Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Born Again on the Full Moon ❯ Morning After ( Chapter 6 )
Chapter 6: Morning After
take this kiss upon the brow!
and, in parting from you now,
thus much let me avow-
you are not wrong who deem
that my days have been a dream
yet if hope has flown away
in a night, or in a day,
in a vision, or in none,
is it therefore the less gone?
all that we see or seem
is but a dream within a dream
-edgar allen poe, a dream within a dream
***
"The conclusion," I write in my notepad as they watch me.
"No, it isn't, Shelta-san" Kurama says softly.
I look up in surprise. "But . . ."
He stands, hands tucked in his pockets, and turns away. "Do you want to know the rest? What happened after?"
"T-there's more?" I stammer.
"Our story, their story," he whispers. "You only know a tiny fraction. You don't know who we are, or what we went through."
There's more. Hiei's red eyes seem to glow in the dim light from the single bulb above and when Kurama faces me again, his eyes are shiny.
"Do you want to know?" he asks once more.
"Yes," I breathe. "Yes."
I scratch out 'the conclusion,' and flip to the next page.
On the top, in large letters, I write: "End of prologue. Beginning chapter one."
***
Nudging sunlight filtered across her face and beckoned violet eyes to slide open. Daini squinted, blocking the glare with a hand, and stretched her sore limbs. As she stretched, she touched only empty sheets.
No, no, oh gods.
She sat up, wide eyes searching the room. She was alone.
It . . . it didn't work.
Tears stung her eyes and she held them back. Her chin quivered as she got to her feet and methodically slipped on her scattered clothing. She folded the sheets and was intent on placing them at the foot of the cot when an unique aroma wafted up to her. She buried her face into the sheets, inhaling Kit's scent of crispy mint, sweat, musk, and an underlaying sweetness.
Just like Kit.
Cradling the sheet protectively, Daini rubbed the chalk circle with her toe until it vanished, put the candles away, and went outside. She wasn't surprised to see Kurama standing right by the door, Hiei a little further away in the shadows. The redhead studied the rigid way she held herself, the sheet, her clenched jaw, and pulled the girl into his arms. His sincerity broke Daini's composure and she finally wept silently into his chest while he stroked her black hair.
"You can stay with us until you're ready to go back," Kurama said quietly.
"Thank you," she whispered, not pulling away for fear that her legs wouldn't support her anymore. Kurama felt her sway and adjusted his arms, picking her up easily. He signaled to Hiei with a look and they walked the few blocks to Kurama's apartment. The place was small, a tiny kitchen, living room, stairs leading to two bedrooms on the second floor. Daini saw it all with one glance but her mind barely acknowledged.
Kurama set her down on the cough, touching her shoulder comfortingly. "Can I fix you tea, something to eat?"
"Tea would be nice, please," Daini told him, having difficulty swallowing. Maybe something strong. With sake. Lots of it. He smiled a little and straightened, moving toward the kitchen. "Kurama-san?" The redhead paused, half-turning and she clutched the sheet, forcing herself to meet those bright green depths. "I don't know what you must be thinking. It was my choice from the beginning and . . . and Kit . . . he - he made sure that I had the choice and I did."
"I believe you," he said softly. He bowed and went into the kitchen. Kit, or whoever you are, do you see why we never allowed ourselves to make human friends, or take human lovers? We only bring hurt to them.
Kurama methodically set water out to heat, collected the necessary spices. He set out three tea cups, one for himself, one for Daini, and one for the little youkai perched on the back of a kitchen chair. Hiei stared out the window, holding the curtains aside with his non-bandaged hand, and barely registered Kurama's presence.
The water warmed and Kurama poured it evenly, added the tea, and turned to hand one of the china cups to his silent lover. "She thinks-"
"It doesn't matter."
Kurama narrowed his eyes at being interrupted, at the fire demon's lack of concern. He set Hiei's cup on the table and gathered the tray that held the other two.
"I suppose to you it doesn't."
"Of course not."
"Of course not," Kurama echoed. The taller one sighed heavily, held a slender hand beneath his bangs and to his forehead.
"Ningen fall easily in and out of love, Kurama, and you know it."
"Aa."
"This ningen is only the same. She falls easily, just like the rest."
"And saying 'I care' wouldn't matter either, ne?"
Hiei's response was to ignore the youko's question and open his Jagan, purplish light magnified in the glass reflection. "He is coming."
"I know."
At the youko-human's clipped answer, Hiei turned away from the window but Kurama had already returned to the living room. The spiky-haired youkai stared down at the small cup of tea, grasped it gently, drank, and continued to keep watch outside.
"Arigatou, Kurama-san," Daini said quietly and sipped the herb-flavored tea. Warmth spread throughout her body and her tensed muscles slowly began to unknot.
"Is there anything else-" Kurama suddenly cut himself off, whipping his head around.
Hiei cursed loudly from the kitchen and a glass cup shattered on the floor. A door slammed open, then shut, then open again. The fire demon yelled, "she's in there, you idiot!" Another door rattled on its hinges and Kit poked his head around the corner, golden eyes immediately alighting on Daini.
