A/N: I was so happy to see the feedback on the last chapter, but I shall not confirm nor deny anything anyone has made guesses at. You will just have to read and find out! I know I'm mean, sorry ha ha. Also, I realize there wasn't much Hiei in the last chapter, but you will see plenty of him in this one. Also I'm debating on whether or not I want to do the tournament in half Kasumi's POV and half Hiei's, like switch off per chapter, thoughts? The tournament will take up at least a couple of chapters. Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading, enjoy chapter 21!
Disclaimer: I still do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, what's up with that? I'm not making any money writing this.
Warnings: Lots of profanity, violence, blood/gore, adult themes, sexual themes, etc.
. . .
My breath faltered and I reminded myself how to breathe – in and out…in and out. My blood soaked into the tatami beneath my feet. Still I could not move.
I must have stared into the depths of that closet for a century. Every minute that passed my shock and sadness changed. Soon, all I could see was the color red.
My bloody foot smashed into the dresser in the back of my closet. Again and again, so angry I couldn't feel the pain. I kicked at the wood until I'd smashed the front of one entire drawer. When I went to start on the next a pair of hands grabbed me from behind. They clamped down over my arms and wrenched me backward.
"I'll kill him!" I screeched. I swung out a leg and missed by a mile when Hiei tugged me again.
He tossed me onto my bed and when I went to launch myself back up he pinned me down. This was such a familiar scenario for me by now that it did nothing to stop my rage. I struggled beneath him, trying to buck him off me.
"Hiei!" I heard Kurama shout in shock.
The redhead was standing at the end of the bed with wide eyes, unsure on what he should do. When Hiei turned and snarled at him he held his hands up in defeat.
"Get off me!" I screamed at the demon.
I managed to wiggle an arm free. Without realizing it my neon pink reiki had begun to seep from between my fingers. My anger was so potent it was having physical effects.
I used it to my advantage. With my fist covered in neon pink energy I smashed it into the side of Hiei's head.
He didn't hesitate to retaliate. My punch was hard enough to cause him to bleed, but not enough to knock him off me. He smashed his own fist into my cheek and with fangs bared he growled at me, "Open your eyes, baka!"
"Hiei, that's enough!" Kurama tried to intervene with little success.
Hiei shot him a sidelong glance and snarled, "She can take a hit, fox."
Damn straight I could. I balled my fist to swing at him again. He grabbed my wrist and pinned my arm down once more. My Reiki was still leaking from my fingers up my arms at a steady pace. It spread up Hiei's hands and forearms. The bright color cast his face in eerie shadows and caused the red of his eyes to flash dangerously.
He sneered at me, "You need to learn to control your emotions."
"Excuse me for not being an emotionless prick like you!"
The bright pink had begun to engulf the both of us, traveling to Hiei's shoulders. It was different than before, wispy like smoke. It swirled and climbed ever higher, a vast contrast to Hiei's dark clothing. I saw heatwaves begin to spread out from his body – a defense against my power.
"You're not seeing the big picture, baka onna!"
What was he talking about, the big picture? I figured the state of my home was pretty self-explanatory. What else was there to see?
"Perhaps this will help," Kurama said.
I turned my head just in time to see him pluck a seed from the depths of his hair. It was rather large and a deep purple in color. He crushed it between his fingers and it released a grey cloud of spores.
Hiei was quick to pull that stupid scarf of his over his nose and mouth but my reaction was far too slow. I sucked in a deep breath of the stuff. As it entered my nose it tickled and I released a loud sneeze. This heralded a sudden wooziness and my eyes drooped to half-mast. My reiki began to fade and it dissipated in little globules like bubbles. How fucking weird.
"What was that?" I slurred out.
"A mild calming agent, nothing harmful," Kurama answered.
It was anything but mild. It made me feel like someone had slipped me a heavy pain killer. You know those kinds that made you feel drunk and stoned at the same time? Yeah, it felt like that.
It also reminded me of something else…
"You…you just…" Ugh, why was it so hard to talk? "…Gave me…a date rape drug."
"I won't deny that it…has been used for such purposes," the redhead said.
Hiei climbed off me and turned to regard the other demon with a heated stare, "Goddamn it Kurama…"
"Did you wish to fight with her all night, Hiei?"
I blinked once real slow and then tuned them out as they argued. My body was limp and pliant. They could twist me into a pretzel if they wanted and I wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it.
I laughed and it came out as the sound of a crazy person's. At least I wasn't angry anymore.
"Now," said Kurama, "I seem to be missing something here."
I opened my mouth to speak but Hiei beat me to it, "Her katana was stolen."
"And who else knows of this katana?"
"It doesn't matter!" I tried to sit up but only managed to prop up my upper body with my arms, "It was Hideki that stole it!"
Hiei shook his head in disbelief, "You are beyond stupid."
God, couldn't he think of any other insults? His repertoire was lacking. I glared at him but only succeeded in giving Kurama a good chuckle. I guess I didn't look too menacing right now.
"Then enlighten me, oh great one," I waved out a hand, mocking him.
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes in defiance. So that's how it was going to be? He wasn't going to tell me a damn thing…whatever.
I flopped back down onto my bed with a huff. What was I going to do now? I was so upset earlier and now…now I just felt nothing. It was like Kurama's drug had taken everything away, not just my anger.
Speaking of the redhead, he was traversing his way over to me through the sea of clothing. He crouched next to the bed, at my feet. At his first touch I flinched away.
"Please, allow me to tend to your feet. There is still glass stuck in them."
I flushed a bright red and heard Hiei release a derisive snort when he noticed. I flipped him off, even though I doubted he gave a shit.
Kurama was gentle as he peeled my ruined socks from my soles. He lifted each foot to inspect it and then nodded.
"Where do you keep your first aid kit?" he asked.
"Bathroom closet," I answered.
The long haired man set my foot down and rose to go retrieve my med kit. I noticed with lazy eyes as he shot Hiei a warning glance before he walked out the door.
A stony silence followed his departure. I watched as a dribble of blood traveled down from the side of Hiei's temple to his chin. Feeling brave, I waved a hand to get his attention.
