, one of remembered sorrows, caught the attention of the current thief in her life, who was also the source of her present happiness. I wonder what's wrong? She suddenly seemed so sad . . . maybe I can cheer her up. Standing up as straight as he could, being as his leg was still severely injured, he began to softly hum a tune he knew she enjoyed, a goofy smile plastered on his face.
Crimson eyes turned, landing on the smirking visage of the dark headed demon. Crossing her arms, she frowned playfully. "What in the world are you smiling for?"
"Oh, nothing." He answered elusively. The silly grin was still plastered on his face. Her eyes traced down his frame innocently, lingering momentarily where they should not before she turned away blushing.
Ack! What is wrong with me? Why did I stare at . . . that?! Recovering herself, she turned back, eyeing him warily. What are you hiding? "You don't smile like that for nothing. Tell me." She said, leaning forward toward him. Her inquisitive face was inches from his, her subtle scent overwhelming him.
She smells just like lavender flowers, He thought, inhaling the heavenly fragrance.
His ultramarine orbs bore deeply into hers, crashing into her world. Every other thought was forgotten as he looked into her brilliant eyes, marveling that she felt so soothing. Reaching out, his hand brushed against her cheek, fingers tangling in her satin tresses. "Did I ever tell you I think you're beautiful?" He asked huskily, voice laced with poorly hidden lust.
Her eyes widened fearfully and she hastily back-stepped from him, her cheeks cherry-red. "I . . I . . . ." She stammered, not meeting his gaze. There was something about the way he'd looked at her, the tone of his voice, the spark in his eyes. It frightened her, made her shy away. His fingers slid from her hair, falling back to his side.
I . . . can't. Please don't do this. Not again. Memories of Youko invaded her mind, but again she pushed them away. This isn't the time . . . I have to forget him. He left, and Kuronue isn't him. They're not the same. She tried to convince herself but somehow couldn't believe it.
He frowned. That isn't what I expected. "Hey, don't get all shy on me. I was just giving you a compliment." He cooed, ensnaring her chin so she would look at him. She's so beautiful, blushing like that. "I didn't mean anything by it." His eyes softened, thumb stroking her delicate flesh.
It reminds me too much of Youko's lust, She wanted to say but decided not to complicate the situation any more. "I . . . I know. It's just . . . it makes me nervous." She admitted, her shining eyes locked fully with his. It was her way of showing she trusted him, and he was flattered. No one like her had ever trusted or even come near him. It felt nice to have such a change of pace.
He was glad to be with her. Smiling, he made a vow to never leave her alone. Not like Kurama did.
Youko whipped his head up, searching the surrounding trees. He had thought some time ago he was being tracked, but now he had no doubt. The spunky little fire apparition his human half befriended was lurking in the trees, following his every move. He could feel the demon's energy, even though it was masked.
Golden eyes still scanning, he darted into a deserted park, in need of water. I wonder what he's doing? He wondered, feeling the short demon's energy follow him. Stooping by a small stream, he drank his fill. His eyes slid closed, relishing the feel of the cool liquid as his mind wandered back to a time only a few hours past.
His brows furrowed, his expression puzzled. Why was she so frightened? Did she truly not remember me? When I felt her energy in the castle . . . I was so sure. And that other . . . could he truly- The thoughts were banished, however, when the jaganashi dropped from his perch, landing silently behind the kitsune.
"What to you think you're doing, fox?" He asked monotonously, his hand itching to grab his sword and run the demon through. How dare he touch her! His mind screamed, fingers twitching. Despite his greatest efforts emotions, including anger and disdain, flashed across his face.
Tail flicking irritatedly, his golden eyes slid over to the dark demon. "Why is my taking a drink any of your business?" He asked smoothly, a hint of challenge in his tone.
"Why did you touch her?" Hiei nearly growled, his fingers curling around the hilt of his sword, ready for a confrontation surely to come. He wouldn't let the fox get away with such an indignity. Never mind that the cunning kitsune had even formed a barrier around the room so Hiei couldn't come to the startled girl's rescue. He kept me out purposely. He knew I was there.
A growl sounded from the fox's throat as he nonchalantly stood to face his small challenger. He wiped the moisture from his lips, eyes never leaving the fire demon. "Why does it matter to you if I do? I've never known you to show such attachment to one that is none of your concern." One elegant brow rose, a smirk revealing sharp fangs playing on his face. "Tell me, Hiei . . . do you love the girl?" He drawled out the statement, his eyes watching knowingly.
