Story Title: Consumed by Hellfire
Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.
Author's Notes: Wow, I haven't updated on this one since February? I thought I did in March. Guess I'm wrong. Oh well, I have now. Let's continue.
Chapter Eight: Still I'm With You
Hiei lay in his wide, metal-framed bed and stared at the ceiling as his fingers gripped and wrinkled the silk bed sheets underneath his body. He was still nursing the self-inflicted wound, now beginning to dry and darken, on his bit lip. So many feelings were churning inside him— a potent and vile mix of hate, disgust, resentment, and sadness dueling each other for dominance of expression. Grabbing his body, he tried unsuccessfully to stop his body from shaking in rage. The King's laugh kept echoing in his ears.
Shut up! You vile bastard, you disgusting pig! Quit laughing at her! Reopening the wound, drops of blood coated his tongue. His fluids did not go well with his stomach and waves of nausea cascaded upward. Taking slow breaths, gradually the nausea faded and returned to the recesses of his stomach. Rising from the bed, he paced across the floor. If he could have his way, the King would be dead. But no. Now wasn't safe. He had to keep calm, a difficult challenge in itself, and plan.
Gripping his tear gem tightly, his mind still would not yield from the images of his mother and the King in the throws of pain and pleasure. His eyes widened to such a degree the whites nearly consumed his pupils as his gaze wandered down to the tear gem sparkling in his hand. The metal for a sword is first scraped from the flesh and bones of Mother Earth, heated by billowing flames, cooled in icy water, and pounded by hammers into a weapon, a weapon in the right hands bringing life and death. It all depends upon the wielder…
Hiei is a sword. Created from the fleshy walls of her womb, she blessed him with a gift— an inner fire encased in a nearly impenetrable shell of frozen self-control. Fate…Life, whatever you may choose to call it, seemed to always be pummeling against him, but everything up to this point had only fashioned and honed this blade to its fine edge.
There was no point in further drowning himself in pity over the circumstances of his birth, something he had no control over. All he could do was make note of it and set his feelings aside for later times. Yet, he had to admit, there were still questions. It confused him that she kept him…the child of a man who caused her suffering. She could have gotten rid of him and eventually put the nightmare behind her. But no. Resting once more against his chest, the tear gem reflected the red glow of the lava geysers spewing. Hiei stood, staring up at the sky, and imagined it being clear, blue, and friendly.
Strength has many definitions, multiple facets of interpretation. What sort of strength did a woman in the same situation as his mother have? Vapors of hot air blew into his face and through his hair. A strength greater than anything produced by the body…Hiei hoped he received the slightest ember of it from her. Times like this he needed it.
"Hmm. Not too hard to figure out where you are…" Hanabi smirked as she walked up from behind him and sat down on the stone balcony railing.
Hiei refused to look at her and stared hard out into the burning landscape. "Get out."
"Heh, make me," she retorted. For a grown woman, Hanabi acted more like a child. Hiei had seen Kuwabara and Yusuke show more maturity and responsibility than she had ever shown thus far.
"Aren't minions supposed to obey their royalty?"
Hanabi crossed her arms over her chest," Now you WANT to be called Prince? I thought you rejected your title." True. But if he could use his royalty to get away from her, then so be it. She slid from her seat and took a few steps forward. "Not like that matters. I mean, it's not like you're the King." Her eyes lit up as a smile stretched across her face as he sharply turned his head and glared at her. That got his attention…
Propped up against the cool stone wall, Kurama opened his eyes. Some of his spirit energy had already returned, yet it was not enough to manipulate his plants. He would if his energy wasn't already being used, like for healing his wounds. Time, of all things right now, time was his enemy. He didn't know how long his capturers would give him. Hopefully, Hiei would be stalling any idea of an execution somehow. If he could even trust him.
Hiei…could he still trust him? Kurama was unsure. Hiei had been the one who ordered he be taken to the dungeons. Hiei was working for the enemy. Yet, the look on his face as he visited his cell and the silent promise told him he was still on his side. Just wait and see, he told himself, trust in him but be on your guard.
