Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Barriers That Shatter ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Barriers that Shatter
 
Chapter Four
By: calikocat/LemonKitty
Word Count: 3,490
 
*Disclaimer* I own nothing YuYu Related, but Zakura and Soukie are mine. I'm simply amusing myself with things that could happen.
 
XXX
 
The trip through the portal lasted about three seconds and Kuwabara marveled at the strangeness of it all. When he'd gone to the Makai years before, after Yusuke's second death it had been nothing like this. From the Reikai it had looked clear, as if it were truly an open window between the worlds. Instead after stepping into the portal he felt like he was being gently surrounded on all sides by a substance that reminded him of a silk shirt he'd once bought for Zakura.
 
Then it was over and they were in Mukuro's castle.
 
Kuwabara looked around the dimly lit room, the only light came from a few torches lining the walls. It was vast and shadowy, and exceptionally gloomy, the torches only enhanced the darkness with dancing shadows.
 
“This is Mukuro's throne room?” He looked about him and threw a glance at Hiei.
 
“It is.”
 
“Is it always this dark?”
 
“There is no need for the lights when Mukuro isn't holding a celebration or conducting business.” His words were soft, barely reaching Kuwabara's ears in the poor light. Soukie was still dozing in the demon's arms where Botan had put her before they entered the portal. His somewhat gentle gaze moved from her to Kuwabara. “Follow me.” Hiei turned and all but disappeared into the shadows; his human companion nearly stumbled but managed to tag along after the vague form.
 
Wincing, Kuwabara took a breath and let it out, careful not to breathe too deeply or else pain would lace through his ribs again. He really needed to get some rest and properly start the healing process that his weary body needed to get better. And it wasn't just his body that needed rest. His spirit was rightfully exhausted; carrying around the pain of Zakura's passing had taken its toll on his soul, the memory of how he'd failed her was never far from his thoughts. And while opening up to Hiei had lessened the burden that her death had placed on his weary shoulders, it would be a long time before he could forgive himself…if ever.
 
Hiei glanced briefly over his shoulder, vaguely keeping an eye on the human as they made their way out of the throne room and into a maze of corridors. The stone hallways were some-what brighter with a continuous soft glow, though no obvious light source was in view. The demon smiled a bit as he watched Kuwabara gaze in wonder around the passage.
 
“The stones in the walkways are coated with a substance that absorbs small amounts of youki and reiki then converts it into light.” Hiei's voice, though quiet caused an echo that made Kuwabara jump, and then wince due to his ribs.
 
To his credit he made a quick recovery, his curiosity getting the best of him. “So what's the deal with the throne room? Why aren't the walls in there covered in it?”
 
Hiei rolled his eyes. “Mukuro is obsessed with making impressions; she thinks the torches are more practical, more traditional…something about giving her political meetings a sense of intimacy.”
 
“I guess that makes sense, I mean the halls are just for walking so putting the torches in the throne room makes it different.” The psychic nodded to himself, more than to Hiei. “Pretty cool.”
 
“I don't think it matters much, but Mukuro tells me I lack diplomacy, and it isn't wise to kill everyone who annoys you.” Hiei muttered.
 
In turn Kuwabara snickered, which earned him a few half-hearted growls and a “Baka ningen” from his demon companion. “She sounds pretty awesome.”
 
“Sometimes she is.” A brief chuckle escaped him. “The Detective refers to her as Grandma Number two. And since she hasn't killed him for it she at least finds him interesting.” Kuwabara snorted with mirth as he continued to follow Hiei.
 
They had just rounded a bend in the corridor when Hiei came to a halt; Kuwabara nearly ran into him and shot him a glare till he saw what had stopped the demon in his tracks.
 
Red eyes stared blankly at the bionic woman, all traces of his earlier amusement gone. “Mukuro.” It wasn't that he didn't trust his employer; he just didn't know how she would react to Kuwabara and his daughter, or the way he seemed to get along so easy with them. Not to mention his reputation would be shredded if it got out that he'd been carrying a little girl through the castle.
 
“Hello to you too Hiei; I'm glad you made it back in one piece.” Her shadow of a smile grew more real as her gaze came to rest on the little girl that her second in command held in his arms. “Who is this?” She reached out with one hand to gently brush the little girl's hair away from her face, and Hiei could only stare in wonder. “I knew you were bringing your Nakama here, but nothing was said about a child.” Still smiling she drew her hand back.
 
