One Year Later
A year past for the spirit team, and life slowly settled back into a normal pattern.
After the main fight. Shadow had been able to track and move her unconscious companions to safer ground. With the Darkness Wolf Clan having abandoned their home after losing their Alpha; she was able to use the remaining equipment to heal the team while she sent request for a portal back to the Reikai castle.
Yusuke and Kazuma had recovered almost fully after 4 days of intense treatment. Their physiotherapy took a further five days before they were deemed well enough to be discharged. They returned back home in order to calm their parents and friends down as well as to attend their college exams. They frequented the hospital in Reikai, however, to check on their colleagues.
Kurama also made a full recovery after much bed rest. He and Shadow slowly picked back up their relationship and over the months they grew closer. They even moved in together into a house in Japan, Kyoto. They were currently expecting thier first child.
Hiei took a full week to recharge after misusing his Dragon of the Darkness Flame. Afterward he spent all of his time by Brianey’s bed side. Much to the surprise of his team. He never once angered at their teasing of him showing too much emotion.
Later on, he confessed to Shadow that he wanted to take Brianey as his mate.
"We're suite each other. I care for her deeply. The times she has nearly died. . . I've always ignored the fear inside of me. I did not want to accept that I have become attached to her. But I can't run from this girl. Nor can I hide anymore."
"So what will you do?" Shadow asked gently.
"I shall wait for her to heal. Then I will tell her and let her decide my fate."
Brianey did heal. Though she took the longest to awake her scars had healed before the medical team had even placed an IV in her system. It took her a while to settle back into a routine but slowly she managed it.
Shadow had reported fully along with the others of the event of that Full Moon, and it had been explained that Brianey’s blood heritage had healed her before sealing itself away inside her, once again. Much to thier relif however, she retained her demonic powers and was able to shapeshift into her full wolf form.
When Brianey awoke she had no recollection past being stabbed. She still had nightmares and frequently woke up screaming. Hiei however always managed to calmed her back to slumber.
There was, however, one large concern that remained unexplained.
Akki's remains were never found.
The Spirit Team reported him dead, and had even shown the medical team the exact location he had be slain. But his remains were gone with no trace.
Speculators say the reaming wolf pack had returned for his body.
Others believe he may have been carried off by a larger demon, all was unclear.
It would remain a permanent shadow in the darkness.
Koenma however filed the mission as successful.
*
"I never knew that, after everything I'd be able to stand here and be content to say – I've never felt happier."
"Hn, life enjoys playing games like that. But, maybe it's not a game. Maybe it’s a lesson. Either way I understand the irony. You as well as I have suffered the greatest losses, the hardest pains and the deepest despairs. Yet, we can somehow stand here and still say; that we are privileged, even willing to bear those scars again to be here, now." Hiei's eyes became vague, as they scanned the horizon and you smiled. He turned to you and took your hand, rubbing the silver band on your left hand absently.
"Let's go, Brianey. We have things to do." He moved forward then, all business; his demeanour back to the silent barrier he had come accustom to wearing. You stepped with him, letting yourself fall into the now familiar action.
You assessed him privately. Weighing his words carefully, before closing your eyes gently.
"You're right, Hiei. I would bear those scars again, if I knew that it would lead me to you."
He grunted. You suppressed a chuckle, not surprised by his attitude and looked to the sea foam sky.
Mom? Dad? Danny...
I miss you. I really do, and I will always love you.
. . . But I'm doing just fine. . .
