Games of the Mind

When I woke up, I was quickly aware of the voices in my room.

Still too tired to open my eyes, I simply rolled over on my side and feigned sleep.

"What happened yesterday proves my theory. I believe that Mr. Hiei suffers from night terrors."

I could hear the intakes of breath from someone as they took that information.

"Night terrors? But doctor, don't night terrors usually effect children...?"

That was the fox. He didn't sound like he cared, but more like he was making a statement.

"Yes... but adults can experience them too. There is also some speculation to whether or not night terrors are actually hereditary. But since we don't have Mr. Hiei's hospital records or family records, that will almost be impossible to tell."

"So... if he's having night terrors, that doesn't explain the episode in the other room... the one where he attacked Koenma, because he was awake," murmured Kayko, and I was rather surprised to hear her voice.

"It does, actually... it is possible that Koenma had said something that triggered something in Mr. Hiei that caused him to remember a little bit of his night terror, causing him to react. That is why I ask none of you to ask him to remember what happened; he could have another episode."

"Then how do we cure him?" That was Botan. How many people were in the room?

"There is no definite cure for night terrors... but there are three steps that help soothe the person. One: gentleness. Two: disposing anything near the subject that could cause injury. Three: avoid speaking too loudly, like yelling, or movements that may frighten the subject even further."

The next time Kacheysi spoke, she sounded mildly agitated.

"The night terror last night nearly escalated to a dangerous point when Mr. Urameshi burst in and began yelling at me to help his friend. This only proved to frighten Mr. Hiei even more, and if Mr. Urameshi didn't take the hint as quickly as he did, Mr. Hiei could have seriously injured himself and or us."

"Well, excuse me! He was screamin' at someone to let him 'out', an' it was rather frightenin' as well, 'cause that's not what Hiei does."

"I understand, Mr. Urameshi, but did you see how more agitated he got once you started yelling? You only frightened him! And when he momentarily stopped breathing, that was also because of your yelling."

I could tell that Yusuke was getting ready to say something else, but Kacheysi cut in.

"I know, Mr. Urameshi. He's your friend; you were only worried about him. But please, next time I tell you to do something, I suggest you do it."

"Yeah, yeah, lady... I got it... stupid old hag, tellin' me how to treat my friends..."

A loud slap resonated in through the room and I resisted the urge to chuckle.

"Damn it! What the hell was that for!"

"That was for talking back to the doctor, Yusuke! She's right; she knows more about this then you do, so you should just let her help Hiei."

I was momentarily shocked for a moment at Yusuke's woman's outburst. Did she even realize what she said?

"Right... whatever..."

"It's alright, Mr. Urameshi... I can see that you care very much for your friend, so your anger is very understandable. But, now, I need to ask you... what type of measures will you take to help Mr. Hiei?"

There was a long eerie silence as no one spoke. Maybe they didn't really want to help me. Perhaps they were just putting up a face in front Kacheysi, just playing the worried friends they were supposed to be...

"If he stayed wit' one of us... would that help," murmured... Kuwabara?

"What do you mean, Mr. Kuwabara?"

"I mean, if he had one of them night terrors, an' one of us was there to calm 'im, would that work?"

"Well... yes, I think it would work. With one of you with, perhaps his mind can be put to ease, knowing that his friends are there. All right, it's settled then, one of you will take Mr. Hiei in and monitor him during his night terrors."

Great, like spending two weeks in Botan's house wasn't enough, I now get to spend time in someone else's house. Yippee.

"So, who'd like to take Mr. Hiei in?"

It didn't take long for some one to rise to the challenge.

"I'll do it. Back at my apartment, there's more than enough room."

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Urameshi, but are you sure that your wife...?"

"It'll be okay, Dr. Kacheysi. I'd like to help Hiei in anyway possible..."

Okay, so the girl that I had threatened upon first meeting her wanted to help me? Dear God, what were these people coming to?

