Disclaimer: I do not own anything of importance in this story.
Chapter 9
Blurry eyes opened, squinting up at the ceiling. The ruby orbs wandered around the room, landing on a redheaded figure lying on a futon. Green eyes opened, amusement glinting in their depths as they met the crimson gaze. "Ah, you're finally awake?" Kurama asked, smiling as he echoed the words he'd said to the fire demon during the finals of the Dark Tournament.
Hiei grunted, closing his eyes again. "I see you survived."
"Yes, I am alive and recovering. Thanks in no small part to you, I am told," the redhead replied, rolling onto his side to face the fire koorime.
"Hn. How long was I out?" Hiei asked, closing his eyes.
"You've been unconscious for about two days," Kurama informed him quietly. "How are you feeling?"
Hiei almost laughed at the ridiculous question. He could feel bandages covering him and knew the kitsune could see them, as well. His muscles were stiff and sore, and his entire body ached from the numerous wounds covering it. The infected injuries on his right arm and leg throbbed in unison. "You should know better than to ask," was the curt reply.
"Yukina has been very worried about you."
Hiei remained silent, so Kurama continued. "Your Jagan has prevented either Genkai or Yukina from healing your injuries, which is probably part of the reason why you've been asleep so long. Your body is saving its energy to heal your wounds. I highly doubt you'll be able to remain awake for as long as it would take Yukina or Genkai to heal you, so the best option would be to lower the Jagan's defenses before you go back to sleep."
Hiei's eyes snapped open, locking onto Kurama's. "You are asking me to leave myself vulnerable, especially when I am this weak?" he asked incredulously.
"I'm asking you to trust us. Yuusuke and Kuwabara are here in case a demon decides to attack--" Hiei snorted derisively, at the thought of Kuwabara protecting him, "--as well as Genkai. Besides, your energy will return much faster if it need not be used to heal yourself," Kurama explained.
"Hn." Hiei closed his eyes tiredly. I hate it when I can't argue with his logic, he thought. He knew Kurama was right, but it was difficult to leave himself completely at the mercy of anyone. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the shoji sliding open and someone entering the room.
"Good morning, Yukina-san," Kurama said.
"Good morning, Kurama-san, although it is closer to afternoon, now," she replied.
Yukina? I think it would be better if I pretended I was still asleep, Hiei thought, relaxing his body. Let's just hope Kurama doesn't say anything.
"Well, regardless of the time, I have good news. Hiei is awake," Kurama said. Hiei could practically hear the smile in his voice.
Immediately, Yukina was at his side. "Hiei-san?" she called softly, as if she were afraid to wake him.
Reluctantly, Hiei opened his eyes. He looked away from the relief that clearly shown in his sister's face.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Fine," he replied, still not making eye contact.
"I was really worried about you," Yukina admitted, her voice lowering.
"You shouldn't concern yourself with me," he replied, cringing at the rudeness in his voice.
Yukina flinched at his tone. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
Hiei closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Don't apologize. I'm just...tired," he replied.
/Yukina will continue to worry until you recover/ Kurama informed him telepathically.
Hiei cursed mentally. Barely off his death bed, and he's as manipulative as ever. Blasted kitsune, he thought. Grudgingly, Hiei lowered the Jagan's defenses. He felt vulnerable already. /I hope you're happy, fox/ he said bitingly.
/Of course/ came the blithe reply.
Hiei sighed, exhausted. Although he hadn't been awake for more than a few minutes, it felt as though he hadn't slept in days. Warmth filled his body, soothing him as it dulled the pain. Relaxed, Hiei let his mind wander, falling back into the void as Yukina healed him.
It was a few minutes before Kurama noticed the ice maiden's brow furrow in confusion and worry. "What is it?" he asked.
"I-- I can't heal him. I was able to close the wounds, but..." she trailed off; wide, confused eyes turning towards the redhead. "I can't heal him."
"What?" Kurama propped himself up on his elbows, looking at the unconscious fire demon. What would cause Hiei's body to reject it? The Jagan is not stopping it, so why...? A fragmented memory slipped into his mind from a day or two previous. "Yukina-san, has Hiei been poisoned with the less potent of the two types of hiryuu venom? It would have made him numb," he said, looking at her.
"Yes, he had been poisoned when he returned. He said his left arm and leg were both numb," she explained. "And then we used the venom to numb his hand so we could take it off your wrist the next day."
"I see. That is why you cannot heal him. The hiryuu's venom takes a bit of time to circulate through the body, meaning its prey may be able to escape. This poison not only numbs the body for a certain amount of time, but also makes it difficult for the poisoned creature to heal itself afterwards," Kurama explained. "You said Hiei's left arm and leg were already numb when he arrived. Did any other limb go numb?"
