Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Bugs ❯ Bugs - Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

A/N-I still don't own them.

 

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Kurama and Hiei laid together until they both fell asleep. Neither awoke until bright sunlight pierced the darkness of their slumber. Both turned towards each other and just smiled. After a few moments, Kurama said, “Well, I guess it's morning. How do you feel, Love?”

 

“Better.” Hiei replied.

 

“Good. Too bad we don't smell better; I think we need a shower.” the kitsune replied.

 

“No, I think we need a bath.” Hiei suggested. The two demons got up and undressed and headed into their private bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, they were both in the tub amidst myriad bubbles. They took turns washing each other slowly with the cloth, feeling the tension drain from the other's body at the gently, repetitive scrubbing. When they were clean, they remained in the tub, Hiei sitting between Kurama's legs with his back resting against Kurama's chest.

 

“This is nice.” Hiei commented.

 

“And it never gets cold.” Kurama said with a smile. Hiei always kept the water constant at a comfortable temperature when they bathed. Hiei just relaxed backwards into Kurama's chest more.

 

“Do you think things will start getting better?” the hiyoukai asked the fox.

 

“Yes, I do. At least, I hope they do. No matter what happens, though, I am with you forever. You are my mate. If I had to choose between you and my ningen family, I would choose...” Kurama began.

 

Hiei quickly turned around and silenced the fox with his finger before he could finish. “I never want to hear the end of that sentence, Kurama. I don't care who you would choose, you will never have to choose. Shiori and I would never let that happen.” he said softly, and kissed Kurama's closed lips gently. “I think we're clean. Should we go downstairs?” Kurama nodded.

 

When the two finally made it downstairs (after drying off, dressing, cuddling, and generally feeling good together), they were surprised at the lack of activity in the house. There was no sign of the Hatanaka family. Kurama went into the living room, and stopped. Shuuichi-kun was sound asleep on the sofa, the remote still clutched in his hand. The television screen displayed the white snow that comes on when the movie runs out. Smiling, the kitsune gently took the remote, and covered the boy with a blanket.

 

“I guess everyone is sleeping in this morning.” Kurama said softly, and turned to go into the kitchen.

 

Kurama began taking out pots and pans and starting breakfast. Hiei sat on the counter and watched idly. “You could help, you know.” Kurama teased.

 

“I could.” Hiei replied, not moving from his perch. Kurama turned and tossed a dish towel at him. “Hey! I'd rather watch you.” the hiyoukai protested.

 

“Why? Is cooking so fascinating to you?” the fox jibed.

 

“No, you are.” Hiei replied. Kurama turned toward his mate and leaned in close. Wrapping his arms around Kurama's neck, Hiei drew the fox's face to his own in a deep, slow kiss. A soft `Ahem' from the doorway broke them apart.

 

Shuu-kun stood there, bleary eyed, with his hair standing straight up on the side on which he had slept. The boy yawned, and said, “Don't let me interrupt you two, I just wanted a glass of milk. Blushing, Kurama got the milk and a glass out for the boy and put them on the table. “Thanks. Hey, Hiei, you feeling better?” Shuu-kun asked. Hiei narrowed his eyes. “That doc was kinda freaky, you know, telling us all what we were thinking and all. But I guess that's what he does. Anyway, it looks like I got two brothers for the price of one, huh?”

 

At this, both demons stared at the youth in confusion. Shuu-kun just stared back for a moment. “Hiei is, like, my brother-in-law, right? Well, I guess it would be step brother-in-law, but really, who's keeping track?”

 

Kurama laughed, “Although not in a legal sense, yes, Hiei is your brother in law.” he answered merrily. At the still slightly confused look on his lover's face, Kurama just said, “I'll explain later, Love.” as he continued cooking.

 

Kurama had just placed the last of the serving dishes on the table when Shiori and Kazuya finally emerged from their bedroom The two adults made their way downstairs to the small kitchen table. Luckily, Kurama had made a very large breakfast, and there was more than enough food to go around, unlike chairs. The small table had only four chairs to seat five hungry people. Automatically, Hiei moved to leave the family to themselves.

