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Second Try
By : kle10
Category: Yuyu Hakusho > Yaoi - Male/Male
Views: 5939 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3Disclaimer: I do not own YYH. - Chapter List
Disclaimer: I don’t own Yuu Yuu Hakusho, or any of its characters. Those belong to Yoshihiro Togashi-sama, who made a lot more out of them than I ever could have. ^^;; I just do fanfiction for fun, and earn no monetary rewards for writing it. Reviews are, of course, worth as much as silver.
Title: Second Try
Chapter Twenty-Four: Third Try (Epilogue)
Word Count: 13,031[Total Word Count: 175,697 ]
Anime: Yuu Yuu Hakusho
Pairing: KarasuxKurama, HieixKurama (one-sided), YomixKurama (one-sided), YukinaxJin
Warning: Suspense, violence, language, BL
Author: Kita Kitsune a.k.a. Kisnau (call me Fox!)
Date: Thursday, December 26, 2019Miscellaneous Notes: This epilogue has been in the works since I ended the official fic in 2015. :3 It's been worked on a little bit at a time, when certain scenes would want themselves to be written, hahaha. With Second Try, I had planned on a long, drawn-out sequel addressing the Makai arc and onward, but my energy ran out as I was more interested in writing other things! Fortunately for anyone who sees this notification and realizes it's NOT a glitch (phf!)... this is the true epilogue, incorporating some abbreviated aspects of what I wanted to do in the sequel-that-never-really-happened. :D
I think I'm done with this universe now, FINALLY. One last chapter (a nice, tasty 13K words) to bookend things... and torture you one more time, ahaha~
[ To think, it's been just over 11 years from when I first wrote Ch1 (and posted it in December 2008)! :o Geez I'm old, hah. :p ]
I welcome all fanarts (link me so I can put them here in the fic!) and leave the ending (after my final written in-fic word) up to your ingenious imaginations. 8'D
YYH Forever Fornever, my friends~ :3
[AFF folks I recommend you go to my Archive of Our Own (A03) profile listed under "Kisnau" to read this chapter and also for any new content. The formatting is not screwed up on A03 as I'm sure it is on FF and AFF! I'm also regularly posting/logging in on A03 from now on!]
: : :
~July through the following April, in Makai~
Yukina had nestled herself against a tree trunk in the cool darkness of Makai, Hiei preferring to roost in the same tree. They needed no fire for warmth, and certainly not for light, which would bring the curious. A small rustle caused him to glance down, and he saw Yukina take her birth hiruiseki out of a fold in the obi wrapped around her waist. It glittered softly in her hand, not quite glowing, but reflecting the moon well. He absently watched her for another moment, reflecting, before returning his gaze to the forest around them, idly scanning for threats.
They had been traveling together for some months, heading for the second-highest peak of Makai which granted the only bridge to Hyouga. Yukina had told him that this was how she had found her way off the floating island; The Maw of Ice, the bridge was called. It only connected once a year, for but a few days. Even then, it didn’t really connect, only floated close enough to allow someone to fashion a bridge if they really wanted to cross. Yukina had told him that the bottommost part of Hyouga was a dizzying network of strange passageways, and the other side of the bridge had the moorings for ropes. It would take a skilled shot, indeed, to connect any such ropes to those ancient fastenings. She had used her ice powers, and slid carefully down to the peak of the Maw of Ice; which was really a series of fang-like spikes of ice shooting up from the mountaintop. Ice was no worry for her, however, and so she had passed safely.
This is the place they sought; Yukina had had to wait on the opposite side, on Hyouga, for a few months before being able to cross without simply jumping off the island. As a result of this, she understood the time of year Hyouga would connect to Makai, and they had plenty of time to arrive there. Hiei had had no intention to return after his brief visit, before. He had found Hyouga solely by waiting it out on the highest peak in Makai – The Devil’s Dick – and jumping onto it as it floated past. He had, naturally, simply jumped off when he wished to leave.
But here they were, traveling to Hyouga together.
He glanced at Yukina from the corner of his eye, as they walked. Her right eye had never healed correctly, even after all Kurama and Genkai had done; Botan had even tried to help. It was a milky, pinkish color that clearly granted no sight and a stark contrast in her face to the remaining blood-red eye. Hiei’s rage and guilt at what Toguro Ani had done weighed heavily on him, even now. Yukina had been in Hokkaido to search for him, and this was the result of his fleeing his sister’s sharp insight into who he really was. If only he had stayed with her, had not left her side, had confronted his misgivings instead of simply running away – but it was all in the past, and unchangeable.
He would have to bear this guilt.
“’niisan.” Yukina’s soft voice startled him, and he realized she was staring back at him with her good eye; kind, and patient, and a whole host of things he would never be. She smiled at him but it was not in his nature to return it.
“Yes.” He acknowledged, gruffly, turning his eyes back to the road ahead of them.
“What happened with Kurama-san?” Hiei had heard this question many times, in different forms, over the course of their travels. He had seen fit to give her a general idea without providing too many details. Each time she asked this, it meant she wanted to know more about what had happened than he had already told her. Guilt for her injury still weighed him down, as did anger for Kurama not choosing him over Karasu. Karasu! Of all the demons… Was Hiei really that bad? Had he really hurt Kurama so badly as to be worse than what Karasu had done, in the tournament? The mere thought made him feel slimy; it had to be Kurama’s fault, that.
Yukina tilted her head, gentle but expectant. She would not let him get away with silence. He cleared his throat, feeling awkward and hating it.
“You know we were… involved.” She nodded, silent, giving him room to speak. He scowled; not at her, but at the memories this topic dredged up. “I left. He could not accept it.” Until he did; until Kurama moved on, and found himself ensnared by Karasu’s deceit and human play-acting. He growled softly, almost unconsciously, and Yukina’s prompting brought him back.
“Yes.” She didn’t push, but he knew he owed her more, this time. Gritting his teeth, he sought to just spit it out.
“He didn’t wait.” It came out like a battle taunt; tense and offensive. Yukina actually blinked at him.
“For you?” Hiei wanted to bite his tongue, but she knew anyway. “You… wanted him to?”
It sounded like a question, but Hiei knew better. A soft hand on his arm startled him, but he had enough self-control not to draw his sword instinctively. Yukina’s face was the picture of understanding.
“’niisan. Why did you leave if you didn’t want to leave?” This, he didn’t have an answer for, and so was forced to look away from her, off to the side, teeth digging into the corner of his mouth.
He had left because…
Why had he left? It wasn’t boredom, like he had claimed. Kurama had annoyed him, back then, saying…
“He said he didn’t believe me.” Hiei murmured aloud, and the hand on his arm moved to hold his fingers, lightly. He didn’t squeeze back. Her voice was like a blanket, soft and encompassing.
“Should he have believed you?” An aborted shake of his head let her know. Hiei’s scowl grew deeper, more intense, on the path at their feet.
He had been stupid. He had gotten scared. It had been all too much the same, too predictable, too… safe. Hiei didn’t know what to do with ‘safe’. It was something completely foreign to everything he was, and yet, with Kurama he felt safe. What a stupid, baseless, frivolous emotion.
Yukina seemed to pick up on this, and she squeezed his hand, again. His fingers twitched in response. He had pushed Kurama away; he had left without any niceties, any contact. His intention had been for Kurama to move on from him, but secretly… Secretly, deep down in a dark place where there was still a flicker of hope despite everything Hiei had ever been through –
Hiei had hoped Kurama would wait for him.
He knew, too late now, that he shouldn’t have expected that. That, maybe, it had been cruel of him to simply cut off all contact. But at the time – ! At the time, he hadn’t realized how much it would affect Kurama. Hiei had simply thought that Kurama would move on, easily; surely, as a youko, Kurama had had many lovers. Maybe, also, Hiei hadn’t thought himself worthy of such a response. The errant thought contrasted with who he was, how much power he had built up over the years and what he had told himself to stay alive.
But still. Here, in Makai, with Yukina knowing their relation, and offering comfort, even – maybe it wasn’t so improbable after all. He’d even brought up Yuusuke as a convenient excuse for his departure.
No wonder Kurama hadn’t waited; Hiei had had nothing to offer him but distance and pain.
: : :
~December, in Ningenkai~
It was a king’s message; the orb was unmistakable. It must be either Raizen, Mukuro or Yomi; no one had ever seen them, outside their retainers, but they were legends in Makai. As a youko, Kurama had stayed far away from all of them, lest some of their nobles want revenge for past robberies.
