Disclaimer: I have never owned YuYu Hakusho.
Chapter Thriteen: The Wolf Brothers: Arata and Reijiro
Despite the urgency of the situation, Yusuke couldn't help but to snicker at his teammates. He had never known, never realized that Kurama was in love with Botan. The thought of it entertained him. He'd have to tease them when they returned to the temple. He was sure they would, just as soon as they rescued their friend.
Kuwabara was equally as surprised, but he was more overjoyed with the news than anything. Nothing was better than love to the big oaf and if his friends wanted to be in love, he would never stop them. He knew how wonderful it felt to be in love with someone.
Hiei tried not to let it bother him. Things like love were not something he put much thought into because, simply put, he would never love anyone. The only love he felt was the sibling love he felt for the sister he was determined to protect, even if she was unaware. But after Yukina, there was no one. He was almost sure of it. Almost. More and more often over the past couple of days he had found his mind thinking about her. About the young pink haired girl with the foul mouth and temper. Why had she been on his mind so much? He couldn't tell, but he was almost certain it wasn't love. Almost. He shook his head slightly. This was not the time to let it get to him. There were more important matters at hand. Etsuko needed to be resuced and he was sure they still had more fighting to do before they could get to her and to Naizen.
Tomo's words still played in his head. Over and over they reminded him of the possible situations that Etsuko could be placed in. These thoughts fueled the anger already growing inside him. He needed an outlet to take his agression out on before he exploded.
There was a low growl that emanated from the forests around them. The group stopped to look around at the surroundings. The growls grew louder and louder.
"It's a scare tactic." Touya replied quietly. He had fought many wolf demons in his life.
"The last of the generals are wolf demons." Kyo stated, "Be prepared, they are likely fast."
The growls had yet to cease and had only increased in volume. Botan was again pushed closer to Kyo as the group moved closer together.
"It seems Naoko and Tomo failed us, brother."
"Yes, I believe you're right, brother."
The two wolf demons stepped onto the path before them. The taller of the two put a hand on his brother's shoulder before addressing them.
"I am Arata. I am the older brother and first in command of Naizen's generals." Arata spoke clearly, his brown eyes carefully observing each of the figures before him.
"I am Reijiro. I am the younger brother and second in command of Naizen's generals." Reijiro looked to his brother, "This shouldn't be much of a problem. Yes, a few are strong, but nothing we can't deal with."
"The red-head is weakened and the young girl is no match at all." Arata added.
"The old woman and the old man are for Naizen and the tall ugly human is pathetically weak."
"The ice demon is formidable, as is the Spirit Detective."
"But the short guy is distracted. Something seems to be bothering him."
"We'll let them decide. No matter what they can't win." Arata patted his brother's shoulder and smiled.
"Will you two shut the hell up already?" Yusuke bellowed in annoyance.
"Temper, temper, detective. Such a loud mouth you have." Arata teased and smirked.
"I accept." Hiei unsheathed his katana and stepped forward. This was the outlet he was looking for.
"Not without me you don't." Yusuke stepped up next to Hiei who gave an angry growl and glared sideways at the detective, "A two on two battle is fair, Hiei. It'll make things go faster. We haven't got time to waste."
"Hn, just stay out of my way, detective." Hiei snarled.
"Did you here that, brother? They don't have time to waste. They want this fight to go fast."
Arata dodged quickly as Hiei went from where he was to in front of the wolf demon in less than a few seconds. The older wolf brother barely managed to dodge the clean swipe of the katana's blade. The demon launched a series of kicks at Hiei's midsection, all of which he was able to avoid.
Hiei's fist connected solidly with the forehead of the other brother sending him stumbling quite a few feet and fighting to regain his balance as Hiei rushed foraward, his katana raised and ready to strike. Arata performed a carefully placed backflip before leaping over Hiei's head and behind him. As Hiei turned back, Arata's knee met with his chin and he fell backwards.
"It's amusing to fight someone as distracted as you. Your heart isn't into this fight. Just where is your heart right now?" Arata chuckled at his own comments and Hiei growled. He was not amused by the wolf demon's comments.
"Shut up." he stood quickly. There was nothing worse than having an enemy taunting you and Hiei swore that this foolish wolf was enjoying his dilemma. Just what was his dilemma?
He charged the older demon again and threw punch after punch, some connecting, some missing. Either way, Hiei knew the demon was beginning to tire. He could see it in the wolf's brown eyes.
"You have such determination, runt. Where is this energy coming from? Are you desperate to rescue the girl Naizen has taken captive? She has such beautful features for a human, you know." Arata jumped back and finally withdrew his own sword, "Time to play fair, I guess."
They charged each other this time, steel clashing with steel. Sparks flew and the two demons pulled back only to surge forth once again.
She was there again. On his mind even as he fought a slightly challenging battle with Arata. Why? Why was she always there, even at times when he needed to focus on a life or death battle? What the hell was his problem?
He dodged and snarled loudly and angrily. It couldn't be. It can't be. He tried to assure himself that it wasn't true, but it was useless. With one more feral growl and a very clear opening, Hiei's katana sliced cleanly and with intense force through the upper torso of the wolf, nearly cutting him in half. His face blatently showed his anger and frustration. Damn it all...he had fallen in love!
"Arata!" Reijiro paused in his hand to hand battle with Yusuke to rush to his brother's side.
"Hey!" Yusuke shouted in protest. He had been having fun using the younger wolf demon as a punching bag. His fun was short lived a few seconds later as Hiei didn't hesitate to slay the younger brother as well, "That's no fair!"
"Yusuke, let him alone." Kurama put his hand on Yusuke's shoulder, "He's not in a very good mood and I wouldn't piss him off more than he already is."
"You have to admit, that did go quicker than expected." Touya sighed.
"I think he figured it out." Kurama said quietly to Touya and the ice demon nodded.
"Yeah, I think so too."
On the path up ahead of the group, Naizen appeared. His expression showed nothing, not even remorse for his defeated generals. It was Botan who saw him first and Kyo affirmed it. The demon on the path was the one who was holding Etsuko captive. To Kyo, Naizen looked exactly the same, but his energy felt way stronger than when he first had faced them.
Naizen eyed his soon-to-be opponents with interest. To him the upcoming battle was going to be easy. His enemies were worn out and injured. His generals had done exactly what he had wanted them to do.
Without anymore concern, Naizen turned from the group and vanished into the darkness of the path. Hiei narrowed his eyes and growled lowly. He became a quick blur soon after in his pursuit of Naizen.
"No, Hiei!" Yusuke yelled as he watched his teammate chase after Naizen. It was pointless. Hiei wasn't going to listen to him.
"Stupid fool!" Kyo yelled, "We haven't any time to waste! That boy can't fight him alone!"
"He's right. We need to go and fast." Genkai nodded and started a hurried pace up the path.
"He's more affected than I assumed he would be." Kurama replied, "Let's go. Best not to waste anymore time."
He entered the compund without any trouble. The whole place was empty and quiet. Hiei snuck around quietly, leaving his energy low enough to not be detected.
He rounded the hallway, peeking into the closest room. It's dim lights and circular shape aside, Hiei noticed a solitary throne-like chair and the nearly naked, pink haired girl lying unconscious next to it. She looked unharmed from where he was, but he wouldn't be satisfied until he gave a closer examination.
He watched from a distance as the fire demon entered his throne room. With stealth he made his way undetected to the same location. He entered just as the demon knelt down and touched his prize. Now he couldn't have that. He'd have to make him pay.
Author's Note: I think this story will be done in two chapters. At least, they way I have it planned out, it should be done in two. I'm going to try to finish this sometime by the end of the month.
