Far out in an abandoned land where civilized individuals have never been. Where the toughest warriors have dared conquer . . . and failed; a stretch of desolate plain rose up behind the lush forest in the deepest portion of the island. Rocks and giant boulders graced the dry earth. The air was warm and heavy, as if choking any living being who breathes with it.
In the middle of this place was a small group of heavily armed men. Their wide frames clothed with thick armor, clunking at each move. Emitting a sound which perhaps a sign of authority to the poor couple they were escorting.
Two captives. A man and a woman.
The woman walked slowly. Her appearance bathed with extraordinary beauty and her eyes, the color of gold, now glistening with both pain and fear. Her long black hair was plastered on her sweat drenched face. Her breath was short and labored as the glaring mid-afternoon sunshine burned her skin.
Without warning, her knees trembled, exhaustion sweeping through her.
One soldier gripped her slender arms and dragged her forward. Sharp pebbles pinched her soles, creating small but painful wounds. She bit her lip, tears threatening to fall once more.
The male captive couldn’t do anything but watch. Silently, he blamed himself for her suffering. Suffering that was fueled by a thousand years of endless fighting.
The story of the warring tribes of the south dates back to the time of the merciless warrior Seiroku who tried to conquer a progressive and peaceful land known as the Konokai. That place was reduced to ashes and the people almost wiped out. In retribution, the survivors of the tribe tortured and killed the warrior’s family.
That incident turned the warrior’s tribe and the Konos into bitter enemies.
That event started out a cycle of hate and revenge.
The male captive looked at his girlfriend with pity.
Her name is Kaizuri, the only daughter of Noboru Ozawa, a direct descendant of Seiroku.
He’s Toniichi from the land of Noshiba --- the place were the Kono tribespeople rebuilt their town. Yes, he’s a Kono. The same people whose country was ravaged and torn by the merciless conqueror.
They knew right from the beginning that their relationship was forbidden. Anything forbidden is always condemned and anyone who allows it shall be dealt with extreme punishment.
"But I love her dearly.", Toniichi thought. " I love her so much that I found the strength to break our law."
"Move it!", one guard roughly push him forward.
He gritted his teeth as he struggled to keep his balance.
For days, the group journeyed on rough land, trekked through hills and mountains until they reached and old but sturdy structure made out of solid rock.
The guards took their captives inside and from the main hall, they broke into two groups with one prisoner each. Without any word, the groups took the opposite wings.
"Toniichi . . .",her eyes wide with fright, her lips quivered at each syllable
Toniichi pleaded with the guards. "Please let me be with her. Don’t take her away."
"We can’t do that.", was the firm reply. " The chief made a direct order to lock you in different chambers."
"No please . . . .", he choked. " Kaizuri . . .!!!"
"Toniichi … help me!!!!"
The guards dragged Kaizuri into a small chamber at the far east wing of the building. One opened the door while the other unbound her wrists and tied her ankles securely with a heavy chain.
Kaizuri’s eyes widen as she felt herself being dragged inside.
"No please! Don’t leave me here!", she cried. "No . . . Nooo!!!"
Wham!!
The iron door swung shut . . . .
. . . and she was plunged into total darkness.
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That was two hundred years ago. I, Kaizuri Ozawa, sat here on the cold gray floor here in the dark chamber were they imprisoned me. Left me for good either to die or bear the pains of a prolonged life.
Yes, I sat here for so long, waiting for a perfect opportunity.
One soul. One body. My freedom.
It won’t be long. I could feel it.
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"Yusukeee!!!!"
The spirit detective winced at the sound of that voice.
"Yusuke! Where are --- oh there you are!", Keiko exclaimed, as she walked towards him.
He watched her move. It was like in slow motion, her shoulder length brown hair flew in waves around her face. Her short sundress swirling softly around her slender legs.
Yusuke couldn’t help but smile. She’s too good to be true. She’s so beautiful, so understanding, and loyal and patient --- well almost. "Boy am I lucky to have her.", he thought.
What’s that for?", she asked suspiciously as soon as she reached his side.
Yusuke shrugged and smiled. "Nothing."
Keiko raised an eyebrow. "Anyway, dinner’s being served already. The others are waiting."
Yusuke leaned on the white railings on the upper deck of the ship.
The group, minus Koenma had decided to join the cruise touring each week around the South Pacific chain of islands. Today marks their fifth and second to the last day on tour and so far, their time and money was well spent.
The others were waiting at the dinner table when the couple walked in. Kuwabara doesn’t look too happy, though as he was glaring at a steaming dish of steak.
"What took you so long?", he demanded, quickly snatching up his chopsticks.
Yusuke shrugged as he seated himself in between Shizuru and Hiei. "’just took a walk on the upper deck. Fresh air, twinkling stars, good ambiance, he, he, nice lassies. The view’s awesome and I guess I got ---- uh, what’s wrong?" He looked at the others inquisitively, upon seeing the funny look on their faces.
Kurama smiled faintly and merely pointed at something behind him.
Uh, oh. Yusuke slowly turned around and wasn’t surprised to see a furious-looking Keiko, standing stiff behind him with her arms crossed. He grinned sheepishly, rising from his seat to offer it to her.
"Thank you, Hiei.", she interrupted as the fire demon motioned for her to take his chair.
Yusuke blinked as Keiko went past him to sit on Hiei’s chair. As much as he wanted to grab and strangle the koorime’s throat, he couldn’t bring himself to it. For the first time, he felt so humiliated. Imagine this hot-tempered demon turned out a better gentleman than he is?
"Shit!", he cursed himself silently. "Is it me or is it Hiei? Maybe he’s drunk or something. Possessed probably . . ."
There was an uneasy silence.
Botan cleared her throat. " Um, dinner’s getting cold . . ."
"You’re right! I say we start digging in!", Kuwabara exclaimed, a little too jovial.
But it worked though. And soon, the group ate their meal, chatting animatedly as if nothing happened. Yusuke would occasionally lapse into silence. Nobody took notice of it however. And the incident earlier was never brought up.
An hour later, supper was over and the girls proceeded to the lower deck where an exclusive all-female gathering will be held. The boys, on the other hand, decided to check out the view on the promenade deck.
It was around eight in the evening and the sky was clothed with a velvet line of clouds sparsely decorated with shining stars and constellations.
Kurama leaned forward on the white railings, his gaze following the smooth ripples of ocean waters as they give way to the magnificent form of the liner. "I’m glad we went on this trip. Its been so long since we had a good relaxing time like this."
"Yeah.", Kuwabara agreed enthusiastically. "The ship’s awesome. Food’s great. Not to mention all those pretty ladies we met yesterday . . . of course my Yukina looked a hundred times better." He added quickly.
Yusuke closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled the fresh salty air. He could’ve been saying the same things right now but the incident ruined his spirits tonight. For some strange reason, he was being consumed by guilt. It was just a silly and shallow mistake any young man commits. But . . . maybe he’s bothered because he was getting paranoid. Or maybe . . . . . a bit threatened.
Out of the corner of his eye, Yusuke glanced at Hiei who was, as usual, having a heated argument with Kuwabara.
"Huh?!", he jumped in surprise as a hand clamped on his left shoulder. "Kurama?"
The kitsune looked at him seriously. "You and Keiko had been together for almost all your lives. She had proven to you many times how much you mean to her. I think this is your call to trust her now. Don’t worry about that little misunderstanding earlier. She’ll get over it. And besides . . ." Kurama paused to look at Hiei. " Even though he may not fully understand it, I know he respects your relationship a lot."
Yusuke sighed. " You’re right. Thanks."
