A/N: Hello once again, Beloved Yu Yu Hakusho Fans!
I'll take an extra look at this chapter tomorrow when I get a chance. It was kind of posted in a rush because I took a nap today-I'm both recovering from a weekend trip and from being sick-(which is why the chapter is a little late as I only woke up about thirty minutes before it needed to be posted, oops!) and I hadn't gotten the chance to really reorient myself in the story, so a couple of things may not be accurate.
Symbols Guide:
* : Written by CM; She writes for Akari and Hiei
3 : Written by Star (supposed to be the 'heart' symbol, but FF doesn't like the 'less-than' sign, so it's a 3 instead); She writes for Toriko/Shikiyoku and Youko/Kurama
~!**!~ : A universal transition between scenes or characters, sometimes used to indicate a passage of time, but most often used to transition between major scenes that are happening. As the story progresses, this will evolve into mainly separating the (usually two) scenes happening between authors/characters.
As a general rule, anything in italics is thoughts.
Unless it's used in a sentence like this, which merely indicates emphasis.
[Anything written in italics inside square brackets is Youko speaking to Shuichi/Kurama inside their mind and is private conversation, unable to be picked up by telepathy.]
{Anything written in italics inside curly brackets is inner dialogue by Shuichi/Kurama to Youko, and is also private conversation, unable to be picked up by telepathy.}
"Quotations are usually reserved specifically for telepathic dialogue being transmitted from one being to another, but sometimes this can also mean a character isn't being careful about what they're thinking and anyone with telepathy in the nearby vicinity can listen in without taking any effort."
The only exception to that last rule is for the Shiba Inu dog, Nabu. All of his "spoken" dialogue will be in italics and quotations, but is communicated through body language or dog-like noises, so unless a character is able to translate those they are unlikely to pick up on what he is saying any more than the average person might understand his general moods like aggression (bared teeth, ears back) or excitement (wagging tail).
The above rule also applies to Akari's old friend Isamu when he is in his dog-form.
Previously on Yu Yu Hakusho!
Akari reassures Kurama that even though she is leaving to join Isamu,
she has every intention of returning.
In light of the fact that he will be on his own for a while,
Kurama tells Nabu that he will take the dog by Toriko's home,
as even if Youko is not there himself, there will likely be someone around who could help him.
Since she can't think of anything in particular she wants to do before she leaves,
Kurama picks Akari up and gives her a piggy-back ride to the park,
asking if there is any place within it she wants to go specifically.
~!**!~
Shikiyoku successfully dances the Odori Iro for the tree,
much to the smug satisfaction of Hiei and Douji both.
They return to the camp and the rest of the afternoon passes peacefully,
Shikiyoku staying within the Elder's tent so that she might prepare.
Once night arrives, she drags Douji into the middle of the dancers from between the layers,
and when she pulls them out from inbetween, she begins to dance, Douji eventually joining her.
As with the last time she danced for the Northern Tribe, Shikiyoku has to call on Hiei for help,
as her energy is being sucked away by some unseen demon,
and what with having done the ritual earlier that day,
she has less energy than she normally would have.
With Hiei's energy combined with her own, the rest of the ritual goes off without a hitch,
and the tribe swarms the dancers, specifically Douji whose mark had been glowing brightly,
and Shikiyoku makes her inbetween-escape to stand next to Hiei at the outer edge of the circle.
Exhausted, Shikiyoku manages to remain upright without leaning into Hiei,
as always keenly aware of his aversion to physical contact,
and when he points out he still stood there specifically for her to do such a thing,
she attempts to shake herself back awake and insists she doesn't know what he's talking about...
The glance Hiei shot at Shikiyoku was an amused one. "You're fooling anyone but me." He continued to watch her from the corners of his eyes for a moment longer before turning his eyes to look about, searching for any watching eyes. He checked and double checked, just in case, before reaching out and grabbing Shikiyoku, pulling her between the layers to leave the crowd without being noticed.
He turned, pulling her into his firm hold to carry her away, moving for the treeline, deciding they wouldn't invade the Elder's tent again, but perhaps they'd stay nearby for the night, in case she wished to return.
When he let them fall onto the Ninth Layer again, they were several yards away from the treeline separating forestry from camp, in the branches of a tall, rather calm tree that he had decided some time ago would do for a nap, had he wanted one. He was comfortable quickly, Shiki still in his hold.
"We aren't leaving, should you decide to visit in the morning."
~!**!~
Akari lifted her chin, removing her nose from Kurama's skin to look out at the world again, blinking once as she took in the sight of the park. She gave a raised brow as she thought before she shrugged half-heartedly. "Not particularly. The park was your idea, after all." She shifted, readying to be let down if he decided to place her on her own two feet again. *
Kurama made a sound that agreed with her statement, starting to move forward again, glancing over his shoulder at Nabu.
"Where's the best place to be in here?"
~!**!~
Her protest came only as a vague noise somewhere in her throat.
"Hiei, put me down." She murmured, glad to know he hadn't gone too far since her actual clothing was still in the Elders' tent. 3
Hiei released her, as he'd intended to do all along, and sat back against the branch. He wouldn't fight her if she wanted to go. He wouldn't be happy about it, but he wouldn't exactly restrain her and say no.
Though, he did note this was the first time she'd ever actually, in a way, said 'no' to him. It had him raising a brow, both curious and a bit put-out, but both he managed to conceal, control, and then repress completely. It wasn't like it mattered too much to him. She'd rest when she rested.
His eyes found the flower in her hair, bright red and vibrant, standing out against the dark locks of her hair. He'd seen it earlier, but hadn't looked twice at it. He considered it for a second before dismissing it.
He didn't speak, didn't respond verbally to Shikiyoku's request. He didn't really have anything to say to it, anyhow.
~!**!~
Nabu lifted his nose from the grass to see both Akari and Kurama looking to him, his best friend giving a small smile at him and the male only glancing back briefly. The dog made a small yip of cheer and bounded forward, taking the lead and taking elaborate, show-offish steps that had his paws coming higher than normal, his head occasionally tilting side to side. "I'm surprised you don't remember! But, I'll show you the way!"
Akari laughed. "You got him excited, just before I thought he was going to take a nap. Way to go."
"I still plan on napping. I ate too much to run." *
"Sh," Kurama breathed to her, voice at a whisper, "He's adorable and it gives him something to do."
