Anything For You
by Kitsane
Standard disclaimers apply.
Hiei tapped on Yuusuke's apartment window sharply. He gritted his teeth as a branch swiped him causing a lancing pain in his side. It was a stupid accident that had caused the injury. He had been drinking in a tree and had slipped and fallen onto the gate spikes. Luckily his reflexes saved him. He would have healed himself except that the battle they had both been through had left him drained. He did not even think about why it was Yuusuke he had come to for help. Usually it was Kurama, but during their last battle things had changed for Hiei. Yuusuke had been willing to sacrifice himself for his sake and he couldn't forget it. Hiei tried to tell himself that Yuusuke would have done it for anyone else but his heart refused to believe. Furthermore, ever since the Yukina's wedding he had noticed constantly that Yuusuke was single and very, very available. Hiei was desperately in love with Yuusuke but would never admit to anyone even under torture. He was just about to leave when the windows flew open revealing Yuusuke in nothing more than a robe.
"Gods Hiei! What happened to you? Sit down and I'll get my first aid kit." Hiei sat down and watched as Yuusuke got out some spare towels and a robe. He flung these to Hiei and hurried into the next room for the kit. Hiei had just stripped off his shirt and cloak when he came in with the kit. "Dry yourself then let me deal with those. They look really nasty." Yuusuke looked up at Hiei in surprise. He had knelt to get a better look at the cuts and had placed his face so close that Hiei could feel his warm breath. Hiei stared back at him his heart pounding erratically as he struggled to keep the mask in place. He had fantasies of Yuusuke in that position and every nerve in his body cried out for him. He closed his eyes as Yuusuke cleaned and bandaged his wounds. When he had finished, Hiei opened his eyes and was about to leave but stopped as Yuusuke grabbed his arm sending shockwaves through his body.
Yuusuke had almost had a heart attack when he saw Hiei injured. He had tried to be as nonchalant about it as he could but it was difficult. Ever since Hiei had returned to Ningenkai after leaving Mukuro, Yuusuke had been aware of his growing affection for Hiei. He had admitted to himself at long last during their last assignment that he had fallen in love with the rude little demon. He was willing and had suffered countless tortures for Hiei, some even extending to rape. Although the nightmares still came, they weren't as frequent as they used to be. Kuwabara and Kurama had not been able to accompany them and things had gotten rough. Now as he had stared at Hiei his heart skipped a beat at the thought that maybe, just maybe he might reciprocate his feelings. He tried to be as gentle as possible while cleaning the wounds. However whether he was truly aware of what he was doing was something else. Hiei half-naked and with his eyes closed was a truly diverting site. He looks absolutely delectable thought Yuusuke wistfully allowing a smile Hiei couldn't see. As Hiei got up to leave, Yuusuke couldn't stand it anymore. He grabbed Hiei's arm feeling the electricity run up his arm and kissed him.
Hiei froze as their lips met and felt something inside him warm. However, he was about to respond when he suddenly realized that he was kissing Yuusuke of all people! So startled by that thought he allowed his instinct to take control and he pushed Yuusuke roughly away. They stared at each other lips parted, breath coming hard and fast. Hiei looked at him and tried to say something but no words came. Needing time to think about this new revelation that Yuusuke did care for him, he disappeared out the window. Yuusuke stood by the window then cocked his head a lopsided smile curving his lips. He had never seen Hiei look so flustered before. Yawning he left the window open, just in case and went to sleep.
Hiei returned the next morning and entered the apartment via the window. The smell of leftover pizza washed over him. Although he wasn't well versed in Ningen customs, he had seen Kurama break fast often enough to know pizza wasn't morning food. He curiously made his way to the kitchen where he saw Yuusuke inhal…I mean eating his pizza. He stood there silently uncertain of what to do. For the first time in his life, he seriously considered bolting. Never had he been so uncertain of himself. But he knew he couldn't leave for that would mean forfeiting Yuusuke and that was something he couldn't do now. He needed Yuusuke as much as the other needed him. Steeling himself, he walked forward making just enough noise to announce his presence and stopped just short of Yuusuke.
Before either of them could say anything, a scuffle at the door got their attention. Yuusuke opened the door to find a very disheveled Kurama standing there. "Kurama what happened to you?" Kurama blinked dazedly at Yuusuke not answering. Yuusuke felt really uneasy, he sensed a spell of somesort surrounding Kurama. Before he could ask Hiei for help Kurama glomped onto him kissing him full on the lips. "Aishiteru…" Kurama whispered as he kept a deathgrip on Yuusuke's arm. Hiei stood there in shock as a flood of emotions passed through him. He came to his senses when he realized what was affecting Kurama. "Yuusuke, someone's cast a love spell on him." Yuusuke's eyes popped out. "How long will it last?" he asked as Hiei helped put his eyes back into his head. "Hn. It's hard to tell. Maybe never." Yuusuke groaned and said, "Hiei, go get Koenma. We need to find out what the hell happened and how to sort out this mess." By unspoken consensus they had decided to leave their personal problems for later.