It was near dawn, but the dim lights overhead in the outside hallway still glimmered off the perfect sphere. The railing was ice cold on one hand where he gripped it, contrasting sharply to the gentle, swirling warmth in his other.
Kurama had graduated in July from Meiou, and was now in university. He couldn’t bring himself to travel far from his mother, lest she need him, so he remained in Tokyo. Coincidentally, Karasu was quite amiable to the idea of Kurama living on his own; purely for biased, personal reasons, of course. He was weary of his human family, among other things. Kurama had heard much talk about them, initially marveling inside at how easily (despite the annoyance at his ‘relations’) Karasu had integrated into his own little pocket of human society; at how normal he sounded, complaining about such things.
Over the past six months they had found their own sort of balance, a rhythm that allowed their days to pass with fair ease. There were still times where Karasu would stare at him, his gaze faraway and sunken. Often it only took a touch to pull him from it, but hours more for the haunted look to disappear completely. Not so often, it took more than a touch and several minutes of furtive observation. Less often still, it took Karasu’s name, spoken softly.
Karasu would not talk of his mother, or of what had happened with her. Otherwise, he freely shared, when asked, what he had done in Makai after leaving his home and before becoming the Toguros’ fighting slave. Out of respect for Karasu’s boundaries, Kurama did not use the Veritas Flower on him, again. Bui was still out in Makai, Karasu knew, but he had told Kurama that he had no intention of contacting Bui in the state of weakness he was in, now.
Between the two of them, they had managed a way to help Karasu regain more of his former youki. It still existed in his spirit, but his human body remained damaged by the bombs every time he tried to use them within close range. It was definitely a learning curve, but they had come up with a system where Kurama used his own youki to reach out to Karasu’s, and then intermingled it with the reiki humming in his human body (largely unusable for any of his Makai plants) before cycling it back into Karasu’s body. This was less because there was any real threat, but more for Karasu’s peace of mind in being able to at least defend himself, should he come under attack.
Kurama had told Karasu that to take a human life was inviting Reikai to come down upon him, and so he begrudgingly accepted that condition. The demons around the city, however, were another matter entirely and often Karasu would go out at night simply to dispatch them as a means to vent his more violent instincts. The humans couldn’t see them anyway, couldn’t smell the blood in the air or see it spattered on the walls, and that suited Karasu just fine. A panic would be quite annoying, and he didn’t need the police investigating such otherworldly violence. This also served as a means to test his abilities and find his own limitations, as he had vowed privately to himself to never injure Kurama again.
It would be too slippery a slope, and the madness that still licked at the edges of his mind would wait for any moment to take over. Centuries of wallowing in mental habits did not break after a mere year in the Human World. The fact they had even bent this far was somewhat of a miracle. That bending had only become possible after their fight had upset his psychology of life (in death, ironically), and the ensuing months in Ningenkai had forced Karasu to adapt to his new surroundings. Kurama kept him from that; simply by being alive, defying Karasu’s old code of living simply by living, and grounding Karasu away from his more familiar instincts. Kurama not being afraid of him, of trusting him enough to help him regain the use of his youki, of not expecting Karasu to conform to human patterns – it all grounded him. Should Kurama die – unlikely, given his power now, but still possible – Karasu would find himself thrust back into his previous mindset. Kurama was a boon, a balm, something he could grab onto with both hands to keep the world from fading into his prior insanity. It was a tenuous alliance with Karasu’s new self and his older one, but that balance had to be maintained if he were to keep this life.
Kurama would train with him, sometimes. Mostly close combat, as they were reasonably well-matched even despite Karasu’s human body not having the years of training his demon form had had. It usually ended well, and was quite stimulating. Nothing was prettier than seeing a high flush to Kurama’s cheeks from exertion, windswept red mane dancing wildly and a constant inward fight to grab him by the hair and drag him into a kiss. Karasu figured Kurama could tell when he started getting distracted during their spars, as Kurama often used this moment to deliver a hit past Karasu’s defenses before springing away, as though to both chastise him for daydreaming and to invite another volley of moves.
But for now, Kurama had left the bed they shared. Karasu had heard the quiet click of the front door, and assumed Kurama had gone for an early morning walk. When his ki did not move from near the front door, and the hours lengthened and dawn began to approach, however, he made his way out of bed to check on him. Upon opening the front door, Kurama was leaned over the railing, his back to Karasu. There was no doubt Kurama knew he was there, but he did not turn. So, instead, Karasu advanced on him, gathering the fox up in his arms and resting his chin on the crest of Kurama’s hair. Unable to resist, Karasu’s eyes half-closed as he inhaled, before remarking on the glow emanating from Kurama’s cupped hands.
“A message-ball?” Kurama was already tense, from whatever he had been pondering out here, so he just nodded.
“Hmm…” Karasu’s hands crept over the fox’s, hiding more of the glow than before. “Then let’s head inside and listen to it, shall we?” A sigh slumped Kurama’s shoulders as he nodded, turning in Karasu’s embrace to lean against his chest, Karasu’s heartbeat against Kurama’s ear.
“I suppose I shouldn’t put it off any longer.” Still, Kurama didn’t immediately move to continue back inside and so Karasu contented himself with burying one hand in that glorious hair to play with it, the other still wrapped securely around the fox. After a few minutes of this, Kurama finally pulled away and led them back inside. Karasu closed and locked the door behind him as Kurama headed over to the kitchen. Karasu had scarcely entered the room when Kurama threw the glowing orb at a blank section of wall, shattering it into pieces. Something ink-like spilled from the broken ball and climbed up the wall to form the outlines of a sculpted figure in perfect, life-size proportion; the youkai was tall.
“It’s been a long time, Kurama. I’m glad you’re alive. Then again, with this message-ball, I can only communicate one-way. I’d like to meet with you quickly.”
Kurama stumbled over his own feet as he tried to back away too fast, and Karasu grabbed him by the arm to protect the fox’s balance. Kurama’s face was ashen, distraught, and his arm was shaking minutely where Karasu was holding it. Listening to the message but now not taking his eyes off Kurama, Karasu waited.
“Thinking back, when we were together, we were both underdeveloped youkai. But I have become strong. Just a little more, and I’ll be able to control Makai.” A spark of fear – unmistakable, and something wholly unexpected in this sudden moment – showed itself in Kurama’s eyes. Karasu fought back the lust in him for more of that fear, instead pulling Kurama to him; the fox went without resistance, gaze unmoving from message-youkai’s stoic face with horrified, rapt attention.
“Raizen and Mukuro – I’m sure you still remember these names. They were the demons trying to rule Makai when we were born. Several hundred years ago, I came to be on par with them. I wish to surpass these two, and unite Makai. Kurama, lend me your strength. This time, lend me your help. Come to Makai for me; I believe you will. I forgot to mention that, a hundred years ago, I found the youkai who took my light from me.” Kurama’s eyes narrowed, at this, his body tensing, and Karasu found one of his own hands meandering into Kurama’s hair, smoothing fingertips over his scalp soothingly. He glanced back at the sculpted lines of the message-youkai, just in time for its final words.
“I wanted you to meet him, so I’ve kept him alive. I would like you very much to see him, as I expect it will make you laugh.”
The specter disappeared, and Kurama slumped against Karasu, hands clutching tightly to Karasu’s arms as he murmured.
“I have to go. Yomi… How could he have become that Yomi?” Kurama shook his head, and Karasu moved to lean his temple against the fox’s forehead, quietly thinking over the message.
“You were partners?” Karasu asked, eventually, and Kurama let out a tense huff.
“Centuries ago. I thought he had died of his injuries. That demon who stole his sight—”
“You ordered it, didn’t you?” It was a spark of insight, and when Kurama nodded it made Karasu draw him that much closer. A time when Kurama was cruel and calculating, ordering comrades’ deaths without conscience or morals… It was an incredibly attractive thought, the damage they could have wrought together. But Kurama was not that youko, now. He was different, and Karasu was different, and they found themselves here in Ningenkai, yet still thrown in the midst of growing tensions in Makai.
“He was instigating rebellion, radicalizing other members of the troupe to follow his lead, impulsively deciding to pull heists in high-risk areas without my permission… I couldn’t abide that.” Kurama’s voice was faraway but with a hint of steel; not apologizing for his past actions, just relaying them.