~!**!~
Too tired to make a grumbling noise at him, she realized that when he took his arms away, he hadn't actually set her on her feet, and her hands came down on either side of her to feel the bark of the branch beneath them.
"...dammit." She could have just shifted between layers and gone back to the tent, but...
She huffed a heavy breath out her nose, chin dropping lower half in defeat and half in sleep.
"Why are you so..." She made the same noise again, unable to come up with anything. 3
Hiei raised a brow, waiting for the word that didn't seem to be coming from her lips anytime soon. Amusement slowly filtered across his expression, lighting his eyes just a little as he rested his hands on the bark of the branch, watching her keenly.
"Fierce?" he said, providing the only word he could think of in that moment to finish her sentence. And it made his irises light up even more in amusement, though his expression didn't so much as twitch for it.
~!**!~
Akari breathed a laugh, eyes turning to the dog whose ear flicked back at them for a moment, but he otherwise made no indication he heard. "Out of all the time I've been around, I have never once heard you use that word." Not that she could readily remember, anyway. "And it is very appropriate for the situation." She took in a deep breath, suddenly finding herself holding back on something else she'd been about to say. *
"It isn't often that I feel something needs to actually be pointed out as adorable." Kurama allowed, setting his feet to following after the dog, "This just happened to be one of those times."
~!**!~
"Hmmm," It was a pleased sound that had her lips turning upwards into a smile. "I already know the answer to that."
She opened one eye to look at him for a second, then both came open and she was looking up, wondering why Hiei hadn't just taken her back the tent and debating, as she glanced down at the branch on which she sat, on whether it was worth the effort to find a different branch thick enough to lay out on or if she would just as soon go back to the tent where she knew she would be comfortable. 3
Hiei watched Shikiyoku curiously, taking in her expression with amusement as she seemed to consider… whatever it was she was considering. He wondered if she knew that all she had to do was say something, and he'd just as soon change their venue. He'd just as soon-
Hm. His lips twitched. This is why she didn't give me the strawberry right away. Because I didn't voice my request. He gave a small sound of amusement. Interesting.
So he waited, doing the same to her.
~!**!~
Akari's smile grew wider, showing her teeth as she continued watching Nabu's fancy little prance as he lead the way. She couldn't agree more about the choice of words. The adjective was very much perfect to describe her friend. Her companion.
Nabu's tail swished once as he took a turn, head high and paws lifting ever higher. "The best tree in the whole park. It provides shade all day long, until the other trees take over the job and create enough shade to be comfortable and keep you undisturbed! It's also the largest in town, home to many birds that sometimes don't like dogs sitting beneath their branches."
Akari huffed. "Those days are never fun."
"Whatever causes the attack however, is unknown." The dog plopped his rear on the ground, eyes up on the branches to gauge the nests up in the trees, waiting for any reaction from the birds sitting in them. When they didn't immediately swoop down, he turned his head to Kurama, a dog-like smile stretching his features as he lowered himself to lay in the grass. "Today is safe. Wednesdays, however… Never come on a Wednesday." *
Kurama considered every word the dog said with a solemn seriousness.
"Are Wednesdays never safe?"
~!**!~
"Impossible." She finally finished, the word coming to her out of the blue.
She frowned, eyes closed again.
"Why did you...why were you holding me the other morning?" 3
Hiei raised a brow, curious as to how she had suddenly come up with the random topic. He considered her for a few more moments, thinking back on that morning as well- after having to sift through a few things here and there to recall- and slowly leaned back, arms crossing over his chest. He eyed her for a few more moments before his brows furrowed.
Well, there was no avoiding it any longer.
"Why didn't you tell me I was marked?"
~!**!~
Akari rapped Kurama's shoulder with a finger lightly, quietly saying he could let her down if he wanted to, all the while not interrupting the stare the dog was giving Kurama. There was a beat of silence that hung on the air. Finally, the dog lifted his head from his paws again, holding the same serious air as Kurama. "No. Never safe on Wednesdays."
Akari had to fight not to laugh. *
Kurama shifted and started to slowly let Akari down.
"I'm thankful you passed this information along, Nabu. I may have some day found myself in a dire situation without such knowledge."
~!**!~
Shikiyoku's eyes came open and she woke up a little more, blinking.
"What?" 3
Hiei continued to stare at Shikiyoku, his question not being repeated. His arms remained crossed, his expression neutral as he stared at her, at first only curious. But his earlier irritation about it came bubbling back. It was absolutely befuddling as to why she wouldn't tell him, letting him instead go on believing he was a mere bystander. A curious onlooker who thwarted any-
He remembered stealing Shikiyoku away from demons she could have un-marked.
Well, that meant something entirely different now.
~!**!~
When Akari was on her own two feet, she placed her hands on Kurama's shoulders again and leaned into him, her mouth aimed towards his ear. "Also, on Wednesdays… we like to wear pink. If you don't wear pink, you can't sit with us." She pulled away, expression just as serious as his own as she moved to lay underneath the shade of the tree, a foot or so away from Nabu.
"Luckily for you, it isn't Wednesday." Though to which circumstance Nabu referred, He didn't specify. *
"If I didn't know any better," Kurama waited until she pulled away to go lay down himself, "I would say that you've spent way too much time in Human World."
~!**!~
Tell him?
Why would she tell him?
Why would she have to tell him?
She hadn't told Kit. Or Youko. Or Taka. Or...frankly anyone.
They all just...sort of...knew.
"Why didn't you know you were Marked?" She turned to look at him, confusion plain on her features. 3
Hiei's brow quirked slightly in irritation. "Because you didn't tell me." The fire demon gave a scowl. "Isn't that what I just said?" Was she suddenly deaf?
Foolish woman.
~!**!~
Akari lay on her stomach, arms folding so that she may rest her head upon her forearms, a smile coming to her face. "Why," she batted her lashes, "whatever do you mean?" Her grin widened, another line coming to mind, from a different movie. "Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." She paused. "I think that one actually sums up this layer pretty well." *
"See, now what we've got here is failure to communicake." Kurama settled down on his back, one arm behind his head propping it up and the other over his stomach.
~!**!~
"No...I mean..." Shikiyoku shook her head a little, trying to make sense of it.
How come you thought you weren't?
Like that wasn't going to get her the same answer.
"When did you...figure it out?" She said carefully, realizing the question was treading dangerous waters should he think that she intentionally left him in the cold about it.