"You’re welcome." Kurama smiled, but then it quickly faded. He stood still, as if groping for a presence. Suddenly, he whirled around and looked about as if searching for an enemy. " You heard that?"
Hiei and Kuwabara stopped arguing.
"Heard what?", the koorime asked.
The words were barely out of his mouth when a loud rumble shook the cruise liner. Those people on the same level were alarmed as the ship made a dive.
"Downstairs!!", Yusuke was on his feet in a flash.
Kuwabara sucked in his breath. " The girls!"
All four dashed down the stairs to the lower deck. But it wasn’t easy. Compared to the posh and comfortable halls of the ship, right this minute, the place seems like a huge maze.
Furniture were in shambles. Passengers were now in panic, rushing, screaming and scrambling up to the top level.
Desperate to know the cause of confusion, Yusuke gently grabbed a middle-aged woman. "What’s going on?"
The lady appeared agitated. "Oh, the water’s coming in so fast! Uh, t-there’s a man oh, no! A beast! Oh it was so horrible ----"
The reikai tantei didn’t wait for her to finish. They braved the sea of panic-stricken people and took the way to the stairs to the bottom of the ship. Questions whirled in their heads. Is the boat sinking? Who’s the beast the woman’s talked about? Is he a youkai? Are the girls alright?
"Guys!!"
They looked ahead and saw two young women rushing to them.
" Yukina! Shizuru!", Kurama yelled.
"What happened? Where’s Keiko and Botan?", Yusuke asked in a rush.
" A youkai suddenly attacked us. He wrecked everything in sight. I believe he’s still down there.", Shizuru related, slightly out of breath.
" We looked everywhere upstairs but we haven’t seen the two of them.", Yukina said.
" Look, the two of you go back upstairs and reserved a lifeboat. I believe this ship’s sinking. We’re going to the bottom and find Keiko and Botan.", Kurama instructed.
The two hurried off while the four proceeded down the stairs.
They were shocked to see the state of the lower deck. Lights were sparking. Everything was soaked. From expensive china to tables and chairs and even the curtains. Water was up to the knee. The four waded unto the chilling waters and froze as a loud explosion rocked the ship once more. The smoke cleared and the reikai tantei was aghast to see a large gaping hole on the right wall of the hull.
Standing on top of one of the chairs was a beast. A water youkai covered with slimy blue-green scales who was one of the wanted list of Reikai given to the group a week ago.
Yusuke gritted his teeth and quickly posed to gather up his firepower. "Rei-G -----"
"No!!", Kurama held him back.
"What do you think you’re doing?"
" Your Rei-Gan might blow up the entire ship!", Hiei answered.
" Hiei’s right.", Kurama said. " the two of you go find Keiko and Botan. Leave this youkai to me and Kuwabara. Don’t worry we could take care of him."
Yusuke thought about his suggestion for a moment then he reluctantly consented and with Hiei, went to the opposite direction of the ballroom hall.
" Keiko! Botan! Where are you?!!!", Yusuke yelled at the top of his lungs
There was a momentary silence as the two searched the deck.
" Help!"
" They looked up and saw Botan half-submerged in the water beside a floating piano.
Yusuke and Hiei rushed to her side and helped her
" Water’s coming in fast now.", Hiei observed.
" Is Keiko with you?", Yusuke asked.
" No, she was with Shizuru and Yukina on the table and I went to the powder room when something exploded near the stage.", Botan replied as she rubbed her bruised knee and elbow.
Yusuke immediately looked alarmed.
" We found Yukina and Shizuru upstairs but Keiko was nowhere.", Hiei told Botan.
Botan was about to say something when a huge wave crashed at the opened right side of the hull. The impact caused the boat to tip to the left. A rampaging stream of icy ocean waters rushed inside, sweeping off the three as if they were paper dolls.
When the boat finally steadied, the water had risen up to their necks.
Yusuke felt Botan’s injured arms thrashing desperately. He quickly assisted her up to the surface. Both gulped fresh air, composing themselves after taking in the shock they had seconds ago.
" Where’s Hiei?", Botan asked, looking for any sign of the fire demon.
Yusuke looked around as well. " He’s gone."
" He knows how to swim, does he?", Botan asked fearfully.
"Of course!", the spirit detective assured.
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He felt the impact of the waves as it crashed unto his body, sending him reeling to the opposite wall and through it. He felt the surge of the cold ocean waters as it swirled around him. For a moment he froze, floating in stillness under the ocean surface. The water’s too cold, almost seeping into his bones, slightly creating a numbing sensation where a persistent sting hovered on his left arm.
But I had to get out of here or I’ll drown! He thought, his lungs felt ready to burst..
With so much effort, he swam until his head broke the surface. He gulped in air heavily and with weary eyes, looked around. He was surprised to see the entire liner about a few meters away. All sorts of debris from wood, lounge chairs, life jackets, doors and all sorts of personal belongings littered the ocean around the burning ship. " I was thrown so far. And there wasn’t an island in sight."
He swam towards a large piece of wood and hauled himself to it. He sat there, checking out his bleeding left arm, wondering how the others’ are doing. He decided to rest a few minutes, knowing he won’t be able to swim that far injured.
Hiei slowly remove his white bandanna started to concentrate. His senses groped for the youkai’s spirit. But the presence was negative. He smiled. Kurama and Kuwabara did a good job. And there -----
" Hiei . . . .?", a weak voice called out of nowhere.
The fire demon raised his head and started looking around for any sign of his caller. "Who’s there?"
There was a soft splash of water. Then a faint cry. " Help . . ."
Hiei turned in the direction of the voice and saw a battered young woman on top of an upturned table. She was wet, exhausted and barely moving. Without wasting any second, he swam towards her, knowing she was the one they were looking for.
" Keiko!"
The distraught girl looked up. " Hiei."
That was the last thing she said before falling into a deep slumber.
Panic surged through the koorime. He gently tapped her. " Keiko? Keiko!"
Suddenly, another explosion erupted from the liner. This time, the ship began to tear apart.
Hiei knew right away they have to get out of there. But where?
Suddenly, out of nowhere, an outline of what seemed to be a land formation emerged a kilometer right ahead of him
With swift strokes, he took the unconscious Keiko, holding her under the chin while the other hand was wrapped around her body. Together, they swam towards the island.
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With minor wounds, Hiei carried Keiko with him as he walked to the shore and on the beach. He sat on the sand and held the girl securely in his arms. He paused to look at her face. Involuntarily, he ran his hand against her wet cheeks, stroking the sides of her face, brushing back her damp hair. He curled up his fingers, hesitating, wondering about the strange effect that gesture brought him.
Suddenly, his eyes widen, following her uneven, shallow breathing. Quickly, he laid her straight on the ground. Then he leaned over and held firmly her chin and nose. He inhaled in air and gently pressed his mouth on hers.
He froze. This process is a common way. Either to bring in air to the patient’s lungs or transfer a small amount of ki to the person. But for some reason, he felt different. Her lips were soft. Her lips so sweet. And as much as he wanted to deny it, he liked the way those lips were pressed against his. That thought, made him uncomfortable.
Quickly, he pulled away and was happy to see her choking and gasping for breath.
Within seconds, Keiko opened her eyes and gazed at him. " Hiei?"
" You’re fine now. You could rest.", he looked in the direction of the burning ship. " We’ll look for the others as soon as the sun rises."
" But the youkai . . . .?"
" He’s gone. Don’t worry. I’ll keep my post just in case he’s still alive."
