Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Elemental Education ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

Kurama had just wrapped his arms around Bekka, kissing a leisurely trail up from her collar bone along her neck when she suddenly tensed beneath him. He pulled back and looked at her, confused. Her eyes seemed focused elsewhere and she began to squirm away from him, looking panic stricken. Putting a hand on her arm, trying to get her to look at him, “Bekka? What's wrong?”

 

“Kuronue. He's in trouble.” She pulled away from him, running toward the entrance of the den.

 

He followed her, matching her pace easily. “How do you know?” It had been at least a week since he'd seen the bat, longer since Bekka had. Also, her range seemed well established, unless…

 

“The stone I gave him,” she cut off his thoughts. “I told you before I could still feel it.” Silently, she continued to run in the direction of the stone's pull, unerringly closing in on the bat.

 

Bekka stopped suddenly at the edge of a clearing. Within the open circle of trees, Raiden and six of his followers were circling Kuronue, who was badly injured, but still struggling to remain standing. Bekka gestured for Kurama to stay within the shadows cast by the trees as she stepped boldly into the clearing. “Raiden, I do believe I told you to leave him alone.” Confidently, she approached the leader of the group, stopping to stand akimbo, eyes blazing.

 

“Where's your master, slave?” Raiden spat at the girl, gesturing for the others to stand guard over Kuronue. “The Maikai is a very dangerous place for ningens.” He advanced on her, menace radiating from every line of his body.

 

Bekka stood her ground, trying not to roll her eyes, “In case you've forgotten our last little meeting, I am quite capable of defending myself from the likes of you.”

 

Raiden lunged at the girl, scythe in hand. Bekka sighed and easily evaded the angry demon. He snarled and tried to follow her dodge, badly off balance. Bekka landed briefly on his head, bringing him down hard to the ground.

 

“This is tiresome. We've already established that you are nowhere near a match for me. Give up, go away, leave Kuronue alone.”

 

Raiden snarled and threw himself at the girl, bellowing in rage. Bekka calmly side-stepped him, looking bored. “Kill him!” Raiden roared to the rest of his group.

 

A wall of flames surrounded Kuronue. “I don't think so,” Bekka stated firmly, enlarging the circle, forcing Raiden's men back. She glared viciously at Raiden, “Leave now or die. If I ever see you again, you will die.” Raiden threw his scythe at her, causing her to dodge, “Fine, your decision.” Before she finished her sentence, the seven bat demons were engulfed in flames. Screams of agony tore from their throats as they fell to the ground. The flames did not die down until there was nothing but ashes left.

 

Bekka fell, shaking, to her knees. Kurama was by her side, gathering her to his chest. “I felt them die, Kurama,” she sobbed. “I caused them so much pain.”

 

Kurama hugged her, “You did warm them.” Looking over, he saw Kuronue watching them. The bat demon had fallen to his hands and knees and Kurama could see a red stone dangling from a thin chain around his neck, the stone that had called Bekka here to help him. “Bekka,” he said gently to the distraught girl, “Kuronue needs your help still. Focus on that for now.” He squeezed her and gently pushed her away toward the injured demon.

 

Bekka stood unsteadily for a moment before tentatively approaching Kuronue. He watched her carefully, mystified. His wings had been badly damaged and he had several deep gashes on different parts of his body. He heard the girl gasp, bringing her hands to her mouth as she knelt. When here eyes reached his level, he could see tears and pain in them, mingled with compassion. “Will you let me help you?” she asked timorously.

 

“What can you do?” he asked, the pain of breathing making him sharp.

 

Her eyes welled as she spoke, “Fire is not all I can control. Water is healing. I can help you heal. I can make the pain stop.” She brought her hands level with his temples, not touching him, but he could feel the energy radiating from her. A single nod was all he could manage, but it was enough as he felt cooling energy flow through him, easing his pain.

 

Bekka didn't know exactly what she was doing, only that she could do it. She watched as his wounds closed and she could feel the pain leaving him. She was reaching her limit, but kept pushing, wanting to finish.

