Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Barriers That Shatter ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

 

Barriers that Shatter

 

Chapter One

By: calikocat/LemonKitty

Word count: 3,020

 

*Disclaimer* I own nothing. Just amusing myself with things that could happen.

 

XXX

 

Nothing had changed since he had last been in this room. The office was still plain with no decorations, not that he cared but one grew bored with nothing to look at. And bored he was, standing there before the desk and the only other occupant in the room.

 

He'd been somewhat surprised, and more than a little irritated, when Botan had shown up at Murkuro's stronghold with an urgent summoning from Koenma. The young godling insisted that it was important and that he come to Reikai as soon as possible.

 

Lost in his thoughts he idly wondered why only he had been beckoned by the brat. True, Yusuke had his hands full trying to balance out his time between the worlds so his time for anything Reikai related was limited. But surely Koenma could have called on the Fox or the Oaf; then again he'd been told the Oaf wasn't really involved with such things these days. Kuwabara was too busy with his human studies to be of any use to the immortal.

 

Crimson spheres gazed at the familiar clutter of papers piled and scattered on the surface of a certain immortal's desk. Said immortal was currently grumbling and cursing under his breath about how horrible and unfair his eternal existence was. So immersed was he in his grumbled complaints that he'd all but forgotten about the demon who stood in front of his desk.

 

Hiei wasn't exactly the most patient of demons, what with being a former mercenary and assassin, and just known for his grumpiness in general. But he stayed quiet, oddly surprised when Koenma started growling a bit at whatever report he was going over. The young god was obviously not pleased about something, much to Hiei's amusement. It served the Toddler right.

 

“Are you going to tell me what you want?”

 

Koenma glared at Hiei, who's gaze remained empty, though his lips were quirked a bit in a smirk. “I need you to get Kuwabara out of the human realm…it seems he's been targeted by a bunch of right-winged humans who want to use his abilities to go to the Makai and exterminate all demon-kind.”

 

Hiei snorted. “Surely Kuwabara can keep himself safe from a bunch of humans.”

 

“These aren't just any humans Hiei. They're a cult of humans with a variety of spiritual abilities…about the only thing none of their members can do is open portals and cut down barriers. Which is why they've tried to recruit Kuwabara, they want his power.”

 

“And?”

 

“You know how honorable Kuwabara was; he never wanted to hurt women or humans in general.”

 

“He's a fool.”

 

Koenma's golden eyes darkened in worry. “Not anymore Hiei, he's fighting back, already killed several of them in fact…even a few of the women.”

 

Hiei simply stared at Koenma, feeling shocked to his very core. “What in the name of the Three Kings would make the Oaf break his code of honor?”

 

“I can only speculate on that…but it seems that he started really fighting back and killing after the death of a demon by the name of Zakura.” Koenma handed him a photograph of a beautiful female cat demon. “This is her.”

 

Hiei stared at the photo. The female had been lovely, her hair brown hair streaked with orange, like the marking of a tabby cat. And her narrow eyes an unusual gold. “Was he avenging her? Were they Nakama?”

 

“I told you I don't know. That's why I'm sending you; Kuwabara will probably be more willing to confide in you.” Hiei snorted. “I'm serious, out of all of you he knows you'll put up with the least amount of crap, and that's what I'm counting on.”

 

“So you want me to beat the truth out of him?”

 

Koenma glared at the height challenged demon. “No, I want you to find out what's going on…then get him out of Ningenkai.”

 

“And where will I be taking him?”

 

“Where else? Mukuro's stronghold, that way you can keep an eye on him, should the cult find a way to reach him. Don't look at me like that, I've already contacted Mukuro and she's okayed it.”

 

Crimson eyes rolled toward the ceiling. “Fine, I'll baby-sit the human.”

 

“Thank you Hiei. Now get out of here, this paperwork won't do itself.”

 

Once Hiei was gone and it was safe for her to enter, Botan crept in and glanced at her boss.

 

“Thank you for telling me.” Koenma's whisper could barely be heard.

 

“If Hiei ever finds out that I told you he'll likely torture us.” Her whisper was just as soft.