Keiko looked at him in surprise. The fire demon never struck her as a fine gentleman. He is, as she knew, a stubborn young man. Cold and distant that she never had the chance to get to know him more like the others. But now, slowly, he was unconsciously opening up a part of himself. And she was happy at what she saw. Hiei’s just like any ravishing young man. Probably more.
Keiko shifted unto the soft sand and quickly drifted off to sleep, knowing she had a knight on guard to protect her.
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" Would you mind sitting down for a minute?!", Botan looked at Yusuke who was pacing up and down the rocky shores of an island they found last night.
The two and the others were the last group to come out of the ship before it sank down to the bottom of the ocean. Aside from the personal things they lost and their tattered clothes, they seemed pretty much alright. Nothing life-threatening. They were indeed lucky to have found an island a kilometer away.
" Don’t worry, we’ll look for him as soon as we finished off our breakfast.", Kurama promised.
Yukina offered the spirit detective some fruits. " C’mon you’ll need the energy. I have a feeling Keiko is still alive."
Yusuke looked anything but relaxed. Dark circles graced his eyes, refused to sleep or even rest despite the accident they went through. He was too bothered, thinking what might have happened to Keiko. If only he hadn’t left the boat and continued searching for her right at the last minute, he might have found her. She’s human for pete’s sake! If Botan had incurred injuries then there’s no doubt she was harmed, too!
" Look!"
Yusuke turned around and saw Botan poring over a small circular device resembling a compass. A compass? Suddenly, his eyes widen. The compass!
With one swift motion, he grabbed the device out of her grasp. " Can it track down humans?"
" Hmm. I don’t’t know.", Botan looked doubtful.
" But look! The device’s pointing out a youkai.", Kurama stared at the compass. "Its about the level of Hiei’s ki."
" And there’s a very faint presence, too.", Shizuru said.
" It might be Keiko!", Kuwabara burst out.
With renewed hope, Yusuke read the compass carefully. " Let’s see . . . two point 4 km North and one point ----- hey! What happened? Botan, the reading went haywire!"
Botan looked grim. " It was soaked on water. ‘think it was destroyed."
" But we had readings, don’t we? Why not start from there?", Kurama suggested.
Yusuke nodded. He’ll try anything to find his beloved Keiko.
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" Sit still.", Keiko scolded Hiei, as she tightened the bandage around the long slash wound on his left arm.
Normally, with that kind of tone, Hiei would flip out and sliced off the speaker’s head. But this is an exemption. He considered it a good sign that she isn’t afraid of him anymore. Look at it this way, he was the one who kidnapped and placed her in danger that time he and Yusuke first met. And now they sat here alone in the middle of nowhere. Think of all the possibilities I could do to her, Hiei thought.
" Does it still hurt?", she asked sincerely.
Hiei shook his head. Both as a reply and a gesture of disbelief. How could she trust him? He’s cold hard, stubborn, frequently unapproachable and hot tempered. What made her feel comfortable around him after all that he’d done in the past?
" Hiei . . ?"
The fire demon raised an eyebrow. " What?"
" Um, thank you for saving me.", she said.
Hiei refused to look into her eyes. He had never heard anyone telling him that. No individual seemed to have a reason to say it to him.
" I know we’re not really close. You’re a bit distant. But I want us to be friends.", she said, extending her hand. " I mean like real friends not just hanging out together with the same group of people . . ."
For a while, he stared at her hand. Friends? Reluctantly, he took her hand. A strange feeling jolted up his spine like electricity. There's something in her that's affecting him. He flinched. That touch. That contact. Something he disapproves of. Something he despises.
Keiko seemed to notice it, too as she found herself looking deep into Hiei’s eyes. There was a hint of confusion in those red hues. A spark of emotion she never thought the koorime had. " Do you ---- ah. Forget it."
" What is it?", he asked, almost demanding.
" Um, I hope you won’t be offended but . . . you don’t seem to hang around women that much . . ."
Hiei looked at her with a stone-hard expression. " Women?", he snorted. " I hope you won’t be offended too but I think your species are weak and useless. I’m a fighter. Why would I hang around weaklings?"
" Uh, I-if that’s what you think . . .", Keiko said softly. Just as she thought, Hiei was a little indifferent. She wanted to laugh. Little is an understatement. With the way he uttered those words, he appears almost like a leader of an anti-feminist group. Still, she thought it's his front. Kurama and Yusuke would occasionally talk about it and though the latter seemed short-tempered as well, she knew he could handle the fire demon really well. Can she handle him, too?
Out of the corner of his eye, Hiei saw her expression changed to that of worry. Maybe he had been too frank. Too honest. But hell! This is me, he thought.
" Are you hungry?"
" Huh?"
Keiko laughed a little. " I asked you if you’re hungry. Because I am."
" Uh, yes.", Hiei felt himself stutter. He rolled his eyes. This second he was arrogant, the next minute his lip curled up. What’s happening to me? He asked himself. " Um, stay here. I’ll look for food."
Keiko smiled. " Okay."
Hiei was more than eager to do it. he has to stay away from her as possible. Well, at least for a minute or two. He doesn't like the idea of getting too mushy with her. That's not his game. Conversations are fine but that . . . . THAT FEELING makes him uncomfortable. He turned around and headed to the direction of the forest. Its lush vegetation provided his needs. He expertly shinned a tree and grabbed a couple of coconut fruit. Next he went up on a banana tree. Before he knew it, his arms were loaded with all sorts of fruit.
" ‘Think these are enough.", he murmured. He was about to take the way back to the beach when he remembered something. Quickly, he went up to a banana tree to get a few leaves to use as a spread. From the top, a spectacular view of the island was in full view. There’s the beach and ocean on the north. And on the south . . . .
Hiei narrowed his eyes, confused. There a short distance from the forest where he’s in was a stretch of desolate plain with overgrown grass and large boulders jutting here and there. But that’s not what he’s interested in. A little further was an old stone structure.
" A house? In the middle of nowhere?", he whispered.
Without hesitation, he went down the tree and took the path to it. In minutes, he stepped unto the front porch of the structure.
It was made out of cobblestones, wood beams and carved ornaments. It was dark and gloomy inside. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, giving it an old and spooky appearance. Still the structure seems sturdy with wide columns gracing the main hall which breaks up into two long passageways leading to the opposite directions.
Despite the air of mustiness, Hiei felt himself being drawn to the place. There seemed to be some kind of mystery attached to it. A haunting aura he himself could not decipher.
The fire demon decided to explore the left hall leading to the west wing. He rounded a sharp corner, went past a small extension room, went down a short flight of stone stairs until he reached a long and narrow passageway where bronze-plated tablets hung on both walls. The tablets bore short inscriptions which was obliterated through time.
" This place may be a couple of centuries old.", he whispered as he reached a dead end.
He stopped in his tracks and stared open-mouthed at a heavy iron door before him. His hand impulsively found the large bolt. To his surprise, it gave a short click followed by a loud hiss of air pressure as the lock disengaged.
Slowly the door opened, revealing the interiors of a small chamber. It was pitch-black. There wasn’t a single window to allow even a sliver of light to pass through.
But it wasn’t the poor lighting that struck Hiei most. As soon as he opened the door, he felt certain there was a being. And inhabitant which seems to emit a strong sense of both grief and hatred.
" I’ve been waiting for someone like you.", a cold eerie voice spoke.
Hiei stepped back. The words sent shivers down his spine. He wasn’t usually intimidated this early but for some reason, the power he felt was so strong and menacing that even a fire demon like him would think twice of going against.
" Who the hell ---- Auuurgghh!!", without warning, an unseen force shot towards him. He never had the chance to react as the impact caused his head to snap backwards. Hiei tried to open his eyes but everything around him became a blur.
