Disclaimer: I do not own anything of importance in this story.
Chapter 3
Hiei flitted through the trees, silently, hurrying towards his destination. The koorime paid no mind to the humans walking along the street below him-- all they would see was a black blur, if that, before he was gone. Reaching his destination, the fire apparition jumped to the ground, landing inside the locked gates of Kurama's school.
If this is a demon's work, there should still be a residue of his youki if he was here in the past forty-eight hours. It would most likely be located around the kitchens, Hiei thought, removing the ward on his Jagan as he moved toward the cafeteria.
Jumping on the rooftops, Hiei quickly found the building that smelled vaguely of food and strongly of disinfecting chemicals. His Jagan Eye glowed as he searched, trying to look beyond Kurama's unique demon energy signature to see if it was masking another's. Hiei's lips curved upward as he found it, the residue from a lower level demon's aura.
Now that he was able to focus on it, the youki became clear enough for him to follow it out of the school. The going was slow, Hiei jumping from tree to tree, trying to avoid curious ningen eyes while still keeping track of the faint trail. After four hours of tracking, Hiei found a portal hidden in the park. It was obvious that the culprit had used it to escape to one of the other realms, most likely back into the Makai. Thinking of the terms of his parole, Hiei hesitated. He was not allowed to leave the city, unless under Reikai orders. If he violated that, it would not only be him that was thrown back into Reikai prison, but Kurama as well. Hiei grit his teeth. Of course, the fox has to be alive for them to punish him, he thought, stepping through the gateway connecting the dimensions.
The portal did indeed lead to Makai, a region of it that he was somewhat familiar with, but he lost the trail. The demon had been all over this place and Hiei couldn't tell which way was the most recent path with the same energy patterns overlapping so much. Fortunately, the fact that the demon had been here so often indicated that he lived somewhere close, or frequented this place, at the very least.
Hearing several people approach, Hiei jumped into a tree, concealing himself within its branches. He didn't sense the one he was looking for, but he listened to their conversation as seven demons drew nearer the portal.
"Do you think he got Kurata, Masaru?" one tall demon with gray skin and black horns asked. He was bald and carried a spiked club, leaning it almost carelessly over his shoulder.
"I don't know, Tabito, that is why we need to go check and make sure that murderer is dead. Why are you here, anyway? This matter does not concern you," the one identified as Masaru said, staring at the taller demon, coldly. Masaru had red skin with black hair and he carried a sword at his side.
Tabito shrugged, a bloodthirsty grin forming on his face. "Oh, you know me. I heard you were gonna go kill someone, and I just had to tag along," he replied, either unaware of, or ignoring, the glares his companions shot his way. "After all, kitsune aren't easy to take down."
Hiei, thinking the conversation had nothing to do with his goal, was starting to leave. He stopped short when he heard one of the demons mention a kitsune.
"If Shimogoe's plan worked, that assassin will already be dead. He poisoned the food at the ningen school that the kitsune frequents and there was enough poison to kill even Lord Yomi, so it is unlikely our prey survived. However, we all know how tricky those foxes can be," Masaru said, darkly.
Tabito opened his mouth to reply when there was two thumps behind him. He turned, hearing a third thump as he did so. Masaru had turned as well, only to be greeted by the sight of three of his comrades on the ground, dead. Hiei stood in front of the corpses, his bloody sword pointing at Masaru. "Where is the one that poisoned Kurama?" he asked, his eyes narrowed.
The four remaining demons charged Hiei, who seemed to disappear with a black blur. He reappeared behind one of them, slicing his body in two. The fire demon spun, parrying Tabito's club before he ducked a punch from the other demon, simultaneously swinging his leg out to knock Tabito off his feet. Hiei rolled out of the way as Masaru's sword imbedded itself in the koorime's cloak. Rising to a crouched position, Hiei swung his sword, decapitating Tabito, who had also risen to his knees. He continued through with the swing, pivoting on his toes, and his blade slashed into the other demon's stomach. Quickly changing the direction of his momentum, Hiei stabbed upward through the rib cage, piercing his heart. Wrenching his sword free, the koorime turned and blocked Masaru's sword. "Where is the one that poisoned Kurama?!" Hiei asked through clenched teeth, peering at his opponent over their crossed blades.