Which was so not the case. 3
Hiei's brows pulled further down over his eyes, creating shadows of irritation at her question. He wasn't sure which way to take her new inquiry, so even though his expression twitched just slightly, he didn't rightly point out he didn't like the wording she'd used.
Instead, he answered.
"Earlier this evening." He didn't elaborate as to how he'd found out. He was still waiting on the answer to his question of why.
~!**!~
Akari heard Nabu shuffling a little, and after a moment the pressure of his head on her back was evident, his chin resting on her shoulder blades. "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" She gave a small snicker, turning her head away from the male to look at Nabu, whose eyes turned to her too. He gave an expression she knew meant to be a smiling one, his tongue momentarily hanging from his chops in amusement at her and Kurama. *
Kurama chuckled, his eyes closing.
"Well, at least we both know you're getting your fill. Mapping buildings for Genkai. Hustling demons through portals. Is there anything you can't do?"
~!**!~
If she wasn't awake before, she was now.
"What?!" She shifted around to face him, disbelief widening her eyes, "Why?" She quickly shook her head, feeling the 'because you didn't tell me' response coming, "Don't answer that."
She frowned at him, incredulously, before opening her mouth, nothing she could think of to say actually managing to come out.
Shikiyoku lifted a hand up to her face, rubbing at the bridge of her nose and thinking back.
"Hiei, I-" She took a breath, "I'm sorry. I guess. But I never had to tell anyone. And I've never-" She dropped her hand, but wasn't looking at him, eyes shifted to the side, "It's not like I've ever done anything like this before."
She finally looked at him, eyes bright with the knowledge of something he likely hadn't thought of either, eager to share, interested in his reaction.
"...care to guess how long you've been marked?" 3
Hiei, irritated, made a sound akin to a scoff. She hadn't given him time to answer any of the questions she'd posed- not that he would have been able. So he remained quiet, until she posed the last question.
Yet another he didn't know the answer to. But, this question did interest him, and he turned inwards, as if he should know the answer. After a moment or two of silence, he made another sound. "Tch." He leveled her with a stare. "Several weeks." That was, really, his best guess. Though, he wasn't sure why he thought it had been so long.
Then again, a mark like his wouldn't exactly form overnight, he assumed.
~!**!~
"Teach you not to be a bore, apparently."
"Whoop, there it is." *
"That, of course, can be blamed entirely upon my ineptitude at learning. Or...refusal to learn so you stick around, as the case may be. Whichever you prefer."
~!**!~
Shikiyoku's expression softened a great deal and she scooted forward, reaching out to place her hand over his heart, and setting the tattoo glowing underneath her touch, feeling the warmth that she knew it spread over his skin.
"This Mark?" She began, "That day you found me at the house?"
She closed her eyes, smiling.
"It was nearly this size that day."
Her eyes came back open to stare into his.
"And that sort of thing doesn't happen overnight." She tilted her head a little. 3
Hiei looked down at the hand that rested on his chest, sending his skin tingling, warm where he now knew the mark to be. Every inch of it. He could actually almost see the pattern in his mind's eye, despite never having seen it to actually memorize the shapes and such.
His eyes came back up, looking to Shiki, calm for the moment as she spoke.
At her last line, however, he made a small sound and his eyes narrowed at her.
"I'm aware." Don't treat me like a child. How can you read my thoughts like that?
He remained quiet for a moment, eyes turned to the side as gears churned behind them. If Shikiyoku said anything, he didn't rightly hear it. Instead, his mind turned to the question she had asked of him. Feeling…
Generous wasn't exactly the word he was looking for here.
Feeling… rather cooperative, his lips moved. "You were too far away."
~!**!~
Akari tilted her head to look at Kurama again, brows raised and lips twitching ever so slightly at the corners. "Listen to me, mister. You're my knight in shining armor. Don't you forget it. You're going to get back on that horse, and I'm going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we're gonna go, go, go!"
"What movie is that from?"
Akari shrugged at Nabu. "Some movie Sensui had me watch."
"...I like the quote." *
"See, this is why you should stick around, if for no other reason. There are few demons in the layers who are actually going to be able to stand how much you know about the human's culture." Kurama said it with a rather bored tone, but his lips were turned upwards to smile.
~!**!~
Shikiyoku started to pull her hand away, the glow beginning to fade as she did so, appearing a little confused.
"What?" 3
Hiei took a moment to turn his eyes up to Shikiyoku again, expression blank and stare even, as if he hadn't just been irritated beyond compare. "That morning? You were too far. Uncomfortable." He stopped there, still staring at her evenly.
Now we're even.
~!**!~
"It will be my weapon to ensure no one will miss me when I come back." Akari stuck her tongue out. "This way, Isamu won't feel the need to pop in again, because he will know my knowledge of the humans and their movies will drive him to the brink of jumping from a cliff."
"Too bad you haven't driven him that far yet." *
"I somehow get the feeling you haven't tried that tactic yet." Kurama replied, "Otherwise he would have been running for the hills long ago." He gave a little sniff of derision. "But now you know, so you have no excuses next time."
~!**!~
What?
Still confused.
Her hand lowered the rest of the way.
She blinked at him once, eyes slowly closing and coming back open to meet his gaze.
Just now?
No, wait, 'that morning,' right?
Through a tired mind, she finally made sense of his words and several things flashed through her brain at the same time.
Do you mean you were uncomfortable, or did you somehow see that I was uncomfortable?
All at once the memories from long ago of her pulling him closer and saying words very similar to that, him telling her she was too far away that night a few days ago which lead to her sleeping next to him, and then waking up in his arms coupled with what he had just said.
His stare was proving too much for her and she quickly averted her eyes, a warmth creeping up her neck.
But I thought you didn't want me closer...That's why I've been staying so far away.
When had he ever felt comfortable with her close proximity? As a Ward, she had almost needed it from him, but she recalled later on trying her best to accommodate his obvious uncomfortableness with her.
She may have at this point desired or wanted physical affection of some sort from him, but Kit or Youko or, hell, even Taka would be more than happy to oblige on that front. And that outlet freed her to remain standoffish with Hiei. As a result-she realized-her acceptance of receiving no such thing from him left her feeling rather uncomfortable and confused when he offered or extended it of his own free will.
