Light in the Shadow

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Disclaimer: I do not own Hiei, Yu Yu Hakusho or other related themes.

Warning: May have some disturbing images, adult language, and some [as in a little bit not like heavy] sexual content [sorta kinda like kissy kissy stuff] in later chapters. =D

Author: ‡ Mercury Mechanics ‡

Authors Note: I am sooo sooo sooo sorry it has taken so long for me to get my act together and write. begsdies I intend to end this tale of mine and lay to rest the story with a fitful ending. Have patience with, sessa, please. I've been going threw a lot lately and I've been trying to get myself striated out both mentally and with life. I made this chapter extra long with a hint of romance and blushing as well............::insert insanely girly giggle here:: hehehehe.........I only hope it's not to long ::sweatdrops::

Bunchies of Thanks to ALL my Reviewers!!

To my three wonderful Goddess reviewers: tears well in eyessniffle THANK YOU!! You guys rock! You are all to kind!! - Don't worry I plan to continue to write. - And thank you, Yumi, I would gladly take the name Goddess of the Rose. bowsbows

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Chapter 4 "Wound Binder"

Hiei awoke to an uncomfortable heavy weight on his chest. The scarlet orbs that were his eyes sleepily rolled open and he lazily glanced down towards his chest to come face to face with a large gray cat. He snarled and huffed as he tried to push the animal off him with his left hand. He jumped slightly when the huge gray cat hissed and arched its back, digging its nails into the cloth wraps about his chest. Hiei's mussels tensed as he yanked the cat off, ripping most of the bandages in the process. Glancing sideward with annoyance as the cat tried to wiggle out of his grasp he noticed that Kohana sat next to him in a rocking chair; her eyes were closed and her breath was even with slumber.

Tossing the cat onto the tile floor Hiei seemed to feel himself being pulled into a trance by the aura that glowed about the young demon and he began to take notice of the little things he hadn't before. Kohana's soft face was even more spectacular then he had first remembered. Her hair fell over her shoulders in rivers of silver curling delicately at the ends. Her long black eyelashes cloaked the crystal blue hue that her eyes so generously displayed and her rosy pink lips were slightly ajar, exposing a small pearly fang. Her delicately pointed ears were pierced at the cartilage with a dangling earpiece that clasped her ear lob. Then Hiei suddenly felt many odd emotions rush over his heart; he had never experienced such feelings before. He wondered what it would be like to touch her cool pale skin, smell her hair and hold her curvy body to his in an embrace...

Glancing away from Kohana as her head rolled sideward, Hiei watched from the corner of his eye as she sifted in her seat, causing her loosely tied nightgown to untie and expose the tops of her well-rounded breasts. Hiei couldn't help but steal a glace towards her and turn his eyes back upon her once again.

'If not for a minute...at least just a second,' he thought to himself with an alien feeling of uneasiness. Placing his hand over his heart he felt the mussel beating twice as fast as it should. Tearing his gaze from Kohana, he rolled onto his side, thinking over his own thoughts. 'She's nothing but a silly girl; she's weak and of no consequence...' he told himself in his head with pride. 'She has no affect on me...the only reason I'm even staying here is because it's convenient for me...'

Looking out the window he frowned. "Kohana is just a silly girl..." he thought aloud as he felt his heart beginning to slow. Sighing, he let his eyes fall half closed. 'Damned woman, she's so damn happy all the time...it's annoying.' He thought. 'She treats me as though I am a small child who cannot manage himself...I don't need her. I've never needed anyone...'

"I guess its better to be a silly girl than an odd boy who enjoys getting himself nearly killed every other day," a soft voice spoke from behind him.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw that Kohana now stood with her familiar broad smiling playing her face. She moved gracefully and sat down beside him, placing her hands in her lap. "Are you alright, Hiei?" she asked with concern. "Is there anything you need?"

"I'm fine," he growled in his usual tone as he looked away. "...but your damned cat ripped my bandages."

