Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Burnt Memories ❯ Burnt Memories ( One-Shot )

RATING: R Contains themes of drug addiction and moderately graphic sex.

Word count: 6,896

 

A/N: Written for the Deadliest Sin community Best Scenario Fan Fic contest. Themes include drugs, addiction, and moderately graphic sex.

Hiei may appear slightly OOC toward the end of this fic, but I like to think of it as one of the layers of Hiei that we don't get to see in the anime/manga. I try to never write things that would be completely unfathomable. Also, this is my first time writing this pairing, so please be nice! (Reviews are very, very, nice. ^_^)

Word count: 6,896

 

 

Burnt Memories

Kurama sat on his bed leaning against the window staring thoughtfully at the tree just outside. He was so used to looking out and seeing Hiei sitting there, that the tree seemed naked without him in it. His friend had been gone nearly a month, and it was unusual for the little youkai to be away in demon world so long. Knowing the jagan helped Hiei keep an eye on his friends and gave him a weak form of telepathy, Kurama had been sending him mental messages several times a day for the last week.

Hiei, you have me worried, send word to us at least.

Hiei stirred slightly he tried to open his eyes but his eyelids felt as if they were made of lead, as did his arms and legs. His head felt like it was filled with fog, and through the fog he heard the slightest whisper of a voice. He concentrated hard on the voice and it seemed to take all the energy he could muster to make out just one word.

“Hiei.”

Someone's calling me…

“Hiei.”

That voice is familiar…

“Hiei, you have me worried”

Kurama?

Hiei's eyes fluttered open despite the immense effort it took, and a dark haired woman who looked human aside from her golden eyes and dog-like ears came into focus. He opened his mouth to demand that she identify herself, but his voice died in his parched throat.

“Nonki, he's awake again.” She called, annoyance thick in her voice.

Adrenaline shot through Hiei bringing with it an emerging sense of clarity as the fog in his mind began to recede. He was able to immediately ascertain that he was strapped down spread eagle on a table, held by thick steel bands at his wrists, ankles, waist and chest. He summoned what little energy he had to test his bonds.

“I'm afraid that's rather useless, your ki has been warded from within by a powerful spell.”

Hiei turned his head toward the doorway to see to whom the voice belonged. That small movement brought with it such a sharp pain in his head that he very nearly passed out again. When his vision steadied, he saw a tall fox demon with hair the color of rust and chocolate eyes. Hiei smirked to himself as he though how plain this Nonki would look next to Youko.

“Kakan, why don't you give our captive here some of that water, so that he can tell us what he finds so funny.”

 

A wolf demon younger than the other two stepped forward from the shadows. The silver highlights amongst his black hair glinting in the dim light, his violet eyes full of apprehension as he approached Hiei with a caution normally reserved for interacting with feral animals. His expression begged for mercy a he uncapped a water bottle, and poured the cool liquid into Hiei's mouth.

Hiei's throat was so dry that the water felt more like knives and left trails of fire in their wake, but after a few more swallows he felt his voice return to him.

“What I find so amusing is you face.” Hiei answered calmly.

This earned him a snicker from the female dog demon, but Nonki seemed to miss the humor in Hiei's insolence. “You little…” Nonki fumed as he raised a fist

“Please, Nonki, don't be foolish.” Kakan begged.

“Don't be such a wuss, Kakan, he's warded and strapped down.” The female teased.

“I don't see what all the fuss is,” Nonki said mockingly, “He's just a filthy mix-breed. He can't be all that strong. I really do hate impure demons. Such filthy creatures.”

Hiei growled and thrashed against his bonds at the insult.

“Hey!” The female pouted at the insult.

“Present beautiful hanyou excluded of course, Serin.” Nonki corrected, brushing a piece of her ebony-hair behind a human-like ear.

Hn. All fox demons seem to have been blessed with the art of seduction.

“Hanyou are much more of an abomination than my heritage.” That earned Hiei an angry slap from the scowling dog, and Hiei was a bit surprised at how much it stung. His Ki was indeed locked deep inside him by a powerful ward. He could feel it straining like a wild animal in a cage. An angry wild animal. “You should keep your bitch on a leash.” Hiei spat, knowing by the smirk on Nonki's face that he was cunning enough to catch the double entendre.

“I think we've heard enough out of you my little fire demon. You've been quite the handful, and I think this time we'll make sure you stay asleep until we're ready for you.” With that the fox began to prepare a needle.

Cursed Inari worshiping, plant loving kitsune!

