Hi, there, sorry about the giant wait. hopefully this chapter will make up for it. I guess I could warn you now that I'm a sporadic updater, but a few of you probably already realize that. Anyway here is another heavy chapter. Hope you enjoy!
After a half an hour of talking and joking all the guys were pretty lighthearted. Touya had vacated the small wooden chair to Chu who was determinedly trying to get Kuwabara to try "just a sip," while he took up position leaning against the wall next to where Gin was fluxuating between sitting and floating; Rinku remained on the bed near Kuwabara's legs laughing at Kuwabara's predicament with Chu.
"Just one drink." Kuwabara refused yet again. He shuddered. He had some of Shizuru's stash one time, he still couldn't remember what all happened that night, but he did remember the hell that was the morning after. 'I didn't even drink that much either' he pouted to himself. 'And that was human alcohol. I don't even want to imagine what demon alcohol would do.'
Just then the door slammed open. "KUWABARA!" Yusuke rushed in, Hiei and Kurama following at a more sedate pace. "You finally decided to wake up, hua sleepyhead!" Yusuke exclaimed loudly as he rushed to Kuwabara's bedside happy that his best friend had woken up. "We're glad you're awake and well" Kurama greeted for both himself and Hiei who simply "hn'ed in agreement.
"Man though, I knew you got beat but I didn't think it was this bad; I was really worried. You're normally up a lot faster than this. What happened anyway? I couldn't find a copy of the video of the fight anywhere!" By now all of the other side conversations had grown silent as everyone was intently watching Yusuke and Kuwabara waiting to see how Kuwabara would react.
Kuwabara scoffed at Yusuke's question. "I was beat. That's what happened."
He scowled. "Hiei or Kurama would be able to better explain than I would. Even I didn't think I had been hit hard enough to be unconscious for three weeks." He paused and glared. His glare wasn't all that impressive in comparison to what Yusuke was used to receiving as he wasn't in the practice of glaring all that often but it did help show his irritation at his friend. Before Yusuke was able to reply though he continued.
"You would now if you were there! Where the hell were you anyway?" "Hua?" Yusuke looked almost lost. "I was training. Genkai had me on a regiment to learn her ultimate technique, even the quick version needed a week of constant meditation to complete. We thought that you guys would beat them easily." By the end he stopped being somewhat apologetic and turned defensive.
"Besides, Hiei and Kurama missed a match earlier. I didn't see you getting on their case!" He argued. "That's because they were being attacked!" He roared in response. "And they still showed up! What's your excuse? You were training? What's the point of training for the finals if we don't even get into the finals!" He yelled breathing hard. In an attempt to calm down he turned to Hiei and Kurama cutting off any response that Yusuke may have had. Keeping the red faced Urameshi out of his line of sight he attempted to smile at Hiei and Kurama. Yusuke sputtered in incoherent rage at being so thoroughly ignored.
"I'm glad that you two are okay. What happened after I passed out anyway?" Kurama and Hiei shared a look; Kuwabara knew he wasn't getting the whole story until he pulled them aside privately and inwardly cursed. There was too much secrecy going on and it was giving him a bad feeling. "Well" Kurama started. "Hiei went to fight directly after you did." There was a pause. "Neither of us did as well against her as you did, as expected. Hiei was out for two days. I was out for four. We are surprised that you were out for as long as you were."
"How's-" He hesitated asking about the girls, almost afraid of the answer.
"The girls are all fine. Shizuru and Yukina are on their way now. "Kuwabara let out a sigh of relief hearing that. He wouldn't know what to do if anything happened to Shizuru. Out of the corner of his eye though, he saw Touya stand a little straighter at the mention of Yukina.
"Oh, speaking of the girls, they should be here soon. I'll go wait out from for them." Yusuke offered while heading out the door still feeling on guard from earlier and hoping the girls would lower the tension.
Kuwabara stared pointedly at Hiei and Kurama wanting the full story. Getting an idea he started screaming, in his mind, trying to aim the thoughts at Hiei hoping he'd hear with his Jagan.
'What happened! I know you didn't tell me everything. We can kick those four out if we need! Touya mentioned something happening after I was knocked out and I want to know what it was!'
He had no idea if it worked or not but it didn't matter one way or the other as Touya noticed the tension in the room and decided to leave and take the others with him. "Ahh I think I'll go wait for the girls as well. Gin?" The demon in question looked and realized what he was doing. "Oh! I'll go wait with Yusuke! I've been wanting to catch up with him anyway. Maybe we can have that rematch." Chu took a little longer of the uptake. "Why're you two leavin-Ohhhh I get it!" He looked around and noticed the tension. "C'mon Rinku lets go too." "Alright" he said skeptically. "But I don't see why. That jerk is the one who abandoned his team. He shouldn't even be here." "Just come on." Yeah yeah, I'm comin." He said bouncing on Chu's shoulder.