“Mm…” Karasu tipped down to steal a kiss, something that was still inherently demonic in him incredibly aroused by even the mere tone of Kurama’s voice as he reminisced. Kurama sighed, relaxing slightly into it and even putting a hand to Karasu’s cheek in affection.
“I have to go.” This, Karasu understood; the veiled threats and doublespeak had been obvious enough that Yomi was nowhere near as serene and harmless as he appeared.
“I am going with you.” Karasu responded, firmly, holding Kurama to him as the fox tensed, Kurama’s fingers digging into Karasu’s upper arms even as he pulled back to look at Karasu, aghast.
“Are you mad? You can’t. Yomi’s too powerful by now, he –”
“Has likely already staked out your mother’s house and knows of her, and if he knows of her, he knows of me.” Karasu interrupted steadily, smoothing Kurama’s bangs back from his forehead as he looked down at the fox; big, expressive green eyes filled with worry. It pulled an awkward smile to a corner of his mouth; Kurama, worried about not just Shiori’s safety, but his own? It was still so strange a thing to behold. “What is the harm in someone being there to watch your back?” Kurama’s eyes narrowed at him, his jaw hardening in that defiance that Karasu not-so-secretly adored.
“Yomi is one of the Three Kings; he is unimaginably powerful right now, with legions of followers and no doubt has only called me to him to cement my loyalty with threats and blood. He will threaten my family if I refuse; I know him too well, and he will not take no as an answer. He is dangerous.” Karasu felt the ghost of a smirk ripple over his face.
“I would rather be threatened face-to-face than in an ambush here in Ningenkai. If I go with you, you will be safer and I will be safer; would he dare to touch me, risking your wrath at such close quarters? Even if he believes himself to be all-powerful and omniscient, he is not.” Kurama bit his lip; the fear had never really left his eyes. Some base part of Karasu was jealous that Yomi could bring that look of terror out of his fox, so easily; but now was not the time for that.
“He cannot be allowed to become king.” Karasu soothed, leaning to kiss Kurama’s forehead, then his cheek. “I will accompany you, if only so someone you trust is around you. My youki is less than what it was before, but perhaps being in Makai will revitalize it and hasten my body’s acceptance of my demon nature. I could go there and become stronger, Kurama; strong enough to be of use to you.”
“That’s if your body reacts well to Makai air; it could completely reject it and be torn apart! Is that what you want?!” Kurama accused, eyes bright and fierce. Karasu simply smirked at him.
“Of course not; but I’ll not be left here, waiting while you are in danger. No matter how weak my youki is, my mind is still strong. I can help you, Kurama. I will not be left behind.” Kurama huffed at him, gaze still angry, but a little cowed, now; the fear had started to recede.
“This is a bad idea…” Kurama offered, almost petulantly, by way of paltry resistance, and Karasu chuckled, drawing the fox bodily to him and bending to give him a proper kiss.
“If you really didn’t want me to come, you would have fought harder.” He hummed that singsong reply into Kurama’s mouth, and grinned a little when Kurama bit his lip, hard, in revenge, while simultaneously pulling them closer together.
As risky as it was, Karasu refused to be left behind again.
This would not be another Hokkaido.
: : :
~April to June, in Makai~
Successful in crossing over into Hyouga, Yukina led Hiei through the odd passages at the base of the floating glacier. Eventually they came out on the topmost plateau, where the village was. The streets were deserted; any movement was the hasty drawing of curtains or closing of doors and hushed, fearful voices. It was just the same as the last time he had visited; nothing had changed, except the koorime growing more isolated and frightened of the world beyond their haven.
Yukina led them to a small house on the outskirts of town; she knocked on the door twice, gently, before sliding it open and stepping up into the genkan. Hiei followed, watching as she shed her shoes out of respect; he declined to do so. He looked around as she called out to the quiet house.
“Rui-okaasan? Are you here?” Yukina stepped up into the house proper, and Hiei followed silently. He watched as she inspected the rooms, finding no one. Visibly saddened, she turned to him with a small, strong smile. “We should wait for her to return.” For it was clear enough that the house had not fallen into disrepair, so someone must still be living in it. Hiei graced her with a nod, and retreated to the back of the house, which gave a view of the snow-covered forest beyond. Here, he settled on the raised veranda, took out his sword and began to sharpen it; it was due for maintenance, anyway. Yukina retreated inside; presumably, to begin to make a meal for whoever it was she was waiting for.
Hiei remembered what Yukina had told him of Hina’s death; it held no meaning for him, as he had never known her beyond the screams and tearful entreaties embedded in his oldest memory. Rui, he had met briefly, before – during his last visit. He hadn’t bothered to speak to her more than absolutely required. Yet, she was someone clearly important to Yukina, and a source of information about Hina that Hiei had dismissed after only a few words, the last time he was here. The last time, he realized Yukina was missing and no one knew where she was; he had to find her. This time, Yukina was with him.
Perhaps it would be different.
: : :
~Late July, in Ningenkai~
Karasu had to marvel at the deftness with which Kurama maneuvered his human life to accommodate Yomi’s demand for his presence. Kurama had arranged it so that the honeymoon trip he had booked for Shiori and Hatanaka would coincide perfectly with a university recess, and his younger stepbrother was to be staying with friends. The fox had told Yomi he would only be available for the month of August, thus putting limits on the time he would have to be in Makai. It was a prudent course of action, especially with an old partner who may have changed drastically in a thousand years. It was better to draw firm boundaries when dealing with Yomi, Kurama had told him. Karasu kept that in the back of his mind as they readied both the preparations for Shiori’s wedding and their trip to Demon World.
It was a classy, understated event. Shiori was beautiful, but Kurama moreso, dressed in a fine, light blue suit and tie for the occasion. Kuwabara, Yuusuke, Shizuru and Keiko were also there. Genkai had declined the invitation, but sent a large present that Yuusuke and Kuwabara had been roped into carting out from her compound. Hiei and Yukina were still in Makai, and hadn’t been heard from in months; Karasu wouldn’t have expected Hiei to attend, anyway. Even so, much as Hiei still cared about Kurama, social situations were not something the fire youkai could handle easily. It was just as well; a repeat altercation at Shiori’s wedding of Hiei attacking Karasu was likely not something Kurama would have wanted to deal with, anyway.
Kurama would be the one to give his mother away, per an adaptation of Western tradition. It had been Shiori’s request to have a beautiful Western-style wedding for her marriage to Hatanaka. Kurama had told Karasu beforehand that her wedding to his human father had been very traditional, and he believed the difference in ceremony underscored how this man would be different from, but not replace, Matsuo. It was all very heartwarming and slightly tedious, but for the glow on Kurama’s face as he walked down the aisle with Shiori’s hand wrapped around his elbow. At the end of the aisle, she gave his hands a squeeze before moving to hold Hatanaka’s, instead. Kurama took up his place to the side of her, mirroring the young Shuichi standing on Hatanaka’s side. There were one or two close friends of Shiori and Hatanaka’s up there, as well.
When the ceremony was over, Kurama’s friends gathered around him and offered congratulations in their own ways; Yuusuke and Kuwabara, by lightly rough-housing, Keiko by giving Kurama a sweet hug and Shizuru by patting him on the back. Karasu waited until the women pulled their respective boys-in-tow onto the dance floor to snatch Kurama up, himself. He didn’t want to cause a scene amidst the other guests (who might not be as accepting as Shiori about their relationship), and so retreated with his ‘hostage’ to a deserted room at the other end of the reception building.
He’d been waiting all day to get his hands on that fine suit and tear it to shreds. Sadly, it would have to remain intact at least until they got back to Kurama’s apartment, so Karasu made due by closing the door behind him and then dipping to give Kurama a deep kiss. His hands moved into that bright, soft hair, curling against the fox’s scalp and cupping Kurama’s face upward for a better angle. Kurama mm’ed softly against him, accepting the kiss and giving back what he received. Clearly, the stress of the day had taken its toll on Kurama nearly as much as Shiori, and here was a way to vent that stress, even if just a little.
Karasu felt a smirk climb onto his face, building as he broke away and nuzzled close into Kurama’s temple, enjoying the thrum of soft arousal from simply being so close. They had to get back, though; Yuusuke or Kuwabara would annoyingly come looking for them, and Shiori would miss her son. They hadn’t yet taken pictures, after all. So, instead of continuing, Karasu settled for speaking quietly into Kurama’s ear, words slightly obscured by red hair.