 

Kuronue watched as the girl collapsed, Kurama catching her. “Foolish girl, pushing herself too hard,” the kitsune murmured. He looked at Kuronue, noting the bat's wide eyes. “Come on, she'll want to know you're okay when she wakes up.”

 

Kuronue rose shaking to his feet. “Why…?” he began, unsure what he wanted to ask.

 

Kurama adjusted his grip on the sleeping girl, “That stone she gave you called her, rather inconveniently, I might add. She healed you to help restore balance in her mind. As to why she pushed herself too hard, you'll have to ask her when she wakes up.”

 

Kuronue shook his head, “I don't understand.”

 

Kurama smiled, “And that's not even the confusing part.” At Kuronue's gape, he suggested, “Ask her when she wakes up.” He left the confused bat demon standing still. Kurama glanced briefly over his shoulder and flicked his tail for him to follow. Bemused, Kuronue obeyed.

 

Kurama set the girl gently on the bed before turning to Kuronue again. The bat wore a puzzled expression, unsure what would be expected of him or what to do. Kurama moved toward the bathing room. “Let's see how well she healed you, Kuronue,” he said, beaconing again for the other to follow him. Kurama turned to face the bat as he entered the room. “Wings.” Kuronue gave the kitsune a puzzled look. Kurama sighed, “Open your wings so I can see them.”

 

Kuronue stepped further into the room to give him enough room to spread his wings fully and complied, tipping one so that Kurama could walk around him. He controlled the shiver that wanted to course through his body as the kitsune gently ran his hands over the sensitive membrane of the wings. He could hear the low hum emanating from the kitsune as he stepped closer, removing the tatters of Kuronue's clothing, ghosting his hands over every portion of skin as it was exposed. “Kurama,” the bat's voice shook.

 

“Shhh, I need to make sure you're alright,” the kitsune whispered near Kuronue's ear, eliciting a gasp from the bat. “You wouldn't want me to miss anything by not being thorough, would you?”

 

“And just how thorough do you plan on being?” Kuronue asked as Kurama's hands ran up his shoulders and neck, his fingers playing along his scalp.

 

Kurama brought his lips to the bat's ear, whispering “Very thorough. Now, close your wings for me, please.” Kuronue complied, “Are you going to complain? I did tell you your timing was inconvenient.”

 

“Sorry about that,” Kuronue leaned back against the kitsune as he folded his wings against his back, “it wasn't exactly my idea.”

 

Kurama wrapped his hands around the bat, “No, but you are the one I have to blame.” He ran his hands up the bat's torso, “I could blame Bekka, but she's asleep.”

 

Kuronue leaned his head back, “Such a shame.”

 

Kurama brought his lips to the other's neck, “Yes, it is.” Kuronue's hand found its way into Kurama's hair, just behind his ear, encouraging the kitsune to continue. Kurama's hands found the waist of Kuronue's pants and began removing them slowly, teasing the bat's body as he did. “So,” he breathed against the wetness he'd created on the other's neck, “how do you want it?”

 

Kuronue shivered. “How ever you want it,” he breathed. He could feel the kitsune hum against his neck, gasping as he felt teeth come in contact with his skin.

 

“On your knees, then,” Kurama growled. He could hear Kuronue's breathing increase in anticipation. Kurama had learned that there were two things the bat really enjoyed and he intended to give him both before their encounter was over. Briefly, he wondered what Bekka would do with Kuronue, but that thought left him as he pulled the kneeling bat's head back to kiss him. Without breaking their contact, Kurama walked around to stand in front of the other. Kuronue's hands went to the kitsune's waist to rid him of his clothing, but Kurama batted his hands away stepping back with a smirk on his lips. Turning, he allowed his tail to brush over the other's face, flicking the end sharply as he walked away.

