Beyond Understanding

They walked, Hiei lagging slightly behind, trying to work out what he was feeling, why he was feeling it. It didn’t make sense. Except, in a way, it did. Strangely enough. He didn’t want to think about it, though. But, his mind kept returning to it, like a starving dog worrying an old bone for any sustenance. No matter how many times he shooed it away, it would return. It was uncomfortable. It brought up things he’d never had to think about before. He didn’t want to think about them. He just wanted to get this damn assignment over with so he’d never have to see the detective again! He’d take the damn jail time to get out of it! But, he didn’t really want to…he wanted to work with the detective…he wanted…Damn it all! He didn’t know what he really wanted! Even though, he was sure he did. ‘Fuck it, I don’t need this now!’ he thought as they entered a round room with multiple doors.

“Which door should we take, Kuwabara?” the detective’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Second one from the right!” the tall teen answered after a moment of thought.

“Second from the right it is.” Yusuke agreed.

“I dunno,” Hiei murmured, stepping in front of the detective, trying to see through the doors without removing his ward, “You sure about this?”

“Heh!” Kuwabara answered, glaring at the hiyoukai. “Doping out mazes and traps is my forte!”

Yusuke stepped forward, and opened the indicated door with a shrug. Hiei watched the detective. If Yusuke trusted the other boy, then…’Why the fuck am I relying on the detective’s judgment?’ A part of his brain began to answer, but he didn’t like the answer. The answer was something he didn’t want to deal with, ever. But, how was he supposed to stop it? Was there anyway to make it go away? He tried to focus on his surroundings, hoping to turn his mind away from…other things.

They reached a large chamber with a double door and large draconic statues. Hiei’s mind quickly examined them, looking for value here. “Bronze statues…feh! Worthless.”

Yusuke murmured, “Phew! Pretentious décor here!”

Kurama seemed uneasy. “This must be Seiryu’s chamber. A demonic aura’s leaking out, more potent than the others.”

Kuwabara shivered and agreed, “I’ll say! Goose-bump city!”

The door opened itself to reveal the tall, cold-eyed Seiryu, waiting for them on the other side, swirls of cold mist swirling around his body. “Master Suzaku finds your petty activities highly vexing,” his cultured, cold voice intoned. “This is as far as you go. I’ll kill you all. After I’ve torn you limb from limb. Heh heh heh.”

With bravado in his voice, Yusuke returned, “We’ve heard that before, skank!”

Seiryu’s eyes narrowed, though his attention seemed to be focused somewhere other than on the four in his chamber. “Hmm. We have…an uninvited guest.”

The four turned to look over their shoulder, looking at the door they’d just come through. Now, they could hear the unsteady shuffling sounds. ‘How did I miss that?’ Hiei wondered as Kuwabara said, “Something…dragging along…”

“It’s coming from down the hall.” ‘The way we just came. It was following us. How did I miss that?’

Slowly, the doors opened, revealing the burning body of the once white tiger, Byakko. He was very weak, barely standing, or moving. He ignored the four, focused solely on the ice demon, “S-Seiryu!” Staggering, he reached out to his partner, “P-please, I need some energy…I-I’ll repay you once I’m stronger…”

Hiei doubted seriously that Byakko was in a position to absorb reiki from Kuwabara. He wasn’t really a danger at all, unless he fell on you when he did die.

“Gawd, he’s still alive?!” Kuwabara stammered out in awe, or disgust. It was difficult to tell.

Yusuke shook his head, “Too much, man.”

Seiryu’s cold voice cut through their thoughts, “Fool. You are ridiculous…and a failure.”

“Seiryu!” Byakko’s voice carried fear now.

“You are of no further use. In fact, you are an eyesore.” A cold wind flowed from Seiryu, enveloping the room. He extended one arm, the other cocked behind him.

“Wait - - That stance…” Byakko’s voice now held terror, “Please…DON’T!!”