"I will tell you nothing, you scum! I've seen you hanging out with the traitorous kitsune! You deserve to die with her!" Masaru shot back, trying to overpower the shorter demon.
Hiei blinked, jumping back in surprise. "Her?" he asked, blankly. Could there have been a mistake? No, they said the kitsune's school was poisoned and there was no trace of any other demon's energy. He must mean Kurama. But, why does he think the kitsune is a girl? Hiei wondered, confused. "What quarrel do you have with Kurama?" he asked.
"Don't bother trying any of your mind games on me, they won't work, even with that evil eye! Changing the name slightly to make her sound like a boy! I heard you call her Kurata-- that's how we found her. Oh, yes, we've been watching you two for a long time, waiting for the opportune moment!" He laughed, suddenly, looking at Hiei with a triumphant smile. "There's nothing you can do! The fact that you're here now proves it worked! She must be dead by now!"
Hiei resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead scowling at the moron in front of him. This was getting him nowhere and Kurama did not have time to spare on idle threats. He stared into Masaru's eyes, unblinking. The demon met his gaze, determined to win the staring contest. Hiei's Jagan glowed as he entered Masaru's mind. Weak-minded fool, Hiei thought, derisively. He looked through the memories, easily finding the name and location of the one who had poisoned Kurama. "Shimogoe," Hiei spat as if the name left a bad taste in his mouth. Without any further hesitation, Hiei quickly decapitated the demon before hurrying on his way. He had found a solid lead much sooner than he thought and at this rate, Kurama might be well on his way to recovery by tomorrow.
Despite having specific directions, it took Hiei three more hours to locate Shimogoe. He recognized the energy, speeding up as he neared its source. A demon came into view, walking down the path ahead of Hiei. He had red skin, a little lighter than Masaru's, and brown hair. He carried an axe over his shoulder, although it looked a little too big for him to use. He turned around, hearing Hiei stop a few feet behind him. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the fire apparition.
"Well, if it isn't that wench's little whore!" Shimogoe yelled, his voice shaking slightly as he raised the ax.
Hiei blinked, too surprised to even be insulted. "What?"
"You heard me!"
Hiei shook his head. First time anyone has called me that, before... "Give me the antidote and I promise to kill you quickly. If you refuse, I will torture you until you reveal it to me, and then I will let the kitsune decide your fate. Although I must warn you-- the fox is much more ruthless than I am," Hiei said, glaring at Shimogoe.
"I'll never tell you! That red kitsune will pay for what she has done!" he yelled. His voice came out sounding like a terrified shriek.
Hiei stared, incredulously. Red kitsune? Just because his ningen form has red hair, they assume his demon form does, as well? Of course, they also think he is a girl named Kurata. These people honestly have no idea who they are dealing with. Ah, well, what did Kurama say? Play with fire and you end up burned? Hiei's face widened in a malicious smile. "I was hoping you'd resist," he said, darkly, advancing on the demon.
. . .
Yuusuke ran, punching and kicking various forms of vegetation as they came within reach. He circled back, wondering what was taking Genkai so long to heal Kurama. A strangled cry behind him made him turn towards its source.
"Ack! Urameshi, help!" Kuwabara yelled. Several large vines had encircled his body, pinning his arms to his sides while a smaller vine was tightening around his throat.
Swiftly moving towards his comrade, Yuusuke charged his hands with reiki before grabbing the vines and ripping them into pieces. Kuwabara fell to his knees, one hand reflexively clutching his throat, as he took several gulping breaths.
"I don't have time to rescue you, Kuwabara!" Yuusuke yelled, running to head off several plants that had slipped past him when he was helping Kuwabara. "If you're only going to slow me down, then go wait inside!"