 

Facing the bat again when he reached the bench running along the wall, Kurama slowly began to remove his clothing, enjoying watching the aroused demon enjoy the view. Kuronue enjoyed a good show, and Kurama was determined to put one on, to drive him to distraction. “Put your hands behind your back and keep them there,” he ordered as Kuronue's hands began to wander toward his erection. With a groan, Kuronue complied, his eyes riveted on Kurama, his body fully revealed as the last bit of clothing fell to the floor.

 

Gracefully, Kurama sat on the bench, bringing one heel to rest on the edge, giving Kuronue a full view of everything he had. Slowly, he brought one hand to gently stroke his semi-erect member. With his other hands, he traced the contours of his body, brushing his hand along his outer thigh, up his torso, ghosting over his nipples, down his abdomen. He watched Kuronue, feeling the bat's hot gaze locked on him. Wanting to tease him more, Kurama slid his roaming hand around his leg to tease his entrance. Kuronue leaned forward, groaning, his tongue coming to rest between his lips, his shaft twitching against his belly.

 

“Like what you see?” Kurama teased, receiving only a moan in response. “Come here.” Kuronue crawled across the room, only to be stopped by Kurama's foot, “Close enough.” Kuronue whimpered, but complied, his eyes locked on Kurama's hands as they continued to play along his most intimate areas. Kurama smiled. The other thing Kuronue enjoyed was being controlled. Kurama continued his show a bit longer, watching the other as he reached his limit. “On your back.” Kuronue complied, keeping his eyes focused on Kurama the entire time.

 

Kurama crawled over the bat's body, deliberately avoiding contact, until his face was level with the other's. Using his tail, he aligned Kuronue's weeping member with his entrance and slid back onto it, drawing a ragged moan from both of them. Balancing on his toes, Kurama sat up and began rocking along Kuronue's shaft. Kuronue made a motion with his hand toward Kurama's member, only to have Kurama slap his hand away. “Put your hands over your head.”

 

Groaning, Kuronue complied, his eyes focused on Kurama's body where it joined his own. Kurama's pace was too slow. He needed more, his body begged for release. “Please, Kurama…” he begged.

 

“Tell me what you want, Kuronue.”

 

“Please, I want to come. I want to watch you come. Please…” his pleas turned to groans as Kurama moved to comply, increasing his pace and gripping his shaft, pumping it in time with his thrusts.

 

Kurama could feel his need building up within his body and he could see Kuronue approaching the edge as well. He changed the angle of his thrusts slightly, causing Kuronue's cock to hit his nerve center with each stroke, bringing him closer with each stroke. He felt the wave of his orgasm break over him as his shaft spasmed in his hand. He felt Kuronue's body convulse into his. He allowed himself to rest against Kuronue briefly before getting up. “Wash off,” he ordered, climbing into the pool.

 

Kuronue stood unsteadily, his body not recovered yet, and entered the water. Kurama was watching him as he sat in the water. “What now?” he asked, unsure what to expect.

 

“After this?” Kurama asked, gesturing at the water. “We go to bed. In the morning, Bekka will want to make sure you're alright. We'll discuss what else then. There are some spare clothes over there.” After pointing to a ledge near the towels, he climbed out of the pool, dried off, and went to the bed room.

 

Kuronue followed more slowly, still unsure. When he entered the bedroom, he saw Kurama curled up around the girl, his eyes open, watching. Slowly, he crawled onto the bed, trying to avoid the kitsune.

 

Kurama watched as Kuronue tried to settle himself as far away as the bed would allow. Brushing his tail along the other's legs, he asked, “Are you afraid to be comfortable?”

 

“N-no,” Kuronue stammered, avoiding looking at his bed mate, “I didn't want to disturb you.”

 

“Make yourself comfortable, Kuronue. Good night.”

 

Tentatively, Kuronue turned on his side, facing the kitsune's back, letting his hand rest on the other's hip. Kurama grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, bringing his hand over himself and Bekka. Bemused, Kuronue said, “Good night,” to be answered by the fox's chuckle.

 

Bekka's mind was chaotic as she began to wake. Memories of the night before surfaced as well as an extra voice in her mind. The new mind, Kuronue's, she identified it, was confused, but content. Kurama's was content and amused as he nuzzled into her neck. “Good morning, sleepy head,” he whispered, “we have company.”