“Sorry about that Mukuro-sama.” Kuwabara had stepped forward to stand beside Hiei. “Koenma didn't know about her when he first made arrangements…she's my daughter…is it okay for her to stay here?” He looked into her face, only half of it was visible due to the cloth that she used to cover her scars.
 
“It'll be an inconvenience of course, I wasn't expecting a child, but we'll make do. I was told the humans attacking you want to erase demons from existence.” She gave a small almost inaudible sigh. “I suppose they would have gone after the girl at some point, bringing her with you was the only choice.” Her statement made Kuwabara's face droop a little.
 
“Yeah, her mother was a fire-neko named Zakura.” He grimaced. “They got her.”
 
Mukuro's visible eye widened and she gave a nod to Hiei. “Put the child to bed.” Turning to Kuwabara she gave a wave of her hand. “Walk with me for bit; I'll deliver you to Hiei's quarters after we talk.”
 
“Mukuro.” Hiei gave her a puzzled look, what was the woman up to?
 
“I won't harm your nakama in any way.” The briefest of smiles appeared on her face, an expression of reassurance. “I'm just going to talk to him.”
 
Hiei nodded, though he didn't seem to be very relieved by her words. He started to walk past her, but stopped and spoke in heavy guttural language he hoped Kuwabara wouldn't understand. “He's been marked by fire.”
 
Mukuro did a full body jerk in surprise and answered in the same tongue. “What?”
 
“As he said; his wife was a fire cat. She marked him.”
 
“Marked but unclaimed, that's a dangerous thing to do.” Her attention focused on Kuwabara who was glaring at them, but she continued speaking to Hiei. “That's why he's alive then; she had only marked him as her intended. Their souls weren't bound.”
 
Hiei nodded. “Most likely.”
 
“Just so you two know; I understood all of that.” Kuwabara was still glaring at them as he spoke the demonic language flawlessly. “My wife <i>was</i> a demon.”
 
Both youkai looked at him in surprise, though Hiei ended up scowling at him. Mukuro on the other hand laughed, covering her mouth after a moment to keep from waking the child. When she'd recovered from her mirth she gave an amused smirk to her subordinate. “Go on Hiei, I'll bring him to your rooms in a bit.”
 
With a stiff nod Hiei turned and left them alone in the corridor, his light steps soundless on the stone floor as he walked away from them. And in a moment he was gone, out of sight and Kuwabara did his best not to fidget under Mukuro's suddenly intense stare.
 
“Did you love her?”
 
He blinked and responded rather unintelligently. “Huh?”
 
She frowned. “Zakura, did you love her?”
 
Kuwabara took a breath and let it out slowly, the old pain started to creep over him but he managed to force it down. When he looked back at Mukuro her gaze had softened a bit.
 
“Yes.”
 
She nodded. “Come, let's walk.” With that she turned and followed the path Hiei had taken, and in turn a puzzled Kuwabara followed her. Once they were walking side by side she spoke again. “Did Zakura ever tell you about her life in Makai?”
 
Kuwabara shook his head. “No, she never wanted to talk about it much, said she'd rather live in the present than in the past.” He smiled a bit. “Why?”
 
“Zakura…was well known here, it wasn't often that a B-class demon was able to make such a name for themselves; since she was a female it was even more rare.”
 
Kuwabara stopped in his tracks and stared at Mukuro as she kept up her slow pace. “What do you mean she was well known?”
 
“Keep walking and I'll tell you.”
 
Though she couldn't see it he glared at her, but did as she'd told him and caught up to her once more. “Well?”
 
“She mastered her control over fire at a young age and became the Prodigy of her village. Even more amazing she tamed a Shakaku Dragon; and while that breed of dragon isn't as powerful as the Dark Dragons that Hiei can summon, it's nothing to laugh at.” Mukuro smiled fondly, as if reliving a memory. “The Dragon's name is Narikin, when Zakura left the Makai she left him behind. Since then, instead of returning to his group he wanders around the territory looking for her.”
 
Kuwabara stayed silent as he walked along side Mukuro, easily able to imagine his Zakura taming a dragon. Though it had to have been hard on her to leave him behind, they'd probably been good nakama. His thoughts drifted and he began to wonder. “What else did you know about her?”
 
“Zakura, like Hiei was a child of mixed breeding, though she wasn't kicked out of her village the way he was. Her Father Haruki is a full blooded fire cat, her mother Zana is a cross-breed of fire cat and fire youkai. They're still alive and living among the tribe that Hiei's father calls home.”
 
