Chapter 18 The Warning
Hiei was sitting comfortably with his wife while listening to Rodyn reminisce with Mîra about their childhood in the library. He didn't really want to be there, he felt he was intruding and he definitely didn't want to be asked about his childhood but Mîra seemed to enjoy Hiei being next to her as she visited with her brother. Hiei assumed she felt that they were all family now, and Rodyn addressed him as such, but Hiei didn't really have much in common with the elf. Thankfully, Rodyn was leaving the next day and he seemed to enjoy visiting with his sister, even if he didn't approve of her situation. He vaguely suspected he had tried to get her to come home to him because he had caught them in a heated conversation that Mîra later dismissed, but he understood why Rodyn would want her to return. If Yukina was in a similar situation, he would do whatever it took to bring her back.
"Hiei, do you have any stories about you and your sister?" Rodyn asked. What would he say?
"Oh, Rodyn, Hiei doesn't want to talk about himself. He's not much of a talker anyway. Did I ever tell you about that Dúrtava elf who snuck through the border?" Hiei was grateful for the distraction and he didn't know if she knew any of his past but she at least knew enough that it was a sensitive subject. She proceeded to explain how they detected the elf but couldn't find her or go after her and when she reappeared at Hideki's hideout. Naturally, she made Hiei and his friends seem extremely weak but this was her shining moment in front of him, and the moment he first found her attractive. How long ago that seemed…
"Onóre, you are too arrogant for your own good. What if the elf wasn't a song user?" Rodyn said frowning.
"Then I still would have given her a run for her money," Mîra said grinning, her eyes proud. "Besides, she was a song user so asking what would happen if she wasn't is pointless."
Rodyn shook his head and looked at Hiei. "She is too prideful for her own good, don't you think?"
Hiei looked at Mîra, who was pouting at her brothers comment, and he smirked slightly as he said, "Hn, definitely." Of course, he probably was too.
"Not a word and I can be proud of myself! After all I am an Angulóce Nyello and I am very good in battle. I can hold a candle to you, dear brother, which says something. It's a shame you aren't proud enough, I would have loved to see you and Hiei spar," Mîra said, giving a fake sigh.
Rodyn shook his head. "You know Fealóce doesn't like sparring."
"Yes, but when was the last time he fought his own kind? Fealóce is quick to fight by nature anyway, you know this."
Rodyn now looked uncomfortable. "Vana-"
"Sorry, I shouldn't have pushed it," Mîra said apologetically. "It's a good thing you aren't as proud as I am anyway, otherwise we would never get along!" She said smiling brightly.
Rodyn chuckled and Hiei glanced at the fireplace and noticed the fire was dying. His attention waned as the conversation switched to elvish and he wondered what it would be like to fight another Drgaon Keeper. Probably exciting but Rodyn didn't want to and sparring didn't do anyone any good if the other party wasn't into it.
"Oh! Before I forget, I'll get you those pictures of us to take home. I'll be right back!" Mîra said and she rushed out of the library. The two men stared at each other and Rodyn frowned at Hiei, his lavender eyes staring at him judgingly. Hiei wasn't sure what he was thinking but it probably was along the lines of how he wanted to take his sister away from this barbarian.
"Hiei."
Rodyn's soft but commanding voice startled Hiei but he gave no visible reaction. Hiei hadn't figured Rodyn was a commanding type but the elf most certainly had his attention now.
"When I came here, I wanted to persuade my sister to come home with me. Run away."
Well Hiei had figured that. He said nothing and allowed the elf to continue.
"We need her at home. She is the most precious treasure my father had, all of my family's hopes rested in her. With Vana's absence our home has been thrown in political turmoil. If she were to return home she could ascend to the throne like planned and end the political war waging now, before it turns into real battle. But…"
Rodyn looked around the library and smiled softly. "Vana is happy here and she really seems to like you. Free from watching her back at court she can actually relax and be herself. You don't know how long it's been since I've seen her truly smile. As soon as marriage was on the table, families have been throwing their sons at her in addition to the pressure of her appointment on the War Council. Trying to be strong enough to prove she could lead a kingdom but also attempting to appease her womanly duties were taking a tool on her. On top of all that her lover was terrible for her, which added more stress."