Trying not to make a sound, I rolled over on my back and heaved a long, but soft sigh.

"All right, then. Mr. and Mrs. Urameshi will take in Mr. Hiei and watch his progress with the night terrors. I believe, once he wakes up and he gets the Fluphenazine out of his system, he'll be ready to go with you in no time."

"I'm just going to have to ask you a couple of medical questions about him, to make sure you can handle him. So, had Mr. Hiei ever shown any signs of depression or suicidal tendencies?"

"Uh... no, not really," said Yusuke, and I could tell he had a confused expression on his face. If he knew what happened during Mukuro's training, he'd have changed his answer.

"Good. Has he ever done drugs or is he an alcoholic?"

Shit, Kacheysi got straight to the point, didn't she?

"Nah, not the shrimp," piped up Kuwabara, chuckling, "He's never done anythin' like that!"

I waited for Botan, Koenma, or Kurama to speak up, but none of them did.

Oh, so you guys get to ridicule me in private then, is that it?

"That's a very good sign; the alcohol and or drugs could cause his night terrors to be more... graphic then they already are, judging by how he reacts to them. One more does Mr. Hiei show any mental problems? Like... a phobia?"

Phobias... hmm, those jack asses wouldn't know if I had any phobias because I never told them about it.

"Claustrophobia or agoraphobia," spoke up Kurama, sounding intellectual as always. I nearly choked: how'd he-?

"What makes you think that, Mr. Minamino," murmured Dr. Kacheysi, sounding curious.

"Well, Dr. Kacheysi, I've never seen Hiei near any crowed area, and when we are in a room, he is usually near a door or window. And when we ask him to join us somewhere, he usually declines. I think it's because there's a possibility that he may be placed in a crowed area."

"Yeah! An' we sometimes find 'im sleep—hangin' in trees," cried Yusuke, effectively not telling the good doctor that I slept in trees.

"Hmm... it sounds like he's an agoraphobic, rather then claustrophobic. I'm amazed that he actually makes it outside! His must have a mild form, then."

Damn it... now they'd probably put a leash on me or something of the like.

"I can see that not all of you know what an agoraphobic suffers from. Agoraphobics fear crowed areas, and usually go out of their way to avoid them, like what Mr. Urameshi said about the trees. Most people suffering from agoraphobia stay confined in their houses, which is why I'm surprised Mr. Hiei can move freely without exhibiting signs of agoraphobia."

"Despite the sound of it, agoraphobics and claustrophobics alike can experience discomfort or panic attacks in confined areas or open spaces. Agoraphobics mostly get their panic attacks when the feeling of not being able to escape comes over them, almost the same with claustrophobics, it just happens in closed off areas more often in public areas."

"So... is there any treatment for agoraphobia," Kayko asked softly, and she sounded generally worried.

"Yes. There are several anti-anxiety medications, or even anti-depressants from the SSRI class. Therapy is also recommended, but I suppose we'll try the medication first, right," asked Kacheysi.

"Yes, I don't think we'll have enough time from therapy, anyway," said Koenma slowly, sounding thoughtful.

"All right, I'll assign alprozolam as his prescription then. I believe that is all I have to tell you right now. All I ask is that you make sure when Mr. Hiei is asleep, there are no objects that could injure him and that he takes his medication everyday."

"Well, good day..." I heard the rustle of robes as Dr. Kacheysi left the room, shutting the door loudly as she left.

"Okay...," and Botan let that intelligent thought trail off.

"I had no idea... that Hiei had night terrors and was afraid of... open spaces," Kayko continued, and she sighed heavily, "That's rather... horrible..."

"Well, I'm not sure if he's had night terrors all of his life, or if they recently started," answered Kurama, and it sounded like he was trying to calm her.

"Yeah... Well, shouldn't we wake Three Eyes up, so he can get that stuff outta his system," asked Yusuke, and before I knew it, I felt hands on my shoulders as the detective shook me.