He raised an eyebrow at me and I gestured for him to come towards me. When he didn't I sighed.
"Come over here," I said.
His eyes turned to stare at the wall. He was doing his best to ignore me. Too bad for him I felt like being annoying.
"Cut it out, you can't stay mad at me forever."
I got no reaction. With my body feeling like a sack of bricks, I hauled myself off the bed. If he wouldn't come to me, I'd go to him.
I ended up tripping over a pile of clothing on my way. In a blur I found myself in the arms of the fire demon. He'd saved me from falling flat on my face.
I smiled up at him in gratitude. After a brief moment of staring, his red eyes once again flicked towards the wall. I took this opportunity to reach a hand up and swipe at the blood on his cheek.
He flinched away from me, "Don't touch me."
"Oh, but you can touch me all you want?" I pouted and in my intoxicated state I never realized how wrong that had sounded.
His expression changed to look as if I were torturing him with my voice alone. He closed his eyes and I saw his jaw tighten as he became more irritated by the second.
I pulled down the sleeve of my sweater so it covered my hand. Then I used it to wipe the blood from the side of his face. He moved his head to get away from me but my hand only followed him. I wouldn't feel satisfied until I'd cleaned it all up.
With his hands still on my shoulders he pushed me away. It put too much distance between us for me to reach. At least most of the blood was gone now.
He glared at me, his upper lip curled into a sneer, and he opened his mouth to yell at me again. The door opening interrupted him and he turned wide eyes towards Kurama. I began to snort at what we must have looked like to the other man. I mean, Hiei had my shoulders in a death grip and I was grinning like a fool. I'm sure it looked like we'd just finished doing something rather naughty.
"Excuse me for interrupting," said Kurama, a hint of a grin on his lips.
Hiei growled low in his throat, let go of me, and then marched straight out of the room. I burst out laughing as he left. It wasn't often you got to see a man like him get embarrassed over something.
Kurama shook his head, "Take a seat Kasumi-san."
I giggled for a while after that. The drug Kurama had used intensifying the hilarity. He tended to my feet, first plucking out the little shards of glass. Then he began cleaning the wounds. He grew frustrated when I kept swinging them and messing up his work.
"Please stop moving," he ground out as he grabbed at my ankles.
I rolled my eyes but ceased my movements. Kurama went back to his work and I hummed a tune to myself.
This would be a great opportunity to get to know the demon better. I didn't even know what kind he was. I mean, the guy used plants…was he some kind of fucking woodland creature?
"Hey," I said and poked him with my big toe.
He looked up at me, his face far from pleased, "Yes?"
I suppressed a grin that would only piss him off further. Then blurted out the question that had been burning in the back of my throat, "So I know what Hiei is…but what type are you?"
It was rude, even I knew that. So when Kurama evaded the question completely I didn't blame him.
"Hiei rather enjoys your company, you know."
Where had that come from? I didn't even know how to react to the question. I didn't know Hiei that well, but I knew he disliked me. He'd made that obvious time and again. Or more like every single day since I'd met him.
I released an incredulous laugh, "Are you pulling my leg?"
I could see the secret hidden behind his tiny humorless smile. He wrapped a thin bandage around each of my feet. He chose his next words with care, so I would not misunderstand him.
"He hates humans, Kasumi-san. Yet, he has saved your life many times."
I rubbed the back of my neck and had trouble looking him in the eye. Why had this conversation turned to the fire demon? Was he trying to rile me up? I knew how many times Hiei had come to my aid, I wasn't a fool.
Finished with the bandages, Kurama held both my ankles in his large hands. I didn't know if it was to keep me still or to keep me from running. My mind was screaming that it was the latter.
"You should heed what he says more often, instead of fighting him."
He let me go and stood up. He adjusted his clothing and brushed his hair off his shoulders.
"And to answer your question…" he pinned me with a cold stare, "…I am a Youko."
He was a fucking woodland creature. Except the way he'd said it took all the enjoyment out of being right from me. He picked up the med kit and shot me one last polite smile. He shut the door with a soft click behind him. I spent the next half an hour staring blankly into space.
The drug wore off after a time, just before for the rest of the gang's arrival. It was going to be a long night full of things I didn't want to talk about. But I knew there was no way to get out of it. Better to resign myself to my fate. So that's exactly what I did.
. . .
The next morning I awoke with something akin to a hangover. A headache so massive I couldn't keep my eyes open for long periods. The sun streaming through my window wasn't helping at all.
Last night had been long and terrible. The only highlight of it was watching Kurama fix the window. He grew a strange plant over it. It looked like a giant leaf, except it was translucent. When touched it felt like a thin sack full of water. During the day it collected sunlight and at night it would glow in the dark. Without it we would have spent the night in a cold ass apartment. I kind of liked the damn thing. Maybe I would keep it, baba Chiyo never had to know.
As far as I knew everyone had stayed over last night. To save space Kazuma had spent the night with me. He was still snoring like an elephant beside me and as usual, he had all the blankets. I rolled over onto my side and reached for my cell phone which I'd been using as an alarm clock. Even without my contacts in I noticed that something was missing.
I sat up and searched the table with desperate eyes. I leaned over to look down the back side, maybe it had fallen. When I discovered it wasn't there either was when I finally realized something.
Hiei had tried to tell me last night but I'd been too stubborn to notice or listen. The picture of my sister and me from the Megallica concert was gone. This one simple truth was enough to turn everything I had thought upside down.
I snatched my cracked glasses off the bedside table and I leapt from the bed. This startled Kazuma awake with a loud grunt. Before he could even say a word I had dashed through the bedroom door. I took the stairs two at a time and looked around wildly once I'd reached the bottom. When I realized I couldn't see much was when I placed the glasses over my nose.
Kurama was folding up his bedding on the couch, but he wasn't who I was looking for. He glanced up at me quizzically but I sped right by him. Sitting at the kitchen table as stoic as always was the man I wanted.
I marched straight up to him and slammed my palm down onto the wood of the table, "Are you fuckin' telling me you think Hitomi stole my sword?"
