Charms
"You idiot!" Yusuke thumped a knuckle on Eiri-san's head. Owie! The author frowned and held her head. "Stop mopin' and get writin'! What's your problem anyway?" Yusuke shouted. Eiri-san's lower lip started to tremble and her eyes began to tear. But...but Hiei won't let me see my reviews! WAAAHHHHHHHH! "That's it?!" The rebelious teen growled, shaking his fist angrily.
Chapter 35
"Kurama!" The fire demon called his name, fighting the same curling vine plant he was hacking at before Daiki kissed the red head.
"Hiei..." The fox demon felt his face become warm as he remembered what just happened. //Hiei...you'll forgive me won't you? I never meant to betray you.//
"Shuichi?" A labored breath called his name. "My chest hurts." Blue eyes, half lidded, looked at the red head. He was clutching his shirt with one hand and bracing himself against the floor with the other. It seemed difficult for the teen to even sit up.
"Daiki!" the fox demon helped the strawberry blond to stand up. "What happened, are you alright?"
"My heart..." the strawberry blond clenched his teeth. "Where," he had to take an extra breath, "Where is she?" The blue eyed teen had to keep an arm around Kurama to keep from collapsing.
"What's wrong?" Kurama knew he wouldn't be asking for no reason.
"Miku." The blue eyed teen managed through the pain. "Something's wrong...I have to find her."
"We have more important things to worry about here!" Genkai wasted another plant with a blast of energy. The foundations of the temple were being threatened as the walls started to shake.
"I can feel it..." The red head was surprised by the clarity of his paranormal 'vision.' It was as if his chains were broken and mask unfettered. He felt the familiar power he had called his own, as a fox in the demon world.
The demon inside Daiki had become disturbed by someone or something possibly more powerful. Like a vengeful spirit, struck out as a kind of defense mechanism, to protect himself. The original assault started a chain reaction catalyzed by the passing of soul energy. It was like a flood gate had been opened, fueling the growth of these troublesome flora.
"Daiki, you have to calm down." Kurama reasoned.
"Miku needs me."
"We'll help her, I promise. But I need you, right now, to calm down and stop your attack."
"A, attack?" Daiki didn't seem to have any idea what was going on.
"You feel them don't you? The plants, the energy? You've got to let them go. Calm down."
"Plants?" He sucked a breath in through his teeth and held his head.
"You do feel it." The red head confirmed. "Don't let go of that feeling. You have the power to stop them. You must stop them. And to do that, just let your chi close. Let your power come back to you."
"My power...I don't understand." he was frustrated. "I'm not doing anything. I've got to...I have to find Miku."
"You can't help her like this. Pouring your energy out like this can drain you to the point of unconsciousness and beyond. Do you want to die?" The red head forced him to realize what he was doing. The boy gasped and blue eyes grew wide. They writhed and snapped, but the plants had stopped growing.
"I don't," he shook his strawberry hair, "I don't want to die."
"That's it." Green eyes looked over the room. The chaos was nearly over. "Just calm down."
"Shuichi." Daiki's voice was pained as his hand tightened around Kurama's shoulder. "My chest hurts." The boy began to tremble. "I'm scared."
"Daiki..." Of course he's scared. He's had to watch all of his close family suffer and ultimately die because of heart problems. The question was now, why is Hikari-san suffering? What happened to the protection the demon heart gave him?
"Everyone!" Kurama announced. "Enough!"
The red head felt the energy from his companion dwindle and fade away. The fox demon would handle the rest. Some of the supports were already damaged and repairs would be inevitable. For now though the very plants that destroyed them could be used to strengthen what was left. A few minor exertions of power and the building was stable...maybe not eye pleasing however.
"Thank goodness that's over." Kuwabara sat down hard.
"You're tellin' me." Yusuke wrapped an arm around Keiko. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She hugged him.
The others organized themselves after the chaos. Genkai ordered Yusuke and the others around to fix or break things as needed. Meanwhile, Kurama took Daiki away under the pretext of having him lay down and get some rest. The fox demon couldn't forget how ardently the teen needed to find Miku. If something is wrong...he has to help some how.
"Where are you going?" Hiei stopped Kurama at the gates of the temple.
"I have to help him," Kurama's green eyes looked over his shoulder. "I'm the only one who can." Daiki was still having trouble. The red head was concerned with his health, to travel under such conditions but...Something has to be done.
Saying that, a moment ago, reminded the fox of what the hunter had said. {"You are the only one..."} Wait just a minute! The demon heart that was given to Daiki...Was it possible that it's the son of his master? The demon's features were very similar delicate, sharp and fair. If that's true then what was he doing at the Hazama home ten years ago? What was Hiei doing there?
