Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Bugs ❯ Bugs - Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

A/N-I don't own the characters. As for the plot bunnies, I think THEY own ME at this point...

 

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Shiori opened the door, and held it for her son. Kurama entered quickly, and immediately went into the closest bedroom, the downstairs guest room. Gently, he laid Hiei's still form on the bed. Pulling the scarf from Hiei's neck and pressing it to his mate's chest, Kurama continued to apply pressure to staunch the flow of blood issuing forth from the gash. As he had carried the small demon, he had kept Hiei's chest pressed tightly to his own for the same reason. As a result, the kitsune was practically drenched in blood.

 

“Mother, I need you to boil water, as much as possible. Use many smaller pots instead of one large one, it will boil more quickly that way. I need it to prepare a poultice for this wound, and I'm running out of time.” Kurama said quickly, his calm voice belying the fear he felt clutching his heart. Shiori nodded, and dashed off to the kitchen.

 

“What can I do?” Shuu-kun volunteered.

 

“Go up to my bedroom. In the top right-hand drawer of my dresser you will find two large wooden boxes. Bring them here. Also bring the large mortar and pestle under the sink in my bathroom, and as many clean, dry towels as you can grab. Hurry.” the fox directed. The boy turned and ran out of the room and up the stairs.

 

Hatanaka stepped forward tentatively. “Shuuichi? How can I help?” he asked softly. Surprised, Kurama looked up at him. The human was badly shaken up. His desire to help was plain on his face, along with his fear; fear of the attack, fear of the demons, fear for his son, fear for Hiei, and fear of being rejected now that he had made a move to support his stepson.

 

After a brief moment of consideration, Kurama replied, “I need to get the remnants of his shirt off to reach the wound properly, but I dare not remove the pressure. He'll bleed to death.” Without hesitation, Hatanaka grasped the tattered remains of Hiei's shirt and began tearing the arms and torso. By the time Shuu-kun returned, the shirt was no more than a scrap of material, and Hiei's chest was bare.

 

Kurama looked at the boxes he had requested, and then to his hands, still trying to stop the escaping blood. Hatanaka noticed this, and placed his hands over the scarf and began applying pressure. “Go. Get what you need. I've got this.” he said to Kurama.

 

The kitsune opened one of the boxes and began rummaging through the carefully packed seeds and plant matter within. He selected a variety of different seeds, stems, and roots before closing the box. From the second box he withdrew several dried leaves.

 

“Shuu-kun, please get me a bowl of tap water.” he requested. Within moments, the boy was placing it at his side.

 

“Mom says the water is almost boiling.” the human reported.

 

“Good. When it is boiling rapidly pour it into the crock pot and bring it in here. We can plug it in to keep the water warm. Please also bring several empty bowls, and a ladle.” the fox requested, tossing a few select leaves into the water. Immediately the leaves began to unfurl and swell, absorbing the water as they rehydrated. As they continued to plump, Kurama chose other leaves, stems, roots, and seeds, and combined them in the mortar. He used his ki to cause several seeds to sprout and bloom, and then selected parts of these plants to add to the concoction. When all the ingredients were added, he used the pestle to begin mashing and grinding the items together. Hatanaka watched him in awe. `Whatever he is making, it sure is a complex recipe' the human thought to himself.

 

Shiori came bustling in with the crock pot, Shuuichi-kun behind her with bowls and a ladle. She sat the pot by her son's side, plugged it in, and turned the knob to the highest setting. Kurama ladled some of the hot water into the mortar, and again began mixing.

 

“Mother? Could you take the leaves in the bowl to my left?” the fox asked. “I need you to chop them up in the food processor. I must warn you, it will look horrible, the plant is called the Makai Blood Plant for a reason. When it is chopped, please add the contents of the food processor to some more boiling water. Be sure to include the juice, it is vital. Please boil this until it has the consistency of thick maple syrup. It will take about ten minutes. Then remove it from the heat and strain the solids out with the colander. Bring the juice to me, along with a mug. It will look and smell exactly like blood; this is how you know it has been prepared correctly.” Shiori nodded, grabbed the leaves, and headed back to the kitchen. All this while, Kurama was gradually adding more water to his mixture, and mashing it into a chunky sort of paste.