As soon as everyone cleared the room Kuwabara turned on the two remaining visitors. "So, out with it, what happened. Touya mentioned something about Koenma?
Kurama signed before beginning. "Have you seen your leg? He asked. "Hua? My leg? What's that have to do with anything?" He asked confused. His legs didn't take any damage and were under his blanket so he didn't bother to check them out before.
"Just look at your right ankle!" Hiei snapped. Kuwabara, bewildered, did as he was told. When he looked down on his ankle though his confusion intensified. Around his ankle there was a red band, seemingly tattooed onto his ankle.
"Hua? Wha-what's that?"
"That" Hiei spat. "Is a slave bond. It's what Koenma uses to keep us under his control." He sneered.
"He put it on while you were out after your fight. That's likely what Touya saw Koenma doing after your fight. It is also likely the reason you were out for as long as you were. Your wounds truly were not that great, and the bond takes your energy in order to power it likely keeping you unconscious longer." Kurama added. Kuwabara was instantly stunned speechless. It didn't last long though.
"W-w-wait; what! S-s-slave?" He was freaking out.
'Oh man, oh man that can't mean what I think it means It that even possible? I know, I mean, b-but!' His thoughts were a frightened, jumbled mess. Kuwabara's brain just shut down.'A slave? How the hell can I be a slave, weren't slaves supposed to be illegal now? Yeah, right, he's lord Koenma; he doesn't have to obey human laws, does he?' All that made its way out of Kuwabara's mouth was a faint whimpering sound as he opened and closed his mouth trying and failing to understand.
"That's not true. W-why would I be made into a slave?" Kuwabara settled into denial. Kurama laid a hand on Kuwabara's shoulder. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true." He paused taking a breath. "He put one of Hiei and myself as well. I truly wish we were joking, but we are not." "Why?" Kuwabara insisted. This time it was Hiei-leaning against the side wall, who answered. "You know too much and it is the only way to control you. You weren't supposed to learn about the hunted, to distrust the Reikei," he paused" to think on your own."
It was quiet in the room while Kuwabara tried to process the information, still trying to deny it, but the barely restrained pain and anger and desperation in Hiei's voice made him doubt his denial. "We'll give you some time to think about this. Kurama said, giving Kuwabara's shoulder a final comforting squeeze.
"We understand this is hard. We just have to ask you not to say anything to anyone, not about the hunted and what you learned at the tournament or about what we just told you. Especially keep this from Yusuke. It's one of the long standing orders. We'll all be punished if you tell. And trust me; you don't want to know what it feels like to be punished by the slave bond. Just remember, you're not alone, Hiei and I are here." With that Kurama and Hiei stepped out of the room leaving Kuwabara to his thoughts.
~One Hour later~
The room was empty save Kuwabara and a doctor of the hospital Kuwabara was staying at. "Well, your tests all say the same thing. You may feel a bit stiff still, but you are healthy and ready to leave whenever you wish. Truly your physical wounds finished healing a week ago." The doctor informed Kuwabara. "Thanks doc. I'm glad I'm able to leave, I still can't believe that I was out for as long as I was." "Yes, well, I'm just surprised you, and your teammates, are up at all. You all faced an ancient and lived, not many can say the same. You even wounded her. I'm extremely impressed; I've never even heard rumors of anyone ever doing the same. I didn't think it was possible." The doctor gushed.
"Err" the doctor blushed. "Could I take your picture? I want to prove to my family that I actually got to meet THE Kazuma Kuwabara! They, well, they don't actually believe me when I told them before." He embarrassedly asked. Kuwabara was sheepish. "Uhh, sure. I guess, so long as it won't be used against me or anything."
Despite Touya, Gin Chu and Rinku's explanation it still shocked him to think that what he did was truly that amazing to people.
The doctor got his camera and sat it to take the photo with a timer so he could be in the photo too. He came over to Kuwabara to grasp his hand in an excited handshake, his friends would be so jealous. The picture was taken with Kuwabara still embarrassed and the doctor beaming and excitedly shaking Kuwabara's whole arm. "Thank you thank you." The doctor said one last time while gather his stuff, bowing, and leaving letting Kuwabara get ready to leave.
As Kuwabara was finishing getting ready to leave his guests started to pile in loudly.
"I see they are releasing you" said Kurama striking up a conversation with Kuwabara.