He glowered up at me through his lashes, "Took you long enough."
"Oh excuse me for getting drugged!"
"If you had calmed down, it wouldn't have happened.
"And what would you do if someone stole something that important to you?"
"I would kill them," he replied.
"Exactly, so don't be a hypocrite!"
He huffed, "I would have reacted differently than you."
"You two should sit down and try having a real conversation," a loud voice shouted from the loft, "Instead of having a pissing match!"
"Like I would ever take advice from you!" I shouted in return.
He must have heard the yelling but I didn't feel bad for waking him up. Well didn't that just suck for him? Maybe he would think twice about staying the night from now on.
Yusuke flipped me the bird and then retreated back into Keiko's bedroom. Hopefully to put on some damn pants, he was way too comfortable around here these days. I'd seen him in his boxers more times than I could count.
Not that I should be talking, I thought. I was wearing black spandex shorts and a boys t-shirt. I also appeared to be lacking a bra. Thank Kami it wasn't cold in here.
I lowered my voice, so only Hiei would hear, "Answer me."
His face blank he kept his mouth shut tight. I resisted the urge to wrap my hands around his throat. I didn't know why I was bothering. Kurama's words came back to me from last night. He'd told me to listen to Hiei. And as hard as it was to admit…Yusuke had a point too. I was sick of this constant war I seemed to have going on with this man.
He didn't have to like me…but I would get him to respect me.
I stuck my hand out as an offering, "Can we call a truce?"
Stone cold silence was all I received for an answer. He was the king of the cold shoulder, it would seem.
I pulled out a chair and dragged it as close to him as I could get. I knew when to back off because his upper lip curled into a snarl. I forgot sometimes…that Hiei often acted more like an animal than a person.
"I don't know what I did to you, but I'm sorry."
"Your existence is an irritation. Save your apologies for someone who cares."
Forget the truce, forget not fighting. This man needed some sense knocked into him. I lunged at him, sending the chair skidding across the floor. This time it was Kurama who grabbed me from behind. He wrapped a single arm around my midsection and hauled me back into his chest. Hiei hadn't moved from his seat. He only regarded me coolly, his eyes such a fiery color could be so fucking cold. Why did he continue to fight me every step of the way?
I wrenched myself out of Kurama's grasp. I turned to pin the man with the meanest face I could muster and said, "Don't ever fucking touch me again."
His eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak. I stalked off before he could utter a single syllable. I'd woken up late and I needed to shower. At least I would have work to distract me for the day.
. . .
"What the fuck's got your panties in a bunch?"
I growled under my breath at the question. He'd been peppering me with them since I'd arrived at work this morning. Now we were out on patrol and Ren was still pestering me. Didn't he have any kind of self-preservation? If he kept asking I was likely to shoot him.
I hadn't told Ren about the break in. I couldn't bring myself to admit that it had even happened. The fact that Hiei thought my sister was the culprit was still eating at me. I also hated that it was the most logical explanation. Why would Hideki want that picture?
He was a sick bastard, so maybe he had taken it just to ogle. I wouldn't put it past him.
"Are you going to ignore me all day?"
"I will if you don't shut the fuck up!"
He chuckled, his face smug because he'd gotten me to speak. Were all the men in my life put on this earth just to drive me insane?
"So…your birthday's coming up in a couple of days."
"So what?
I hated my birthday and I always had. I never celebrated it if I could avoid it. Not to mention it was on a Tuesday this year anyway, which meant I'd be working.
"I'd like to take you out…if you'd let me," was his reply.
"No," I deadpanned. All I wanted to do was drink and I wouldn't even be able to do that. I had class the next day.
I could see I had disappointed him. His face was crestfallen and forlorn, like I'd just broken his heart or something. I punched him hard in the shoulder. He turned to glare at me, taking his eyes off the road for only a split second.
But a split second was all it took. A split second could change your life. A split second could break you and your dreams.
I saw it before Ren did. A box truck hauling vegetables had run a red light. The intersection was busy. I was almost thankful it was our car that it hit.
The impact was so loud I couldn't even describe the sound. It was like screaming…or maybe that was me. I couldn't tell. The squad car had flipped, not once, but twice. All the glass was gone…where had it run off to? That didn't make sense. Cars had windows, I was sure of it.
I swallowed thickly, tasted metallic and spit. Blood splashed across the dash. I blinked a couple of times, my vision was blurry. That didn't make sense either…I'd put my contacts in before I left this morning. I reached up to rub them but it only made it worse. When I brought my hands back down to hang in front of my face they were drenched in red. Blood…blood was everywhere. Was this all mine?
A groan beside me brought me out of my stupor. The car had been bent in on Ren's side. He'd taken most of the damage. I shook my head to chase away the fuzziness, not quite believing what I was seeing. That was when the final bits of disorientation left me. Ren was in trouble…I needed to help. If I didn't do something fast, he was going to die.
A large chunk of the door had caved in and the metal had torn and bent at odd angles. One of those pieces had struck Ren in the side and ripped him open. Blood was pouring out of him; it had already drenched half of the seat.
The car itself was upside down. It had little remaining of its windows and what it did have was jagged edges. The air bags had deployed but it had done little to protect us. My face was burning and I must have smashed my head into something. I could feel other injuries but didn't take the time to asses them.
I was still buckled into my seat so I reached over and grabbed at Ren's arm. I tried to be gentle as I shook him to make sure he was still awake. If he passed out now there would be a good chance he'd never wake up again.
"Ren," my voice was hoarse and I cleared it quickly, "Ren, come on, wake up!"
One of his lids lifted, just a tad. Relief washed over me, "Stay awake and don't close your eyes."
He tried to nod, but it did little other than cause him more pain. My fingers scrabbled at the release button for the seat belt. It came undone with a loud snap and I went crashing into the remains of the windshield. Glass sliced my skin and my head ached. I dragged myself out of the mess and kicked at what remained of the passenger's window. Once I had cleared all the jagged pieces I climbed through it.