“Who are you? Why am I here? What do you want with me?” Hiei tried to remember what had happened. He remembered Mukuro sending word to meet her in Makai, and he recalled greeting her before being struck from behind. He had been drifting in and out of fog laced consciousness ever since.

“Who we are doesn't matter. You are here because you have no choice. We need to borrow your jagan, and your dragon. If you wish for Mukuro to emerge from this safely, I suggest you start cooperating.”

So they kidnapped one of the three kings of the Makai

“You're all fools. What could be so important?” Hiei winced as the needle went into his arm and cold fluid began spreading through his veins.

“Our ancestors had the opportunity to obtain a rare and powerful artifact and they didn't. We intend to travel back and rectify their mistakes.”

Hiei fought to keep his eyes open, his speech slurring as his mind grasped at the remaining threads of his consciousness. “What artifact?”

“The shikon no tama.”

The horror that washed over Hiei was muted as he slipped into total unconsciousness.

**********

Kagome placed the last of her clothing into the suitcase that lay open on a low table next to her bed roll.

“How long will you be gone this time, Lady Kagome?” asked a small girl who sat in a chair in one corner, watching her pack.

“Only a couple of weeks, Nehou.”

“I don't like it when you're away, I'm scared!”

“There's nothing to be scared of,” Kagome gave the child a reassuring smile, “You have Sango and Miroku to protect you.”

“What if a really big demon attacks the village?”

“Well, I am a demon slayer,” Both Nehou and Kagome turned to see Sango standing in the doorway, “And there's no demon too big for Miroku's wind tunnel!”

“Well…what if someone gets sick?” Nehou persisted.

“Rin has been studying very diligently under Kaede, and I've shown her how to use many of the medicines from my time.” Kagome assured her.

By this time, Miroku had joined Sango in the doorway, and he slipped past Sango to kneel in front of the small girl. “Don't you think lady Kagome has earned a vacation? She's been working very hard here, and she has a family who misses her.”

“But bad things happen when she's away.”

“What kind of bad things, Nehou?” Kagome prodded.

“Like…” Nehou hesitated before blurting out her answer, “Like what happened a year ago.”

Sango gasped, and a deep sadness settled into Kagome's eyes. Miroku scooped the small girl into his arms. “I'll take her to her room and tuck her in.” He said, excusing himself.

As soon as they left, Kagome sunk into the chair, and Sango rushed to her side. “She's just a child, Kagome.”

“I know, that's why I couldn't tell her the reason I need to go home now is because of what happened last year. I need to be with my family.” Kagome tried to no avail to mask the single tear that rolled down her cheek.

“Kagome, there's no guarantee that if you had been here you would have made any difference. Those people were trained professionals, and Tetsusaiga was useless against them, your arrows probably would have been too.”

“I should have been here, Sango. Inuyasha should not have had to die alone.” Kagome was powerless to stop the flow of tears that fell like rain as she spoke.

Sango took her weeping friend into her arms, whispering soothing words while stroking her hair.

**********

 

Kagome woke to the sound of the drums from the village guard tower. She was very groggy, having cried herself to sleep less than 2 hours ago. She stumbled to the door, grabbing her bow and quiver on the way. She heard a voice from outside.

“Come out here, miko, I'm giving you one chance to surrender the shikon jewel peacefully.”

So much for my vacation.

Kagome appeared in the doorway, arrow drawn. “Like I haven't heard that one before,” She spat in challenge as she released her arrow, expertly severing a few strands of the fox demon's hair and embedding the arrow in a tree, “so how about I counter your offer with one of my own? Leave now before you get hurt.”

“If you're smart, you'll listen to the ladies' suggestion.” Miroku added, emerging to Kagome's left, from the opposite end of the temple, his hand on the prayer beads, prepared to use his wind tunnel if necessary.

“I wouldn't bet on that, Miroku, they don't look too smart.” Sango taunted, appearing from a hut to Kagome's right, the hiraikotsu already slung over her shoulder.

“Ah, see, you're underestimating us, we outnumber you.” At Nonki's words, Kakan jumped from the tree behind him, landing on his right, and Serin emerged from behind the tree to his left, with a shirtless Hiei on a leash.

Kagome's breath caught in her chest as she looked at a dog hanyou that was the spitting image of Inuyasha's human form. “Inuyasha?”

“Note the boobs, and don't confuse me with that fool.” Serin scoffed.

“Who are you?” Kagome demanded.

Seri laughed evilly, “What if I told you I was Inuyasha's love child?”

Kagome's face paled and her calm mask began to crack.

