Finally, the second ending of Full Moon Rising is here! I don't really like Kuwa/H fics, but I didn't see many stories with this pairing, so I decided to try my hand at it. As I stated in the last update, this ending is two chapters long and non-slash fans need not read this. And in response to a question posed by a reviewer, Hiei does have clothes on when he resumes his usual form.
Chapter Six- Secret's Out
Kuwabara strolled along the park's path, enjoying the calm evening and using it to sort out his thoughts. Lately, he got some weird feelings whenever he's around Hiei. As much as he loved Yukina, there was something about the three-eyed demon that was attractive.
'Why am I thinking of Hiei that way? Sure, I respect him as a fighter and maybe a friend, but as a lover?' He shook his head. 'Even if I feel this way, there's no way I'm telling anyone about it.'
A howl ripped through the air, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Great. Just when he thought it was safe to go out a night, the wolf from Hiei's vision had to make itself known. His eyes strained to see the wolf in the darness, but to no avail.
'Maybe it's a demon wolf that's invisible until it attacks. If so, I'll just focus on it's spirit energy.' Kuwabara shut his eyes, using his supernatural abilities to seek out his opponent.
But even his abilities couldn't have prepared him for the sudden weight hitting his chest and knocking him on his back. Snapping open his eyes, he found himself staring into the slitted red eyes of a black wolf. The wolf's eyes slid down his face and focused on his throat. Sensing what was going to happen, Kuwabara threw his arm up in front of his throat a split secnd before the muzzle lanced forward.
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Kurama heard a loud scream not too far from his position. Hiei was quite fast in his wolf form and thus Kurama lost him. But, the scream that sounded told him where to find his friend.
Sprinting ahead, he rounded the edge of a bush and froze at the sight before him. Kuwabara laid on the ground with Hiei's jaws locked on his arm. Acting fast, Kurama rammed Hiei's side, forcing him to release his grip. Hiei ran off and Kurama resumed his human form before turning to Kuwabara.
The teen's arm was bleeding badly from the bite. But the bleeding wasn't the real concern. Hiei had just cursed Kuwabara as a werewolf as well!
"Kuwabara, I'm sorry."
"For what? You didn't attack me."
"No. I'm sorry that Hiei did."
"That was Hiei? No way!"
"Yes. His father had been bitten by a werewolf before Hiei was born and he passed the curse to him."
Kuwabara's body began to shake as the impact of Kurama's words sank in. "Y-you mean...I'm a werewolf now?"
"I'm afraid so. Your change won't come until tomorrow night, however."
"Isn't there a cure or something?"
"I'm afraid there isn't."
"Why would Hiei do this to me?"
"Hiei couldn't control his killing instincts and thus could not control himself. He meant to kill you, not curse you."
"Now what? I can't go home. I might kill my family!"
"Head for Genkai's. She'll help you. Tell her everything I told you. Tell Yusuke everything tomorrow morning and we'll all meet at the temple tomorrow afternoon."
"Right. Oh, and Kurama?"
"Yes?"
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"What is it?"
"I think I'm in love with Hiei."
"What brought that on?"
"I respect him as a fighter. I believe that respect grew to admiration."
"I see. Well, don't worry. I will not tell anyone else."
"Thanks. Now, go look for Hiei, before he attacks someone else."
"Agreed." Kurama morphed to fox form and tracked dwon Hiei while Kuwabara headed for Genkai's, clutching his wounded arm.
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Hiei laid on the grass, his paws over his eyes. 'What the hell have I done? I almost killed Kuwabara. Instead, he carries my curse. And I believe I am beginning to develop feelings for that hu-er, werewolf.'
'Hiei?'
Looking up, Hiei saw Kurama's fox eyes peering at him. He whimpered slightly. 'K-Kurama?'
'What is it?'
'Kill me.'
'What?'
'You heard me. Kill me. Right now. I should have done so after my second kill.'
'Don't talk like that! Everything's going to be fine now. Kuwabara knows the truth and he's going to tell Yusuke and Genkai.'
'What!'
Kurama winced at the strength of Hiei's thought. 'I'm sorry, Hiei. I had to tell. Perhaps they can help us think of another solution.'
'Maybe.'
'Get some sleep. We'll head to Genkai's tomorrow afternoon.'
'Fine.' Closing his eyes, Hiei fell into a fitful sleep.
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The next morning, Hiei ascended the steps of Genkai's temple, unsure of what he would find when he reached the top. Would Yusuke and Kuwabara kill him as soon as they saw him? He hoped that would be the case. He still hadn't given up on the idea of getting killed. The only reason he hadn't impaled himself on his sword already, was because he held onto the small hope that the others could help him.
Throwing open the door, he saw everyone (Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Genkai) seated around the table. Yusuke was the first to act. Gesturing to the seat beside him, he said, "Come on in." Hiei did so, avoiding eye contact with Kuwabara. He was certain the boy hated him now more than ever.
"Let's get down to business," Genkai stated.
"We all know what happened last night," Kurama began. "I'm afraid my attempt to help has failed."
"No," Genkai said. "You didnt' fail, actually. It did work for a little while. You were on the right track." Genkai turned to Hiei. "Your instincts were buried during that time, correct?"
"Yes. Until...," Hiei swallowed hard, fighting to keep calm. "you know. I lost control."
"I see."
"I think you all should kill me to stop me from killing anyone else."