“I look forward to that honeymoon trip you arranged for them. We’ll have at least a week to ourselves before we need to head out to Makai.” Kurama chuckled softly, elegant fingers hooking around Karasu’s neck.
“Unless you change your mind about wanting to go, that is.” Karasu hmph’ed, and drew Kurama to him in a possessive hug, tucking the fox’s head under his chin.
“Never. I go where you go. If you don’t trust Yomi, I have no reason to.”
“Hmm.” Kurama canted a look up at him, almost smiling. “That’s sweet, coming from you.” Karasu felt a prickle of heat in his face, and looked off with a scoff.
“Sweet, how? I never said any such thing.” Kurama simply hummed and returned his hug, hands splaying along Karasu’s back as their chests pressed together.
“In your own way. I’m sure you’re jealous of Yomi, and that must be part of it.” Karasu bristled, sparking a gimlet purple glare down at Kurama.
“Jealous, of a blind goat who’s gotten too full of himself, lately? Hardly.” Kurama’s smile twisted into a grin, then.
“You needn’t be, anyway; I didn’t feel anything for him, back then. He was just a means to an end, but it seems he’s become obsessed with finding me again ever since he caught the youkai who blinded him. I’m sure the assassin cracked, and told Yomi exactly who hired him, all those years ago.” Karasu scoffed, again.
“What kind of assassin doesn’t take their own life after failing, rather than risk being found and giving away their client’s identity?” Kurama beamed sweetly up at him, this time.
“One who’s not as professional as you were, I’d assume.” Karasu grinned at him, all teeth, in return.
“I never failed a mission, that’s why.” Kurama’s eyes were amused.
“I suppose that’s something else we have in common, then.” He was talking about his heists, of course. Which reminded Karasu…
“Shall we visit any of your old caches, while we’re in Makai? I’m sure there are still plenty left, even if others have been broken into.” Kurama’s mirth turned secretive, but it still glimmered in his gaze.
“Perhaps. If we have need of them.” Kurama responded, loftily cryptic, and Karasu rolled his eyes as he gathered Kurama up in his arms again and nosed into his neck, leaving a harmless kiss there just before he murmured a reply.
“So difficult. It’d be much easier if you simply gave in.” Kurama’s soft laugh rumbled against Karasu’s cheek, from where he was positioned, and gentle fingertips carded up against Karasu’s scalp.
“I expect you’d be disappointed with that, however. I do so endeavor to keep you sufficiently entertained.” Karasu hmph’ed into Kurama’s neck, at that, and dared a sharp nip at a spot usually hidden by hair.
“Let’s get back. Any longer and I might require more than ‘entertainment’ from you.” Kurama’s palm smoothed forward to ghost over Karasu’s cheek, soft and affectionate even as Karasu squeezed him tighter into his embrace.
“All right.” Kurama’s voice was quiet and understanding, all teasing gone.
They went back to the reception hall. Kurama wandered over to his friends, Keiko leaving Yuusuke in a huff (likely for stepping on her toes) and grabbing Kurama’s hand for a dance, instead. Karasu had to suppress a smirk at Kurama’s sweatdropping, but obliging, figure as he disappeared into the shuffling crowd behind her. Kuwabara was off in a corner looking dejected, sipping at something and Shizuru…
“Fancy you still being around.” Ah, yes. Karasu turned with a charming smile, lifting a hand to her by way of deflection.
“Care to dance?” She eyed him, coolly, but eventually nodded, taking his hand and leading him to the dance floor. They settled into an easy waltz, elegant and effortless; it wouldn’t look odd if they talked, like this. His black suit, tie lacking, and her light, classy dress set each other off nicely, as well.
“Does this mean you’ll tell me why you didn’t kill me?” Shizuru offered, casually, brown eyes sharp on Karasu’s. He smiled, sweetly.
“You are Kurama’s friend. I only wished to silence you, not dispose of you.”
“Hm.” Her gaze didn’t relent. “You were planning to kill him, weren’t you.” Not a question. Karasu shifted, slightly uncomfortable with the topic being bared around so many listening ears, but he faced it anyway.
“Not at that time. I…” He had remembered his mother, and the similarities with Shiori had brought his mind back to that time. Karasu cleared his throat, upping the charm in his guileless smile another notch as he spun her gracefully, hand secure on her hip and the other holding her hand lightly, but strong enough not to send her flying. “It was unexpected. Kurama’s mother is very similar to my own, and the way she passed was not peaceful. I suppose I remembered the rage of not being able to do anything to protect her, back then.” Shizuru wouldn’t believe a word of it, she was too smart, but Karasu had to at least make the attempt to explain his killing intent away.
“…Half of that’s true.” Shizuru finally declared, eyes narrowing at him. Karasu chuckled.
“Astute. Yes, I drugged you to keep you from revealing my killing intent. At the time, it would have been inconvenient for Kurama to become suspicious of me. I couldn’t have all my hard work gone to waste for a single human woman.”
“And yet, if you had attacked Shiori, that would have done it.” Shizuru pointed out sharply, her voice harder now, but still quiet enough to avoid drawing attention. Karasu hummed in agreement, nodding slightly as he dipped her, grinning – a touch feral – into her face.
“Quite so. So perhaps your involvement was a blessing. I’m rather relieved you’ve made a full recovery.” Shizuru glared at him, one hand clutching at the curve of his shoulder as he drew them back up, to continue their waltz.
“Only because Reikai would have thrown you in Spirit World Prison for killing a human. Learned from your mistakes, did you?” Karasu graced her with another beatific smile.
“Yes.” Simply that, and Shizuru didn’t respond for a while. They kept dancing, into the next song, and he wondered when she would have enough to satisfy her.
“Sakyo.” Her voice had changed; it was soft, uncertain, and she wouldn’t look at him. How curious; he waited. “You knew him?”
“As well as any slave knows his master’s business partners, I suppose.” Karasu replied, easily offhand. Shizuru nodded, briefly, acknowledging the fact.
“What was he like?” Well, this was better than the suspicious questioning, at least.
So they danced, and he told her.
Later, as Kurama was directing the cleaning crew into the building and holding the last of the decorations, Karasu waited by the car, idly watching the night sky. All Kurama’s friends were still there, having helped pack up enough to let the cleaning crew start, and so he let them have their space. Eventually, they all trickled out to their respective ways home; Yuusuke and Kuwabara on scooters, no doubt racing them every chance they got. Shizuru took Keiko home (as her car was safer, and the boys might be at it all night – or so Karasu partially overheard). Shiori and the Hatanakas had already gone back to their house, shooed by Kurama who insisted he and his friends could clean up by themselves. Karasu had helped for a while, but eventually it was too many people to bother with, and so he had come out here when they were nearly finished. He doubted Kurama would begrudge him some time alone.
Sure enough, Kurama was the last to leave, successfully handing the rest of the job off to the cleaning crew. His friends had all left the parking lot, and now that they were gone, Kurama shot a weary, grateful smile towards Karasu as he hefted the last box over. Karasu moved aside from where he’d been leaning against the trunk, and opened it so Kurama could deposit the box cleanly. From there, task completed, he shut the trunk and grabbed Kurama’s tie, dragging him over for a kiss.
It wasn’t much; here, standing on asphalt in the dark but for the streetlights spotting the parking lot and the cleaners’ cars. Still, there was no one else around and Kurama indulged him by backing Karasu up against the trunk. Karasu’s hands found themselves in Kurama’s hair, as usual, and he bit the fox’s lip, hissing softly.
“Let’s go. I’m tired of waiting.” Kurama chuckled softly into his mouth, humming lightly and bumping his nose into Karasu’s cheek. When he pulled away, Kurama’s eyes were gleaming fondly up at him, despite the lack of light.
“Yes. It’s been a very long day.”
: : :
~Early August, in Makai~
There was a familiar, bone-deep flicker at the edge of Hiei’s ki, and he had paused and turned towards the source before realizing it. Yukina and Rui hadn’t yet noticed, still speaking quietly as they walked up ahead of him.
He flickered out of sight, up the nearest, tallest tree, and closed his eyes.
The Jagan glowed behind his headband.
…Gandara. Kurama was in Gandara. But something was – different.
Frowning, Hiei opened his other two eyes, gazing off towards the source of Kurama’s ki.
“’niisan?” Yukina’s faint call from below did not go unheeded, but Hiei was distracted. He jumped down, having learned all he could from the higher vantage point. Rui startled as he appeared seemingly out of thin air, but he ignored her, simply answering Yukina while he yet looked off in the same direction as before.
