Story Title: Consumed by Hellfire
Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.
Author's Notes: The background song for this chapter was "The Lightning Strike" by Snow Patrol, most notably the first section of the song called, "What If This Storm Ends?". I know my updates take forever and it seems like I've abandoned this story, but I haven't. I've put too much time and effort in this story just to drop it so casually. As usual, thank you for reading.
Chapter Eleven: Rise and Fall
Kurama's luck had run out. Guards flanked the procession from all sides, but Kurama wasn't concerned about the minions, despite their growing numbers. The King still remained directly behind him guiding him by hand. To where, the fox didn't know but it was not looking good in any case. The King was pouring spirit energy into his palms. So this was it, the fox dryly gulped. No place left to run. His heartbeat raced nervously, uncertain of what would become of him. Even though Kurama never wanted to face the King, somehow he knew it would come to this.
They stepped into the wide courtyard and made their way into the center with heavy steps. Small cracks in the bare ground spewed a sulfuric steam, smelling of burning rotten eggs, into the air as the King and his company passed. Thrust into the ring of gathering soldiers, Kurama stood alone. Memorizing his surroundings, Kurama peered up, expecting to see a break of light in the clouds, only to find the monochromatic sky blanketed in black. A flash of heat lightning drew away shadows from the fox's face and etched them onto the guards.
As the King's soldiers parted a path into the circle for him, the King silently laughed to himself, "I suggest you use this time to pray, though do not expect for any miracles." Kurama watched the King and did not reply.
He continued on, "I ordered Maki to keep you alive but restrained, but it seems I underestimated the quality of Enma's servants. Maki was always disposable. His death was no loss to me. For some time I had suspicions that the boy was no longer pleased with his high position and planned to usurp me," a fanged grin stretched across his face, "Perhaps I should be thanking you."
"Coincidence, I assure you," Kurama said in a dour voice.
"Of course. His demise was merely auspicious for me," the King shot a sidelong look, "…but there seems to be many coincidences occurring of lately."
What? Kurama, not liking what the King was insinuating, refrained from showing the least bit of physical response so not to provoke any suspicion. How much did the King know? It was certainly possible with a little digging into his background, and there had been time to do so while he was locked up, to learn all about his past with Hiei. But perhaps the fox was giving the King too much credit. Hiei had not been exactly discreet with their bond by constantly visiting him. Maybe the King was referring to Hiei's aid of recently…
Placing his hands into the long flowing sleeves of his blood red robes, the King walked along the circle's edge and shot a leer at his captive. Kurama followed his every move and maintained a facing position, unable to trust his back exposed. Lightning arced across the sky. The noxious air from the fissures burned all the way down Kurama's throat and lungs and spread like sprawling smoke from a newly snuffed candle throughout him. In the short time he was in the courtyard, the exposure had made Kurama lightheaded and slightly disorientated, probably the King's intention.
Turning his head to the side, the King wryly smiled. He removed his hands from his robes and held them at his sides. "By removing Maki, you have shown me your superlative skill and ingenuity. I find it ridiculous that it has been wasted under Enma's rule."
"Are you asking me to join you?"
"Even if you accepted, it would be for naught. I do not permit traitors in my army," The King clenched his fists and engulfed them in flames. Smoldering scraps of what remained of his leather gloves dripped onto the ground. "Those same talents of yours tell me it would be unwise to release you unharmed. You have two choices. Either submit yourself to my men or dare to test your fate against me."
The crackling fire reflected green in the fox's eyes. Already the King's energy was beyond anything Kurama imagined or was capable to handle. The only way he would have a shot against him was to become Youko. Even though there wasn't any other option, Kurama did not want to resort to him. He had worked too hard separating himself from him to compromise his oath to leave Youko and all he stood for behind. This is it, he repeated. Drawing a rose from his hair, Kurama produced a rose whip.
Lord Honoo stood on the hilltop overlooking Medria with his band of two hundred soldiers behind him. A shrewd tactician, the General of the West never wasted his manpower. To lay siege to Medria, he only brought enough warriors. The last of the gold and rust sunset was giving way to the purples and blues of night as the first stars twinkled above the high gates of Medria. Honoo's men, fully armed and mounted, stared reverently and waited for their lord's signal. His white cloak bearing the mark of the Land of Fire billowed in the cool desert wind as Honoo's blazing mohawk cooled and sputtered.
The General was first down the hill, his men seconds after in a thunderous charge. Swift and unexpected, the strike was planned to be—the old demon assumed complete victory in a matter of minutes. As they neared the gates, Honoo heard his men's screams. Sharply snapping his neck around to investigate, he was stunned to see a giant tornado shredding across his forces as he redirected his giant armadillo back around. Knowing full well that there had been no sign of a possible tornado, that in fact a tornado was implausible in these weather conditions, Honoo sensed something was up.