They returned just in time to stop Kurama from stripping Yuusuke of his pants. His shirt had already been shredded by an over eager Kurama. Yuusuke sat on down with Hiei on his right and sweat-dropped when Kurama crawled into his lap and refused to be moved. He completely ignored anyone who wasn't Yuusuke and answered questions only to Yuusuke. Koenma found it slightly amusing although thoroughly unnerving. Hiei on the other hand didn't find it amusing at all. He was experiencing his first bout with jealousy and at his best friend yet! "Kurama, who did this to you? Tell us please, so that we can help you." Kurama blinked at him and a sly smile crossed his face. "I'll tell you if you'll kiss me." Yuusuke stared into the expectant green eyes then looked at the others desperately. Hiei turned away refusing to meet his gaze which hurt a bit but he knew why. Koenma gave him a nod; "It's only one kiss Yuusuke. Besides when he gets back to normal he'll remember that you did it to help him. He'll understand." Yuusuke took a deep breath cast a glance at Hiei's stiff posture and lowered his head to Kurama's. Hiei turned to see Kurama wrap his arms around Yuusuke's neck and trap his head rendering it impossible for him to move his head. "Ow! Something bit me!" Kurama brought his hand round to see and sure enough there was a small red mark much like an insect bite. 'Or a pinch," thought Yuusuke catching the self satisfied smirk on Hiei's face.
"Kurama, who put the spell on you?" Kurama busy nursing his hand absently replied, "Mukuro did it. She said something about making Hiei sorry for leaving her." Turning to Yuusuke he smiled brightly and exclaimed, "Yuusuke-kun my hand feels terrible. Why don't you bed me and help me forget the pain?" Yuusuke and Hiei turned white as a sheet while Koenma's pacifier dropped out of his mouth. 'What were they going to do now?' Then it hit Yuusuke, 'sleep', of course! "Kurama I'm really sorry about this," without another word, he quickly rendered Kurama unconscious. Picking up Kurama he carried him into the bedroom not noticing Hiei following. Laying Kurama on the bed, he sat on the floor with a tired sigh. Feeling something touching his cheek gently, he looked up at Hiei. They shared a long sweet kiss that held the promise of love to be and parted when a blushing Koenma knocked the open door to get their attention. "I have a fix on Mukuro's current location. If you two would like to see her?" Nodding, they got up and walk right into the portal without hesitation. Koenma stayed at the door watching Kurama for a moment before setting up wards and leaving for the Reikai. His dad was due back in ten minutes!
Hiei and Yuusuke stepped out into the middle of a glade. Mukuro was sitting on a rock casually dissecting an animal alive. She glanced up as they approached and an unpleasant smile spread across her face as she took in Hiei's black look and Yuusuke's flushed cheeks. "How nice of you to visit me! Tell me Hiei, how is Kurama?" Hiei glared at her every muscle in his body tensing as he refused to answer. Mukuro gave a harsh laugh, "Well, well, I guess he's not with you anymore. Tell me Hiei, how does it feel to have your lover leave you just like that?" Mukuro frowned at the sudden change in the atmosphere. In the blink of an eye, the hostility was gone replaced with stunned surprise. Yuusuke was gaping with wide eyes while Hiei sat on his heels staring stupefied. 'She thought Kurama was his lover?' Unable to help themselves, they began to giggle and finally escalated into full-blown laughter. Mukuro stared at them furiously and shouted, "What the hell is so funny?!"
Gasping for breath Yuusuke tried to speak, "Mukuro… Kurama isn't Hiei's lover. Hiei hasn't taken a lover yet. Kurama is just a friend. Trust me, I know." Mukuro stared hard at Yuusuke and replied flatly, "Why should I believe you, after all you might be lying." Yuusuke shook his head at Mukuro's mule-headedness. "K'so, Mukuro I know! I know because Hiei is my lover. Now please tell me how to cure Kurama!" To say Mukuro was shocked would have been the understatement of the century. Still in shock, she unthinkingly handed Yuusuke a vial of clear liquid. Yuusuke grabbed the vial in one hand and Hiei in the other and hotfooted it out of there. Mukuro just sat there in a daze talking softly to herself.
