A Past Love: Sequel
Chapter 7: A Change of Heart
by AngelK
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you're enjoying this sequel and that it isn't a let down compared to the original. I'd really appreciate some feedback but I'm pleased that people are reading it. Thanks to all the readers.
Disclaimer: This is a story based upon characters of Yu Yu Hakusho. It is for entertainment purposes only.
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Yusuke swiped at an overhanging branch as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "Kurama, why didn't you warn me that this forest was so hot!" He had already removed his shirt and would be removing his white undershirt at any moment. They had finally reached the Forest of Death.
Kurama pushed his red hair off of his shoulder. "I know it's hot, Yusuke. As we travel deeper into the forest, it will cool down immensely. I suggest you don't get rid of your t-shirt just yet." He knelt on the path beside a small pale yellow plant. With his hand placed over the bud, energy flowed from his palm, causing the plant to burst into a huge blue flower as the stem thickened and grew to about six feet. Water immediately began to spray gently from it. "Just stand below it. It'll be like a shower. We've still got a bit to go before we even reach the center of the forest." Suddenly, light gathered around Kurama's body. Once the blaze of light reduced, a taller creature stood in his place. A white clothed kitsune gazed skyward. "Be prepared, Yusuke. The plants here aren't what you would expect. They have minds of their own, capable of thinking, and will attack anyone at any point in time. The plant we seek, Eternalth, grows at the center of the forest and is extremely rare. However, the plants are guarded and protected by a legendary creature, which very little is known…"
Suddenly, a squat green plant sprang from the low bushes, jaws gaping.
Yusuke's eyes widened as the creature shot through the air.
Youko pulled a seed from his silken locks. "Get ready." The seed burst into bloom, a plant-like creation wrapped around the kitsune's arm, snatching the attacker and swallowing it with a gulp.
Other identical creatures raced from the underbrush to attack.
Kurama spread seeds throughout the ground. Plants sprouted, gobbling up attackers as quick as they could.
Yusuke fired multiple spirit gunshots at the green assailants. "I've never been attacked by vegetables before."
"These are just vermin as far as plants go. However, they can combine into large flowers with pointed teeth." Youko gathered the seeds from the ground once the assault had stopped. The plant that had wrapped around his arm purred, rubbing its' head against the ex-thief's shoulder. "My gratitude."
"Let's get going. We've got no time to spend on small fry. Lead on, Kurama." Yusuke said.
The youko bowed his head and ventured deeper into the forest, one of the Makai Lords at his side.
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Akita snuggled closer to the warmth at her side.
An arm wrapped around her body gently but firmly.
Her eyes immediately snapped open. With fear, she looked at the one that held her.
Blood-colored eyes focused on her. "Are you alright, Akita? Do you want me to keep you warmer?"
Akita relaxed, ceasing her body's trembling. "You…frightened me."
A bandaged hand ruffled her hair affectionately. "A promise is a promise, Akita. Haruto left before I entered the room. He'll be back as soon as this healing facility opens tomorrow." Hiei pulled his mate closer to his bare chest, heat emanating from his body.
The Koorime-kitsune nestled herself against Hiei's warm skin and closed her eyes.
"Sleep well, my beloved." The jaganshi murmured, stroking her back with his right hand. Closing his eyes, he could see the aura coming from his children through the power of his Jagan eye. Sleep washed over him like a rain shower as he drifted into darkness.
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"Tucked away, all cute like that. It makes me want to throw up." Carina snarled. She looked away from the reflecting pool in disgust.
"Now, now, let's not be bitter. You'll have your way with him no doubt." Yumeji commented. She ran her hand along the curved blade of her scythe.
"When, Lady Y.? I want to make him scream now…" Carina whined.
"Our dear Doctor has seen the records for the hospital. Akita will be released in the morning. You can have Hiei tomorrow. However, I have a task that you must accomplish first before you can snack on Hiei…"
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"Well, Miss Akihabara, you are able to be released this morning. Just make sure you take it easy on that leg. Anyone we should contact to ensure you get home safely?" A nurse asked, looking up from the paper that the doctor in charge had given her.
"My fiancée is out of town right now on business. However, the young man that was visiting me yesterday? His name is Haruto Takashi. Please let him know I'm being discharged. He'll make sure I get home safely." Akita informed the woman, smiling brightly.
"Very good, Miss Akihabara. I'll bring you a wheelchair and crutches. The doctor told me that you should be off you feet for at least a couple weeks, especially with the twins that you're expecting. Make sure that fiancée of yours takes good care of you, alright?" The nurse left.
Akita sighed, glancing at her untouched tray of food. She reached for her cup of tea and stared at it. As she raised it to her lips, she heard someone yell.
"Don't drink that tea!" Haruto bellowed.
"No yelling in the hospital." A nurse reprimanded.
Haruto darted forward, taking the cup from Akita's hand. He looked at the liquid and sniffed. "Definitely one of Witchdoctor's concoctions. Probably something lethal enough to have killed those newborns of yours as well as yourself."
Akita's eyes widened. "Why did you just save me?"