A low gurgling sound rose up from his throat starting an agonizing convulsion rippling through his veins. He felt his bones cracked and twisted, mouth screaming out in pain as a persistent roar rushed within his ears. Hiei struggled to shut the noise out but it was so deafening that his muscles became paralyzed.
Time seemed to cease as the last strength were drained out of him. Finally he fell, landing hard on the concrete floor.
And instantly fell unconscious.
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Keiko swept up her dark brown hair and dusted her dress. She had just finished her brunch.
She had waited for Hiei for about two hours but he hadn’t returned. Driven by intense hunger, she decided to go to the forest and find him.
On the way, she found fruits laid on the ground along a with a number of banana leaves. After helping herself with some, she decided to look for Hiei, fearing he had ran into trouble or something.
" I had to find him. I sure don’t want to stay out here alone." Cautiously, she took the only visible trail, suddenly remembering the grand vacation they were having before tragedy struck the cruise liner. " Yusuke . . . where are you?. Oh, I hope he’s still alive." Gently, she wiped a tear, silently praying everyone’s fine and just resting some place.
Determined to find Hiei so that they could start searching for the others, she concentrated on the path.
There she soaked up the lush forest. It was wild, hues of blue and green blended well in a spectacular display of nature. She thought of the times when she and Yusuke would go to the park. It was always a --.
Croakkkk!!!
Keiko jumped as a flock of birds soared from the north, frantically emitting a terrified noise as if sending out a warning. Suddenly, the air became chilled. The trees started to sway back and forth.
Obviously shaken, Keiko ran as fast as she could, unmindful of the direction she was heading. " Yusuke! Help me! Hiei! Hiei where are you?!!"
A few minutes later, she stopped to rest on a cobblestone structure. She noticed the door was wide open. She looked up the sky and saw heavy gray clouds blocking out the sun. " Oh no, its going to rain!" Without thinking, she entered the structure and stepped unto the dim main area.
She wondered if Hiei may have gone to the same place. Maybe looking for a shelter, she thought, walking towards the east wing.
" Hello? Anybody here?" She walked on as if she had been there. She walked in what seems to be an endless series of passageways and dark halls. The gray walls greeted her every corner. The glinting bronze plates gives out warning about going against the law. About what was always forbidden. About the importance of punishment.
More and more, Keiko felt as if she was being taunted and condemned by the words. Like she was about to be sentenced for something she had no idea she had already committed.
Suddenly, she realized there was no other way but through the heavy iron door right in front of her.
Something in it was so commanding. A being she felt was longing to be free. Was there someone behind the door? She asked herself.
Cautiously, she touched the bolt. Its cold metallic surface felt warm.
" Huh?!" Instantly, her big brown eyes turned frightened. She felt herself shook, knees trembling, her lips parted. She tried to close her mouth but it refused to. The convulsions started and Keiko felt something poured out of it. A disgusting, putrid odor enveloped her as green liquid spewed out of her mouth.
The gnawing sensations on her abdomen brought her down on her knees, curling up in a ball, falling sideways to the ground. She held on to her stomach helplessly as her body shuddered violently.
" H-helpp . . . H-hiei . . . Hiei . .!!! Helppp!!!", Keiko felt her vision wavered, spinning out of focus.
Suddenly, the pain ceased, leaving her unconscious on the cold floor.
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He jolted awake as a faint voice called out his name. He rubbed his eyes and squinted. But everything remained empty.
" I can’t see anything!", he thought desperately, feeling a bit uncomfortable. He felt strange, all his bones seemed to crack at each move. Virtually blind, he struggled on his feet, groping for a hold or a sign to indicate where exactly he is. His fingertips caught the rough walls.
" That’s it!", he thought. Now he remembered going into the stone structure. He took a passageway and opened an iron door and . . .
He swallowed hard. He remembered the invisible force which caught him off guard. He must’ve fell unconscious after that. But where is he now? What’s that strange force? Who’s calling out his name?
He had to know, he thought in all determination. Concentrating, he held out his hand and created a small fireball. Instantly, the room was bathed with yellow firelight.
He gasped. He was in a small room. Bare and sealed without a single window.
" I’m in the chamber! Someone put me here in the chamber!"
Wait a minute . . . he stared at his arms. The bandage on the left was gone. His fingers appeared different. They were larger and bony. He sniffed. He smelled different too. And his clothes . . . He looked down and saw that instead of the black trousers he was wearing, he now had a silk pajamas on. Just like ningen men used to wear.
Now, getting a bit nervous, he brought his hands up to his head.
He gulped hard. Gone were his spiky black hair. Now he knew and felt, he has a long straight hair.
" What happened? What’s going on?"
" Helppp me! Hiei! Hiei!", a frantic voice called out of nowhere.
Hiei lifted his head. " Whose that?"
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He brushed back a lock of brown hair away from her face, a new face yet her own spark was evident. Beyond the smile of a stranger was a familiar warmth that is so her. His maiden. Relived in a new shelter. Free. " I couldn’t believe you’re here with me. Two hundred years . . . . . my wait was so long."
" Wrong. We’ve waited.", she corrected, her now big brown eyes close to tears. Yes, they were deprived of the freedom not only physically but of the expression of love which they had consistently defended right in front of their tribes. They had faced their hatred, took in the painful punishment. But they overcame the challenge. They won in the end. " You looked very different, Toniichi."
He chuckled, holding up his spiky hairdo. " I don’t mind. I’m not complaining."
" Even the height?", she teased.
" Now, now Kaizuri.", he said, gently stroking her cheeks. " Believe it or not, I felt powerful. I felt confident."
She giggled. " Your eyes. Stormy red. Love it, Toniichi."
" I think we found the right targets.", Toniichi commented, pulling her down with him on the wet grass.. He held her close and smiled mischievously. " I’m hungry."
" Hungry of what?", Kaizuri smiled.
" Of this . . .", gently, his mouth settled on hers. His kiss emphasized the anguish and longing he had endured for two centuries. He had counted day after day. He let weeks and months flew, bearing the wall of pain they had been separated with.
Kaizuri responded with as much intensity as she could muster. She gripped her neck and pulled him closer, urging him to deepen his kiss. She wanted more. " Toniichi . . .I love you."
" I love you, too. And I would not let them take you away from me again.", he replied huskily as he moved on to her neck. " Never."
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" Brrrr!!!!", Botan shivered. " Can’t we stop for a minute? I’m soaked! Drenched! Famished! Shivering to the bones! Yusuke I know you want to find Keiko. And we want her back, too but we won’t be able to do it if we’re all sick!"
" Achoo!!", Yukina sniffled softly. Then she added quickly. " I wasn’t a complaining Yusuke-chan."
" I hate to admit it but I am.", Shizuru said, rubbing her arms.
Yusuke gave out a defeated sigh. " Sorry."
" Yusuke . . ." Kurama reached for something behind his ear. " Here. This is the same plant I used in the cave where we fought Sensui. Use it to leave your trails. We’ll follow you as soon as the others had enough rest."
Yusuke beamed, taking the seeds. " Thank you."
" We know you’re really worried about her. We are, too.", Kuwabara said.
" We’ll be with you in half an hour.", Botan promised.
" Thanks. I’ll go now.", Yusuke said, quickly taking a path.
Every minute seemed like eternity. He was worried sick, he knew he would go insane if he didn’t find her today. He kept on blaming himself over and over about the things he should have done. Maybe he wasn’t protective enough. Yes, that’s right. He knew he was neglecting small things he never knew meant a lot to her. I should have been more sensitive, Yusuke chided himself.