Groaning, I tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

"Wake up," he murmured, trying to be gentle in case I'd break down again. Growling, I opened my eyes and stared up at his brown ones.

"Let me go," I said clearly, trying to sound deadly, despite the fact that I was the most vulnerable in the room.

"Had a good sleep," he asked cheekily as he let go of me and stood up straight. Blink tiredly, I looked around the room.

It was a dark gray, with only two redwood chairs near the bed. And those two chairs happened to be occupied by Botan and Koenma. Kayko stood behind Yusuke, looking over his shoulder worriedly, her hands on her swollen stomach.

Kuwabara stood near the 'happy couple' and crossed his arms at my sour expression.

"The runt's diagnosed wit' some crazy stuff, an' all he can do is look angry."

"And all you can do is look ugly, but you don't hear others' complaining, do you," I said slowly, looking at him with deadly intent. He looked like he was going to bite the bait but with a sharp look from Yusuke, he kept his mouth shut.

"Whatever, runt."

Rubbing my eyes, I looked away and stared at me lap. I could see the white cotton hospital gown that I was wearing and wondered briefly where my clothes.

Pulling my arm in front of me, I was happy to see that I had a gown with long sleeves, instead of the ones with short sleeves. Sighing, I looked back at them and noticed that they were all looking at me curiously.

"What," I asked, and regretted it later.

"Do you remember what happened?"

Jumping, I looked around and was surprised to see the fox on my left side, leanings against the wall that the headrest of the bed rested on.

"W-what...?" I didn't care if my voice shook; I wasn't comfortable with him this close to me.

"Do you remember what happened last night? Anything?"

"Kurama! Dr. Kacheysi told us that we shouldn't try to get him to remember anything," cried Botan, looking shocked. Kurama shrugged briefly.

"And? It's important that we know what he's dreaming, so that we can try to help him."

"But that's not what the doctor said! She told us that he shouldn't try to remember; that he could have another breakdown!"

What was with people and refusing to say my name? It was rather annoying.

"Botan, if we know what causes his night terrors and what he dreams about, we can try to prevent them from happening. It's important to know what he's-"

"Can you please try to use my goddamn name?"

Every one looked at me, and I glowered.

"I really do hate being talked about like that, even when I'm in fucking room," I continued, trying to get my point across to the fox more then any one else. Kurama looked at me angrily.

"Well, now that we know what you want... how about telling me what I want? What did you dream about?"

The others looked shocked at Kurama's treatment of me, but I took it in stride and scowled at him.

"That's none of your business, Shuichi."

"It is... if we're meant to help you, Imi-"

"Don't call me that," I murmured dangerously, "just don't call me that..."

Kurama crossed his arms and looked away from me, his eyes briefly going gold.

"Hmm... Yusuke said you were yelling to 'be let out'... were you in a room...?"

"Drop it, Kurama," said person cried angrily, backing away from the fox.

"I don't remember," I answered evenly.

"Were there other people with you?"

"Kurama-!"

"I don't remember..."

"You don't have to answer, Hiei!" That was Kayko.

"Were you being tortured?"

"I don't... remember..."

"Just shut up, Kurama! He's not supposed to remember!"

"Were we there...?"

"I don't...," I stopped, my eyes widening. Deception...

"What," Kurama said, rather impatiently.

"I-I..."

"Something wrong, Hiei," asked Kayko kindly, looking at Kurama angrily. I shook my head and closed my eyes forcefully. Just leave us alone!

"N-no..."

"See, ya' idiot! Ya' made him... scared...," said Yusuke, moving towards Kurama. He can't change his stripes!

"Calm down, Yusuke," Koenma said patiently, though he sounded slightly worried. An outrage!

"S-s-stop..."

"It's okay, Hiei, it's okay," Botan moved towards me, trying to calm me from my state. Forshame.

"Runt... just calm down, 'kay? Kurama, get outta here," Kuwabara said, standing up for me. He asked for trouble the moment he came.

