Where is my happy ending?
I just want to take the time to honour my Beta reader, Marikalay, you are wonderful. Also my very extra special reviewer, Adalleria, and to my new reviewers and reading, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and sorry for the long wait.
Chapter 12
"Oh... no Yukina, I mean Hiei and I. I am afraid when Hiei finds out. He'll be after your Kazuma." Kurama warned.
"Um I..."
"Yukina, you know how Hiei feels about him."
"Yes I know, but I don't think he suspected anything, or else he would have told me. Why don't you want everyone to know? This is a great thing that we need to celebrate."
"Yes, I know, but you will have to take Hiei into consideration. He is quite private, and I want the reveal to be on his time." He stated.
"Hey you two, what are you talking about that is so interesting, that you could not hear us call you." Came the voice of Keiko.
"Sorry, Keiko, what were you calling us about?" Kurama ask sweetly.
"I was trying to tell you guys to come inside; it looks like it's going to rain." As if on cue, there came a flash of lightning followed by thunder, so loud caused Yukina to jump.
"Oh wow, the weather changed so sudden." Yukina commented as she and Kurama followed Keiko inside where they saw Yusuke was fully recovered and drinking tea with Kuwabara, well drinking wasn't exactly what they were doing, they had the tea in one corner while they fight for the biggest piece of the food that Keiko prepared for everyone.
"You're too greedy Urameshi, give it to me. I am bigger than you so I need more nourishment." He strained out as he fought with Yusuke.
"That's exactly why you don't need it. You're too damn big. Let the little guy get a break." Yusuke fought back.
Seeing that, Keiko and Yukina turned to each other, with an exasperated sigh.
"Are we going to mother them all our lives? They can't even eat in peace." Keiko commented.
"I hope not, or else we will have to find REAL men like Kurama, and even Hiei." Yukina said with a smile to Keiko, who then giggled.
"Huh, what did you two say?" Yusuke said, finally paying attention to the girls and acknowledging Kurama's presence. He only grabbed piece of the food, so neither of them got the whole one.
"Yea, we are men enough, for I Kuwabara Kazuma, is the manliest man alive that strikes down and kill demons in the quest for true love, hehehe, NE YUKINA-CHAN." He giddily proclaimed as he turned towards his true love.
"Ah, yes Kazuma." Yukina said, not really knowing what else to say.
"Yes, Kuwabara's right, we are manly men that fight on the side of justice and love, if we was not, then why did you say yes when I asked you to marry ne, huh Keiko, because I'm an irresistible man." He pushed out his chest during his glory speech, then giving Keiko a cocky look.
"You're too full of it Yusuke, you two need to mature. You can learn ALOT from Hiei and Kurama, even a bit from Koenma."
"Hey, nah that's taking it too far. I can understand Fox-boy, and somewhat Hiei, but... that...baby, hell no." Yusuke ranted. Kurama just sat there watching the show, laughing to himself, at how it was easy for the girls to win, and of course he wasn't going to give his input, but it was still fun to see.
"Urameshi is right, well except for Hiei. I feel that one day Hiei will tick and let out that dragon thing. Man I was so scared of him when he fought Zeru. Man that was cool and scary at the same time. Then I realise that it is good he is on our team, but man, there are sometimes I wonder. Oh especially when he turned into 'Green Hiei.' RED FIRE! I mean how evil can he get; I've never seen red fire. I don't know which is worse, the dragon or green Hiei with red fire." He ranted on, signally that he was really terrified.
"Shut up man, you know Hiei would not do that." Yusuke stopped, then grinned, "He like us too much."
"But Urameshi, man, I don't know, especially me, what if he changes into that green thing again..." Kuwabara was cut off, by a little less than happy Kurama.
"It is his majin form, please get it right and avoid referring to HIM as a thing." Kurama said coldly, tired of this topic, but Kuwabara was oblivious to Kurama's feelings, and went on.
"... yea yea, his majin form, he can't control what he does, I mean, remember that time when was being controlled and he let on the dragon on us..."
"Kuwabara, can you please stop, or else you'll have to talk to Youko, and I know he intimidates you. Hiei can control himself in any form, and he would never put any of us in danger." Kurama said more forcefully, but even if Kuwabara didn't get it, the flash of gold in Kurama's eyes made him subside.
"Ah, sorry man. I didn't know alright. So why are you so worked up? It's just Hiei."
"Yes you didn't know, so get the facts before you open your month next time please." Kurama watched him intensely.
"Man, what has gotten into you, Kurama." Kuwabara asked, as Yusuke was equally shocked, looking on with Keiko. Yukina was just hoping he didn't express to much of his feelings towards Hiei to them, but then again, she knew Kurama could handle himself against Yusuke and Kuwabara.
"Kuwabara-kun, how would you feel if someone you respected degrades and talk lowly of Yusuke? What would you do?" Kurama asked in his now gentle voice.
"hey, no one talks bad or beat up Urameshi, except me. Anyone else who dares, have to go through me, the almighty Kazuma." He said in a serious note.
"Do you get it now Kuwabara." Kurama asked expectantly.