I crawled out into a snow fall. A beautiful scene for such a morbid situation, it was heavy enough to coat my hair. I had no time to admire it. I staggered to my feet. The leg Hiei and Yukina had mended was aching. I could see blood there too. I limped my way towards the other side of the car. There were people milling about the area. I saw some trying to help others that had gotten mixed up in the crash. But I couldn't worry about them now.
I heard sirens in the distance. I knew soon enough other officers would come to our rescue. Please be quick, I thought. Ren was going to die otherwise.
I reached his window and swiped away the glass that littered the ground. I fell to my belly and stuck my head through the opening. His eyes had closed again.
I slapped at his cheeks and shook him with gentle hands. Blurry eyed, they opened once more.
"K-Kasumi?" he had blood leaking out of the corner of his mouth. I pursed my lips and tried to control my features.
It wouldn't do him any good to see me panic now.
"Everything's going to be fine, an ambulance is coming."
I kept my fingers pressed to the side of his neck. I was checking for a steady pulse, but his was sluggish…too slow for comfort.
From this angle I could see the damage that had happened to his side. It was completely torn open. I could see hints of muscle and the white flash of bone. I wanted to cringe, to reach in and hold him together. All I could do was wait and hope. I had to keep him awake, no matter the cost.
A bloodied hand reached up to wrap around mine against his neck. He tried to laugh but choked on his own blood. Much like me, he spit it across the dashboard.
"Don't…be afraid," he said, like I was the one who needed the reassurance, "I won't die…this easy."
His energy began to seep from the same fingers he was using to grasp my hand. A silvery white in color, it calmed me to see it. It spread from his hand and up his neck. It continued to travel until it had reached the wound in his side. I watched with satisfaction as the muscle and ligaments sewed themselves back together.
His breath evened out and the pulse beneath my fingers quickened. He let go of my hand and reached out towards my face. His energy still covered the tips of his fingers and I didn't flinch away as it came towards me. He dragged his hand down the side of my face and with it came a sense of warmth. My eyesight blurred behind my contacts as his power enhanced my sight. It sealed up the gash on my forehead and left a trail of warmth in its wake.
His voice much steadier now he said, "Sorry I can't heal everything. They'll ask about the blood…have to play the game, ya know."
Ren had left minor wounds on both of us. It wouldn't be perfect…the amount of blood was rather suspicious. But it would be enough for a simple minded person. It was also a benefit that a police officer's word was often accepted as truth.
The sirens had grown louder. I could hear shouts as EMTs and other cops came to join us in the wreckage. I heard someone call my name, having spotted me sticking out of the squad car. I ignored them, my eyes were all for Ren at the moment. And not for the reason you would think.
He had tears in his fucking eyes. I'd never seen this man cry…I had thought him too prideful for such a thing. Except now they were spilling from the corners. In his upside down position they traveled over his forehead to drip to the dash. They mingled with all the blood there and I felt my heart constrict in my chest.
"I'm so sorry, Kasumi…oh God, I'm so sorry," he wept. The tears turned fat and began to run faster.
He started to sob, his body shaking. I heard feet pounding up behind me and I was quick to reach in with both hands and wipe away his sins.
"Stop, before someone sees," I whispered.
He grasped desperately at those same hands and pressed them to his face. He kissed each of my palms and still the tears came. He'd taken his eyes off the road…for a split second. The guilt of hurting me would plague him for the rest of his life if I didn't do something.
So I did the only thing I could think of. I grabbed his cheeks in both hands and laid one on him. His crying stopped and I saw his eyes shoot open wide right before I lowered my lids.
The kiss was hungry and greedy. His blood covered hands grabbed and tugged at my hair. He pulled me further into the car and pressed his lips against mine even harder. He was like a starving man that had received his first meal in weeks. I don't know what came over me, but the passion he put behind it was my undoing. I opened my mouth to welcome him in and he devoured me. Hot and wet, I don't know if I've ever had a better kiss in my life. Even though this one happened to be and upside down one.
We disengaged with a shuddering breath, whether it was his or mine I did not know. His blue eyes bored into my grey for a long while afterwards. Even after other officers came up behind us. I heard someone ask if we were alright in which I replied, "Never better."
The blinding smile Ren gave me, even with the blood covering all his teeth, was wonderful.
Later that afternoon we were both sitting in a hospital exam room. Ren had refused to leave my side. The hospital had forced me to call my emergency contact to come pick me up. Even though my injuries weren't all that serious I wasn't allowed to leave on my own. My emergency contacts happened to be Keiko and Kazuma because I had no family. Both of them had information on me most people wouldn't know. Such as my blood type, the fact I'm an organ donor, and etc. All that nitty gritty crap doctor's liked to know.
"Well, at least we'll get a new car out of the deal," Ren said from the next bed over.
I laughed right along with him because it was true. We'd been driving around the squad car with it still full of bullet holes. They'd patched them up with liquid metal filler but had neglected to paint over it. The cruiser had looked ridiculous. They hadn't even fixed the interior for Christ sake.
I shouldn't be laughing at such a dire situation. It could have turned horrible in no time flat. For now, the other driver was okay, as well as the other people who'd become involved. Ren was beat up and sore, but no more worse for wear thanks to his powers.
A commotion out in the hallway had me leaning towards the door in curiosity. I could hear shouting and the voices sounded familiar. Dear lord, could they go anywhere without making a scene?
As I had expected, my interesting band of friends came rushing through the exam room's door. What I couldn't have guessed is that everyone had decided to come along. I had figured Keiko would bring Kazuma after I had called her…maybe even Yusuke. Why the hell had Hiei and Kurama come along too? And Hiei had dressed all human again. It was hard not to laugh straight in his face.
I heard Ren groan and suppressed an eye roll. He disliked Kazuma just about as much as my friend disliked him. It was like they were rivals for my attention or something equally stupid.
"Kas, are you okay?!" Kazuma came rushing to my side and began to poke at me.
I'm sure I didn't look okay. I was still in the same blood covered police uniform. The only thing missing was the outer jacket and the dress shirt I wore underneath it. The doctor had made me remove them so he could check the wounds that weren't there.