 

“Hiei, Love, don't go. I can sit in the living room.” Kurama called to him.

 

“Nah, I'll go.” Shuu-kun volunteered. “I wanna watch the part of the movie I fell asleep at. Besides, I saw plenty in here already today.” With a nudge to Kurama, and a wink at Hiei, the pre-teen left the room. Kurama and Hiei took the remaining two chairs.

 

“What did he mean by that?” Kazuya asked, after a moment of silence.

 

“Oh, Shuu-kun was asleep on the sofa when Hiei and I came downstairs. We were not paying attention and did not realize that he had awakened.” Kurama explained.

 

“Okay, that was how he saw something; my question was about what he saw.” Hatanaka continued.

 

“Oh, nothing really, just a tender moment.” Kurama said evasively. Hatanaka narrowed his eyes at his stepson. “He saw us kissing.” Kurama finally admitted.

 

“He...WHAT?” Hatanaka roared, nearly standing up. At this, Hiei sprang to his feet as well, glaring at the human. Shiori quickly put her hand on her husband's arm and dragged him back to his chair. Kurama did attempt to restrain Hiei physically, but his aura flared just enough that the hiyoukai could sense his displeasure at the confrontation. Stubbornly, Hiei refused to sit down. Hatanaka took a deep breath, and continued in a lower, more civilized tone, “My son saw you two kissing. Where, may I ask, were you doing this?”

 

“In the kitchen, when we thought he was sound asleep.” Kurama replied.

 

Hatanaka sighed, and counted silently to ten before he opened his mouth again. “I would appreciate it if you two would not make out where my son can walk in on you. I know he knows of your relationship, but I don't want him watching it.” he said in a voice he forced to remain even and calm. In a muttered whisper, he added, “You might give him ideas.”

 

A slap on the arm from his wife brought him out of it. “I heard that, and it was un-called for. Control yourself, Kazuya.” she chided. She then turned to her son and Hiei. “I appreciate that this is your house, but please exercise restraint around Shuu-kun. I would not approve of his watching anyone making out, regardless of gender. Not only is it inappropriate, but he is too young.” she asked politely, but her tone clearly said `I'm the mother, and this is how it is.' Kurama nodded. Hiei sank back into his chair with a noncommittal `Hn.' Shiori nodded to herself. As far as they seemed to come yesterday, the doctor was right; there was no miracle cure. Shiori knew one thing, though: she had no intention of returning to the role of peacekeeper. This time around, she would speak her mind openly.

 

After breakfast the family sat in the living room together to watch some television. Hiei, quickly bored by this ningen pastime, (unless he was able to cuddle up to his fox while watching, which he was not in current company) got up to go outside. “Love?” Kurama whispered as the youkai arose.

 

“I'll be outside, training.” Hiei replied. The fire demon went upstairs to get his sword, and exited through the glass doors onto the terrace, and into the backyard. Kurama turned his attention back to the movie at hand. He barely noticed when his mother also left the room.

 

Standing just outside the back door, Shiori watched as a black blur shot around the yard practicing moves that were wonderful and frightening to behold. Hiei was aware the moment she had entered the vicinity, and had toned down his movements to be visible to a normal ningen. Finally, the small hiyoukai came to a rest in a kneeling position several feet in front of Shiori. He had a light covering of sweat, and had abandoned his shirt some time before she had come to watch him.

 

“That was amazing, Hiei.” Shiori praised.

 

“It was practice.” the demon responded.

 

“It's was still impressive. Would you care to sit down?” Shiori motioned to a small garden bench nearby. Hiei took a seat, but remained on guard against whatever Shiori wanted to discuss.

 

Shiori sat down and regarded the garden for a moment before she spoke. “Hiei? You mentioned something the other day that took me by surprise.” she began. “You spoke of having tried to take over the human world. Would you tell me about that?'