"I won't. Isn't it obvious that he's remembering something from the night terrors? We need to know what."

"Yeah, but its... just get outta here so he can calm down!"

"Not till he tells me what was in his dreams..."

"He won't tell you anything now that he's like this!"

"Yeah, so get the fuck out!"

"Yusuke! Watch your language!"

"Ya' didn't say that when Hiei cussed!"

"Guys, stop yelling! The nurses might have to ask us to leave!"

"All of you calm down now. Yelling will get us no where..."

And neither will staying quiet... but you don't hear me complaining...

Crying out, I jerked my head into the headrest behind me, frightening the others.

Kurama jumped away from me, green eyes wide.

"Hiei...?"

"Just... shut up," I murmured, closing my eyes forcefully. There was pain in my head from where I bashed it against the headrest. Clutching my head, I began to hyperventilate.

"Hiei... what's wrong...," that was the fox again and it angered me to know that he sounded worried.

A bit of a hypocrite, isn't he?

"J-just... go... a-all o-of you... g-g-go..."

"But-," Yusuke began, but Kurama shook his head fiercely. The detective immediately shut his mouth.

Hmm... you're finally getting a hold of your emotions, dear. I'm so proud.

"P-please... p-please go..." Why weren't they leaving? Why couldn't they leave!

"Hiei," began Kurama calmly, "we're not going to leave... we need to stay... to help..."

Now, now... lying won't get him anywhere...

"You don't want... to help...," I murmured angrily, opening my eyes to look at him. His eyes widened further and he moved away from me.

"You don't give a flying shit if... if I... Don't lie to yourself, fox... just don't do that..."

I expected the 'voice' to have some snappy comment, but it didn't respond and I was thankful for that.

Blinking dully at the fox, I sunk back into the bed, my hands still holding my head as I snuggled into the pillow.

"I don't... want to remember, okay? I... just remember... fear, betrayal, and more unwanted feelings... and words, unwanted words..."

"Do you remember... what those words were," Kurama asked softly, and he sounded as if he knew that he was venturing into dangerous territory.

Closing my eyes, I nodded slowly.

"Yes... yes, I do..." My muscles tensed, and my hands slowly moved away from my head, only to clutch around my stomach.

"I remember all of you... and more... I remember darkness, and..."

"It's okay," murmured the fox, looking at me sadly, "you don't have to tell us anything."

"Yeah... we'll... just go now an' come get ya' when... that shit's outta your system," Yusuke told me softly, nodding. Before I knew it, they were all walking away, leaving me alone.

I sighed, and closed my eyes and hugged myself tighter.

I wasn't aware of the time that passed, but soon enough, a nurse came in with my cloak, telling me that I had better get dressed because my friends had come to pick me up.

Quickly changing into my clothes, deciding not to wear the cloak because of the heat, I walked of my room and began to make my way towards the waiting room.

I found Yusuke and his woman waiting patiently in chairs. Upon seeing me, they jumped up and walked towards me.

"Hey... my mom says that its okay... so, ya' can come stay with us," Yusuke said, smiling broadly. Kayko nodded, leaning comfortably against the detective's shoulder.

"So, are you ready to come," she asked, and I nodded vaguely. With a soft smile, Kayko placed her hand on my shoulder and gave a squeeze.

I looked at her, rather shocked that she would show this type of emotion.

"It's okay... we're going to help you. I promise." With that, she let go and began walking away, presumably towards the entrance. Yusuke looked on after her and nodded, before looking back at me.

"She's right. C'mon, let's get outta here," and he held out a bandaged hand and a wave of guilt hit me. He must've noticed my expression, because he immediately withdrew.

"Don't worry, it wasn't your fault! Ya'... ya' were still dreamin' when it happened... don't worry 'bout, 'kay?"

He smiled at me, and began to lead me towards the entrance.