Before he knew it, he was running, splashing mud, batting branches away.. He have to find her. He’s alive he knew. Or at least he was hoping.
Yusuke finally reached a desolate plain. Not far was a stone structure with a small garden on the wings. Thinking, she might be there, he quicken his pace and took the trail leading to the stone structure.
" I love you . . .", a soft female voice spoke.
Instantly, Yusuke was on alert. Voices! That means people! Excited to see his Keiko, he went close to the bushes outlining the bermuda. " Kei --- uh?!"
As if the heavens put everything on hold, the world suddenly ceased moving. Time stood still as the scene unfolded right before his big brown eyes which were colored with anxiety and expectations just a second ago.
Yusuke blinked, almost willing to take the picture away from his sight.. His mouth went dry.. Heart broken into pieces.
There were people alright. Two of them. A brown-haired lady and a short black-clad young man. In each other’s arms. Making out shamelessly on the grass as if there was no tomorrow.
His head spun, unable to grasp the sudden revelation. Hiei and Keiko? H-how? When?
Pain burned in his eyes as he stood witness to their treachery. He wanted to scream. To rush to them and demand an explanation. But what’s there to explain? It was all here right in front of him.
Yusuke felt hot tears pouring down his cheeks. Tears of pain and anger. " If I had known her disloyalty, I wouldn’t even bother coming out here and look for her.", he spoke, barely above whisper. " Keiko . . . why?"
He stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief. " How could they? How could they?!"
Blinded with sheer anger, Yusuke ran away from the lawn as far as possible. He would have none of it. He roughly brushed away the tears, emphasizing the raging emotions within him. He would never care anymore about their relationship. Cause right this minute, Keiko had cut in all communications with him. Hiei had destroyed what was left of their friendship.
Right this moment he swore to the heavens, the two of them would face his fury.
" And I would make sure they’re going to live through hell.", he said through gritted teeth. " I’ll make sure of that!!"
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Shivering uncontrollably, both of fear and cold, Keiko wrapped her arms tightly around her knees. Her big brown eyes stared out into nothingness. An unknown place where she woke up a minute ago. The place bore no characteristics. Held no warmth and lighting. She was a prisoner, chained in a cell like a wild animal.
Keiko sobbed, her throat has already run dry of screaming. Her voice was hoarse, lips quivering, overwhelmed at the darkness that surrounds her. Tears flowed down her cheeks like a steady stream of agony. She wanted out. She wanted to be free.
She was scared. Extremely scared.
She wished for an angel to come down and rescue her. A knight to swoop her in his arms and comfort her like she was the most precious being on earth.
" Yusuke . . . . .", she called, knowing he was far away to hear her. She tried to speak to him from her heart but for some reason, its not working. Maybe she should call on another. Someone . . .Ah! She raised her head and cried out. " Hiei!!"
A high-pitched voice bounced off the walls. Its sounds different. Was there someone with her? Or was it her?
From the time she woke up, she felt a heavy presence in the room. A burden which was carried by an innocent maiden like her seemed to haunt her senses. What was it? Who is it?
Questions whirled in her mind. Maybe she was crying not only for herself but for another. It might be strange to believe that another personality would seek freedom as she's now. She doesn't possess those special powers her friends have.
Still there was no doubt she felt it.
Maybe this is indeed a prison, she thought. A prison where she might live for a long time . . . . and perhaps for eternity.
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" Keiko? Is it possible?", a thick drawl echoed throughout the chamber. A new voice that wasn’t so different from his own.
He thought of all possible trouble, the human girl may have encounter. He was certain it was her he heard a while ago. It was a different voice yet her anguish was real that he felt her presence through the thick stone walls. He knew it was her.
There was a sinking feeling down the pit of his stomach as he felt the urgency in those calls. Like he cared that Urameshi’s girlfriend let herself be caught in such a situation, whatever that situation is. That thought had a curious effect on him, one that he had been ignoring for some time now. Responsibility, perhaps? He doesn’t know. All he cares was himself.. If ever he’s going to live through another day or win a hard battle. Those were the things he would usually mind himself with. But this time its different . . .
He snorted. Why does things suddenly appears different? What’s so special about her?
Hiei retreated to a corner and prepared to use his third eye.
Then he started. " Oh shit! I forgot!" For some unexplainable reason, he wasn’t in his body. He knew he was the same, still possess his own strength. His power to control fire remained with him. All he had to do now is to escape from this prison and look for Keiko.
He gathered enough ki then aimed at the iron door. In seconds, the door burst open. He was free!
For a while, he was blinded by the light filtering through the main hall. That and the difficulty of moving with the strange body he was in. Tall and lanky it was. Almost the opposite of what he really is.
But his desire to break out the prison as quickly as possible made him struggle hard to adjust to it.
His feet pounded on the floor as he took the way out of the west wing. Minutes later, he rounded the corner to the main area. There was an air of tranquility. An eerie silence that was not a good sign to the fire demon. He let his eyes roam around the deserted main hall and immediately noticed the passage to the other side.
Without wasting any moments, Hiei moved forward to that direction.
The outline was identical to the wing from which he came from. Gray stone walls, the numerous extension rooms and lastly, the long and narrow passageway. But there is one minor difference. The bronze plated tablets are all well-preserved. And with the way it reflected the faint sunlight, he could even say they have just been polished.
Curiously, Hiei gazed at the clear inscription, reading the short warning when he heard a short clicking sound.
Senses on alert, he stood still as if awaiting an attack from any potential enemy.
In that instant, he felt a painful jab on his arm. Checking himself for injury, he was surprised to see an arrow piercing through his skin, a steady flow of blood flowed down, dripping on the concrete floor.
But just as he was about to pull it off, a series of clicking noise sounded simultaneously. Hiei frowned, unable to pinpoint the exact location of the attacker as they seemed to echo from all directions.
There was a moment of stillness. He held his breath, turned around and gaped in horror at what he saw. Shooting through thin air at an incredible speed where a dozen similar arrows, all aimed straight at him.
In lightning fast reflex, he dodged left and right, all the way not slowing down as he ran towards the far end of the passageway.
Finally, he burst through the chamber, and fell forward aimlessly. His body hit the cold stone floor, its rough surface scraping his cheeks.
He uttered a painful moan, gasping for breath while nursing his wounded arm. A minute has passed when he remembered his mission. Still lying on his stomach, he held out a hand and created a small fireball, casting a wash of yellow light across the room. Through half-lidded eyes he surveyed the interiors. Just then, he heard a soft gasp at one corner.
" Who are you?"
"Who are you?", they asked at the same time.
Hiei stared at the person. A young woman dressed in tattered old fashion clothes sat against the wall, a heavy chain tied securely around one ankle. She looked extremely haggard and terrified as if she was imprisoned in here for a long time. " Who are you?", he repeated, eyeing her pale face carefully.
" K-Keiko . . ." The woman swallowed hard. " K-keiko Yukimura."
Hiei stared at her open-mouthed. " Keiko?" Questions whirled in his head. After he was assaulted on the west chamber, he woke up in a different body. There is a possibility that she met the same fate. He surmised that maybe a powerful spirit inhabited this structure. Probably a couple of souls who needed a physical body in order to escape prison. He and Keiko have fallen prey to them. " Keiko, I am Hiei."
The girl looked at him shrewdly. " You don’t look like him. Who are you? What do you want?"
" Isn’t my Makai firepower enough proof for you?", Hiei questioned impatiently. Then he decided another tactic. " Listen, we have to get out of here and find the others."
At the mention of their friends, Keiko looked confused. " How did you know . . .? Hiei? How?", she asked, tears brimming her eyes.