Kurama sighed and rested his head against the wall. Hiei…just when I think I understand you, you surprise me still. Tell me. Are you my friend? Or were you more interested in my instrumental value rather than my companionship? Heh…he lightly chuckled and smiled, though it looked more like a wince. Would you ever think of me more than just a friend? Hiei…
Nothing he said or done before had ever given Kurama the impression that Hiei was interested in him…or anyone to be exact. Kurama was a fool drunk on the fleeting wish that Hiei loved him. If only this passing stage of infatuation would pass, if only he could convince himself that there was no chance…damn the small glint of hope inside his heart! He's your friend. Possibly your enemy. Get over it and live with the truth already.
If that is the truth, then fine. Kurama turned his head and stared into the cell across from him. Stepfather, I apologize for how I acted when I left. You know I get defensive when we talk about dating and forgive me for my behavior there as well. On the train ride back, I started thinking that…maybe…I will start looking for a girlfriend. That's what he would tell his family. Mother and his stepfather would be happy. He would be happy. It's better than living single nursing the wounds of unrequited love.
At least he thought it would be.
"Eh, good morning," Maki smiled and held up his hand in a friendly gesture. "Sleep well?" Kurama remained silent and stared hard back to him. "Oh, I see…you're not a morning person, are you?"
"Why are you here, Maki? There's no information I can give you that you haven't already acquired."
Sighing, the General of the North held his arms up in a frozen shrug," Of course, you're lying. There's information locked inside your consciousness that could benefit us. Lucky for you, the King is satisfied with the level of information he has obtained."
"I'll ask again. Why are you here?"
Maki stepped forward with the iron bottom of his boots tapping, "I find that superior air of yours noble, Kurama. When there is no hope left for you, you're still determined to remain in control." He came to a sudden stop, continuing to smile and stare at Kurama. "Even now your mind is rolling through the possibilities, connecting the strands, and weaving me a lethal surprise."
I shouldn't even be this close to you…he calmly thought. No telling how dangerous you might be, even now. The fox boy made no movements and his trace amounts of spirit energy remained dormant. Maki leaned forward with arms outstretched, carefully inching closer. Kurama's eyes kept constant watch. He knew what was coming next—evident in how his body bristled and repelled from Maki's touch. The fire spread beneath Kurama's skin as Maki consumed the bit of energy Kurama had recovered. Struggling to keep his eyes open, Kurama watched as a laughing Maki backed away and exited his cell. This…this doesn't bode well, Kurama thought. His eyes closed and his body slumped.
"What did you say?" Hiei snapped back.
Hanabi turned around, "You have ears, Hiei. Use them." She could feel his body tensing in anger, his heart racing faster, his teeth tightly clenched together. The General relished in it. "You're royalty, that I cannot deny, but your title has no weight."
Conveying with a wave of her arm that she was encompassing a wide and overall range, Hanabi pointed to one of the lesser fire demons. Looking at him, still smiling, she spoke to him frankly, "I can feed you to them. And they would eat you. But they would refuse, not because you're the great and terrible Prince Hiei…" Eyeing his responses carefully, Hanabi circled him and crouched. He could hear and feel her breathing on his left ear. "Because you're his son."
As if I would trust the word of the King's pet. Even if that was true, and the only influence he carried here was his bloodline, Hiei would teach these demons why to fear him. He almost preferred it that way—everything ever worth having is always better earned.
He seems rather pleased, Hanabi noted in thought. Swallowing her spit hard, she sank her teeth into her tongue. He shouldn't be! "Listen, there's no place for you to talk about superiority here. In fact, Prince Hiei, you should be following MY orders," her voice rose in tone as she grabbed him by his cloak and shoved him against the balcony.
Hiei gripped her wrist and twisted it. As she had done before, she showed no discomfort, "I don't follow anyone."
They stood, locked in a passive combat for dominance. Neither wanted to lose—a matter of pride. Skin creased tautly as Hiei further turned the bone. Confirming her suspicions, his eyes revealed no hesitation against snapping it. In fact, he seemed he would rather enjoy it.