"Lover?" Hiei asked, frowning. He should have expected it, she wasn't a virgin, but hearing that she had cared for someone else other than him was… unsettling. And it made him a little angry.
"If she hasn't told you then I cannot. It is not my place," Rodyn said sternly. Hiei was not happy with the answer but he understood.
"Essentially, she had become this robot which is why finally becoming Queen would liberate her. She would be her own master and no one could tell her what to do. Vana would have to watch her back but that's what I was supposed to be present for." Rodyn's visage suddenly became dark and Hiei understood the expression. Rodyn was thinking about what he would do to anyone who ever tried to harm his sister, Hiei could appreciate that more than anyone.
"Here however, in this lackluster dungeon, away from her family and the brightness of our world, she seems to have finally found happiness, or is at least on her way there. I don't know how or why, but for some reason your ill-fated marriage has somehow turned out for the better."
The elf sighed as he looked into the fire and spoke quietly. "Our Grandfather is a seer but despite his visions and his prophecies, he always told me everything happens for a reason. When we found out Mîra had been taken prisoner and married off, he didn't seem sad or anxious. Instead he told me that maybe she would like the adventure and she would find herself. I thought he was crazy but… Grandfather always had a way of understanding her. I didn't understand the pressures on her until after she was gone, Vana never let me know when something was amiss, but I think he could see it."
Hiei didn't say anything but his mind was whirling. This old man of theirs is a seer and he seemed to react oddly to her sudden abduction. If he was a seer, wouldn't he have known that she was not going to return home? Hiei was suddenly reminded of that story Mîra told him a while ago when they were at the beach…
"In light of everything, I have decided to tell you something," Rodyn said sternly, staring at Hiei sharply. Hiei put his thoughts on hold while he listened intently to the other elf.
"Do not let Vana visit home. Do not let anyone persuade you to let her visit home. Do not think that accompanying her will do any good. There will be another to ask to visit after me and he… may be more persuasive than I. Do not let her go with him. Do not let her go."
Hiei stared wide-eyed at the elf's piercing eyes. Do not let her go… if he let her go, Hiei would never see her again. If he accompanied her, he would be killed off somehow and she would stay. Another would come to visit and Hiei would have to accept him out of good grace… Suddenly everything clicked into place. Rodyn was sent here to bring her home, not just because he wanted too but because he was told to. If he failed, another would be sent to try and do the deed. Rodyn was warning him, because he loves his sister, because he saw her happy and content with her life. He didn't want to drag her back into the mess he was dealing with at home. Rodynar may not enjoy fighting but he didn't mess around either. Hiei found him to be honorable and he now respected the elf.
Hiei narrowed his eyes and nodded in understanding at the elf. Mîra reentered the room holding a bunch of photos in her hands. Hiei looked up at her and she was looking back and forth between the two men frowning.
"Everything okay?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course. I was telling Hiei about Grandfather," Rodyn said, a small smile on his face.
"Oh Grandfather? I think he would have liked you, Hiei," she said, breaking into a grin as she sat down. They continued to talk briefly as she have him the pictures and they began to say goodnight. Hiei followed her out of the library and walked behind her, watching the way her hair swished back and forth and the slight curls at the bottom of her hair bounced lightly against her hips. Her legs moved fluidly under her dress and he could see them in his mind, slender and tight. Her sturdy arms moved back and forth slightly as she walked and she carried herself proudly, indicated by the straightness of her back. Halfway down the corridor she stopped and turned to him. She looked at him curiously but all he could see was her slender face, her rosy cheeks and her slender lavender eyes staring at him curiously. Those eyes… they always managed to suck him in, he was helpless against them.
"Hiei?" she asked.
'Do not let her go.'
Rodyn's words echoed in his mind and as Hiei pulled his wife, and the woman he wanted to claim as his mate, down towards him. He had no intention of letting her go. Not now, not ever.
00000
Hiei was in a dilemma he had only faced a few times before, but each time was just as trying as the previous. He disliked the dilemma he was in, it was unjust to put himself in this situation but he couldn't help it. Mîra had asked to go for a walk in a park and so he couldn't go to Matsuo's parlor and have every flavor of sweet snow. So now, standing in line at a sweet snow cart, he was forced to choose two flavors for his sweet snow cone. Hiei felt that humans did not have a good appreciation for the treat and if any sweet snow place opened in the Makai under his rule, it would be mandated that they have at least six flavors accessible at once.
