Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Elemental Education ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Bekka woke with a start. Casting about, she tried to figure out what had caused her to wake so suddenly and completely. She became aware of her surroundings to find that she was alone in the bed. Sitting up confused, she looked around the room. Kurama was nowhere to be seen. She also became aware of the silence in her mind. Some part of her brain informed her that she'd only been asleep for a couple of hours, but it wouldn't tell her why she was wide awake. Getting out of bed, she began to wander through the caves. In the bathing room, she looked at her reflection in the pool, demanding of it, “Why are you awake?” but no answer came…not that she expected one, but it would have been nice. Wandering back through the bedroom, she picked up her violin on her way to the living area. She set her violin on the table and continued to wander around, trying to find whatever woke her. Nothing in the living area, kitchen or dojo gave her a clue as to her alertness. Sighing in disgust at herself, she took out her violin and began to play, getting lost in the music.

 

When he returned a short time later, Kurama was surprised to hear music. He stood in the doorway of the living area, watching Bekka as she played. She appeared completely unaware of anything outside the music, her eyes half-lidded, her lips parted. The song she played seemed to sneak about and then laughed at itself, dancing in a merry chase across the strings. Bekka's body swayed with the music, caught in the dance. It was almost as potent as physical release when the song ended with staccato bursts of sound. She was suspended for a moment before relaxing, letting the violin drop from her shoulder, and smiling at Kurama.

 

“You're awake,” he stated, realizing that was not only obvious but not the most intelligent thing to say.

 

“Yes,” she replied, grinning at his discomfiture. Shrugging, she continued, “I just woke up all of the sudden. I couldn't find any reason for it, so I thought I'd play for awhile.” Bringing the violin back to her shoulder, “I was going to play one more song, if you'd like to listen.” She gestured to his chair with her bow, waiting to see what he'd do.

 

Kurama was curious to hear what else she could do with her music. He moved gracefully across the room, watching her as she sat. This time, the song she drew from the strings was darkly seductive, pleading, needy, pulling him into its spell. Portions of it were demanding, compelling, ordering him to soar to their peaks. The end was softly plaintive and faded gently into silence. He was still caught in the spell of the music as she put her violin into its case and left the room. Reluctantly, he shook off the lethargy to find the girl. She was lying quietly on the bed, eyes open, watching him.

 

“Girl, what was that?” he asked, unsure how he felt about being left in such an unfamiliar state.

 

“Girl?” she asked. “That was the Music of the Night. Did you like it?”

 

“What did you do?” he wanted to know why the music affected him so much.

 

Bekka propped her head up on her hand and regarded him for a moment. She knew he was disquieted. She had seen other people dazed from listening to skilled playing, had even been there herself, but knew that a simple `You got caught up in the music,” would not be sufficient as an answer. Speaking slowly, gathering her thoughts, she began, “There's a saying about music soothing the savage beast. It can calm a large crowd of people or whip them into a frenzy. Music communicates to the deepest parts of the mind. That's what makes it powerful and universal.” She could feel the questions forming in his mind and tried to answer them. “You weren't affected so strongly the first time I played for you because I was playing a lullaby. The intensity of being drawn into music does diminish in time, with exposure.” She yawned, “Part of your reaction maybe related to the fact that that's one of my favorite songs so I play it a bit more intensely. I'll sing it for you some time.” She put her head back down and closed her eyes, finishing, “Just not right this minute. Good night.”

 

As he got into bed, he wondered what effect the words would have. `”Music of the Night” is it? The way it sounded, I doubt it refers to insects or other nocturnal sounds.'

 

“It's not,” a sleepy mutter issued from the girl.

 

“Aren't you asleep?” Kurama asked, amused, pulling her closer to his chest.

 

“Mostly,” she answered, slurred.

 

“What is the song about then?” he asked, wondering what answer he'd get.

 

“'sbout how music seduces th' sense, `sucres th' truth,” her voice faded and her words were difficult to understand.

 

“And this is one of your favorites?” He received no answer. Chuckling, he snuggled Bekka closer and allowed himself to drift off.

 

Bekka woke slowly, reluctant to leave behind her dreams. It didn't help that Kurama was playing with her hair, as well. She gradually became more aware of her environment-that she was laying on her stomach. That she was on the bed quickly followed. She was relieved at that. Eventually, she was able to coordinate her thoughts and body enough to turn her head and ask the kitsune, “Are you going to let me wake up?”

 

Kurama considered her request while running his fingers along her scalp and down her back. Lifting his hand, he watched the red strands fall gently back in place. “Alright, then,” he said. “Wake up. Go fix breakfast, too.”

 

Bekka stretched, yawning, and pushed herself back onto her heels. “Yeah, that,” she muttered, rubbing her face before climbing off the bed. She couldn't get her mind to focus. She pinched her ears savagely, muttering, “Wake up already.”