“Kurama is in Makai.” It had been likely close to a year since they’d seen each other, but who could be sure?
They hadn’t parted on good terms. Friendly enough, perhaps civil, but not good.
The corners of Hiei’s mouth tightened. Why Yomi, of all the kings? Yomi, who wanted to eat as many humans as he wanted… Why would Kurama ally himself with someone like that?
It took a moment, as it was less familiar to him and less dear, but Hiei noticed Karasu’s ki, as well.
It seemed to be more unstable than it had been in Ningenkai. Stronger, yes, but more of a threat.
His teeth sank into the corner of his mouth.
Hiei didn’t like this. Not at all.
Why had Kurama come here? And why had he brought Karasu with him?
Kurama may not love him anymore, but that didn’t mean Hiei wanted him in danger.
“Shall we meet with him, then?” Yukina’s suggestion caused Hiei to snap his head around to look at her, wide-eyed. Her expression was patient and sweet, lined with understanding.
If it had been anyone else, he would’ve dismissed it. As it was, Hiei hesitated, glancing in the direction of Kurama’s ki, once more. He didn’t want to put Yukina in danger; and, to a lesser extent, Rui, as Yukina cared for her.
Yukina said not a word, and simply started walking in the direction of Hiei’s distracted stare.
He didn’t need to say anything, so Hiei just let his shoulders sag with a soft, defeated sigh, and let his sister lead them. He only spoke when it was to correct the direction in which they were walking, as Yukina could not sense Kurama’s ki from this distance. Hiei only could because they had been partners for so long.
Partners, and friends, and eventually lovers.
Until he had ruined it all.
: : :
Jin took a deep breath and let out a happy whoop, soaring into the air with a laugh.
Makai, again.
Makai. Yukina was here.
He grinned, bright and toothy, and swooped back down to the ground, waving at Kurama and Karasu from above.
“Thanks for lettin’ me tag along! Sure you don’t need another friend at your side in there, Kurama?” Kurama smiled up at him, shaking his head.
“Take care of your business, Jin. We’ll see you later, if you want to stop back here.” Touya, quiet as ever, merely nodded and raised his hand. Laughing, Jin did some fancy circles in the air for fun (and to build up momentum) before dipping low to the ground, grasping Touya’s arm tightly and saluting towards Kurama as they flew off in the direction of Yukina’s ki.
It was clear as day to him; oh, how he had missed her!
The happiness of their impending reunion buoyed him up, even as something niggled at the back of his mind. He hoped he wasn’t intruding on her time alone with Hiei… But it had been a whole year! He missed her too much, and there was no way to send messages back and forth, since they were travelling. He hadn’t worried, because Hiei had toasted Zeru and that had been that, in the tournament.
But, damn! Jin missed her! He’d been patient for a whole year, letting her enjoy her family time, but honestly he just couldn’t wait anymore to hold her close and swing her around in the air with him.
His grin spread so wide it took over his whole face. The wind was with them, they were getting closer.
“Yuki-chaaan!” He cried, joyful and unrepentant as he held Touya’s hand tightly, twirling through the trees towards the beacon of her bright soul.
: : :
Hiei rolled his eyes, once two other parties made their ki known. Annoying former shinobi.
“Come.” He barked quietly to Rui, grabbing her by the arm and dragging her away from Yukina. The fewer bystanders, the better. The tall koorime looked down at him curiously, and he indicated with a nod of his head where Yukina had paused, her initial confusion – at hearing her name echo out from the forest before them – softening to recognition and delight.
“Jin?” She whispered, half to herself, and was rewarded with the sight of the Windmaster plowing through the trees, Touya in tow. His whole face lit up when he saw her; it made Hiei slightly uncomfortable, that level of emotion. Touya skillfully dropped to the ground as Jin’s arms swept Yukina up in them and they shot into the sky, to the sound of her surprised, tinkling laughter. Hiei eyed the height to which Jin was exposing his sister balefully, for a moment, before bringing his gaze down to Touya, and offering a nod of acknowledgment.
Touya smiled slightly, and walked over to them.
“He missed her.” Touya remarked, casual and glib as usual.
Hiei said nothing, just deadpanned at the obvious remark. Touya chuckled.
: : :
In the air, Jin twirled round and round with his dear koorime in his arms, pressing her close and holding her securely so she wouldn’t fall. She was laughing, in that sweet, darling voice of hers, her one good eye glowing and seagreen hair blowing every which way into her face, from the swirling currents he was using to keep them aloft. Her smile was more demure than his, softer and gentler where his was loud and brash, but the same look was behind it. He laughed, tumbling in the air currents with her held close and had no words for this; he was just so happy to see her after so long, and the wind’s reflective bounciness reflected this.
A small hand on his cheek made him pause, made him blink at her and Yukina beamed, a light flush to her cheekbones as she leaned in to gently kiss his cheek. Jin’s whole face went red, steam gushed out his ears and suddenly he couldn’t stop laughing even if he had tried. Her hands rested tentatively on his waist, and for the moment they just enjoyed their solitude, her ear pressed to his chest and his chin tucked protectively over her head.
They were high in the air, without a care in the world but for each other.
: : :
“Why is Kurama in Gandara.” Hiei wasted no time, his voice curt. “And why did he bring Karasu.”
Touya shrugged; the group of them were collectively ignoring the happy couple far above their heads; they’d come down when they were ready. Rui looked slightly apprehensive about Yukina’s safety, but said nothing.
“Beats me. But Kurama was called by Yomi.” Hiei’s eyes narrowed. Kurama’s past, then? “He obviously couldn’t refuse.” Hiei snorted, at this.
“Obviously. Do you know his purpose there?” Touya shook his head, sending Hiei a wry glance.
“You know Kurama. Mum’s the word – pun intended.” Hiei glared at him, and Touya smirked a little. “Come now, with all the time you spent in the Human World, you never picked up a sense of humor?” Hiei scoffed, turning his back on him.
“Ah…” Rui cleared her throat, and Touya glanced up at her; after a moment, he looked floored.
“Are you… a koorime?” Rui nodded, mistrust in her eyes and Hiei resisted the urge to roll his.
Again.
Touya looked amazed at his luck. He bowed his head politely, smiling slightly.
“My master was part koorime. He taught me all he knew about ice. It is an honor to meet you.” Rui blinked, as though she didn’t know what to do with this unexpected kindness coming from a male stranger. Perhaps she merely didn’t enjoy the implications of Touya’s master being yet another imiko, but who could tell? Hiei didn’t have time for this, and discreetly melted into the forest before flitting away towards Yomi’s city.
Yukina was safe with Jin, and Touya would keep Rui company; likely with idle ice chitchat.
Hiei had a fox to check on.
Surreptitiously, Hiei infiltrated Yomi’s estate, keeping a good distance from Kurama. The fox likely sensed him – as Hiei did him – but no guards came to take him away, so perhaps a year had mended some of Kurama’s anger towards him. Hiei stayed unseen and unheard, ki down so far that only Kurama should be barely able to sense him. He followed Kurama’s ki carefully, the back of his mind reflecting on how best to greet Kurama once Hiei knew he was alone.
Hiei didn’t apologize, but that same year with Yukina – and then Rui – had gotten him thinking. They reminisced about Hina, which Hiei suspected was stories largely disguised as reminiscing for his benefit. He hadn’t known her, after all. He hadn’t cared about her, but now, knowing what she had made Yukina live though, he hated Hina. Also, learning that Rui had been a force of will to keep Yukina safe when she was at her most vulnerable – and Hiei just the same but unknowing and elsewhere, unable to do anything – made him hate Rui a mite less.
Perhaps he’d learned something. Initially, Yukina’s presence, while welcome, had almost been… unwelcome. It was a strange thing to describe to himself, so he had described it to her. She listened, and offered counsel. Being who she was, Hiei was more able to accept it from her than if it had come from others. She asked him gently why he felt the need to run away from his stronger emotions. Hiei had been defensive, at first – had flit away, or made an excuse, and left. Eventually, it began to sink in that this was a pattern. A destructive pattern, at that.
Hiei hated depending on people. He hated trusting them. He hated not being capable of complete isolation; it was a weakness, he had thought. Yukina had tried to convince him otherwise, had empathized but been firm, and had gently directed his thoughts to places they hadn’t ever gone.