Hanabi drew her face closer. "Oh, I love that about you." Her lips pressed against his. He fought back. She pressed him deeper against balcony. Searching his side, his hands found air. One mistake, the slightest oversight, it laid by the bed when he needed it. With her free arm, she dug her claws into Hiei's shoulder. Flesh tensed in pain, contrary to his frozen expression. Get angry, my Prince. Defend yourself. It's not any fun if you submit. His arm was shaking hers as her wrist twisted at a nearly impossible angle. Grinning, Hanabi parted from him. Slowly, he turned her wrist back around and she stepped away from him. Their fight for now was taking a reprieve.
"I've never met anyone quite like you before. Such strong will. It's going to be a lot of fun breaking you," with that she laughed and left him sitting on the ground, scrubbing his lips with the back of his hand. He spat out her taste, but still felt her lips on his. Disgusting wench, every hair on his body and muscle inside him was standing on edge. His insides gnarled and growled. Just try it! He dared her to attempt her foolish plot to "break" him. Never would he readily succumb to her charms. This was just the beginning.
Lord Enma stood on the high balcony and stared at the mountains guarding his palace and at the flow of the River Styx. His eyes, small and dark, were not playing attention to the beauty and magnificence of his landscape, instead were focused inwardly on a troubling issue. Stroking his beard's short dark hair, he wondered how this could have happened. The Land of Fire…the King being alive…history was repeating itself again. Damn you! Damn it all! Dead demons are supposed to stay dead, not wage wars. That long battle the first time...it had spread through Makai, the human world, and finally into Reikai and sent all three into chaos. The human world had been the main battleground and had repeatedly suffered the churning of its oceans, months with endless rain, and years of scorching drought. The strain had been too great on the land and the once whole world had broken up into seven territories called "continents". This time, there was no defense. It had taken everything within Lord Enma to stop him then. Think about this. Why did a once feared and great warrior suddenly give up fighting to sit behind a desk and judge the unfortunate souls of the dead? Simple. Their battle had drained and crippled his ability to recover spirit energy. Lord Enma was a shell. His intimidation tactics, his gruff demeanor, everything was a mask to cover up the truth. He was a powerless, ineffectual ruler with no true purpose being in charge except to massage his clipped ego.
"Father?" Koenma's voice startled him. He refused to turn and look at him and instead clenched his fists and sharpened his hate toward the mountains. "Father, forgive me for disturbing you during your private time but there are some matters I would like to speak with you on. I guess what I'm trying to say is…Dad, I need your advice."
Lord Enma's eyes widened. His advice? His son never asked for his advice before. Never needed it. Though his father claimed the crown, Koenma was man behind the desk. Lord Enma, as soon as his son received the proper skills like the ability to talk, read, and write, shoved all of his duties onto him. He even fabricated the idea of "private time" in his son's head just to isolate himself from any contact with his new responsibilities.
Koenma stared at the back of his father's head. Like always, he was ignoring him. His father's love, he chuckled. The laughter and smiles died quickly. Wind rippled his long white cloak as the teen prince planned his words carefully. "Father, I do not see the justification for the condemning of Hiei's life. What good will it do? What is the purpose here? I'm trying to understand your logic."
Lord Enma sneered, raising his upper lip at a jagged angle," Hiei is the King of the Land of Fire's blood heir." He paused to allow for Koenma's surprise.
Wide brown eyes stared down at the floor. Amazing, Hiei…a prince, that's something I never pictured, Koenma thought. That can't be the only reason he has allied with the King. It's not like Hiei. "So what? I still don't follow—"
"Don't be stupid, Koenma. Hiei is his blood, which means he has the same potential to become just as strong and just as wicked as him. The world is doomed as is with one. We don't need another on our hands."
Koenma raised an eyebrow," Father, you obviously don't know Hiei well. Sure he hasn't proved to be the most reputable ally of ours, but you can't so flatly judge him. It's difficult to determine why he has joined with the King—"Koenma failed to stop himself in time. Now his father knew Hiei was at the King's side. Lord Enma did not react with the violent surprise his son expected, instead he grunted and turned his head slightly to the side.
"I see. The judgment upon Hiei remains the same."
Koenma took a step closer and opened his arms wide, "I'm sure it's not like that. His pride would never let him bow down before the King and he certainly would be able to figure out if he was being manipulated."
