Disclaimer: see previous chapters.
A/N: This is a shorty chapter because I really didn't want to have anything in the chapter other than Yusuke's funeral.
Comforting Heat
Chapter 16
In an instant Hiei found himself on a snow-covered mountaintop instead of Koenma's office. Panting and still holding the ward that contained the darkness dragon, he fell to his knees and turned his face skyward. The sky was a clear blue and the only clouds to be seen were lazily drifting below him. He slowly built up his energy, his sadness and anger overflowing. He became engulfed in purple flames and when he couldn't hold it back any longer, he let out a terrible cry as he sent the energy skyward. He watched the bolt of energy disappear into the void of nothingness before falling to the ground and curling into himself, wishing the coldness to numb his body and heart.
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Hiei remained on the mountaintop for three days. He stretched out his senses and got his bearings, then set out for Genkai's, the trip taking him a full day's journey. When he arrived, he found the place dark and quiet and he assumed its occupants were asleep. Just as he was about to flit up and sleep in a tree for the night, he sensed a familiar presence. He turned to see Yukina walking towards him. Even in the darkness Hiei could see her lovely face was marred by grief.
"I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't make it in time, brother. I'm relieved to see you here. How….How are you doing?"
Yukina walked up to him and hugged him fiercely. He was shocked by the strength he felt coming from his sister. He gently pulled away from the embrace, but held her gaze.
"In time for what?"
"The funeral."
Hiei's eyes widened momentarily. He hadn't even thought about the funeral. He'd been so caught up in his own grief, he hadn't given any thought to Yusuke's body.
"Shouldn't the funeral have taken place days ago?"
"Botan placed a barrier around his body, keeping it in a state of suspended animation until the funeral. We…we didn't know what happened to you and tried to wait for your return. But Botan's energy is running low and I was afraid you wouldn't return before her power failed her."
A funeral. Does that mean….?
"Is…..is his body here now?" Yukina nodded. "May I see it, please?"
Yukina hesitated for a moment, worried for her brother's wellbeing. She could tell his ki was very low and she was frightened by what she saw in his eyes.
"Yukina…please."
Yukina bowed her head, admonishing herself for even considering denying her brother a private moment to say goodbye to the man he loved.
"Of course."
Hiei followed Yukina into the temple, through the darkened walkways he knew so well, to the back of the temple where they entered a fairly small room that was devoid of anything except for a raised platform that held Yusuke's body. Hiei was shocked to see it lying out as if he were merely sleeping.
Yukina silently slipped from the room, closing the door behind her and making her way back to bed, leaving Hiei and Yusuke alone, wanting to grant them privacy, and not be witness to such a heartbreaking scene.
Hiei stood there, gazing down unbelieving at Yusuke. He reached out a trembling hand and traced the invisible dark blue toushin markings on Yusuke's face. He choked down a sob at the feel of the still warm flesh.
"I don't know if I can do this, Yusuke. I've never…..Even when Yukihada died…..we were never mated like you and I were….no, are…." Hiei let his head come to rest on Yusuke's chest. "Oh gods, Yusuke, it hurts so much. I didn't think it would ever hurt like this."
Hiei remained with Yusuke's body into the early morning hours, watching as the dawning sun cast its golden rays across the body of his mate.
"Today they will say goodbye to you. I will not be with them because I refuse to say goodbye. Please understand, Yusuke, I just can't say goodbye to you."
By the time Genkai and Yukina went to check on Hiei the next morning, they found Yusuke's body alone in the room. Yukina stretched out her senses, trying to locate her brother.
"I hope he returns for the funeral."
"I wouldn't hold your breath. I think he already had his own."
Yukina went to Genkai's side and followed the older woman's gaze down. There, littering the cloth-lined dais that held Yusuke's body, were several dozen black tear gems.
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….You were my first hero, Yusuke Urameshi. You and your friends rescued me. At the time I didn't know it, but not only did you give me my freedom, but my brother as well. I will always be eternally grateful to you for that. But most of all, I'm grateful to you for loving my brother. You gave him a happiness that I'm not sure he's ever known. I can only pray that he will remember it fondly and cherish it, and not let it destroy him. May Kami grant you eternal happiness, Yusuke. All heroes deserve a happy ending.
…..You stupid, rash, stubborn….selfless, big-hearted….I'm not supposed to outlive you, nitwit! I've watched you these past years go from a weak, loudmouthed punk who had no direction in life and no respect forhimself or others, to a powerful loudmouthed young man who was driven, compassionate, loyal and brave. I'm proud of you, Yusuke. I couldn't have asked for a better….student. Don't get too comfortable where you are, because I'll be there soon enough to keep you on your toes.
…..Your bravery and ability to never quit always impressed me, Yusuke. So did your unwavering loyalty to your friends and I am honored to consider myself among that distinguished group. You died saving people, just as I imagined you would. Although I didn't see it happening so soon. Karma has a very nasty sense of justice sometimes. I swear to you, Yusuke, I will do everything within my power to look after Hiei for you. He asked me once to do the same for you in his absence. So rest well, my friend. You've earned it after saving countless lives and sacrificing so much of yourself. I'm sure we will all meet again some day.
…..You were the reason I became strong. The desire to beat that cocky grin off your face drove me and when I finally got strong enough…..you weren't just Urameshi that punk I wanted to beat into the ground. You were Urameshi, my best friend. How can I get married without my best friend by my side? You were supposed to make fun of me as I became an old man and you stayed young and arrogant. And I was supposed to nag you to find a nice girl to have kids with. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't against you and Hiei, it's just…..we were supposed to have families and our….our kids were supposed to grow up together and…..I guess nothing is going as I thought it would, huh? Well, I hope that wherever Koenma stashes you I can visit sometime. Maybe bring the kids along to meet their Uncle Yusuke. Just 'cause you're dead doesn't get you off the hook for everything, ya know. You're still my best friend. Always will be, you punk.
The mourners came out of their internal thoughts to their departed friend and prepared to proceed with cremating the body. As Genkai and Kuwabara approached the dais, Yukina felt a slight breeze at her back. She turned and let out a small gasp as Hiei entered the temple. Everyone was rooted to the ground as they watched in morbid fascination, wondering what the fire demon would do.
Hiei slowly walked up to Yusuke's body, ignoring the sad faces surrounding him, knowing all eyes were on him. This was why he stayed with Yusuke last night. He didn't want to share his grief with anyone and he surely wasn't capable of comforting anyone right now.
He stopped and looked down at Yusuke one last time before placing both his hands on Yusuke's chest and letting his power loose. Black flames instantly engulfed the body and within seconds nothing was visible but the dancing, burning flames. Aishiteru, Yusuke.
It only took two minutes for the body to be reduced to ashes. Once his part was done and Yusuke was truly no more, Hiei vanished in a blur of black.
To be continued…..