Seiryu brought his cocked arm forward, bringing with it all the winds and cold of a midwinter blizzard condensed in the surface of his fist. “Fall to the ghostly ice fists!!” In an instant, Byakko’s body was frozen solid. Seiryu followed his fists with a kick that shattered the statue he’d created. He landed again where he’d been when the four entered the room.

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked on in shock, unable to fully believe what they’d seen. Both were in a cold sweat. Kuwabara could only manage to mutter, “Holeee….”

Yusuke managed a little more, disbelief in his voice, “He killed one of his fellow beasts!!”

Byakko’s head landed, the last piece of his body to do so and a sound escaped it. Seiryu let out a cold laugh, “Heh…I laid one hundered freezing punches at near absolute zero on him. No one save master Suzaku can dodge such an assault.”

From the floor, a pathetic sound emerged, “Seiryu…why…?”

His expression hard, the demon answered, “You’ve proven yourself weak and worthless. In short, you’re a loser.” He then spat at the fallen demon.

Yusuke growled, becoming more irate with each breath he took.

Kurama’s voice cut softly through the room, “They have no sense of camaraderie. They’re driven solely by greed and hunger.” His voice conveyed disapproval at this. Hiei knew that, though the kitsune had a vicious reputation, he never would have acted in the same manner.

Kuwabara’s voice was full of conflict, “I wanted to destroy him, but this is weird…wrong! He deserved better…and I swear he’ll get it!” Hiei was gratified to hear that, to hear the boy cling to honor. Otherwise, he would have been unfit as a companion for Yusuke.

“Right on, Kuwabara!” the boy who’d claimed the koorime’s thoughts growled out, “And I’ll do the honors!!”

Hiei knew that this was not the time for the detective to fight. Suzaku was stronger yet. “Wait, Yusuke.” The boy turned around and could see the fire burning in the red eyes. Hiei’s face carried a weight that had not been there…a seriousness…something that stopped the detective in his tracks. “Save that rage for later. You’ll need it against Suzaku.”

Yusuke’s face was puzzled, “But...” Hiei couldn’t stand it anymore. He moved, pushing himself to move quickly, and stood before Seiryu. The ice dragon laughed.

Hiei pulled off his cloak and threw it in the direction of Byakko’s head, giving him what respect he could. Though they’d been enemies, he’d fought well and deserved better treatment than what Seiryu had given him.

“What’s this?” the taller demon asked. “A sentimental gesture? From you? I’d understood you to be like us - - ruthless to the core.”

Hiei remained silent, glaring at the ice dragon. He could hear Kurama speaking behind him, “I’ve never seen Hiei like this before. He’s just as Seiryu described…or was. Yet he seems truly upset by what Seiryu’s done. Self-interest is not what moves him now, and it bewilders him…What it means, I can’t say, but the battle aura surrounding him is the strongest I’ve ever felt!” Hiei knew the kitsune knew why he was acting, but would wait to confirm it later. He wondered just how telepathic the fox was or if he was truly being that obvious.

But, none of that mattered right now, as he faced down Seiryu. The ice dragon took the same stance he’d used with Byakko. “I’ll crush you,” the dragon declared. Hiei prepared, one hand grabbing his sheathed sword, the other prepared to draw. With a scream of “DIE!!” Seiryu moved to attack.

Hiei drew his sword and moved, using his demonic ability to move faster than Seiryu and sliced the demon. Over and over he hacked the body while it was still in motion, killing the demon before he had a chance to realize he was dead. Lightly, he landed behind the falling pieces and sheathed his sword. It took less than a second, and it was over. But the confusion, the raging thoughts, emotions remained. Looking over his shoulder, he said in a voice as cold as Seiryu’s fists, “May I never see your face again.”

Kuwabara stammered out, “D-didya see that?! Flippin’ awesome!! I’ll have to revise my opinion of the li’l runt.”

“Heh…” Kurama murmured, “I saw…but lost track after the first stroke.”

“Wow!” Yusuke surged forward, “That was amazing, Hiei!! You laid him out in one go!!”