 

Kurama had warned him that the inquisitive woman would not let that tidbit rest, and as usual, the fox had been right. Hiei had already considered his response. “What's to tell? I had just come to this world, and decided to try to gain power. Most demons attempt this if they are able to escape Makai into this plane.”

 

“How did you try to take over?” Shiori prompted.

 

“I gathered two associates. We snuck into Reikai and stole three artifacts that would enable us to dominate humans. That is where our plan fell apart. We successfully gained the items, but upon returning to this world, one associate announced he was leaving our trio to pursue personal goals. The other associate had no restraint, and got himself killed by the Spirit Detective. I almost succeeded, but was stopped at the final stage of my plan by the detective, with the help of my former associate. At first I was imprisoned, then I ended up on parole for some time, aiding the Detective and the others. Now that parole is lifted; I am free to come and go as I please. I stay here by choice to be with Kurama.” Hiei summarized.

 

“So, the associate who left you to pursue his own goals is still alive, and betrayed you at one point?” Shiori asked.

 

“Not so much betrayed me as fulfilled a debt to the Detective. Yusuke had saved his life, and in repayment, he took a lethal blow I had aimed at Yusuke.”

 

“So then, you killed him.”

 

“No. The blow would have been lethal for a human. He is no human. He survived the blow, and was placed on probation by Spirit World for the theft. I believe he was also instrumental in getting me out of Reikai prison, but he refuses to admit as much. His probation period has now ended, and he, too, is free.” Hiei explained.

 

“You still keep in touch with him?” Shiori asked.

 

“Regularly.” Hiei answered, not liking where this was headed.

 

“Does my son know of this contact?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Shiori swallowed heavily, and bit her lip. Finally she asked, “Are you going to try it again? To take over the world, I mean.”

 

“No. I have no desire to rule this world anymore. I work with the Detective now to protect it.” Hiei answered, somewhat surprised by the question. He had thought that Shiori had trusted him. Of course, he realized, that she had been very surprised by the knowledge of his past, so naturally these questions must be raised.

 

“And your associate?” Shiori asked softly.

 

“He never wanted to rule the world. His motives were personal from the beginning. He planned and executed the theft to obtain one of the artifacts for his own, personal use. He will not attempt to take over Ningenkai.”

 

“Then why did he aid you?”

 

“Someone he knew was gravely ill. One of the artifacts was a mirror that granted wishes. His intent was to wish for this person's health and happiness. This is how he incurred his debt to Yusuke.” At Shiori's confused stare, Hiei elaborated. “The mirror grants wishes, but at a steep price. The user's wish will be granted in exchange for the user's life. Yusuke stepped in and offered his own life energy. In the end, both survived and the wish was granted. Had the Detective not intervened, my associate would be dead.”

 

“He was willing to give his life to save another? What a remarkable demon.” Shiori mused.

 

“Yes, he is.” Hiei agreed.

 

“Who is he?”

 

Hiei looked at Shiori. “I will not betray his identity. Perhaps your son will tell you.”

 

“Shuuichi knows him?” Shiori was stunned. She had no idea her son would associate with such people, even if he had been demon himself once. Luckily, she did not equate these two facts with the identity of the third member of the gang. Hiei nodded, and then arose to continue training. Shiori went back into the house, mulling over this new information in her head.

 

Later that evening, after dinner, the family decided to take a walk. The days were so long and the weather so beautiful, they thought it would be a pleasant change from being cooped up together in the house. They walked for awhile until they found themselves in the park near sunset.

 

“Let's sit here and watch the sun set.” Shiori suggested to her husband. Hatanaka laced his fingers through hers and nodded.

 

“Would you mind if Hiei and I were to watch from another location?” Kurama asked softly, with a meaningful look at his mother.