"I think it spread to his right leg, but he couldn't walk at that point anyway, so I'm not sure. I don't think reached his other arm, though," Yukina answered.
Kurama nodded. "It sounds like he got a liberal dose of the poison. He's going to have to heal on his own. Actually, I'm surprised you were able to do as much as you did," he commented.
Yukina nodded absently. Concern was written all over her features as she stared at Hiei. Kurama reached over and took her hand, startling the ice maiden. "He'll be alright, Yukina-san. The hiryuu venom doesn't have any other side effects that I have found and Hiei's body will be able to heal itself within a week. He'll be alright," he repeated, squeezing her hand lightly.
Yukina managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Kurama-san."
. . .
Friday afternoon found Yuusuke and Kuwabara walking down the street away from Genkai's temple. "Man, I am gonna enjoy sleeping in my own bed tonight!" Yuusuke said, stretching his arms above his head.
"I dunno, man. I know Genkai said we could go home, but do you really think we should? I mean, they were both still pretty out of it," Kuwabara said, glancing back the way they had come.
"Oh, come on, man! True, Kurama and Hiei have spent most of the past three days asleep, but they're just recharging their energy! They'll be back to normal in a few days. Besides, grandma's there and all the wards have been replaced. They'll be fine," the black-haired boy replied, waving off his companion's concern. "Although I could have done without the killer plants and one of my friends dying, it was nice to get out of school without Keiko breathing down my neck." Yuusuke stopped, staring as he saw Keiko walk around the corner ahead of them.
"What's wrong, dude?" Kuwabara asked.
"I forgot. I didn't tell Keiko what was going on. Oh, she's gonna be so pissed at me!"
Keiko's expression darkened as her eyes landed on the black-haired teen. "YUUSUKE!!"
"Uh, well, dude, I gotta go. I'll see ya later!" Kuwabara said, taking off in another direction.
Yuusuke stood rooted to the spot as Keiko walked towards him. He put a hand behind his head, grinning. "So, Keiko-- what's up?"
. . .
"Hello, mother. It's me. Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't call earlier, but I've been busy. No, her grandson has not arrived yet, but he should be here in a few days. I know, there have been some problems. Really? No, I wasn't aware of that. Well, tell him thank you for me. Yes. Yes, I should home sometime next week. I'm sorry to have worried you. I love you, too. Goodbye." Kurama turned off his phone, leaning back against the wall. "I had expected my energy to return more quickly than this," he commented.
"Hn."
"I know you don't like being weak any more than I do," Kurama said, looking over at the fire demon.
Hiei sat by the window, his left leg folded underneath him while he watched the sun rise higher into the sky. His right leg was stretched out, white bandages peeking out through the gaping holes in his torn pants. His right arm was also bandaged and he held it close to his body, as if to keep from jarring it. He wore no shirt, the tattered remains of his old one having been tossed out by Genkai a few days previous. A number of wounds were visible on his un-bandaged chest and back. His sheathed sword was lying on the floor next to him. "It's only been four days. You should know that you wouldn't be recovered that quickly, given how close you came to death."
"And what about you?"
Hiei remained silent.
"Why did you do it, Hiei? You had done more than enough by finding the antidote and you and I both know how dangerous it was to enter my mind in your condition," Kurama said, leaning forward slightly. "You said before that risking your life for someone else was not something I would catch you doing. What made you change your mind?"
"Relative freedom. The only reason I'm out on probation is because Koenma thinks you have some measure of control over me. If you die, Koemna's assurance of my 'good behavior' will be gone and I'll be thrown back in Reikai prison. Simple as that."
Kurama's response was cut off by a knock on the shoji. It was slid partially open and Yukina poked her head in. "Kurama-san? Are you feeling up for some visitors?"
The redhead looked a little surprised. "Sure," he replied.
The ice maiden opened the shoji all the way, stepping back to let Keiko and Shizuru walk into the room. Yukina entered after them carrying bandages and salve. Closing the shoji behind her, she walked over and sat down next to Hiei.
"Hey, Kurama-kun," Shizuru greeted.
"How are you feeling?" Keiko asked, walking over and kneeling down next to him.
"I'm feeling much better, thank you," Kurama replied.
"Sorry we didn't come and visit you sooner," Keiko said. "I only found out about what happened from Yuusuke last night."
"Yeah, the guys are still trying to keep us in the dark about what's going on, so I had to teach baby bro a lesson," Shizuru added, making a fist for emphasis.