“How many cuts?” Kurama asked.

“Sixteen,” Hiei replied quietly, still uncertain of his emotions.

“Sixteen! Man, I only caught eight!” Yusuke gushed.

“You’re eyes are better than mine, Yusuke,” Kurama conceded.

“That guy was filleted before I even blinked…” Kuwabara murmured.

Turning toward the petite demon, Yusuke continued, “You’re fast Hiei! You could beat me hands down in a rematch, I bet!”

Hiei almost choked on the surge of emotions from that statement. Why did it affect him so much, to be admired by the detective? He…he…he was unsure of what was going on in his head. Turning, he moved to pick up his cloak, “Well…maybe,” he answered.

“I don’t get it,” Yusuke murmured, his voice confused.

“He’s changed since he’s come here,” Kurama supplied. “You may be a good influence on him.”

Yusuke didn’t reply, his expression thoughtful as he led the group out of Seiryu’s chamber. Hiei continued to walk behind him, his eyes taking in the whole of the detective’s body. Yusuke’s aura was stronger than his, he knew this, even though it was untried and maybe unreachable by the boy. What he was starting to admit to himself, what he understood but wanted to deny, was that he craved that strength. He needed it. Though, simply by association, he should have desired Kurama, but the kitsune was not his better, only his equal. He was beginning to see and accept that Yusuke was his superior, and he craved this, never having had it in his past. What would it be like to be with someone who could dominate him? But, he also knew, this was part of his heritage. One of the few things he’d learned before he was thrown away was that koorime attracted strong partners. Demons would fight each other to see who was stronger for a koorime mate. The constant loss of mates was one of the reasons the koorime separated themselves from the rest of the Makai. It was also one of the reasons his mother’s action had been so condemned, and why he was forbidden. He didn’t fully understand why he was reacting though. He didn’t think koorime desired strong partners. Hell, before, he’d not desired any partners, only relieving himself when he felt the need to do so, not forming any type of relationship. He’d killed a few who’d tried to bond with him. But, what he felt for the detective…what was it? Maybe that know-it-all fox would have answers.

As they ran, Yusuke stated anxiously, “One enemy left, guys! Let’s make it quick! Gotta get back to the city!” Hiei had almost forgotten why there were here in the first place. The detective’s communicator beeped and he pulled it out without breaking stride. “Yeah?!”

“It’s Botan! I’ve got news! I’m at your school, I’ve got Keiko with me and we’re surrounded by bug-infested maniacs!! They’re clearly after Keiko with murder on their minds!”

Something burned inside Hiei…something that almost choked him, though he fought to keep an impassive façade. He’d forgotten about the girl, the one he himself had kidnapped to lure the detective to him in the first place. He cursed himself soundly for being so foolish.

“Get out of there!!” the boy growled out.

“We will! You get that whistle fast!”

There was a sharp noise through the communicator then the static hiss of snow. “HEY!! Botan, what happened?! Botan!!” Frustrated with the lack of answer, the detective growled again and shoved the device back in his pocket. “Time’s running out,” he ground out between his teeth, “Gotta finish this!!” With a renewed surge of speed, he led the team forward, unaware of the conflict behind him.

Finally, they reached the top of the castle, only one more tower flanked by archways that seemed to lead nowhere in front of them. The horrid ordeal was almost at an end. “That’s it!” Yusuke shouted, “That’s the tower! The big boss’s chamber is at the top!”

A loud shuffling noise drew the team’s attention to the archways. From them, a mass of green human-looking creatures emerged. “There’s a zillion of ‘em! It’ll take forever to fight our way through all that!” Yusuke cried out.

“Yes,” Kurama added, “that will take time we do not have.”

“And like scarecrows, they feel no pain or fear,” Hiei amended. He envied them.

Kuwabara growled out, “This Suzaku character’s a real sick-o! We gotta save Yukimura and he throws this crap at us?!”