 

Finally, the kitsune was satisfied with his creation. He transferred some to a bowl, and brought it to the bedside. “Keep applying pressure over the remainder of the wound. I will begin at this end, and work my way down.” he instructed his stepfather. The fox gently lifted the edge of the scarf off the gash. Freed from the pressure, the exposed portion of the wound began bleeding profusely. Unfazed, Kurama blotted away the fresh blood with a towel, and began to liberally apply his poultice to the damaged tissue, pressing it deep into the wound, between the layers of torn flesh. Hatanaka was amazed at the effect. Once the paste was applied, the bleeding slowed immediately, and completely stopped within a few minutes. Kurama worked slowly and methodically, gradually revealing a new section of the wound, blotting it, and pasting. Several times he had to ask Shuu-kun to bring him a fresh bowl of the mixture when his supply was running low. About one quarter of the wound had been treated when Shiori returned with the steaming saucepan and a mug.

 

Making the brew had been a truly disgusting task. Shiori had nearly screamed when she turned on the food processor. The over plump leaves had practically exploded at the first touch of the sharp blades, spattering blood all over the inside of the appliance. But, somehow, she swallowed her revulsion, and prepared the liquid exactly as her son had instructed, practically gagging on the putrid stench of blood.

 

Kurama smelled the juice from his position by the bed. “Excellent, Mother. Please set it down to cool. It should be ready when we are done here.” he stated, never taking his eyes off his task. Shiori came over to watch what he was doing. When she saw the extent of the damage done to Hiei, she felt dizzy. The fact that the small demon was alive astounded her. She also noted, with pride only a mother could find under these circumstances, the calm confidence with which her son took control of the situation. His hands were as steady as a surgeon's, and he never faltered in the rhythm of his work.

 

After a long while, the wound was finally treated. Hiei's scarf was now soggy with his blood, except at the edges where the blood had dried, leaving it crunchy. Numerous towels, liberally stained with blood, were strewn about the room, hastily discarded during the procedure. Hatanaka's and Kurama's hands were red past their wrists.

 

As for the patient himself, Hiei lay in the bed, eerily still. His skin was a sickly, almost transparent white. His breathing was shallow and erratic. He remained unconscious. He looked very much like a sleeping child; one drenched in his own blood.

 

Kurama took a moment to lean against the wall and close his eyes. After taking only a few seconds to compose himself, the fox picked up the pot of extract Shiori had prepared, and poured some into the mug. He carried this back to the bedside. Holding it in one hand, he used the other to gently raise Hiei's head slightly, careful not to disturb the wound on the hiyoukai's chest.

 

“Hiei, Love, I need you to drink this.” he murmured, tipping the mug to pour some of the liquid into Hiei's mouth. Hiei did not swallow. Kurama tried again, but the liquid ran back out through the demon's parted lips, and dribbled down his chin. This was not a good sign. Kurama was unable to sit Hiei any further upright, lest he cause the wound to bleed again. Fighting his tears, the kitsune carefully laid his lover's head back onto the bed. The hands that had been so steady in the application of the paste now began to shake. Finally, Kurama took a generous portion of the brew into his own mouth. Leaning forward, he covered Hiei's mouth with his own. Using his tongue to part Hiei's lips, he released a small amount of the liquid into the hiyoukai's mouth. It was enough to elicit a swallow response if Hiei were able, but not enough to drown him if he were too far gone to swallow. After a few tense moments, the youkai feebly swallowed. Kurama continued this method, and slowly transferred the entire contents of the mug, via mouth, to his weakened mate. As he did this, he noticed Hiei's skin had grown cold to the touch. When the mug was empty, he pulled a blanket over the small demon, and turned to his family.

 

“I need to warm him. Please, go to the store and buy all the heating pads they have.” he asked, holding out his wallet. Hatanaka waved it away.