Kurama had been hurt. Those emotions were Kurama’s, but Hiei had to accept some of the blame, as well. Hiei had been the one who left without talking. Hiei had been the one to hide his ki so Kurama couldn’t even look for him. Hiei had been the one to go to Hokkaido to ensure he would not be found unless he wanted to be found.
And yet, they had still come for him. Yukina had known he was gone from Tokyo, and followed him. Yuusuke, and later Kurama; Touya and Jin. That foolish human boy with the demon water-blood had kept them busy while Yukina suffered. Hiei hadn’t been able to save her, himself. Jin and Touya had helped, Yuusuke had helped – even Karasu had helped, when it came to that battle with Toguro Ani that Hiei had heard about, afterwards.
Where was Hiei, during all that? Looking out for himself, fighting Mitarai with his own revenge and guilt in mind, with intent to kill, forgetting the consequences of killing a human in Ningenkai due to his rage…
Until Kurama showed up, and Hiei expected him to have a plan in two seconds.
Kurama.
Yukina had showed him that Hiei depended on Kurama. He trusted Kurama to have a way out. He trusted Kurama to solve whatever mess they had gotten into; and he usually did.
Hiei had not trusted Kurama with other things, enough. He had not been capable of it.
Yukina – he had not trusted her to be herself. He had feared the worst, and ran away before she was truly able to speak to him of their bond.
He should have stayed with her, and listened, before reacting.
He should have stayed with Kurama, and talked, before deciding on his own the best course of action. His selfishness had injured Kurama, and made him vulnerable to the machinations of Karasu. No matter that Hiei thought it was an abomination of everything for which Kurama had ever stood, because – was it?
Kurama was merciful, trusting, gregarious; he had learned that from his human mother. Kurama gave second chances, like with Uraurashima. Karasu had mended his ways, proven something beyond what Hiei could comprehend, and so Kurama still trusted him. Despite the seals, despite everything that had poisoned their interaction… Kurama now trusted Karasu.
Perhaps the fox would extend that courtesy to Hiei, as well.
It was too much to hope for their relationship to fail; Hiei knew this, knew Kurama didn’t love him anymore, knew Kurama didn’t miss him. It couldn’t be about that, if they were to move forward. It had been a year, and Kurama was still letting Karasu trail after him with his obsession. Hiei didn’t trust Karasu, was wary of tricks, but it was on Kurama’s judgment with whom he would involve himself. He should have respected Kurama enough not to throw a tantrum when Kurama’s decisions didn’t align with Hiei’s own interests.
It had taken him a year to realize that getting jealous over the fact Kurama hadn’t chosen him over Karasu would do nothing but drive Kurama further away. In the end, Hiei didn’t want that, and that fact outweighed his prickling pride. Kurama was the first person Hiei had intuitively trusted, and the first Hiei had sought out when he required assistance. He couldn’t throw that away; he had to fix this. If that meant not running away from Kurama, then – Hiei had no other choice.
…This would be uncomfortable.
: : :
Kurama sensed Hiei – of course he did – at the back of his mind. No one around him seemed to notice, however, and he sighed a bit. It had been a year since he’d last seen Hiei; everyone had seen him and Yukina off, when they left for Makai. They’d had no parting words, as everything between them was still rather raw. The last time they spoke, it had been after Hiei had attacked Karasu, still masquerading as Kanisawa, and revealed his scheming plot to all.
Kurama had been firm with Hiei. Even then, still undecided about what to do over the Kanisawa/Karasu mess, he had… Well, to be honest, he’d given Hiei a chance to talk to him. Hiei had been unable to speak, and yes Kurama knew it wasn’t entirely his fault. But coddling Hiei would not lead to him developing better habits, when it came to people. Someone had to draw a line somewhere. Kurama had felt less guilty about it, afterwards, when he found Yukina had realized who Hiei really was, to her. It eased his conscience, knowing Hiei would not be further isolated.
Truly, seeing them walk off together into Makai had been – bittersweet, at the least. A large part of the six months between Hiei’s departure up until the fight with Mitarai had been spent missing Hiei. And when he left, a small part of Kurama had wanted to go with him. Hiei was something special to him; and no, Kurama hadn’t lied when he said they were through as lovers. Hiei was not ready for what Kurama had needed from him; he’d realized rather belatedly that it hadn’t been an equal relationship, from the start. They were both at fault.
Still… Kurama had hoped, perhaps, that things might have gone differently. But those feelings were a year old, now, and Karasu had proven surprisingly compatible and even comfortable to be around. Karasu could fit into human society easily, if he wanted. Besides, Hiei hadn’t sought to contact him for all the time he’d been in Makai with Yukina, but that was likely for the best. Some time apart might allow them to come together again as friends, but stronger than they had been before.
Sensing Hiei this close was somewhat of a relief. The other option was and always had been that they would never see each other again; that their small foursome of a team would irrevocably break apart due to Hiei and Kurama’s troubles. (Which it had done, during those six months, actually.) However, if Hiei was approaching him now, it could mean… Well. No speculation would do any good, here. Kurama would try to find a moment alone, to see what Hiei wanted. He would feel better, no matter the outcome, if he could at least hear the words Hiei had been unable to speak, before.
: : :
It took until well into the night. Curiously, Kurama didn’t seek him out in Gandara, but rather slipped out the balcony of his bedroom and into the forest surrounding Yomi’s city. Hiei had no qualms with this, and followed him. He remembered some vague rumor of Yomi’s hearing being so great that he could hear everything within his city. Perhaps it was true, if Kurama was taking such precautions.
At last, the fox stopped near a large river; giant, jagged rocks outlining the edges of the banks. The sound might also deafen their voices, if Yomi could still hear this far. Hiei approached the fox from behind, but he knew Kurama sensed him. He came to stand next to him, and they both watched the river for a time. When it became apparent Kurama was waiting for him to speak, Hiei summoned his courage and did so.
“It was unfair of me.” He felt Kurama’s gaze fall upon him, slightly; regarding Hiei with one eye from the side, perhaps. Hiei set his jaw, resisted the urge to glance over to confirm, and soldiered on.
“I should not have… expected you to wait. It was unfair of me to presume you would. Yukina… has talked to me about many things. I… regret not speaking to you clearly. I made assumptions, and kept things inside, and did not share with you the truth of what was bothering me. I injured you. For that, I have regret. You are strong, Kurama; I thought you would be just as strong without me.”
“I was stronger when I was with you.” Kurama said, softly, when Hiei paused. Hiei chanced a glance up to him, and his red eyes seemed to be small pinpricks in the moonlight. Kurama granted him a wry, pained smile. “Not only that, but… I then grew stronger, being with you, Hiei. You always pushed yourself to your limits, and as I did not want to be left behind or become a burden, I did the same. You were always confident in battle; wasted no time. I have always admired that about you.” Hiei looked quickly away; it was too dark to see his face, but Hiei’s next words were not harsh.
“You… Kurama. I. I was not bored. You were right in not believing me. …I was unable to admit that.”
A great weight lifted off Kurama’s chest, at those words, and he closed his eyes to savor it leaving. He inhaled, slowly; keeping his emotions in check. His fingers curled into fists in his pockets, for some outlet of what he was feeling. To Hiei, Kurama’s ki did not change; Kurama kept it that way.
“Thank you.” Kurama uttered, in the end, voice nearly inaudible over the rush of river water. Hiei nodded, stiff and seeming suddenly tense. He was biting the inside of his cheek, though; Kurama could smell the blood. Kurama huffed a short breath out, trying to dissipate the heaviness that had seemed to fall over them.
“Is there anything else you want to say?” Kurama asked kindly, giving Hiei his final opening. Against everything, his heart was tense and quivering. It didn’t make a difference what Hiei said. But still… If Hiei wanted to say it, he should. If only because then Kurama would have hope that Hiei would find someone else, someday, and be able to say it to them, too. That was the only reason; truly.
“Kurama.” The war in Hiei’s mind came across in his tone; anguished and self-loathing. “I do not know what it is. I know what humans call something similar, and I have seen how they express it, but that is not what this is. Yukina has tried to help me see what it is, but I cannot. It is not the same as what I feel for her. But, Kurama. I do not wish us not to talk. I do not wish for Makai and Ningenkai to keep us separated; that is only an excuse. You were… are… the first person I could call a partner. Even before we brought Gouki in, I trusted you. You helped me after I attacked you, when any other demon would have left me to die or be eaten by lesser demons while I was unconscious. I do not want us to – ”
Kurama had stepped swiftly to the side, and fallen to his knees, wrapping his arms around Hiei.