"I'm fine Kazu," I said, as I pushed his hands away.
Not that it mattered; Keiko had come up to my other side so she could inspect me there too. Goddamn they were irritating. Didn't they know by now I could take care of myself?
"When you called earlier…I thought you said you were in an accident," said Keiko.
"I was," I replied and she looked at me skeptically.
"But…you're not that injured."
I jerked my head towards Ren, who was watching the scene with a face made of stone. His eyes narrowed further when Keiko turned to look at him with interest.
She lowered her voice so only I would hear, "He healed you?"
I nodded and went to explain but something had caught my eye. Standing in the doorway, with an expensive looking coat draped over her arm, was Detective Miyasaki Makoto. I hadn't seen her in a while and I had assumed she'd given up on following our case. What the hell was she doing here now?
"Hey," Ren hopped down from his bed, "I'll call you later, okay?"
I followed him with my eyes as he exited the room. Detective Miyasaki smirked at me as she led the man away. I hadn't realized Ren had called anyone at all…least of all her.
Jealousy ate its way through me. I'd never cared about their relationship before…but now it seemed strange to me. Why would a higher ranking officer hang around a cadet so often? What were those two hiding? I didn't like it. It pissed me off, especially after that damn kiss this afternoon.
The reminder of my bout of weakness brought a flush to my face. I fanned myself with one hand and received odd looks from my friends. Whatever…I just wanted to go home.
The ride back was rather uncomfortable. The reason Hiei and Kurama had come along was because Kurama was the only one in the group with a car now. I would have to rectify that. Every few months the precinct did a car auction. They would sell off seized or impounded vehicles. It paid for the costs of storage and the maintenance of the cruisers. I would say we were about due for one. Considering they had done such a half assed job fixing Ren's squad car.
I didn't want a car myself, but I'd like to find one for Kazuma. I still felt guilty over his truck.
Anyway, I was in the back jammed in the middle. Kurama was driving and to be a gentleman he'd offered Keiko the front seat. That left me stuck between Kazuma and Yusuke. While Yusuke wasn't a monster in size Kazuma more than made up for it. I might as well be in one of their laps at this rate. I was just thankful Hiei had decided to run. His aversion to vehicles was a saving grace. Otherwise this ride would have been ten times more awkward.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
That must have been the hundredth time Kazuma had asked me this since leaving the hospital. I pursed my lips and glared at him.
"Alright, I get it. I won't ask again."
The rest of the ride was silent. My anger from this morning was back tenfold. When we pulled up to the curb outside my apartment building and I saw Hiei leaning against the wall there it only exacerbated it. Perhaps I would get a real answer from him tonight, even if I had to corner him.
We piled out of the car and I took a deep breath of fresh air to clean out the stink of boy. Not that they were all that stinky, but there was only so much cologne a girl could take.
"So, Kasumi," said Keiko. I paused; something in her tone had me worried.
Keiko came up beside me and threaded an arm through my own. She smiled up at me sweetly, "Your boss gave you a few days off to recover, right?"
Yes he had, not that it was necessary. He wouldn't take no for an answer. He didn't want an injured officer going out and getting themselves killed…or so he said. He had also informed me that he'd called my college and had me excused until Monday of the following week. I'd have so much catching up to do by then I didn't consider his interference a favor. A whole week of missed classes, I might just scream. Thankfully Keiko had promised to retrieve any assignments. At least I would have something to keep me occupied on all those days off.
"No Keiko, don't even think about it," I said.
"Oh come on! You do this every year!"
She was talking about my birthday. Every year since we'd met she has tried to throw me a party. For the past three years I had avoided it like the plague. Last year she had managed to hide it from me. I'd only found out because I was a keen observer. That and all the decorations she'd put up in her parent's restaurant had been a dead giveaway.
I began the trek up to our apartment. Still arm and arm, the rest of the group fell into step behind us and just listened in to the drama. I hated parties unless there was a lot of alcohol involved. But I especially abhorred birthday parties.
"And I will continue to say no until you get it through your head," I said, my tone scathing.
She continued to argue with me even after we'd made it through the doorway of our home. I went to put a pot of coffee on because even though the day wasn't over I was beyond tired. As I ground up some coffee beans to brew she pestered me. As I set up the coffee maker, she pestered me. While waiting…she pestered me.
"Okay!" I screeched and swung around to confront her.
She had a mischievous smile on her lips and looked like the perfect picture of innocence. I closed my eyes for a brief moment and said, "Fine, but just a small group, please?"
She clapped her hands together in excitement, "Oh, I'm so happy! You won't regret it Kasumi-chan!"
I bit my tongue as I thought of how much I would end up regretting it. Even though I'd pleaded for a small gathering of people my gut told me that number would be different for Keiko. Where I could see maybe three or four, she would end up inviting double that.
When I was a child we'd only ever celebrated with my grandparent's. Even then, we had always celebrated on just one day – the 2nd of December. I'd always thought it would be foolish to celebrate two days in a row. So as a family we had settled on Hitomi and me celebrating together on her birthday.
I hadn't acknowledged my birthday since she'd gone missing. This would be the first year I have allowed it. If Keiko wasn't so special to me, I would have said no. She had a way about her that could wear me down though; she knew just how to push my buttons.
. . .
The day of my birth had arrived and it had been heralded with a decent snow storm. Keiko had begged me to sleep in today. Of course, I had only managed to lay in bed for half an hour longer than was normal for me. I was almost afraid to find out why she'd wanted me to stay in bed in the first place.
With careful steps I exited my room. Clad in only a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt that I had ripped the collar off of a long time ago. I paused, my tired eyes having a hard time adjusting to what they had just spotted. The entire landing had been covered in balloons of all different colors. Along the walls and the banister to the staircase Keiko had strung white Christmas lights. I could see they were also wrapped around the windows and walls on the floor below. The smell of good food and coffee was prominent.
I maneuvered my way through the sea of helium filled atrocities. I stopped only for a second to run my finger along Kurama's strange window plant. It rippled beneath my touch and I smiled. If I were to place a hand against it the imprint would remain for a brief time. I continued to wonder what the hell it was made of and where the redhead had found such a thing.