Shock registered momentarily on the dark demon's face until he pushed it away. "I will not let you touch her again." He answered, ignoring the kitsune's question.
Yet, a voice in the back of his mind continued to whisper. Do you love the girl?
No, He growled, watching the fox like a hawk.
Then, why do you protect her so? It asked before fading away.
Youko smirked broadly, reading every subtle expression playing across Hiei's face. Ah, he doesn't realize . . . just how much she matters. "If you do not love her, why do you bother? You act as though I rutted with the girl." The fox stated, taking a step toward the emotionally troubled demon. Though, I would have, had she not forbade me.
Backing away slightly, the jaganashi frowned, stepping out of a battle stance. "Stay away from the girl, fox. I will not have you hurt her."
Youko frowned, falling into thought. His eyes closed as a heavy sigh escaped from his lips. "It is too late for that, I fear."
"What do you mean?!" Hiei snarled, nearly drawing his sword and striking the taller demon.
Youko turned, only his head still facing the fire apparition. "Perhaps you should ask her . . . about our past." His voice was mournful, almost regretting. Alright, Shuichi . . . I'm done. Then, before Hiei could blink, the fox was gone, replaced by his still unconscious red-headed counterpart.
"Kurama." Hiei murmured, hefting the larger human into his arms. Firming his grip on his precious cargo, he jetted back to Kurama's home, where Botan and the girl were waiting. What did that fox mean? Their past? Does she know him? He had no idea but was damned well going to find out.
"Where did that damn fox go?!" Yusuke grumbled, roaming the streets in search of the illusive demon. Not even any screams to follow . . . he must really be in hiding. Or on the run.
Turning the corner, he screeched to a halt when flash of inky darkness blinked by, heading in the direction of Kurama's home. Yusuke knew it could only be one person. "Hiei! Hey, Hiei! Wait up!" Yusuke yelled with a stupid smile on his face, arm outstretched. The fire demon stopped, impatiently waiting for the detective to catch up.
"I was wondering if you had seen . . . Kurama?!" The detective exclaimed, seeing the bundle heaped in Hiei's arms. "What the hell happened?"
"I'll explain it at the fox's home." The stoic reply came on the wind as its owner was already gone, leaving Yusuke to hurry back to Kurama's. All the while, he wondered exactly what was going on with everyone lately. Sheesh, it's been like a damn mad house ever since that girl appeared. He frowned, suddenly remembering he hadn't even met the girl. Wonder what she's like?
Taking a short detour, he turned down the street leading to Kuwabara's house. He figured the tall orange-top ought to be in on it cause he sure as hell knew he didn't want to explain it to the teen. I don't even understand half of it myself.
Knocking, or more like pounding actually, on Kuwabara's door, he bellowed out for his tall friend. "Hey, Kuwabara! Get out here!" Yusuke continued to pound, even when the door swung away from his fist, compliments of Shizuru, Kuwabara's older sister.
She was also more violent.
"He isn't here." She nearly growled, staring down the point of her nose at the detective. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Eh- heh, um could you tell me where he is?" Yusuke asked, backing away from her. Kuwabara's sister had always made him somewhat nervous . . . especially when she was angry.
She sighed, leaning against the doorframe, cigarette in hand. "Botan came by and got him a few minutes ago. They were heading over to Kurama's house." Then she slammed the door in his face. Clearly the conversation had ended.
Dashing away, Yusuke continued on his course to Kurama's, grumbling about violent older sisters and strange human girls all the way.
Botan sighed, dabbing the unconscious girl's brow worriedly. Oh my, what's happened to you now? She wondered, placing the cloth back in the water basin. Hearing the door behind her open, she turned to find Kuwabara standing there with several wrapped sandwiches.
"Hey," He murmured, walking toward her. "I thought you might be hungry so I fixed us something to eat." Setting the sandwiches down, he stopped. "Hope Kurama doesn't mind."
"Thank you, Kuwabara," Scratching her head, she continued. "I really don't think Kurama will. He isn't here to eat it."