As his armadillo began to circle the tornado, General Honoo stood on its back and drew his sword. Leaping into the air and swinging his sword down vertically, the force of the flames issuing from his sword and rocketed Honoo into the twister. Inside, the General frowned at the sight of a sprightly red-haired demon, the creator of this storm, levitating in the center. Eyes wide and mouth gaping awkwardly, the young demon seemed just as shocked at Honoo's presence as Honoo was at seeing a tornado rip through his men.
"You! Boy!" Honoo called, quickly gaining Jin's attention. "I suppose you know what wind can do for fires…"
Pierced with the fiery sword, imbued with spirit energy, the tornado became a whirling column of fire. Jin panicked and tried to soar out of the twister, but the fire was only drawn closer to him.
Using fire to slow his descent and landing, Honoo stood and waited. Jumping into the air, he landed on his faithful mount's back. His men had reassembled and were continuing toward Medria. So it seemed that Medria would not come so easily as a ragtag defense of four hundred screaming demons armed with everything from basic swords to pitchforks to hatchets stormed the desert plains. The twister behind Honoo's army exploded with a violent, extinguishing gust of wind as Jin raced to catch up, ready for round two. Beset with excitement for the first time in centuries, the General pulled back, accepting the challenge. He was glad for the chaos, the obstacles. For once in this campaign across Makai, demons had some pride and stood up to them. Now with someone to face, General Honoo had a war.
The guards had spread out, giving their King plenty of room to enact every devilish technique against his unfortunate prey. Sure, they were glad the prisoner chose to face the King over them. It would have boiled down to him verses the King anyway after the prisoner finished off the guards. Their only hope was that the show lasted and that it was worth watching.
Kurama knew the King was just toying with him as he dodged another flamed fist. Even if the fight could end at a moment's notice, he still made sure his footwork was a second faster than any of the King's assaults. To end this as quickly as possible, Kurama decided that was only means he had to defeat him. There was no time for his usual slow analysis. Honestly for once, he didn't want to attempt an analysis on this demon.
The ground rumbled and trembled as the volcanoes surrounding the palace awakened from a millennium's sleep. The lava geysers began to erupt more frequently. Lava pools produced a new molten demon every minute, instead of the usual per day. Halting his assault, the King jumped back and received the primal fire energies. His aura, exuding waves of red, swelled in size and consumed the ground and brick path, forming an expanding crater where he stood.
For the King to become even stronger was the last thing the fox needed. Kurama blinked, and in that instant, a fragile snowflake wisped in front of him. Thinking his eyes were playing tricks, a delirious side effect of being exposed to the sulfur sprays, he disregarded it until one landed on the back of his hand. Kurama realized it wasn't snow but volcanic ash. It began to rain down ash in a brisk flurry. Across the sky, lightning danced with no regard to rhythm or grace.
The King had vanished. Kurama turned around and back flipped out of reach of the King's burning fist. So far, his attempts to get close enough to the King were failing and the longer he spent breathing the strange fumes, the hazier his thought process became. Knocked to the ground by what the fox assumed was the King's knee to the chest, Kurama quickly rolled out of the path of a string of fireballs, unfortunately not quick enough to avoid two hits. His reflexes seemed to be the next to go. How much more was left for him to lose, Kurama didn't want to stick around to discover.
"There has been a change of plans. I no longer have the patience or interest to continue your existence. By the will of my land, I have been granted the power to shatter the barriers around Reikai. My revenge will finally be complete, " the King's voice grew louder with his excitement and impatience, "By dawn, Heaven shall burn."
While Kurama was on the ground still rattled by the fiery bombs, the King charged his hands with energy. As much as he usually enjoyed torturing prisoners, Kurama was not a particularly interesting captive. Maki had always been foolish—perhaps the King had wasted praising and uplifting the prisoner for nothing. Better to just obliterate him in a single burst of hellfire. Maybe his burning would amuse the King and serve him well as a preview for Enma's inevitable torment.
Noticing the large gathering of soldiers in the courtyard, Hiei stood between two columns supporting the vaulted roof of the open walkway. His hand still lay protectively over his stomach wound, though for now the ache appeared to be in recession. The soldiers were howling and cheering. For what, Hiei shifted to gain a better view. A brilliant flash of lightning lit up a halo around the King and Kurama. His eyes widened. No! Hiei tried to tell himself this wasn't happening. His fear had come true—the King had cornered Kurama.
The King released the whirling sun from his fingertips. It rushed steadily toward Kurama. The grinning guards waited in a hush. Mouth slightly agape, Hiei followed its every inch with his eyes. Kurama rose onto one knee. Now was his moment—the King was distracted, overconfident that he would never miss. If Kurama could time the jump right, he could appear at the King's side and strike a finishing blow. As his designated mark came, the fox leapt.