Yusuke was angry again, “That’s what he thinks!! I’ll finish this bunch off with a gatling gun volley of reiki!!”

Kurama reacted more quickly than Hiei, “Hold on! Don’t expend yourself! Loose your cool and you’ll play right into Suzaku’s hands!!”

This only frustrated the boy, “But there’s no other way to get through!!”

“Maybe there is.” Hiei beat the fox to the punch this time. Part of him gloated, knowing that his next statement would make the detective happy. “Look up there. See that open window?”

“What?” Yusuke looked up at the tower. “Jeez, Hiei, we’re not grasshoppers!! None of us could possibly jump that high!!”

Hiei smirked, he’d already thought that through. “Not from here, no!”

Kuwabara grunted as the demons climbed onto his shoulder, Kurama supporting Hiei. “Why me?” he groused, “Why me all the time?” Straightening as much as the added weight would allow, the boy began to run, “Okay, hold on! Here we go!! You’ve got one shot! Make it count, Urameshi!”

Yusuke grunted out, running behind the boy, “That’s the plan!” With a leap as the tower in front of him reached the animated vegetables, Yusuke ran up the backs of those in front of them, pushing them forward and off each other’s shoulders as he reached for the tower window. He managed to grab the ledge securely and pulled himself up.

“I’ll be twonked!! It worked!!” Kuwabara shot out as he moved to join Hiei and Kurama in fighting the humanoid creatures.

“You bet it did!” the detective’s voice came from above. “Thanks, guys!! If we get back alive, lunch is on me!”

Hiei smiled, the thought of spending more time with the detective appealed to him. And, he was sure the boy had looked directly at him. Then he frowned at himself. What the hell was going on in his head?! He tried to shut off his brain as he fought with the other two to rid themselves of the creatures that might as well have been zombies. When he got the chance, he’d talk to the kitsune, who kept looking at him oddly. Part of his brain noticed the flares and fluctuations in ki above them. He couldn’t fail to notice when a large blast of reiki flew out of the top of the tower. What was that boy doing? Wasting energy like that! The boy was brash, brazen, had no sense of discipline…and was amazingly strong. From somewhere, somehow, the boy’s reiki remained strong, despite the flares of Suzaku’s youki, sometimes even overwhelming Hiei’s sense of the boy, but he always surged back. Why? Why did he keep fighting? What drove him on?

There was a vicious surge in the ki of the tower room. Both auras were flaring up, higher than they had before. “It’s gonna be a big one!” Kurama yelled, surprised, “And a big finish!”

Hiei knew, “Someone will die this time.” He hoped… “That’s it for Suzaku’s goons!” With a yell, he broke down the tower door, “C’mon! To the top floor!!” He had to be there…he had to know.

The room at the top of the stairs exploded in a sudden burst of energy, almost throwing the three back through the entrance. When they managed to climb past the rubble, it was over. Both Yusuke and Suzaku were flat on their backs, the room no longer a room, merely a platform at the top of the tower, strewn with the rubble of what used to be walls and ceiling. Hiei stared at the still form of the detective.

Kuwabara was the first to speak, “Keee-ripes!! Urameshi!!”

Kurama moved to the boy, Hiei still in shock, unable to move, not knowing why. “Mm…not good. His aura’s exhausted and there’s barely a heartbeat.” His voice was tense. He knew that he and Hiei could do nothing for the boy.

“I’ll give him an aura transfusion!!” Kuwabara volunteered.

Kurama refused, “That’s out! You’ve hardly recovered from your battle with Byakko.”

But the boy would not be stopped, “I’m not gonna stand here and watch him die!! He needs energy! Your demonic aura’s no good for humans! I’m the only option he’s got!!” He knelt beside the fallen boy. “Here goes! C’mon, you bastard! Live!”

Hiei watched on, confused. True, he didn’t want the boy to die. He needed him alive to understand what the hell was happening to him, but at the same time, the tall idiot was correct. His aura would harm the detective. He watched as Kuwabara fell forward onto Yusuke, exhausted, but nowhere near as dangerously as the other teen had been.

