Chapter 14: Rescuing Yukina

Ranumi's POV

It was nighttime, me and my father went to spirit world after telling him that Yusuke and the others were gone to rescue Yukina. Once we entered Koenma's office, I noticed that Kurama is also here in spirit world.

"Ryuji, Ranumi. What brings you two here?" Koenma asked as Kurama turned around to greet us,

"Koenma, we just came to see if Hayami is okay with Yusuke and the others." Father said as we walked in. "Because Hiei hasn't come back since this afternoon."

"I'm sure that your daughter is just fine, Mr. Ezume." Kurama said, "Though I'm sure that Hiei has been following Yusuke in order to rescue Yukina."

"Let's just hope that Hiei doesn't kill a single human life once they got to the place where Yukina is being kept." I said worriedly,

"YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT HIEI KNOWS ABOUT THE TAPE?!" Koenma shouted at me, causing me to be surprised,

"Well...he overheard the conversation when Yusuke and the others came to the house to fetch Hayami." I chuckled nervously,

"My worries lies on Hiei once he gets to the area and starts slashing the human guards." Father said, crossing his arms,

"It's best not to worry." Kurama said to father. "Even if Hiei is heading towards the compound, I'm confident that he'll work with Yusuke, especially with Hayami there."

"I'm surprised you're so calm Kurama." Koenma said, "Because if Hiei does harm, you'll be punished with him."

I covered my mouth to prevent a small chuckle as Kurama chuckled nervously.

"Same goes to you, missy." Koenma said as he pointed at me. "Hayami is ordered to give Yusuke an assist, but Hiei is someone she is keeping an eye on, and she lets him kill the humans, she'll also be punished."

"Hayami is aware of that; quite frankly, she has let Hiei be in her mind constantly." I explained, "Not to mention, he wouldn't leave her alone which is a good thing."

"Very well." Koenma said, "We'll just record the rest of the video on tape." He said getting off his chair. "You three may leave, I'll see you in the morning."

Suddenly my water mirror appeared, to see Hayami sitting on a tree branch.

"Hey. Why are you guys in Koenma's office?" Hayami asked,

"My ocean, we just came to hear if you and your friends are okay in the mission so far." Father said,

"So far, we're still strong. I'm currently resting for just a few hours so I could scout ahead in case of anything will come. Of course, we were only attacked by low-class demons that didn't stand much of a fight against Yusuke and Kuwabara." Hayami said, "Other than that, we're all right."

"I'm glad to hear that." Father said,

"Has Hiei shown up to the guys or just to you?" I can't help but ask,

"Hiei only came to me, but there's no doubt that he will be following us in order to rescue Yukina." She said, "The others don't know, but I think it's best to keep it that way until they need the help."

"Just make sure Hiei doesn't go off killing anyone." Father said as Hayami nodded,

"I'll make sure of that. Stay safe you guys." Hayami said,

"Love you, big sister." I said,

"Love you too, Ranumi. You too father." Hayami said as my water mirror disappeared,

"We should head back home, you too." Father said to me and Kurama.

"Of course, though I will be visiting spirit world again for any news about Hiei." Kurama said,

"Since it's a Saturday tomorrow, I would like to also visit spirit world." I said to my father who had a teasing smile on his face. "Just to make sure Yusuke and the others are all right because anything could happen to them with a lot of demons trying to kill them. Not to mention that Botan is with them." I was blushing, much to my father's amusement.

I heard Kurama chuckle lightly and I glared at him, making my face go redder.

"There's no need for you to be embarrassed, Ranumi." Kurama chuckled as he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Of course, I would be glad if you come here with me and your father tomorrow."

I only nodded and father chuckled as we bid our goodnight to him and left spirit world. I covered my face out of embarrassment as my father walked me back to our home.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, my water lily." Father said, "I know how you feel about Kurama when you used to play with him when you were younger."

"I know. I kept telling him that I wanted to be with him, but I was too young to even know what I was thinking back then." I said to him, "And to think, what my words have made me want to fall for the fox. He probably thinks I'm an idiot."

"He wouldn't think that of you, Ranumi. You'll see soon." Father said as we entered our home.

Hayami's POV

I was sitting on a branch as I watched Yusuke and the others fall asleep for the night. I put up a barrier around them so they wouldn't be bothered by anyone trying to kill them. Because my barriers kill low-level demons once it is touched, and these demons that we're facing are pretty weak.

I stood up from the branch as I was about to start scouting ahead. I brought out my water mirror to see where the place Yukina is being kept. My mirror then showed a mansion in the middle of the forest, telling me that Yukina is inside there.

I then felt a familiar presence across the tree I am standing on. I looked up in front of me and saw Hiei smirking. I then remembered the kiss we had, and I blushed at it. Diverting my gaze away from him, I began to do the recon I planned.