"Uh..." Then it clicked. "Oh but why would you do that for that runt?"
Sighing away his irritation, he rubbed his forehead. "Kuwabara, Yusuke is your best friend, and Hiei is my best friend. We have more history that you two have and we've been through so much. I would do anything for Hiei and he would do the same for me. Hiei is someone that if you happen to gain his trust respect and friendship, he is a great and loyal friend. Also, Hiei is your senior, you should have respect for him, the same you have for me." Kurama ended with the last part sounding as a threat.
"WORD." Came the ever comical Yusuke. With that punctuation, Kurama got up to go outside on the deck. "Yo, Kurama, where are you going, it is bad out there."
"Don't worry Yusuke, I'm not going anywhere. I just need some air." He stepped out in the dark night of strong winds, rain, and occasional thunder and lightning.
"Dear, you've upset Kurama. Why can't you get along with Hiei? He never did anything to you." Said the ever calm Yukina.
"Yukina-chan." He whispered in a defeated tone. "I didn't mean to, but I really am a bit afraid as to what he is capable of if any..." he was cut off by his dear Yukina.
"No Kazuma, Hiei-san is stronger than you give him credit for. He will not turn on any of us. Please know this, and he did save me a few times. He is good, and please, when you say those things, you hurt Kurama-san, that's his best friend you're talking about. They both have been through so much, so they don't need you who they consider a friend to make it harder for them. How would you feel if everyone began calling you and Yusuke traitors and scum? They deserve all the happiness all the worlds can give, especially that and acceptance from who they call friends." She purposely spoke that way, because she knows she can influence Kuwabara and prepare him, whenever the new couple breaks the news to everyone. But she is right; they need all the happiness in the world.
Outside the wind was having a field day with Kurama's hair, but he was not paying much attention to it, just occasionally wiping hair from his face. 'Hiei, I hope you come back soon. I can't believe I miss you so much already. It wasn't that bad before, but now, I crave your presence. Please come back to me soon and in one piece.' Kurama secretly prayed.
Makai
Hiei was running at high speed, making up for the time he stopped by the temple to see his Yukina before leaving. He couldn't just leave when he didn't know why that crazy woman called him, as if the world is coming to an end.
'She better have a damn good reason for this.' He thought as he spotted the fortress. He was pissed when he finally reached to Mukuro's territory. Looking around, he didn't see anything unusual or felt any threat, so why did she want him here, now of all time when things were going great with Kurama and Shiori?
Hiei smiled as he thought of the human woman. He was truly in awe at her acceptance and boldness towards him. He understands her feelings towards Kurama because he is her son, but easily accepting Hiei, was something that meant a great deal to Hiei, especially knowing that there is no way in any of the three worlds Mukuro knows how to act as a decent mother, or at least a tolerable mother figure.
He didn't know what to classify their relationship as; he didn't even know if he would count it as a relationship. He rather not think about it. He made his way up to her personal chamber, where he knew she always was when she called him.
'Couldn't that cheap woman get an office or something like that baby, than making this looks as if I like to be in her bed chambers.' He thought bitterly as he pushed the doors open, holding back just enough to prevent the door from crumbling to the floor. And there was Mukuro, lying upon a bed, well covered with gold and while coloured sheets, as if she didn't have a care in the world. 'As if I want to see that when I come here.' He commented in his head.
At least she could have been pacing, or doing some paperwork, which he noticed, have been neglected on the table and chair, near the castle like vertical window which overlooked the sparring court down below. Taking a few steps towards her with a pissed look on his face and hands now shoved deep in his pockets, he made his presence known, seeing that she didn't flinch when he almost blasted the door open.
"I'm here now, what do you want, you thorn in my side." He grunted.
"I told you, have some manners or I'll disinfect that mouth of yours." She said, barely turning to look at him.
"Get to why you had to take me away from Ningenkai." He demanded.
"Since when I had to take you away from that place you always say was not worth your time."
"Get to the damn reason you ask me come here." He said losing his temper.
"Don't get all hot and bothered, Hiei, I just wanted to ask you a few questions." She said, finally rising up to sit upright to see his expression.
"WHAT THE HELL. And you could not have talked to me over the communicator because?" Oh he was mad.
"Do you really want me to talk to you where your precious Kurama can hear us?" She said in a calm voice that just pissed him off more.
Realising how angry he was, he decided to take a deep breath. She wasn't worth getting so worked up and vex over.
"Fine, what do you want to talk about?" He said, punctuating his words with each step he took as he walked over to pull out the chair to sit. He purposely rested his feet on her good table with the clean paper work on it, knowing it will get to her. She saw that and wanted so much to blast him to oblivion. How many times had she tell this jaganshi to respect her and her possessions, but he had to go and prove he is a bad boy that cares not of anyone or their belongings, he'll do as he sees fit once it suits him and complimented his mood.
'I see I ticked you off, good. Get use to it.' Hiei thought waiting for her reply, knowing he wouldn't like it her reason for this bloody talk. He never liked talks with her. Knowing he was doing that to get back at her, because he smirked when he saw her eyes widen with rage, she pretended it did not bother her and continued.