Kuwabara bristled at the insult, cutting down some shrubbery with his Spirit Sword. "It's not my fault! Those plants are as tricky as Kurama! They snuck up on me from behind!" he shot back, defensively.
Knocking the plants back, Yuusuke looked out at the writhing mass of greenery covering the courtyard, all moving towards the door he was guarding. "Screw this!" he yelled, holding his hand up, palm out with his fingers spread wide, his other hand bracing the wrist. "Shotgun!"
A massive ball of reiki came from the teen's out-stretched hand, breaking off into many smaller blasts as they spread out, destroying all the flora within the courtyard in a myriad of explosions. Yuusuke paused, his breathing heavier than normal as he waited for the smoke to clear. His eyes widened as it did, giving him a view of the extent of the damage. He put a hand to the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "Oops. Guess I got a little carried away there, huh?"
"I'll say! Watch where you're aiming! You nearly got me, too!" Kuwabara yelled angrily, rubbing his burned arm where one of the blasts had grazed him. He followed Yuusuke's stare. "Oh, I see whatcha mean."
The charred remains of the plants were scattered throughout the courtyard, but it didn't end there. Yuusuke's attack had broken through the wall surrounding the complex, burning the wards placed on that side of the temple. The path of destruction continued halfway down the mountain, at least, the smoking remnants of foliage all that remained.
"Well, at least we won't have quite as many plants to worry about next time," Yuusuke said, turning and walking back into the temple, nonchalant. Kuwabara followed him.
They walked to Kurama's room, running into Yukina as she came out. "Hey, baby! Got any more of that healing power?!" Kuwabara asked, enthusiastically.
"Uh--" the ice maiden began.
"No," Genkai interrupted.
"What?! Why not?!" Kuwabara demanded, indignant.
"Our healing abilities need to be pooled to keep Kurama alive. If you get injured, you have to take care of it the old fashioned way. There are bandages in the cupboard as well as ointment. If you can't keep from getting hurt, then I suggest you stay inside while Yuusuke takes care of the plants," Genkai retorted, not looking up from her position beside Kurama.
Grumbling, Kuwabara walked over to the cabinet, grabbing a roll of bandages and some salve. Yuusuke walked up behind Genkai. "How's he doin'?" he asked, looking down at the unconscious redhead, solemnly. Kurama's body was jerking, convulsively.
"He's still alive and as stable as we can get him," she replied, wiping sweat off his forehead. "The spasms should pass in a few moments. Botan, bring me a pitcher filled with water. We'll try and get him to drink some more when he wakes up."
The blue-haired ferry girl nodded obediently and left the room. Yuusuke moved over to the windowsill, looking up at the darkening sky. He turned when he heard the shoji open, seeing Yukina enter the room carrying another stack of clean cloths.
It was a few more minutes before Botan returned, carrying the pitcher. She ran into the room, almost spilling the water in her excitement. "Everyone, I've got good news! I've just heard from Hiei!" she said, breathlessly.
"What did he say? Has he gotten any leads yet?" Yukina asked, looking hopeful.
"Better. He found the demon that poisoned Kurama and was able to find out how to make the remedy!" she said. "Kurama will be back on his feet in no time!"
Yukina's face broke into a relieved smile while Yuusuke pumped his fist in the air. "All right! Way to go, Hiei!" he yelled, excitedly.
"It's too early for you to start celebrating just yet, Yuusuke," Genkai's voice cut through cheering.
"What do you mean, grandma? All Hiei has to do is pick up a few things, put it together and Kurama's home free, right?" Yuusuke asked.
"Essentially, yes," the old psychic replied.
"Then, what's there to worry about? Hiei can do that in no time!"
"Dimwit. This poison is exceptionally strong. That means the ingredients, for both the poison and the antidote are probably rare and extremely hard to find," she explained, effectively dampening everyone's moods. She dampened another cloth, wiping off the sweat that had run down Kurama's neck. He stirred at the contact, moaning softly. Genkai continued to run the cool cloth across his fevered skin until the fox opened his eyes.