Recent memories, starting with that night where she intentionally kept a foot or so away from him on the bed, and all the time inbetween then where she resisted reaching out to touch him, up to earlier after she danced where she hadn't leaned into him, all because-
"But you...you want me far away." She stated it factually, and remembered vividly how she had been tense that entire night he referred to, afraid even in her sleep that she might scoot closer or hang all over him and...and drive him off, only to wake up in his arms and nearly be driven off herself, worried that she had somehow forced him into it and that he might not forgive her for it this time.
As if to emphasize her point, and becoming aware that she had scooted closer to him when the whole time her plan had been to move further-a different branch, back to the tent-Shikiyoku leaned back away from him a little, trying to decide if she had enough motor-skills left to actually scoot back.3
Hiei refused to let his lips turn downwards as they so desired. He refused to let his own sudden confliction show on his expression. He refused to admit that he was just as unsure about it as she. Because the truth was, he didn't know what he wanted. That morning, he hadn't thought much about it. He hadn't considered pulling her closer. He hadn't considered the proximity. All he'd seen was that she was uncomfortable, that he knew how to remedy it, and then he found he didn't actually mind the closeness he'd created.
He'd just… done it.
He'd simply acted without thinking, and ended up enjoying the moment of peace.
And as he sat here, thinking about it, he wasn't sure how he felt about it in that moment. He wanted, on some level, to huff at Shikiyoku and pull her towards himself, her exhaustion showing through again even as she leaned away from him a little. He half thought she'd tumble from the tree here soon.
On the other hand, he wasn't sure about how to initiate it in such a way that she may not turn him down, as she had done earlier.
And, frankly, he knew that he didn't want her to be far away.
So why was he conflicted again?
Oh, right. Other forms of being close. That… was a no go.
He realized in that moment that there were lines he was going to have to dissolve, if he wanted to be a part of her Consort… thing. He would have to branch out, test the waters, loosen up and… perhaps not be so distant about certain things.
There were a lot of lines.
"If I wanted you far away, I would have left you far away."
That… suffices I suppose.
~!**!~
"Well, nobody's perfect." Akari's lips twitched at the fact that she'd gotten to quote another movie. Several, actually, with that one line. She recovered a moment after, expression turning serious. "I mean, as fun as it would be to do that, I don't really think Isamu would run from simple quotes and random facts. He couldn't care less, quite frankly." She gave a shrug, earning a small huff from the dog whose head still rested on her shoulder blades. "Think I can make him click his heels together and chant there's no place like home?" *
"I'm hoping it's going to be you wearing the ruby slippers." Kurama commented, giving a little frown.
"When are you leaving?"
~!**!~
Shikiyoku huffed.
"I...I guess."
You...make no sense to me.
"You're-"
Impossible.
Fierce.
"Confusing." 3
Hiei continued to stare at Shikiyoku, blinking only once as a moment of silence hung on the air. He was well aware that he was confusing, because he had even left himself confused and unsure. About a lot of things. He leaned back further into the bark of the tree and pulled his left leg up onto the branch, eyeing her a moment longer before speaking again.
"If you want to go elsewhere, you're the only person stopping you. Otherwise, you're going to fall off if you continue to sit there like that."
~!**!~
Akari's lips twitched briefly before her expression became neutral again, his question staying the response she'd been about to give. She thought for a moment. Initially, she'd thought about leaving early in the morning. Now, she really didn't want to.
"Tomorrow." she replied anyway, eyes closing. *
"Mm." The sound wasn't a pleased one, save for the fact that she hadn't said 'now.'
Kurama rolled over onto his side to face her, opening his eyes to look at her for a moment before closing them again.
"Just don't leave without telling me."
~!**!~
With a bit of a frown, Shikiyoku turned and stuck her tongue out at him, eyes still shut.
"Are what're you gonna go about it? At least if I fell off it'd solve my problems." 3
Hiei's eyes narrowed at her, his initial thought that of is this a challenge? He stared for a moment before making a sound he hadn't made in a long time, consisting of a single syllable. "Hn."
And then he moved, reaching out and grabbing her, suddenly not caring if she told him no. Because he wasn't going to let her fall. He pulled her towards himself, leaning back again when she was close enough to lean into him if she wished, though he didn't make her do so.
At least here, he'd be able to grab her quicker if her stubbornness won out and she fell.
~!**!~
Akari frowned to herself. While the thought had crossed her mind some time this week, she'd decided leaving without informing the redhead wasn't what she wanted to do. No matter how much it sucked.
Her eyes came open again to stare at the redhead, searching his expression for… something or another. She shifted, removing one arm from under her head and reaching out to poke his cheek. "You felt you had to tell me that? I thought it was understood." *
"I wasn't terribly certain if the teacher would just up and leave the student without notice, so...yes, I did feel it needed to be said."
He didn't appear to react to her poking him, though it was rather difficult to ignore the silver-tailed voice in his head that loudly demanded he grab for her hand. And hold onto it.
~!**!~
If I wanted you far away, I would have left you far away.
She was too tired to scoff, letting him pull her closer.
Her confliction about him in general was waning, unassisted of course by the fact that he had once again defied what she thought she knew in actually making her move closer, and where last time she had remained tense and far away, it just wasn't worth it anymore.
So, she went ahead and leaned into him, his warmth almost beckoning her nearer, and her legs coming up to spread out down the branch.
"I...don't understand you." She mumbled. 3
Hiei got comfortable soon after Shikiyoku did, his legs propped up on the branch on either side of her and his head resting back. He had both arms loosely about her to ensure she remained in place.
"Did I ever claim to be simple?"
~!**!~
Akari's hand fell to the grass, suddenly too lazy to tuck it underneath her cheek as she had earlier. She gave a very small breath of amusement. Too keen. "And that's the way it is."
Nabu shifted, his head moving away from her back as he curled into a ball next to her instead, every so often giving a soft snore. Akari shifted her weight, shuffling around until she was on her side as well, facing the redhead as her eyes came closed again. *
[Bah!]
{Do I even want to know?}
[Probably not. But you're too human for my tastes.]
{I can't imagine why.}
[At least this way you'll have no excuses when I keep pursuing Yoku. This one will be out of the way. And you've still got weeks left of your vacation.]
{Yes, yes, you'll get all the time in the world.}
[I won't need it. But yes. I will.]