She wanted to run to him, but was afraid if she moved, the silver creature would vanish as quickly as fading light, and Kurama was still beside her, staring at his twin. Finally Kurama moved aside and Daini forgot him. She slid off the couch to the carpet, not believing Kit was real. Kit sank to his knees, eyes quickly taking in the discarded sheet, her brimming tears. With a relieved laugh, he pulled the girl to him in a fierce embrace, solid and real and mint-scented.
Daini pushed away enough so she could touch his face. His eyes were warm and merry and she collapsed against him, choking back a happy sob.
"Kit, I thought . . . I thought you were gone!"
"Silly ningen," he said humorously. "I only left to fetch us breakfast."
She sniffed. "I woke up and you weren't there. How was I supposed to know?"
"Ah, Daini," he breathed, hugging her tighter. "Don't you feel it?" He took her hands and placed one on his chest, the other over her own heart. "In our blood." She listened her heart's fluttered pounding and the strong pulse of his own core. Her eyes widened and she jerked back, a smile blossoming on her lips.
"I feel it, Kit, I do!" A noise filled the room, her own laughter. She threw her arms around the kitsune and his deep chuckling seemed to rumble throughout her being. I feel . . . I don't know. Somehow, I feel . . . complete. Kit and me together . . . it's gotta be a dream.
On a small table next to the kitchen, the phone rang. Kit's ears twitched toward the sound and Hiei emerged from the kitchen to merely stare at the offending ringer. They all watched as Kurama went to answer it.
"Moshi moshi? Minamino speaking." The voice on the other side burst out loudly, too garbled for Daini to understand. Kit did understand the words and also easily recognized the speaker; his keen eyes remained unwavering on the redhead. "Ohayo, Yuusuke," Kurama said calmly into the phone. Kit growled low in his throat at the name and he knew exactly why the boy had called. A quick glance at Hiei told Kit that the fire youkai also guessed the same.
"Hai, hai, I know. He's right here in fact. Would you like to talk to him?" The polite tone never left Kurama's voice but now it carried a slight edge to it. Whatever Yuusuke said next made the green eyes tighten. "You had best come over now. No, Hiei and I don't need your help detaining him," he said wearily, passing a hand over his gaze. "It is not that kind of situation. Bring him too, if you want, I don't care. Aa, I understand." Kurama said goodbye and hung up. The redhead glanced at Hiei leaning against the wall, a grim look in those scarlet eyes, and then stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. Kit rose from the floor, pulling the black-haired girl up with him, and set his jaw.
"What's going on?" Daini asked. Everyone suddenly got so glum.
"Koenma detected an unregistered A-class youkai in the Ningenkai," Kurama answered, resting on the arm of the couch. "You," he said to Kit, not accusing, just merely stating a fact.
"Koenma?" she ventured.
"A godling of the Reikai, the spirit world, the world where human souls go when their bodies die. His father, Enma-daioh, is the head-honcho, in layman's terms."
"Oh." Everything, everything they say, everything they do, is new to me. I won't ever understand! "And . . . A-class . . ?" she asked tentatively. Sooner or later - and probably sooner - they'll grow tired of my questions . . .
Kurama threw a look at the silent Kit, a look that plainly shouted 'have you told her nothing?!' and forced a smile for Daini. "A demon's power is measured in classes, sort of how humans have classes based on one's wealth. Those such as Yuusuke, who has the youki of a higher S-class, contain the highest potential of energy. Then the classes step down from there, 'A' through as low as a demon can get."
Daini's curiosity won over her cautiousness. "And what are all of you?"
Hiei snorted. "She asks as if she thinks we boast of it."
At the girl's confused stare, Kurama waved a hand. "Don't mind him. Hiei, do you want to tell her or should I?"
A grunt.
Kurama smothered a grin. "Hiei is a high A-class, though he's rapidly progressing. In this form, I don't know what I am since human powers are not measured the same way. As a youko I register as an A." He sighed. "And apparently Kit is an A-class as well. It won't take Koenma long to realize our youki readings are very similar and I'm certain he already knows about the Jiyuu moon."
"Why would it matter?" Daini's brow furrowed as she frowned. "Kit hasn't done anything" - she glanced at him uncertainly - "and I haven't either."
"Sometimes being born is a great enough sin," Hiei stated, head bowed. "The clone is from the Makai and you are of the Ningenkai. A union such as that will not go unnoticed."
"Kindly stop calling me that," Kit demanded, golden eyes narrowing into slits.
"Then decide what you are." The youkai's own gaze flashed. "Are you merely the reincarnate of Youko Kurama or are you someone completely different?"
"Stop it, Hiei," Daini snapped. "Kit, you don't have to answer him."
"I think it's important that you do," Kurama said softly.
Kit drew himself up to his full seven feet. "I lived Youko's past as completely as Kurama did. But I ammy own person. Does Kurama not live two lives - one as the youko and one as the ningen Minamino Shuiichi? Can you not use the same rules for both of us?" A muscle along Kit's jaw clenched. "The past has been taken care of," he said tartly. "The future will be my own decision. With Daini." Daini felt him lace his fingers through hers. She tilted her head back to peer up at him, but he still focused on the others. His grip on her hand tightened.