“I'd say you're full of shit,” came a voice from behind them, “because the only thing that mutt ever loved was Kagome. Well, and Kikyo, but they share a soul, so that doesn't count!” The three demons turned to see Kouga standing behind them, arms crossed, standing proud the smirk on his face daring them to attack. “Oh, also it looks like the odds have been evened, and they're not exactly in your favor, trust me.”

“Nonki…” Kakan's tone was a warning.

“I know, I'll handle him myself, don't worry.” Nonki said, just loud enough for Kakan to hear. “Well then, looks like we'll be doing things the hard way, ne?” With that, Nonki injected Hiei with a needle, “Hiei, where is the jewel?”

Hiei's third eye opened and he scanned the temple. “The center-most room of the temple.” Came Hiei's trance-like reply.

Kagome gasped at how easily he was able to locate it.

“Excellent. Serin?” Serin nodded as Nonki injected Hiei a second time.

Hiei's eyes began to glow a bright red and Serin braced herself as he strained violently against his chain leash until it broke apart. At that moment, each of the three demons threw smoke bombs.

Serin's bomb landed at Sango's feet, allowing the demon to tackle the slayer to the ground, clamping her hands around her neck.

Kakan's smoker landed a few feet in front of Miroku, buying him time to draw his sword and attack the disoriented monk, who barely had time to block the blow with his staff.

Nonki's landed between him and Kouga, giving the speedy fox ample time to maneuver behind the wolf demon, injecting his neck with the same clear liquid that kept Hiei unconscious. “Sorry old man, but your son has an important role to play tonight, I can't have him disappearing because you went and got yourself killed.” (1)

“Wha…” Kouga's question was interrupted as his world went black and he slid to the ground, unconscious.

In all the confusion, Hiei went straight for Kagome, moving faster than her human eyes could even follow. Kagome gasped as he drew his sword, slicing her bow in half. Hiei quickly silenced her by closing his left hand around her throat and lifting her off of the ground, holding his sword to her stomach.

Nonki morphed into his fox form, slipping past all the commotion and into the temple.

“You're just a kid,” Miroku said, as he matched Kakan blow for blow, “Don't throw your life away like this.”

With a skillful sword, Kakan knocked Miroku's staff from his hands. “I'm not the one who will die today.” Kakan replied, raising his sword to Miroku's throat.

Miroku sighed deeply, “Sadly, yes, you are.” Miroku pulled the prayer beads from his right hand.

“Hiei! The dragon!” Kakan called.

Hiei's eyes glowed brighter and he yelled in pain as a black fame engulfed his right arm, burning away the bandages, and causing him to drop his sword. The flame left a dragon tattoo in its wake which grew until it seemed to leap off of his arm. “Dragon…of the…darkness…FLAME!”

Kagome's eyes widened as the dragon rushed at Miroku. “WIND TUNNEL!” Miroku cried desperately, releasing a sigh of relief as he closed the tunnel off, the giant dragon having disappeared into the hole. His relief was short lived, however, as a searing pain shot through his arm, bringing him to his knees. The pain grew in intensity, ripping a series of agonized screams from him.

Hearing Miroku's distress caused the nearly unconscious Sango to have a moment of clarity in which she flipped Serin onto her back, slamming her head into the ground and knocking her out.

The burning in Miroku's arm, suddenly concentrated itself into the palm of his hand. “Stand back!” Miroku ordered Kakan through clenched teeth, and Kakan obeyed as Miroku turned his back to his friends, screaming as he opened his wind tunnel again. This time the air current paused, and reversed itself as the dragon came back through it in a stream of black flames. Once the dragon was out, Miroku closed and re-warded the tunnel before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Sango used the moment of confusion to her full advantage, “HIRIKOTSU!” Hiei never saw the large weapon coming as it hit him in the ribs, causing his to release Kagome as it pinned him to the ground with a sickening crunch.

Kagome sank to her knees, coughing and gasping, her lungs burning as they received the much needed air. As Kagome watched, the eerie glow in her attacker's eyes recede, the pain induced adrenalin once again bringing with it a wave of clarity.

Hiei didn't have the energy to try to figure out what was going on around him. He was acutely aware that he was weak, his ribs were broken, and the dragon was out of control. He watched as it flew at Kakan. Summoning the last of his strength he willed the dragon to return to him. He stayed conscious long enough to witness the dragon pull up at the last second, barely clipping Kakan with its tail, which was plenty to send the boy to the ground in a useless heap. Relief washed over Hiei as the dragon dissipated.

Maybe that will spare me a tongue lashing from pacifier-breath.