Kurama let his eyes come open just slightly, seeing that Akari still lay there, though he could just as easily feel the seed pulsing with life in her pocket, and he closed them again.
~!**!~
Shikiyoku let out a half-hearted growl.
"We...need to go back in the morning."
She couldn't wake herself up enough to say why, though she did want to talk to him about what had happened tonight with her energy before they returned. 3
Hiei glanced down at Shikiyoku before his own eyes slid closed, the effects of her borrowing his energy finally beginning to riddle his mind and make him feel as if a nap were the most blissful thing in the world at the moment.
"Agreed."
~!**!~
Akari didn't go to sleep as she had originally thought she would. In fact, even though she was comfortable enough to do so, her mind simply wouldn't let her. So she lay there, letting her mind wander through thoughts at random and the occasional sudden desire to move around- specifically, closer to the redhead- in which she denied.
In the end, her eyes came open to watch him instead, her mind eventually going blank but sleep, as per usual these days, eluded her. *
"If you took a picture it would last longer." Kurama murmured, fully aware of her looking at him. 3
Akari huffed. "Alas, I have no camera," she murmured back, lips twitching in amusement. *
Kurama smiled, opening his eyes again.
[I could puff her with some nemuri gas.]
"Youko's offered to help you sleep." Kurama's smile turned a little more devious. 3
"How about not," came her reply, her tongue sticking out a little before disappearing again. "It's the middle of the day. I'll manage, I'm sure." *
[It's totally harmless.]
"Probably wise. Knowing him, he might accidentally make for certain you don't wake up for two days."
[Well, she wouldn't be able to leave as quickly that way. So, likely not.] 3
Akari's eyes closed. "Yes, because that's what I'm worried about." Her lips twitched again before settling into a taunting smile. "That would just waste the time I have here, yes?"
She resisted again moving forward, something Isamu had said popping into her mind.
"He's marked for another, Akari. Don't you think that would affect the one you seem to-"
She'd told him at the time it didn't matter, that she couldn't care less. And then the dang redhead had given her a bracelet, which the dog had, again, pointed out a few things about.
"Romantic gestures are common among you two?"
Shut up.
"I rather like where I am, thank you very much." *
"I'll make sure he doesn't disturb you in that case."
[As if you could stop me if I wanted.]
{And do you?}
[No, of course not. But that isn't the point.]
{Naturally.} 3
Akari gave a sigh. "I'm not worried."
She pulled her knees up towards her chest and her chin down a little, a few bones cracking with the movement. And still, she wasn't comfortable.
Dammit.
She released a huff.
Stupid fox.
When exactly had it become more comfortable to lay with him instead of next to him? *
"Do I need to get you a pillow?"
Her tension was almost palatable, but he kept his eyes closed, only the faint promise of a smile fluttering over his lips. 3
Akari didn't reply, a frown on her face. It's like you know. I hate that.
"He's marked for another, Akari."
Screw it.
Akari unfolded herself and scooted closer anyway, stopping just short of touching the male. "You're a pain." *
"That's only because you seem to have a penchant for thinking I'm a pain." Kurama let his eyes come open and he reached out and pulled Akari up against him, letting his face lower and bury itself into her hair. "If you're uncomfortable, just say so next time instead of pouting like that."
He only shifted a little before saying, "Better?"
~!**!~
Shikiyoku had been thinking.
She wasn't sure for how long, exactly. Probably the entire time she'd been 'asleep,' but most definitely while drifting in-between sleeping and waking before morning arrived.
Because she had suspicions about how her energy had been disappearing last night, and her mind kept turning them over and over, but her body was forced to rest and rejuvenate from the ritual of the night before.
She would need all the strength she could get to enact any one of the plans stirring in her head.
...and quite possibly some of the strength of the one she quite comfortably rested upon. 3
Hiei didn't move. He'd been awake for some time now, eyes still closed so that he may appreciate the calm silence on the air before dawn. It was peaceful, quaint. It afforded him time to think, to sort through many things that he'd either ignored the night before, or hadn't even thought of until the moment came.
He made his mind up about several things, one of those things being that this, resting with Shikiyoku against him, wasn't so bad. In fact…
Well, whatever.
Also, he was now much more determined to covet his time with Shikiyoku. Keep her from the others as much as he could, since it was clear he was a little behind.
Or was he actually ahead?
…
He had no idea.
Likely behind.
~!**!~
"I can pout whenever I so please," Akari grumbled, her hands becoming pinned between herself and Kurama. "And… no one asked your opinion, just so you know." She huffed at him indignantly, but deflated very soon after the sound left her and let her eyelids slide closed.
"And, for the record… yes. Much." *
Kurama just chuckled, but did not actually give her an outright reply.
He was going to miss this.
More than he probably would have admitted out loud.
[Too bad for you.]
Thoughts of Shikiyoku were bouncing around in Youko's head with an unmistakably intentional air, including the intention to do with her what Kurama did with Akari now.
[And all while your precious pup is gone.]
~!**!~
Shikiyoku shifted a little.
"Did you get a chance to analyze what happened last night during the ritual?" 3
Hiei's eyes came open just slightly to glance down at Shikiyoku for a moment before they came closed again. Obviously. Naturally. He fought not to give the one-word answers, knowing it wouldn't do anything but have her prompt him on his thoughts on the matter.
And really, his first thoughts were of someone like her, who had learned to feed on the energy of demons.
Except, he'd imagined it to be a much more… notable thing. He'd imagined it to be draining and painful even.
"I have a thought or two." he finally said. "As to their worth…"
He didn't go on, waiting to see if she'd share her thoughts first.
~!**!~
With the sound of the redhead's chuckle, Akari moved her face closer, burying her nose into his shoulder. She didn't let thoughts pass by her mind; they'd likely be unwelcome anyway. Annoying. Stressful. And at this moment, she didn't want to think about anything else.
The longer she lay still, the more comfortable she became, until her entire body was lax and her mind was blank enough that she was just beginning to fall into sleep when a thought passed by her mind.
You're going to miss this.
Shh. *
Kurama gave the smallest of sighs that set Akari's hair quivering against his face as he relaxed.
Youko blessedly let him have the last few moments in peace, though if he had cared to listen, it was quite possible the fox was humming pleasantly, entertaining thoughts of Shikiyoku and the plans stirring in his mind.