 

“Come, Shiori. You go to one store, I'll go to another. We'll get more of them quicker that way.” he suggested, and the two left the house at a run.

 

Within fifteen minutes, both had returned. Between them they had purchased seven heating pads. Hatanaka had also picked up several power strips with multiple outlets, so they could plug all of the heating pads in near the bed. Kurama quickly plugged in the devices, set them to high, and laid them carefully over Hiei's body. Because of the paste, he could not put anything directly over the wound, but he arranged them carefully around the damaged area. Then he drew the blankets up to the youkai's waist. Finally he took a long, deep breath. There was nothing else he could do. Hopefully his remedies would save Hiei's life.

 

A sound to his side drew his attention away from his beloved. Shuuichi-kun stood beside him, staring at the injured demon. “Is Hiei gonna be alright?” he asked softly. “He got hurt saving my life. He reacted when I just laid there. You fought, too. I just froze. I'm so sorry. If anything happens, I...”

 

“Will not blame yourself.” Kurama finished for him. When Shuu-kun looked at him to protest, the fox continued. “Hiei and I have been fighting demons all our lives. Our reactions were the result of years of training. You have never been confronted by a demon before. Your reaction was nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing to blame yourself for. Hiei will be fine. He's strong, and far too stubborn to let let this little scratch keep him down for long.” Inside, Kurama wished he could make himself believe the words he had just said. With a small smile, he reached out and gathered his stepbrother into a hug. “I'll bet Mother needs some help cleaning up the kitchen, so go on out there. And do not blame yourself, it will be okay.” he said, releasing the boy. With a small smile of his own, Shuu-kun left the room.

 

Hatanaka arose as well. He opened his mouth to say something to his stepson, but words failed him. Looking down, he saw the blood covering his hands and wrists. Silently he left the room to wash up.

 

Alone with his nearly dead lover, Kurama kneeled by the side of the bed. “Hiei,” he began softly. “I don't know if you can hear me, but I want...I want..I...” Kurama paused. “I'm sorry. The past week has been so trying, and right now that is all we have. I need you to be well. Please, Hiei, get well.” The fox reached out a shaking hand to his lover's face. Hiei's cheek was cold still. Kurama closed his eyes.

 

Hatanaka had returned just in time to peer in the door and see Kurama withdraw his hand from Hiei's face. The kitsune bowed his head and turned to sit on the floor, his back resting against the side of the bed. He drew his legs up to his chest, folded his arms over his knees, and hid his face. Suddenly he began shaking. Hatanaka quietly entered the room. The human sat on the floor next to his stepson. “Shuuichi?” he asked softly.

 

Shiori came to the door. She had intended to check on her son and Hiei, and had brought Kurama some fresh clothing to replace his bloodstained ones, but she stopped at what she saw inside. Standing quietly in the doorway, she just watched.

 

“Shuuichi?” Hatanaka repeated. Kurama did not look up. The man reached out and draped his arm over the younger boy's shoulders. “I know you didn't tell Shuu-kun the truth about Hiei's condition. Thank you. I appreciate what you said to him. Thank you for saving all of us as well. Is there anything else I can do for Hiei now?” Kurama shook his head, still not looking up. “Is there anything I can do for you, Shuuichi?” Hatanaka prompted. Finally Kurama raised his eyes.

 

“I don't know.” the fox said in a small voice. Although he was not crying any tears, his green eyes were bloodshot and red rimmed. His cheeks were flushed, and he was still trembling. Hatanaka looked t his stepson, and without hesitation, reached out his other arm to draw the boy into a hug. Kurama allowed this, and wrapped his own arms around his stepfather, burying his face in the older man's shoulder. Dry sobs wracked his slender frame. Hatanaka rubbed his hands on Kurama's back, murmuring comforting words. Shiori bit her lip as she watched. Finally, the two were coming together. But did it have to take such a tragedy to bring about this peace?