 

“Yes, I know, and you confused him,” she muttered back.

 

“I guess we'll have to deal with that over breakfast, then.”

 

A sigh, “So, who's making breakfast?”

 

A pinch, “You are, get up, already.”

 

Bekka rolled out of bed, glaring at the kitsune, then smiled at the bat behind him, “Good morning, Kuronue.” She left the room humming a jaunty tune Kurama recognized as one about exploding rodents and mulberry bushes.

 

“Come on, let's get up. It won't take her long to have something on the table. We'll explain things while we eat,” Kurama explained to the still silent Kuronue.

 

Bekka was frowning at the table when the entered the living room. “We're short a chair,” she announced when the two entered.

 

Kurama walked to his chair, pulling the girl into his lap, gestured for Kuronue to take the other chair. “Problem solved. Now, I'm sure you have questions for us, Kuronue.”

 

“Why did you bring me back here?” he began, knowing that the kitsune had a reputation for being a loner, bringing no one to his den. “Why is she here? What's going on?”

 

“I brought you back here because she would worry about you, and I didn't want to track you down. She is here because she has to be. She will tell you what's going on,” Kurama answered and then began eating.

 

Bekka frowned, “It's a long story. Short version is that I'm involved in some kind of game played by the gods. I was dropped here to learn to control my powers, controlling the elements, and to learn other useful skills. We both don't really have much of a choice about participating. And I think he brought you back here because he's getting used to having someone around.” She squeaked as Kurama pinched her. She glared at him and then smiled at Kuronue, “Any questions?”

 

“Gods? Game?” Kuronue shook his head, more confused after the explanation than before.

 

Bekka gave him a sympathetic look, “Don't worry, I don't fully understand it either and I've been involved for a long time. Do you mind if I ask a question?”

 

Kuronue looked at her, bemused, “Go ahead, I guess.”

 

“Do you fight like Raiden?”

 

Kuronue looked at the girl as if she'd grown another head before his eyes, “He taught me, yes.”

 

Bekka ignored his look and turned to Kurama, “He needs training, more than I do.”

 

“Fine, then,” Kurama replied, “you train him.”

 

“Excuse me,” Kuronue interrupted. When Bekka looked at him politely, he went on, “You were the first person to defeat Raiden and his group.”

 

“First and last. The point is this, if a little girl can defeat him, what chance do you stand against me, even if I don't use my powers? He came no where near landing an attack on me.”

 

Kuronue felt as though she were insulting him personally. He could feel his temper rising, “What do you mean by that? If it hadn't been for you using your powers, you would have been defeated!”

 

Bekka rolled her eyes, “Some gratitude.” She pinned Kuronue with a harsh glare, “If that's how you feel, then let's go to the dojo and see if you can defeat me. I'll not use my powers and you can use whatever you'd like.”

 

Kurama had to wonder at the audacity of the girl as she walked out of the room, followed by an irritated Kuronue. Curious, he followed. He didn't doubt the girl's skills, having fought her on several occasions, but he wanted to see how she'd play with Kuronue.

 

Bekka stood calmly in the center of the room as Kurama reached the doorway. Kuronue stood facing her, crouching. “Begin whenever you're ready,” Bekka stated calmly. This surprised Kurama because, rather than calling for a sparring match, she was actually challenging him to combat.

 

Kuronue lunged across the room, attempting to wrap his hands around the girl's neck. She ducked under his hands and landed a punch to his sternum, winding him. Calmly, she stepped away from him. “I have the advantage, Kuronue. If you don't calm down, I will keep it.” Kurama almost laughed. The girl was going to train him while he tried to kill her?

 

Enraged by her comment, Kuronue pulled his scythe from his waist, glad he had remembered to put it in there the night before. He threw it toward the girl, but she jumped over its arc, actually jumping over Kuronue and landing behind him, kicking him in the lower back after she landed. “A thrown weapon has the distinct disadvantage of having a predictable path.”