Smiling as she chuckled Kohana stood and, with a chipper tone, spoke kindly, "Hold on I'll get some new ones."

Watching as Kohana stood and walked away Hiei cast his eyes from her. He needed to leave as soon as possible. Gingerly reaching up he touched his nose; the broken bone had healed. As he let his finger tips trail off the tip of his nose and down over his lips thoughts and questions from the previous encounter with his purser drifted into his mind...

Scrunching his brow he thought back over that day and the words Kohana and Kano had exchanged. They had spoken to each other as though they knew each other. With a curious hum he played the words over in his mind.

"Kohana, you have to give up sometime," Kano had called, "It will be your death if you don't!"

Those words of his, what could they mean? Bringing the bruised knuckle of his right hand to his lips he stared at the wooden wall with thought. With a huff he shook his head; why should he care? Kohana was of no sufficient impact on him. She was giving him kindness that was not going to be returned; he could only hope that she understood that.

Suddenly as he felt a cool touch grasp his shoulder he snapped his hand up and grabbed the wrist of the person. As he sat up, Hiei pulled the person onto the bed and had a vice like grip around their throat in an instant. Hiei immediately realized that it was only Kohana and calmed himself.

"My goodness, you truly are paranoid, Hiei," Kohana said with a pain twisted face that was adorned with a veneer smile.

Releasing her throat and wrist Hiei sat back against the head board as he said, "You should have learned by now not to..." His words were cut short as a terrible burning sensation tore at his stomach. Drawing in a short breath Hiei looked down as he saw blood ooze from the wound on his abdomen and stain the remaining wrappings. With a growl his face twisted with displeasure and pain as he attempted to keep himself composed.

"Oh no," Kohana said worriedly as she stood off the bed and moved closer to him. "You've reopened your wound."

"Woman, I'm fine," Hiei said as he used his right hand to keep her from getting closer.

"No your not," Kohana retorted with a pouty frown as she enveloped his hand with her own and squeezed it gently. "Please, just let me look at your wound."

Hiei clenched his teeth and shot a sour glace towards Kohana. How pathetic... Hiei rolled his eyes and mumbled a quiet, "Fine..."

With a tired smile Kohana nodded and hummed as she sat down next to Hiei's thigh. Motioning for him to sit up, Hiei did as Kohana instructed and he rested his elbows on her shoulders as she unwrapped the bloody and ripped bandages from his chest. Working fervently as to quickly finish Kohana noticed several times that Hiei rested his head against her own out of weakness from loss of blood. Finally when she was finished unwrapping Kohana tossed the bloody pile of cloth to the floor and tenderly slid her fingertips down Hiei's toned stomach and over the stitched up wounds. All of the lacerations looked fine and the stitching were still in place but blood had leaked from them. The pain he felt must just of been the side- affect of him moving so quickly and abusing their very tender stage in the healing process.

"Well, Hiei," Kohana began as she wiped the warm blood from his stomach and chest with a cool cloth. "I believe, your going to be just fine. The stitches are still in place and your lacerations aren't infected. Which is a miracle considering the fact that the blades that were used against you were poisoned." With a fond smile Kohana lathered the lacerations in antiseptic gel to help from getting infected and patted his side as she said playfully, "You truly amaze me Hiei..."

Hiei reply was a little less then a mixture of a grunt and a huff.

This odd noise made Kohana laugh as she began to wrap Hiei's chest back up. Smiling she chuckled lightly as she skillfully moved her arms about Hiei's chest, binding the his wounds tightly and yet loosely so that he could breath. Her fingertips slid tenderly around on his warm flesh to guide her hands were her eyes could not see. As she finished up Kohana once again patted Hiei on the side and said,

"There, I'm all done. You're good as new."

"Hn." Hiei hummed as he let his arms slide off Kohana's shoulders and he sat himself up. The pain in his stomach was gone and he did indeed feel better. Looking away from the cool azure gaze that intently stared to him Hiei raised his arms above his head to stretch. He could feel the stiffness in his bones and the uncomfortable bunching of his mussels. He needed to get out.

