The story continues (a little)! Happy Reading!
Well, things certainly didn’t go as planned. He was given intel that an ice maiden now dwelled in the temple of the deceased psychic. He knew how they’d turn no one away which was literally an open invitation for him to carry out his plan. To abduct the maiden and deliver her to the Tarukanes. They’ve gone underground for a while now. Ever since the Toguro incident, the remaining members of the Tarukane Clan decided to lay low till things blow over. In all that time, they’ve directed their wealth to developed Energy Cancelling weapons, shields and enhancers to reinforce their defence.
He calculated the possibility of the grim reaper being present at the temple seeing how frequent she’d visited over winter, even the orange head human. Thus, he came prepared with his energy cancelling bullets (to immobilize any possible threat Energy reliant or otherwise, it was quite the weapon to have in your artillery)
What went beyond his expectation was the presence of the apparition in black. He had never made physical contact with the ice maiden before. But whoever he was in the equation, he clearly, didn’t need an ounce of demon energy to finish him off. Which brings the vagabond to his next and greatest miscalculation; the possibility of being shown mercy.
He awoke around midday to discover himself in the dreary basement of the temple. His left foot shackled to the ground of what was a part of a seemingly treacherous training space with several limb binding handicaps nearby. He was surprised to find a blanket, cushion and a bowl of rice near him.
What were his captives thinking?
“What were you thinking?” questioned Hiei, reaching the quick end of his little patience.
The vagabond was still very much unconscious when Hiei checked on him earlier that day. It was only after some light training that he decides to make his way back to the basement in hopes that their captive was awake for some intense questioning. He had it all planned, it was simple really. He was going to scare the living daylights out of him. To put it nicely.
That is, until the ferry girl went and made the captive their new house guest.
“I was thinking that we can’t possibly let him starve?” she answered, giggling nervously with her hands up in defence. The ferry girl had bumped into him in the hallway right after her little meal delivery stunt and well, let’s say Hiei isn’t subtle about his irritation.
“We can and we should.” he answered, “We need him to fear for his life, enough for him to risk his loyalties to whoever he’s working for to tell us everything we need to know.” He continued.
“Now, now, there’s no need to resort to violence.” She started, “You know what they say, you can always ‘kill them with kind-” she stopped just as he’d cornered her against the wall near them. He had had enough of her nonsense.
She did it this time, bit off more that she can chew with Hiei’s patience. Yet, she wasn’t keen on backing down.
“Have you already forgotten how he almost killed you?” she turned away as he started, almost by instinct. “Or the fact that he threatened Yukina’s safety and freedom?” he went on, “Not to mentioned, that you and I have no chance of going back to our realms because of your little house guest?”
“Hiei, stop it!” she answered with a bit more vigour then neither of them had expected, “I know what he did to us and I can never, ever forget that.” She continued, a tear slowly welling in her eyes. It wasn’t the reminder of the physical pain, but the recollection of Hiei’s sacrifice for her sake.
“But I can’t let you hurt him.” Because if he did, Hiei would be coined the villain in this story instead of the hero he truly is.
Why is she tearing? Was she still in pain from her injuries? Why is he getting caught up with such thoughts? Crap.
“Why do you protect him?” he muttered, “Why show mercy to someone who had cause such harm to you?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Botan’s. He was uncertain at this point, as to whether he was talking about their captured attacker or himself. Either way, he wanted her answer.
“Because there is good in everyone.” she said, somehow undeterred by how silly it sounded. Just as he was also, strangely undeterred by her sudden touch when she reached out for his uninjured arm. “Like how there is so much good in you, Hiei.” she continued, her grip on his arm tightening. “We just need to give him a chance to realize that too.”
There is just no making sense of this woman. How could she so effortlessly dispense mercy repeatedly? It’s going against every ounce of his instincts to do this, but here he was, on the brink of receding just to see how her approach will work out. On the other hand, if it does fail, he’d have all liberty to punish their captive all he wants.
He sighed, dragging his free hand down his face.
“Fine,” he started, “Do as you wish.” He continued, freeing himself from her grip and turn his course away from the captive’s quarters. It was after a few quick angry steps did he sneaked a quick glance over his shoulder. There she was again, beaming at him. As if she was…proud after their little squabble.
Perhaps it was being stripped of his powers that brought him to such a state of submission. Or was this perhaps, what it’s like to be mildly spellbound?