There were gasps from around the table. Genkai and Yusuke appeared to be stunned by the suggestion. Kuwabara, however, slapped the table with his palms. "No," he declared. "we're not killing you!"
"You must. I'm too dangerous to be left alive." Hiei kept his eyes focused on his lap.
Kuwabara couldn't believe Hiei was willing to die in order to protect humans. That didn't sound like him. And why did the demon refuse to look at him? 'Do you think I hate you for what you did to me?'
"I have a better idea," Genkai spoke up.
"Since you won't kill me, I liked Kurama's idea better," Hiei muttered.
"You heard him. The plan didn't work as well as he hoped. So-"
"That leaves one option," Hiei cut in.
Everyone looked at him expectantly. The demon took in a deep breath before saying, "Isolation." Then, he sped out of the temple without another word. Oddly enough, he heard Kuwabara call his name, but he paid no attention as he headed for the mountains.
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"Hiei!" Kuwabara called as the werewolf hit the temple stairs. There was no reply, except for the wind that was left in his wake. Sighing, he turned back to the group and saw Yusuke's confused expression.
"What was that all about, Kuwabara? I thought you didn't like him."
"I don't like him. I-," he hesitated as he glanced over at Kurama who nodded encouragingly. "I love him."
"What?" Yusuke shrieked causing Kurama and Kuwabara to clap their hands over their ears.
"Geez, Urameshi! Watch it! I've got sensitive hearing now," the orange-haired boy scolded.
"As do I," Kurama muttered under his breath.
"How can you love Hiei?" Yusuke interrogated.
"Who can explain why one bestows his heart to another? You should know more than anyone, Yusuke," Kurama replied.
Kuwabara's cheeks were slightly red as he said, "I've had these feelings for a few days and getting bitten seems to have intensified them. Damn, I wish Hiei hadn't run off so I could tell him."
"Yes, he's a fool," Genkai spoke up, drawing the boys' attentions. "I was going to suggest the Wolfsbane Potion."
"Wolfsbane Potion?"
"Yes," Kurama said. "Of course. A potion that makes a werewolf docile and curbs the killing instincts."
"Wow, Grandma," Yusuke said. "I didn't know you were into this hocus-pocus junk."
"It's not hocus-pocus! It's more of a remedy."
"Do you have right now?" Kuwabara asked anxiously. "The moon's going to be coming up soon."
"Unfortunately, no. The potion takes two weeks to brew."
"Two...weeks?" Kuwabara said faintly. He didn't have two weeks. Hell, he didn't even have two hours!
"Yes, and I'll need to start tonight after I confine you, Kuwabara. I'm sorry about this."
Kuwabara nodded solemnly. He would have done thw same if he was in their position. He followed Genkai to a windowless room and allowed her to lock him inside. He thought about the way Hiei was dressed during the meeting, and he discarded his jacket and shoes. He shifted on his feet, feeling restless.
'Is this how Hiei is feeling right now?'
The sound of a lock opeing drew his attention and he looked over to see Kurama enter. "How are you feeling, Kuwabara?" he asked as the door was closed and locked behind him.
"Restless."
"I figured as much."
"Why are you in here?"
"I'm going to help you the way I was helping Hiei. I imagine it's going to be easier and harder."
"What does that mean?"
"Easier as you won't be going anywhere. Harder as you'll be trying to get out. Genkai has put wards on the door to prevent your escape."
Kuwabara smiled before an itching feelilng distracted him. He watched amazed as orange fur started to grow. His amazement turned to pain as his body began to change. Groans escaped his mouth as his bone shifted.
Kurama quickly changed to fox form as Kuwabara started to groan. He had no clue what the boy would do when he finished changing, but he wasn't taking any chances. Opening his eyes, he saw an orange wolf, his head tilted back as he howled to the unseen night.
'Kuwabara?'
There was a snarl as the wolf wheeled on the spirit fox. Slowly, he advanced, teeth bared and a growl reverberating in his throat.
Kurama backpedaled, confused by his friend's ferocious attitude. 'Kuwabara! It's me, Kurama! I know you hear me! Calm yourself!'
The growl subsided as the wolf closed his eyes and shook his head. Opening his eyes, he stared at Kurama. 'Did I almost attack you?'
'Yes.'
'Oh, man. I'm so sorry.'
'It's going to be all right. Just one more night and then Genkai will have the potion ready before the next cycle. Speaking of which, I feel it would be best if you take Hiei's potion to him when it's ready.'
Kuwabara perked up at Hiei's name being mentioned, but then his ears drooped and a sad look came to his eyes. 'I miss Hiei already.'
'Considering how you feel about him, I'm not surprised.' A pause. 'Kuwabara?' No response. Glancing at his friend, he saw his eyes were closed and his breathing was steady and even. He had fallen asleep. He couldn't say he was surprised. He had gone through a lot of emotional and physical trauma since last night and was due for some rest. Smiling inwardly, Kurama also went to sleep.
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Up in the nearby mountains, a black wolf prowled an area that he had just claimed as his own. With his form silhouetted by the moon, he let out a howl. It was a call to a special someone as well as a release of feelings he felt for a day.
'Kuwabara, I love you.'
Wow, that was intense for one chapter. In the next chapter, will Kuwabara tell Hiei how he feels toward him? Will Hiei accept it and confess his own feelings? Stick around for the final chapter.