 

Kurama, seeing the girl's antics, decided to help her. “Bekka!” he yelled while leaping off the bed. She turned, her eyes widening as she realized he was attacking her. Reacting instinctively, Bekka ducked the attack, dodged to the side, and dropped to a defensive crouch. She stood there, suddenly alert, watching him. Every line of his body showed he was pleased with himself. “Awake now?”

 

Bekka was torn between laughter and the desire to yell at the kitsune. She settled on a dirty look and a sour “Thanks” before a giggle escaped her. She stood up and walked out of the room trying to stifle her laughter and shaking her head. Whatever had snapped yesterday seemed to clear the worst of the tension between the two. She didn't understand it, but knew he felt more relaxed around her, too. She entered the kitchen and began gathering an assortment of fruits and vegetables she recognized and arranged them in a bowl, thinking to herself about the plants she would like to have access to, if they were available. `I wonder if he knows where there's a willow tree around here, or some wild cherry. It would be nice to have some dried herbs for teas. I should ask if he'd mind me setting up a small pharmacopeia.'

 

These thoughts were driven out of her head as she set the bowl on the table and Kurama asked, “So, when are you going to sing about music seducing the senses?”

 

“Huh?” was the intelligent reply, grey eyes blinking in confusion.

 

“You said that was what Music of the Night was about,” he replied, enjoying the girl's confusion, though he didn't understand it.

 

Recovering her wits somewhat, Bekka replied, “I talk in my sleep. What I say is the truth, but I don't remember the conversation.” She blushed.

 

“That could be dangerous,” he remarked dryly, half joking.

 

“It has been, several times.” She sat, picking up a piece of fruit, “Starting when my brother and sister figured it out. They're twins, and for a while we had to share a room. They'd wake up a lot earlier than I did. One day, I guess I started responding to their conversations. They soon figured out I didn't remember, so they'd make stuff up and claim I'd said it.” She made a face, then shook her head as if to clear it. “So, what else did I say?”

 

“Nothing,” he replied, wondering what he could find out from her in her sleep. He grinned at her when she narrowed her eyes at him. “So, when will you sing for me?”

 

Bekka sighed. `This isn't going to be easy,' she thought, knowing how the words would probably affect the sensual kitsune. “I'll sing now on one condition,” she answered. Kurama's eyebrows went up and his ears flicked in curiosity. “Swear you will stay in your chair until I go into the dojo.”

 

“Why?” he asked, becoming more intrigued.

 

“Because if you don't, I won't sing,” was the firm response.

 

“And you expect me to keep my promise?” She was really quite amusing.

 

“Yes, I do expect that. Because of things you've said. That's what I expect.” She was feeling nervous. `This isn't a good idea.' She began chewing on her lower lip.

 

Kurama, seeing her agitated gesture, relented, “Okay, I swear I will remain in my chair until you enter the dojo.”

 

Running her suddenly clammy hands down her skirt, Bekka stood and walked to the center of the room, staring at the floor. Taking a couple deep breaths, she began getting in the right frame of mind to sing, which was difficult. He had promised, but she still had butterflies in her stomach. With one last breath, she set herself, brought her head up and began to sing, “Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation…Darkness stirs and wakes imagination…Silently the senses abandon their defenses.” She hummed the bridge, beginning to be caught up in the song.

 

“Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendour…grasp it, sense it…tremulous and tender…turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from the cold unfeeling light and listen to the music of the night.” Her hands found their way up her neck and into her hair, acting as if they belonged to some ghostly lover. All Bekka was aware of at the moment was the music. All Kurama could do was stare, entranced.

 

“Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams! Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before! Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar! And you'll live as you've never lived before…

 

“Softly, deftly, music shall surround you…feel it, hear it, closing in around you…open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness you know you cannot fight-the darkness of the music of the night…” Kurama was beyond thought, enchanted by the way Bekka sang, how she moved, as if she were trying to seduce herself. Her eyes had darkened to blue as she looked at him and continued to sing.

 

“Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world! Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before! Let your soul take you where you long to be!” her voice soared, then, quietly, “Only then can you belong to me.

 

“Floating, falling, sweet intoxication! Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation! Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write-the power of the music of the night…” She allowed the note to fade before running out of the room and into the bathroom. She fell to her knees, trembling violently. She hadn't been so strongly affected by the song before. It was extremely disconcerting. It didn't help that she was also experiencing Kurama's reactions as well.

 

Managing to get her shaking under control, Bekka gathered clean clothes and began to take a bath. She knew Kurama wanted to come after her, to embrace her, but he remained in his seat. She couldn't deal with that just now and was grateful he was keeping his word. Slowly, she washed her hair, taking her time to allow both of them to find a sense of balance again. It wasn't so much that she didn't want his attention, but more that she wasn't prepared to cope with it yet. And she wasn't entirely sure she would maintain the boundaries she needed for her own self respect.