"You know, I was thinking," Kohana began with a smile as she gathered up her medical things. "You've been laying down for some time, do you want to go on a walk or picnic or something?"

Looking up Hiei started down at Kohana with curiosity. That was just a little odd. He had thought it up and she proposed it; It was if she knew what he was thinking. With a small sigh Hiei placed his hand flat over his abdomen and said,

"Sure. Why not?"

Letting out a little, happy gasp Kohana stood from the floor and asked excitedly, "Really?"

Slowly looking sideward Hiei eyed the hopeful demon with suspicion. Her crystal azure eyes were glittering and her pale pink lips were turned up in a broad smile. Why was she so excited? It was just a walk... With a small nod Hiei watched as she let out a happy giggle and quickly began to rummage around the kitchen for things to bring on their picnic.

'She sure is an odd one...' Hiei thought as he scratched the back of his head.

Pulling out a basket Kohana smiled the entire time that she packed their lunch. It consisted of several different fruits and vegetables and some bread and cheese. As she set her finger at her lips she though of what else she could bring. "We'll get our water from the spring and I guess I could bring some dried meat," Kohana mumbled as she poked around at the things in her kitchen. As she placed the last things in the basket the light demon took no notice of the curious icy stare that had been watching her from the beginning.

Walking over to her large trunk of clothing Kohana produced the new clothes she had bought for Hiei, which looked exactly like his old ones and walked back to him. As she handed them to him she smiled and said, "Here, I made these for you. I know you probably can't tell a difference but they are made with a different type of fabric. I hope you enjoy them."

With a little nod Hiei reached out for the clothing and took them from Kohana. He watched as she smiled broadly and covered his hand with hers as she said, "I'll get dressed, and as soon as your ready we can go."

Nodding Hiei spoke as he sat up, "That's fine."

As Kohana walked off to change behind her curtain that wasn't far from the bed, he pushed off the covers and swung his legs over the edge. His strength had returned to him, at least for the most part, and he could move better than he once could. Unfolding the black clothing Kohana had purchased for him he pulled the shirt over his head and popped his arms threw the sleeves. As he slipped on the pants he stood out of bed as he did so. Fastening the belt of his pants with a small jerk, Hiei shifted around in his new clothing and wasn't at all disappointed. The fabric was more comfortable than his old outfit and he had noticed that she had salvaged his coat and white scarf. He was most pleased.

Looking up as a shy voice called Hiei listened as Kohana called from behind the curtain, "Are you dressed Hiei? May I come out now?"

"Yes, woman," Hiei murmured as he sat back down on the bed to reserve his energy. "Unless you called not having shoes on undressed you may come out."

Smiling as she walked out Kohana pushed back the changing curtain to reveal her attire. She was clothed in a white dress that had designs of blue dragons on it along with a beautiful red flower. The fabric of the gown bowled around her shoulders and opened wide at the end of the sleeves. She wore a blue obi and had her hair pulled up in a bun with a large red flower stuck in it accompanied by a thornless white rose and two black hair sticks. Two curled locks of hair had been left out to frame her face. When Hiei looked up to say the least he was dumb struck.

"Are you ready to do Hiei?" Kohana asked politely as he pulled on his boots that were sitting next to his bed.

"Uh," Hiei hummed as he tied his boots. "Almost, just allow me to finish."

Nodding Kohana walked to the door to wait for her company. With a smile on her lips the friendly demon of light reached out to Hiei as he stood from the bed. "I would be happy to link arms with you if you are feeling weak still, Hiei," Kohana said as a light blush covered her cheeks.

"No, I'm fine," Hiei grumbled as he kept his gaze from hers. Standing Hiei grabed his sword and began to limp towards the door. As he pulled on his coat he continued, "That won't be necessary."