"Oh, an' we have go some medicine for ya'," he said, as we walked out of the doors, "It's called... 'alprozolam', I think... gay name, if ya' ask me..." I smirked slightly and shook me head.

Kayko was already waiting for us near a green sedan. Before long, I was piled into the back seat and the detective and his girl were in the front.

Without putting on my seatbelt, I curled in the left corner of the backseat, closing my eyes. When we got to Yusuke's home, his mother was already waiting for him.

Getting out, I noticed that his mother looked completely sober. Interesting, and I used to think that me and her and so much in common.

"Yusuke," she said slowly, looking at me, "this the guy we haffta take in for... them dreams..."

"Yeah, mom. Ya' met him at Kayko's baby shower..." Atsuko's eyes widened and then she smiled.

"Oh right! The one wit' the hair!" She smiled at me and led the way into the apartment.

It really hadn't changed from the last time I had been there and I quickly moved to sit on the couch.

Yusuke went into the kitchen to talk with Atsuko, leaving me alone with Kayko.

She sighed, and hugged her stomach, before looking at me.

"You get to... sleep in the guest room, if that's alright," she murmured, and was obviously trying to gain my trust.

I hadn't talked to Kayko much, not after I had kidnapped her. In a way, I was glad she didn't remember that.

She probably wouldn't be acting so civil wit me if she knew otherwise.

"It's fine..." She smiled at me.

"Well, come on! I'll show it to you." And with that, I followed her through the apartment. Walking past two rooms that I presumed were the master bedroom and Atsuko's, we turned to left door near the end of the hallway.

"Here it is," Kayko said, and opened the door. It was a modest room, with a Western style bed in the corner, far away from the door.

I stepped in, looking at the wooden floorboards and then up to the sky blue walls. It was... nice.

"Do you... like it...?" I turned back towards the woman, and she was looking at me shyly. Did my thoughts on the way she decorated her house matter so much to her?

"Yes... it's... comfortable..." She nodded, and seemed comfortable with the answer and smiled.

"Good... I'll let you get set up then, 'kay?"

Without waiting for an answer, she left. I was alone... again, and decided to make the most of it.

Closing the door, I continued to survey the room. The bed was as far from the door as possible, and wasn't even near the window.

"Damn it," I murmured. I was quickly reminded of my 'phobia'.

It was true, I guess. I never liked open spaces; there was almost absolutely no way to escape them and that... made me feel vulnerable. Maybe that explained my habit of sleeping in trees.

Moving towards the bed, I began to push it near the window. It wasn't hard, and in a matter of seconds, it was right under the window.

And Yusuke just happened to walk in right after I was finished moving the bed.

"Hey... wasn't that bed over there," and he pointed vaguely over to its original position. I nodded, looking away from him.

"But why- oh!" He approached me.

"Um... Hiei... the doc thinks that ya' are an... agoraphobic, somethin' about not likin' open spaces or not bein' able to escape."

I nodded again and he sighed.

"Anyway, that's what this is for," and he produced a pill. I stared at it and looked back at him.

"The pill with the gay name," I asked and he smirked.

"Yep! It's supposed to help ya' with the phobia, or somethin' like that..." Taking the pill, I dry swallowed it and looked back at the bed. Yusuke moved away from, obviously thinkin that this was when I needed my alone time.

When I heard the door shut, I sighed and sat on the bed.

It was going to be a long time before I got used to this.

If I got used to this.

Author's Notes: Now please, I don't want anyone saying that Kurama is being OOC in this chapter. There is a reason he's acting like this. Conflicting emotions, if you ask me. He's angry at Hiei for making the choice to become an alcoholic, and worried at the same time because he knows that night terrors aren't the best things to have. Or... Kurama may be manic-depressive or have a personality disorder (Shuichi/Youko/Kurama).

Just know, that there is a reason that he is acting like this and it is purposeful for him to act like he hates Hieione moment, and cares for him the next.

ICBINA