Hiei froze, shocked silent.
Kurama’s face was pressed into the front of Hiei’s right shoulder, and the fox was shaking, minutely. In his disbelief, Hiei couldn’t bring his limbs to move. It was just as well; Kurama muttered into his cloak, after a few moments spent like that.
“I forgive you. Hiei. You don’t need to worry – I will always love you, my friend.” At this, something small and delicate inside Hiei’s chest seemed to implode, very softly. A warmth gushed out from it, and he choked on his next breath. Pale hands swept up, thin fingers twisting tightly into Kurama’s shoulder blades, mussing some of the long hair there. Hiei let his chin gingerly come to rest on Kurama’s right shoulder. Hiei stared, unseeing, at the stars, unaware of his own expression. No one could see it right now, anyway.
“Kurama.”
They clutched to each other; neither crying, but both overcome with relief – a new beginning.
~Early to Late August, in Makai~
The weeks passed. Hiei stayed just outside Gandara’s borders, lingering close while Kurama was in Makai. When Kurama left, so would Hiei, but this pause also gave Yukina, Rui, Jin and Touya a chance to determine where they wished to live. Hiei despised being tied down, but if Yukina were to stay in place with Touya and Jin to protect her and Rui – he could have his customary life back. If she were in one, safe place, Hiei could visit. He could still travel to Ningenkai whenever he wished, due to the barrier being down. There were multiple possibilities.
: : :
Karasu was wholly unimpressed with Yomi, as he expected Yomi was of him. They instinctively disliked each other, being both too similar and too different to ever be companionable. Further, Kurama’s distrust of him heightened Karasu’s distrust. He had a sense that Yomi would attempt to sweep Kurama away from his human life, given any far-fetched chance. Karasu ghosted Kurama’s footsteps, only being put off when Yomi inserted his guards between them. That much had not changed, even despite the Tournament declaring every demon was equal. Perhaps Yomi was simply too power-hungry to ever give up those poisoned dreams. Were he the type, Karasu might have pitied him.
Since Kurama was that type, Karasu left it to him, and fully basked in his suspicions. Any conversations between himself and Yomi were brief and tense; if Kurama was out of the room, they were even more stilted. That suited Karasu just fine. They were only here for a brief period, after all.
~Late August, in Makai~
Yomi had given him something with a strange taste. He’d said it was for Kurama, but he wanted Karasu to try it first to see if Kurama would find it palatable.
“And, of course.” Yomi had said, with the ghost of a smirk, all arrogance. “If you think I would poison him in my own home, by all means.”
It tasted bitter, but it’d been ten minutes so far and nothing had happened to him. Karasu brushed off Yomi’s weird quirks, and headed back to their room, feeling a sudden urgent need to check on the fox. Instead, he ran into Kurama in the hall, whose face immediately brightened upon seeing him. Karasu waved faintly, striding over to Kurama and dipping to kiss his cheek.
“You’re mine, aren’t you?” Karasu felt the need to ask, and Kurama’s confusion at the suddenness of the question melted away soon enough.
“Mm. I am.” Kurama dotted a kiss on Karasu’s jawline, in return, and gazed softly up at him. Karasu considered him for a moment, tilting his head slightly, before smiling slowly.
“Good.”
The wall beside them exploded inward, covering them in dust and debris.
: : :
“Karasu?” Kurama called out, panic evident in his voice as he groped around, trying to catch his arm. What in Makai could have –
“I’m here, Kurama.” A familiar voice in his ear crooned, and long fingers sank into his upper arms, pulling Kurama away from the rubble and mess. A surge of fear came from nowhere, and Kurama pushed it down as irrational. Karasu wouldn’t have –
“Are you all right?” Kurama asked abruptly, turning to look at Karasu behind him. “That could’ve been an attack, we should – ” The hands on his arms tightened, just as Kurama’s voice died in his throat as his eyes widened.
Karasu’s black hair was flickering gold in places, his eyes faraway and sunken, with bits of red sliding over his dark gaze like quick koi in a black pond. The smile Karasu wore was… nostalgic?
“I want to keep you.”
– terrifyingly so.
Kurama felt a chill of recognition right before a bomb went off in his leg. On instinct, he pushed away from that grip and threw a seed between them. It germinated instantly, coiling around Karasu’s body quickly enough to prevent him giving chase as Kurama dragged himself down the hall, favoring his uninjured leg.
A frustrated snarl echoed down towards him, there was another explosion and he hurried further down the hall towards Hiei’s ki. It – he – no – it couldn’t – Karasu was past this, what could have possessed him to – was it Yomi? But what could Yomi have done to Karasu to make him –
No. Wait. Think about this. Stop panicking, and think.
Karasu’s hair flickering gold. His eyes, like that. Kurama had seen them like that, before.
Kurama’s breath left him in one horror-stricken moment as he realized.
…No. If that was – if Karasu was now – shit. He had to find Hiei. The Jaganshi hadn’t left, Kurama could feel it, if he just thought of Hiei hard enough, if he kept hurrying down this hallway to him, if Hiei still cared enough about what happened to Kurama –
Until this madness passed, he was the only one Kurama could trust right now.
“Let me save you, Kurama~”
Karasu’s lilting tones were getting closer, and Kurama thought as hard as he could, throwing seeds out behind him, growing them up instantly to at least slow Karasu down as he hobbled further towards the familiar beacon of Hiei’s dark ki.
Hiei!
: : :
Hiei!
He’d heard the explosions, and turned, pausing on his way out, but then Kurama’s ki flew at him full-force in panic and desperation, calling out to him, and Hiei ran.
Hiei raced down the hallway as fast as he could, making hairpin turns, trying to find the quickest way to Kurama through the endless passages in Yomi’s estate. Kurama was close to the sounds of explosions that were growing ever-nearer. His first thought was Karasu, of course, and Hiei hissed through his teeth in annoyance. Stupid!
In the end, he just caught sight of Kurama, the fox’s back to him, and called out.
“Kurama! What’s – ” Kurama had turned to look at him, and in that moment Karasu appeared out of the smoke of smoldering plants in front of Kurama, his face a mask of twisted glee. His fingers twitched, and something in Kurama’s gut splattered outward as the fox fell.
It seemed in slow motion.
“No!” The sound tears from his throat and Hiei’s moved before he can think.
The past month flashes through him, like a dream; showing up at Yomi’s for Mukuro, shooting banter back and forth, Karasu’s presence like a specter in the corner of his mind –
Only for it to come to this?!
“Kurama!” Hiei’s hand is cradling the back of Kurama’s head, his eyes too wide, he can feel it. Green eyes are hazy, filled with pain and Kurama’s stomach is an open wound. One pale hand holds his intestines inside, survival youki already knitting the injuries back together.
Despite the mending, it still hurts, but it’s not from the pain that Kurama’s face crumples with helpless, despairing laughter, his other hand coming up to press against his own face, hiding one eye. The other sees-but-doesn’t-see Hiei, and the feel of it shakes Hiei to his core. Gingerly, he puts his other hand over the one on Kurama’s stomach, and looks up with hatred.
Karasu’s smile is crooked, his eyes drooping, his fingers twitchy. There’re flickers of gold at the ends of his hair as he advances, so slowly, from further down the hall. The destruction behind him is still burning, and the sound of it echoes.
“Kurama.” Karasu intones, sickeningly sweet. “Come to my side.” Kurama’s breath catches, slightly, and Hiei’s jaw hardens as he feels it; not daring to look away.
“Stand. Down.” Hiei manages, low baritone like a sword cutting through the air mercilessly. Karasu simply smiles at him; it looks wrong, and the red madness hovering in his eyes is too perfect a reminder of the Dark Tournament’s finals. Karasu’s smile widens to a grin, showing teeth. His hair flickers gold in more places.
“He’s mine, Hiei. He said it himself. Give him back to me.” Instinctively, Hiei’s hands tighten on Kurama, half-lying in his lap, Kurama’s long legs splayed out on the ground. One of them has been blown apart at the shin; a bad injury, restrictive, and enough to slow anyone down. Kurama tried to run, and now there might be a growl in the back of his throat before Hiei can stop it. Karasu just chuckles, his head rolling to one side; he never stops watching them.