Only to crash.
Kurama looked back to see what was wrong. His foot was caught in one spewing cracks in the ground. While he was dodging the fireballs, he must have accidentally rolled into and caught his foot inside one without his knowing. Frantically twisting and pulling, Kurama worked to free himself.
Get out of the way! Hiei glared, standing ridged and on edge. Why wasn't he moving? There had to be something wrong. What was Kurama doing? The fox was just sitting there and looking back. Get up already!
The fire was close now. Dry, hot winds blew into Kurama's face and threw his hair back. An orange light of the approaching fire cast a warm glow over his eyes and face. Turning around while still trying to free his foot, he saw within the crackling red and white instants of blues, oranges, pinks, and pale purples. Despite of death hurtling toward him, it was oddly beautiful and serene. Shutting his eyes, Kurama turned away and gritted his teeth, bolstering for the impact.
Seconds later, the King saw his attack explode. An agonizing flash of light bright enough to put the lightning to a dim shame blinded the courtyard. Shockwaves fractured and shook the ground, making the guards wobble in their armor. The King smiled victoriously, bellowing with menacing laughter, as the wind whipped his flowing sleeves and hair back. As the dust began to settle, he turned to walk away, only to step back around. Flaring his nostrils and exposing his fangs, the King growled in displeasure and tightly clenched his fists.
As he extinguished the counteracting fire from hands, Hiei stepped out of his attack stance. Behind him, Kurama sighed deeply in relief, at least now the fox was bought some time. He muttered a thank you underneath his breath, but Hiei either did not hear him or was too focused on the King.
The lightning cast shadows over father and son as they met one another with smoldering glares. The falling ash swept across the silent courtyard. Thunder peeled the sky. The King asked Hiei if he understood the grave act he had committed against his kingdom. Hiei refused to answer, but of course he did. But Hiei had to step in. All this time he had been concerned about getting caught, about covering his own hide while Kurama was left dangling to save himself. Enough of this charade! It wouldn't matter if Hiei lived through this if it meant losing Kurama and watching him die.
"You are aware that I cannot overlook this insubordination. Your actions in aiding a prisoner of the King is an act equal to that of treason. Now I have been quite lax with punishing you, Hiei, but you keep forcing my hand," the King said with a sour expression. He shook his head lightly from side to side. "You have been nothing but a disappointment, my son."
You keep forgetting that we have a common bond…the King said telepathically. It would have been helpful if you had remembered, but then again your thoughts have been amusing, to say the least, to listen in on. Hiei silently growled. How dare he! Not even his innermost thoughts were private.
I do say bravo, son. You put on such a great act. I might have been only mildly suspicious when the dungeon guard informed me of your frequent visitations without the supporting details…though it seems you have not inherited my discerning taste in lovers. When this is all over, I will select you a more suiting companion for the Prince of Makai.
"This has to stop," Hiei laid his hand on the hilt of his katana and slid into a readying attack stance.
The King grinned, entertained that his son was rising against him, "Where others have failed, you are welcome to try."
Hiei raced forward, blade drawn. As he drew close to the King, his father disappeared. Hiei had expected him to. Searching with both his eyes and senses and trying to predict where the King would appear, Hiei heard the King's voice behind him.
"Tch. Tch. Is this your first time in a fight? Allow me to offer you a lesson. You should always guard your weaknesses efficiently." Hiei turned to see the King holding Kurama by the hair.
The fox mentally groaned. And he had just slipped his foot free…now his situation wasn't any better. Kurama looked at the King and shot him a glare to remind him not to underestimate him again like before. The King was less than unimpressed and ordered the fox to put his hands behind his back. So be it, Kurama decided. It was all a matter of waiting, waiting for the second the King's attention turned and he could get away, and maybe end this all.
Hiei took a step forward. The King ordered Hiei to remain where he was. "As for you," he said to Kurama," not a twitch from you either."
"Prince, this is how kings take control and dominate their enemies. Access and extort your opponent's weaknesses. Learn this lesson well. It seems that I have much to teach you before you are ready to assume the throne of Makai."
"Let him go," Hiei said, directing the tip of his sword to the King, "This is between you and me."
Or are you scared of me? Hiei projected into the King's mind. Come on…why won't you face me yourself? Or are these underhanded tricks all you have left? Show me that godlike strength of yours…if it even exists.
The sky rumbled. A bolt of lightning fell and crashed into the ground behind the guards, scurrying to avoid the falling rocks. Hiei expected his father to fly into a rage or at least display some anger. But the King merely smiled.
"GAHH!!!" Koenma was yanking his hair, barking orders like mad, as the technical support ogres worked on repairing the world monitor. Again.