" I’ll explain later." Hiei said with finality. This isn’t the time for story-telling. That spirit would have to pay for what he did to him. No one takes anything from me, he thought, and gets away with it.
" I was looking at the door when a force grabbed me. I couldn’t see it but I knew it was there. Next thing I knew I was imprisoned inside this room.", Keiko held her arms, rocking back and forth, reliving her harrowing experience. " Its so dark in here. I’m so scared . . ."
Hiei listened to her cries. Once more, he felt as if he had to do something to comfort the distraught girl. But what would he know about that stuff? That’s Yusuke’s role. Honestly, he doesn’t intend to take it. Still . . . maybe this is one exemption.
Reluctantly, he reached her side and placed his hands around her trembling shoulders.
" Hiei, I was so scared . . . ." To his surprise, she leaned forward and pressed her face against his chest.
For a second, he was dumbfounded, not knowing how to deal with such situation. But then he decided to trust his instincts.
Gently, he wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her arms no matter how awkward it is. After a while, her cries were subdued but that didn't stop him. The feeling of her body against his own provided comfort to him, too.
She needed consolation. He needed a break from his stubborn self. All that smart-alecky comments, heated arguments, all antagonistic attitudes he had to display kind of wore him out. Yes, he needed time out.
And that moment created an air of warmth to both of them.
Hiei closed his eyes. He like it. He hate to admit it but he liked it.
Suddenly, he felt drowsy. And no he wasn't getting too cozy. He saw his vision waver, his vision slowly faded.
Seconds past and his muscles froze and finally he slipped out of consciousness.
" Hiei? Hiei what’s wrong?"
Keiko's outburst was interrupted as a loud scraping sound echoed through the chamber.
She raised her eyes and stared in horror as the heavy iron door locked all by itself.
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"Keiko!", Botan rushed forward to give her friend a hug. " Oh, I’m so glad you’re alive!"
Kaizuri gave her a warm smile. Until they get out of the island, she and Toniichi would have to play along and assume the personality of the couple from which the bodies were stolen. They could just escape to some place later on.
"Where have you been?", Shizuru asked.
Kuwabara laughed. " If only you’ve seen Yusuke’s face! He’s looked like a zombie."
" Yeah, he was really worried about you.", Botan agreed.
" He was?", Kaizuri asked softly. So she has a boyfriend. This is a major problem, she thought.
Kuwabara searched the woods. " Where’s that git anyway?"
" Good thing, Hiei found you.", Kurama spoke.
" Um yup, he was great.", she regarded Toniichi with a secretive smile. A loving gesture that didn’t go unnoticed to Kurama.
The kitsune went beside him and whispered. " Yukina seemed so worried. I think she already knew."
The black-clothed youkai shot Kurama an inquisitive look. " Knew what?"
Kurama narrowed his eyes. " YOU know.", he stressed.
Toniichi suddenly grew uncomfortable. " Oh, yeah. THAT thing. Look, I forgot something at the beach. I’ll be back in thirty minutes."
Kurama stared at his back as the fire demon walked in even strides towards the north. Aside from the long slash wound in his left arm, Hiei appeared the same. Black spiky hair, short built, red eyes. But for some reason, his aura exudes a strange presence. An unfamiliar scent he sensed even in Keiko.
Something’s not in order. Something dangerous. A threat not fully understood. And he has to find out what it is before it blows up to their faces.
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" Hey!"
Toniichi looked over his shoulder and broke into a huge smile as Kaizuri appeared from the bushes running towards him. He swiftly caught her in his short but powerful arms as she threw into a fit of giggles. " What took you so long?"
" The girls have been telling me stories and I found it almost impossible to interrupt.", Kaizuri licked her lips. " You’re so impatient."
" I have a reason to be."
" Uh uhmm." She leveled her face to him, snuggling closer, her nose nuzzling that of her lover.
" Hmm getting cozy this early?"
The couple looked up to see a medium built, dark haired young man. His face lacked of emotion yet his stormy dark brown eyes emitted his hatred, pure and strong. " You could do your shit anywhere but here. And from now on, I don’t want to see your faces! Stay away as far from me as possible if you know what’s good for you."
With that, Yusuke left.
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Kurama excused himself to the others, carefully retracing the path, Hiei and Keiko took. It was a visible trail but the overgrown weeds at the sides gave out a sign that it was used a long time ago.
For five minutes, he walked, quite unsure what he’s looking for. Finally, from his viewpoint at the north, he could see a shade of gray stones.
He moved further, taking the direction towards it. Finally, the bushes thinned out. The trees gave way to a view of something solid. From a distance it looks like a simple rock formation but as he taggled closer, he realized that it is stone building. From his position, half a kilometer, he found no entrance so he assumed that he was approaching the back.
He looked down and saw a steep hill which he has to take before reaching the plain towards it. He made a quick mental orientation of its position, wanting to make sure that he’ll take the right path even as the high trees obstructed his view.
There was something familiar in that structure. A myth about a forbidden fortress nagged at the back of his mind. If it was really it. Then he knew for certain, it would cause them harm.
Or maybe . . .
. . . it already had.
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" Unngghhh."
Keiko withdrew her hands quickly. " Oh does it hurt?"
Hiei’s brow creased in an expression of pain. But as he slowly slips into consciousness, the warm soft mattress under him provided comfort in his tired body. He knew he was lying on someone else’ lap. Keiko. He immediately thought. Slowly he opened his eyes and let them roam around the room. The interiors remained dim. The only source of light was a small burning piece of cloth at the far corner. He smiled. Very clever.
He turned his head to other side, meeting Keiko’s worried eyes as she pore down at him.
Women, he thought. They worry too much.
But for some unexplained reason, he appreciated it. Maybe he liked being cared for. But the thing is . . . Is she worried about me or she worried that we won’t be able to get out of here? That thought seemed to hover in his mind. He doesn’t care really. He never care.
" I’m not sure but I think there is poison on the arrow." Keiko suddenly grinned sheepishly. " I don’t have any healing powers as the others but I sure do know first aid. I hope it doesn’t hurt much."
Hiei gave a tight smile in return. An expression which mirrors his thoughts and feelings right that instant. One thing he always make sure was to cover up his emotions. He doesn’t want to look puppy eyed on her, not on anybody ever. This isn’t the time for that. She’s not the right girl to have. She’s just a friend. Or is she?
" Let me see those wounds." Her sweet voice broke his thoughts. Carefully, she leaned over and checked his face. He recoiled a bit, surprised at the surge of emotion as her fingers stroked over his scraped cheek He had never felt this close to anyone. This close. So close.
Close enough to feel her breath. Her scent. Her heartbeat he knew was beating so fast. She’s nervous. And he can say that he is, too.
At such range, he observed, even with a faint light, the fullness of her lips. A stranger’s lips that was so familiar he could even taste it. And oh, did he just did it last night?
Slowly, and perhaps against his will, Keiko’s ningen charms drugged his stubborn self, crushed his arrogance to the very least.
Completely under her spell, Hiei found himself holding her neck and gently pulling her down to him. He was surprised that she didn’t resist. He then decided to take the opportunity.
Excitement built up within him as he captured her mouth. Ravishing taking it in his own as though it would vanish. She quivered as he held her against him. And it made him feel dominant, in control. Powerful.
Hiei caressed her lips with his own, planting soft wet kisses on that flesh. With precise actions, he made tender movements, occasionally flicking his tongue, seeking entrance into her warm mouth.
He felt Keiko relaxed, wrapping her slender arms around his neck, finally surrendering to the passion.
