Ryuusei No Solitude

Chapter XXXV



"I'm sorry to see you go," said Kanna as they walked along the beach. Instead of her usual bikini outfit she wore a dress similar to her mother's. The shark skin shimmered with the colors of the sea in an array of light blue to almost dark blue. It had no sleeves but hung around her neck in a v-neck and the skirt was slit up the sides to her thighs. A wide white belt was wrapped around her waist to keep the dress fit against her body. Around her forehead was a wide gold tiara with a silver shell set in the tiara. Her purple hair hung down her back in an elegant cascade.



"We've been here a year," said Hiei. "It's time to go." As usual he wore his black fighting outfit and his sword was tied to his side. His newest accessory was the black cloak Kanna gave him with a white scarf. He wore it everyday, except when he was exercising.



In the year they were with the water demons, everything had been peaceful. The main city was located deep underwater, so the group had to hold their breath for a long time before the reached the city. Lucky most of the city was contained in a shield air bubble so they could breathe as they walked in the streets. The group had been treated like royal guest during their stay. Kurama and Hiei were especially treated with respect, due to Kurama's royal stature and Hiei's bond with Kanna.



Umiko had been banished immediately after being disowned by her parents. She was last seen leaving the ocean shore with only the ragged clothes on her bag. Nobody was particularly sad to see her leave, but they didn't hold a celebration either. They just watched her leave in anger as the sun rose over the water.



"Still having the dreams again," asked Kanna as Hiei's pressed his fingers to his temple. "Another head ache?"



'"Yes, to both," said Hiei. "But I'll be fine."



"Still seeing Yukina captive?" Hiei nodded. "How long have you been having these dreams?"



"Off and on for the past year. But now it's getting more active." Hiei paused before turning to Kanna. "Why do you ask?"



Kanna looked thoughtful. "My uncle had premonitions from time to time," she said. "Sometimes in dreams, sometimes in the middle of the day. Some wee so intense he thought they were real."



Hiei looked at her is disbelief. "So you think Yukina really has been captured? Where?"



Kanna smiled. "If she has been then it'll be up to you to find her."



"I want to learn hoe to control the Jagan. Where's you uncle? I haven't met him yet."



Kanna looked surprised at the question, the sad. "He died. After he died I stored his Jagan till someone strong enough can handle it. They're too rare to waste."



"I'm sorry," said Hiei and touched her arm. Kanna smiled and hugged him.



"Thank you, Hiei. You have been a sister to me."



Hiei laughed. "Well, I'm not exactly a girl right now," said Hiei, indicating his male form.



"You're still apprehensive around them, aren't you," asked Kanna sadly. "You've known them longer then me."



"But you know what I've been through. I can't be a girl around them. Not when I feel so dirty."



Kanna sighed. "Hiei, I'd like to take you somewhere tonight, before you leave," she said. "I think it will help you."



"What is it," asked Hiei a little tense.



"Nothing to worry about. Just trust me." Kanna smiled and Hiei relaxed a bit.



That night Owatatsumi held a farewell banquet for the guests. Each was given fine clothes of shark skin and jewels to wear. Dishes of fish, kelp and shark were served as soon as the guests were seated. Owatatsumi stood and spread her arms.



After a year of pleasant company our guests sadly have to leave," she said but let it be known that they will always be Friend's of the Sea." As she said that a servant arrived with a tray and on it were six silver rings set with and aqua-marine gem with a golden shell signet.



"Stand, my friends," said Owatatsumi, "and receive your token of friendship."



Smiling the group stood as Kanna stood next to her mother. Kurama stood first in line and next to him was Hiei.



"These rings show that you are friends of the element of water," said Kanna. "They will grant you entrance to any water tribe, give you aid in time of need, and protect you, for a friend of the water cannot be harmed while you hold these rings by another o our tribe. Do you accept these token?"



"We do," said Kurama speaking for the group. Smiling Kanna took Kurama's right hand and slipped the ring on his finger. Down the line she went, slipping a ring on each of their finger. When she finished she returned to Owatatsumi's side.



"Come, my friends," said Kanna spreading her arms. "Eat and forget the travel ahead and he woes of the past. Let the present stay and live this night."



And with that the celebration began. It was more a party then anything. They ate the food and danced and talked about the good times. As always Hiei shied away from physical contact except by Kanna. Kurama stayed near Hiei at all times except when he danced with Owatatsumi and Kanna to be polite. But other then that he stayed with Hiei.



It was around midnight when Kanna slipped away from the group; her white gown was shining in the light of both the moon, but somehow Hiei was the only one who could see her. Looking around he saw everyone else paying attention to each other. They didn't seem to notice Kanna.



Illusion. Kanna was using illusion to hide herself from the others and making only Hiei see her. She didn't make any gesture or sign; she just turned around and walked down the beach. Hiei followed. She lead Hiei down the sandy beach till they came to a rocky cliff. The cliff was separated from the beach by a wide river. With a smiled over her shoulder at Hiei she dove into the river. Hiei ran to the edge and watched the water, hoping she would emerge. She did after a minute and held her hand out to Hiei.