Koenma had to see, had to know what happens next. Damn it all! And to top everything falling apart at the seams, Yusuke and Kuwabara were still nowhere to be seen. Koenma slammed his fists on the desk. The backed up papers teetered precariously above the prince as Jorge tried to save them. Only the blue ogre was a few seconds short. The files rained down and swamped the desk, burying Koenma under its weighty avalanche.
"Oh dear god! Sir Koenma, are you all right?" Jorge asked, scrambling to dig him out of the mess.
He found Koenma, though he began to wish he hadn't. Maybe before the royal toddler noticed, Jorge could slowly sink beneath the punishment files…
His hands clenched at his sides, the prince's face turned red, then purple as his anger began to boil over. Just as he was about to lay out the ogre, Botan entered the room and said that his father wanted to see him.
"My father?" Koenma, now calmer, said intrigued but slightly confused. His father hardly ever summoned him. "Did he say why?"
Botan shook her head no, "Lord Enma just told me to bring you to the Mirror Chamber."
"Mirror Chamber?" Koenma raised an eyebrow, "We don't have a Mirror Chamber."
Koenma was wrong. The guarding ogres opened the gates as Botan held a glowing electric blue orb and led Koenma down the spiraling steps. As the prince of Reikai, Koenma expected that he knew and had been in every room in the palace, but he had never heard of this one. They entered a huge, perfectly square room below the palace. The walls, the ceiling, and even the floor were covered in large, silvery mirrors. The prince never saw his face over a thousand times all at once before.
His father was already there, waiting in royal purple robe with his girth tied back by a gold sash. He said nothing when his son entered the room, but merely grunted and turned away. Koenma asked what this room was for. Wait and see was his father's reply. By Enma's command, Botan tossed the orb into the center of the room. It levitated into place, sending a white beam of light to each mirror. Botan warned Koenma to close his eyes. The orb exploded into a flurry of luminescent snowflakes. As the light's harsh intensity faded, Koenma opened his eyes. Immediately he saw before him Hiei and the King holding Kurama hostage.
"Before you ask, we are not actually in the Land of Fire," Lord Enma explained. "As real as the images you see before you appear to be, they are not real. Everything is but a reflection off a mirror."
That's only half true, the prince thought. Here the images were fake, but on the battlefield, everything would be real. The prince wasn't sure if he could bear watching the reflections of his friends suffering knowing it was real.
Koenma narrowed his eyes in annoyance, "You knew the world monitor kept breaking down and you kept this room a secret from me?"
"Stop whining. You're giving me a headache," Enma growled. His son looked away and focused on the scenes before them. Clearing his throat, Enma added spitefully, "I suppose now we can see if your faith in the demon Hiei is well justified..."
I do not need to lay a hand on you to utterly destroy you, the King projected into Hiei's thoughts. You will learn that all too well if you do not bow down and obey.
" Release Kurama and fight me," Hiei ordered once more.
"I will make you into my perfect heir," the King bluntly replied. Kurama rolled his eyes. Good luck with that, he thought. "But first you must be cleansed of all limitation, so that you are free to attain heights of power you never believed possible."
"Are you even LISTENING?" Hiei shouted.
"Are you?" the King with a wicked grin raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner, "Pay close attention, Prince. Your first task is to eliminate the prisoner."
Clutching the hilt of his katana tightly as his knuckles turned white, Hiei shook with obvious restrained rage. "And…if I refuse?"
The King chuckled to himself, "You will not."
Hiei was drawn to Kurama's eyes, searching Hiei's own expression. Don't look at me like that, he flinched and looked away. You know I wouldn't, but there is a part of you that thinks I might. I understand why. Thunder roared high within the black clouds. Hiei thought about how to get Kurama out of the King's hands, if he could just accomplish that, then they might have a shot.
The King forced Kurama onto his knees, grabbed him by the back of the head, and pulled it back, bearing his neck. "Here. I've made it easy for you. Slit him."
"You're the one I want to slit!" Hiei screamed.
That is not the correct response, the King thought. "You cannot refuse my orders, my son." The glow in his sole eye flickered rapidly. Stepping back instinctively, Hiei shut his eyes to guard himself in vain as his unprotected Jagan opened wide, the glowing pupil thinning into a feline slit. You will kill him, the King's voice repeated in his mind. You shall obey.
What are you doing? Stop! Hiei thought as his hands gripped the katana and his feet slipped into an attack stance. He met eyes with the King. Damn it! I won't let you control me.
Smilingly triumphantly, the King thought, if I cannot willingly make you my heir, an obedient drone works just as well. Of course for this Hiei, I'll only take control of your body. This would not make a very practical punishment if you were not aware of your actions moment by moment. As you kill your dearest love, be sure to think clearly.
I'll be listening…
—end chapter