~!**!~
"I'm concerned for the tribe." Shikiyoku admitted. "Assuming they don't know there is a demon in their midst feeding on energy. My intention was to return today and attempt to locate the individual should the Elder so wish it." 3
Hiei made a sound of affirmation. "Agreeable." He shifted just slightly, eyes coming open again to look about their surroundings. "How long do you suppose it's been happening?" He knew nothing about this type of thing, other than the fact that it could happen. That it could become uncontrollable if allowed to do so.
Really, he was just the backup, in case something happened.
~!**!~
Before she was actually aware of doing so, Akari was shifting, one arm moving to fall over Kurama and, in turn, bring her even closer to the redhead, a sigh leaving her lips as her mind finally fell into sleep mode. Albeit, it was a iffy sleep, as if a single sound could bring her back to awareness, or even a single thought could stir her should one intrude the calm darkness behind her lids. *
~!**!~
"There's really no way to know." Shikiyoku didn't think there could be an exact answer for that unless asking whoever was doing it. "It's...disquieting to consider. If demons are suddenly popping up with that power-" Shikiyoku sighed and opened her eyes, "I alone decimated countless numbers of demons while like that. Should too many beginning running around like I did, it could easily wipe out most of the demons in existence." 3
Hiei scowled; she was right. Entire civilizations could be wiped out. Especially if those demons couldn't run around the layers as he and Shikiyoku could, and were stuck in specific areas. Then… well..
It wasn't hard to imagine how quick certain layers could become more barren should a certain amount of demons like that crop up.
Disquieting indeed.
"And if it's a member of the tribe?" *
"It...It is. I know that much. The Elder needs to be told, and as I said before, I plan on offering to discover the demon should she not be aware." Shikiyoku pushed herself up and stretched before looking at him. "I'll need your help though." 3
Hiei didn't move from his lounging position, only crossing his arms over his chest when Shikiyoku gave him the necessary space. He eyed her for a good few minutes, expression neutral and thoughts hidden. And he remained like this for a little longer, not sure what to say first.
Instead, he simply agreed.
"Lead the way." *
Shikiyoku smiled and turned, swinging her legs over the branch.
"There you are!"
Looking down, she caught sight of Douji, standing a few hundred yards away, a lur'mog at his shoulder. He was frowning at her.
She hopped down and walked towards him.
"You left me."
She paused in place, taken aback by the sudden venomous tone she'd never heard the boy use before.
"Uh-"
"Without saying anything. I think that was the worst part." He crossed his arms over his chest as she kept moving forward.
Oops.
She hadn't really meant to.
"I-" She stood in front of him, surprised when he grabbed her arms and leaned over to look into her face.
"Please, just-" He looked frustrated, "No excuses. Don't do it again."
She blinked at him, "I'm...I didn't mean to make you upset."
"Like hell you didn't." There were circles under his eyes. He had been looking for her quite possibly all night. He shut his eyes and shook his head. 3
Hiei watched Shikiyoku drop, hesitating for a moment as he shifted to do the same, though he himself moved between the layers to go unnoticed. And when he dropped, he waited an extra second, watching the demon with a quirked brow of slight irritation, and light amusement. By the time he appeared on the layer, however, his expression was stony.
"Get over it. I took her." His hands were in his cloak pockets, eyes on the boy without blinking. *
Shikiyoku shot a look in Hiei's direction, but turned back to Douji, putting a hand over the mark on his chest softly, but making no glow this time.
"I was exhausted, and you were busy." She kept going as he opened his mouth, "But I could have at least said something to you. I apologize for worrying you."
As soon as her hand touched him, he appeared to soften around the edges and actually hear what she had to say.
"I was well taken care of."
Douji let her go and Shikiyoku also dropped her hand.
"Yeah, I'll bet." He grumbled, starting to turn away to head back to camp.
Shikiyoku trotted to catch up to him.
"Where might the Elder be about now?"
He raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. 3
Hiei said nothing more after Shikiyoku had turned to him briefly, though he had been very tempted to remark about her having to go home at some point. Whether or not she had the chance to tell Douji… well, that depended on circumstances.
Babysitting.
Okay, so maybe not. Just a kid who knew little to nothing about Shikiyoku's energy and how it's spent in a ritual. And who so happened to be marked.
Oh well.
Hiei set off after the other two, keeping a good distance behind for a bit before he moved through the layers, catching up and reappearing at Shikiyoku's other side, eyes forward calmly, and he gave no input to the conversation whatsoever. *
Instead of answering her directly, when she made no appearance to answer his unspoken question, Douji turned to the lur'mog on his shoulder-who had been the one to finally find her-and chattered instructions to it.
The lur'mog gave a single chirping response and disappeared from his shoulder.
As they drew closer to camp, Shikiyoku paused and put a hand on Douji's shoulder. The demon stopped, frowning down at her.
"You should rest."
He opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head.
"I will come find you before I take my leave."
His mouth closed again, his expression still turned downwards, but before he could say anything else, the lur'mog reappeared and let out a single noise.
Douji nodded, to it and looked down at Shikiyoku, "She'll meet you on the way into camp. I'm-" He stared at her for a moment.
"Go." She grinned and gave him a little push, "Before you fall over."
He finally gave a low chuckle, "Alright fine. But if you leave again-"
"I made a promise, didn't I?"
It only seemed to ease his mind a little and he only shook his head and turned to walk towards camp from a different direction, leaving Shikiyoku to keep walking forwards. 3
Hiei remained silent as Douji moved away, leaving him alone with Shikiyoku again. He glanced at her from the corners of his eyes for a moment before turning forward again. Several thoughts passed by the forefront of his mind, none of which he voiced.
He wasn't sure what to expect in the upcoming minutes, in the rest of their day. So he remained quiet, silently planning for almost any situation he could imagine. *
As Douji said, the Elder was approaching the edge of camp that the pair of them entered from.
"So, you didn't leave us unexpectedly."
"Not you too."
She laughed, "Did Douji already give you the lecture?"
"Do I need to answer that?"
"I suppose not." She still appeared amused, "For what did you need me?"
"I'd...like your permission to do something."
The Elder looked intrigued, and Shikiyoku went on before she could say anything.
"Might we speak further in the main tent?"
"Now you've really piqued my interest."
Shikiyoku gave a huff of a laugh as she gestured in the direction the tent lay, "Remember that feeling."