Hiei hesitated. Should he go with Kanna? He doesn't even know where she wants to take him. She was so mysterious about it. "Just trust me." That's what Kanna had said and he does trust her. Jumping into the river he joined Kanna in the water. Smiling Kanna took his hand and submerged. Hiei took a deep breath and followed.

Kanna swum effortlessly in the water, but holding Hiei's hand as the fire-demon clumsily swum beside her held Kanna back. But Kanna was patient and swum slowly. She also knew that Hiei's breathe wouldn't last as long as a water demons so she tried to swim as fast as Hiei could.



And Hiei was running out of air. His head was dizzy and his lungs were about to burst. It was easy for Kanna. Water demons could hold their breath for hours underwater, but being fire-demon Hiei's lungs had a limit. He felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist and a mouth press against his. Hiei gasped and that allowed the person to fully engulf his mouth. He felt a gush of air fill his lungs and he took it. The mouth left his.



They weren't in the water very long when Kanna helped Hiei emerge from the water. Hiei gasped and clung to the edge of the bank as Kanna got out of the water.



"Sorry, about that," she said. "I forgot how far it would seem for someone else. Are you all right?"



"The kiss?" asked Hiei.



"Just an exchange of air. Nothing more. Besides, someone would get mad at me if I stole you away."



"Who?" asked Hiei looking up and gasped. They were inside a huge cavern; the pool Hiei was still in was the only entrance. Embedded in the cavern walls all around were various gems, rubies, sapphires, amethyst and topaz. A small shaft of light hit the gems and created a rainbow of color on the ceiling. An alter was carved into the wall and various items were set around it. The air was also very humid and it made it a little difficult to breathe. A larger pool was in the center of the cavern and a slow rise of steam came from it.



"A hot spring," said Hiei. "But how? There isn't a volcano here."



"Yes, Haruieru (1)," said Kanna. "The Healing Spring. It was created for us by the river and water gods when a great sickness spread through the ocean. Others had heard of the power of the spring and sought to use it for other purposes. Hen the gods of water pleaded with the gods of earth and created this cavern, so none may enter, but the children of Owatatsumi."



"Why did you bring me here?"



Kanna smiled at him. "To heal you, of course," she said.



"I don' need to be healed," yelled Hiei glaring at her. Kanna was unfazed by the look and glared back.



"Really. Then why won't you let some one touch you without flinching? You're all right with sleeping around them and talking, but won't let anyone touch you. So tell me, oneesan, are you healed?"



"I don't have to stand here and take them from you!" grumbled Hiei and turned back.



"Fine," said Kanna. "Go ahead and leave. Don't let the water drown you on the way out. I wonder how long you can hold your breathe?"



Hiei hissed and looked at her with a glare. Kanna just stared it down.



"Will you at least give it a try," she said.



Hiei still glared at her but nodded his head.



"What do I do?" he asked.



"Just strip, the water will do the rest."



Hiei nodded and did as he was told. Kanna went to a shelf where bath oil was stored and picked rose and lavender scented. She poured a generous amount in the hot spring and the steam filled the cavern with a pleasant smell.



"Get into the water," she ordered, ignoring the fact that Hiei was naked. Both had long ago gotten most the state of modesty between them. "And remember the day of the attack."



"What?! You want me to…."



"Just do it, Hiei," said Kanna as she stripped as well. "Do you want to be healed or not?"



Hiei huffed and climbed into the hot spring. Kanna joined him. The spring was a perfect circle, at least three to five yards wide. Hiei and Kanna sat on opposite ends of the pool. Kanna smiled at him and reached forward and took off the headband.



"Hey!" yelled Hiei.



"I said everything," said Kanna. And set the bandanna on he stone floor.



(Hello again.)



'I'm not really in the mood for talking.'



(I can tell. But later I would like to talk.)



'Much later.'



(Better late then never, as they say. I've waited for over two years to speak to you again and when we are free you ignore me. That hurts my feelings you know.) That part was spoken with a sarcastic sneer. Hiei gave a small smirk.



'Love you too.'



"Now close your eyes, and imagine the attack," said Kanna and Hiei obeyed her. He had tried hard to forget the events that had happened one year ago, but somehow the image came in an instant, clear and vivid.

Yomi stood over her and she was powerless against him. Her speed was strengthened by her ki and without it she didn't run as fast, and more then that, she was scared. Scared that Yomi would hurt her or kill her before she had found Yukina.



"Do not worry," said Yomi. "There's nothing to fear. It won't hurt."



'But it will hurt,' something in the back of her mind said. 'He will hurt you. He'll break you. He'll destroy you.'



"Leave me alone!" she yelled and dodged away from him.



"Don't fight me," growled Yomi.



'Yes, fight him,' said the voice. 'Fight him!'



She lashed out. She struck him hard against the diaphragm and Yomi doubled over. Taking advantage of his momentary unguarded state she kicked out and hit him over the head. He landed hard on the floor and she run toward the door. A blast hit the wall beside her and stopped her in her tracks.



"You're not going anywhere," growled Yomi. She turned to face the demon lord. Yomi stood up from the floor and faced her. "I will break you in two."