 

After a few more minutes, Kurama pulled away. “Thank you.” he whispered, before turning and getting back up. He felt Hiei's temperature again. The hiyoukai was still icy. Kurama adjusted a few of the heating pads, and the went to the dresser to get more of the blood-like concoction Shiori had brewed.

 

“Shuuichi?” Shiori said from the door. “How is Hiei?”

 

Kurama poured some of the thick, red liquid into the mug. “Not good. He is still very cold. Fire demons don't get cold unless they are close to death.”

 

Shiori looked at the still form on the bed. “Is there anything else we can do?” she asked softly.

 

“No. I have treated his wound, but he lost too much blood. I will continue to give him this until he awakens or....” Kurama left the rest unsaid. His meaning ws understood; he would continue to treat his lover until the hiyoukai awakened or died. Without another word, Kurama took the mug of the still warm liquid over to Hiei and tried to pour it into his mouth. Again, the hiyoukai did not swallow. Kurama used the same mouth to mouth technique he had employed before to feed Hiei the brew. The hiyoukai swallowed, but even that small response had become slower and weaker.

 

Shiori looked at her hands, and suddenly remembered the fresh clothing she had brought her son. “Here, Shuuichi, I brought you these. Go change and clean up, we'll yell if anything happens.” she said, extending the bundle to the red head. Kurama thanked her. He took a few moments to run into the bathroom beside the guest room and change and wash up before he returned to watch over his mate.

 

When he was finished, Shiori asked him a question. “What is that liquid?”

 

“This is the extract of the Makai Blood Plant, the plant from which the leaves I gave you came. The plant lives in Makai, obviously. It survives on blood. The plant grows on battlefields and execution grounds. It absorbs the blood spilled into the ground. When it digests the blood it creates a sort of synthetic blood that it stores in its leaves to sustain it when the bloodshed ends. This synthetic blood can be used as a kind of oral transfusion for any demon blood type. I believe it can be used for humans as well, but none have ever tried it to prove my theory. I keep a few leaves on hand. I picked them and dried them when they were laden with the synthetic blood.” Kurama explained. It seemed to make him feel better to talk about something he knew so well, like Makai plants. He continued, “Many demons have died for misuse of this plant. Many desperately wounded demons have simply chewed or eaten the leaves thinking that this would help them. The solid part of the leaf is quite poisonous. Chopping it, boiling it, and straining it is the only way to separate the toxic leaf material from the synthetic blood it contains.”

 

“I didn't realize how dangerous this was when I was preparing it.” Shiori said, paling a bit. “What if I had done it wrong?”

 

Kurama smiled. “The extract will only take on the appearance, scent, and taste of blood if prepared correctly; you did a wonderful job, Mother.” he assured her. Kurama looked back at his mate. “I just hope it is enough.”

 

“You could give him more of it.” Hatanaka suggested.

 

Kurama shook his head. “If I give him too much too fast it will clot in his system. The synthetic blood needs to be given in small doses, and given enough time to mingle with the demon's own blood before more is administered to avoid these clots. As it is, I'm rushing it slightly, but I have no choice.” Shiori and Kazuya both looked to the small demon lying unconscious in the bed.

 

Over the next few hours this continued. Kurama placed the saucepan full of the blood plant extract into the remainder of the hot water in the crock pot. He could not put it on direct heat, or it would clot as it reheated, but the heat from the water was gentle enough to keep it warm without burning it. Every twenty minutes or so he would feed Hiei another mug of the extract. Hatanaka and Shiori had taken turns staying with the red head and he tended his mate. Shuu-kun found he was unable to sleep alone in his room. He sat on the sofa until far into the night before he finally dozed off.

 

By morning, Hiei was still clinging to life. Kurama still sat with him, exhausted and depressed. When the tired kitsune dozed in his chair, Shiori tried to get him to go to bed, insisting she would watch over Hiei, but Kurama refused. Finally, Shiori brought in a futon from the upstairs storage closet and set it up on the floor. “Sleep.” she told her son. To humor her, he laid on the mat, but sleep evaded him completely.