They stumbled back into Yuusuke's apartment a moment later. Hiei cursed violently about 'erratic portals' and 'bad timing'. Koenma quickly removed the wards and Yuusuke poured the contents down Kurama's throat. Kurama moaned softly and opened his eyes. "Ouch, my head feels terrible." Yuusuke looked guilty but didn't say anything as Kurama recalled the past events. When he did, he blushed as red as his hair and groaned in mortification. Hiei and Yuusuke managed to get him back together and he left a couple of hours later with Koenma. It was nightfall and both Hiei and Yuusuke were hungry. They stared silently at each other and were about to say something when their stomachs gave loud twin growls. Chuckling, Yuusuke headed for the kitchen, "I've got leftovers from yesterday. If you'd stay I could heat it up, there's enough for two here." Hiei smiled slightly and nodded. A sudden growl from Hiei made Yuusuke turn around in time to see a couple of youkai trying to drag Hiei into a portal. Yuusuke ran forward and managed to yank Hiei out of their grasp and nearly blacked out when one of the flailing arms landed a solid blow. Groaning he didn't realize they had a grip on him until he was yanked away from Hiei and into the portal. Hiei scrabbled after him but was collapsed as his side throbbed in pain. Gritting his teeth, he got up and went to inform Koenma.
Yuusuke regained consciousness and immediately wished he hadn't. His head ached, his body was stiff and tired and worst of all he was cold. That snagged his attention. If he recalled correctly, he had been dressed in long pants, shirt and sweater. Forcing himself into sitting position his jaw dropped as he caught his reflection in a mirror opposite. Somehow he had reverted into his demon form but that wasn't what shocked him. He was dressed in a gauzy silk shirt that molded itself to his body whenever he moved and skirt! He had strings of pearls done up in his hair and he makeup on. He stared at his reflection in growing horror. "Argh! This is terrible! I look like a goddamn pansy!" He tried to get out of bed and heard a clinking sound and got the second shock of his life. On his right ankle was a shackle with a slender but tough chain chaining him to the bed. He had enough length to move freely around the room and bathroom but it magically shortened whenever he approached the door.
Unable to leave and unable to figure things out, he sat down by a window and took in his surroundings. It was very opulently furnished and much more fancy than his preference. As he stared outside his eyes widened as he saw many other young men in clothing as sheer as his walking along with other men on a leash. He blushed suddenly as he caught one particular couple having some fun behind the bushes. A cold feeling washed over him as realization hit him. 'I'm in a gay pleasure house! And if I'm in chains, that would mean…' Yuusuke stopped his thoughts unable to continue and whirled around to the sound of the door opening. There stood a tall, handsome man who was holding a key with a tiger-eye set in it. Yuusuke felt the blood drain from his face as he watched the man approach him. "I am your master Maya and I've been told that you are a new slave just brought in. Since you have no background on where you are, I'll tell you."
Sitting down next to Yuusuke, he took Yuusuke's hand in his own and began to stroke it. Yuusuke too dazed with relief at not being forced sat there in a haze. "You're in a place known as the Palace. It has male sex slaves of every variety and caters to anyone who has the money to buy a key. The slave under that key belongs to whoever bought it. They have to do everything the master says and focus only on keeping their master happy. As you can see, I bought your key and that means you are mine." He glanced at the white-faced Yuusuke who was trembling. "Yuusuke? Are you all right? I'm not a bad master, really." He leaned forward to touch Yuusuke on the shoulder. "NO!" Yuusuke threw himself against the wall his chest heaving as he lost himself into his horrendous memories of his nightmares. "Yuusuke! Calm down! I'm not going to hurt you!" Maya wrapped his arms around the struggling Yuusuke receiving a few bruises as he waited for Yuusuke to regain his senses.
Yuusuke felt himself falling into his nightmares with every word Maya spoke. Yuusuke, you like this don't you? I want to hear you scream Yuusuke, feel the pain, feel it… "NO!" Yuusuke struggled with his memories that threatened to drown him when he felt someone hold him down. At first, panicked he struck out then he realized it was Maya and began to calm down. Both of them breathing heavily, Yuusuke broke down. All the defenses he put up came crumbling down as the reality of his helplessness sank in. He huddled up into a tight ball and began to cry emitting a keening sound, which caused Maya's hair to stand on end. Yuusuke allowed himself to be carried to the bed where Maya lay down next to him an arm placed protectively over his shoulder. Exhausted by the day's events, Yuusuke didn't even have the strength to cry for long. Unwilling and unable to move from the comfort being given, Yuusuke closed his eyes and snuggled closer falling asleep almost immediately.