Kurama could imagine all the new bumps and bruises Kuwabara was probably sporting as a consequence. "It's quite alright, really-- I haven't been in a position to accept visitors until recently," he replied, smiling.
Shizuru looked at him closely, studying his aura. "You really had it bad, didn't you?" she asked softly.
"Hn." That's an understatement, Hiei thought, still looking out the window. He stiffened as Yukina prodded a tender spot on his back.
"I'm sorry," she apologized softly, rubbing the ointment over the wounds. "I had hoped it would have healed more by now. Would you like me to try again?" she asked.
"It won't do any good. You've already healed me as much as you can," Hiei said, his quiet tone softening the harshness of his words.
"But still, I..." Yukina trailed off, bowing her head. I don't like seeing you hurt. She shook her head, her hair brushing against Hiei's bare shoulder before she straightened up and began wrapping the bandages around his chest. The fire demon remained silent as she treated him.
Across the room, Shizuru stood. "Well, kiddo, we gotta go or you're going to be late for school."
Keiko looked at her watch. "You're right. Thanks for giving me a ride, by the way."
"No problem. Well, Kurama-kun, we'll see you later," she said, showing herself to the door.
"Yes, I hope you feel better soon!" Keiko added, following Shizuru.
"Thank you," Kurama said, as they disappeared into the hall. He sat there for a few more minutes looking at the door, his expression unreadable, before pushing himself into a standing position. Slowly, he made his way across the room.
"Do you need something, Kurama-san?" Yukina asked.
"No, thank you," he replied, heading towards the door.
"Then, where are you going?"
"I am going to clean myself. I cannot remember exactly when the last time I bathed was, so I am going to do so right now," he said, a little chagrined. "Didn't realize people would be coming to visit..." he muttered, under his breath.
Hiei chuckled as the redhead disappeared through the doorway. Vain fox.
. . .
Yuusuke and Keiko stopped by to check on Kurama's and Hiei's progress later that day and Kuwabara came as well, although his focus was more on a certain ice maiden. It was late by the time everyone left, leaving the ailing demons alone. As soon as they were gone, Hiei handed the redhead a piece of paper.
"What is this?" the redhead asked curiously.
"A list of things you owe me," Hiei replied, looking out the window.
"Cloak, bandana, pouch, belts x 4-- what do you need four belts for, Hiei?" the kitsune asked, looking at his friend.
"Hn."
Shrugging, Kurama went back to reading the list. "Shirt, pants, boots-- a new katana and sheath?" The fox's eyes wandered to the sheathed sword at Hiei's side. "What is wrong with your katana?"
The fire demon picked up the sword and handed it to Kurama. Curious, the fox took the proffered weapon. Is it supposed to be this light? he wondered, grasping the handle. The sword slid out of the sheath with a metallic scrape. "Oh, I see what you mean," Kurama commented, looking at the broken blade. "How did it happen?"
"It snapped while I was fighting the hiryuu," was the monotonous reply.
"Hm. And the sheath?" Kurama asked, a little eagerness in his voice. Is he really going to let me replace it?
"Check the mouth."
The kitsune did so, finding a thin crack running down it, almost reaching a set of teeth marks a little further down on the saya. I will be glad to get rid of this, he thought, sliding the broken sword back inside. "How did it crack?"
"Quaffid threw it and embedded it in a tree."
Kurama straightened up at that. "A quaffid? Those are hard to locate, indeed. Can you tell me where you found it?" he asked, a little childish enthusiasm barely detectable in his voice.
Hiei's mind went back over his encounter with the plant. Only Kurama would be excited about something like that. "Southern regions of the Sekiryou Mountains. I'll show you later."
Setting the sword aside, the kitsune looked at the last two items on the paper. Ah, there it is. I was wondering if sweet snow would make it on the list. And-- Kurama blinked, looking at the paper closely to make sure he hadn't misread it. Why would Hiei want...? Actually, I think I know... "Hiei, did you happen to talk to Yuusuke while writing this list?" Kurama inquired, glancing at the fire demon.
Hiei turned his head to look at the kitsune. "What makes you ask that?"
"Because a Firebird is not a bird that is immune to flame, it is a brand of motorized vehicle humans use to travel," Kurama explained. The redhead watched Hiei's expression become grim as he realized Yuusuke had played a trick on him. Fearing for the human boy's life, the spirit fox felt compelled to intervene. "If you would like, I can help you seek revenge in a manner that will not cause trouble with Koenma..."
Hiei glanced at his partner, noticing the mischievous look in his eyes and the not-so-innocent smile that played about his lips. "What did you have in mind?"
. . .
"I'm sorry, Hiei."