 

Shuu-kun awoke to find Shiori curled up on the opposite side of the sofa, sleeping soundly. He got up to look in on his stepbrother. Hatanaka was asleep on the futon. Kurama sat next to the bed, staring at Hiei. Shuu-kun silently left the doorway and went to the kitchen. The boy got out eggs and bread and proceeded to make breakfast for his entire family.

 

When Shuu-kun brought a tray in to Kurama, the fox looked up at him gratefully with weary eyes. “Thank you.” he said softly accepting the tray. Shuu-kun smiled and left the room again. Kurama tried to eat, but the first bite of food he swallowed roiled in his stomach and threatened to come right back up. Regretfully, the kitsune pushed the rest of the food aside, and turned back to face Hiei.

 

Kurama reached out a shaky hand to brush the hair back from his lover's face. As his fingers touched the pale skin, Kurama froze. Carefully, he laid his hand against Hiei's forehead, then his cheek, then his neck in disbelief. Kurama took a few deep breaths before he gently brushed his lips across Hiei's forehead to confirm what he felt. The fox closed his eyes as tears started to well up. Hiei was slightly warmer than he had been before. The hiyoukai was still cold, but he was only chilly now, compared to the icy feel had had all night. Kurama adjusted the heating pads for the umpteenth time, and again tried to pour some of the blood plant extract into Hiei's mouth. To his great relief, the hiyoukai swallowed this time without the use of the mouth to mouth technique. Kurama sighed in relief.

 

Shiori poked he head in the door to check on her son and the injured youkai. When she saw her husband asleep on the futon she gave him a frown. “Mother, I told him to lie there and he fell asleep.” Kurama whispered.

 

“But, Sweetheart, I set it up for you.” Shiori pointed out.

 

“I know, but I could not sleep.” Kurama admitted. When Shiori saw his abandoned breakfast, he added, “I could not eat, either.” Shiori just nodded her understanding.

 

“How is he doing?” she asked softly.

 

“Better, I think. He is warmer to the touch, but still very cold, and he is swallowing the brew without assistance now.” Kurama said. Shiori smiled and walked to his bedside.

 

“Hiei, thank you so much for saving my family. Your family, too, if you will only let us get close.” she said in a subdued tone. Kurama heard her, and smiled his gratitude.

 

As Shiori woke up her husband, Kurama checked the wound again. The edges had turned a bright red color. Hatanaka looked at it over Kurama's shoulder and commented, “That doesn't look good.”

 

“It looks ugly, but it is exactly what is supposed to happen. This paste is a special medical concoction of mine. It acts as a glue by bonding the wound and filling in the empty space. It is also oxygen and nutrient rich, so the skin around the edge of the cut does not die. The redness is from the analgesic effect; it kills the pain in the immediate area. It may take awhile, but as long as Hiei's body is still capable of healing, this paste will act as pseudo tissue in the wound until his actual body tissue takes its place and heals.” Kurama explained.

 

Hatanaka stared at him in awe. “You should consider becoming a doctor, Shuuichi, what with the pseudo tissue and synthetic blood. Your skills are amazing.” the man said.

 

“Thank you, but I would not do well as a human doctor. These remedies have evolved over more than a thousand years of need for them. Most of my concoctions, like this paste, can only be prepared by me, because they require changing the plant's' growth stages while they are being mixed. Only a plant wielder of substantial skill can accomplish this. Also, none of them would ever receive approval for use in the medical field. How many doctors would allow some crackpot to treat their patients with otherworldly plants they had never heard of? No, these ase recipes best kept to myself and used on friends and loved ones only.” Kurama replied. Shiori and Hatanaka nodded their understanding, and continued to help Kurama look after Hiei for the rest of the morning, trying to make small talk here and there to distract the worried fox.

 

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A/N-When I went back to reread this chapter, it wasn't quite as `finished' as I had remembered it to be, so I added a few pages to it. It's also not (as) cliffhangeresque as the the last one was. I hope you enjoyed it.

 

Thank you to my reviewers:

Kuranga108

Candy?

KitsuneSilver