 

Kuronue snarled and swung around, fists flying, trying to hit the girl. She was no longer there, however. She was now standing calmly several feet away, waiting. Her actions were deliberately calculated to enrage the bat, seeing if he could control his emotions. She was not relying on anything other than simple observation to avoid him. “Rage and anger are the enemy, Kuronue. Master them, and you may stand a chance to defeat me, or even land an attack.”

 

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” he snarled at her.

 

“If you think you can do it, be my guest. I doubt, however, that you have even the remotest chance of defeating me.” She stood calmly, watching him draw in his scythe. She knew what she would do next, and it would end the match.

 

As she thought he would, he threw the scythe at her again. She ducked under the chain, grabbing it and pulled him off balance. In his rage, he was not prepared for this and fell. Bekka grabbed the handle of the scythe and brought it to his neck, “Your rage has defeated you, Kuronue. This is why you cannot defeat me. Are you willing to learn?”

 

Kuronue was shocked, “You used that empathy stuff,” he accused.

 

“No,” she countered calmly. “Anger makes people easy to read and predict. I didn't need to read your mind when your body told me what you were going to do.” She sighed, sitting back and putting the scythe on the floor. “Look, you have some skill, but unless you either learn to use them when your angry or control your anger, it's not enough. I know that when I'm angry, I fight very poorly. You can ask Kurama if you like.” She drew her knees up to her chin, wrapping her arms around her legs. “I don't want that stone to call me again. It hurt,” she whispered. “It hurt a lot.”

 

Kuronue pushed himself upright, looking down at the stone she'd given him, remembering her comments to Kurama the night before. He could feel the anger draining from him, shame at his actions replacing it.

 

“Stop that!” Bekka ordered, startling the bat. “Don't be ashamed because you reacted. You were confused and I taunted you. I actually did it on purpose,” she admitted, blushing. “We needed to clear the air if you're staying here.”

 

“If...” he looked at her, confused again.

 

Kurama spoke up, “How is she going to train you if you aren't here? Besides, she could use the training herself.” He ignored the glare Bekka shot at him, “You do still want to work with me, don't you?”

 

Kuronue's bemused face began to show signs of a mischievous smile. “Maybe,” he answered. “Do we have to share the girl?” he asked.

 

“Hey…” Bekka protested.

 

“I don't know, we may let her decide about that,” Kurama winked at them. He was beginning to get an idea that had nothing to do with the verbal play he was involved in.

 

“Oh,” Bekka griped, rising, “I am not staying here to listen to this!” She walked out of the room, or attempted to. Kurama grabbed her arm as she passed him.

 

“Have you ever been rock climbing?” he asked, mildly confused at the question.

 

Bekka picked up on this as she answered, “Ye-e-es. Why?”

 

“We're going rock climbing.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Training, my dear.” Bekka blanched at this, knowing there was more behind that word than met the ear. Kurama ignored her change in color and turned to Kuronue, “Care to join us?”

 

Kuronue was intrigued. He knew the girl was Kurama's student, but he didn't expect to be included on her training. “Sure,” he answered, getting off the floor.

 

The three left the den shortly afterwards. Bekka had changed into pants and threw her medical pack over her shoulder, just in case, she insisted, even though Kurama teased her about it. Kurama led the way, Bekka in the middle, Kuronue following them both as they made their way to the nearest quarry, a couple of hours walk from the caves.

 

Bekka didn't need to ask why they were going. She knew. Last night, she had demonstrated mastery over water, even if she had pushed herself too far in the process. Now it was time to learn earth. She didn't know just what he had in mind, but she was sure it wouldn't be fun. She didn't really care for rock climbing, even though she'd been, because she was still uncomfortable around heights. She also had the sinking suspicion there would be no ropes involved in this climb. She spent the time traveling trying to prepare for what lie ahead.

 

It was still too soon for her when they arrived at the quarry. Kurama gestured to one of the rocks with what looked to be a lot of hand and foot holds. “Well, let's see what you can do.”