Why is this family so touched by demons and not even realize it...? Or was that true? This inheritance that Daiki is supposed to claim, taking over the as head of the family...Could the current head of the family know something? It had to be a possibility at least.
The pace was slow and the others didn't seem to be following them through the forests that would take them to the Hazama main house. A short cut he discovered during all the frantic running around. //It's best this way. They should have never gotten involved in the first place. I'm sorry everyone.//
The strawberry blond was getting heavier, not really, just not walking much anymore. His head was nodding, he must have spent a great deal of energy with that whole little shop of horrors bit. It was cold but with this warm body next to him, it wasn't so bad. He made sure to wear his shoes but neglected bringing his jacket. //What would mother say?// Kurama smiled to himself wondering how she was doing.
"Please stop following me." The red head stopped and leaned his strawberry blond friend against a tree. Kurama turned around to confront his pursuer.
"You must be joking." Hiei dropped out of a tree, dying leaves scattered to the frosty ground. "I know where you're going and unlike those simpletons this concerns me too."
"Maybe you're right." The red head backed up against Daiki and pulled him onto his back. The strawberry blond had finally passed out.
"What happened to you anyway?" Hiei's small hand pointed at the blood and open shirt.
"I was touched by a dream." Kurama would leave it at that. It really couldn't be called cheating anyway...could it? He'd have to consider that a bit longer before confessing to anything. The fox demon began his slow moving journey again.
"A dream huh?" Red eyes didn't look satisfied as they walked side by side.
"You said you have something to do with this." Kurama did want to know and this was a perfect opportunity because he brought it up first. "You were there, weren't you? Ten years ago, I mean."
"No." The fired demon lied.
"I saw you, in the vision. You were there."
"Then..." Hiei blinked in surprised. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Is it any of my business, what you did?"
"Well," the brunet chose his words carefully, "not back then. No."
"How about now?" Green eyes looked only at his path and yet he knew how expressive they could be to those who really know him. That's why he would close them sometimes, for no other reason.
"What about now?" the fire demon asked, not sure what he meant.
"How about you tell me where you were a few nights ago?" //Which night was that?// So many things had happened he was forgetting exactly which day or night was which. "The night before I saw you at Genkia's temple, when you knew...you knew Daiki's soul was taken from him."
"He's got it back now." Hiei dismissed it. "What's the difference?"
"This is only a part." Kurama explained. "I don't know how it all works yet, but I had a piece of his soul and I gave it back."
"How did you...?"
"Can I explain that later?" Kurama felt a sweat drop, wondering exactly how many hours of explanation that would take. First of all he'd have to outline the details of how it worked. Then he'd have to make Hiei understand that he never meant to kiss Daiki in the first place. It gave him a headache just thinking about it.
"Fine." The fire demon would let him off for today it would seem. "I'll make sure you do." he warned.
"Fine." Kurama nodded, grateful his love wasn't forceful all of the time. They cleared the tree line and tracked through a back alley between some old houses.
"So?" Hiei broke the silence.
"What?" Kurama carefully stepped around a flower that had managed to live through the falling snow.
"You're not mad?" The fire demon walked past it not taking any careful consideration for the pale bulb.
"About what?"
"Everything!" The brunet growled at Kurama's casual nature.
"Oh that..." He would have shrugged if not for the heavy teen on his back. "Not really. I trust you had your reasons for doing what you did. And frankly, that's the kind of relationship I want with you."
"Huh?" the red eyed demon paused before walking away.
"I want you to be able to tell me everything, at you own pace." Green eyes told his love, a small smile colored his lips. He was getting tired but the urgency that Daiki had imparted expressed no time for rest.
"I'm still following you, no matter what." The fire demon must have thought this was some ploy to detour him.
"Paranoid aren't we?"
"Then..." Hiei considered something. "When are you going to tell me everything you know?"
"What do you want to know?" The red head looked down the cross street. //Turn left or...left, yes.// "Ask me anything." he offered.
"It's not that easy." The fire demon balled his fists.
"What's wrong no questions?" Kurama could sense his frustration. He had obviously thought that the red head would be as distant and secretive as he was.
"I have questions!" Hiei let a growl creep into his voice.
"Alright then, shot." //Okay, this is the convenient store so three more blocks and turn right at the coffee shop. Then seven blocks down and we're there.//
"Okay then." the fire demon's voice sounded challenging. "Why did you kiss Daiki?"
"He needed a piece of his soul back." he responded simply.
"Fine." The red eyed demon knew the details would have to come later. "Then why did you kiss me?"
"Because I love you." Was an even simpler response. Hiei's grilling was easier than he thought. The red head took a few steps before he realized his companion was not next to him. Green eyes looked back to see the demon had stopped, his eyes looking at the ground. "What's wrong? Aren't you coming?"
"I'll meet you there." The brunet almost mumbled before he disappeared.
"Okay."