Hiei found himself wondering if he would ever get to see the toddler god again, as the darkness overtook him.

Nonki found the innermost room of the temple easily, but instead of a pedestal enchanted by wards with the jewel resting on it, as he expected, he found a large room. There were tables and chairs and piles of jars and other pottery along the walls, but for the most part it seemed to be a sick room. The smell radiating from a shelf on one wall, told him the jars contained healing herbs. The floor under the shelf was piled with clean bedrolls.

“Inari, what is this?” Nonki snarled, angrily shoving a pile of jars that shattered when they hit the floor. Despite the racket, his ears twitched as they picked up a faint sound from the other end of the room. He stomped over to the corner, and lifted a canvas that was draped over a low table, there he saw a small trembling kit, two human children, and a cat demon. The cat demon hunched up and hissed.

“Don't come any closer!” Shippou threatened, voice dripping with false confidence.

“Tell me where the jewel is, and no one gets hurt.” Nonki replied, his tone twice as threatening.

“I don't know what you're talking about, you don't really think they'd keep the jewel here, do you? I mean, it's kind of obvious, don't ya' think?”

Nonki reached under the table and drew the kit out by his shirt collar. “Don't fuck with me da…Shippou, I know it's in this room! Tell me where, or I'll fry you're little friends, then I'll skin you and wear you as a hat!” Nonki knew that was a low blow, but he didn't have time, and he knew his father always feared being killed for sport, dying the same pointless death his own father had.

“You'll do nothing of the sort,” The voice came from the shadows startling Nonki, as he hadn't heard anyone come up behind him, “these children are under my protection and I won't let you lay a finger on them. Now, put. Shippou. Down.” Nonki glanced behind him to see a male demon exterminator, wielding a kusarigama.

Kohaku, shit.

Nonki turned around slowly. “Alright, just don't throw that thing at me.”

“Put him down.”

Nonki smiled mischievously, flinging Shippou at Kohaku, and morphed into his fox form, darting past them. Once outside, he returned to his demon form, scooping the unconscious Kakan into his arms, and running past Serin who was up, but still somewhat wobbly on her feet. “Let's go, let's go!” he called over his shoulder.

“What about Hiei?” she called as she ran after him.

“There's no time, leave him.”

“Get back here!” Kohaku called, running out of the temple after them.

“Let them go, they're no threat now.” Kagome ordered, as they disappeared into the woods, “Miroku, needs help.”

Kohaku looked to where Miroku lay unconscious, Sango hovering over him, and nodded his understanding. “Are you alright?” he asked Kagome.

“I'm fine, can't say the same for this guy, though.” Kagome replied, gesturing to the unconscious fire demon.

Kohaku moved closer raising his kusarigama.

“Wait! I don't think he's really evil. “

“Kagome! He was going to kill you! And that dragon thing he had was going to kill us all.” Sango exclaimed, “Just look what it did to Miroku.”

“Yeah, but I think he's also the reason we're still alive. Just let me question him.”

“Fine, but for now he's going in the cave.” Kohaku said reluctantly.

“Alright,” Kagome agreed, “you see to that and I'll tend to Miroku.”

**********

Hiei was aware of the sharp pain in his side before anything else.

Something is wrong. This pain is too intense. My energy is too low. I'm not recovering like I should.

Hiei forced his eyes open and it took some time for his vision to focus. A glance around the dimly lit cave told him that he was not alone. A shadowy figure sat at the mouth of the cave, and a small cat demon jumped to her feet, hissing when she saw his movement.

Hiei's arms were secured above his head by shackles embedded in the cave wall. The shackles were clearly designed for average height humans, as his feet hung a good eight inches above the shackles meant for the captive's feet. His feet were instead chained and warded. He flexed slightly, testing the strength of his bonds, and moaning when pain shot through him.

“That's no use, your ki has been thoroughly warded.” The figure at the mouth of the cave approached cautiously, a staff in one bandaged hand, and a torch in the other. Hiei recognized him as the monk that attempted to trap the dragon, and he felt the dragon's disdain stir within him.

“Hn. I thought for sure the dragon had done you in.”

Miroku chuckled slightly. “To be honest, so did I.”

“How long have I been here?”

“You've been out cold for three days.”

Three days? Something is very wrong. Even warded my energy should be replenishing faster.

“The priestess Kagome has some questions for you. I'll go get her.” Miroku said, as he turned to leave, pausing in the doorway, “Kirara, if he tries to escape, stop him by any means necessary.”

Hiei tried to look around some more, but the pain that shot through his head nearly caused him to black out again. He shivered slightly the temperature seemed to be dropping rapidly.