"I am sorry, but more arrivals came while we were talking. Along with all the guys already here, Shizuru, Yukina, Keiko…and Boton are here."
It took Kuwabara a few minutes to process the importance of Boton being there.
"Yeah, I guess she would be in on it too. Damn it!"
"I'm afraid so" Kurama replied solemnly. Their conversation was cut off by a loud cry of "KAZUMA!" AS Yukina, followed by Shizuru rushed into the room, Yukina going for a hug, Shizuru his shoulder. "We were so worried about you Kazuma" Yukina cried. "Ahhh, Hey hey, don't cry! I'm alright see!" Kuwabara proclaimed laughingly smiling largely.
Although he didn't show it Kuwabara was incredibly relieved to see that the girls were alright. Even though Kurama told him they were fine he wasn't going to believe it until he saw them himself. 'If only there was some way of keeping them safe; to get them out of this mess.' Kuwabara came out of his thoughts looking around his now overly crowded hospital room. Everyone had now arrived. The small room was simply not big enough for all twelve people to comfortably fit into. "Hey, I've been released so why don't we get outta here?" Kuwabara excitedly proposed. The rest easily agreed and they chattered amiably on the way out of the building, though there were still some stiff feelings around Yusuke.
"Ahhh, the sun on my face. Feels good!" Kuwabara exclaimed. 'I know I only woke up a few hours ago, but it still feels great to be outside moving again!'
Everyone was still stalking and starting their good byes when Touya approached Kuwabara. "Kuwabara. May I have a word in private?" He addressed him. "Hua? Oh yeah, sure." They walked a distance away, still in eyeshot but out of earshot of the others. They were under a large tree that, with the wind rustling the leaves, make it difficult for even the demons to over hear them, aside from Jin who already knew what Touya wanted to talk about anyway so didn't really matter.
"So, what's up Touya?" Touya took a breath and firmed his face in determination.
"As you know a group of us has been visiting you and waiting for you to wake up"
Kuwabara nodded.
"Well, over the past three weeks those of us waiting have been getting to know each other better. During that time I have come to develop feelings for Yukina." He steeled his eyes like the ice he controlled. "I wish to ask permission to court her."
Kuwabara's mind came to a screeching halt. "What?" Kuwabara exclaimed in irritation. "Why would I give you permission? Besides shouldn't you be talking to her brother? Or her for that matter. She's not an object to be passed around without any opinion of her own."
"Sorry, it is demon tradition and manners to ask permission to the closest male to her and to any who have a previous claim on her. I would not be speaking to you if I believe my advances would be unwelcome to Yukina. I would speak to her brother if I knew who he was and I speak to you because you have a previous claim on her. I intend to pursue her whether you approve or not but I would greatly appreciate it if I had your blessing."
Kuwabara remained silent. 'She's my Yukina, my beautiful, sweet, kind, perfect Yukina, why in the world would I – wait. If she's with him, deeper into the Makai then Koenma can reach, then she can't be used as a threat against me or Hiei. Hmm.' Kuwabara's emotions played across his face as he thought. After another minute or so Kuwabara seemed to make a decision.
"Alright Touya, you have my permission one a few conditions. First" he declared holding up a single finger.
"You must promise to protect her at all costs and at all times. There are those who would, and have, use her as a threat against myself and her brother. They will not stop simply due to the fact that she is no longer in my company. Yes, I know who her brother is, no, I will not tell you who he is without his permission.
"Second!"A second finger joined the first."You must take her far into the Makai, where the Reikei cannot follow or monitor. She will, under no circumstances be brought back to the human world.
"Third!" He held up a third finger. "Remember that I still love her, as does her brother. If you hurt her we will both do everything in our power to make you suffer. Knowing who her brother is that would be worse that anything you could imagine. Those are my terms. Keep her safe, Touya."
Touya nodded.
"I understand. I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, even from the Reikei…Thank you Kuwabara."
As everyone had finished their good byes, some more enthusiastic than others, the group split and those heading back to the human world hurried onto the boat as the captain glared and threatened to leave them behind if they didn't hurry it on up. Yukina had eventually decided to go back to the Makai with Touya and continue the search for her brother. "Bye you guys! I hope me meet again soon! And Touya you'd better take care of Yukina! If anything happens to her I'll hunt you down myself!" Kuwabara hollered from the deck of the departing ship.
The ride back to Ningenkai was uneventful. Yusuke and Kuwabara started arguing and fighting, though still a little fragile, going back to their usual friendship. Hiei scoffed at their idiocy and Kurama contentedly watched from the side with the girls, occasionally giving pointers to either boy.