The soft voice made the fire demon turn his head from the window, looking at his temporary roommate. Soft moonlight spilled into the room, casting Hiei's silhouette on the floor and reflecting in Kurama's eyes as he stared past the koorime at the half moon rising above the treetops. "What?" Hiei asked.
"I was unable to repay my debt to you," Kurama explained, not looking at Hiei. "I'm sorry."
"Baka kitsune," the fire demon replied, his gaze going back at the window. He could practically feel the redhead's confused look on his back, so he elaborated. "You promised me only that you would be alive when I returned. Your debt has been repaid."
Kurama was silent for a moment before chuckling, softly. "I still owe you for retrieving the antidote. Repay one debt only to get another. If I keep this up, I will be indebted to you until the day I die."
"I told you, I only helped you so I would stay out of jail. I did it for my own selfish reasons, so you owe me nothing."
Kurama's eyes widened slightly as he stared at his friend. A soft smile formed on his lips and he bowed his head. "Thank you, Hiei."
"Hn."
. . .
Sunday and Monday came and went without any incidents. Both Kurama and Hiei were steadily regaining their energy and the fire demon's wounds were starting to heal nicely. His progress was such that Tuesday afternoon Kurama decided it was time for him to return home. He stood in the temple courtyard facing Genkai and Yukina, the sun lowering in the sky although it was still several hours before dark.
Kurama bowed formally. "Thank you, master Genkai, for caring for me these past two weeks, and you, too, Yukina-san. I owe you both a debt of gratitude," he said.
"Don't worry about it, Kurama-san. I was happy to help you," Yukina replied. Genkai simply nodded to him.
"I'll come back next week and continue replacing the plants that were destroyed. I need to be going now," he said, straightening. He turned and began walking down the steps.
"Goodbye, Kurama-san!" Yukina called after him.
Genkai turned her head, looking towards the small portion of trees Kurama had replaced. "It seems Hiei's gone, as well," she commented.
"What? Hiei-san's gone?" the ice maiden asked, looking at Genkai.
"Hm." Turning, the old psychic disappeared back into the temple, Yukina following her.
. . .
Hiei watched Kurama as the fox demon got into his car and drove away. As the vehicle disappeared down the road, the fire demon pulled a pink mirror from his pocket, flipping the lid open. It was a few seconds before Botan's head appeared on the screen. "Hiei? What's wrong?" she asked.
"I need to speak with Koenma."
. . .
Kurama laid back, relishing the feel of his own bed beneath him. After leaving Genkai's, he had made a trip to the Makai and spent the afternoon getting the items on Hiei's list. He knew where the fire demon purchased his clothes and had been able to find the sword smith by the signature mark on Hiei's broken katana. He had commissioned a new sword to be made for the fire demon, but it wouldn't be done for three to four months. He had gotten back and stored everything in his room moments before his mother had arrived home from work. She had been pleased to see him when she arrived home and had taken him out to dinner. They had just gotten back and it was late. Kurama, having school in the morning, had retired and was looking forward to a good night's sleep. His mind was starting to drift when he heard a sound similar to that of metal tapping on glass. Oops, Kurama thought, getting out of bed and unlocking and opening the window. Hiei jumped in, landing lightly on the floor.
"I was hoping you would stop by tonight. I have all the items you requested except for the sweet snow and a suitable replacement for your katana. I put the ice cream in the freezer; but my mother is still up, so I will give it to you later. Your new sword won't be finished for several months, but I bought a temporary replacement in the mean time. The same sword smith made it so it should be a high quality blade, even if it isn't made to your exact specifications. Also, I think we can put the plan in action in a day or two-- I haven't had a chance to talk to Keiko-chan, yet," the kitsune said, handing a bundle of clothes to the fire demon.
Hiei accepted the bundle from the kitsune, looking through it. Everything seems to be here, he thought.
Kurama waited while the fire demon riffled through the pile, before speaking up. "I take it there's a reason you've come?" the redhead asked.
Hiei studied him for a few seconds, his eyes bright. "Meet me at the park around nine tomorrow, after dark. I have something to show you," he said.
"Something to show me? What is it?" Kurama asked, intrigued.
"Hn."
Smirking, Hiei disappeared with the bundle, leaving the fox alone with his thoughts. He wants to show me something in the park? That isn't really like Hiei at all. He usually just tells me about it or brings it to me. And his eyes... He is obvious pleased about whatever it is. I hope it doesn't have anything to do with any ningen. I do not wish to return to Reikai prison... Kurama's thoughts trailed off as he yawned. Ah, well. I suppose I shall find out tomorrow, he thought, slipping into bed.
. . .
To Be Continued