"You idiot!" Yusuke thumped a knuckle on Eiri-san's head. Owie! The author frowned and held her head. "Stop mopin' and get writin'! What's your problem anyway?" Yusuke shouted. Eiri-san's lower lip started to tremble and her eyes began to tear. But...but Hiei won't let me see my reviews! WAAAHHHHHHHH! "That's it?!" The rebelious teen growled, shaking his fist angrily.
Chapter 35
"Kurama!" The fire demon called his name, fighting the same curling vine plant he was hacking at before Daiki kissed the red head.
"Hiei..." The fox demon felt his face become warm as he remembered what just happened. //Hiei...you'll forgive me won't you? I never meant to betray you.//
"Shuichi?" A labored breath called his name. "My chest hurts." Blue eyes, half lidded, looked at the red head. He was clutching his shirt with one hand and bracing himself against the floor with the other. It seemed difficult for the teen to even sit up.
"Daiki!" the fox demon helped the strawberry blond to stand up. "What happened, are you alright?"
"My heart..." the strawberry blond clenched his teeth. "Where," he had to take an extra breath, "Where is she?" The blue eyed teen had to keep an arm around Kurama to keep from collapsing.
"What's wrong?" Kurama knew he wouldn't be asking for no reason.
"Miku." The blue eyed teen managed through the pain. "Something's wrong...I have to find her."
"We have more important things to worry about here!" Genkai wasted another plant with a blast of energy. The foundations of the temple were being threatened as the walls started to shake.
"I can feel it..." The red head was surprised by the clarity of his paranormal 'vision.' It was as if his chains were broken and mask unfettered. He felt the familiar power he had called his own, as a fox in the demon world.
The demon inside Daiki had become disturbed by someone or something possibly more powerful. Like a vengeful spirit, struck out as a kind of defense mechanism, to protect himself. The original assault started a chain reaction catalyzed by the passing of soul energy. It was like a flood gate had been opened, fueling the growth of these troublesome flora.
"Daiki, you have to calm down." Kurama reasoned.
"Miku needs me."
"We'll help her, I promise. But I need you, right now, to calm down and stop your attack."
"A, attack?" Daiki didn't seem to have any idea what was going on.
"You feel them don't you? The plants, the energy? You've got to let them go. Calm down."
"Plants?" He sucked a breath in through his teeth and held his head.
"You do feel it." The red head confirmed. "Don't let go of that feeling. You have the power to stop them. You must stop them. And to do that, just let your chi close. Let your power come back to you."
"My power...I don't understand." he was frustrated. "I'm not doing anything. I've got to...I have to find Miku."
"You can't help her like this. Pouring your energy out like this can drain you to the point of unconsciousness and beyond. Do you want to die?" The red head forced him to realize what he was doing. The boy gasped and blue eyes grew wide. They writhed and snapped, but the plants had stopped growing.
"I don't," he shook his strawberry hair, "I don't want to die."
"That's it." Green eyes looked over the room. The chaos was nearly over. "Just calm down."
"Shuichi." Daiki's voice was pained as his hand tightened around Kurama's shoulder. "My chest hurts." The boy began to tremble. "I'm scared."
"Daiki..." Of course he's scared. He's had to watch all of his close family suffer and ultimately die because of heart problems. The question was now, why is Hikari-san suffering? What happened to the protection the demon heart gave him?
"Everyone!" Kurama announced. "Enough!"
The red head felt the energy from his companion dwindle and fade away. The fox demon would handle the rest. Some of the supports were already damaged and repairs would be inevitable. For now though the very plants that destroyed them could be used to strengthen what was left. A few minor exertions of power and the building was stable...maybe not eye pleasing however.
"Thank goodness that's over." Kuwabara sat down hard.
"You're tellin' me." Yusuke wrapped an arm around Keiko. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She hugged him.
The others organized themselves after the chaos. Genkai ordered Yusuke and the others around to fix or break things as needed. Meanwhile, Kurama took Daiki away under the pretext of having him lay down and get some rest. The fox demon couldn't forget how ardently the teen needed to find Miku. If something is wrong...he has to help some how.
"Where are you going?" Hiei stopped Kurama at the gates of the temple.
"I have to help him," Kurama's green eyes looked over his shoulder. "I'm the only one who can." Daiki was still having trouble. The red head was concerned with his health, to travel under such conditions but...Something has to be done.
Saying that, a moment ago, reminded the fox of what the hunter had said. {"You are the only one..."} Wait just a minute! The demon heart that was given to Daiki...Was it possible that it's the son of his master? The demon's features were very similar delicate, sharp and fair. If that's true then what was he doing at the Hazama home ten years ago? What was Hiei doing there?
