Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Barriers That Shatter ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )

Barriers that Shatter

 

Chapter Two

By: calikocat/LemonKitty

Word Count: 3,300

 

*Disclaimer* I own nothing YuYu Related, but Zakura and Soukie are mine. Just amusing myself with things that could happen.

 

XXX

 

They stood outside the apartment; the hallway was empty save for the two of them. Kuwabara's aura seemed lighter now, letting go of some of his grief had done the human some good. Already he seemed taller, the set of his shoulders more like the young man he remembered.

 

For nearly an hour after Zakura's visit Kuwabara had clung to him, as if Hiei were all that stood between him and his memories. Perhaps he was.

 

Now they stood side by side in a comfortable silence, while Hiei waited patiently for Kuwabara to make the next move. As he stood there alone with his friend he really looked at the other for the first time since he'd arrived. His eyes took in the changes his teammate had gone through, what marks the years had left on him. Any boyishness that had remained was long gone; he seemed harder, maybe even a little cold. Eyes that were now old and experienced were still narrowly framed, windows to a soul that had seen it all and looked at life skeptically, wondering if fate was going to throw anymore bull shit his way.

 

Gone was the ridiculous gelled hair that had caused so many sneers and snickers from strangers…and friends…and him when no one was looking. Now bright orange silk hung down to grace upon broad shoulders in waves that might just rival Kurama's locks and make the fox just a little envious. Briefly he wondered if the Oaf had acquired a fan club…the fox always seemed to have one. Dozens of human females screaming and moaning and drooling whenever he was in sight…then he hoped not as Kuwabara would not have been as adept with dealing with frothing females.

 

He blinked himself out of his musings to continue his visual tour. And noticed that the hair he'd been admiring was tangled now, thanks to his own fingers from his moment of compassion. Kuwabara was deserving of that compassion, and Hiei had given it freely, almost eagerly.

 

The brightness of his hair was still wonderfully offset by his pale skin, an even cream color that made him think of that smooth desert that Kurama had given him once. Aristocratic cheekbones still jutted out, but not as noticeably for he had grown into them. His nose was still sharp, but the lips seemed to be fuller now. Odd.

 

Hiei could understand why Zakura had given herself to this human.

 

Hearing a sigh he focused on Kuwabara's actions, the human was growing restless.

 

“Shizuru knows we're here.”

 

Hiei only nodded.

 

“Let's go in.”

 

Kuwabara reached for the door to turn the knob but before he could it was yanked open, revealing a pair of smoldering eyes the color of burnt honey.

 

“If you keep this up little brother you're going to make Soukie an orphan.”

 

Both Kuwabara and Hiei looked at Shizuru in alarm, a shiver running through both of them. The woman was indeed disturbing when she pulled stunts like this.

 

“That a fact?” Kuwabara asked. He'd never had a premonition or vision about his own future before, and it irked him to no end how his older sister could pop up out of no where and tell him which train not to take, or which streets to avoid.

 

“It might be.”

 

Hiei looked from one sibling to the other, thoughts nearly swirling. “And if he were safely out of Ningenkai?”

 

Shizuru took a draw from her cigarette, and let a puff of smoke out, it hung in the still air of the hall. “Hard to say, but if he keeps this up he's going to end up dead.”

 

Kuwabara glared at her. “And if I just suddenly disappear with Soukie who'll protect you?” He took a breath so as not to shout at his sister. “They went after Zakura; they'll probably go after you too.”

 

She waved her hand as if to sweep away his words, which was exactly what she was doing, even if only figuratively. “I'll be fine. I'm going to move into the temple and help Genkai.”

 

Kuwabara rubbed his eyes, a habit that Hiei was swiftly beginning to associate with the man and he smirked. “You knew Hiei was coming, that he was going to take me to the Makai…”

 

She smiled and reached up to cup her little brother's cheek. “That's right. I've known for a couple of weeks that he'd come, and you and the kid are going to leave with him. You'll both be safer there, Hiei will see to that.”

 

“Shizuru.”

 

“It'll be alright. Soukie is strong and I'll be okay with Genkai.” He nodded and she withdrew her hand. “So, go check on your brat. She's worried about you.”

 

“Thanks sis…come on Hiei.”

 

Hiei silently followed Kuwabara into the apartment, catching a glimpse of Shizuru's smile as he walked by.

 

“Did you really know I was coming to collect him?”