Maya watched his new slave sleep with a worried frown. He had never encountered anyone quite like Yuusuke before. It was obvious that he had been broken by someone and hadn't healed properly. Still, Maya was loath to part with Yuusuke. There was something about him that appealed to Maya. He didn't fancy changing slave's, as he would have before. In fact, this was the first time he had bothered to even be pleasant to one before bedding them. Maya sighed and shifted drawing Yuusuke closer. He could smell the scent they used to bathe him but there were still the underlying traces of blood, sweat and wood. Maya inhaled it and found the mixture as heady as red wine. Staring at his troublesome slave, Maya began to plan a course of action. 'Whatever happens, I cannot release from my grasp. You are too fascinating Yuusuke. I shall keep you with me forever.' It was along these lines that Maya fell asleep.
Maya awoke to an empty bed. Cursing he shot up and stopped when he saw Yuusuke in the same clothes as yesterday minus the make-up. He was currently attempting to undo the pearls from his hair. Attempting because he was failing miserably and getting quite annoyed in the process which wasn't helping his progress. Maya smiled at his slave's antics and walked up behind him to grasp Yuusuke's wrists gently. "Don't take them off, I like them." Yuusuke jumped and growled out, "Then you wear this blasted thing. I can't stand it! My hair's in knots and I can't get rid of them." Yuusuke was more comfortable with Maya now after finding out Maya hadn't taken advantage of him last night. Since he still needed information about the Palace, he thought it would be best to at least be cooperative but some old habits were hard to kick. Instead of giving Yuusuke a tongue-lashing, as he was wont to do, Maya simply picked up the brush and began to unsnarl Yuusuke's hair. "You know, you're supposed to be doing this for me."
Yuusuke sat there blushing as Maya brushed his hair. He didn't protest when Maya insisted Yuusuke brush his hair. Then Maya decided he wanted to go out. He surveyed Yuusuke critically. 'Damn he has such a beautiful body especially with those markings. I wonder how long I can wait before bedding him? Now what can he wear out? Not that it's much too flimsy and enticing,' thought Maya possessively. He wanted to show off his new slave but not too much. Searching in the drawers, he finally pulled out a dark blue shirt and pants. "Here, put these on. I'm not letting you walk out there in that flimsy costume." Yuusuke leaped at the chance to wear something more solid. "Yatta! Thanks! I hate these you know. It's almost like going round naked." He changed quickly, giving Maya a happy grin at being able to wear decent clothing again. Maya felt his breath catch as Yuusuke smiled at him. 'What is wrong with me? Its not like I've never had my slave smile at me before.' He undid the chain from the bed and clipped it to his wrist instantly transforming it into a leash. Yuusuke's bright mood dimmed a bit as he was reminded of his present situation. "Come on, you seem to know this place pretty well. I'd like to see what it's like." Maya nodded curtly both lost in troubled thoughts as they left the room.
Koenma chewed on his pacifier nervously, while eyeing the agitated fire demon and youko in front of him. 'How am I going to tell them this?' Koenma cleared his throat and readied himself for the explosion that would occur. "Ahem, we… we've found him." Hiei shifted impatiently and barked out, "Where? Stop stalling damn you!" Koenma flinched and looked pleadingly at Kurama who tried to sooth his friend. "Um… he's at a place we call the Palace. Apparently Mukuro sent him there through the portal." Kurama sensed more and asked quietly, "And…?" "The Palace is a pleasure planet you could say. They have many sex slaves that serve there, called Keys. They live in rooms in the palace and can only be opened by a certain key. These keys are bought by anyone who has the money and automatically owns the slave that comes with the room. Yuusuke is registered as a key. He has already been bought by someone only known as Maya."
Hiei leaped across the table and began to shake Koenma causing his head to snap back and forth, "Bring him back! Bring him back!" "Hiei, let go! Stop it! This isn't going to help Yuusuke!" Hiei jerked to a stop upon hearing Kurama's words and released Koenma. "How do we rescue Yuusuke?" Koenma stared at them silently and lowered his head. "I don't know. There has never been a record of any Key escaping. I'm afraid that you'll have to play it by ear. I can set up a portal for you but other than that I can't do anything. Please be careful, trespassers have never been seen again." Kurama and Hiei nodded and left to prepare themselves for the mission. Koenma heaved a sigh and leaned back in his chair. How true the saying went, 'Hell has no fury like a woman scorned'. Although, you couldn't really think of Mukuro as a woman. Hiei stalked down the hall images of a dead and beaten Mukuro running through his mind. "Aachoo!" Mukuro looked around her throne room. "Got to get this place dusted."