Why is this family so touched by demons and not even realize it...? Or was that true? This inheritance that Daiki is supposed to claim, taking over the as head of the family...Could the current head of the family know something? It had to be a possibility at least.
The pace was slow and the others didn't seem to be following them through the forests that would take them to the Hazama main house. A short cut he discovered during all the frantic running around. //It's best this way. They should have never gotten involved in the first place. I'm sorry everyone.//
The strawberry blond was getting heavier, not really, just not walking much anymore. His head was nodding, he must have spent a great deal of energy with that whole little shop of horrors bit. It was cold but with this warm body next to him, it wasn't so bad. He made sure to wear his shoes but neglected bringing his jacket. //What would mother say?// Kurama smiled to himself wondering how she was doing.
"Please stop following me." The red head stopped and leaned his strawberry blond friend against a tree. Kurama turned around to confront his pursuer.
"You must be joking." Hiei dropped out of a tree, dying leaves scattered to the frosty ground. "I know where you're going and unlike those simpletons this concerns me too."
"Maybe you're right." The red head backed up against Daiki and pulled him onto his back. The strawberry blond had finally passed out.
"What happened to you anyway?" Hiei's small hand pointed at the blood and open shirt.
"I was touched by a dream." Kurama would leave it at that. It really couldn't be called cheating anyway...could it? He'd have to consider that a bit longer before confessing to anything. The fox demon began his slow moving journey again.
"A dream huh?" Red eyes didn't look satisfied as they walked side by side.
"You said you have something to do with this." Kurama did want to know and this was a perfect opportunity because he brought it up first. "You were there, weren't you? Ten years ago, I mean."
"No." The fired demon lied.
"I saw you, in the vision. You were there."
"Then..." Hiei blinked in surprised. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Is it any of my business, what you did?"
"Well," the brunet chose his words carefully, "not back then. No."
"How about now?" Green eyes looked only at his path and yet he knew how expressive they could be to those who really know him. That's why he would close them sometimes, for no other reason.
"What about now?" the fire demon asked, not sure what he meant.
"How about you tell me where you were a few nights ago?" //Which night was that?// So many things had happened he was forgetting exactly which day or night was which. "The night before I saw you at Genkia's temple, when you knew...you knew Daiki's soul was taken from him."
"He's got it back now." Hiei dismissed it. "What's the difference?"
"This is only a part." Kurama explained. "I don't know how it all works yet, but I had a piece of his soul and I gave it back."
"How did you...?"
"Can I explain that later?" Kurama felt a sweat drop, wondering exactly how many hours of explanation that would take. First of all he'd have to outline the details of how it worked. Then he'd have to make Hiei understand that he never meant to kiss Daiki in the first place. It gave him a headache just thinking about it.
"Fine." The fire demon would let him off for today it would seem. "I'll make sure you do." he warned.
"Fine." Kurama nodded, grateful his love wasn't forceful all of the time. They cleared the tree line and tracked through a back alley between some old houses.
"So?" Hiei broke the silence.
"What?" Kurama carefully stepped around a flower that had managed to live through the falling snow.
"You're not mad?" The fire demon walked past it not taking any careful consideration for the pale bulb.
"About what?"
"Everything!" The brunet growled at Kurama's casual nature.
"Oh that..." He would have shrugged if not for the heavy teen on his back. "Not really. I trust you had your reasons for doing what you did. And frankly, that's the kind of relationship I want with you."
"Huh?" the red eyed demon paused before walking away.
"I want you to be able to tell me everything, at you own pace." Green eyes told his love, a small smile colored his lips. He was getting tired but the urgency that Daiki had imparted expressed no time for rest.
"I'm still following you, no matter what." The fire demon must have thought this was some ploy to detour him.
"Paranoid aren't we?"
"Then..." Hiei considered something. "When are you going to tell me everything you know?"
"What do you want to know?" The red head looked down the cross street. //Turn left or...left, yes.// "Ask me anything." he offered.
"It's not that easy." The fire demon balled his fists.
"What's wrong no questions?" Kurama could sense his frustration. He had obviously thought that the red head would be as distant and secretive as he was.
"I have questions!" Hiei let a growl creep into his voice.
"Alright then, shot." //Okay, this is the convenient store so three more blocks and turn right at the coffee shop. Then seven blocks down and we're there.//
"Okay then." the fire demon's voice sounded challenging. "Why did you kiss Daiki?"
"He needed a piece of his soul back." he responded simply.
"Fine." The red eyed demon knew the details would have to come later. "Then why did you kiss me?"
"Because I love you." Was an even simpler response. Hiei's grilling was easier than he thought. The red head took a few steps before he realized his companion was not next to him. Green eyes looked back to see the demon had stopped, his eyes looking at the ground. "What's wrong? Aren't you coming?"
"I'll meet you there." The brunet almost mumbled before he disappeared.
"Okay."