Hiei graciously welcomed this gesture, making his mouth grew deeper, more demanding, searching for an answer. She’s all his. Right now she could have her. Keiko. A person that was at the bottom of his priority list just before the ship sank. The same day when he became aware of his feelings towards a woman. Barely a few hours, that list changed.
Without even trying, She now moved up second to my sister.
Keiko responded wholeheartedly. Days before, she dreamt about a knight, saving her from the waves, saving her from darkness. To her surprise, she found his presence in the koorime.
Hiei ignored muscle pains shooting up his body as he pushed her down and moved himself above her. There he continued kissing her, fumbling on the soft cotton fabric of her dress. His lips now moved to her jaw, then to her neck as his hand gently slid down her gartered blouse, exposing all of her upper body.
Hiei’s koorime eyes lorded over her beauty. The body of the stranger looked close to perfection but Keiko’s spirit brought life to it. Made it exotic and appealing to a discriminative youkai like him.
From this point, he continued, stroking every inch of her chest, all the while he kept his mouth shut. No words spoken. His face was almost devoid of emotions besides his growing desire for her.
Keiko sighed, her eyes drifted shut at the intensity of his touch.
Hiei nibbled on her breasts, enjoying every bit of them. At this, her lips parted. " Yusuke . . ."
Hiei stopped short. Yusuke? He felt as if a bucketful of ice cold water has been ducked on him
In an instant, his eyes turned darker, his body grew rigid and cold. Yusuke?! He shouted the name over and over in his mind. So what’s my role in here?
In one swift motion, he stood up, leaving a bewildered Keiko still lying on the floor.
" Uh, Hiei . . . .", she stammered, slightly flushed as she struggled to pull up her blouse. " I’m sorry. This is wrong.. . ."
" We have to get out of here.", he said, his voice firm, face expressionless. He struggled to keep his knees from buckling.
"Uh, I’ll help you . . .", Keiko offered.
"No!" , he burst out.
Keiko appeared stung by his refusal.
" Just stand back. I’ll use my kokuryuha.", Hiei ordered.
Keiko meekly obliged. Without a word, she retreated to a far corner and waited.
Hiei stood a few feet from the iron door, deep in thought, his mouth still tasted that of her lips. He gritted his teeth. That fleeting moment left him nothing but humiliation. I should have known, he thought dryly. He hated himself for letting his guard down. Unable to accept the fact that an ordinary human like her can make his emotions rule over him. He shouldn’t have allow it to happen.
Still suppressing the raging fury boiling up within him, he clenched his fist, summoning what remains of his strength. With a savaged force, he thrust one good arm forward, the fire dragon blasted through the long passageway, burning all objects in its path.
The blaze destroyed half of the entire stone structure.
Keiko saw his power and how strong it was despite his injury. She shivered. For the first time this day, she felt her fear returning. Her eyes were wide with fright, as if they were staring at a total stranger. This is the Hiei that she knew. Powerful. Aggressive. Ill-tempered.
Angry.
She felt almost afraid to talk to him.
Her musings were cut short when she saw white spots appeared before her eyes. There was a momentary void, a sensation she always have when she was dreaming.
Seconds lapsed and the two suddenly found themselves in the shallow woods. In their own bodies.
Keiko couldn’t bring herself to smile. They were back and free. But she knew the hardest part is yet to be seen.
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" Where have you been? We’ve been looking all over for you! We thought you're lost again!", Kuwabara greeted the two as they approached the beach.
Keiko had on a somber look while Hiei’s face remained masked.
Barely had they settled in a comfortable place, far apart from each other, when Yusuke emerged from the forest.
" Yusuke!!", Keiko rushed forward to him, teary-eyed and excited
Hiei turned away, his eyes clearly expressed his frustration. He was more angry at himself than actually hateful towards Keiko.
" Don’t touch me, you bitch!", Yusuke yelled, shoving the girl aside.
Keiko appeared stunned, her mouth open in shock.
The others looked equally surprised.
Hiei looked over his shoulder and saw the spirit detective giving him a venomous glare. " Now what’s that for?!", he demanded.
Yusuke’s frown deepened. " What’s this for? You dare ask me what’s wrong?"
Keiko stood behind, tears flowing steadily down her cheeks. His tone made her shiver.
" Yes.", Hiei met Yusuke’s gaze evenly. " I’m asking you what the hell is wrong!!"
The question made him more angry. He isn’t the type of guy who could respond well to such games. He leaned forward, his voice lowered to a threatening whisper. " Is making out with my horny EX-girlfriend sounds right to you?!"
" Yusuke . . ." Keiko took a step back, shaking her head in disbelief. How did he knew?
Kuwabara’s jaw dropped. " What the hell is he talking about?"
Shizuru nudged her brother while Botan glanced worriedly at Keiko.
‘ I have a bad feeling about this.", she said.
" I’m afraid its happening already.", Yukina whispered back.
Keiko could not take in any more of their arguments. Blinded with tears, she ran towards the forest, not caring where she’s heading or if she’s going to ran into a youkai. It might be better if I did, she thought. Then she won’t have to go through the pain of facing her fiance’s anger.
She rushed aimlessly, trees and bushes flew past her. The fluid motion of falling dried leaves and the sudden change of temperature bore witness to her distress. The atmosphere seemed to evoke her agony. Not once did she ever thought of hearing such statement from Yusuke.
Still aching, she continued to shed tears as if she won’t ran out of it. " Yusuke . . Hiei . . . I’m so sorry . ."
From a distance, two pairs of sight watched the girl, wanting to take advantage of her helpless situation. As helpless as she was when she entered the stone structure.
" This is our chance.", a deep male voice spoke, wondering how could one be so careless in handling a relationship. He and Kaizuri had been robbed of their freedom, yet they never let their separation hinder their love for each other. And here are these two lovers, unappreciative of the privileges they have.
" How about you, Toniichi?", a soft voice asked. " How are you going to take back that body?"
" Don’t worry. I’ll think of something. For now, we’ll deal with the girl."
" Aanghhh", his lover winced.
" What’s wrong? Kaizuri, are you alright?", asked anxiously.
" I think we should hurry.", she bit her lip. " Our bodies aren’t going to last long."
Toniichi didn’t think twice. Seconds later he was perching himself from tree to tree, his aging limbs arched expertly making him more young and flexible despite the process their mortal bodies are going through. Finally, he dropped to the ground right in front of his target.
Keiko stopped dead in her tracks. A man who looked just like the one she’s with inside the chamber stood before her. But this isn’t Hiei. He was back at the beach, arguing with Yusuke. That means . . .
She gasped, knowing that he was one of the spirits who inhabited the stone structure. " W-who a-are you?"
" That’s not important. We need your bodies, now. Your -----"
Toniichi was cut off by a disturbing noise.
From the direction of the beach, there was a tremendous explosion then followed by another and another. The smell of burning wood became evident, the sound of trees cackling and breaking grew louder and closer every second.
"Rei-Gan!"
A long blazing fireball shot through the treetops towards a short black-clad man.
Missed.
"That’s all you got, Yusuke?", Hiei taunted. Maybe this fight appeared senseless. He knew the spirit detective won, having secured Keiko’s heart for himself. But for some reason, he wanted to prove a point. That he wouldn’t back out on any battle, be it for honor or strangely enough, for a woman.
He was about to release his dragon when out of the corner of his eye, he saw the body where he was imprisoned. The spirit! He thought. They’re here! Immediately, he read it’s intentions.
Hiei cursed silently. Blinded with fury, Yusuke seemed oblivious to Keiko’s situation. He glanced briefly at his former teammate then to Keiko. " This will be the last", he said to himself. " This will be the last."