Yuusuke was completely dazzled. Never in his life had he thought such a place like the Palace could exist. "Come on Yuusuke, I want to show you something. It's my favourite hideaway." Yuusuke walked alongside Maya keeping up easily. Maya was a bit surprised since most of his previous slave's couldn't keep up with his stride. They soon arrived at a clearing in the forest, which was hidden by hanging vines. Entering, Yuusuke's eyes rounded as he took in the splendid view before him. "There's even a hot spring! This is so great!" Yuusuke forgetting his surroundings stripped and dove into the water. "Yaah! Maya, come on in! The water is lovely!" Maya grinned at Yuusuke's unpredictable impetuosity and quickly shed his clothes and jumped in. "Yowch! It's damn hot! How can you stand it?" Yuusuke stared at him then gave a howl of laughter. "You think this is hot? It's only warm!" Yuusuke began to splash Maya with water who splashed back.
Forgetting the chain, Yuusuke swam with abandon and suddenly found his legs tangled in the chain. "K'so! I hate this goddamn chain." He tried to untangle it but couldn't, having to use his hands to keep from drowning. Maya felt the chain go taut and immediately realized what was wrong. Swimming over he ducked under the water and untangled the chain. He surfaced gasping for breath and instinctively put a hand on Yuusuke's shoulder for leverage. "Thanks Maya. I forgot about the chain and damn near drowned myself." Maya smiled at Yuusuke and without conscious thought pressed his lips against Yuusuke's. It was a brief kiss but Yuusuke started as if he'd been burnt. "Maya, I'm sorry. Please don't do that again. I have a lover Maya, and I still love him. I'm really sorry but I don't want you to have false hopes about us." Yuusuke swallowed thickly and waited silently for Maya's reaction. He had discovered that his powers were blocked and wouldn't be able to fight back if Maya used magic.
Maya cursed himself for his recklessness. He knew Yuusuke was having problems with his situation and was about to apologize when Yuusuke spoke. 'He has a lover?' Maya felt jealousy and anger not at Yuusuke but at this nameless other who blocked his way to Yuusuke. He made a decision and reached out for Yuusuke. He hadn't contemplated doing this before at least not for himself and he felt a little frightened at the intensity of his emotions. "Yuusuke, its no problem. I said it before, I won't force you," he replied stroking Yuusuke's long hair. Yuusuke brought his eyes up and stared at Maya in relief. Maya gave him a reassuring smile and as his hand settled on Yuusuke's head Maya released his power. There was a brilliant flash and moments later; Maya walked out of the glade fully dressed cradling an unconscious Yuusuke in his arms. There was triumphant smile on his lips. 'Let's see who has his heart now,' he raged at his unknown rival.
Hiei shivered violently causing Kurama to stare at him. "Just a sudden chill." Kurama raised his eyebrow but refrained from commenting. They continued their search around the Palace. They finally came upon a tower room and entered via the window. Hiei snorted at the fancy decorations while Kurama rubbed his temples willing away the pain the opulent view was giving him. The sound of the door opening saw them diving for cover. Hiei hid behind the mirror while Kurama was under the bed. The door swung open to reveal a handsome blonde man carrying a dark haired youth into the room. Hiei's eyes widened upon catching sight of the chain on the youth's ankle. Hiei was about to zip out the open door when he saw the markings on the youth. Yuusuke! Hiei was exultant and made to grab his lover when he caught Kurama signaling frantically for him to stay hidden. He gritted his teeth in frustration but heeded Kurama's caution and waited.
"Ooh, my aching head. Maya? What happened?" Yuusuke looked at Maya questioningly. "Nothing my pet. You just tired yourself out. Nothing serious." Maya efficiently stripped Yuusuke as he spoke and lay next to him on the bed. Nuzzling Yuusuke's neck lightly Maya's arm encircled Yuusuke's waist holding him secure. Yuusuke squirmed a bit before tilting his neck silently asking to be bitten. "Oh Maya, that feels so good! But… Maya stop. There's something wrong here." Maya immediately pulled back not wanting to trigger anything bad in Yuusuke. "What's wrong? Are you feeling too tired?" Maya gazed anxiously at his Key as Yuusuke's eyes searched the room. "I know it couldn't possibly happen but Maya, I feel like we're being watched." Maya was about to brush of Yuusuke's fears when Hiei exploded from behind the mirror his Jagan flaring. Kurama groaned and crawled from under the bed and turned to Yuusuke, "Are you feeling all right Yuusuke?" Yuusuke looked at him, then at Hiei, then at Maya finally settling back on Kurama. Maya placed his hands reassuringly on Yuusuke's shoulders prompting a low growl from Hiei. Yuusuke glanced at him eyes narrowing, "Excuse me, but who the hell are you?"