 

She brushed her clammy hands on her pants as she walked up to the rock. Studying it a moment to find the best way up, she began. Her path zigzagged up the side of the monolith, many of the apparent holds being useless, or spaced wrong for her to use. Pulling herself over the top, she looked back down at the demons with her.

 

Kurama shouted up to her, “Well, can you get yourself back down?”

 

“Yes, of course,” she yelled back, turning to lower herself over the edge and begin her descent. A couple of the holds she had used on the way up were placed wrong for her to use them on the way down so her path changed directions a few more times. She turned around when she reached the base, standing akimbo.

 

Kurama walked up to her, something concealed in his hands, “Very well done. Now, do it again.” He placed his hands over her eyes, “Only this time, without your eyes. Feel the rock, use its energy to guide you.” He removed his hands from her eyes, leaving behind a clinging plant covering her eyes.

 

Bekka brought her hands up, “What is this?”

 

“Just moss, Bekka. I'll take it off when you're finished.” He turned her around, pushing her slightly so she was pressed against the rock. “Go on up, Bekka.”

 

Bekka could feel fear beginning to surface around the edge of her mind. She knew that giving in to it would only make this harder. She took a deep breath to steady herself and began to feel the rock for the hand and foot holds she had just used. Focusing on her limbs, she blocked out any other information, including the thoughts of the two accompanying her. She could feel Kuronue getting nervous and she did not need his anxiety added to her own. Slowly, she began to ascend again.

 

She was about halfway up when she missed her next hand hold. Her foot slipped as well, causing her to dangle from one hand. Her heart was racing and she wasn't sure if she had screamed or not. She focused on her hand, trying to somehow improve her grip, to make the rock help her. She could feel the build up of energy around her, within the rock and in her body. She focused on it, trying to make it do what she wanted it to do to make her climb easier.

 

Kurama and Kuronue watched from the base. Kurama could see a faint green aura around the girl as she climbed, flaring brightly when she lost her grip, darkening as she hung there. He felt Kuronue gather himself up to go after the girl and put his hand on the bat's arm, “Don't, she's doing what she needs to do.” He continued to watch as the green aura spread itself up and down from the girl, into the rock. A ladder-like pattern began to form within the green glow, forcing the rock to take that shape.

 

Bekka knew the rock was obeying her, but she wasn't sure if she could hold on long enough to make it down safely. Before the pattern could be fully imprinted, she tried drawing it in, recalling the energy she was sending out. Some of it came back to her, the rest scattering back into the rock. She slowly made her way back down, using the steps she had created to ease her journey. At the foot of the rock, she collapsed, exhausted.

 

Kuronue rushed over to the girl, gathering her up. He glared at Kurama, “How could you be so cruel?”

 

Kurama gently removed the moss from the girl's eyes. She had fallen asleep already, he noted. “It's not cruel, Kuronue. She needed to learn to use earth. I can see when she's using her powers. Had she not tapped into earth, I would have gotten her myself.” He took Bekka's hand into his own, looking at her fingers, “I may be capricious,” he said, “but I am not going to be cruel to my student.” Releasing her hands, he turned, “Let's get her to bed.”

 

The walk home was silent. Kurama was thinking over his reactions to the day. Why had he decided to go climbing today? Why had the girl's near fall cause his throat to tighten? Why had Kuronue rushed to the girl? What was happening to his previously well ordered world?

 

Kuronue carried Bekka, wondering what about her made him react so much. She had drawn out anger and compassion in one short day. In her sleep, she looked so helpless, but she had demonstrated, on several occasions in the short time he'd known her, that she was not. He looked at the kitsune leading him, wondering what other unexpected things he would learn about the quicksilver demon. His reputation was one of a heartless thief, taking what he wanted from where he wanted without conscience. But, Kurama just didn't seem that way to the bat. There was a lot more to him. Shrugging as well as he could with the girl in his arms, he decided there would be plenty of time for him to figure out the fox, and he had Bekka to thank for that.