 

“If it comes to that I'll take responsibility-“

 

She glared at him. “Don't you dare! I chose to tell you what I knew, and by doing so I broke my word to Hiei…it was something that had to be done.” A tear slipped down her cheek. “I take responsibility for my actions. What I did, I did for a good reason.”

 

Koenma nodded, and his honey eyes softened. “Alright; but I won't let you face Hiei's wrath alone. I'll stand by you, I always will.”

 

“You've finally grown up.”

 

“You've finally noticed.”

 

She nodded and blushed a bit then as he stood and came to her, folding himself to her curves.

 

“Koenma…”

 

“I'll do everything within my power to save them.” His grip on her tightened as he held her. “Everything.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

xxx

 

Quickly he flitted through the city toward the outskirts where he could feel Kuwabara's aura spike. The fool was surrounded by several enemies, all of them human. When Koenma had first told Hiei that Kuwabara had broken his honor code, never hurting other humans or women, he'd not believed it. But now he'd sensed it himself, the human was indeed killing his opponents. It was odd…to feel this new side of the oaf without even seeing him. And he wondered what had happened to his former team-mate.

 

With his speed it didn't take long to reach the edge of the city where Kuwabara had undoubtedly lead his enemies to face them so that innocent bystanders wouldn't get dragged into the fray. That sounded more like the Oaf that he knew.

 

The sent of blood reached his nose, just about the time he sensed Kuwabara aura lower; the human had been injured and was weakening. Idiot. With another burst of speed he was in the clearing, just avoiding slipping on the blood soaked grass.

 

He saw Kuwabara fighting in near desperation with the remaining humans; his blue eyes were grim and determined, framed by smooth orange locks that danced with his each movement. Only five humans had survived thus far and from Kuwabara's exhausted appearance they were close to having him.

 

With a sneer at their cowardice Hiei lunged at them dispatching three of them with but a few slices of his katana, giving Kuwabara the distraction he needed to off the other two with his doubled spirit sword.

 

When they were sure the cult members were dead Kuwabara turned to face Hiei before sitting down. “Why the hell are you here?”

 

Hiei glared at him. “Saving your life apparently, honestly you fool. You should have told someone you were being attacked.” He nearly huffed as he turned his back on the human…

 

Confused at Hiei's attitude Kuwabara stared at the back of the shorter male, unsure what to say and wary of whatever the demon's response would be. But for some reason he was afraid that Hiei would give no response at all, that he would just grunt as he so often did and disappear from sight.

 

“Why didn't you come to me or perhaps the Fox…even Koenma has something to say about this. He's the one who sent me here.” The fire demon's voice was low, barely controlled rage broiled within his baritone depths.

 

“Because it's my problem, not theirs and I didn't think you'd want to make it yours.” He spoke as if trying to explain the simplest of facts to a small child. “I can stand on my own two feet ya know.”

 

Hiei snorted at that. “You're bruised and broken appearance tells a different story Oaf.” His voice was still rough as if barely keeping something in check, some emotion maybe. Kuwabara knew that something was up with him; he could feel his energy swirling around them, filled with twisting emotions that reminded him of a snake pit.

 

“Just shows I've been slacking a bit is all.” The human grumbled, his pride stung a little at the truth, he'd let his guard down during the attack and his body reminded him with every move. If Hiei hadn't shown up when he had…his gaze lingered on the sliced and diced corpses of the humans that had come after him.

 

“How far away is your home?”

 

The question startled Kuwabara from his thoughts. “Why?”

 

“You're packing your things and coming with me.”

 

“What the hell? And why would I do that?” He was outraged, what the hell was Hiei thinking, ordering him around like that.

 

“Be glad that I'm allowing you to pack Fool, I could simply drag you to the Makai now. I'm being generous.” Hiei's voice had softened a bit, his iron tight control slowly slipping back into place.

 

“The Makai!” Better to concentrate on one thing at a time. He'd yell at Hiei later about the ordering him around part. “I'm not going to the Makai!”

 

“You're coming.” Hiei paused. “This new enemy won't be able to reach you there…or is there something you haven't told me.”

 

He narrowed his eyes. “If Koenma sent you here then you know that they want to recruit me; I'm the only one who can cut through the barriers. And what makes you think I'll be any safer in the Makai? There are a lot of demons who'd give their souls to find a way to the human world. I'd be a sitting duck.”