 

Shiori immediately picked up on the unspoken request. “Of course, Sweetheart, that would be fine. Kazuya, Shuu-kun, and I will wait here for you two to return.” Kurama nodded his thanks and in a flash, the two demons had blurred away.

 

Kurama and Hiei sat in a tree branch watching the sun set. Hiei was lounging across Kurama's lap, and each had his arms around the other. As the sky grew darker, Hiei nuzzled into the fox's throat. “Shiori asked me about our little heist today, Fox.”

 

“I knew she would. What did you tell her?” Kurama asked.

 

“The facts, except for one. She wanted too know who the surviving associate is. I told her you knew him, but I would not tell her it was you.”

 

“Fair enough. If she asks me, I will confess to it.” Kurama said. “I kept so many secrets for so long, I don't want to lie to her anymore. She does not deserve lies.” With that said, the two leaned towards each other for a deep kiss. A terrified scream in the distance broke them apart. “Mother!” Kurama exclaimed. The two raced back to the place they had left the Hatanaka family.

 

Shiori and Kazuya were sitting in the thick grass and watching the sun sink lower, staining the the sky red and pink. Shuu-kun was playing around a short distance away, enjoying the dying day and the open space. Suddenly, a large form blocked the last rays of the sun.

 

“Mmm, human. I've not tasted human flesh since the ban came into effect. I'm hungry.” came a rumbling voice from the silhouette. Several other dark forms sprang up from practically nothing. Soon the three Hatanakas were surrounded by five large, hungry demons, Shiori and Kazuya huddling together, and Shuu-kun some ways off.

 

The demons had been trying to escape from Makai since the end of the last tournament when the rule to leave the humans alone was established. They had finally been able to bully, bribe, and connive passage to Ningenkai. The makeshift portal had dumped them right into the middle of an almost deserted park at sunset. Hungry and angry, the demons sought the first humans they could find to slake their appetites.

 

When the imposing figure took a step towards them, Shiori screamed at the top of her lungs.

 

The lead demon raised a hand to end the ear-pierced shriek and to claim his food. He brought his arm down to strike Shiori, and was astounded at the stump he saw. The rest of his arm lay behind him on the ground, twitching. He turned to find a small figure with a bloody sword in its hand. “Why you...” he began as he turned to crush the tiny nuisance. The small form did not flinch. As the large demon turned, he toppled to the ground. Looking up, he saw his legs standing exactly where they had been when the human had screamed. His eyes traveled further up, noting the hips, the waist, and then air. As the darkness rapidly descended on him, he realized that only the top half of his body had fallen, severed at the waist. Then he knew no more.

 

A second demon lunged at Hatanaka. The human tried to push his wife out of the way of the attack. The call of “Rose Whip!” resounded, and the head of the lunging demon rolled forward and onto the ground and the rest of the body collapsed into the grass. Kurama stood behind the fallen beast, a long, thorny whip in his right hand.

 

Shiori and Kazuya watched in awe as Hiei and Kurama worked together seamlessly to attract the attention of the flesh eating demons away from the humans. Hiei had dispatched with the third demon, and Kurama was artfully engaged the fourth. When the kitsune fought, it looked more like dancing than fighting, and his mother and stepfather watched, slack jawed and speechless. As Kurama disposed of this enemy, Both he and Hiei looked around to find the fifth and final demon.

 

Seeing his four companions losing to these two small, yet powerful beings, the fifth demon decided to take what food he could and escape. He had turned from the fight and sought out the weakest human before him, the small one, off by himself, Shuu-kun.

 

“Aaah!” the boy cried, as the demon reached down and picked him up. The monster licked its lips, and its fetid breath washed over the struggling human. “Help me!” he cried out in panic.

 

Hatanaka started to run towards the demon to save his son, but knew he could never make it in time. Kurama swung his whip towards the beast. The kitsune knew the creature was at the very limit of his range, but hopefully the end of the whip would distract the demon enough to buy time for them to reach the boy.