Kurama sighed, “Looks like we’ll have to carry them both out of here.”

“Humans. They’re such a pain,” Hiei groused. “I’ll never understand why they make such sacrifices for each other.”

“That quality enabled Yusuke to defeat Suzaku,” Kurama pointed out.

Hiei kept his gaze forward. “Perhaps.” Maybe his voice was tense, maybe the conflict in his mind was making its way past his guard. “But risking my life for someone else is not something you’ll catch me doing.” He had to reassert who he’d been…didn’t he?

Kurama glanced at him, and seemed to chuckle. “Sure, but if Yusuke hadn’t risked it, he’d be dead anyway.”

Hiei glared at the fox. “Always have to have the last word, don’t you?”

As they carried the fallen humans, Kurama carrying Kuwabara, Hiei carrying Yusuke, on the pretext that since Kurama was taller he could better cope with the taller teen, Kurama asked, “Hiei, you’re wondering about something. What is it?”

Hiei only glared at the kitsune. “What does it matter to you?”

“You’ve been watching the detective, Hiei, and it’s obvious you’re conflicted about something.” The fox looked at him carefully. “Did you know, Hiei, that part of the reason the koorime were banished was because they caused a lot of fights?”

Hiei looked at the fox, “Banished?”

“Yes, banished. They caused too much fighting, breaking up armies, so they were banished so that they would not exert their influence over other demons.”

“They claimed to have left voluntarily…” Hiei murmured.

“Yes, I know. But that is not the truth, Hiei. The truth is not always what is easily accepted.”

Hiei frowned, knowing the kitsune had put more than just the surface meaning into those words. He looked again at the boy he carried. Not easily accepted…did that mean…did that have to mean that this boy…would be… He shook his head viciously. “You talk too much.”

Kurama shrugged, “Perhaps.”

Hiei frowned. If the fox had read him so well, then maybe he would know…”What about the girl?”

“Keiko?” Kurama looked over at him, but he didn’t respond. “They are friends. That’s all.”

“Then…why?” he couldn’t bring himself to ask the question, though.

“That is who he is, Hiei. He will fight for his friends as well as for those he loves.” The koorime half-breed merely snorted at this. “Yes, I know, what do you care of love, or friendship for that matter? It does nothing to contribute to your survival,” the fox’s voice was sharp, and altogether too knowing. “He does care for you, Hiei. You saw it. He doesn’t understand it, but it is there.”

Hiei grunted at this and continued walking, but he couldn’t stop the kitsune’s words from playing through his mind, couldn’t stop seeing every look the detective had given him, couldn’t keep his eyes off the boy in his arms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N Okay…I’m gonna follow strict cannon a little farther…part of this chapter was not cannon, but there’s a time skip in cannon, so it works. But, in the next chapter, I’m going to change cannon. For those who’ve not read the manga, you can find the “Battle at ‘Hell’s Housing Development’!!” here: hcolleen.net/hells.html

kit-kit: Most of the dialogue so far is from the manga...but, I'm glad you like the story
Ryokotsusei: Normally, I write pretty decent dialogue, I'd like to think...but the manga dialogue is dippy...ah, well...I'm glad you're enjoying the story :D
Devious Lil Devil: And as it goes on...I get to mess in Hiei's mind some more :D Hope you enjoyed this...
Suryallee: I don't get upset when people correct me unless they're wrong...and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt they're wrong...and I can prove it and rub it in their faces...with much glee...*ahem* I'm glad you're liking the story ;D
KHL: Just pinched...Hiei just needs his butt pinched...is that all that Yusuke should do to him? If that's what you want....or do you want to revise your opinion ;)

And...it looks like I came up with an original title...I thought I'd gotten it as a suggestions...I wrote down all the suggestions and tried them out...narrowed it down...and this is the one I choose...but now, I can't find it in the reviews...Anyways...Enjoy...Next chapter I'll break away from cannon and finish this story ;)