The line was moving too quickly and before Hiei knew it, he was standing in the front with the thin teenager staring at him impatiently.
"Um, I think I'll have whatever he has. He's the ice cream aficionado," Mîra said.
Hiei glared at her. How could she place such a critical decision on him? The vendor offered three flavors, vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry but he could only have two at a time. He loved all three flavors but chocolate was the better so that was definitely in. Vanilla and chocolate was a good combination but so was strawberry and chocolate.
"Hiei, what do you want?"
"I'm thinking, woman," he snapped.
"There's only three flavors and you can pick two, how hard can it be?"
Hiei glared at her and then an idea popped in his mind.
"I want on chocolate and vanilla cone and a chocolate and strawberry cone," Hiei said finally. Why hadn't he thought of that brilliant idea before? Mîra was standing at him, baffled. He didn't understand why, his decision solved his problem of having to choose.
"I think I'll just have strawberry," she said slowly. The vendor gave them an odd look but Hiei ignored him, he had his delicious sweet snow.
As they walked away from the vender, Hiei was wrapped in his giddy bubble as he snacked on his favorite treat. He didn't know how he had gone for so long without it. They walked in silence until Hiei had finished the first scoop on each cone and he noticed his wife eating her sweet snow slowly. Not that slowly was a bad thing but her visage held the etched lines of a small frown.
"Just say what's on your mind," Hiei said bluntly. She looked at him surprised before giving him a small smile.
"Let's sit over there. That looks like a nice shady place to sit," She said. They walked over and sat down, leaning against a large tree trunk. The breeze was pleasant and the leaves on the tree allowed a little sunlight to filter through on them. This was also one of the few places Hiei enjoyed in the human world. The sun was always pleasant here.
"Hiei, he tried to get me to go home with him."
Mîra was looking down at her sweet snow, her eyes far away. "And it was only partially because he missed me. He wanted me to return home because it would solve so many problems happening right now. Father is sick and Mother is beside herself, struggling to try and put Rodyn on the throne. The other nobles won't have it but Mother doesn't want our bloodline to die. Our blood has been ruling Alyatavar for centuries, she doesn't want it to die out now.
"Not only that but apparently there was a blight and many crops failed. Our people are dying from hunger and the reserves are depleted from the war. With no heir and Father so ill we are in a terribly weak position. Other nobles are pressing in and our elfin enemies are stirring. On top of it, the human kingdoms are also beginning to expand their realms. We elves are not looked well upon by them, even though we provide good trade and so Rodyn is worried they will see the instability and encroach on our lands. If an heir isn't proclaimed soon, between the people's increasing anger and the lack of a solid future, our kingdom will fall apart," She said. Her voice was cracking and Hiei could tell that she was struggling not to cry.
"I can't help but feel like it's my fault. Everything has downward spiraled since I've been gone and Rodyn is struggling to maintain peace in the upper class so that the lower class can't revolt. If I returned home, we would be dealing with the drought issue head on and not dealing with politics first. If only I hadn't…"
Hiei finished his sweet snow cones, not sure about what to do or say. He knew she didn't like sitting here while her family and everything she had cherished was spiraling out of control but he couldn't let her leave, he would never see her again. Hiei knew it was selfish and Rodyn's words were equally selfish but her brother didn't seem the type to be selfish. If he didn't want his sister home it was for good reason, probably more complex than her happiness. At least, that was how he was reasoning it. The more she was talking the more he felt that bringing Rodyn here had been a bad decision, even if she had been happy to see him.
"I didn't want to run away, I like it here, being with you. But I can't help but feel responsible. We go to war, I get bargained off, and the whole kingdom goes to shit and there's nothing I can do about it," she said bitterly. She licked her sweet snow to prevent it from melting on her hand, her face visibly drowned in guilt.
Hiei frowned. That sequence of events was very familiar to him. What was that story she had told him on the beach? The Rise of Man… Elves go to war in a foreign country and loose a precious treasure. Treasure was gold and jewels… Hiei's eyes widened as he watched his wife sigh and close her eyes. Rodyn had told Hiei that the name 'Mîrvana' meant beautiful jewel. In the story the elves did fall apart and mankind rose. Mîra had just told him that the humans were expanding. That left the last bit about the Dragonsingers. They would fall silent as the elves will be more or less diminished in number and strength. The new Dragonsinger, the one like no other… of course. Their children. She was a pure blooded Dragonsinger and he was kind of one as well. Everything was falling into place so easily Hiei could hardly believe it. No wonder their Grandfather wasn't worried about her, he knew that the prophecy was being fulfilled.