When Kagome finally appeared at the mouth of the cave it was nearly dark. She was flanked by both the female demon slayer and the monk. It took Hiei's aching brain a few seconds to comprehend that the priestess was not dressed in her traditional robes, but in a school uniform.

Wait…school uniform? I thought this was the feudal era…she's also carrying a flash light.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We had an injured child that needed tending to.”

A twinge of guilt pulled at Hiei's insides.

“A child was hurt in the theft attempt?”

“Oh, no, he fell out of a tree. Boys will be boys, you know.”

The guilt was replaced briefly by relief before changing to annoyance. “You had questions?”

“Yes. What is your name?”

“Hiei.”

“Well, Hiei, I'd like to know the identities of your accomplices.”

Hiei growled slightly. “They were not my accomplices. I would never work with such incompetents.”

Kagome giggled at Hiei's anger, which insulted his pride, but he knew that his tone lacked conviction. He felt so weak and cold and achy. “Could you give me their names, at least?”

“What's in it for me if I do? Will the mighty miko release the pitiful fire demon that tried to kill her?”

“I don't see why not.”

“I'm to believe you'd let me walk out of here, knowing that I can see where you've hidden your sacred treasure?”

“I'm sure we can work something out.”

“Give me some credit, girl, I'm not stupid.”

“And I'm not unreasonable,” Kagome's voice had a desperate edge to it, “I need to know who that Hanyou was.”

“And…I need…to… know how…I'm getting…back to my…own time.” Hiei felt as if the air around him was thinning and he wasn't able to fill his lungs with the amount of air it required to speak.

“Your time?”

“I'm from…the…future…like you…they were…too.”

“What was her name?” Kagome's voice had less apprehension now that the chances of the hanyou truly being related to Inuyasha were lessened.

“Rin something…Serin.” A violent shudder ripped through Hiei and his breath came in gasps.

Kagome noticed the change in his breathing, and the sheen of sweat that coated his paling skin. “Sango, please release him.”

“I'm not sure that's a good idea, fire demons can be very dangerous. They are like wild fires, there's no controlling them.”

“He's sick, he needs help.”

“Alright, if you're sure.” Sango said skeptically.

Miroku stepped forward to catch Hiei once Sango released his hands. Miroku lowered the small demon gently to his feet, but Hiei's legs were too weak to support him, and he sunk to his knees, falling forward. Kagome dropped down to catch and support his torso.

“Are you alright?” Kagome asked, concerned.

“Can't…breathe…so cold…need to…heal.”

“Miroku, I want you to remove the wards you placed on him.”

“Kagome, that would be insane!” Miroku protested.

“Please just do it. I'll watch him closely and won't let him anywhere near the temple.”

“Very well, Miroku sighed.

“I'll go gather blankets and firewood.” Sango announced, and Miroku began removing the wards.

“Hurry,” Kagome called after her as she helped Hiei lay down, “he's burning up.”

“How can you tell? He is a fire demon after all.” Miroku asked.

“Oh heh…right” Kagome replied sheepishly.

Hiei released a soft moan as another wave of agonizing pain engulfed his body another wave of darkness threatening to overtake him, and, convinced he was in no immediate danger as long as the miko needed him for questioning, he welcomed it, allowing it to wrap him in its still embrace.

Kagome watched as Hiei slept. It was not a restful sleep; he writhed and moaned obviously in a great deal of pain. She wiped his forehead soothingly with cool wet rags and hoped that the small fire and multiple blankets would break his fever soon. As the hours passed, Hiei quieted a bit, a slipped into a deep sleep. Kagome also dosed until she was awakened be Hiei's yells.

“No, no, don't touch her, YUKINA!” Hiei's eyes fluttered open, and he sat up quickly, instantly regretting it as pain radiated from his ribs. Clutching his side, he fell back onto the bedroll.

“You've been having nightmares.”

“Yeah, I gathered that.” Hiei replied gruffly.

“Is Yukina your girlfriend?” Kagome asked.

“No,” Hiei smirked amused at the thought of himself having a girlfriend, “my twin sister. I'm very protective of her, she's all I have.”

“What about your parents?”

“Dead.”

“Friends?”

“Hn.”

Kagome furrowed her brow, confused by the response. Hiei clenched his jaw tightly and grabbed fistfuls of blanket as he was assaulted by another wave of pain.

“You're in pain. Is there anything I can do?” Kagome asked.

“I've had worse, I'll live.” Despite the fact that the words were spoken through clenched teeth, Kagome believed them.