I headed down the staircase, trying to stay quiet so Keiko wouldn't know I was awake yet. I hadn't realized she'd planned to make a whole day out of such a pointless event. What was there to even celebrate? I was only another year closer to death, that didn't spell out 'fun' to me. Oh well, I thought, I could give her this just this once. As my friend she didn't want me to be sad which I was on all my birthdays. Tomorrow…I would celebrate in my own way for Hitomi. Keiko could have her day…as long as I was left alone after midnight.
I could hear the sounds of sizzling food and the clanging of utensils from the kitchen. Keiko was trying to keep her voice down but I still heard when she yelled at Yusuke to stop being an idiot. What he was doing exactly, I had no idea.
I was about to take a seat at the table and wait for one of them to come out, but I changed my mind rather fast. At one end of the table was a garishly decorated chair. It had bright red, green, and gold streamers wrapped around it. Tied to the backrest were more balloons and a sign that read, 'Reserved for Birthday Girl'. I could have died. Was she planning on making today as embarrassing as possible?
I went barreling into the kitchen. My plan was to demand she remove such an atrocity before someone else saw it. As soon as I entered I regretted it. My words died in my throat and a bright flush came up to grace my cheeks. I could see why Keiko had been calling Yusuke an idiot now.
He had her pressed up against the counter. His hands were up her shirt and his lips were trailing down her neck. He was kneading her breasts and my friend was protesting his actions…if you could even call it that. Especially considering her eyes had closed and she was far from looking harassed. A smirk crossed over my lips. Before either of them could notice me I snuck back out the door. I took my seat in the ugly birthday chair and waited.
Not long after I heard the resounding noise of Keiko's infamous slap. She'd grown fed up with him distracting her. I chuckled to myself as I heard the sounds of cooking resume. Yusuke came strolling out of the kitchen with a bright red handprint on his left cheek and a sour look on his face. I couldn't help myself, I burst out laughing.
He had the decency to blush but that didn't stop him from glaring at me, "I know you saw that."
I winked at him, "Don't worry, I'm not a prude."
He sat down beside me with a huff. He folded his arms across the table so he could rest his head against them. He looked so disappointed it was funny. I covered the stupid grin on my face with one hand. His mood wouldn't improve if he noticed how hilarious I found his situation. I was also not surprised he had sensed me when I had entered the kitchen. He was often more aware of things than I gave him credit for.
"Oh yeah, tanjoubi omedetou," he said.
He spoke as if he had forgotten. How that was possible I did not know. Keiko's garish decorations should be hint enough.
"Thanks," I replied.
"You know she's got an elaborate party planned, right?"
My mood turned a bit sour at his words. Of course I knew. It was the first year in four years I'd allowed her to throw me a party. It might be her only chance and it was obvious she was going to go all out. I was going to hate every single second of it. It almost made me feel guilty…almost.
I ignored that for now, "Come on, get up."
"Why?" he said, his tone whiny.
"She's busy for now; we have time to get in a quick training session."
He perked up at this and together we wandered up to the loft. For the next hour I took him through some basic routines. He picked them up as if he'd been training in karate for years. I showed him the katas I did every morning and in unison we went through the entire routine. He hadn't even broken a sweat by the time Keiko called us down for breakfast.
I couldn't deny the bit of jealousy that reared its ugly head at that, if only I had been gifted with that same natural talent. Urameshi Yusuke was a freak of nature if I'd ever seen one. He would learn everything I had to teach him in no time flat. It just wasn't fair. It had taken me my entire life to get to where I am…I would bet he could reach my level in less than two years.
He tried to goad me into racing him down the stairs and when I refused he stuck his tongue out at me. How could someone so strong act like such a child sometimes?
As we ate together Keiko explained her plans for the day. She knew I hated surprises. So she informed that the party wouldn't start until later that evening. She had invited several people and I should prepare myself to socialize. My only job for the day was to shower and wear the outfit she had bought me as a gift. While she prepared for the party with the other girls Yusuke would be taking me out with the boys. I raised an eyebrow at this but Yusuke only winked at me. A feeling of dread settled into the pit of my stomach.
What could they possibly have in store for me?
As promised after breakfast I showered and dressed. The outfit Keiko had bought me was not hideous like I had first assumed. In fact, I kind of liked it. It consisted of a pair of black boot cut jeans and a long sleeved grey scoop neck top. To place over this she had given me a dark blue pull over with a faux fur lined hood. It had silver buttons as accents. The outfit matched perfectly with my black leather boots. I was happy she had taken my tastes into account instead of settling on something more feminine.
Upon exiting the bathroom I discovered that the other three men (yes three, Hiei had come along much to my surprise) had shown up. Keiko kicked us all out soon after.
Keiko had planned to have them take me out for lunch and maybe a movie. Yusuke had other ideas. I also found it hilarious that Hiei had in fact been tricked into attending. He had not come of his own free will. He kept to himself and brooded the whole time, but it still left me with a rather pleasant feeling. It was like I had gotten revenge for the other day without having to do anything to get it.
I had no idea where they were taking me and even asking Kazuma got me nowhere. We went on foot and traveled out of the city. I began to worry when we left behind civilization and entered the outskirts surrounded in forests. I hadn't dressed for a hike but hike we did. With Kurama in the lead the boys brought me further and further into the woodlands. After some time had passed we emerged into a more open area. A stream flowed nearby and the area was hidden by a copse of trees. It was a picturesque place and I hadn't taken any of these men for site seers, yet here we were.
We came to stop and Yusuke turned to grin at me, "We have arrived!"
I was so confused, "And where are we exactly?"
"The middle of nowhere," said Kazuma.
"I'm afraid we were a bit deceptive with Keiko-chan," said Kurama.
Yusuke chuckled, "Yeah, so keep this to yourself, okay?"
What was I supposed to be keeping to myself? The fact they'd brought me out into the woods? I don't think Keiko would give a shit about that.
I looked at all four of them like they were a bunch of idiots. I was momentarily distracted as Hiei shed his cloak and tossed his katana aside. All the men had dressed casual in jeans…other than Hiei. He wore his normal loose black pants and a pair of slip on black shoes. As for his top…it was fucking skin tight and dark blue much like my pull over. I tried real hard not to blush. Every single one of his muscles stuck out prominently….and well, Hiei was all there in that department. How was a girl to think straight around these four, for cripes sake?
The reason for Hiei's sudden choice to disrobe was a practical one. I watched stunned as he drew his power out around him, a large mass of flames appearing. I was quick to step out of the way, as were the rest of the group. With one short burst the demon melted all the snow from the ground. It left the area dry if the grass not a bit shriveled. Wasn't that just a neat little trick?
Before I could make a comment on his odd behavior Kazuma came up behind me. He clapped a friendly hand onto my shoulder. I stared up at my friend, still too stunned to comprehend what was going on.
"We came here because Hiei told us something interesting," his smile was secretive and I was far from pleased.
The fire demon was always telling others about my business. I was sick and tired of it. What had he told them this time, to make them bring me out here? What were they planning? My heart began to race just a bit…not out of fear, but out of misplaced anger and excitement.
"What did he say to you?" I demanded.
It was Yusuke that answered, "He told us you lost control the other night."
That's right…the night my sword had been stolen. I hadn't been able to control my reiki. It had just come seeping out of me on its own. My excitement grew as did a smirk across my lips. I had a feeling that I knew why they had brought me here now.
I looked up at Kazuma for confirmation. He squeezed my shoulder and said, "Yusuke would make a horrible teacher by himself."
"Oi!" said man shouted and caused us to laugh.
"We realize you have a specific person in mind to train you," said Kurama, "But allow us to give you a head start."
And this was how I spent the majority of my birthday. All four men each gave me knowledge on the subject of reiki. I also learned more about youki in the process. Hiei, though cold with his explanations, was still willing to give them. A tentative truce grew between us as the day wore on.
It was a slow process at first that both annoyed Yusuke and Hiei. Kurama and Kazuma were far more patient. My friend was just happy he was getting the chance to show me something I had not yet learned. As for Kurama he was so smart that he made a spectacular teacher.
By five o'clock that evening I had managed to manifest my reiki in a way that could be helpful in a fight. Unlike the night Ren had shown up drunk it did not appear in blurred lines up my arms. Instead it appeared as thick, viscous energy around my fists. This was a technique Yusuke often utilized, a reiki covered punch to add that extra impact.
I could summon it at will and put it away at will. Kurama explained that its first manifestation was different because my emotions had been different. My reiki could be controlled by them and I should learn to use it to my advantage. I drank up every bit of information they were willing to give and still it was not enough. I was beyond disappointed when the time came for us to leave. I wanted to beg for even just a few more minutes but Yusuke was quick to remind me of Keiko. She would kill us if we returned late.
The trip back seemed faster; even though I was so tired I had many new things to think about. Those thoughts kept me occupied as we traveled back to the apartment. As expected, Keiko's idea of a small party was far from it. Everyone had come…everyone that was, except for Ren. I had expected her to invite him. But considering who the other guests were, it made sense that she hadn't. All spaced around our living room were familiar faces. Someone had brought Yukina and Genkai. Shizuru, Botan, as well as Koenma were around the kitchen table. Said table had been flooded with more gifts than I had ever received in my life.
I received hugs and congratulations, enough to make me dizzy. Someone shoved a beer into my hand and thus the festivities had begun. I drank until the awkwardness of the situation seemed easier to handle.
As the night wore on they surprised me with a cake and allowed me to open my gifts. The best of the bunch was the new leather jacket Kazuma had purchased for me. It was to replace the one my sister had bought all those years ago. Genkai gave me a talisman to ward off evil spirits; Botan gave me a ride on her oar. Koenma, though still cold towards me, had presented me with a book on demons. Kurama must have had a similar idea, because he had given me a book on spirit energy. It explained the various ways to use to it. Along with it he had created a stunning bouquet of flowers. All which I doubted came from the Ningenkai. His warning not to touch the center of a particularly bright colored flower confirmed my suspicions.
As for Shizuru, she had purchased me a rather expensive bottle of sake. Her only stipulation was that I shared a drink of it with her. It was my twentieth birthday after all which meant I was officially legal to drink. Yukina, the sweet little thing that she was, had made me a special salve to help heal minor wounds. When eaten it also acted as a pain killer. Hers was by far the most practical gift and I thanked her for it profusely. Yusuke, thinking he was funny, had slipped a pack of cigarettes into the back pocket of my jeans at the start of the party. He had no idea how grateful I was for that. They would help me take the edge of later…
As midnight drew closer the happiness of the day faded and my friends began to say their goodbyes. The regular group remained, along with Shizuru and Botan. Koenma left and took Genkai with him. Before the old woman departed, she had handed me a tiny vial of some clear liquid. She smirked at me and then left with the godling without another word. They were all so strange.
I pocketed the vial for later inspection and then bid the rest of the crew goodnight. Soon…it would be Hitomi's day of birth. Sensing that I needed the space, no one bothered to follow me when I left for my room. Both Keiko and Kazuma knew what was going on and I assumed they had informed the rest.
Upon entering my room I was quick to spot the person who had been missing most of the evening. Hiei, who had scampered off when the party had begun, must have decided to make himself comfortable up here instead. As per usual, he had thrown off his cloak and shoes. He sat with his legs crossed in the arm chair in the corner of the room and regarded me with a cool stare.
I sighed and then chose not to begin a fight with him I couldn't win. Wary of his presence but trying to put on an air of disinterest, I stripped out of my clothes. I didn't bother putting anything else on. The fire demon had already seen me naked, what would be the point. I kept only a black sports bra and a pair of matching underwear on. Before tossing aside the day's clothing, I pulled the vial from my front pocket.
As I settled myself beneath the window and beside Hiei's legs, I held it up to him, "Any idea what this is?"
He took a moment to eye the vial and then smirked, "One of Genkai's homebrews no doubt."
I looked at the liquid and dumfounded I asked, "Why so small?"