"KURAMAAAA!" Two boys suddenly burst into the living room. "We've come to . . . help . . ." the shorter of the two trailed off, lowering his hands aimed like a gun. The taller, orange-haired one crowding behind almost crashed into him. They both blinked, confused looks turning to each person in the room. "I think I'm missing something," the dark-headed boy said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Come on in and have a seat, you two," Kurama said with a sigh. "We will explain everything once again."
***
"Ano . . ." began Yuusuke, raising up to lean his chin on his palm. "This isn't gonna set well with the Makai lords."
Kurama pursed his lips. "Mukuro has no prejudice and Yomi has already told me that I have his help, if ever needed."
"Not the kings," Yuusuke said, shaking his head. "I already know those two would only get in on the action because they're bored. What I'm worried about are the Makai lords, the ones beneath Mukuro, Yomi, and me. They already consider you a traitor, Kurama, and if he's"- he jutted a thumb at Kit - "gonna claim to be you, that'll only add to their reasons to rip this whole thing apart."
"I have a name," Kit said in a low voice. "Take care to use it, Urameshi." Daini nervously tightened her grip on his hand, leaning into him slightly. Kit was like her lifeline to staying calm. If he lost his temper . . .
Yuusuke seemed to have enough sense to back down and ease the tension in the room fractionally. "I wouldn't be surprised if Koenma contacted us soon."
Hiei snorted. "We are wasting precious time waiting. If we destroy the source of the problem, then there will not be a problem any longer."
"Nani?" started Kuwabara. "Kill Kurama's double? Er, Kit," he quickly corrected, throwing the youko an uneasy look.
"No, no killing," Kurama said pointedly. Hiei met his gaze then wrenched it away to stare out the window. It is your decision, the gesture stated. But you only have to give the word . . . "No killing," the redhead repeated, folding his hands in his lap. "The Makai cannot directly target Kit, because of his high youki, nor Daini, because she is protected by the Reikai."
"And by me," Kit added significantly. So I am being possessive. So what? Daini's small fingers lightly squeezed his. She is mine. Mine!
"And by all of us," Kurama agreed, nodding.
Daini rested her cheek against Kit's arm, feeling the muscles ripple beneath the smooth skin. "Why would anyone even care? I'm with Kit freely, by my choice."
"The Reikai presides over all humans," Kurama explained. "Humans live happily not realizing there are youkai and other creatures strange to them. Remember how you reacted when you first saw Kit."
Kit stiffened beside the girl. The others did not know what almost happened that first night . . . nor any night she spent with the silver-haired youko. Kurama was just speculating, but for all his guesswork, he hit the truth with a sledgehammer.
"Violently," Daini said as steady as she could. "I reacted violently. I tried to fight him."
"All ningen seek to destroy what they do not understand," said Hiei, a note of contempt in his voice.
Daini ignored him. "So it would be bad for everyone to know what I know?" she concluded.
Kurama smiled gently. "I am afraid that's the very situation. Extreme secrecy is always used between the Reikai and Ningenkai, and breeches of that secrecy are not well-tolerated."
"I bet Koenma'll almost choke on his fuumakan once he finds out!" Yuusuke said with a laugh. "Eh, Kuwabara?" He slapped his knee and nudged his lanky friend.
"Urameshi . . ." began the broader boy. He grabbed Yuusuke by the ears and twisted his face so he could see the window where a blue-haired girl was hovering, tapping insistently on the glass.
"Botan!" Yuusuke cried and jumped up to open the window. "What're you doing here? Is there a message?"
The girl floated into the room, hopping lightly off the board thing she road. Daini stared unblinking. She can fly on that thing?
"Koenma sent me to take you to the Reikai as soon as possible!" Botan said in a rush, obviously out of breath. "Oh, it's been crazy there since sunup! Representatives from the Makai are jerking us around everywhere and they're all so rude!" Her purple eyes teared up and she gripped Yuusuke's arms. "Rumor has it that Kurama-san's been stealing human girls! Yuusuke, I know that can't be true!"
"It's not!" Daini burst out, jerking away from Kit and stalking over to the other girl. "Kit didn't kidnapme! I came freely! Freely, I said!"
Botan blinked. " . . . Kit?"
"Yes, Kit!" Daini said impatiently. The youko was impassively observing the situation, arms and legs folded as if he did not intend to take part in the argument. That surprised Daini; Kit had always eagerly gnashed his teeth when defending himself.
She had a feeling that their trip, wherever they were headed, the Spirit World, would show her the Kit she had not yet met. The Kit he hid inside. The Kit that she, perhaps, had lost her heart to.
*owari*
Arishia-chan's Notes: Eh... I hope you guys liked it. ^_^ It's definitely different from what I'm used to writing. I had tons of fun working on it. Just so you know, this is NOT the end. There are two more Books in the After Faded Light epic, and a short story planned after that, so stayed tuned in. Ja!
If this seems like this series will be mainly Daini/Kit focused, it's not intentional. I needed this fic to introduce them and while they DO play a large part in the next Books, there's more Kurama/Hiei and other people scenes too.