Nodding Kohana watched as Hiei limped towards her, half dragging his left leg but managing on his own. At his sorry sight she felt a sympathetic emotion wash over her. His cold scarlet eyes held so much pain and sorrowful memories full of death and destruction. He had been most likely rejected from his family and hurtled into an unforgiving world surviving on his will to live and skill to hunt. That was only one of the many heartbreaking grounds on which his cold and rude exterior was born from.

Closing the door of her home with her ability to manipulate things Kohana walked close to Hiei incase he needed her support with walking. Though Kohana had no doubt that he'd be just fine without her, she could never be too careful. She just didn't want him loosing balance for falling and ripping his stitches. That would be an incredibly painful experience. Glancing towards him she smiled as he looked over at her, his chilled scarlet gaze fixed with confusion. Kohana did naught but smile broadly at him and look on as they walked.

The two spent several hours just walking over hills and threw little thickets of trees and little meadows were beautiful, majestic wildflowers bloomed in a multitude of hues. Though not many words were spoken between Kohana and Hiei there was a comfortable silence that expressed more than any words they could have exchanged. The thunderclouds above them and the beautiful and yet dark and mysterious wood that was about them seemed to take the living shape of their words and live out a life of its own. Expressing beautiful and leaving them in awe of what to say.

In the processes of getting to where the two were headed they had to go down a small stare like pathway and in the processes of things Kohana miscalculated her footing and slipped on the last two stone stares. She fell and was caught by none other than Hiei whom held onto her a little longer than expected. After regaining her footing Hiei helped her straiten herself out and asked if it was her that should be the one holding onto his arm to make up for their weakness.

Kohana just smiled and laughed as she blushed madly and nodded. Hiei rolled his eyes and continued on unsure of really were they was headed. All he was really certain of was that they were headed north, deeper into the wood that was shrouded with a cloak of mystery and an untold tale of sadness with in its very being.

Letting out a little yelp as she felt something cold land on her cheek Kohana stopped suddenly and lifted her hand to feel what it was. It was a raindrop, or so she thought. Looking up as Hiei turned around quickly and asked with curiosity,

"What's the matter?"

"Oh, uh, I think I just felt a rain drop," Kohana said as she felt yet another cold splash land on her hand. "Oh, I'm so sad." She pouted as she kissed the raindrop off her hand. "The rain is going to ruin our lovely walk."

Shaking his head Hiei said, "We'll need to find some shelter where we can wait the storm out." Looking about the land he scrunched his eyebrows and asked, "Do you know of anywhere around here we could stay?"

Scratching the side of her head as more cool droplets began to land on her exposed skin Kohana tapped her lower lip with thought. Humming she smiled and said, "Oh, I know." Reaching out and grasping Hiei's hand Kohana spoke excitedly, "I know a perfect place to wait out the storm...come with me."

The two demons made their way towards this place that Kohana had in mind as best to their abilities. Kohana being in a restrictive dress and Hiei being quite wounded the two moved slowly but eventually got there with no troubles save for the exceptional stumble here and there. The place Kohana had led him to was a large log type setting that was set up on some rocks above the river were the water would flow by during the store. It was high above the ground and had plush grass underneath to sit on. It was indeed the perfect place for them to build a fire, eat the lunch she had packed and most importantly stay dry.

Hiei and Kohana made their way underneath and settled down just as the rain began to pour down from the heavens like a holy terror. No thunder rumbled or lightening cracked, it's just rained; rained as if they were tears being cried from the eyes of angels. It was quite beautiful.

Looking sideward Kohana noticed that Hiei was poking around in the picnic basket. She smiled and placed her hand on his elbow. As he looked up she shook her finger at him like a mother might do to her child who got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar.

"You make the fire and I'll set out the food," Kohana said in a gentle tone as she took the basket from him.

Hiei huffed and rolled his eyes as he got up and wandered off under the yawning of roots that they had taken shelter under to search out anything that could be used for fire wood. Not seeing any he placed his hands on his hips and glanced about. If there was any wood good for fire, it would be of no use now due to the rain. Shaking his head Hiei strolled back to Kohana to find that she had set out the food and was already nibbling on a piece of fruit.