Kagome wiped his forehead again, and as she did so, Hiei's pain receded.

“Onna?”

“Yes?” Kagome answered, ignoring the rude way he had addressed her.

“I know you don't know me well, but may I lay on your lap?” Kagome drew in a sharp breath, and Hiei knew he'd said something wrong, as the sadness in her eyes seemed to increase tenfold. “I'm sorry, Miko, it's just that your touch seems to keep the pain at bay.” (2)

Kagome scowled down at him, “Listen, my name is Kagome, not miko, not onna, not girl. Kuh. Go. May. “

Kagome shifted Hiei onto her lap as she spoke.

“You're warm, Kagome.” Hearing him say her name made her blush, and she was afraid he'd seen it, but as she looked down, she found he was already sleeping peacefully. Kagome leaned against the cave wall and closed her eyes as well.

When Hiei awoke, his body still ached, but the sharp waves of pain seemed to have stopped. He was experiencing a new sensation. It wasn't hunger or thirst, but was every bit as strong. His body craved, needed something, but he had no idea what.

“You're awake! How are you feeling?”

Hiei glanced up into the face of the miko, and was surprised by the level of genuine concern he saw etched into her features. She was either an excellent actress, or she had a very big heart. “Better…I want…something…but I…don't know what.”

Kagome brushed her fingers over the needle holes in Hiei's arm. “You were pretty heavily drugged. I'm guessing these are withdrawal symptoms.”

“That's ridiculous, demons aren't subject to such human weaknesses.”

“Well, Kaede thinks they must have kept you on a steady diet of ki suppressing drugs, which would explain how you could've gotten addicted.”

“I see. I have no idea how long I'd been with them.”

“What do you remember?”

“Mukuro asked me to meet her. As I approached her, her body language was all wrong. I knew something was up, but I missed that she was trying to tell me it was a trap. I was hit on the head from behind, and the next thing I knew, I woke up with those three idiots.”

“I hope your friend is ok.”

“She'll be fine, she has her own army, after all. She's probably looking for me.”

“Why did they want the jewel?”

“They never said. They said that their ancestors had a chance to possess the shikon no tama, and didn't, and that they planned to use my jagan implant to find it.”

“It's hard to believe, but they must have been Shippou, Kouga, and Sesshomaru's children.”

Hiei's gaze drifted to the fading bruises around Kagome's neck, the shape and size of his own hand. Despite the fact that they were healing, it was clear that they had been quite bad. Kagome's heart slammed against her rib cage as Hiei brought his hand up to lightly traces the bruises. “I'm sorry.” It was barely above a whisper, but Kagome didn't miss the sincerity in the statement.

“It's alright, I could tell they were controlling you.”

Hiei tried to remember all that he had done, but only fragments of memories came to him like mismatched pieces of a puzzle. Suddenly one memory had his hand flying to his own neck, checking for the collar he had been forced to wear. Relief washed over him when he realized it was gone.

A smile tugged at the corners of Kagome's mouth. “You ripped it off, even though you were unconscious.”

“Hn.”

Kagome watched as Hiei's eyes fought to stay open. “Sleep, it's the best way to get better.”

“Hn.” Hiei began to close his eyes, but did a quick double take at the wall behind Kagome. “Onna?”

“Yes?” Kagome asked, annoyed that he was back to addressing her so rudely.

“I hope you have a weapon of some sort.”

“Why?”

“Because we're not alone.” Hiei said, pointing at the wall.

Kagome glanced around but saw nothing. “What is it?”

“Do you not see that huge spider demon?”

“There's nothing there. Hallucinations are common with withdrawals.”

“Hn. Great.” Hiei blinked a few times and the phantom spider was gone.

“Best to sleep it off.”

“Hn.” Not that Hiei had a choice, his eyes were closing, whether he wanted them to or not.

A while later, Hiei opened his eyes, only to see the miko leaning over him with a dagger in one hand. He watched as she raised it, and was unable to move as she plunged it forward. He felt a sharp pain in his chest as the dagger struck his heart.

“Hiei?”

Hiei's eyes flew open again, leaving the nightmare behind him. The knife disappeared, but the pain in his chest remained. He clutched frantically at his heart as it pounded painfully fast and hard. Breathing was nearly impossible.

Kagome stroked his spiky, sweat soaked hair soothingly, worry spreading across her face. “Hiei?”