 

Shizuru nodded, and took another draw. “Yup. And if he starts stalling, talking about the rent needing to be taken care of just hit him.” He blinked at her. “Then tell him not to worry about it, I've got it all covered. Now, go meet the kid already.” She winked at him and closed the door behind her as she left.

 

Odd…

 

xxx

 

Hiei had never been nervous before, at least not that he could remember. But now he felt as if he were about to pass some test, or face a foe with unbelievable power. Strangely enough when he caught site of the girl the feeling dissipated. And it was as if it had never been.

 

She was thin and a little on the short side for her age. In that she seemed to take after her mother, for Kuwabara had never had such a form. Her face was softer than her father's her cheekbones were still hidden by that roundness children's faces often have. But her eyes were narrow and blue, and looking straight at him, framed by bright orange hair.

 

The little girl looked from her father to him, her naturally narrowed eyes held a curious gleam. Idly he wondered what sort abilities the girl had. With Kuwabara being the same level as an A-class demon the child was bound to develop into something extraordinary. Combine that with being a half demon…watching her grow could be a very interesting thing.

 

He watched as Kuwabara approached her, she'd been lying on her bed, coloring on a sheet of paper when they'd entered her room. She blinked at her father as he knelt beside her bed. For a bit they only stared at one another, and Hiei wondered if they were having their own conversation, then frowned at his thoughts. Kuwabara and Shizuru were both psychics, so more than likely the girl was too. They could indeed be having a conversation.

 

“You came back.” Soukie's voice was light, almost quiet. “Aunt Shizu said you would.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“I told her I saw red eyes and they were coming to get us…but I wasn't scared.”

 

“You weren't?

 

“No. I told Aunt Shizu and she said a friend was coming.” Soukie looked over at Hiei. “Red eyes.”

 

Kuwabara smiled. “Soukie this is Hiei, an old friend of mine. He's come here to take us somewhere where we'll be safe.”

 

Soukie continued to look at Hiei. “Where?”

 

“The Makai.” Hiei stated.

 

“Where Mommy was from?”

 

Hiei gave her a curt nod, and she smiled at him a little.

 

“Aunt Shizu told me. She helped me pack.”

 

“She did?!” Kuwabara gave her a big grin. “Aunt Shizu is a big help to us isn't she?”

 

“Yup. We packed some for you too.” Her face was more animated now, her father's smile spreading to her, and Hiei couldn't help the twitching of his own lips. Because when Kuwabara smiled like that, some of his past was washed away and his old brilliance peeked out.

 

“Have you eaten yet?”

 

“Yup.”

 

“Had a bath?”

 

“…Do I have to? Just gonna get dirty again.”

 

He chuckled. “Yeah, let's get you cleaned up.” With that he stood, picking her up and playfully throwing her over his shoulder. She squealed in delight and smiled at Hiei as she was carted off.

 

“Your ribs-“ Red eyes glanced at blue.

 

“I'm not so broken I can't carry my kid.” Kuwabara smiled at him. “She's not so heavy, she's only four. Don't worry.”

 

Hiei gave them a nod and let them go, a slight pain taking hold of him as he watched them head to the bathroom. With a sigh he looked around the girl's room briefly and found that Shizuru had indeed helped her pack. There was a backpack filled with clothes, and what looked like a couple of figurines. They looked to be hand carved and he was slightly surprised by the workmanship.

 

Upon closer inspection he saw that one of them was a scene of some sort. It was of a cherry tree and two people standing under it. The only reason he knew it was a cherry tree was because they had been painted. The people were a man and woman, who seemed to be smiling at one another. A frown graced his face, if it were packed the way it was it would be broken.

 

Carefully he turned it in his hands discovering that the tree and wooden people were detachable from the base. Nodding to himself he gently took it apart and wrapped each piece separately in pieces of Soukie's clothing.

 

The second one was of a cat demon. It was so detailed that Hiei wondered if this was Zakura's demon form. He could almost see the love put into the wood as it was given form. The demon's mouth was open in a roar as if it were defending its territory against intruders. Its stance was proud, its body painted gold to match that pride and the two tails formed a V.

 

In his mind he had a vision of Kuwabara sitting on the floor, carving this piece while Zakura and Soukie watched intently. Zakura was smiling with a small blush on her face while Soukie was full of wonder at her father's ability to make something so lifelike. The vision ended and Hiei glared at the carved figure.

 

“It's hollow.”

 

Hiei nearly jumped, how in the name of Enma had Kuwabara managed to sneak up on him? “What?”