The blonde set the cup back on the tray. "I've been thinking quite a bit since yesterday. I love you, I am fully aware of that now. The true question was, what would I do now that I know? I have decided to join your cause and look out for you and your friends as best as I can." He planted a kiss on her head. "I will take care of you."
The female smiled serenely. "I appreciate your concern as well as your change of heart. Now…could we get something to eat?"
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Kuwabara and Hiei were continuing the search for Yukina. Neither had spoken since their last argument the day before. Because of that, the trek had been anything but exciting.
"Hiei…do you think Yukina is alright?" Kuwabara queried as they walked through yet another forest on the borderland between Mukuro's and Yusuke's territories.
"I'm sure they have not harmed her in any way, ningen. My sister will be fine no doubt until we reach her." Hiei replied curtly as he paused on a tree branch a few feet above the path that Kuwabara was walking upon.
"Aren't you worried though? Don't you care about her at all?" Kuwabara inquired curiously.
"You humans and your emotions. What have emotions ever really done for you? If it weren't for you and your caring, Yukina would be fine right now. All demons are that way. We don't desire companionship." Hiei snapped, jumping to the next tree.
"Then why the hell did you get involved with Akita? If you demons don't need anyone, why mate with her?" Kuwabara shot back.
Hiei growled under his breath. "That is none of your business, ningen. Don't ask things that you don't understand." He sprinted ahead, leaving the human to run after him. An abrupt humming reached his ears. He paused for a moment. Something was vibrating against his leg. Reaching in his pocket, he fished out the mobile device that Kurama had given him for emergencies. He flipped open the lid.
"Hiei?"
"Akita? Are you aright? Is something the matter?" Hiei demanded.
"Don't fret, my love. I'm fine. Haruto escorted me to Genkai's. I'll be making my way to Makai. Botan said she and the kids are coming to get me. I need to head to Nariko's. She's been receiving rumors that I need to hear. I'll return to Mukuro's as soon as I can, okay?" Akita murmured.
The jaganshi nodded. "Understood. Are you sure you will be okay? You don't have anyone to protect you and your leg is fairly broken up from what I saw."
"No problem. I'll be okay, Hiei. Our children will do fine taking care of me." Akita hung up the phone in Genkai's kitchen area. "Genkai, thank you for your hospitality. I'll be heading on my way." Walking away with a shadowed face, she turned to leave.
"Akita…" Genkai's raspy voice stopped her.
"Yes, Master Genkai?" Akita inquired, smiling at the old woman. She hobbled away awkwardly on the crutches the hospital had given her. Her leg was healing incredibly fast but she still needed the extra support from the crutches.
Genkai watched the demon leave. Her heart was filled with sadness…that girl was so much like Hiei… All Akita ever wanted was to be completely independent. Therefore, she was very alone.
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Hiei returned to Mukuro's compound that night. Kuwabara had gone to Yusuke's to keep an eye on things while the Makai Lord was away.
The sentries nodded respectfully to Hiei as he passed them.
"Has my mate returned?" The jaganshi inquired.
"We haven't seen her, sir, but she tends to sneak past unnoticed. She may very well be here." One replied, wiping the raindrops from his forehead.
A storm had started early in the evening and hadn't let up since.
"Very well. If she does return, let her know that I will be in our chambers." Hiei ordered as he walked down the hall. As soon as he reached the room, he felt something strange as he placed his hand on the doorknob. Brushing the feeling aside, he opened the door.
A figure was seated on the bed. Dressed in a thin robe, one could practically see through the garment.
A silver tray was on the nightstand. A tea set consisting of two cups was steaming slightly. "Hiei…" The figure stood and approached, pausing in front of the jaganshi. "Welcome home, my love."
Hiei studied his mate, puzzled for some odd reason.
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"I don't think you should chance the trip back to Lord Yusuke's, let alone Lord Mukuro's." Nariko set her teacup aside. "Especially in your condition, I do not want you to be getting sick. You are more than welcome to stay here for the night. In fact, I insist."
Jin sat on a couch in the meeting room, popping cookie after cookie in his mouth.
Kaori was playing a game with her daughter, Aiko.
Comp lay sprawled at Akita's feet, eyes closed lazily.
"The storm isn't that terrible. Comp will help me along the way." Akita sipped her tea.
"I want you to stay 'ere too, Akita. You can't be around, causin' a ruckus while you're pregnant." Jin commented in between bites.
Aiko walked over to Akita, holding her hands up to her. "Play too, Auntie?"
Akita smiled, gripping the child's hand. "Well, I'd hate to leave in the middle of our game, Aiko. Let's play…"
Nariko stood. "Escort her to the bedroom on the second floor, near your bedchamber. I will make sure to have it prepared for her." She left, closing the door behind her.
"I hope Hiei won't worry about me." Akita murmured as she began the hand patting game Kaori had been playing.
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Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'll be releasing chapters as fast I can write them. Please review.
Also, I apologize for this chapter's shortness. I just wanted a good place to end...the next one will be longer for all you constant readers, I promise. Anyone think they know what's coming next?