In a split-decision, he shifted position and practically flew towards Keiko, pushing her out of harm’s way.
" Auurgghh.", he gritted his teeth, holding on to his katana to block off Toniichi’s attack but the effort made him vulnerable to the active blow of Yusuke’s Rei-Gan.
" Hiei!!!", Keiko gaped in horror at Hiei’s body as she watched him crashed against a heavy trunk of an old tree. She turned her attention to Yusuke who appeared too angry to even notice her. " Yusuke! Stop it! Pleas stop it!!!"
Her plea made him angrier, though. " Don’t worry my dear, Keiko. You’re next." He raised his arms, aiming straight at the injured fire demon.
Keiko sobbed uncontrollably. She knew Yusuke was more angrier at himself than actually angry at her. His outrage was due to his love for her. She knew it too well. And she felt the same way, too. No matter what happens. Even if he killed them both, their feelings for each other remains the same. I made a huge mistake, she chided herself. To both of them. But death isn’t the solution. She wouldn’t let it happen. Not today when things need to be explained further. Not today when both of them matters a lot to her. She won’t allow it. " Yusuke! No!!!"
Suddenly, as if her prayers were answered, a long thorny branch enveloped itself around his wrist.
Yusuke’s attack was prevented. " Kurama! What’s the meaning of this?!!"
The kitsune reached her side and replied calmly. " You have to hear the whole story, Yusuke. There was no fling existing between Hiei and Keiko."
" What?! And you’re in on this, too?!!"
" Yusuke!", he turned around and saw the rest of the group running towards them.
" Kurama saw the forbidden fortress where the two of them were captured."
Botan bobbed her head. " Two souls who inhabited the building stole their bodies and lived on it as if they were their own. Its actually them whom we found earlier."
" That’s not true . . ", Yusuke shook his head in disbelief.
" Believe it. The structure was destroyed. It seems they have returned to their old selves because of that.", Kurama said.
" Right!"
All eyes turned to see two withering individuals grinning evilly at them.
" Now you knew our story. The elders imprisoned us because of our love for each other. Two hundred years we waited.", Toniichi’s tone turned into a menacing drawl. " We swore that any individual who gets close to the prison will suffer the same fate."
" And we’ll gain freedom by taking their bodies.", Kaizuri added.
Yusuke narrowed his eyes. " And you took Keiko’s body?"
" Did.", Kaizuri laughed. " And I’ll take it again and this time I’ll keep it for good."
With that both she and Toniichi merged their powers, creating a trail of smoke, intended to choke off a soul out of its body.
The trail snaked across, moving forward to a specific individual.
Terror shot through them as they realized where it’s heading.
" Keiko watch out!!!!", Kurama yelled.
Yusuke, on the other hand, didn’t think twice. He rushed towards her direction even though he knew he may not reach her in time. The trail moved so fast. And he was too far from her . . .
Suddenly, a wisp of black flew, grabbing and carrying her out of harm’s way.
Seconds before impact, the two landed barely a feet from the target area.
Yusuke blinked. He saw with his own eyes how Hiei saved his fiance. Although he had already accepted Kurama’s explanation, he couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous.
" Careful, the spirits are still here.", Kurama warned.
" Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them.", a familiar voice was heard.
" Ah!", Kuwabara cried out in surprise as Koenma’s face poked in from behind him.
As if taking charge of the situation, he moved towards the spirits.
The two looked alarmed.
" Who are you? What’re you going to do?", Toniichi demanded, failing to mask the fear in his voice.
" Relax. I’m here to help you. I know you’ve been a victim of your warring tribes. That’s why my father sent me to help your spirits to reach Reikai. There you could live peacefully and happily. Together.", Koenma offered.
Tears of joy flowed down Kaizuri’s cheeks, knowing the prince’s sincerity. Without further question, they followed him out to the beach where a boat was docked for Yusuke and his group.
Kuwabara heaved a huge sigh of relief. At last they’re out of the island!
" I think we should go now.", Kurama whispered. The others agreed, quietly leaving Yusuke, Hiei and Keiko to settle their issue.
Yusuke, sat wearily against a tree, briefly glancing at Keiko.
For a while no one spoke. The forest was plunged into an uncomfortable silence. An entire day seemed so short for all things that has happened. Yet it did. All events changed them in a way no one else knew.
Finally, Hiei took the initiative as he approached Yusuke. He stared down at the spirit detective, a look that was of annoyance and pity. Suddenly, he held the tip of his sword under Yusuke’s chin. Its surface gleamed, reflecting the glaring rays of the sun. A reflection that was strong and blinding, but nothing like the way his actions conflicted against all emotions he chose to lock up inside him. " Fuck you, Urameshi! You got a good girl on leash. Keiko spoke nothing but of you. Shouted nothing but your name. She held on to her belief that you’ll come and rescue her from that dark chamber!"
Keiko looked up at the fire demon in obvious bewilderment.
Yusuke glared back at him but this time there was a hint of confusion lingering in his eyes. " What are you trying to say?"
Hiei took a deep breath. " You failed to do your responsibility. The least you can do is protect her as soon as the next threat comes. You owe me, Yusuke, you owe me big."
" How did you get out?", Yusuke asked.
" Hiei destroyed the chamber where I was locked in.", Keiko replied, her voice barely above whisper. " He also rescued me from the ocean."
Yusuke lowered his gaze, embarrassed of the way he reacted. " I’m sorry. I had no idea."
" Its not about you knowing what happened. This is about your trust to her.", Hiei spoke, restraining his anger. " I shouldn’t be telling you all this shit, y’know. It isn’t just me."
" I know. But I love her so much that I couldn’t accept it that you, of all people, you who fought with me in battles, would take her away from me.", Yusuke voiced out. Feelings of regret and anguish poured out of his doleful brown eyes as he thought of that episode he witnessed in the garden.
" Yusuke . . .", tears fell down Keiko’s cheeks as she approached him. Gently, she held him close, soothing him, washing out all of his worries.
Hiei took this as a hint. With an abrupt motion, he turned away and walked to the direction of the beach.
" Hiei . . .", Yusuke called.
The fire demon stopped, his back to them. Time ceased as Yusuke’s voice, with all sincerity, flew across his senses.
" Thank you.", Yusuke said. " Thank you for saving her."
Hiei’s only reply was a slight nod and a short. " Hn!" And he was off.
Thank you . . . The words floated over and over in his mind. He didn’t have to thank him.
Since birth, he had mastered the art of arrogance. Every single day he remained distant and cold, keeping his willpower intact. But for one moment, he yielded to her power, finally succumbing to the flame which seemed to flicker on and off between them for the past hours.
Everything has to end now, he thought. For their affair which has taken place that day would remain forbidden. Foolishness to both of them.
It was plainly obvious that he could never fill in Urameshi’s shoes. He may be a fool to think that for one fleeting moment, he could explore this aspect of life without hitches. He ventured too far that he failed to look back and see if he had trampled on someone.
Now he realized the dream has ended. Illusions that would fade out in memory. But through all these there is one thing he learned.
Yusuke’s devotion towards her. His suffering in the name of love. He drawing strength from her presence in all of his battles. Things he thought, were mere display of humanity suddenly appears brighter and much more significant.
It might be tragic that he wasn’t given full control. He might have surrendered it all if she had allowed him to. But still that door she opened, created a whole picture of his being. A picture that would live on for as long as he live.
A woman isn’t just a woman. A woman can make you weak. Can make you invincible. Can change your world in a way no man can accomplish. Her warmth. Her thoughts. Her heart. Her soul.
Yes, now he understood it all.
That Keiko . . . . .
. . . . is indeed worth fighting for.