She glared at him. "Don't mess with me!" she yelled. She didn't have demon powers but that didn't stop her from fighting. Yomi shot another blast at her and she dodged it. She kicked out and hit Yomi in the solar plexus. Yomi doubled over again, but jumped from his crouch and hit her in the chest. She gasped out her breathe and Yomi hit her again before she could catch her breath.



"You're nothing," he said. "You'll never be as strong as I am. You'll never beat me. And you'll never see your miserable friends again."



She hung her head. She knew he was right. She would never be as strong as he was. She could never beat him. But to never see her friends again? How can she say good-bye to them? Somehow she can't see that happening.



She closed her eyes and saw Yusuke and Keiko sitting in front of her in the blue light of her Jagan. She remembered that they were worried that she was seriously hurt. She saw herself standing over a defeated Kuwabara as Shizuru looked down at her unconscious brother, after another bout between the two demons.



But more vividly she saw Kurama. Kurama buying her to save her from slavery, Kurama saving her from the frog demon. Kurama, who had such patience with her that it was unnatural. Kurama listening to her life story without fear or disgust. If she died, what would happen to her friends, and Kurama?



"No," she said. "No! I may never defeat you, but I will see my friends again! Because I mean something to them, and they mean something to mean. I'm done running from you!"



And she charged at Yomi.



Hiei gasped as the vision left her. At first she thought was still in Yomi's room, fighting for her life, till she saw the rainbow light on the ceiling and feel the heat from the hot spring. She sighed in relief.



She looked over and saw Kanna and saw the water demon was where she was when the healing started, eyes closed and face blank.



"Kanna," she called, but the water demon didn't respond. "Kanna!"



It was a while till Kanna opened her eyes, at which time Hiei was near panic, thinking her friend was stuck in her mind. Kanna opened her eyes and smiled at her friend.



"Changed forms during the healing, did you," she asked.



"Yes," said Hiei looking down her body. "But what happened to you. You were out of it for a while."



"Sometimes healing takes longer for some people," said Kanna as she got out of the hot spring. She wrapped a towel around her.



"But, at the castle, you said you were all right with the "fine print," as you put it."



"I never said I was all right with it. I just said I had accepted it."



"You were affected by it," said Hiei getting out. Kanna turned away.



"Yes," she said, barely audible. Hiei walked over and wrapped her arms around her adopted sister's waist. As soon as Hiei's arms wrapped around Kanna's waist, Kanna turned around and hugged Hiei, crying in the fire-demon's hair. Both held each other as they cried their grief and pain. Kanna was really the one crying, Hiei was trying not to.

Ping Ping



"What was that," asked Kanna, pulling away and wiped her eyes.



"Nothing," said Hiei, wiping her eyes as well. Kanna, however, looked down at her feet and saw two black-red stones as big as her pinky nail.



"What are these," she asked bending down and picking the stones up.



"Nothing," said Hiei and tried to take them back but Kanna pulled away.



"Tear gems, hiruseki stones, but they're tarnished. They're yours aren't they?"



"Yes," said Hiei looking away. Kanna smiled gently and lifted Hiei's chin so she'd look at her.



"Do not be ashamed," she said and crossed to the alter. She placed one gem among the many gifts there, pressed her hands together and power respectfully. "One for the Goddess of the Sea and the other for me." Kanna turned to smile at her friend, holding up the small gem. Hiei nodded with a small smile. she walked in front of the alter and bowed as well.



"Now we both can heal," she said.



XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX



"Each of you were named kin and friend," said Owatatsumi. It was the next morning and they all stood on the shore of the Makai Sea. Kanna stood next to her mother with Mizura behind her, who had become her personal bodyguard. "You leave with the blessings of the Sea, and wish that the song of the sea flows in you."



"We thank you, cousin," said Kurama with a bow. "And I hope that you will visit the Kitsune Village soon."



"As do I."



"These packs have been filled with supplies and money," said Kanna gesturing to the packs held by servants. Kanna smiled at her friends. "Try not to use them all at once."



Everyone laughed. Owatatsumi walked up to Hiei and smiled down at her.



"You have helped my daughter in her time of need," she said. "And in turn she has helped you. The debt between the two of you has been paid. But the debt between us has not, and I fear it never will, but ask anything of me and I will deliver it to the best of my ability."



"I thank you, your Majesty," said Hiei, "but I have everything I need." She smiled first at Kanna then at her friends beside her. Owatatsumi smiled as well. She walked up to Hiei and wrapped the fire Koorime into a hug. Hiei froze for a moment, but relaxed and returned the gesture. When she released Hiei Kanna hugged her as well.



"Good-bye, Hiei," said Kanna. "I hope to see you again soon."



"I hope so, too," said Hiei. They drew apart and Kurama lead the group away from the shore. Each of them was waving good-bye, feeling like they were leaving a family they had known a life-time. Hiei began to follow but turned back when she reached the tree line.



"Kanna, Mizura, I expect you two to be mated soon," she yelled back with a smile. Mizura blushed and Kanna glared at her.



"Hiei!" she yelled.



Owatatsumi laughed as Hiei left.



TBC



(1)Haru: spring. Ieru: heal