“Zakura's parents are alive?” His brain could hardly manage to process that information, much as he tried. So his mind turned to the next bit she'd told him. “Hiei's Dad? Zakura and Hiei are part of the same tribe?” Kuwabara gaped at the ruler of Northern Makai, but managed to keep walking.
 
She smirked. “It gets better. They're actually related.”
 
“You're kidding.”
 
“Hardly, it's not really something one should joke about.” She snuck a glance at him as they turned right, down another hallway. “Zana's mother, who is still among the living, is Hiei's Aunt. She is his father's twin sister.” She smiled. “Interesting how it all ties together. Zakura your wife being of the same bloodline as Hiei, your nakama.”
 
“Damn…does Hiei know any of this?” It was all so much to take in that his head was beginning to ache.
 
“No. Hiei refuses to go anywhere near the village where his father lives. I think he blames him for some of the pain he went through. Though I can't say I find fault in that. If Aiken had only taken Hina to his village she would still be alive, and Yukina and Hiei could have been raised together there. In fact, I've heard that Aiken's sister, his twin Naeta is still furious with him.” She gave a regretful chuckle. “Naeta is a good woman.”
 
Kuwabara was quiet for a while, keeping his eyes to the floor as they walked. Finally he cleared his throat, hoping that his voice wouldn't be too broken for the emotions that swirled within him were trying to choke him. “Can I meet them? Zana, Haruki, and Naeta…Zakura never spoke about her family.”
 
Mukuro nodded. “You can. Shall I send a messenger to their village?”
 
“Yeah, I'd appreciate it.”
 
“In three days I'll send my fastest runner…other than Hiei. That should give the two of you time to adjust before any more emotional upheaval.”
 
“That's fine; thank you Mukuro-sama. It means a lot to me, everything does.”
 
She stopped walking and turned to face him. “Zakura was a good woman as well. One I was glad to call a friend. If she found you worthy enough to mark you with her flames then I can do nothing else but honor her decision.” The woman called a King gave a much brighter smile then. “And to see her daughter alive and well is something of a blessing, and there are so few of those.” She pointed at the door to their left. “That is the entrance to Hiei's quarters; this is where I take my leave. Goodnight Kuwabara.” However before she'd taken the first step she was turning to face him again. “Her name?”
 
Her answer was another confused blink from Kuwabara. “What?”
 
She laughed a bit. “Your daughter, what is her name, you never gave it.”
 
“Oh. Soukie.”
 
Mukuro nodded to herself and left him alone then, continuing her journey down the corridor. He watched her until she was no longer in sight and he sighed. Talking with the woman was nerve wracking. She was more or less the strongest being in Makai and he'd just had a semi-normal conversation with her. The kind you'd have with a normal person. And with all that she'd told him his head had gone far beyond a simple ache. It was pounding now, all the new information flying around and bouncing off the walls of his skull, keeping him from focusing too much on any one thing. He wasn't even sure why'd she'd told him anything.
 
“I need sleep.” He muttered to himself, finally able to clear his head enough to open the door to Hiei's rooms.
 
xxx
 
The scene that met Kuwabara on the other side of the door sent wave upon wave of warring emotions through his heart. Appreciation, sadness, regret, awe and something warm that he couldn't yet identify. They whirred around his insides like the blades of a helicopter and he had to blink away fresh tears. What in the name of Enma was wrong with him? He was acting like Zakura had when she'd been pregnant with Soukie. All raw and rattled emotions. But he couldn't help it.
 
There was Soukie, lying in the middle of a huge bed that looked more comfortable that he thought possible. She was completely gone in a deep sleep that only one so small could manage. Her hair spread about her like a coverlet, looking much darker than the bright orange he knew it to be in the dim light of the room.
 
Beside her lay Hiei, his chin resting on a hand as he propped himself up, watching and waiting for Kuwabara. His body was partially curved around Soukie's, almost like a protective shield, and the memory of Zakura in such a position sent him reeling and falling into his thoughts. Zakura had enjoyed cuddling with their daughter like that. He could remember times when the three of them would all huddle together some nights, especially when Soukie had awoken them after a bad dream.
 
“Close the door Kuwabara.”
 
He could only nod in response as he stepped farther into the room and managed to close the door behind him without smashing a finger.
 
Hiei gave him a puzzled look, one brow raised slightly and his eyes conveying worry. “Kazuma?”
 
Kuwabara shook his head, blinked again and made a sort of pained smile. “Long day.”
 
Hiei nodded. “Talking to Mukuro gets easier after a time. You'll get used to her.”
 