"Good news, Kurama. Hiei found the demon that poisoned you and has learned how to make the antidote," she informed him.
It took a moment for the words to sink in. Kurama glanced around the room, taking in everyone's gloomy faces before sighing. "I take it that he has to gather the ingredients, first?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"He didn't say, but it shouldn't take him that long either way," she said.
Kurama knew the words were meant to comfort him, but they did not. He had been able to recognize at least three plant poisons that had been used and they were not easy to obtain, even for a plant master like himself. He could only guess at how long it would take to find the rest.
Kurama paused, gathering his strength, pushing himself into a sitting position and rising to his feet, staggering slightly before catching his balance. No one rushed to assist him, for which he was grateful.
"And just where do you think you are going?" Genkai inquired.
"Have to use the facilities," he explained, moving towards the door.
Genkai motioned to Yuusuke. The black-haired boy followed the kitsune out of the room.
"Yuusuke, I may be dying, but I can still go to the restroom by myself," Kurama said, tersely, as Yuusuke reached out an arm to steady him.
"I know, Kurama. We're only trying to help," he replied, withdrawing his arm, but staying close enough to offer assistance if needed.
Kurama sighed. "I know, and I appreciate it. I apologize. It's just... I've been independent for over a millennia, and now I can't even walk to the bathroom under my own power? It certainly is a hard blow to my pride," he said, ruefully, supporting himself against the wall as he walked.
"Well, what about when your human body was being potty-trained?"
"That was different, Yuusuke. I had to learn how to control the bodily functions of this ningen body. Now, if you will excuse me," Kurama said, stepping into the bathroom and closing the door.
Yuusuke leaned against the wall, waiting until Kurama had finished. He looked up when the kitsune emerged. "You know, I get that you want to do things by yourself, but you don't have to. You've got friends here who want to help. It's okay to lean on us," he said, not making eye contact.
Kurama looked surprised at such serious, but heartfelt words from the teenager. Refraining from further embarrassing the ningen due to exhaustion, the fox leaned heavily against the doorway. "Was that meant figuratively or literally?"
"Both, I guess," Yuusuke said after a pause. He met Kurama's eyes, a lop-sided grin forming on his face. "You look like you can use all the support you can get."
Kurama smiled, faintly. The short walk to the bathroom had tired him out more than he would like to admit. The kitsune paused, closing his eyes and reflexively raising a hand to his chest as it became a little more difficult to breathe. His body tensed, reflexively, as he felt more muscle spasms coming. He felt Yuusuke's hand on his shoulder. "You all right, man?" he asked, concerned.
Kurama opened his eyes, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."
"Come on, man, let's go back to the room so you can lay down," Yuusuke said, pulling Kurama's arm over his shoulder. The kitsune did not resist.
They walked back down the hall in silence, Yuusuke looking at the fox, worriedly. Although Kurama had closed his eyes again, he could sense his friend's eyes, watching him. He ignored it, leaning heavily on the Spirit Detective while he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. His chest felt constricted, making it difficult to draw a deep breath.
Upon reaching the room, Yuusuke lowered him gently back onto the futon, silently resuming his watch at the window. Kurama collapsed gratefully back onto the bed. Genkai picked up a cup, moving over to the side of Kurama's bed once again. "Here, try to drink this," she said, bringing the cup to his lips.
He accepted the water gratefully, the cool liquid burning his parched throat as he swallowed it. He drained two more cups, shaking his head as Genkai moved to refill it a third time. Suddenly, his face contorted and his body tensed as a spasm of pain tore through him. He held his breath, waiting for it to pass. He felt the cool cloth caressing his face again and tried to focus on that until the pain faded. His body relaxed, falling limply back, his harsh breathing filling the silence that had descended upon the group. He opened his eyes, his gaze resting on the ceiling. Hiei, please hurry.
. . .
To Be Continued