Rescuing Hiei

Getting deep on the questions, thoth_moon. You challenge me "sometimes" to make a few "altercations" to my original work. But that's okay. Every work of art is a study in evolution and progression, wouldn't you say? :o)

I must say, though, I would still like to see some different Reviewers to get more opinions of my work. Am I just a 1 (er, 3) hit wonder? Do I only appeal to a limited following? Not that I don't appreciate you faithful few, though. :o?

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Scene 11 ------------------------------------------- Three Hours Later

* Koenma enters an observation room on the holding level of his palace. Kurama is relaxing in one of the arm chairs still craddling Imiko. The Teen moves to glance down at the quiet baby who notices him right away.

Koenma- Observant little guy, isn't he?
Kurama- Very.

* Kurama looks up at Koenma.

Kurama- How is Yomi?
Koenma- He'll be recovering for a couple days, but he'll live.

* Koenma then goes to the large one-way window to join Yusuke. Hiei is still out laying on a futon. When Koenma sees that the twins are playing in there beside their Papa he looks at Yusuke.

Koenma- You put them in there?
Yusuke- Yes.
Kurama- (Quietly) We thought that perhaps they'll keep Hiei calm when he finally wakes up.

* Kurama looks back down at Imiko when the baby boy squirms some. He raises an eyebrow when he sees the orange head trying to raise up to look toward the window.

Koenma- I suppose that makes sense. I still haven't had a chance to evaluate their energy levels, yet...

Yusuke- They're As.

* Kurama begins to sway, trying to keep Imiko calm, as he watches Koenma's guarded reaction to this information.

Kurama- (Quietly) Shh, Little One... You must have had a harrowing life so far...

* Imiko turns his big red eyes back on Kurama, studying this stranger intensely.

Yusuke- Well, we're about to find out if our theory works. He's waking up.

* Kurama lifts Imiko up to a shoulder as he moves to the window. They all watch their small friend stir, then shoot bolt upright to look around. He gathers the twins up when they hurry into his lap.

Kurama- He looks terrible...
Yusuke- I'm going in.
Kurama- Not alone you aren't...
Yusuke- Just watch the baby. Koenma can come in if I have trouble.

* When Yusuke turns Koenma is facing him with his arms crossed.

Yusuke- Just try to stop me, Junior.

* After a moment, Koenma sighs and steps aside.

Koenma- I will be here if you need me.

* Yusuke nods then goes into the small room. Hiei is now crouched over his boys checking them, worried for any injuries. His eyes snap up when he hears Yusuke enter. Yusuke stays put as Hiei positions himself protectively between him and the boys. For several tense moments the two just stare at each other. Finally Yusuke decides to break the silence.

Yusuke- You can calm down, Hiei... You're all safe now... We're in Koenma's palace.

* Hiei sniffs toward Yusuke tentatively, obviously still somewhat groggy. Then his mind slowly registers the scent.

Hiei- Y-Yusuke?
Yusuke- Yo. Good to have you back...

* Hiei glances nervously back toward the twins who are hiding behind him.

Yusuke- Nobody's going to hurt you or.. your babies anymore.

* Hiei suddenly hisses as he looks back up at the Toushin.

Hiei- Where's the others?! Shishi, Imiko...

* Yusuke glances around when the door opens. Koenma and Kurama enter. As soon as Hiei hears Imiko fussing he uses a burst of his speed to snatch the boy away from Kurama. Yusuke reaches out to check Kurama who nods that he's okay. They all then watch Hiei go through the inspection routine with Imiko. When he is sure that Imiko, too, is okay he lays him down gently behind him with his twins. Hiei glares back up at his three visitors.

Hiei- You will not touch my babies!

* Kurama takes note that Hiei is looking directly at Yusuke. When Imiko begins to fuss again, they are all surprised when Hiei moves to crouch over him once more concerned.

Ichiro- He's hungry, Papa.

* Without hesitation, Hiei sits with his back to Yusuke, Kurama, and Koenma as he gathers Imiko up to his chest, after opening the fresh robe he's dressed in now. Hiei glances over his shoulder toward his three friends.

Hiei- Now you will bring me Shishi!
Koenma- I can't do that right now...

* Hiei glances down at his right arm and notices that it is freshly wrapped in a new, thicker warding cloth.

Koenma- I won't risk having you use that attack on us, Hiei...

* Hiei growls as he snaps a glare toward Koenma again.

Hiei- Shiyounin!!
Koenma- Excuse me?

* Yusuke and Kurama glance at each other, recognizing the word.