Maya smirked at the two intruders unseen by Yuusuke who had his back to him. Without taking his gaze off the two, he sidled closer to Yuusuke and wrapped his arms around his waist. He nuzzled and nibbled at Yuusuke eliciting a moan of pleasure from his Key. "Yuusuke! How could you do this to me?" Yuusuke opened glazed eyes and stared at Hiei. "I don't know what you mean," he gasped. "I've lived all my life here at the Palace. Maya is the first person I've met from outside." He broke of breathless as Maya lavished his attention on Yuusuke's two hard nipples. Reaching down he gripped Yuusuke's arousal and began to stroke him slowly then picking up pace. Yuusuke thrashed and gripped at the sheets as he climaxed. "Oh my god! Maya!" Kurama grabbed Hiei and signaled Koenma to take them back. They needed to re plan their strategy. Something was very wrong with Yuusuke.
Maya sat up and smiled down in satisfaction at his sweat drenched Key. He was hard himself but had focused on bringing Yuusuke off first for one reason. To show those would be rescuers that Yuusuke now belonged to him. "Yuusuke, did I tire you?" Yuusuke stared up at Maya eyes gleaming, "No you didn't. But you still haven't come yet. Would you like some help." Without waiting for a reply, Yuusuke surged up from the sheets and pushed Maya onto his back. He then began to apply the same technique Maya had used on him. Maya squirmed in pleasure, groaning and bucking as Yuusuke found all his erogenous zones through slow, torturous but pleasurable experimentation. He gave a wild cry lifting his hips of the bed as he felt Yuusuke hot wet mouth engulf him and suck hard bringing him to one of the best climaxes he'd ever experienced. He lay there exhausted as Yuusuke began to wash himself and Maya. They were both tired and decided to call it the night. He waited for Maya to clip his chain back to the bed and then snuggled close to his master. "Maya, who were those two we saw today?" he asked drowsily. "No one important love. Don't mind them." Maya tightened his arms around Yuusuke. 'You're not leaving me Yuusuke. You belong with me. Next time they show up I won't hold back.' Maya's eyes glowed for a moment before he too drifted off to sleep.
"I'LL KILL THAT FUCKING TRANSVESTITE! AND THAT GODDAMN BLONDE THIEF! LET ME GO!" Kurama and Koenma struggled to restrain Hiei and prevent themselves from being sliced by his katana. The moment they had reappeared in Koenma's office, Hiei had completely lost it. Four demons and piles of paperwork lay in ashes on the floor before Kurama and Koenma managed to restrain him. Talking wasn't doing any good and they were tiring rapidly. Koenma was very tempted to just let Hiei go off but his main concern was Yuusuke. Finally they resorted to calling Yukina praying that her calming influence on her brother would work this time. "Brother Hiei? What's all the noise?" Yukina appeared looking slightly confused at the door. Koenma and Kurama fell on their backsides releasing a now calmer Hiei with relieved sighs.
"Hiei? What's happened?" Yukina studied her brother worriedly. She couldn't see anything physically wrong and looked at the two exhausted beings on the floor. "Koenma-san, what's wrong? Why did you call me here?" Before Koenma could reply Hiei growled out in low controlled tones, "That little bitch Mukuro is what's wrong." Hiei then launched into a short but detailed account of the past events. Yukina's reaction was, to say the least, stunning. She sat there, head bowed for a moment when an icy chill swept through the room half freezing them. Bringing her head up they reared back in shock at the icy anger flaring in her eyes. "How dare she! That bitch has gone too far!" she whipped her head round to face her gaping and freezing brother. "Hiei! Go and get Yuusuke back! If he really loves you, he can be made to remember." She continued with an icy smile, "Oh, and don't worry about Mukuro. I know what to do with her." Giving them a curt nod, Yukina swept out of the room allowing the three of them to defrost. For a moment they just sat there completely overwhelmed by this new development. Kurama shook his head, "Come on, we don't have time to sit around. We need a plan."
Yuusuke was having a nightmare. He could feel someone violating him and the agony was unbearable. Suddenly another image, this one of the three eyed stranger he'd seen today filtered through his mind. Random images of familiar people began to whirl in his mind. He saw another who had markings like his but older, he saw himself with short hair beating a guy with orange hair, so many images making him dizzy and confused. He tried to move closer when he heard a clink and saw his chain. Suddenly the images disappeared forgotten as his identity came back to him, 'That's right, I'm Yuusuke Maya's Key.' Yuusuke felt a vague sense of unease though but ignored it. He rubbed himself against Maya in his sleep settling down when Maya stroked his arm and kissed him gently.