Hiei's only response was a strangled gasp for air. Hiei felt himself pale as he looked deeper into the cavern only to see everyone he knew, everyone that mattered, hanging dead from the cave ceiling. Kurama, Yusuke, Yukina, Genkai, Keiko, Mukuro, even the fool Kazuma, and Shizuru. They hung there like lifeless puppets awaiting the return of their master. Hiei closed his eyes and reopened them, but the hallucination remained. He turned his face into Kagome's lap.

It isn't real. They're fine. They're all safe back in your own time.

Kagome's heart went out to the youkai as he whimpered involuntarily into her lap, and she heard the terror in his voice. She began to stroke his hair again. “It's okay. Whatever you're seeing, it's not real, we're safe here, I promise.”

Hiei's eyes flew open as fragments of the brief exchange he'd had with Nonki returned to his memory. “That's it, onna, I know why I can't heal.”

“Why?” Kagome asked, too interested to notice that he was being rude yet again.

“They warded my ki from within. Only someone truly skilled or the original caster can remove it.”

“Oh no.”

“You're a priestess. Please, try.”

“What if I can't?”

Hiei hesitated, but as the fingers of pain once again squeezed at his chest his mind was quickly made up. “I'll use the jagan to create a bridge for you that will let you into my psyche, from there you should be able to find the ward.”

“Alright, I'll give it a shot.”

“I warn you, in doing this I'm bearing my soul to you. It's not a pleasant journey.”

“If will help you I'll do it.”

Hiei's jagan began to open, and a beam of light shot from it to Kagome's forehead. “Just don't purify me.” Hiei growled.

Despite Hiei's warning Kagome had not been prepared for the level of emotions she experienced while connected to Hiei. The loneliness and self-loathing were overwhelming, and she found herself crying. It didn't take long to find the ward, and the second she reached out to it with her own ki, it vanished, and the jagan's connection was broken.

Hiei gasped as he felt his ki flow through him as if a great dam had been released. His color instantly improved, the clarity returned to his ruby orbs, the pain that had dominated his head shrank to a dull ache, and his breathing came easily. His ribs repaired themselves, and the pain in his chest vanished. He felt much of his strength return, and with it his appetite.

Kagome smiled at him through the tears running down her cheeks. “I guess it worked?”

Hiei blessed her with one of his rare smiles. “Seems so.”

Hiei reached up to brush her tears away, cupping the side of her face to stare up intently into her sad brown eyes. His connection to her had not been as strong, but he had felt her extreme sadness, guilt, and sense of loss. “Such a powerful miko and still you allow something to exist that makes you so sad.”

Kagome leaned into his touch, giving a sad smile. “It is that which no longer exists that makes me sad.”

Hiei sat up, running his fingers through Kagome's hair. “I can't cure your sadness, but if you let me I can replace it with a few moments of happiness.”

Kagome's nod was barely perceptible, but it was enough for Hiei. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her gently, slowly. Hiei had never envisioned himself with a ningen, but at this moment he could think of no human more worthy than this feisty little miko with her big heart and gentle nature. He slowly deepened their kiss. Their tongues warred for dominance, and it caused waves of excited pleasure to dance between them like electricity.

He worked his way down her marred neck, with slow, gentle kisses, as if apologizing yet again. She moaned as he gently grazed her neck with his teeth, letting his hands roam up the back of her shirt, rubbing sensuously, leaving trails of fire (of the good kind) in their wake.

Though he'd had bedmates before, Hiei had never been in love. After seeing how much pain it caused others, he wasn't sure he wanted to experience it, but he did know he wanted to do this for Kagome. He wanted to bring her happiness no matter how temporary. In truth, he needed to do this. His whole life had been about taking care of number one, one selfish act after another. He needed to know that he was capable of caring for another. That he, the forbidden one was able to love and be loved.

Hiei felt Kagome's hands at his belts, but reached down to still them. “No ,this is about you. Let me thank you.” Kagome blushed crimson, but released his belts and allowed him to slide her shirt off. Hiei kissed across her collar bone, down her chest, sliding her bra off, and gently laying her back. He cupped one of her breasts with one hand, and gently sucked and lipped at the nipple of the other.

Kagome released a soft moan, threading her fingers through Hiei's hair. She was amazed at how gentle he was being, knowing that it was not in a demon's nature, and that it showed amazing self control on his part.

She wasn't wrong. Hiei's erection strained painfully in his pants, and he wanted nothing more than to rip her remaining clothes off, yank her legs apart, and pound her until he reached his climax, but he wanted to be sure she enjoyed this. He wanted to see all traces of sorrow disappear from her eyes, and even if only for a moment, he wanted to be the only thing her world consisted of.