 

Kurama was baffled by the girl. She could sing and move in such a sensual manner and yet she avoided fulfillment of the desires she obviously had. What was it about humans that they denied themselves what they wanted and needed? Why did she deny him the opportunity to fulfill her needs…his own needs? He could hear her taking a bath. He also knew that she would be paying attention to his thoughts in her mind and would know if he were to leave his chair. He had made a promise, and if she were unwilling, then he would keep it. She could tell him if she had changed her mind. Damn the girl. Damn him for pressing her into it. He sighed, slowly bringing his emotions and reactions back under control.

 

Bekka felt Kurama's mind calming. She wondered if she could explain the oddities of human sexual behavior to an uninhibited demon. She wondered if she could explain it to herself. All she was sure of was that she was not prepared to cope with him on that level. There was something in the back of her mind, holding her back. She almost could regret playing the song the night before, singing it this morning…almost, but not quite. She loved the song, loved the play, wished she could see it again. Sighing, she rinsed her hair out, and got out of the pool.

 

Kurama sat quietly, waiting. He heard her leave the water, he could almost see her in his mind's eye, drying herself. Shaking his head, he tried to clear the enticing image. For some reason, she was reluctant. He would wait. She would be willing, eventually, and then he could show her what she had been missing. He was confident of his skills, both in seduction and in pleasuring. Sighing, he relaxed in the chair. Eventually, he thought.

 

`Eventually?' Bekka repeated the thought in her own mind. `Pretty confident, isn't he?' Shaking her head as she blotted her hair, she wondered if he really was as good as he thought he was. `Stop that! Those kinds of thoughts will get you in trouble, girl. He called you “girl,” girl. Wonder what he meant by that? Why are we trying to analyze the mind of a sex-crazed demon. Why are we talking to ourselves in the plural?' “Gods,” she muttered aloud. Putting down the towel, she began dressing in the purple and lavender shirt and skirt. `I really wish I had a pair of pants. I'd be more comfortable in those. Damn Loki for making me dress all girlie.' Sighing, she decided with that thought that she was prepared to face Kurama. She left the bathroom and headed to the dojo.

 

Bekka was standing in the center of the room when Kurama entered. “Why did you run out?” he wanted to try to understand her mind.

 

Locking her hands behind her back, Bekka responded, “I was experiencing both our reactions to the song. I've only ever been on one side or the other. It was overwhelming.”

 

“Why not just act on your feelings?”

 

“I didn't want to do anything I'd regret.”

 

“Regret? You'd regret fulfilling your needs?”

 

`Damn it, why do I have to be the one to explain this? I don't understand it!' “Not so much that, but…” her voice trailed off and her expression showed frustration. “It's really difficult to explain, I don't fully understand it myself, but I know that I'm not ready to cope with you on that level yet.” Unsatisfied with her own answer, she brought her hands up to her temples, “It's not that I don't like your or don't find you attractive, because I do, but….but…I just am not prepared to cope with you on that level yet.”

 

“That doesn't make a lot of sense,” Kurama stated flatly.

 

“I know it doesn't,” Bekka wailed, “but I don't have a better answer. I've been trying to figure one out, I really have, but the only thing I can say is that I'm not prepared to cope with that…with sex…just yet.”

 

“Do you want to?”

 

“Yes…no….yes…no…I don't know…please don't ask me just now. Can we just work on training or something….please!” Bekka was so confused she doubted she could remember the steps to conjure fire, or even how to hold a violin, at this point.

 

Kurama walked over to the girl, placing his hands over hers, drawing them gently out of her hair, where they had fisted. He squeezed the hands gently, waiting for her to look up at him. “Bekka,” he began tenderly, “first, relax. I told you, and I meant it, that I won't do anything until you're willing. I won't have a partner be unwilling. I don't understand what there would be to regret. I don't understand your denial of your needs and desires, but I will not force myself on you. Yes, I find you attractive. Yes, I would like to have you as a partner.” Bekka blushed at his directness and he smiled at her, “Don't humans talk about sex?”

 

“Not this directly, of honestly. Most people can't even bring themselves to say the word `sex,' much less talk about it. My mother barely managed to tell me about birth control or the changes my body went through during puberty. She would swallow words and those that she didn't swallow were barely loud enough to hear. She couldn't look at me while talking, either. I ended up finding a few books in the library to get the information she'd tried to give me.”

 

While he didn't quite understand all the words, he understood what she was saying. “How strange. Sex is a natural part of life. In the Makai, children learn about it almost from the time they are born. Are all humans like you and your mother?”

 

“Some more, some less, but most people have trouble talking about sex….it's considered a taboo, forbidden subject. Sometimes, I'm amazed people manage to reproduce at all.” She gave him a wry grin. “You'd be amazed at the number of hang ups we humans have about sex.”

 

He ran a finger across her cheek, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Well, at least you don't swallow the word,” he replied wryly.

 

“I'm not my mother. She and I are very different people. I don't think you'd like her. I know she wouldn't like you. There were times I was convinced I had to be adopted because I'm so different from my parents and my siblings, but my oma assured me that I wasn't and that I took after her.” Bekka smiled, “Shall we begin doing something useful?”

 

“Define useful,” Kurama challenged, playfully.

 

“Training,” she returned.