"Yeah." He agreed, sitting on the edge of the bed beside the ferry girl. "I hope Urameshi was able to find him. Who knows what could happen if Youko's still on the loose." The large teen's brows furrowed, imagining all the terror the fox thief could cause.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry. If anyone can bring him down, it'll be Yusuke." She reassured, though she was somewhat doubtful. Well, Hiei's out there, too. But the way he made it sound . . . it was like he wanted to kill Kurama! She thought worriedly, bitting her fingernails. Oh, I don't know what I'd do if Hiei actually hurt him! I'd be so lost.
Sorako's advice echoed in her mind again. If you love him, tell him. Don't be a fool, like I was. Botan continued to worry her nails, wondering about the exact meaning. Something just isn't adding up here. Her eyes shifted to the slumbering girl. What secrets are you hiding?
"Botan? Hey, Botan?" Kuwabara asked, waving his hand in front of the oblivious deity's face. "Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, just thinking." She replied, her mind still wandering. Looking out the window, she noticed the sky had darkened. It looks like rain. Oh dear.
"About everything that's happened, right?" Kuwabara guessed, knowing he had been thinking about the same thing. But the way Botan's face had looked, the sadness he felt all around her . . . it seemed her thoughts were quite a bit deeper than his. I guess they didn't tell me everything or something. Maybe they're waiting on Urameshi to get here.
Both jumped when a crash of thunder rang out, rain beginning to tinkle outside. Botan stood, moving to close the window. "We can't have it raining in." Yet, just before she pushed the panes shut, a shadow blinked in, landing on the frame. Startled, Botan screamed, falling back into Kuwabara's arms as he clumsily tried to stand.
"Damn woman, stop." The shadow said, and a flash of lightening revealed it to be none other than Hiei. However, it was not the fire demon that interested Botan, but the person he carried.
"Oh! Kurama!" Botan cried, pushing away from her savior to dote over the fallen red-head. "What happened, Hiei? Why did he change back?" She asked urgently, meeting gazes with the jaganashi. With the help of Kuwabara, Botan laid Kurama beside Sorako in the bed. I hope she doesn't wake up and scream.
"It's what the fox wanted." He replied, taking off his drenched cape and hanging on the chair. Propping himself up against the wall, the demon lost himself in thought.
"Did you find out anything?" She asked hesitantly, wondering if Hiei would ever answer her. He rarely ever did.
Thoughtful crimson eyes rose, meeting her gaze. It was the first time she'd ever seen that level of emotion on the normally stoic fire apparition and she had to hold back a gasp. He's actually quite handsome . . . when you ignore the fact he's so blasted moody. Said apparition cut her a sharp look, but spoke nonetheless. "It seems that Youko knows the girl."
Botan's eyes widened, her mouth silently moving before she spoke. "B- but how is that possible? Sorako isn't that old!" She exclaimed, tossing her arms around. She huffed when no explanation was provided.
Kuwabara, who to that point had been quietly watching the exchange, found that moment appropriate to speak. "Hey, Botan," Both set of eyes turned toward him. "Did Sorako ever tell you her actual age or anything? I mean, aren't we just assuming she's not that old?"
Botan stopped, thinking about it. "Y'know," She began, her index finger resting against her chin. "Now that you mention it, Sorako really hasn't told us, well, anything about her life. She's been with us for so long, and we never even thought to ask her."
"Well, the idiot makes a valid point." Hiei stated, adding his two cents. Kuwabara started to retort, but Botan silenced him with a well placed kick to the shin. "It would be in our best interest to find out what we can when the girl awakens." His eyes darted over to the fallen girl and was startled to find one delicate arm draped over Kurama's chest while the other was tangled in his hair.
Hn, if only she knew a few short hours ago, she was cowering beneath the same man, He thought, his eyes turning toward the deity. "Has her condition changed?"
Botan sighed, sitting beside the two slumbering youths. "She's taken a turn for the worse, I'm afraid. She woke up not too long ago, but she couldn't breathe. She's been passed out ever since." Rubbing her forehead tiredly, she continued. "She called out a name before she fainted."
"What was it?" Kuwabara asked, interest lining his face. Clearly, Hiei wished to know as well, for he'd unconsciously started leaning toward the death deity.
"Kuronue." Botan whispered, turning her eyes back to the pair. She was surprised when both unconscious parties reacted to her slight utterance. Strange . . . .
"Hey," Kuwabara said, thinking. "Where have I heard that name before?"
Then, the door opened again, this time Yusuke walked in, drenching wet.
"Hey, Urameshi! What kept you so long?" The tall teen asked his friend, all thoughts of who Kuronue was banished for the moment.