"You're saying that we trust him?" he laughed, surprising Koenma. "I do not like the poor decisions you have been making as of the last three years. It all started with making that Yusuke Urameshi boy a spirit detective…"
Holding his shaking arms straight against his side, the prince bunched his hands into fists. His father had no right to say that…his decisions had all been well-thought out to the best of his resources and weighed properly before enacted. Besides, look at what happened in those three years. Koenma believed he handled those crises quite well in fact as he did his father's job. The prince turned to leave. There was nothing else worth talking about to his incompetent father. In the doorway, he paused. "Hiei and I have one thing in common…we're nothing like our fathers." Lord Enma turned, seething and snarling. Koenma was gone.
The hard soles of his shoes tapped against the spiral stone steps as Hiei gazed out into the enclosed courtyard. The King had requested his presence but refused to inform him of why. He was standing in the center surrounded by various servants and armored guards. All waiting for him to arrive. The servants' looks gave him an impression to be vigilant and raise guard. Hiei knew he was walking into a trap.
"Good afternoon, Hiei." Hiei merely tipped his head forward. "You're probably wondering why I asked you here. Simple really. A father just wants to spend some time with his son."
Snapping his fingers, one of the guards kneeled beside him with a sheathed sword raised above his head. "I think…you and I should have a friendly competition, battle of swords." Hiei did not like the unnatural emphasis he placed on friendly. As if they could actually be on any sort of friendly terms. But a match. Sure. Why not?
The rules were simple. No spirit energy, just pure skill. Injures were allowed but none could be fatal or physically maim. The objective was to place their opponent into a position of submission. Simple enough.
Hiei's blade slid across the King's shoulder. Skin parted neatly as the blood surfaced and cried into his robes. It had been the seventh wound he had inflicted on the King against his three. The fire demon wouldn't deny his pleasure. If only he could run the steel against his throat…maybe he would. And if the servants had any objections?
He would be happy to reunite them with their master.
For Kurama. For his mother. The King would not survive this game.
One thing the King had to confess…Hiei had a lot more skill than he originally predicted. In truth, though neither the King nor his servants would admit, Hiei was the better swordsman. Sparks flashed as their blades met and locked into a struggle. The King quickly gained dominance and pressured Hiei closer into the ground. Cheating of course, the King was using his spirit energy. Hiei never had much confidence that the rules were permanent. As he drew back his blade and prepared to strike, Hiei escaped and sliced him across the shoulders and the down his spine. The cuts however were thin—Hiei wasn't about to spoil his death by cowardly killing him from behind. On one knee, his father, gasping for air and sweating profusely, had fallen. Slipping his blade underneath the King's chin, Hiei lifted his head to lock eyes. Victory was his. His arm froze, shaking in frustration. Do it! Do it already. His body refused. The Jagan's control once again interfered.
You think it would be that easy? The King asked him telepathically. I applaud you for your fine effort. It was quite an experience memorizing your sword technique.
What? Hiei should have seen this coming. It was all a ruse and now he had willingly given him enough information to predict his moves. Sharpening his stare, Hiei growled. What do you want with me anyway? Just get it over with and kill me.
He shook his head. Tsk. Tsk. Calm down. The boy was too hasty in his judgments. "My purpose isn't to kill you. I can't be everywhere at one time, so I need you to rule Makai."
"Get one of your Generals to do it."
True. Originally he was but was undecided in who was worthy to bestow it upon. Then, he suddenly had a son.
Quit whining and accept fate, he told Hiei telepathically.
Before he could reply, two messengers from the front lines had arrived. The taller of the two brothers spoke first.
"Messages from Lord Kayaku and Lord Raika, my lord. The major fortified cities of Aginas and Baldune have fallen. They are making their way northwest to Damagiri, estimated traveling time, three days without rest. Causalities, one hundred and twenty-nine apiece." Bowing, the soldier stepped back to allow his brother to speak.
"Messages from Lord Honoo. His numbers have increased as various bands of demons and towns choose to join him. Various undisclosed circumstances have delayed the capture of Medria. Estimated travelling time, six days. Messages from Lord Takigimaru. Gaboras and Antif captured. Heading to Ethras, two days travel. Casualties, five hundred."