"Well there's no wood to make a fire," Hiei said as he came and sat down slowly next to Kohana. "And if there was any, it cannot be used now."

Nodding Kohana smiled shyly and asked in a quite tone, "So I guess, that means if you get cold you'll have to stay close to me."

Humming Hiei narrowed his gaze and said, "Most likely it will you be having to stay close to me to stay warm. I am not susceptible to the cold."

With a smile Kohana held out an apple like fruit and said, "Well, just so you know, I don't mind it either way." Looking down at the fruit she stroked her thumb over its ruby red skin and continued, "Eat up. You need your strength..."

Slowly reaching out Hiei took the red fruit into his hand and ran the pads of his fingers over it. 'She could have poisoned it...' Hiei thought as he stared down at it. 'Yet, what would be the point of her being so worried about my wounds and well being if she was just going to drug me...?'

He shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts and brought it to his lips and bit into it. The sweet juice sprayed into his mouth and coated his tongue with its sweet flavor. It was truly delicious. As he took another bite he looked sideward to Kohana, who was nibbling on a smaller looking, purple fruit. We watched as she popped them into her mouth and listened as he could hear the juice from inside them make a small pop noise when she bit into them.

'Why is she so nice to me...?' he thought as he looked down at the picnic basket. 'She's always smiling and happy...No one could possibly be like that for real...'

Glancing up Hiei found that Kohana was staring at him with her soft, sorrowful azure gaze. As she smiled at him she blushed lightly and went back to eating. "Eat as much as you like," Kohana spoke as she scooted the plate of fruit towards him. "I just hope I brought enough to fill your apatite."

The two sat quietly and ate the items Kohana had packed, saving a bit for later just incase it was still raining at dinner time. The air had become cool with the rain and the atmosphere itself seemed endowed with a comforting sleep. This affected the well being and emotions of Hiei and Kohana as they sat, leaning against the wall of the rooted awning they had taken shelter under. Hiei was the first to feel the potent weakness of the deep wood that seeped into his tired arms and legs, rendering them shaky and heavy. He had gotten his fill of walking and the only thing his body said he needed now was rest.

Looking sideward as his eyes fell half closed the sleepy demon shook his head to clear his hazy site as he spoke in a tired tone that held a hidden weight of sorrow, "Kohana...?"

Looking up at Hiei Kohana turned to him, her concerned gaze quickly taking in the site of his weakened state. He had said her name...! She quickly came to the conclusion that he must not be feeling well. "Yes, Hiei, are you alright?" she asked as she reached out to touch his shaking hand.

"M-may I borrow your lap?" Hiei asked in a quite tone as his head nodded with sleep that was inevitably going to sweep him into a sound slumber.

Blushing madly Kohana nodded and moved to were he could lie his head in her lap and be most comfortable. As she tried to smooth the fabric of her kimono she watched as Hiei reached out to her and grasped her hand. With a shake of his head Hiei motioned that she didn't have to worry about that but rather to just allow him rest. As he laid down, Hiei set his head in her lap and lightly squeezed the hand he still had caught in his firm grasp. Though he couldn't explain it Hiei felt almost comfortable in her arms, almost warm and welcomed... Allowing his eyes to fall closed Hiei let out a small sigh of pain and waited as sleep crept up in its shadow like state to claim him and pull him into the endless cold.

Just as he was about to be pulled into his blissful realm of endless dark and dreamless sleep he felt soft lips touch his forehead lightly and the hand he was holding weave its fingers threw his own.

Opening his hazed scarlet hued eyes only slightly, Hiei looked upwards to come nearly nose to nose with a very beautiful lady who was graciously gifting him with her lap to rest his throbbing head on. "Kohana..." Hiei whispered softly as he watched her blush deepen. "You bind my many wounds..."

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Wweeelll I hope you liked it! Please be looking out for chapter 5 coming out very soon and stay tuned till then!! Thanks for reading and please review! bows

‡ MercuryMechanics ‡