Hiei was even more shocked when he realized that if this was the prophecy coming true, which he thought it was, then meeting Mîra in battle wasn't coincidence, it was fate. He was suddenly reminded of the human tale from the area about the red string of fate, tied from his pinky to hers. He was destined to have her has his mate, destined! Hiei wasn't sure if he was happy or weirded out by the fact, he had never thought about his life in terms of fate or destiny. If he did, then he should have been dead a long time ago.
"Is this information that surprising?" Mîra asked him, frowning.
Hiei shook himself mentally. He needed to pull it together. She hated prophecy and Hiei didn't see the point in telling her his current revelation. What he needed to do was reassure her.
"No, it isn't."
She sighed and said, "Maybe I should go back, just for a small amount of time to help with the food problem."
"No," Hiei said almost immediately. Mîra looked at him sharply and her lips pulled into a thin line.
"Why not?" she asked. He could tell she was struggling to keep her rage under control. Mîra did not like being told what to do, and this conversation was turning into an unpleasant reminder that at the end of the day, she was still his prisoner.
"I cannot let you leave," Hiei said quietly. He watched her anger subside as her visage expressed an emotion that caused Hiei's insides to twist. Her lavender eyes stared at him teary eyed and full of anguish.
"Why, because you say so?" She cried bitterly, tears spilling over. Her hurt face stared at him and Hiei wanted to look away but he had to remain strong. He reached over and wiped the tears off her face.
"Your place is beside me, Vesse," Hiei said. He hoped his words were gentle enough. She sniffled and turned away from him before she burst into tears. Tch, what a stubborn woman. Even when she needed a shoulder to cry on she was too prideful to let him see her in such a seemingly weak state. He gently grasped her torso and let her lean her back into his chest, still enabling her to hide her face. His arms around her torso and he gently pressed his nose against the back of her neck.
"It's my fault. I have to make everything right!" She cried, clutching him tightly.
"It is not your fault. Everything happens for a reason," he whispered into her ear. He didn't know if it helped but her crying seemed to lessen as she began to breathe deeply.
"This isn't fair. I'm sitting here living peacefully with you while my family is going through so much strife," she whispered, her voice barley audible.
Hiei thought for a moment before he spoke. "When I was at war, Yukina remained in the human world. She asked me if there was anything she could do to help but I said no. I wanted her safe and happy, watched over by Kuwabara in my stead. Even if I could have used her as a nurse, I wouldn't have because she was happy where she was. There was no point in ruining that and dragging her into my mess. If I died, she would be taken care of and cared for. Had no problems facing death knowing that."
Mîra said nothing at his words and he continued to hold her. Hiei closed his eyes, hoping he was comforting her. Kurama was usually better at these sorts of things. Where most males were direct with their thoughts, Hiei felt he was the opposite. He never liked saying what he felt completely, it made him feel vulnerable. Mîra was smart enough however to keep up with his inferences, even if it took a few moments for everything to click in place.
They sat there silently, Mîra sniffling periodically when suddenly a jingle blared out, causing Hiei to stiffen for a moment. His wife pulled away from him and scrambled for her purse, digging around for her cellphone for a moment before finding it and flipping it open.
"Hey Shizuru, what's up? Oh, yeah? No we're in town, I was planning on dropping by a little later. …okay, sure. I'll ask him if he wants to go, that sounds fun. Okay, I'll call you back in a minute."
Mîra sighed as she closed the phone. She sighed as she looked at Hiei and moved back into his arms.
"Shizuru wanted to know if we would like to go out for dinner at a new sports bar that just opened. Apparently she's going with Kuwabara and Yukina to watch a sports game."
Hiei didn't mind visiting with his sister and he supposed he could use the extra time with his future brother in law, despite the location, but Mîra didn't seem that enthusiastic.
"Do you want to go?" He asked and she sighed again.
"I don't know, I'm not really in the mood…" she said.