Maya woke up the next morning to the heavenly smell of food. His stomach growled thunderously eliciting a laugh from Yuusuke who was sitting on a chair at the foot of the bed. He had changed into a pale blue silk shirt and brushed his hair. Maya admired the way his muscles played under that smooth skin as Yuusuke brought his breakfast over. Sitting on the side, he put down the tray and proceeded to feed Maya. As he ate Maya felt a tendril of jealousy at Yuusuke's former lover thinking about how Yuusuke must have pampered his lover before becoming a Key. He had only erased Yuusuke's memories nothing else. What Yuusuke did now was through his own desires only. "Have you eaten?" Yuusuke looked at him and grinned adorably, "Nope. I'll eat after you." Maya immediately picked up a piece of fruit and fed it to Yuusuke who ate after a moment's hesitation. After breakfast Yuusuke helped Maya bathe and dried him. Putting the dirty laundry by the door he turned to Maya and asked slyly, "So what do you want to do today?" Maya's eyes betrayed his growing lust and he walked over to a drawer and pulled out a jar and placed it on the bedside table. "Oh, nothing much. I'm a little hungry though, and its not for food…"
Hiei's face was the colour of a ripe tomato. "I hate this!" he muttered for the twentieth time. Kurama rolled his eyes in exasperation. He was wearing a black wig and glasses with a scar painted across his cheek. "I don't like this anymore than you do but I'm not complaining." Hiei snarled, "That's because you're not the one wearing this fucking leash! Why did it have to be me anyway?" Kurama kept silent thinking, 'because it's a small guarantee that you won't be able to run of and massacre everyone there.' They were pretending to be master and slave to move unnoticed through the Palace. So far it had worked but they still had a long way to go before they reached Yuusuke's room. Praying silently, Kurama fervently hoped no one would ask them to join in their 'games'. Hiei had nearly sliced the last one to ribbons. Kurama frowned as he thought about Yuusuke's odd behaviour. He suspected that Maya person had to do with it but wasn't to sure. He dismissed it and focused on finding Yuusuke. Koenma had promised to look up Maya's background and they couldn't do much until then.
Koenma sat back his head reeling. 'This is definitely not good.' Checking all records for anyone fitting Maya's description, he had finally managed to locate one. "Maya alias Shadow, Half-caste human, 2000 years old and an accomplished A-class demon magician. Specialty, mind manipulation." Koenma continued reading out Maya's long string of talents and his eyes widened in dismay. "Botan! Get in here! We have a problem and I need to see Kurama and Hiei before they attack Maya!" Climbing onto Botan's oar, they zoomed off without delay. To say Kurama and Hiei were surprised to see them wouldn't have described half of what they felt. They were lucky to be walking in a deserted part of a rather large maze. "Kurama! We've got a problem. It seems Maya isn't any ordinary human. He's a half-caste of a nameless race. They were supposed to have died of a plague centuries ago but Maya escaped it through time travel. He managed to travel to the future and cure himself. He possesses tremendous power and is very experienced. Kurama, your power and Hiei's combined wouldn't even faze him. He could kill you without batting an eye."
They stood there as the two demons sorted through Koenma's breathless flurry of words. Kurama sighed wearily and even Hiei's stiff shoulders slumped slightly under this new development. "What do we do now? We can't just let him take Yuusuke," Hiei spoke so forlornly that even Koenma's heart tightened. Never had he seen such a lost expression on the fire demon's face. It helped him harden his resolve to rescue Yuusuke. "We can't fight Maya outright. If you could sneak Yuusuke away though, then we could try to restore his memories to him. I doubt a person of Maya's capabilities would chase after a single Key. He has had so many others already." Kurama felt something nagging him, some flaw in the plan but couldn't place it. Giving it up, he nodded and they began to plan on how to steal Yuusuke away.
Maya was roused from sleep by the discreet tapping at his door. He silently slid out of bed taking care not to disturb Yuusuke. Putting on a robe, he opened the door to have it reveal a young servant of the Palace. "What is it?" Maya spoke in a dangerous undertone. He had had a lovely if exhausting day and wasn't happy to have his slumber disturbed. The girl spoke quietly and clearly, "There is an incident that requires your attention, sir. One of your men is waiting in the lobby to see you. He refuses to state his reason for coming or leave. The Management wants you to handle this right away." Maya cursed fluently in his native tongue and shut the door. Dressing quickly, he kissed Yuusuke lightly on the cheek and left. In his hurry to get the man to leave, he didn't notice two pairs of eyes, one red one green, staring at him as he left from the shadows just outside his room.