Kagome's breath hitched as Hiei kissed down her stomach, inching her skirt down as he dipped his tongue into her belly button. Once her skirt was off, Hiei took her right foot, slowly removing her shoe and her sock, staring deep into her eyes as he massaged her foot tenderly, drawing deep moans of pleasure from her.

He leaned in to kiss her as he repeated his action with the other foot. He surprised himself at how possessive the kiss was, and how easily she relinquished control compared to before. He peppered her leg with kisses, working his way up one of her inner thighs, and back down the other as he slid her panties off.

Kagome watched as Hiei stood briefly to rid himself of his belts and pants. She smiled, not at all disappointed with what she saw. He lowered himself back over her, kissing her deeply once again. “Is this really okay?” Hiei asked, his voice rasping with desire. He laughed lightly at the deep blush spreading across her cheeks, and the eager nod.

They both moaned in pleasure, as Hiei entered Kagome torturously slow and began a gentle rythym. He knew he had to pace himself since humans were much more fragile than demons, and with his speed he was likely to hurt her. He guessed whatever he was doing was okay though, as she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, and met his thrusts with her own, gasping in pleasure.

Hiei continued this pace until he could no longer take the torture of it. He sped up ever so slightly, causing a string of incoherent mumbles to fall from Kagome's lips. Finally, Hiei felt Kagome's body tense, and she screamed his name as she shuddered in orgasm. Hearing his name so sensuously from her lips sent a shiver down his spine, but it was the look of absolute bliss that crossed her face that brought him over the edge, crying out his own orgasm.

They collapsed next to each other on the cave floor, nothing but contentment shining in her brown eyes. They talked for hours as the sun set outside. Hiei told her of his role as a spirit detective, and regaled her with tales of his friends and their battles together. She told him how she managed to fall down a well into the past, and told him the same well would take him home. She shared storied of the great jewel quest, choosing her words and stories carefully, trying desperately to cling to her moment of happiness, but Hiei watched as the sadness once again claimed her bit by bit. Finally, they both slipped into a contented slumber.

Hiei awoke first the next morning, and inched his way out from under Kagome, careful not to wake her. He dressed in the dim light of the dying fire. Finding his sword at the mouth of the cave, he strapped it on. Kirara mewed up at him as he started out of the cave, and he squatted to pet her. “Take good care of that jewel you're carrying, Kirara, and watch over her, okay?” he whispered as he ran his fingers over her ears. Kirara leaned into his petting and mewed again. With that, Hiei rose, and looked back on his sleeping angel, pausing just long enough to relight the fire with his energy, before exiting the cave to locate the well that would take him home.

When Kagome woke, she felt a twinge of sadness, but no surprise to find the spot next to her empty, the bedding long since having cooled off, telling her the fire youkai had been gone for some time. She did, however, smile when she saw the collar he had been wearing lay on his pillow. She stared sadly into the blue fire that was all that remained of the surly fire demon. She was so deep in memories of the night before that she didn't even notice when Sango entered.

“Missing him already?”

Kagome looked up at her friend with a reassuring smile, “A bit.”

“It was rude of him to leave you like that without even saying goodbye.”

“I don't think goodbyes are really his style, besides, you said yourself there's no controlling a wild fire. Better to let it blaze a trail away from you, than try to contain it, and end up snuffing it out.”

Sango smiled at Kagome, impressed by her wisdom.

**********

Hiei returned home to a group of very worried friends. Nonki and his two cohorts had been arrested by the spirit world, and were awaiting a trial for unauthorized time travelling. They had bargained for a lighter sentence in exchange for information about spirit detective Hiei's whereabouts.

**********

Kagome never saw her fire demon again, though sometimes when she visited home, she swore she saw a spiky-haired shadow watching her from the sacred tree.

 

The End

 

Nonki believes that if something happens to any of their parents in the past, that they may cease to exist in the present.

 

This is exactly the same thing Inuyasha said to her in episode #13, “The Mystery of the New Moon and Black Haired Inuyasha.”

Japanese words:

Youkai=Apparition/demon

Nonki=Reckless

Ki=Power/energy/life force

Kakan=Bold

Serin=A blending of “Sesshomaru” and “Rin”

Hanyou=Half-demon

Inari=God/Goddess legend says fox spirits were beloved of her.

Shikon no tama=Jewel of Four Souls

Nihou=Cider Apple

Kusarigama=Traditional Japanese weapon consisting of a sickle on a chain.

Ne=Japanese equivalent of Canadian's “ehe?”

Miko=Priestess

Onna=Woman

Ningen=Human