Five hundred? The King raised an eyebrow. So much for Maki's excellent recommendations of his brilliant protégé. The messengers were dismissed. Encircled by his servants, the King ascended the spiraling stairs. Hiei stared into the smoky sky with the hilt of his sword still tightly grasped. On a windowsill in the castle heights, Hanabi watched him and twirled a piece of her thick hair in her fingers.
"Kurama? Kurama, wake up." The young man wasn't moving as Hiei nudged his shoulder and whispered his name in his ear. Still nothing. He wasn't dead though. Hiei watched his chest rise and fall. Just sleeping. Hiei tried again and this time, Kurama opened his eyes. Even now in their dismal surroundings, he found it necessary to smile and say hello.
Though his wounds on the surface were healing, Hiei sensed the absence of his spirit energy. Strange, it should have recovered by now. A faint scent caught in his nose. Oh, so that explains it. That General…he paused, trying to remember his name. Why should he? Did it really matter what his name was?
"Hiei…" Kurama strained to raise himself to a sitting position. Pain shot through his cracked ribs. Instinctively his hands held his injures, throwing off his balance, and sent him falling down. Hiei caught him without hesitation. As he helped him sit up, Hiei became aware that he was touching him. Nothing had happened. Kurama was supposed to torch into fire. How foolish had he been for believing those stupid nightmares! Bodies don't instantly combust at the slightest touch. Hiei had been concerned over nothing.
"Thank you," he muttered and smiled again. "Are you…are you sure it's safe to visit me like this? Isn't it suspicious?"
Maybe it was. No one knew he was here, as far as Hiei knew, and he had the guard so scared the poor bastard duck and covered at the sound of his own footsteps. True that it was a gamble. Hiei could only feint locking himself in his room for so long. The King could send a servant to his room and question his absence. Eventually, they would find him. It was one of the reasons Hiei never stayed too long.
Ignoring the question, he rummaged inside his cloak and offered Kurama a wrapped bundle. Untying the knot, he released the wrinkled corners of the plain fabric and stared at the smashed chunks of bread in his palm. Kurama looked up and thanked him. Hiei snapped back with a "quit looking at me and eat already" as he turned his head away.
You don't have to be embarrassed was what Kurama wanted to say but he thought best just to drop it instead. The bread was old, stale, and unpalatably bland, but it was food and the first meal he had ever received in his cell so he couldn't complain. Hiei was looking away as he ate but Kurama still noticed him stealing glances. He couldn't help but smile wider than usual.
Hiei looked over and, to his surprise, locked eyes with Kurama. Breathing faster, all the thoughts left his head and Hiei became focused on the happiness in his eyes.
"It's nice to see you, Hiei."
Hiei's stare darted back and forth across floor," You…too." He shifted awkwardly in his place.
"Do you know what they plan to do with me?" Hiei shook his head. They could execute him at any moment. They could let him rot in his cell. He didn't know what the King was planning and frankly he didn't want to investigate the workings of his mind. Kurama sighed and finished the last of the bread, brushing the last bit of crumbs from his fingers.
"You need to get out of here," Hiei meant to sound concerned but it came out more like a command.
"I know. There's just a slight complication in my way," Kurama looked at the cell door where Maki had stood hours earlier. "I'll deal with it soon enough. Afterwards, I'll come for you."
Hiei crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm staying."
"What? Hiei, but why?"
"My own complications." Hiei left it at that. "You go. Go home to your family."
The boy leaned forward despite the painful protests coming from his sides. "I'm not leaving without you."
Hiei stood and laid his hand on Kurama's shoulder," Don't be stupid, Kurama. I'll be fine. Go." With that, Hiei turned to leave. Giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze, his hand slipped across and fell to his side. He pulled the cell door shut and locked it. His heart felt heavy after saying those words. Such a liar. He didn't want Kurama to go. He didn't want to be left alone here. But it was better, safer for him. As Hiei passed the guard, he threw the keys into the air and the demon scrambled to catch them. Hiei could protect himself. But not always Kurama.
–end chapter