"Kurama, who else." She said with a smile on her face.
"What about him?" He watched her, wondering why the questions. 'What are you up to, woman.' He glared at her.
"How is he doing? I know I spoke to him, but I can only tell by so much." He pressed on.
"What are you getting at?"
"What' can't I take an interest in my heir's love life?" She asked almost sweetly. Almost.
"No." He replied bluntly, not taking his eyes off her. He was going to get her to spill everything she is trying to brew up in that cyborg head of hers.
"Hiei, that hurts, you know I care for you as well, and I want what's best for you." She commented, as she turned away from him to stare at a random spot on her wall, clinching her chest as if his words actually affected her.
"Like hell you do. Don't play dumb. I know what you did." 'You're not a good actor.'
"Whatever do you mean Hiei?" She stated, not looking at him.
"Cut the crap. This is taking us nowhere. Are you finished with this? If yes, then I have business to take care of." He got up, ready to walk out the door.
"Oh wait Hiei, alright, I'll stop playing. Just sit down for a while." She finally gave in. He smirked in triumph.
"Fine, just don't piss me off again, and get to the damn point." He said firmly.
"Always have to have it your way, ne Hiei."
"What other way is there?"
Ningenkai
It was nightfall and it was still pouring rain. It actually became worse so everyone decided to stay the night there. In one of the rooms in the rear part of the temple, they all sat around, basked in the soft glow of the candles, reminiscing about their good old days, and not so great moments.
"Yea, that was sad. I never thought I would see Shizuru so broken down." That was Kuwabara.
"Yes, I know, but she really did like Sakyou. From what she told us and Botan, he was very sweet, but was very weird as a child." Said Keiko, thinking of the time on Hangman Island.
"What do you mean by weird?" Yusuke asked, wondering how a rich man like Sakyou can have a weird childhood. He would understand financially challenged, because that drives people as adults, but weird?
"Yea, dear, she said he was a serial animal killer when he was younger. He took pleasure in killing animals and watching them suffer. As he grew older he began betting and getting involved in the black market. There he met other tycoons who bet against demons and put them to fight against each other for pure entertainment. He would cheat because he had the Toguro brothers, so he would win all the bets. That's how he got so rich. It was blood money." She stopped, sensing the feeling of the room changed because f this new revelation. It was a bit depressing.
"Wow, that man is sick." Yusuke was the first to comment and Kuwabara nodded. Kurama just sat there listening. This was not new to him. He has seen and heard so many things in his life, nothing really surprise him anymore, when it comes to money, violence and self satisfaction.
"Yea, but sis really liked him. You know he gave her his cigarette lighter and she still has it. One day she misplaced it and she turned the house upside down, going crazy for that thing."
"But Kazuma, if you give me something, wouldn't you want me to keep it forever?" Yukina asked sweetly.
"Yukina, of course I will. Maybe I should cut her some slack. He did die. What I don't get is why he committed suicide? He could have escaped with everyone else."
It was Kurama's time to put in his wisdoms about the not so law-binding citizens of the world. "It was his way of maintaining his honour." Getting weird and confused looks from his audience, he continued. "He played the whole Ankoku Bujutsukai. He was in control of the committee, well him and the Toguro brothers. The Toguro brothers were his Ace card, so when the team was up against us, Sakyou expected his team to win, knowing that he knew the other bidders did not know Toguro was his... business partner, if you will. They tricked Sakyou's 'friends' once before, so he was able to do it again. No one in the beginning thought Yusuke would have been strong enough to defeat Toguro, but he did. In the end, the whole team died, and Sakyou lost. The whole committee was already dead."
"Wait, so if they were dead, then even if we win, he could have kept the money. Why didn't he do that?" Asked Keiko.
"Even though Sakyou was twisted, and demented, if he lost a bet, he wouldn't want the money. He had a sense of honour when it came down to it. He would cheat to win, but if in the end he lost, he lost. Also, he probably felt he should be faithful to his team mates as well. People like Sakyou do have some good morals in them. They stay faithful to the ones they trust." With that Kurama ended his tale.
"Wow, that's all I can say to that." Yusuke commented trying to stifle a yawn.
"I believe it is time we retire to our rooms now." Kurama stated as he stood up and stretched. "Good night everyone and sleep well. I shall see you tomorrow."
"Good night Kurama." Came the unison reply from Yusuke and Kuwabara.
"Yes, sweet dreams Kurama-san." Yukina smiled sweetly as she left with Kuwabara.
"Yea, Kurama and I'm sorry for Kuwabara's insensitivity earlier today." Said Keiko as Yusuke was trying to hurry her up.
"Shinpai na, ii desu yo. Ēto...Oyasumi nasai Keiko to Yusuke." With that he went to his room.
Upon entering his room, Kurama sighed and flopped down on to the bed. Wiggling out of his jeans, he curled up under the sheets, and stared through the window at the raging storm outside. 'I wonder If Hiei misses me?' he thought sadly. "Goodnight Hiei." He whispered before he fell asleep, and was sure he heard Hiei answered him, but he saw that Hiei was nowhere in sight. Smiling he drifted away.
The end. Thank you for reading.