Hiei chuckled darkly, "That is plenty for a human of your size."
Perfect, something potent was exactly what I needed. I had grabbed the remaining amount of sake that Shizuru had gifted me but this should do the trick. I swallowed the stuff in one gulp, Hiei giving me a stunned look as I did. It tasted terrible, like drinking straight rubbing alcohol. It burned so hot on the way down I feared that it would come right back up. Thank the heavens it didn't. If I had to experience that twice I might have died. It was the harshest, nastiest alcohol to ever touch my palette. I was thankful she had given me such a small amount. I would never want another drink of it again, I could promise you that.
My nose ran and my eyes watered but I managed to grin at Hiei. He just shook his head.
It didn't take the alcohol long to hit me and when it did it gave me the nicest feeling. While the drink was potent, it took the edge off no problem. My mood drastically improved and I passed the half full bottle of sake to Hiei.
"Drink with me," I said, my words slurred.
To my utter amazement he took the bottle I had offered and uncapped it. I watched mesmerized as he took one long pull off it. His throat worked as he swallowed and I sat back with a satisfied grin. Now I could start my yearly ritual. It didn't matter that Hiei was here, he could watch if he wanted.
I comfortable silence fell over us as I waited for time to tick on. My phone would go off at the exact time of Hitomi's birth. Back when we were kids, we used to wake up at exactly midnight on her birthday and open the gifts we had bought for each other. Now that I celebrated alone I had created something of a ritual.
I would drink until I couldn't think straight. Then I would pull out the old family albums. It was the reminder I gave myself once a year and this time, it would be more important than ever. This year…I had a reason to recall my parent's faces. This year, I had the need for revenge prominent in my heart. Hideki would pay for taking them from me. Mark my words, I would make him suffer.
As drunk as I was, I never realized when reiki began a steady trek up my arms. Nor did I notice how Hiei's eyes never left me. The bright color of my power cast eerie shadows across the walls. Soon enough the patterns had me hypnotized.
The ever silent fire demon just sat and drank with me. I had no need for the albums this year. I brought forth their faces with ease, along with my grandparents'. I let Hiei slip into the back of my mind and allowed him to observe, just as I promised.
I'd lost even more this year…hadn't I. But I had gained somethings too. A new power…new allies…a purpose, all of it had changed me. It may soon shape me into someone entirely different. Would my sister even recognize me if I were to see her again…would I even recognize her?
I twirled a strand of reiki in the air with the tip of my finger. Now that was a thought, wasn't it? What would Hitomi be like after all these years?
It was in that moment that Chronos appeared. There was a sense of urgency in her actions that made my head spin. The god had been acting mysterious for several days now. She had not even appeared during my car accident. Since my sword was stolen, she'd been searching for something, or so she had said.
"Something has changed, something important," said the god. Her tone was unlike any I heard from her before, it almost sounded…panicked.
"Perhaps it is good the fire demon is also present," she said, "than he will not accuse me of lying."
As always, while inside my head my body became corporeal. It was much easier for me to delve into a meditative state while drunk. My inner self looked much like my outer-self, right down to the clothing I wore. The only difference was the slight transparency of my body.
With the acknowledgement of his presence, Hiei appeared at my side. His body was solid, unlike mine. Another power granted by the Jagan no doubt. Hiei's astral projection was probably even better than Hideki's had been.
"Come…" said Chronos.
There was no warning and the trip was sickening. We got sucked into what I would describe as a worm hole. Except the light coming from it was bright white instead of black. Both Hiei and I went flying down a long circular tunnel and images flashed by all along it. They never stayed and they were far too fast to see. I saw the fire demon's eyes dart around anyway. He was attempting to gather as much information as he could.
Side by side we rocketed towards the other end of the tunnel. With a blinding flash of light I had to cover my eyes. I felt my feet touch solid ground soon after. I took my arm away from my face and waited for the dizziness to pass so I could take in my surroundings.
Hiei stood close by, a hand hovering by my elbow ready to grab me and flee. His body was tense and ready for an attack. Even when none came, he still did not relax. I grabbed at his hand by my elbow when I recognized where we were.
Too stunned by my actions, he did not think to wrench it away so I held on tighter, "I know where we are."
Still holding his hand I lead him through a forest, the trees dense but the path clear enough to me. Soon we reached the edge and I broke through the tree line. What I saw made me squeeze Hiei's hand harder. There was enough strength behind it to make it uncomfortable, but he never said a word.
We had entered onto the edge of Ojichan's property. It was pitch black out with only an overcast moon providing any light. As the clouds shifted and what I was seeing became clearer, I swallowed hard.
A fifteen year old Hitomi stood alone in a field…or so I had thought. The moon had revealed another, much more foreboding presence. I felt as my heart began to race and fear seeped into my belly. For standing before Hitomi was my uncle – the real one. Except, though his presence was odd, it wasn't him that had frightened me.
My sister, the weak, kind hearted little girl I had equally adored and been annoyed by had plunged a knife into our uncle's chest. As the red of his blood coated her pale fingers his body slumped forward, his chin landing on her shoulder. She pulled the knife out with a jerk and pushed him to the ground. There he remained, lying in a pool of his own blood.
If I had gripped Hiei's hand any harder, I would have broken his fingers.
My sister turned her face up to the sky. I watched horrified as a twisted smirk appeared across her lips. My uncle's blood dripped to the grass. The knife she had used glinted in the moonlight.
Breathe in…breathe out…breath in….
A split second could change everything. This time…it made my world come crashing down around me.
A split second could change your life…forever.
. . .
A/N: I'm really sorry that most of this chapter is shitty filler because I forgot about Kasumi's birthday and had to fit it into the story somehow, I'm terrible. The end is the only real plot related part and oh shit am I mean to you guys. Sorry for the semi-cliffy. Also sorry this chapter sucks. I hope the end sort of makes up for it and that the next chapter will as well! I want to apologize for the time it's taken to write this chapter, I actually previously wrote one and hated it so I scrapped it. I started over fresh with this one. It isn't much better, so forgive me please! Thank you for reading!