Hiei- My name.. is Shiyounin...! That is what I am.. and that is what you will call me!

* Koenma looks at Yusuke and Kurama puzzled.

Kurama- (Quietly) We'll explain later...

* When Kurama talks Hiei looks toward him a long, silent moment before lowering his eyes back down to Imiko.

Hiei- Shishi is mine! I want him back...

* Koenma looks at the koorime again.

Koenma- Yours? You mean your.. mate?
Kurama- Shishiwakamaru?

* Hiei's twins now sit up to peer around him at the strangers.

Jiro- Where's Momma Shishi?
Hiei- Be quiet, boys!
Koenma- Shishiwakamaru is up in the medical ward... He's keeping watch over his own baby...

* Yusuke and Kurama look at Koenma. Hiei half turns to look up at them puzzled.

Hiei- What?! He's not due for another...!
Koenma- The baby came early... Something happened down there that stressed Shishi.

* Hiei senses that the godling is fishing for information and looks away again. Then he closes his eyes.

Hiei- (Whisper) He was expecting... twins...

* Koenma hesitates, then sighs.

Koenma- He did have twins, Hiei. One didn't make it...

* Hiei hisses at Koenma to try to hide the impact that news has on him.

Hiei- My name... is Shiyounin!!

* Hiei then drops his eyes back down to check Imiko. The baby boy is starting to lull to sleep. He listens to Yusuke and Kurama quietly berating Koenma for his seemingly inconsidrate conduct. Koenma ignores them to keep watching Hiei. When the koorime is sure that Imiko is asleep good he gently lays the boy down, touches his orange head a moment, then stands and moves away to a far corner to sit. Ichiro and Jiro attempt to stay with him, but Hiei stops them.

Hiei- No, boys. Stay with Imiko.

* When the twins obey. Hiei takes a deep breath, then looks back up at Koenma.

Hiei- You can add that one to my new list of crimes.

* Hiei then lowers his eyes. The three stand, listening as Hiei gives the account of the battle at the cave. When he grows quiet once more Yusuke steps closer.

Yusuke- If you think I'm going to let Diaper Jockey, here, sentence you to anything for that...
Hiei- (Quietly) I've done enough crimes to know the penalties for m-murder and... rape...
Kurama- Hiei,...
Hiei- Shiyounin!! -- That- that one... died... The one with.. that name... He had t-to go...

* Kurama reaches out and stops Yusuke from going over to Hiei. They watch Jiro defy his father's orders and go over to climb into Hiei's arms. Yusuke works loose from Kurama and goes over closer. When he kneels down on one knee to try to get Hiei's attention the koorime ignores him.

Yusuke- (Quietly) Listen,.. Shiyounin... You're safe here. There are no charges against you... When you're ready I'll take you up to see Shishi my-...

* Hiei shakes his head quickly.

Hiei- I killed his baby. He won't want to see me... He didn't want m-me in the... first place... I raped him now I've murdered his...

* Hiei's voice catches and he looks back up at Yusuke. The utter defeat the Toushin sees in his small friend's eyes reminds him of his own in every mirror he'd look into.
Koenma continues to study Hiei's actions.

Hiei- (Quietly) Y-You're their... Father... You will raise them well.
Yusuke- What? Hi-Shiyounin, I'm not going to take your babies from you!

* Hiei hesitates, then nods, and looks back down at Jiro.

Hiei- I understand that you don't...
Yusuke- Finish that and I'll hurt you!
Kurama- Yusuke!
Koenma- Alright, that's enough for now!
Hiei- Then Shishi will raise them... They call him Momma Shishi...

* Jiro looks up at Hiei, but the koorime quiets him by laying a hand on his head.

Hiei- I'm turning myself in for your judgement, Lord Koenma.

* Yusuke stands and turns to glare at Koenma when the Teen moves forward.

Yusuke- You tell him that there's no charges against him right now!
Koenma- Let's go out and let him calm down, Yusuke. He's not going to listen to us when he's like this...

* They look back to watch Hiei lay down to curl up with Jiro. Ichiro comes over, moving around Yusuke cautiously, to join his father and brother. Kurama glances toward Imiko, then moves to get Yusuke by the arm. He and Koenma guide the somber Toushin out of the room. In the outer room Yusuke jerks loose. Koenma starts to leave.

Yusuke- Where are you going?!

* Koenma pauses, suckles his pacifier a moment, then turns to look at him.

Koenma- It's time to go get Shishi's side of this mess.
Yusuke- We're coming with you.

* Koenma nods and leads them out of the room.