Upon arrival Yusuke decided to take off with Keiko to see a movie and get some dinner. The Kuwabara siblings, along with Kurama, were about to leave when Boton interfered.
"I'm sorry Shizuru but I'm afraid I'm going to need to steal the boys for a bit, Koenma wants to discuss the final fight with these three, Yusuke already got his talking to."
"Whatever Boton, just no missions, he just got outta the hospital and school starts in a week. Got it?"
"Yup. I can assure you that Koenma just wants to talk, He'll be home shortly, don't worry Shizuru." Boton reassured her.
"Yeah, alright. Well in that case I'm off; I'll see you later tonight." She shrugged as she walked off to her car.
"Well boys, follow me!" She commanded as she opened a portal to Koenma's office.
Kuwabara gulped. He was not ready for this.
"Boton!" The toddler god greeted. "I see you brought those three with you."
"Yes sir" "Very good, you may leave." Boton scurried out, bowing as she left.
Koenma turned his steely glare on the three men before him.
"Kuwabara" Koenma all but barked. "I assume those two told you about your new 'situation?'" Kuwabara just glared. "I'll take that as a yes." He drawled.
"From now on, when I ask you a question I expect you do answer me, verbally.
" Kuwabara remained silent.
Koenma glared. "Perhaps a more in depth explanation is in order. You are my slave. That bond you have around your ankle is attached to your life force; while I cannot kill you with it I can cause you immense pain. Pain so bad you will wish you were dead. It also is a monitoring enforcer. Anytime you disobey one of my direct orders, whether I activate the seal or not, a shot of pain will radiate up your leg. While that pain is not crippling it is still quite painful. Nifty hua?" Koenma waited for a response.
Kuwabara resolutely remained silent, if he opened his mouth he didn't know what would actually come out.
Koenma further narrowed his eyes at Kuwabara's silent rebellion.
"I asked you a question." He made a sign with his hands.
"I'll ask you one more time. Do. You. Understand?"Silence remained as his only answer. He activated the sign.
Suddenly screams filled the air as all three of the Reikei Tantei currently present fell to the floor in agony. After a few seconds Koenma deactivated the spell. "Oh, I guess I forgot to mention that if I activate of I activate them all hua?" He laughed maliciously.
"Now, do you understand?"
"Y-yes sir." Kuwabara stuttered as he struggled to rise to his feet.
"Good! Now let's go over some rules! First! Never inform any one about any of this. You are not to tell anyone about the bond, not are you to tell anyone what you learned from the ancient. Am I clear?" "Yes sir" Kuwabara managed, hating himself for it.
"Second, you work for me now, when I call you you come and do as ordered, no questions asked, quickly. Also you will address me as Sir or Master.
And third, just in case you didn't understand it earlier. Unless you do exactly as I say, your sister's life and safety cannot be assured. Do we understand of another?"
"Yes sir."
He already understood the threat against Shizuru ever since that fight three weeks ago, but it was different hearing it out loud. He didn't mind getting hurt or even killed himself, but he could never allow anything to happen to Shizuru, especially since he knew what happed after they died. He submitted. Koenma laughed some more.
It was a sad sight to behold. Three proud, brave souls forced to submit to a maniacal toddler, pain continuing to wrack through their bodies well after the spell had ended.
"Boton! Is Genkai ready yet?"
"Yessir, shall I bring her in?"
"Of course you should bring her in! We may as well take all the useless trash back at one time."
Boton's voice ended as she presumably ran off to gather Genkai. Kuwabara was left to his thoughts.
'Genkai? I never heard what happened with her? Why's she here anyway, from the way Koenma was talking it sounded as though she has been here for some time. Could she have died? I mean, she was really old. Wait, that doesn't make sense either. She's a spiritual human, a hunted. We stop aging in out mid-twenties then are either killed or sent to the Makai, based, I think, on our power levels. So how's she so old?' he wondered. 'Wait, wasn't she on Toguro's team for the previous dark tournament fifty years ago? Yeah, that's right. That's when the Toguro brother's became demons. Maybe her wish was to gain back her humanity. It makes sense.'
Kuwabara was then knocked out of his thoughts as Boton and Genkai entered the room.
"Alright sir, I'm back with Genkai." "Good, I believe we're done here, and Genkai, do remember that you are not allowed to die for another two years. I may not own you like I do the boys here, but you do work for me. Unless, of course, you would like to return to your hunted status?"
"I remember." She drawled in reply, clearly not as tense as the boys were. "Alright then, we're off Koenma sir! Boton interrupted, lowering the tension in the air.
Kuwabara hurriedly stepped though the portal before Koenma could change his mind about letting them leave.