Something is wrong, here. The Karasu Hiei left behind in the Ningenkai with Kurama wasn’t like this. The Karasu he’s recently seen in Makai wasn’t like this. His youki is stronger; exponentially so. In the Human World he was more human. Could it be that the Demon World gradually made him more demonic? Hiei grits his teeth, grinding them in the back. He knew it was a mistake for Kurama to bring Karasu here. The Ningenkai’s influence had made him saner, less of a threat. But here…
“Kurama.” Karasu croons the name, real affection warring with perverse intent. He holds out a hand, his eyes shimmering with emotion and madness.
It would be a simple move for Hiei to fight him. Everything in Hiei wants to fight him, but… Kurama hasn’t said a word. Hiei risks it to look down at him, and immediately regrets it. The look in Kurama’s eyes isn’t terror, but… Sadness. The fox manages a smile up at Hiei, when he notices him looking.
“You’re always there for me, aren’t you?” Hiei bites back any words; it’s not his place. Kurama made his choice. So, shortly, Hiei just nods. Kurama’s smile widens a little, and he leans forward, putting the hand from his stomach onto the floor to help steady himself. “I need to stop him.” That’s softer, less audible, and Hiei hisses at him but Kurama shakes his head, dismissing any imminent protests. “Help me up. It’s healed enough for this.”
Hiei really doesn’t like this, but he follows Kurama’s wishes anyway. He eyes the still-gaping wound (nevermind that it’s stopped bleeding) in the fox’s stomach as they struggle to stand together. Kurama’s arm is propped over his shoulders, and with the height difference the fox is still stooped. A side-glance away from Karasu, who’s paused, reveals Kurama’s eyes set with determination.
The grin on Karasu’s face falters. Kurama lifts his head, facing him head-on.
“I’m not afraid of you.” Kurama says, gently, and something in Hiei’s chest clenches at that tone. Karasu’s face, in contrast, twists to the side in an ugly way as he sneers.
“You should be. I’m going to kill you.” Karasu advances another few steps before he stops abruptly. He seems less confident than before. Hiei concentrates on keeping an eye out for more bombs; it’s better than ruminating uselessly on Kurama’s insane streak.
“Are you?” Kurama taunts, but lightly; like he’s just saying it to call Karasu’s bluff. Hiei can’t help but glance at him – still no fear, just unyielding determination. Hiei doesn’t understand this, but if Kurama wants to play it this way, he’ll allow it… So long as Karasu doesn’t attack him again. Hiei stays vigilant, tensed for any sudden movements or unexpected bursts of youki.
Karasu's smile turns beatific. He raises a hand –
“If you do that, you’ll never see me again.” Karasu hand freezes, at Kurama’s sudden, low words; Karasu stares.
“Is that what you want?” Kurama continues, asking. Karasu hesitates, and Hiei can see a small smirk fighting to appear at the corner of Kurama’s mouth. It disappears when Kurama speaks again, though.
“If that’s what you want, then go ahead. You won’t kill me. But you won’t ever see me again. Karasu.” Kurama’s voice dips low, again; serious and threatening.
“If you attack me now, everything we had is lost. Which is more important to you? Destruction, or me?” Against all reason, Karasu still isn’t attacking. The situation itself is more insane than Kurama’s ridiculous strategy. Hiei stays quiet; he shouldn’t be here for this. He really doesn’t want to be here for this, because honestly he’d rather Karasu attack them so he can get Kurama the fuck out of here.
He’s always hated the way Kurama gambles his life.
Karasu’s grin comes back. His eyes are still mad.
“I’ll find you.” Kurama smiles to that assertion, grimly.
“You won’t. The Zense no Mi restores your previous self. It starts like this – makes you lose yourself in old power, makes you forget who you’ve become. Control it. Or do you think Reikai won’t be watching, this time? The first human you kill will be your death sentence.” Karasu purred, leaning forward and advancing another few steps. He was halfway across the distance to them, now.
“Then let us die together, Kurama…” Kurama straightened; standing upright without Hiei’s help. It didn’t look like it was costing him, but Hiei knew it was, and didn’t move from his place at Kurama’s side.
“No. There is no reunion in death, for us; only oblivion. Which is more precious to you?”
“Kurama…” Karasu’s eyes hooded, and he stepped forward. Placing a hand on Hiei’s shoulder, signaling for him to stay there, Kurama stepped forward, as well. Their eyes were locked; green on purple that had been all but burnt to blazing red.
“What do you want most in this world.” Kurama stated, quietly; only an arm’s length away from both of them. He raised a hand to his hair, withdrawing a rose. He didn’t transform it, simply held it angled aloft, by his own face; ready to draw. Hiei watched his back, everything in him against what Kurama was doing, but bound by respect for his friend. It was Kurama’s choice to do this, much as Hiei hated it. His hands had curled into fists at his sides, wiry body still ready to flit in at a moment’s notice.
Kurama’s blood had cooled on Hiei’s shirt, causing the fabric to stick to his skin, and Hiei was acutely aware of it. Kurama was not invincible; this was something Hiei could not afford to forget.
: : :
Kurama’s green eyes were solid and unflinching.
Karasu didn’t understand.
The last time, in the hallway with Bui to distract Kurama initially… They had been terrified. Where was that terror, now? Why wasn’t Kurama tense and quaking before him? Where was the smell of fear coming off the fox that had been so enticing to him, before? Eyes narrowing, he took a deep breath in, feeling the power crackle along his nerves, bleaching his hair more with every breath.
It was intoxicating. It felt like forever since he had last held this power at his fingertips.
Kurama…
He stretched out a hand, stepping just close enough for his fingers to touch Kurama’s cheek.
Kurama’s eyes never wavered. The air itself was taut.
Karasu smiled giddily, moving yet nearer so he could cup Kurama’s cheek.
The brush of petals against his jaw made him pause, and half-glance slightly down.
The rose was against his jawline, thorny stem and Kurama’s encircling fingers mere centimeters from his throat. Green eyes matched his, a soft despair licking at the edges of them, but still no fear.
“Choose. Which is more important to you?” Karasu felt something collapse into itself, inside of him. He smiled broader to cover it, eyes drawing wide with an intimate whisper.
“Will you kill me, Kurama?” The wilting hope in the gaze across from him shimmered in the light.
“Would you rather that?” Kurama responded, tender and yet aloof, his head tipping slightly as his eyes changed, growing cold and unreadable. Something tightened in Karasu’s throat.
“I cannot have you… You have always run from me…” Karasu said this, for some reason; his mind was foggy. There seemed to be something he had forgotten.
“Not always.” Kurama murmured quietly; their faces were barely a hand’s breadth apart, now. Those green eyes would not relinquish his own; they hooked into him, pulled him towards something.
“Kurama.” This close, Karasu could really appreciate him. That defiant beauty drew him in like a moth, his other hand sliding back into Kurama’s hair. His palms itched for a bomb to manifest, and yet –
And yet, Kurama did not back away. And yet, Karasu did not attack.
The moments stretched on. He lost awareness of the Jaganshi watching them, wary and angered.
All at once, the power dropped out of Karasu like a stone. He stumbled in surprise, staggering at the sudden loss, clutching to Kurama as he pitched forward. The rose fell as Kurama let it go in favor of grasping at him, steadying their descent to the floor. They landed hard, kneeling, and a hiss of pain penetrated Karasu’s mind through the cloying feel of power dribbling from his body.
But Karasu was not in pain.
Karasu jerked his head up, eyes wide. Kurama’s pinched expression greeted him, the fox’s ragged breathing boding nothing good.
“Kurama!” It was a loud shout from Hiei. The Jaganshi had flit abruptly close to them; Karasu caught a glimpse of stricken red eyes. He looked away instantly, when Kurama slumped wearily over onto Karasu’s shoulder for support. Kurama’s hands were shaking, holding onto the sides of Karasu’s long coat. Black hair mingled with red as Karasu leaned his temple onto Kurama’s head, gathering the fox to him and feeling dread low in his gut as he recognized the smell of blood.
Kurama’s blood.
Karasu’s fingers tightened in Kurama’s hair, pressing into his scalp as his other arm wound around behind the kitsune, holding him close as Karasu let out an explosive breath. His fingers tightened into a fist in the back of Kurama’s shirt as he remembered, and he glanced up. Hiei was still kneeling across from them, eyes hard and suspicious.
Karasu smiled at him, thinly.
“Yomi will pay for this.”
Hiei actually blinked, but then was unable to keep a responding smirk off his face.
“Hn.”
For once, they agreed.
~The End~
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