Huffing and puffing, the detective sat down on his haunches. "In case you hadn't noticed, there's a storm outside!" He exclaimed, pushing dark hair out of his eyes. Brown orbs shifting over to the slip of shadow leaning against the wall, he spoke. "Ok, Hiei. What's the deal with Kurama?"
The slight demon sighed softly. "The fox retreated . . . leaving Kurama."
Yusuke nodded, then something seemed to dawn on him. "But where the hell was he all that time?! I never saw him once, and let's face it, a kitsune running around isn't something you see every damn day."
The fire demon swallowed, remembering the moment he saw the kitsune standing in the room with Sorako. And I couldn't do a damn thing. "He was here," The demon began, gesturing to the girl. "With her."
The Spirit Detective's eyes bugged, a stuttering cough spilling from his mouth. "What?! You left Sorako alone with Youko!?" He stared incredulously at the fire demon, who was looking incredibly guilty. Is he . . .? Blinking, the look was gone, so the detective just shook it off as being his imagination. Hiei would never.
"The damn fox put up a barrier. I couldn't get to the girl." Hiei explained grumpily, his mind replaying the incident over and over. I couldn't get to her. I couldn't protect her. Casting his gaze back over to the girl, he vowed never to allow that to happen again. Never again.
Yusuke's eyes softened, a worried expression crossing his face as he looked at the girl for the first time. She . . . she's beautiful, He thought, tracing over her slackened face. Oh . . . His eyes widened. Youko didn't! "What did he do to her?"
"Stop your needless worrying, Detective. He didn't hurt the girl, only startled her." Hiei replied, yet the normal detached air of his voice was no longer there.
"But why would he search her out? I don't get it." Yusuke murmured, scratching his head.
"That's easy, Urameshi. Youko knows her." Kuwabara chimed in, a bright smile on his face.
Turning back to the jaganashi, Hiei confirmed it. "Yes, it seems there is more to this girl than we first suspected. I, for one, plan to get some answers when she awakens." Hiei said, his eyes sliding shut momentarily.
Then, standing up straight, he blinked over to the window and casting another look at the two bed-ridden companions, he left. "Keep me informed." Was the last thing he said.
Blinking, Yusuke watched rain pour in from the now empty window. "Well, that was interesting."
Botan and Kuwabara could do nothing but agree.
A moment later, Yusuke's communicator sprang to live and when the detective answered, Koenma's face fizzed into focus. "Yusuke! Get over here NOW! And bring Kuwabara with you! Ayashige's on the move!" Then the screen was dead.
Turning back to the deity, he told her to watch out for Kurama and Sorako. Then, both teens were gone.
Oh dear, Botan thought, gently running her fingers through Kurama's hair. Please wake up, Kurama. I need to talk to you. Her cotton candy eyes gazed at his gentle face, silently wondering how he could have terrified the girl so. Even though Hiei never actually told us what happened, it must have been awful. I hope you'll both be alright . . . .
Well, there you have it. Another lovely chapter, if I do say so myself. anyway, hope you all enjoyed it, and please review! It always makes me so happy to hear from my readers.
Also, if you notice any mistakes (spelling, etc.) Please tell me. I noticed last chapter I had Koenma spelled Koeman or something of the sort. Oopsie!
Sessha's Crazy- Very glad none of my more, ahem, darker thoughts in this story bother you. And yes I understand the darker sides of the mind. Heaven knows I can very very very scary when I'm in that frame of mind. .:Shudders:. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the chapter! Hopefully, this one was just as, if not more, interesting.
Animegirl417- Oh, I'm so glad you liked Chapter 8 so well! To be honest, I think that one's my favorite as well. And I totally understood what you meant, and it's somethingI strive for. I try my very hardest to make sure the characters act as they should in accordance to the series. Though, I'm still a bit wobbly with Hiei. I find him, along with Kuwabara, the most difficult to write. Seems I always made Hiei too emotional while Kuwabara . . . I dunno. He just flat out hard to write. Anyway, I want to write this story in a way where it actually could mesh into the series and be believable, and hopefully I'm accomplishing that! But if a bit of dialogue or a character action seems off to you, tell me about it and I'll see if I can remedy it or explain why it's that way. And I'll continue to write as long as I have the story to tell! Hey, you never know, I might write a sequel/prequel after I'm done.