He held back the laugh that tried to bubble out, he didn't want to wake Soukie after all. “You sure?”
 
“Yes.”
 
“I'll just take your word for it.” His smiled lighten a bit, but he moved no further.
 
“I thought you were tired.”
 
“More than you can Imagine Hiei.”
 
“Then why are you just standing there, idiot.”
 
“Hey! I am not an idiot! Shorty.”
 
“Fool.”
 
“Pansy.”
 
“Twit.”
 
“Jerk.”
 
Hiei rolled his eyes. “Can't you be more creative?”
 
Kuwabara let out a sigh. “I'm tired, big day, attacked by crazy psychics remember?”
 
“I remember. Come to bed already.” The Jagan master smirked as Kuwabara's face gained a touch of color, though it could just be a trick of the light, or lack of it. He'd have to try again during the day to see if he could make the human blush.
 
“You sure?”
 
“The bed is large, there is plenty of room.” Hiei indicate the opposite side of Soukie. “She will probably appreciate your presence, especially when she wakes.”
 
Well you couldn't argue with logic like that, at least not when you were about to drop and aching from a fight like he was. So he stepped closer to the bed, moving slowly as he toed his shoes off, trying not to jostle his ribs too much. Gently he sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to smooth Soukie's hair away from her face.
 
“Sometimes it hurts to look at her, you know, like I still can't believe that Zakura and I did such an awesome thing as bring her into this world. And now I can't believe that Zakura won't be around to watch her grow up. Some things just suck.”
 
Hiei reached for Kuwabara's hand and held it, their fingers tangled in the child's hair, and he was nearly floored by how much bigger the human's hand was compared to his.
 
“Hiei?” Blue eyes bore into his crimson ones in a question.
 
“I have never loved anyone the way you loved Zakura so my words may mean nothing to you…I think you will always miss her Kazuma. But I think you are strong in ways you do not realize and that you will be okay. Time must pass, but you will be all right in the end.” He could hardly hold Kuwabara's gaze as the blue eyes watered again.
 
Kuwabara squeezed Hiei's hand and nodded. “Thanks Hiei, that does mean a lot to me…when did you get so nice?”
 
Hiei scowled, but it slowly turned to a smirk. “If you tell Yusuke any differently I'll make you regret it.”
 
“Got it.”
 
“Good, now lie down and get some rest. You and Soukie are safe here.”
 
Kuwabara nodded and let go of Hiei's hand, untwining his fingers from Soukie's hair in the process. “Sounds good.” Slowly he scooted closer to his daughter, stretching out beside her and mirroring the curved position Hiei held on her other side. “You going to sleep?”
 
“In a while.”
 
“Alright…goodnight Hiei.” Kuwabara had barely closed his eyes before his breathing started to deepen, gaining a rhythm of sleep. The human had indeed been exhausted.
 
Hiei watched the two of them sleep for a while, memorizing the scene before him as if it were the last and only time he'd get to watch something so…well he'd never seen anything like it before so he had no words to describe it. But at the same time he hoped that he would get to see this again, many times in fact. And strangely that thought didn't bother.
 
With a wave of his hand the candles went out and he settled down beside them and waited for sleep to claim him, sending a silent thank you to Botan. If not for her sharing his secret with Koenma he would not have been privy to the sight of a slumbering Kuwabara and Soukie. A sight he would treasure for a long time.
 
xxx
 
Somewhere in the human realm a man in dark robes was screaming in wild rage and abandon, throwing whatever he could lay his hands on at his followers.
 
“What do you mean he's gone!? Where could he have gone? How could he have gotten away!? Why are so many of our people dead?!”
 
“Forgive me my Lord. The group I sent after him were all young, foolish even. I had thought he would at least have faltered with the women, but there were no survivors from today's mission.”
 
The robed tantrum thrower whirled on his kneeling follower and kicked him across the room and crashing in the far wall. The follower fell to the floor, crumbled like a piece of garbage.
 
They were all garbage, more fowl than the monsters they'd sworn to eradicate. Worthless pieces of filth.
 
“Find him, I don't care what it takes, but find him! He is the key to the demon realm. Without him we cannot cleanse the worlds of those beasts.”
 
“Yes my Lord.” Others in the room cringed and murmur, hoping to avoid their leader's wrath.
 
“Well, get going!”
 
With that the room was empty, save for a groan from the injured man by the wall.
 
“Weakling.” Robes swirled and he stalked out the room himself, determined to do something useful, which was more than he could say for his troops.
 
XXX