The demons of the tribe were much too engrossed in the duties of the morning to pay much attention to the three demons moving among them, though most would give Shikiyoku a grateful smile as she went past, which she would usually return.
The Elder pushed aside the tent flap and stepped inside, holding the fabric back so the other two might be free to enter as well.
She moved to sit among the pillows at the far end of the large space, in what seemed to be an area specifically for meeting like this, her place being in the center of the back wall with what was obviously room on either side of her for the other members of her station.
"Now." She began once Shikiyoku took a seated position across from her, "What bothers you, Iro?"
Shikiyoku still wasn't exactly comfortable with the nomenclature anymore, but she let the word pass as well as she could, setting her thoughts onto the matter at hand.
"Are you aware of a demon among your tribe capable of absorbing energy?"
The Elder's expression did not change from the neutrality she had adopted, and she blinked at her once in the silence of the moment before giving her answer.
"I am not." Her head shifted slightly, the edges of her eyes twitching in a desire to narrow at her, though the Elder restrained herself. "You must have a reason for throwing out such a dangerous accusation."
"I would not do so if I did not have concerns." Shikiyoku dipped her head slightly in deference to the other demon's leadership position.
"Last night-" Shikiyoku blinked, recalling the moment that could have easily led to her panic had Hiei not been willing or able to assist her. "You must know I was assisted last night."
The Elder's eyes flickered towards Hiei.
"Indeed."
Shikiyoku only stared at her, waiting for her to make the connection.
"Ah." Her eyes brightened with understanding only after a second or two. "Someone was eating away at your energy." She frowned, "There were no visitors among us last night."
"And there must not have been any other demons approaching you with such a claim before now."
A nod, "You are correct." Her eyes grew worried, "This...this is disconcerting."
"Has there ever been anyone in the tribe with this ability before now?"
The Elder shook her head, "No. None. I must admit I had thought the power restricted to those born with it."
Shikiyoku's gut wrenched slightly, "That is...most definitely not the case."
The other demon's eyes shot up from where they had drifted to the floor, and she did not have to say anything for Shikiyoku to know she picked up on what Shikiyoku had not said.
Shikiyoku almost said something about the disease, about being a carrier, but an alarm went off in her head that noted a difference in the Elder's eyes.
That was...not information which would be wise to share. It was already clear that the Elder could be considering Shikiyoku's presence the catalyst for such an event.
Shikiyoku blinked as the sudden realization that she might not be welcome to return here hit her.
"I would...like to find this demon for you, should you wish."
"And what would you propose we do then?" The Elder shot back, tone harsher than it had been up to this time, though not quite unkind. Not yet. "Kill the poor fool?"
Shikiyoku's eyes widened, and she almost stammered, but managed to retain her composure, "I simply wish to offer you the knowledge of identity."
The Elder grunted, neither an affirming or negating sound, staring at Shikiyoku who met her gaze for gaze.
The Elder sighed and broke the stare, "I know it is not your fault. Do not think so little of me. I...I have not been entirely truthful with you, I'm afraid."
Shikiyoku waited patiently for her to go on.
"I have heard of a case such as you propose happening here." She hesitated. "From Central Tribe. We received a messenger informing us that two or three of their own suddenly found themselves able to do this 'energy-siphoning' thing that you suggest occurred last night." Another hesitation. "They warned us because the demons had gone mad, managing to kill a handful of their own before the tribe subdued one, though the others managed to escape." 3
Hiei, after a very slight, likely unnoticeable hesitation, lowered himself to sit next to Shikiyoku, not really sure what to expect here. Half of him feared the elder would become defensive over her tribe, think Shikiyoku were being accusatory and intrusive. The other half of his mind wasn't sure whether to believe a person of her power would know of such a circumstance or not.
So, during the conversation, Hiei's gaze never once wavered from the Elder, watching each muscle twitch and each gear he could note turning behind her eyes- which wasn't many. She did well concealing herself, which didn't surprise him in the least. If anything, though, it left him… suspicious.
Not that he allowed it to show.
He didn't speak at all as time wore on. It was not his place. He knew nothing of such matters.
It was, however, tempting to say something about the revelation the Elder gave them. Admitting to withholding information- though he could definitely see why. Someone who watched over this many demons would certainly make sure no one would be harmed in his and Shikiyoku's search for…
Whoever it was.
Hiei's eyes slid to Shikiyoku for the barest of moments. He noted the stiffness in her shoulders, the straightness of her spine. It wasn't hard to guess her thoughts.
And his first thought was: if she was able to transition away from her sickness, so would the others?
Not everyone has a 'true self' to go back to.
If a demon's 'true self' was infected… would there be any way to stop the attacks without killing the demon infected?
His initial instinct left the fire demon's eyes closing for a moment. This does not bode well. *
Shikiyoku's first thoughts turned to Shubou, desperately hoping the leader of Central Tribe had been unaffected by this...epidemic?
The Elder sensed Shikiyoku's tension.
"I believe that so far the Elder of Central Tribe has been spared."
Shikiyoku gave an absent nod.
She let her eyes glanced briefly over at Hiei.
"This is...unprecedented. I have never heard of demons suddenly being able to siphon energy away without, as the Elder said, being born with the ability. It would be like me suddenly finding myself able to wield fire, or you finding you could manipulate plantlife." She frowned. 3
Hiei's eyes remained closed, expression unchanging as Shikiyoku spoke through the connection he'd forgotten he had enacted the night before. He considered her words, thoughts of another demon similar to the one she must have gotten the sickness from roaming about, somehow giving it to other demons who suddenly found themselves likely needing to feed in this way.
If so… would that mean an army?
What for?
To take over layers?
Heh. Back to the normal trouble, huh?
"Is there possibility of another spreading the disease on purpose? To your knowledge." *
The Elder appeared to be lost in her own thoughts so Shikiyoku allowed herself to frown and consider it.
"I would have bet my life on Kyonshi being the last of his kind. And he so desperately wished to teach me how to use-" Shikiyoku suddenly cut herself off, blinking as thoughts rushed into her mind.
"The timing." She murmured to herself. "I just don't know the timing." 3
Hiei refused to let his expression change, to falter and allow his slight confusion to riddle his features. And his eyes remained closed, to hide such thoughts from view should the Elder turn to look at him. He waited a moment longer before inquiring.