 

“The cat demon, it's hollow. It's where we put some of Zakura's ashes.”

 

Hiei's eyes widened a bit.

 

“Had a vision didn't you.”

 

The demon looked at the human curiously. “This is how she is able to visit you? Because some of her ashes are in this vessel?”

 

“That's only part of it. I carved that with my spirit energy, Zakura loved it so much, though she always said her demon form was no where near that beautiful.” Kuwabara smiled sadly. “I don't think I did her justice. She looked so much more beautiful than that.”

 

“It's an icon of your love then…She focuses on it and communicates through this?”

 

“I think so. The only reason you had that vision outside the building was because we were touching and the vessel was close by.”

 

“Interesting.”

 

Kuwabara shrugged. “Soukie will be done soon.”

 

Hiei nodded and carefully wrapped the carved Zakura in another shirt from Soukie's bag.

 

“When are we leaving?”

 

Hiei glanced up at Kuwabara, who still stood in the doorway. “You're not going to put up a fight?”

 

“Do you want me too?”

 

The smallest of blushes graced his elfin features. “Your sister suggested that you might.”

 

“So I heard…Look Hiei, I'm not stupid; I know we'll be safer in the Makai with you. And Soukie's safety is more important to me than anything. So no, I'm not going to put up a fight.”

 

Unsure and unfamiliar with this side of Kuwabara he nodded. “All right.”

 

“So, when do you want us to leave?”

 

“Tonight, if you can manage; if not then early in the morning.”

 

Kuwabara looked thoughtful. “I think we can leave tonight. One of us will have to carry Soukie though.”

 

“That's fine.”

 

“Okay…I'm going to finish the packing Shizuru started for me. When Soukie gets out help her dry off and get dressed would you?”

 

Hiei was silent for a moment, not sure what to think of Kuwabara putting such trust in him. In the end he nodded and walked towards the door, brushing passed the taller male, their skin making the slightest contact.

 

Heat jumped between them, nearly searing them, and making Hiei stumble. An arm thick and strong caught him and he regained his balance. Shocked gazes locked in wonder.

 

“You've been marked by fire.” Hiei whispered.

 

Kuwabara nodded. “But not claimed…Zakura and I didn't go quite that far.”

 

Hiei's eyes widened. “The sooner we get you to Makai the better.” And with that he was gone.

 

Kuwabara shook his head and glanced at Soukie's back pack where the likeness of Zakura he'd carved was hidden from his eyes. “What are you up to my fire cat?”

 

xxx

 

Hiei couldn't believe it. Zakura, being a fire type had marked Kuwabara with her flames, but had never fully bonded with him. That was a dangerous thing to do, especially if a strong fire type found the marked, yet unbound man. Had she known she was going to die? Had she suspected that her husband and child would outlive her? If that were the case, leaving Kuwabara unclaimed would mean he would be left behind to take care of their daughter, instead of dying with her.

 

What puzzled him even more was that his own fire recognized the flames in Kuwabara, which should be impossible. And the fact that Demon fire in general seemed to flow naturally inside the human was equally strange…then again he'd had a child with a Fire Cat. She'd marked him with her fire, which would explain a lot; like how his fire had reacted to Kuwabara moment's before. But the moment of intimacy was strange. His regular flames should not be so closely related to the mark that Zakura had left.

 

He was pulled out of his musings when he felt someone's gaze laying heavily on him. Small, narrow blue eyes were peeking into the hall from inside the bathroom. Hiei closed his eyes, remembering how he'd promised to help the child dress.

 

“I'm a big girl…I dried myself.” Soukie's whisper was so soft; Hiei glanced at her and nodded. “But I need help with my hair.” She stepped back, opening the door to the bathroom as she did. Her small body was wrapped in a towel that was so large and fluffy it seemed to swallow her. Her hair while normally a bright orange was now a deep red and soaked; water dripped from the tips and she shivered a bit.

 

He glanced around and saw some more such towels on a series of low shelves. Motioning for her to sit on a short stool he took one of the towels and knelt behind her.

 

“Daddy or Aunt Shizu usually does this now.”

 

“They didn't before?” Hiei asked as he draped the terry cloth over her head and began to rub it over her wet locks. He remembered how small she was and kept his touch gentle.