They couldn't believe it! With Maya gone, taking Yuusuke would be so much simpler! As soon as Maya turned down the hall, they made for the room. Utilizing skills unused for over twenty years, Kurama unlocked the door feeling a professional satisfaction within him. Hiei zipped in before Kurama could stop him. Kurama shut the door behind him and turned to find Hiei immobile staring at the bed. "Hiei, you can ogle him later. We have to get him out of here." Yuusuke muttered in his sleep, shifting restlessly and calming down after hearing the 'clink' of his chain. Kurama slapped his forehead as he realised that they hadn't included the chain in their plan. Examining the chain, he was relieved to find that he could detach the chain from the bed. They dressed Yuusuke gently, and carried him out. As they made their way to the rendezvous point, Kurama was thanking every single god he could think of for safe passage. Koenma's pacifier dropped out of his mouth for the second time when he saw Yuusuke. As Koenma opened the gateway, he was thinking somewhat dazedly, 'He has pearls in his hair. Yuusuke actually looks like a Key.'
The moment they had vanished back to the Reikai, Maya felt a snapping within him. He snarled in fury and backhanded the man before him shattering his jaw. Breath coming hot and hard, he ran to his room and froze at the sight of the open door giving a full view of his conspicuously empty bed. He narrowed his eyes in fury and jumped out the window hi wings bursting free. 'I will find you, Yuusuke. And death upon anyone who bars my way.' He flew back to his own palace and began his search for Yuusuke. It was on the third day that Maya located him in the Makai. Leaning back, he relaxed for the first time since Yuusuke had been taken from him and whispered smilingly to himself, an obsessive gleam in his eyes. "I'll save you Yuusuke. You won't have to suffer their rude presence anymore. I'll bring you here and you'll be my most prized possession."
Yuusuke listened to Koenma in silence. He wouldn't allow anyone except Hiei near him and got a hunted look in his eyes whenever anyone especially a male approached him. Most of his memory had been restored but he still felt vulnerable. The only good thing out of this was that instead of suffering from sexual trauma like he had after the last mission, it had cured him of it. "Maya will probably try to reclaim you tonight Yuusuke. Kurama and Hiei will be accompanying you tonight. I'm glad you've finally recovered your powers. I didn't know the Palace had shackles like that." Yuusuke nodded calmly although he had flinched a bit at the mention of Maya. Koenma winced inwardly, 'Hiei and Yuusuke's relationship is coming along fine but it's going to take Yuusuke a long time to regain his confidence in himself.'
Maya hovered outside the window under cover of darkness. He had watched as Yuusuke and Hiei cuddled together after Koenma had left. 'That fire demon,' he thought grimly, 'has got to go.' He waited until late night when they were all lulled into a false sense of security to attack. His first target was the red headed youkai. Clamping down mental braces and rendering him immobile, Maya made his move. Entering the room silently, he cloaked himself in an illusion. All Hiei saw was Shiori coming in for another odd hour test. He cradled Yuusuke protectively as his eyes tracked Shiori. Yuusuke's eyes opened sleepy eyes to a familiar presence. All traces of sleep vanished when he realized who was standing in front of him. "Maya!"
"Hiei, no!" Yuusuke made a grab and encountered empty air as his lover launched himself at Maya. Maya smirked contemptuously as he casually flung the smaller youkai into the wall. His eyes narrowed in anger and jealousy as he released a fatal blow. Yuusuke who had by this time gotten to his feet stared in horror as Hiei crashed into the wall. Second-guessing Maya's intention's, he ran forward and blocked Hiei. His shriek of pain cut through Maya's hate filled mind that he instantaneously released Kurama. Hiei could only stare as he cradled the Yuusuke's bloody body to his. Maya rushed forward and gazed down at his dying Key. "Why Yuusuke? I could have given you everything you ever wanted." Hiei glared at Maya unshed tears shining brightly in his eyes unable to form any words to speak. "Because… I lo… love Hiei, Maya. I would …give my life for… his. I … don't_belong_with you. I'm sorry if… if I've caused you… grief. I just want… wanted to thank you." At Maya's puzzled frown Yuusuke smiled and closed his eyes gathering the last of his strength. "You helped… me overcome … the night… nightmares. Thank you Maya."
Maya was stunned and at a total loss as to how to react. He stared dumbly as Yuusuke and Hiei shared sweet last words. "You could help you know. You have the power." Maya turned his head to meet Kurama's frank green stare. "You're right," he whispered. "I can help him." Maya faced Yuusuke and closed his eyes letting the energy flow through him. As he wove the strands together, he heard Hiei gasp and knew that it was working. He focused harder on healing Yuusuke trying to leave as little scars as possible. Finally finished he opened his eyes see a weak but live Yuusuke smiling gratefully at him. Lowering his eyes in grief, he leaned forward and kissed Yuusuke one last time before he vanished. "Baka, why did you throw yourself in front of me?" Yuusuke placed the tip of his finger on Hiei's pert nose and answered, "I've said it before, because I love you. I would do anything to protect you." Kurama sagged onto the bed for moment and then bolted face flaming as Yuusuke began to prove to Hiei that he was completely healed.