Despite the blush on my face, I couldn't shake the thought of him kissing me again. I've only been kissed on the forehead and the cheek but never on the lip. Just the thought of Hiei doing something that boldly made me nervous in confronting him, especially in this rescue mission.

After an hour of scouting the area of the compound, I headed back to where Yusuke and the others were resting. They all slept peacefully inside my barrier. I made myself comfortable on a branch as I went to rest my body for the night.

"You're dead, Wakumi!" The elder Toguro cackles as he continues to stab her again and again.

"Even if I die...Toguro...You'll never succeed in taking my powers...No matter what happens to me." Mother panted as blood was dripping down her mouth and her entire body. "...Even if I die...she will prevail..."

"A shame to waste such beauty of a legend like you." The younger Toguro said, "But sadly you're weaker than from what we've heard."

"Finish me...for all I care...but you'll never...take my eldest away from me." She said struggling to get up on her feet until Toguro grabs her hair and took her in front of him.

"At least she got to see her dear mother die in our hands." Toguro said as he gave one solid punch to her stomach and Wakumi cried in pain.

"MOTHER!" I cried to my mother as I jolted up awake.

I placed a hand on my chest as I noticed that I was sweating, and my heart was racing.

'That nightmare. I haven't had it in twenty years. But why now and what does it mean?' I thought as I noticed Botan on her oar and floated towards me.

"Hayami are you alright?" She asked in concern, "Me and Yusuke woke up from your scream. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." I said panting as I try to control my breathing and wiped away my sweat. "It's just a stupid nightmare. One I haven't had in a while."

"Well, if you need anything just let me know." Botan said, "Don't want our favorite water girl drowning in her own water, now do we." She nudged my arm at her little joke.

I chuckled softly as I was able to control my breathing and calmed down. "I'm alright, Botan. Since you and Yusuke are awake, might as well get moving if we want to find Yukina quicker." I said looking down as Yusuke went to wake Kuwabara up.

"Alright then." She said as she floated down towards the boys.

I sighed as I stood up from the tree branch and looked up to see Hiei looking at me with worry in his eyes. I looked away and jumped down next to Yusuke and Kuwabara as I drop down my barrier.

Minutes later we came across more low-class demons that were easily defeated by us until we could see the mansion. I suddenly sensed a strong demon energy from within the mansion. Like their hiding it from us or something. Yet it feels dangerously familiar.

I was so deep in thought that I missed Botan flying above the area to scout it. I then sensed ticking sounds on the ground around us as I grabbed Yusuke and Kuwabara close and I made a strong barrier, preparing for the explosion that nearly fried us to pieces. Fire surrounded my barrier until I used my powers to put it out as my water appeared, surrounding us within its protection.

"Thanks for the save, Hayami." Kuwabara said as I nodded at him,

"You boys go ahead inside and don't worry about me. I'll meet you guys inside." I said to them as we continued to walk past the guards that we knocked out towards the entrance of the big mansion.

"Just don't get caught." Yusuke said as he, Botan, and Kuwabara rushed inside the mansion.

I looked back outside to see the fire in the forest quickly spreading, burning everything in its path. I ran towards the fire, immediately using my powers to put them out as fast as I can. 'This is gonna take a while.' I thought as I pick up the pace in stopping the fire.

Eventually, I was able to stop the fire from spreading and killed several demons who tried to kill me. I was a little tired after that as I jumped up a tree branch near the compound. Remaining to stay hidden. Suddenly, thunder clouds started to form as I looked up and snow a small snowfall.

I reached out my hand and felt the snowflake melts in my hand as I suddenly felt Yukina's sadness and despair after years of being in this place of abuse and torture. I felt so terrible for the girl that she had to endure it for years. I clenched my hand into a fist as I faced the mansion.

That same deadly energy I felt suddenly got stronger until my eyes widen in recognition of whose energy am I feeling from the area.

"It can't be..."I mumbled to myself as my eyes widen in fear and shock.

"So, this is her filthy prison." I heard Hiei say as I turned to see that he was looking at the compound before looking at me and smirking. "You look like crap, Onna."

I glared at him, knowing that I'm covered in ashes and parts of my clothes are burnt.

"Just shut up." I said looking back at the compound, remembering that they are inside and Yusuke and Kuwabara are gonna fight them. Oh no.

"I…can't believe that they would be here." Hiei said in shock.

"I know. I just hope that they'll all be alright." I said as we headed inside the mansion, seeing that the guards are all knocked out on the floor.

We ran through the halls as I brought my water mirror out to see where the two human fighters are. I looked in disbelief to see that they were already fighting the brothers.

"I can't believe that they're foolish enough to fight them!" I said looking paranoid at my water mirror. "If they're wishing for a death wish, I might as well give it to them myself! They don't these demons at all."