 

The very tip of the rose whip cut into the demon's back. He roared in pain and dropped the human onto the ground. Rage overtook his hunger, and he pulled a long, ugly, jagged knife from some hidden place on his form, and raised it to strike a killing blow to the wretched human child before him. Shuu-kun saw the blade coming down at him. He knew he was going to die, but could not avert his gaze from his impending doom. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. The knife descended. Shuu-kun felt an impact into his side, but it felt too soon to be the knife. He heard a metallic “ching” and something struck the ground a few feet from him. Then he heard the demon scream in pain. He looked up in time to see the demon turn, and fall to pieces under the furious attack of a rose whip. Shuu-kun looked to see what had hit him. Standing where he had been only seconds before was Hiei. The hiyoukai had pushed the human out of the way and blocked the knife strike with his katana. Relieved, Shuu-kun looked to see what had landed on the ground near him. His eyes widened when he realized is was half of a katana blade.

 

Kurama ran towards the beast, slashing with his whip. In three precise strokes, the creature was dead. As the monster fell, Kurama could see past it to where Shuu-kun had been laying. The boy was pushed several feet away, and was staring at something lying on the ground near him. Hiei stood where the boy had been. The hiyoukai was unmoving. He clutched his sword in his hand. The blade had broken from the impact of the knife. Kurama tore his gaze from the broken weapon to look at his mate. “Hiei?” he called softly. The fabric of Hiei's cloak split across the chest where the knife had connected, and slipped off is shoulders to reveal a long, deep wound on his chest. The hiyoukai fell to his knees and pitched forward onto the grass.

 

Hatanaka ran to his son and gathered the boy into his arms. They were joined in a few seconds by Shiori. The boy did not return the embrace, he just stared at the sword blade before him. “Hiei.” he said softly.

 

“What?” Hatanaka asked, pulling away from his son.

 

“Hiei saved me....but...his sword broke...” Shuu-kun said distantly. Hatanaka and Shiori looked over to where the hiyoukai had stood, only to find Kurama turning the still form over with shaking hands.

 

Hiei was not responding. His eyes were closed, and he gasping raggedly instead of breathing properly. Blood poured from the wound in a river of red. The small demon's ribs were clearly visible in the deepest part of the cut. Kurama pressed his hands over the wound to try to slow the blood. “Hiei!” he called to the other. Shiori and Hatanaka approached him. The kitsune said only one word, “Home” before he pressed Hiei's bloody chest to his own, picked up the unconscious youkai, and sped off towards their house.

 

Shiori glanced at her husband. He nodded, and she ran off after her son. Hatanaka reached out to Shuu-kun. “Come on, Son; we have to hurry.” he directed. Shuu-kun nodded, but took a moment to gather the two pieces of Hiei's broken katana. The two then ran home as well. The three humans were amazed that they actually managed to catch up to the running kitsune, but they quickly realized that Kurama could not run at full speed and still maintain pressure on Hiei's wound. Had he run faster, he might have made it home faster, just in time for Hiei to have died from exsanguination.

 

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A/N-And I'll bet everyone thought that Hatanaka hitting Kurama was the `action' part of the story! The next chapter is typed, but I need to check it and re-read it for errors. This story is coming very close to being done. It will be the first multi=part story that I finish! (It's only the second I ever started, and the other is still ongoing, so it's not like I ever abandoned any, but still, this is exciting.) I may go get some champagne for when I finish!

 

Thank you so much to my reviewers, i am so grateflu that you guys didn't forget me in the long, gaping periods of time it took me to update. Next chapter very soon, i promise, and then only a few more after that, probably two, maybe three.

 

Oh, and I didn't forget about Shiori asking Hiei questions, I couldn't really fit it into the last chapter, so I put it here. I wanted things to be uncertain between the family members when this hit.

 

Thank you to:

SweetMisery1

Shinoga

KitsuneSilver

Candy?

Ma-zoku

Ruri_Star

morwen re not logged in

Kuranga108

Harmonie Des Anges