"Timing of his death?" He wasn't really sure what she meant. *
Shikiyoku's eyes had been darting back and forth, but she suddenly came to attention when she realized she had been speaking in a manner that Hiei could still hear.
"No, I mean...the timing of me catching on. To Kyonshi's efforts bearing fruit. It sort of...happened all at once, and-" She blinked, "...if I had to guess? It was about the time Demon World was falling apart, connecting to Human World..." 3
Hiei didn't reply, taking her words into account and letting thoughts mill about in his mind, stirring a few thoughts here and there, a few ideas. His eyes came open, naturally blank of any thoughts and surveying the Elder for a moment.
If Shikiyoku had gone into such a state within such a short amount of time, then how long before the demon here did the same? How long had it been before the demons at the Central Tribe had done the same? *
"The main issue is...I have no idea when Kyonshi contracted the disease. Or how. Or if he had it the whole time. Though I don't think that last one is the case." She sorted through her thoughts, "And to be honest, I don't know when I received it either. Or how long it took to really take over."
The Elder gave a sigh that Shikiyoku had almost just released and she pulled away from Hiei's thoughts for a moment.
"It would behoove my tribe to know what member among us has acquired this ability. I would be remiss if I turned down your offer. What is it that needs to be done?"
"I simply ask the use of this tent. I do not wish to make a big production about it, as I'm sure you do not either."
The Elder shook her head, "You are right. There is no need in spreading panic."
"And since you have not gotten any complaints about energy being taken before, either the demon is clever in how he or she is going about it, which means their mind is still intact, or they only just found about about the power."
The Elder gave another deep sigh and stood up, "I will make sure you remain undisturbed." She padded silently across the floor to the front of the tent, pausing before exiting. "My thanks, Iro."
Her stomach flinched at the name, but she turned her thoughts to the next step, eyeing Hiei once they were left alone. 3
Hiei remained seated where he was, eyes following the Elder as she moved out of the tent, waiting until the flap was closed before he turned to look at Shikiyoku expectantly, curious as to what she had in mind. Another thought, however, crossed his mind and came to his tongue first.
He stayed it, instead asking telepathically.
"Do you know how you got the disease?" He couldn't rightly recall if he'd asked before now or not.
Perhaps he hadn't thought much of it of late.
~!**!~
Akari shifted a little, pulling her arm back up and over Kurama, fully aware of who she was with, but not very aware of much else. She wasn't even aware of what woke her yet, and she'd just been settling into sleep again when something disturbed her again, making her realize her hand had merely rested on Kurama's side rather than hiding from… whatever that was.
She batted at whatever was touching her, earning a sound she didn't rightly recognize before she dropped her hand between herself and Kurama.
"Nabu, qui'."
"You quit."
Akari huffed. "It's annoying."
"I'm not doing anything." *
He didn't even bother opening his eyes, though he heard every word and felt no concern whatsoever.
After all, Akari was still in his arms.
~!**!~
Shikiyoku shifted until she was sitting cross-legged and facing Hiei.
"Well, I as much as said earlier that Kyonshi gave it to me, but...I could just have easily acquired it after his death somehow, I suppose. The time between-" She blinked, stomach cringing a little, "...his death and when you started to wake me up is all fuzzy and disoriented."
Having never killed a single thing in her entire life, by her own hands at least, the incident took a rather large toll on her already fragmented psyche at the time. 3
Hiei nodded, accepting her answer without another thought to it. He supposed it would help to know how it spread, but at this point, it didn't really matter. It was spreading anyway, and they just had to figure out if it was still spreading in the tribe, or if it was just one demon.
He assumed, due to how little he had felt siphoned from him, that there was merely one at the moment within the vicinity.
"What is it you intend to do from here?"
~!**!~
Silence fell over the area again, leaving Akari almost falling asleep, except that she realized Nabu's voice had come from behind her, and not Kurama. Her eyes came open, blinking twice to clear the blurriness as she shifted a little more, hand twitching slightly with that same feeling. Seriously?
She glanced at her hand, noring no particular change aside from the again darkened mark on her wrist.
You just can't leave me be.
She settled in again, eyes closing and nose burying in Kurama's shirt a second time, not even caring to check the time of day. She even let her arm rest over the male again just as lazily as before.
Another poke.
I'm going to murder yo-
An odd feeling swept over her, bringing her eyes open again to stare at the shirt.
"You're not part of the pack."
There was a pause.
"You're.. not really associated with us."
She blinked. She hadn't felt such means of communication since she was a kid.
"And you're going to join us?"
Akari sat up just enough to look over Kurama's shoulder, seeing a child crouched behind the redhead, staring at her unblinkingly, whiskers twitching and ears standing at attention.
Isamu stood behind the child, his furs just stilling as if he'd just come to a standstill. His brows were raised.
She moved, settling next to Kurama again as if nothing happened. "Go away. I was napping." *
Kurama fought with the Youko in himself so very hard.
He wanted nothing more than the send the intruders a glare over his shoulder, one that they should go away or die...
At Akari remaining unmoving from him, Kurama found himself more able to resist after a fashion, and did not himself so much as flinch or shift around, only smiling against her hair in both a silent approval of her brusque dismissal of the invaders and also to let her know that he was awake, should she have need of him.
{Should have slept at the meadow.}
~!**!~
"I am going to do very much the same thing that I did last night."
Shikiyoku stretched her arms above her head before settling back down again.
"With a few key difference that shouldn't be all that difficult for me to implement."
She held out her hands palms up between them meaningfully.
"I will mix your energy with mine, render others incapable of sensing or seeing it, and send it out into the tribe. Your job will be to track your energy along the way, with the intention of catching the demon in the act of siphoning whatever gets close to them. I'll feel the energy disappearing, but I have no way myself of seeing it exactly." Her eyes flickered up to his Jagan. 3
Hiei's eyes turned down to Shikiyoku's hands, recognizing the gesture as one meaning that he should place his within hers for this. He waited until she continued before moving to do so, pausing when he heard her pause. His eyes turned up to her in time to catch the glance she shot to his hidden eye. He made a sound of amusement.
He made easy work of untying the cloth from around his head, letting it fall to the floor as he turned to face Shikiyoku, placing his hands on hers and letting his eyes slide closed, only for the Jagan to slide open, staring at her, waiting.
And how good it felt to let it breathe.*
Thanks for reading! Bless your face. If you sneezed during this chapter, bless you. Peace off! -Star