Hiei's Human Lover Part 24: Keiko's Concern and a New Case
I sighed as I looked at Yusuke, who was just sitting on the living room couch here at Koenma's. Ever since Genkai died a few weeks ago, he hasn't been the same at all. Kurama saw me looking at him and offered a kind smile.
"Penny for your thoughts, Keiko?"
"Genkai died a few weeks ago, but he hasn't begun to heal yet. Nothing we say or do seem to be getting to him."
"Yes, Genkai's death has been really tough for him to deal with. She had become such an important part of his life and to lose her twice isn't easy to comprehend."
Rin had come downstairs and sat beside Yusuke. She playfully nudged Yusuke's shoulder and offered a smile. He looked at her and gave her a weak smirk in return.
"What I don't get, Kurama, is why he reacts like that when Rin tries to cheer him up but when I do it, he doesn't react at all."
"Perhaps it is because ever since we laid Genkai to rest, you've been asking him constantly if he was feeling better yet. He has gotten tired of it and doesn't feel okay with talking to you for fear of getting asked that question again."
I looked back and saw Rin say something to Yusuke and point to the kitchen. He nodded and Rin began preparing some tea.
"I just wish he doesn't act this way. I want the old Yusuke back."
"He'll come back when he's ready, Keiko. Just give him some time."
After Kurama left the room, I began thinking of how distant Yusuke had become. I understand that Genkai meant a lot to him, but he needed to understand Genkai wouldn't want him to act this way because of her. I just wish I knew what to do to help him.
Rin's POV:
When the tea was finished, I handed Yusuke one of the cups I was holding and smiled.
"Here."
"Thanks."
I sat back down beside him and took a sip from my own cup.
"Hey, Rin."
"What's up?"
"Did...did you ever lose someone that was as close to you as I was with Genkai?"
"Yeah, actually. I was very close to my grandmother. Her side of the family always had a history of bad illness like cancer. I was lucky enough to be the rare generation that skipped, but my grandmother wasn't so lucky. One day, she found out she had terminal cancer and I...I was devastated. She and I were as close as you and Genkai, and I never wanted to be away from her. When I did lose her, I acted just like you are now: emotionless ,tired, and depressed."
Yusuke took a sip of tea and shook his head.
"Damn. Sounds pretty rough."
"Oh, it was. My depression lasted about...a month, then I realized my grandmother wouldn't want me to act like this. I soon began to find ways to honor her memory and have since begun to wear clothes that belonged to her."
"Like that fighting outfit you're wearing?"
"Yep. Like Genkai, my grandmother used to be a great martial arts fighter. She taught me everything I know, and I'm thankful for it."
Hiei came downstairs and showed a rare public display of affection by sitting on the couch and placing me on my lap. Yusuke smirked and looked at him.
"Ah, making a claim, huh?"
"Hn, she's my mate, Detective. I already claimed her."
I giggled and playfully flicked his nose
"Relax, Hiei. He's just teasing you."
Yusuke's communication mirror rang and Yusuke opened it to see Koenma's face.
"Hey, Captain Toddler. You rang?"
"As a matter of fact, I did. I need you and the rest of your team to join me in my office. I have a new assignment for you."
"No problem."
Soon, we were all in Koenma's office. Kuwabara plopped down on the chair by the desk and yawned.
"Koenma, it's late. What do you want?"
"I have a new case for you all. Here's the face of the person you need to search for in Demon World."
An image appeared on the screen above the office doors. I saw what looked like a male cat demon with black fur and black ears to match, white paws, and a white tail. An evil smirk was on his face, a look that gave me shivers.
"His name is Koji. His file says he is known for raping innocent women and killing those that dare to cross him. It's currently mating season in Demon World and so far, he's killed almost 50 women in his lust-induced rampage. I need you to find him and stop him by any means necessary."
"I thought you don't have jurisdiction down there."
"Usually no, but Enki contacted me and asked that I send you five down there. He had heard of you all taking care of Hiei's former fellow bandit and insisted you be the ones to stop this new threat."
Kurama nodded and crossed his arms.
"Where is his last known location?"
"He was last seen lurking around a village full of cat demons near where Mukuro's domain is located. You set out tonight. Good luck."
Hiei's POV:
As we entered Demon World, Rin looked at me.
"Hiei, since we're heading to a place near Mukuro's, is there a chance we'll be running into her?"
"You worried about running into her? Why?"
"Last time you encountered her was when you were working for her, and she cast you aside when you used up your usefullness. Just worried about you, is all."
I smirked and pulled her closer to me as we got closer to our destination.
"No need to worry. I have long since let go of that incident. Should we do encounter Mukuro here, she won't be a problem to you."
"Good to know."
That's a wrap for part 24. Part 25 will be in Hiei's POV as he and the rest of the team encounter Koji, who was about to "have his way" with a female cat demon at the village Koenma spoke about. Also in part 25 ,Hiei expresses concern when they encounter Mukuro. Stay tuned to see what happens