"Hn. They were foolish to even think about fighting them." Hiei said as we run down towards the basement filled with unnatural creatures.

I looked back at my water mirror to see Kuwabara charging toward the younger Toguro. Yusuke fired his spirit gun, giving Kuwabara a boost, and stabbed Toguro in the stomach as his body fell to the ground.

Me and Hiei arrived at the door to where Yukina is being held as we opened it, seeing what I presume is Tarukane, who doesn't even look human at all. I glance at Hiei to see that his eyes are filled with anger.

The guards tried to pull out their guns but me and Hiei were able to knock them out cold on the floor. I walked over to Yukina.

"Did they hurt you in any way?" I asked as I held her hands gently and inspect for any wounds.

"No, I'm alright." Yukina replied soft with a gentle gaze in her eyes,

"The game's over, you ugly fool." Hiei said glaring at Tarukane. "I saw the talisman cards hung over on the tower. That explains why I couldn't find her with my Jagan eye. But you cannot run from death forever."

"WAIT! I don't know who the hell you are, but if it's money you're after, we could talk!" Tarukane said sweating, "Listen, that broad behind her can make jewels you wouldn't even believe. I can pluck millions from her." He said pointing towards Yukina as I pulled her behind me.

Hiei growled and punched Tarukane, causing him to hit his head toward the glass as he kept punching him repeatedly with anger and rage.

"Stop it, Hiei! Don't kill him!" Yusuke said from the area where they fought Toguro.

"Hiei, he's right. That's enough. Any more and you'll be severely punished for killing him." I reminded him in warning,

Hiei stopped for a second and grabbed Tarukane's shirt. "They're just afraid of justice." He said as he was about to punch him hard.

"No!" Yukina cried out as she rushed over and wrapped her arms around his left one. "Stop, please! No more. I beg of you." She said looking at Hiei.

"Are you crazy?! Is this not the man who tormented you and made you his slave?!" Hiei said to Yukina,

"He is, but I have to bare that. But taking his life won't take away all that he has done to me, it'll just bring more pain. Just more nightmares." Yukina said softly as tears starts to form and Hiei's eyes soften by this. "Please, no more! I can't take it." She pleaded as her tears fell on the floor and creates the Hiruseki stones.

Hiei sighed, "Understood, I won't make you cry. He's too worthless for that." He said with a calm expression on his face in looking at her before letting go of the human.

"How can I ever thank you." Yukina said relieved about what he did.

I sighed in relief as well and looked down to see Kuwabara trying to sit up as Yusuke and Botan went towards him.

"You seem familiar." Yukina said making Hiei look at her in alarm. "But I'm not sure why, who are you?" She asked curiously,

I didn't bother to listen, knowing that this was Hiei's decision and not mine make.

Hiei's POV

When Yukina asked who I was, I immediately thought about the condition Hayami told me about. I looked at the girl who has captured my heart, only to see her further away from me and my dear sister. I could tell she does and doesn't wanna hear what I have to say. But I've already made up my mind.

I looked back at Yukina to see she was waiting for my answer. "Hiei. Your long-lost twin brother." I said truthfully, making Hayami look at me in surprise.

"You're...You're my brother?" Yukina asked as I nodded in confirmation and she rushed towards me, giving me a tight and longing hug. "You have no idea how long I've been looking for you." She said,

I hugged her, gently rubbing her back. "I'm here now, Yukina. You're safe." I said to her as she pulled back and smiled at me before looking back at the fool who was clutching his stomach.

"Oh no! I forgot about them." Yukina said as she rushed over to them.

I looked back at Hayami to see that she was still staring at me in surprise. I smiled gently at her.

'I don't want to lose you, Onna and I don't want to lose Yukina as well.' I mentally told her as she blushed lightly and looked away.

"I guess we didn't have to come here after all." I Kurama's voice as we looked to see Ranumi, and Ryuji are with him.

"How long have you all been standing there?" I asked turning my attention back to the group from below. "Long enough right."

"I see that you told Yukina that you're her brother." Ryuji said, "It's good to know that you told her. As her sibling, she deserves to know that."

"She deserves to be happy, and this is the way I want it." I said,

"Wow, Hayami. You look like crap." Ranumi said staring at her sister.

"That's what he said." Hayami said pointing her thumb to me. "Had to deal with a forest fire in coming here." She explained,

"Well, that explains it." Ranumi said stepping closer to the glass. "So those are the Toguro brothers, huh? I'm glad to know they're gone."

"It's better if they're dead." Hayami said bluntly as she stared at the body. "At least I won't have to worry about our lives at this point."

"Wow, we got a full house." Yusuke said as he and Botan entered the room.

"We should head back to spirit world with Yukina. I'm sure Koenma would like to speak with her." Botan said as we all agreed.