 

Hiei finally turned to face him, having regained control of his rage and returning to the emotionless mask that Kuwabara was familiar with…except something still lingered in those crimson jewels that the demon called eyes.

 

“You'd have my protection, not many would think of crossing a master of the Jagan. Not to mention we'll be at Mukuro's stronghold, even fewer would risk their lives, much less their souls simply to gain access to Ningenkai. And once the others have been informed your safety will more or less be completely guaranteed. I don't know of any demon that would willingly face off against me and two of the three Kings.”

 

Kuwabara was puzzled for a moment. “Two, but Mukuro is only-“

 

“Have you forgotten the Detective already? The two of you are close, what makes you think he'll let anyone harm you. Surely you remember the fight with Sensui.”

 

The human wanted to smack himself, Yusuke had been the furthest person from his mind. He'd been too busy contemplating Hiei's reaction to all this that he wasn't quite thinking straight. Which brought a new question to his mind. “Why?”

 

Now Hiei managed a brief look of confusion which swiftly turned to annoyance. “Why what?”

 

“Why would you do something like that? It's not like we're buddies or anything. Last time I checked you'd kill me without a second thought.” The psychic tilted his head a bit to emphasize his curiosity. “Why the change of heart?”

 

Hiei glared at him, irritated and wondering how much of a fool Kuwabara really was. “My loyalty is not given lightly. We've been in enough battles together, you should know by now that with our differences aside I'll be at your back. Just as the others would be.” He added that last part to draw attention away from himself.

 

Kuwabara looked at him for a second before a huge smile graced his rough features that made Hiei blink a couple of times at the sudden change.

 

“Good to know.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“I still don't want to go to the Makai though.” Kuwabara grumbled.

 

“You're going.”

 

“I'm not stupid Hiei, I know you're stronger than me, just…just don't cart me off yet. I've got somethin' to take care of at home.

 

“Fine.” Hiei looked at him expectantly.

 

“What?” Kuwabara stared back, more than a little confused.

 

“We'll get this over with sooner if you get up off the ground.”

 

Kuwabara blushed a bit. “Right.” Slowly he stood, lifting his already sore body from crimson stained grass. “Well, let's get this show on the road. Follow me Shrimp.”

 

“Hn. Idiot.”

 

As they walked Kuwabara tossed a glance at Hiei over his shoulder. “Y'know short stuff, I've missed you.”

 

Hiei glared at him. “Hmph.”

 

“With you in the Makai so much there's been no one to argue with.” Kuwabara chuckled a bit, holding his ribs as pain laced through him. “Nmph. Bruised ribs.”

 

Hiei rolled his eyes. “Less talking fool, concentrate on walking.”

 

Kuwabara sighed. “Right, told Shizuru I'd try to get back early tonight anyway.”

 

xxx

 

When they reached Kuwabara's apartment building Kuwabara stopped and looked over his shoulder at his companion, who had remained silent during their walk from the battle ground.

 

“Before I can go anywhere with you we need to talk.”

 

Hiei raised a brow in question. “What's there to talk about?”

 

“This isn't the first attack.”

 

“Obviously, since you seem familiar with the situation. But yes, I knew that already, Koenma briefed me on-”

 

“Stop bein' an ass and let me talk…Koenma doesn't know everything…”

 

“So talk.”

 

“You know how Yukina and I had that falling out…It was because of Kurama. He charmed her completely and melted her heart. I didn't have a chance.” Hiei nodded and waited for him to continue. “Well a few years ago I met a demon, a fire cat named Zakura. She was really something. Did Koenma tell you about her?”

 

“Only that you went against your honor code after her death. Who was she?”

 

Kuwabara sighed, and rubbed his eyes, Hiei nearly gaped when he saw a tear slide down his cheek. Without thinking he moved forward and caught it with his thumb. Blue eyes peeked from behind Kuwabara's fingers in shock. “Um, thanks.” Hiei nodded and pulled his hand away, rubbing the tear into his skin.

 

“Can you continue?”

 

“Yeah…those bastards killed her. That damn cult, they went after her to get to me. She died protecting Soukie.”

 

“Soukie?”

 

“Our daughter.”

 

Hiei felt nothing but rage. His nakama had suffered so much in the past. But to lose a mate, was one of the worst things that could happen to someone. He felt as if the fires of Makai were eating at him his hate was so great; he wanted to go back to the clearing and disintegrate the corpses with black flames.

 

“Oi, Hiei…you still with me buddy?”

 

He shook himself and looked at Kuwabara. “Yes.”

 

“Just wonderin', you were doin' some weird glowin' stuff for a second.”

 

“I'm fine.”

 

“If you say so.”

 

“Your daughter…did she survive?”

 

Kuwabara smiled sadly. “Zakura didn't survive the attack, but neither did those cult bastards. She killed them. When I got there she was curled around Soukie using the last of her energy to shield her. When she realized I was there she let the shield down.” His eyes seemed to glaze over, oblivious to Hiei's expectant gaze, his mind trapped in his memories.

 

Hiei stepped forward again to prod Kuwabara with the hilt of his sword. The young man shook himself, his eyes focusing on his shorter comrade. “Sorry.”

 

“Don't worry about it.”

 

“Anyway, Zakura…she just smiled at me and told me to take care of Soukie. I got to hold her one last time, feel her kiss. Then nothing, she was gone.” It looked as though Kuwabara was going to cry. “I've had to keep this to myself for so long Hiei. Shizuru, she's been helping me take care of Soukie, but I've never confided in her. I always felt that I'm burdening her enough as it is.”

 

“Are you going to weep now?”

 

“I might.”

 

Hiei nodded and stepped closer, reaching up to pull Kuwabara down towards him. The man of pride fell to his knees, and wrapped his arms around the demon. Hiei had offered, and that had been the breaking point for Kuwabara. He buried his face in the black cloak and screamed. Great wracking sobs came from deep within his chest, shaking them both to such an extent Hiei was afraid he would be brought to his own knees.

 

But he stood still, running his hands through Kuwabara's loose hair, his fingers dancing across the skin of the man's neck. He offered comfort to this man who had always stood tall, always gone by a code of honor. A man who no matter what he was faced with was determined to shove fate's conviction in her face and tell her exactly what he was going to do.

 

Now this strong man was chipped and worn, weathered by fate's cruelty. No longer was he a boy, a naïve child, he'd seen the world and been hurt by it. Broken was his pride, and Hiei became determined then in that moment that he would help his comrade pick up the pieces.

 

It was the least he could do, for the Reikai Tentai were the only Nakama he had ever had. Friends like them were few and far between. And Kuwabara with his precious ideals had always been one of the most special, with his honest heart.

 

Kuwabara continued to sob and scream into Hiei's cloak, the fabric becoming darker with each passing moment as the young man's tears were taken in. And Hiei kept his gaze blank, showing his compassion only with his hands as they soothed the orange hair that now danced in the slight breeze.

 

He felt a presence then, but only vaguely and in his mind an image of Zakura appeared. She was smiling at him. And as fast as it had appeared it was gone again.

 

“You feel that?” Kuwabara whispered his wails had subsided for the moment.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Kinda creepy how she does that sometimes.”

 

“Hn.”

 

XXX

 

A/N: Parts of this chapter were rather hard to do; mainly because my cat Lia was lying on my wrists and arms. At one point she tried to help me type. oO; Anyway, I thought I was finished with this chapter after Kuwabara said the words “Our daughter.” But then I decided to get all the emotions and angst out of the way for a while. There will probably be more later on, but for now we get to see interaction between Kuwabara, Hiei and Soukie. ^^

 

I'll be posting this in my fic journal as well, with more in depth author's notes. Like where Zakura's and Soukie's names come from. ^o^ That's also where I'll be replying to reviews and comments; so if you leave me a few words and want to hear my response go there.

 

http://calikocat.livejournal.com/

 

ja ne

 

PS: It's a good thing I waited on posting this. oO; I added the scene between Koenma and Botan like a couple of days after I finished writing it. ^^; Eheh… And chapter two is almost finished. It's at 2,063 words now; think I'm only a scene or two away from it being ready to go through the editing process. ^^ Then I'll start chapter three, but two won't be posted until three is almost finished. Cause I might repeat what I did with this one, adding in a scene or two and such. ^^ take care.