 

“Mommy always helped me with baths.” Her voice quavered a bit, and Hiei nearly stopped. “But Aunt Shizu said I need to grow up a little. I think Aunt Shizu's right…” He sensed there was something else; when she continued he discovered he was right. “But my hair, Mommy liked to play with my hair…Daddy does too sometimes. Even Aunt Shizu pats my hair. I like it.”

 

Hiei nodded to himself, the girl was part cat demon and cats did enjoy being stroked. “That's normal.”

 

Soukie turned to look back at him, peeking out from under the towel. “Mommy said it was. She said it was okay.”

 

“It is.”

 

“Okay.” She turned back around and faced the far wall once more and he picked up where he left off. He rubbed gently near her scalp to remove the water, continuing to the hair that hung to her shoulders. All too soon he was done, and she smiled at him before going back to her room to get dressed.

 

Kuwabara stepped into the doorway, a grateful smile on his face. “Thanks Hiei.”

 

“It was nothing.”

 

“You're wrong, you helped out a lot.”

 

Hiei looked up at Kuwabara who held out his hand. He snorted but accepted the gesture, only a little wary when the human held his hand a moment longer than necessary.

 

“Are you packed?”

 

“Yeah; Shizuru already had most of it taken care of. Soukie shouldn't take too long.”

 

“Kuwabara. Did you tell anyone?”

 

“About?”

 

“Zakura and Soukie.”

 

“For the most part no, just Botan, though she probably told Koenma.” He sighed. “I didn't meet Zakura until a year after Urameshi came back. Kurama and Yukina were already together then. I've sort of lost touch with everyone else, except Genkai. We visit her sometimes, Botan too.” Kuwabara shrugged. “Everyone has their own lives and problems.”

 

“Problems?”

 

“Yeah, I think for a while Kurama was worried you'd mutilate him if he married Yukina. But when he proposed you seemed okay with it.”

 

Hiei felt his blood run cold. “You know.”

 

“That you and Yukina are twins, yup.” The man smiled.

 

“How?”

 

Kuwabara rolled his eyes then. “Hello, I'm a psychic, how would I not notice that your aura's are so similar.”

 

“She can never know; that was the deal I made when I had the Jagan implanted.” All three of Hiei's eyes started to glow, the Jagan beginning go show through the wards.

 

“Easy there.” Kuwabara leaned down, placing his hands on Hiei's shoulders. “Yukina has always known. That's why she showed up at the Dark Tournament. She suspected it when we rescued her.”

 

“Always?” The glowing began to subside.

 

“Yeah, but don't worry. Kurama told her about the deal you made, so she understands that she has to pretend she doesn't know.”

 

Hiei closed his eyes and sighed. “I didn't want her to know.”

 

“Why? Because you're called the Forbidden Child? You're her brother and she loves you. Besides, by being with Kurama she's turned her back on the Koorime, she doesn't want history to repeat itself.”

 

“That's enough Kuwabara, no more.”

 

The human glared at him before nodding and regaining a cheery demeanor, draping one arm around Hiei's shoulders. “Let's check on Soukie before we pack some supplies. We'll be stopping to eat right?”

 

Hiei shook his head, a little uncomfortable with the closeness. “We won't need supplies; it won't take long to get to Mukuro's. We'll go to Reikai first; from there Botan will open a portal within the Castle that will get us directly to the stronghold, we're getting top priority.”

 

“She can do that?”

 

“She's not Reikai's top Ferry Girl for nothing.”

 

The human smiled and withdrew his arm. “Let's get a move on then. The sooner we leave the sooner I can put Soukie to bed when we get there.”

 

Hiei followed silently, briefly wondering if all of this was a good idea, for everyone involved. Kuwabara was vastly different than the youth he remembered, someone who would have clashed with him at every turn. He had changed as well, though he wasn't sure how much.

 

Then he wondered why he had been chosen for this. Perhaps Botan had told Koenma what he'd said when he'd confided in her years before. It was possible. The woman had a big heart and would want her Nakama to be happy. He decided then that if she had told Koenma he wouldn't kill her for it. Maybe it was for the best. He would just have to wait and see.

 

XXX

 

A/N: And there's chapter two. ^o^ If you want to see if I responded to your reviews check my fic journal. ^^ http://calikocat.livejournal.com/ You also might want to check for any additional author's notes.

 

I actually finished this chapter the day I posted chapter one, and sorry to disappoint anyone, but this will be my pattern from now on. I won't post a chapter till the next is done or very close to being completed. Then it will go through the editing process, while I work on the next chapter. *shrugs* This makes things easier on me.

 

Take care.