Hiei thought for a minute. She was always in the mood to go out to a bar of any type, especially with Shizuru. Maybe seeing her drinking buddy and Yukina would cheer her up some. "We should go," he said.
She pushed herself up off his chest and faced him. She stared at him for a moment, her eyes unsure. "If you want too…" Hiei kissed her forehead and she smiled wistfully at him. They both stood up and he held her hand as they continued to walk through the park. Soon they left, heading for the place Shizuru mentioned.
When they arrived, Hiei saw that his sister was already there with Kuwabara and Shizuru. Yukina waved at them and as they sat down, Shizuru greeted Mîra enthusiastically.
"Hey! How's it been? You should grab a beer," she said grinning.
Mîra looked at her passively for a moment and Hiei became worried. Then she broke into a bright smile and said,
"Pretty good. Rodyn enjoyed his visit and the beer is a definite yes!"
Hiei relaxed as Yukina addressed him and the two of them chatted while the Kuwabara siblings and Mîra talked about whatever they were drinking. The restaurant was full of people enjoying a game that Hiei recognized to be baseball. His thoughts drifted back to the 'base' conversation from the beach trip and Hiei found the memory to be rather amusing. He had to say though, he had good friends.
"Hiei, do you want one?" Mîra asked as Shizuru flagged down the waiter.
"Sure," he said shrugging.
"I don't think I like beer too much," Yukina said frowning.
"Yeah, it's an acquired taste and not many girls like it anyway," Shizuru said.
"But you, Mîra-chan, and Boton-chan all like to drink beer," Yukina said frowning.
"True but there's nothing wrong with disliking it anyway. Besides, we're heavier drinkers anyway, right Mîra?" Shizuru asked grinning.
"Hm? Oh yeah, definitely!" Mîra said after she finished ordering two Kirin's. "Speaking of which, we need to go out sometime soon, it's been forever and we need to get you hooked up," Mîra said grinning at her friend.
The conversation continued on and Hiei didn't say much, he didn't really have anything to comment on, but Mîra seemed to be enjoying herself which was the important thing. The only one who really seemed to be paying attention to the sports game was Kuwabara who would periodically take the time to explain things to Yukina. Every now and then the whole bar would roar and cheer together and even Shizuru and Yukina paid attention to the game. At one such moment, Hiei felt Mîra's touch on his arm.
"Hey, thanks for making me come out," She said, smiling tenderly at him.
"Hn," he responded, looking away. He always got nervous when she thanked him, he was only looking out for her and it was nothing worth being thanked for.
She playfully punched him in the arm and he glared at her. "Not a word, you silly barbarian," she grinned.
Her eyes were gleaming at him, her smile radiant, and with a quick glance at their distracted table he leaned in and kissed his wife.
"Bah, get a room you two!" Shizuru said rolling her eyes. Mîra laughed as Hiei glared at Shizuru, abruptly pulling back.
"We will, tonight." Mîra winked at him and Shizuru scoffed at them and lit her cigarette. Kuwabara looked disgusted while Yukina looked confused.
"Hn," He said and his wife shook her head at him and she took a sip of her beer. He was happy that he brought her spirits back up. While her duty was now to him, he understood her desire to help her family. As long as he could make her see that she was better off with him, and that he wanted her to be with him, everything would be fine. Hopefully surrounding her with the people she cares about reminded her that she had a place here, with him and his friends and family. What was happening with her family was regrettable but Rodyn wanted her here, to be happy and safe. Though Mîra was supposed to be his superior, his baby sisters' wellbeing would always remain his top priority. He could relate to that, more than anything. Hiei would not fail Rodyn.
Mîra propped her elbow on the table and leaned her head against her hand, staring at him. "What am I going to do with you?" She asked him somewhat dreamily, presumably finishing the thought she hadn't voiced.
He smirked at her and said fluidly, "I can think one or two things." She raised an eyebrow at him, her eyes suggestive.
"Ew. Like I said, get a room," Shizuru said loudly, butting into their moment.
Mîra laughed prettily and said something back to Shizuru but Hiei wasn't paying attention. Mîra was his treasure, his jewel and no one was going to touch her. Whoever the king was going to send would have to bring it because Hiei would be ready.
Sorry for the delay in posting! The next few chapters I need to rework so it might be another week or two before the next chapter goes up. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter =)