[ Hiei had not anticipated beginning to live full-time in the woods again when all of this had started. Truly he hadn't thought this would change much of anything for all of them other than the lot of them changing out who would run guard detail for Yukina if she wanted to go out or into town.
... But then Kurama had begun changing, tossing all of his plans to simply loaf in the tree and occasionally cruise the house for snacks for a little while straight out the window. He had neve been expressly asked to do this of course, but he knows his partner too well. If he was not here to settle him, or at the very least ward off anyone getting too close to where the fox has set up camp in his efforts to be away from anyone he could possibly hurt, who knew how much contrition Kurama would throw around when he came back to himself. How much guilt he'd have to witness over something the redhead had little control over in the first place.
So hi, Scott. Hiei will drop down like a shadow from an older tree, looking... a little worse for wear. His Jagan is wide open and uncovered, for one, the unblinking purple eye in the center of his forehead focused on something not right in front of it.
Hiei has various injuries in different stages of healing, having just managed to settle Kurama out of another fit of violence not all that long ago. The fire demon looks largely unphased, though, as if it's totally normal to be here bruised and cut up, a little tired but unwilling to sleep too close or too far away from his favorite redhead. For him this is rather normal, of course.
[Is this the first time Scott's seen Hiei's third eye opened and uncovered by that bandage that normally wraps around his head? Possibly. It's enough of an oddity that the mutant looks at that unblinking eye for a couple of seconds, before he focuses all attention on the demon in front of him.
If Hiei has his eye out like that, it can really only mean one thing. Well, at least something bad.
There's also all those injuries that he's currently sporting, wounds bleeding and various points of him bruised, that Scott's mouth turns down in a knot of worry. Yeah, he'd be blind to not notice something is happening. And he's sure that Hiei will only bitch at him or play everything off regarding his injuries, but that isn't going to stop Scott. He's a stubborn asshole too, especially when it comes to his friends.]
You're injured and doing your normal thing of pushing away help. [Scott begins, still focused on Hiei, the teen sounding far more serious than usual. Maybe the visor that covers his eyes instead of his sunglasses helps with that image too. And if Kurama's close enough to be seen, maybe Scott just hasn't gotten a view of him yet.]
I heal more quickly than you. [ Hiei asserts it with confidence - of course he will not bring up the constant draw on his power the Jagan has, much less the rest of what he's capable of. Without the dragon, there is less of a significant draw on his standing level of power, though his near-constant vigil over the fox apparition is cutting into his need to cat nap. Recovery will be a little slower thanks to that, but thankfully, it has not brought it to an overall halt.
The fire demon is more immediately concerned with making sure someone does not stir up the fox again before he has had some time to gather himself and prepare for the next.
Hiei rolls a shoulder, red eyes quickly scanning to make sure there aren't any creeping vines for a quick moment before he focuses back on the teen in front of him. Scott is hard-headed, but in the moment Hiei is prepared to be worse if it means making sure Kurama's usual set of morals and standards stays where he would want them to be.
... If this was Hiei's call, he'd let the fox create chaos wherever he wanted to and probably mostly revel in it. Until, you know. He gets restless and tries to attack Hiei.
So long story short... he isn't going to give in that quickly just yet. Though Scott probably expects that. ]
The only help I need is for the rest of you to go away. The Jagan can only do so much when there is potential for others to come in and rile him again.
Yeah? And you're still injured and bleeding in front of me, so good job making your case worse.
[No, he doesn't care if Hiei can heal more quickly, not when he's clearly still hurt. He really wants to get Hiei to some place so he can properly rest and recover, but Scott's also not blind to the fact that he probably has that third eye out for a reason. He's torn between wanting to stick around longer, figure out what's exactly going on-- what or who he's fighting, or just dragging the demon off. Somehow. Scott really doesn't have a plan to do the latter.
So he looks around with that same frown, before just deciding to go straight to the point. This isn't the time for small talk.]
'Him?' Who are you talking about? [That's some information and he's latching onto it.] And what is your Jagan doing?
Is it that serious to bleed? [ If it is... well. He's got quite a few stories for Scott at some point. At any rate, in some disgusting show of how quickly he heals, Hiei licks clean a gash on his arm with a very assured motion - he does this often of course - to show the teen that it isn't even seeping anymore and is actively granulating healed issue.
For him as a demon, this is rather minor, though human standards have always been so very different than what he's used to by leaps and bounds.
Of course Scott goes for being direct, and where Hiei might normally appreciate the fact that he isn't dancing around details - of course he asks about who he's talking about and the Jagan.
Hiei will just try to attempt to sidestep that first question of course. ]
Why? Worried I'm reading your mind again?
Don't worry - it's focused on a more interesting mind.
[ Or just.. trying to soothe Kurama's as best he can. He'll ask for forgiveness later. ]
Scott makes a face because look, even he has standards. He's a boy, but he doesn't go licking his bloody gash in front of the whole world to witness. So his face predictably scrunches, but he doesn't look away and maybe it's a good thing, because he can see how his injury is already repairing itself from just that single lick. ...Okay, helpful.
But still pretty gross dude. Is this a demon saliva thing?? Does it work only on him? Look, he's not about to ask Hiei to spit on him, even Scott has more self-respect than that.]
Only the obvious. [ That humans are weak and fragile, of course. For Hiei, born to natural, overwhelming power.. bleeding isn't unusual at all. When he is in his own world it's more strange for him to not be bleeding or somehow injured thanks to training or someone thinking to challenge him.
Yusuke knows all about Hiei's nasty predilections toward licking injuries, but his mind is hardly on leading the teen to Yusuke for the spirit detective's opinions on his terrible behavior. It's probably a good thing that Scott doesn't ask, really - then he'd definitely be on the receiving end of some incredible judgement from the wound licker himself.
Of course Scott's pressing is met with a growl of irritation, annoyed that he hadn't been led so easily astray from the subject the fire demon wants to avoid.
Briefly, he debates switching the Jagan's focus and simply forcing Scott to go away since he is too nosey to go on his own. A thought for later. More pressing is stemming the flow of his irritation from going to Kurama and possibly riling him again, exactly what he was trying to prevent. ]
That is not your business. [ He is desperately trying to maintain some of Kurama's dignity here by not exposing him, give him a break Scott!! ]
It is under control. Turn around before I turn the Jagan's attention to you.
[As if on cue, Hiei says he has it under control and the sound of something very large moving through the woods can be heard growing closer. The fire apparition's distraction only provided enough time away for the fox to lose his imposed calm, the transformation's natural inclination toward the opposite resurfacing in his absence as it typically does.
Lightning quick, the creature moves between them as if perceiving Scott as a threat more than Hiei's mild irritation should warrant. His eyes glow red, silver fur seeming to end in wisps of smoke. He pulls his lips back to reveal sharp teeth, gaze pointedly on the "intruder", though he doesn't make a sound. Despite the imposing figure, the fox seems uncertain, wary more than anything. His posture remains defensive, guarded rather than ready to attack, and almost disoriented akin to someone that just woke up unfamiliar with their surroundings.]
[Before Scott can reply to Hiei, something else catches his attention, the sound of something approaching and immediately making the mutant focus on it. It's coming close and fast, and he can only raise a hand to his visor in preparation for whatever creature or monster emerges.
And he really doesn't have to wait long.
His mouth lightly parts when the creature comes into view-- some sort of fox?? It's hard for to tell the exact color, but he doesn't need that to know that he's looking at a monster fox that doesn't exactly look pleased with him. Honestly, it takes all of Scott's self-restraint not to shoot the creature right away, because it's easy to piece together that this is the monster that Hiei was trying to focus on this entire time. And that it's Kurama.
It also helps that it doesn't look like its going to attack. Yet. Although, didn't he think that Kotone wasn't going to hurt him?? He shakes that thought away.
Scott isn't even sure if he should speak, eyes darting to Hiei for a moment. Okay, now what??]
Shit - [ Hiei knows very well just who is headed their way, the Jagan beginning to glow as the eye prepares to do what it needs in order to keep them both safe if the fox decides to attack.
Thankfully for the both of them Kurama remembers at least Hiei, allowing the fire demon’s focus to remain on Scott as Kurama encircles Hiei, the fire demon’s teeth already bearing in threat as the teen’s hand stays on his visor.
… Had Scott decided to shoot, Hiei would have left Kurama to do as he pleased in retribution. Thankfully there’s nothing to come after the teen for just yet, though Hiei keeps red eyes focused on Scott even as his hand raises to touch Kurama’s fur, silent reassurance that things were under control. ]
Do not do something stupid like attack, Scott. I will not even attempt to stop him.
[ Hiei turns to visually check on Kurama for a moment before turning back to Scott. ]
[Hiei rests a hand on him and the fox turns red eyes on the other demon instead, mouth opening in a gesture he has no doubt by now learned means to back off. There isn't any real aggression behind it, more a response of annoyance, even if his posture does seem to visibly calm under the touch despite the initial reaction.
Kurama closes his mouth as his head turns back to the mutant when his name is spoken, seeming to consider him more thoughtfully now, trying to piece together why he's familiar. Even as he relaxes his form appears ever changing, that smoke spreading over his body and apparently transforming solid flesh into the ghost-like wisps that had started along the edges of his fur.
He does not want to hurt Scott - or anyone, really - and his own wish to protect others even at detriment to himself manifests by making it so that he can't, at least in that smokescreen illusions can't physically harm, they are geared towards tricks of the mind, after all.]
[Scott remains tense as Kurama encircles around Hiei, but after a few passing seconds of the fox demon not harming the other, he slowly starts lowering his hand from his visor. Right now, Hiei seems to have him under control, through his 'Jagan' eye and all that, and provoking him into attack by blasting him would definitely be one of the worst ideas he'd have. He doesn't fully understand it, but the eye works and that's what matters the most to Scott.]
Thanks for the heads up. [Something sarcastic enters his voice, but yeah, he's not attacking. He's spoken to Kurama a couple of times and he generally likes him, so if he could avoid hurting him, all the better.
He just doesn't know how it's going to work with the wish seeds being the reason for his transformation, but one step at a time. Scott nods slightly at Kurama, as if acknowledging him in return. It's also interesting to watch his form change, not understanding why it's happening, but he's going to remain as non-threatening as possible.]
So, the moment you stop using your Jagan eye, Kurama will attack?
[ Hiei's nose scrunches a little as Kurama gives him that indication to back off, but follows the silent instruction. In his human form, Kurama is always the one to initiate touch, and though the fire demon may be classic and complain about it nearly every single time, he's annoyed by his attempts at touch being more often than not rebuffed at the moment.
Later, when there is less to fuss about, he'll have to ask Kurama's forgiveness for this entire mess with the Jagan. He'd never had a chance to expressly ask his permission, after all.
Poor Scott with no knowledge of the Jagan asks what would seem obvious, and Hiei turns with a scowl. Perish the thought that he's never explained what he was doing or how the Jagan works, of course - ]
No. His mind is his own. The Jagan makes it easier for me to soothe him when this form takes over a bit too much and makes him restless, and we can communicate through it. [ Though, judging by the smoke around them, Hiei's going to make an educated guess. ]
Right now, he is trying to wind down this form and reel control back in.
The volatile moods come and go at random for the most part. I am assisting in keeping him calm because none of us will want to deal with all the guilty sighing after it's all said and done.
[Kurama typically doesn't mind contact, but in this context he's inclined to shake the reassurance off in the same way anyone would brush aside a helping hand they insist that they don't need. That initial frantic panic had subsided and while he's not exactly back to himself, he's at no risk of harming anyone. He's fine, really. At least, as far as he's concerned.
Scott lowers his hand and the fox sits cautiously, as if to indicate there is no real threat here and everything's safe. His eyes narrow at the suggestion that the Jagan is keeping him from attacking, as if Hiei could just opt to unleash him on someone as a weapon, but his focus switches to the demon immediately with his explanation in response.
In the meantime that smoke is expanding across the ground, inching out gradually to enclose them all within it. When he answers, it's in their minds rather than spoken aloud, the eyeroll practically felt with his words.]
Yes, my guilt is truly the biggest concern to have in all of this, isn't it, Hiei?
[Honestly, he's kind of impressed that Kurama has maintained this much sanity after being affected by the wish seeds. He's assuming that's what happening anyway; he wouldn't be a ghostly fox creature otherwise, right? And sure, Hiei just explained that his Jagan is helping to soothe Kurama to this mostly peaceful state, but he's willing to give the other demon some credit for all this.
And as uneasy as it may be, standing here with his hands by his sides, he knows it's probably the best course of action. The smoke from Kurama has expanded, that hasn't escaped his notice, but he's well-aware how badly things will turn if he does any sudden provoking movement.
Instead, he looks from Kurama to Hiei and back, nodding at them both. Well, that's one thing he can definitely agree on.]
Yeah, I think we would all prefer to help Kurama keep calm so that he doesn't hurt anyone. [...] Do you know what his wish was? These transformations stem from that. We can look into solving that so that he can return to normal.
[ Hiei is thankful that Scott happened on Kurama in a moment of clarity, honestly. He knows that the fox fighting him off is to keep him safe, in every case where he's been injured, but... he isn't exactly known to avoid the possibility of harm when he feels some form of honor bound to help. With Kurama there's two obvious reasons to assist - both for Kurama's welfare as well as their group's. Yukina's safety first and foremost of course.
Red eyes slide toward Kurama as he speaks in to the connection between their minds, narrowing slightly before he turns back to Scott. ]
It is the biggest concern I have, when it comes to you.
[ He knows you too well, Kurama. The fire demon pauses for a moment when Scott asks about his wish - something that the fire demon actually hadn't thought to ask. He'd been more focused on containment than anything else to think about the wish, or the information readily given by Fauna.
... A post which he'd taken the time to tell her how useless she was instead of taking notes, not knowing they'd end up where they are. ]
I do not... I was simply helping him here so there isn't any further damage.
[ So here he goes, turning to Kurama with a look that asks him to elaborate. ]
[Of course, Scott has no frame of reference for what Kurama looks like as a fox, that this wasn't his natural form but related to the wish seeds is probably a lot more obvious due to Hiei's behavior concerning keeping him isolated and calm, if nothing else. The mutant is right in that a great deal of effort from both of them has gone into this, it would not be nearly as successful with only one of them putting in the work - as evidenced by every time Hiei leaves him alone or sleeps for too long.
His own eyes narrow at Hiei with that response, seemingly gearing up to be offended when Scott speaks again. Kurama's head tilts as the mutant asks Hiei about his wish, noting he seemed to expect the fire apparition to answer for him. He'll just let that play out and see where it goes, rather than interrupt. Not that either of them are likely to be much help, with the distortion of reality aspect these transformations included. His main wish had always been protecting his mother, but that doesn't exactly apply here, does it?]
My focus was on helping others. Assisting at the clinic seemed to be the only way to be of any use before this happened. I had not put much thought into a wish before it occurred, but my powers have not been working correctly since the beast first appeared...
[As they talk they have become encased entirely in a dome of sorts, obscuring the fox's visibility as his fur blends with the color of his smokescreen, an illusion that would have concealed him entirely if not for the glowing red eyes.]
Edited (apparently the link source did not want to work) 2025-04-08 15:33 (UTC)
If Scott's at all startled by having Kurama continue to speak through their minds, he doesn't show it. Really, he's kind of used to it in a way, with there being two telepaths he knows at home and one here. And that's just counting mutants. Honestly, the most surprising thing to him is hearing just how clear and in control the fox demon currently is.
It's... just so different from some of the other transformations he's seen so far.
Kotone is a large example of that, but he shoves that memory to the back of his mind. That's not something he really plans on talking about, not if he can help it. It's not her fault. At least it's easier to shove all that hurt down when there's something that he actually needs to focus on, that being Kurama and Hiei.
"Your new powers and form are supposedly related to your wish..." He trails off a little, not quite tensing, but looking just a bit more alert when a strange fog begins to encapsulate them. Clearly the work of Kurama and he's not sure what he's trying to do now, but as before, he's not going to try and do something reckless like using his powers.
"Most of this is not new, for Kurama - The power or the form." At least not to his knowledge. Every now and then the fox does like to spring something new that hiei doesn't know of, after all, and it wouldn't be difficult, either. In the grand scheme of demons and partnerships, Kurama and Hiei have not known each other all that long.
For a moment, Hiei looks around in the gathering fog, Jagan beginning to glow as he expands his consciousness that little bit more, the creeping, malevolent spread of the Jagan making sure there isn't anything nefarious going on.
Hiei's seen this before, but - well. The fox's moods are not always the most predictable thing in the world lately, and it never hurts to be prepared. For a moment, he thinks to step forward so that he is not so obscured, but decides to stay close to Kurama for both their comfort's sake. Despite Kurama's previous annoyance, he will even reach out again to touch, hoping to be something of a physical reminder, if he can be.
"The fog is how he calms himself. Or tries to regain control. If it fails, then I use the Jagan." A pause, and Hiei continues, not meaning to sound tired, and yet it seeps into his annoyed tone anyway.
"This is how we've spent most of our time since Fauna had to go and make it worse."
Kurama has the benefit of being a demon and having experience on his side. This isn't the first time he's undergone transformation against his will or felt increasingly violent and belligerent urges that he's struggled to control. Back home he was able to regain his sense of self through discipline and willpower, here he has been spoiled enough by having Hiei's assistance. Scott is extremely lucky in that the fox is able to hold his own as much as he is right now. He was not immune to the outbursts that caused Kotone to attack - Hiei's gotten the brunt of those episodes when they do come - this just happens to be a moment of clarity, if he’s honest about it. Not that he'd provide that information, and not that he is fully himself even now. If he felt threatened in any way, by Scott or outside interference, things would change for everyone very rapidly.
Hiei responds and the fox waits, this time allowing the touch when the fire apparition rests a calming hand on him. That was fine, it would allow Hiei to keep track of him physically when he apparently disappears completely from view not long after. Kurama simply lies down, ensuring the contact is maintained despite the movement as the large fox settles in the grass beside him. This much, at least, is familiar.
“To answer your question, this-” From the mist, Kurama steps forward. Appearing perfectly human and seemingly not transformed at all, as he gestures to the smokescreen around them. “- is an illusion. I'm sorry, but I thought it might be easier on everyone this way. I'm afraid Hiei is right... sort of. My original form is a fox, but this is not how I was born. Abilities that I would normally have are twisted in a way, but they are not... new. I can still grow plants, just like always. They are simply coming out of my own flesh as well. It is not exactly a pleasant sight so I reverted to my fox form instead, only to find myself transforming again into what you see now.”
Or, what he saw before the smoke, at least. Kurama's change was not instantaneous, happening in a flash, but gradually developed over the weeks that followed and fought against every step of the way with everything the two have at their disposal.
“Likewise, a smokescreen is a simple enough trick with the right tools. Creating the one we are in at the moment was intentional. However, with this transformation - when it is not - I become the smoke. As it expands, my own physical body is replaced by the fog, intangible, as you saw happening before. That… I can not control, and it seems to happen most often when I am resisting the urge to lash out.”
Exactly as Hiei had suggested. If he's honest, it was embarrassing to be seen that way, not recognizing Scott and treating him like a threat in some animalistic panic. Frankly, he does not want to think about his initial reaction to the disturbance earlier. It's taking a great deal of effort to maintain this level of control, even now.
He gestures in the fire apparition's direction, green eyes never leaving the mutant as he speaks.
“Right now, Hiei has physical contact. As long as we're touching, he knows exactly where I am and whether or not I move. I could not attack without his awareness, and he'll most definitely stop me before I can do something to feel guilty about.” The airy quality of his tone with those last words speaks volumes for his opinion of the fire apparition's motivations and earlier comment, even if he doesn't say as much directly.
At the mention of Fauna, the redhead's illusion does glance back in Hiei's direction.
“Since that creature's arrival, my powers do not work as well outside of the city limits. All I had truly wanted of late was to get the farm's crops sustainable. I have stayed out here to avoid hurting anyone, it is not safe for me to go into the city, and yet that is the only place where my power seems to consistently work. I suppose if I had to guess, my motivation for a wish would be centered around that. However, I could not say for sure, as I did not make one consciously.”
Scott does his best to take everything in, listening to what both Hiei and Kurama are telling him about the fox demon's powers. It's a thorough explanation and honestly not one that the mutant fully understands, but he still appreciates how open the demons are about this, especially the latter. These are his powers that are being influenced after all. So his actual form is more of a fox than humanoid, and it's stuff that Scott would actually want to learn more about at a later time. Right now, it's probably not the best idea to ask him questions that aren't connected to the whole wish seed thing. So...
"So your wish is for the farm's crops to remain protected from everything? It's a start, even if you're not sure. Besides, it would be good for that to be protected when we might have a food shortage later." So, to Scott, it's a win-win situation overall, at least when it comes to protecting the crops.
Although...
"Okay, so I'm not really helping you or Hiei out by being here. Hiei can keep you calm, but he's being drained doing so. In other words, maybe I can help with making sure that nothing gets to them? Or if there's some other area around the forest that you care a lot about."
Hiei takes the opportunity to zone out a little, tuning in to Kurama's physical form more than paying attention to the conversation at hand. He doesn't need the explanation after all, and if there is some way he can assist in Kurama going back to some form of normal.. he's sure the fox would let him know. Hiei is a simple being, after all, and particularly now.
Most of what he wants is a nap, which has evaded him for much of their time spent here in the woods.
"I told you to go away." ... He could not let that one go, of course. Not when this entire encounter had started with him telling Scott to turn back around. Why do people never listen to him? Particularly when he's acting fishy as hell? Still, the idea of protecting the crops isn't all that bad, if a bit below what Kurama is fully capable of, but this is not his to comment on.
.. Other than when he inevitably questions Kurama about going in to town.
"Could you assist from here, Kurama? I'm thinking it's too far, but I don't want to assume too much."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
expiationmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
expiationlogs2025-03-11 10:18 am
wildcard
[ Hiei had not anticipated beginning to live full-time in the woods again when all of this had started. Truly he hadn't thought this would change much of anything for all of them other than the lot of them changing out who would run guard detail for Yukina if she wanted to go out or into town.
... But then Kurama had begun changing, tossing all of his plans to simply loaf in the tree and occasionally cruise the house for snacks for a little while straight out the window. He had neve been expressly asked to do this of course, but he knows his partner too well. If he was not here to settle him, or at the very least ward off anyone getting too close to where the fox has set up camp in his efforts to be away from anyone he could possibly hurt, who knew how much contrition Kurama would throw around when he came back to himself. How much guilt he'd have to witness over something the redhead had little control over in the first place.
So hi, Scott. Hiei will drop down like a shadow from an older tree, looking... a little worse for wear. His Jagan is wide open and uncovered, for one, the unblinking purple eye in the center of his forehead focused on something not right in front of it.
Hiei has various injuries in different stages of healing, having just managed to settle Kurama out of another fit of violence not all that long ago. The fire demon looks largely unphased, though, as if it's totally normal to be here bruised and cut up, a little tired but unwilling to sleep too close or too far away from his favorite redhead. For him this is rather normal, of course.
Demons doing demon things or... something. ]
Turn around, Scott. I have this one handled.
no subject
If Hiei has his eye out like that, it can really only mean one thing. Well, at least something bad.
There's also all those injuries that he's currently sporting, wounds bleeding and various points of him bruised, that Scott's mouth turns down in a knot of worry. Yeah, he'd be blind to not notice something is happening. And he's sure that Hiei will only bitch at him or play everything off regarding his injuries, but that isn't going to stop Scott. He's a stubborn asshole too, especially when it comes to his friends.]
You're injured and doing your normal thing of pushing away help. [Scott begins, still focused on Hiei, the teen sounding far more serious than usual. Maybe the visor that covers his eyes instead of his sunglasses helps with that image too. And if Kurama's close enough to be seen, maybe Scott just hasn't gotten a view of him yet.]
So, no, I don't really believe you.
no subject
I heal more quickly than you. [ Hiei asserts it with confidence - of course he will not bring up the constant draw on his power the Jagan has, much less the rest of what he's capable of. Without the dragon, there is less of a significant draw on his standing level of power, though his near-constant vigil over the fox apparition is cutting into his need to cat nap. Recovery will be a little slower thanks to that, but thankfully, it has not brought it to an overall halt.
The fire demon is more immediately concerned with making sure someone does not stir up the fox again before he has had some time to gather himself and prepare for the next.
Hiei rolls a shoulder, red eyes quickly scanning to make sure there aren't any creeping vines for a quick moment before he focuses back on the teen in front of him. Scott is hard-headed, but in the moment Hiei is prepared to be worse if it means making sure Kurama's usual set of morals and standards stays where he would want them to be.
... If this was Hiei's call, he'd let the fox create chaos wherever he wanted to and probably mostly revel in it. Until, you know. He gets restless and tries to attack Hiei.
So long story short... he isn't going to give in that quickly just yet. Though Scott probably expects that. ]
The only help I need is for the rest of you to go away. The Jagan can only do so much when there is potential for others to come in and rile him again.
no subject
[No, he doesn't care if Hiei can heal more quickly, not when he's clearly still hurt. He really wants to get Hiei to some place so he can properly rest and recover, but Scott's also not blind to the fact that he probably has that third eye out for a reason. He's torn between wanting to stick around longer, figure out what's exactly going on-- what or who he's fighting, or just dragging the demon off. Somehow. Scott really doesn't have a plan to do the latter.
So he looks around with that same frown, before just deciding to go straight to the point. This isn't the time for small talk.]
'Him?' Who are you talking about? [That's some information and he's latching onto it.] And what is your Jagan doing?
no subject
Is it that serious to bleed? [ If it is... well. He's got quite a few stories for Scott at some point. At any rate, in some disgusting show of how quickly he heals, Hiei licks clean a gash on his arm with a very assured motion - he does this often of course - to show the teen that it isn't even seeping anymore and is actively granulating healed issue.
For him as a demon, this is rather minor, though human standards have always been so very different than what he's used to by leaps and bounds.
Of course Scott goes for being direct, and where Hiei might normally appreciate the fact that he isn't dancing around details - of course he asks about who he's talking about and the Jagan.
Hiei will just try to attempt to sidestep that first question of course. ]
Why? Worried I'm reading your mind again?
Don't worry - it's focused on a more interesting mind.
[ Or just.. trying to soothe Kurama's as best he can. He'll ask for forgiveness later. ]
no subject
[...And that's kind of gross.
Scott makes a face because look, even he has standards. He's a boy, but he doesn't go licking his bloody gash in front of the whole world to witness. So his face predictably scrunches, but he doesn't look away and maybe it's a good thing, because he can see how his injury is already repairing itself from just that single lick. ...Okay, helpful.
But still pretty gross dude. Is this a demon saliva thing?? Does it work only on him? Look, he's not about to ask Hiei to spit on him, even Scott has more self-respect than that.]
You're the fourth mind reader I know, try again.
[......] Okay, and who are you focused on?
[The point he's been trying to reach here!!]
no subject
Only the obvious. [ That humans are weak and fragile, of course. For Hiei, born to natural, overwhelming power.. bleeding isn't unusual at all. When he is in his own world it's more strange for him to not be bleeding or somehow injured thanks to training or someone thinking to challenge him.
Yusuke knows all about Hiei's nasty predilections toward licking injuries, but his mind is hardly on leading the teen to Yusuke for the spirit detective's opinions on his terrible behavior. It's probably a good thing that Scott doesn't ask, really - then he'd definitely be on the receiving end of some incredible judgement from the wound licker himself.
Of course Scott's pressing is met with a growl of irritation, annoyed that he hadn't been led so easily astray from the subject the fire demon wants to avoid.
Briefly, he debates switching the Jagan's focus and simply forcing Scott to go away since he is too nosey to go on his own. A thought for later. More pressing is stemming the flow of his irritation from going to Kurama and possibly riling him again, exactly what he was trying to prevent. ]
That is not your business. [ He is desperately trying to maintain some of Kurama's dignity here by not exposing him, give him a break Scott!! ]
It is under control. Turn around before I turn the Jagan's attention to you.
no subject
Lightning quick, the creature moves between them as if perceiving Scott as a threat more than Hiei's mild irritation should warrant. His eyes glow red, silver fur seeming to end in wisps of smoke. He pulls his lips back to reveal sharp teeth, gaze pointedly on the "intruder", though he doesn't make a sound. Despite the imposing figure, the fox seems uncertain, wary more than anything. His posture remains defensive, guarded rather than ready to attack, and almost disoriented akin to someone that just woke up unfamiliar with their surroundings.]
no subject
And he really doesn't have to wait long.
His mouth lightly parts when the creature comes into view-- some sort of fox?? It's hard for to tell the exact color, but he doesn't need that to know that he's looking at a monster fox that doesn't exactly look pleased with him. Honestly, it takes all of Scott's self-restraint not to shoot the creature right away, because it's easy to piece together that this is the monster that Hiei was trying to focus on this entire time. And that it's Kurama.
It also helps that it doesn't look like its going to attack. Yet. Although, didn't he think that Kotone wasn't going to hurt him?? He shakes that thought away.
Scott isn't even sure if he should speak, eyes darting to Hiei for a moment. Okay, now what??]
no subject
Shit - [ Hiei knows very well just who is headed their way, the Jagan beginning to glow as the eye prepares to do what it needs in order to keep them both safe if the fox decides to attack.
Thankfully for the both of them Kurama remembers at least Hiei, allowing the fire demon’s focus to remain on Scott as Kurama encircles Hiei, the fire demon’s teeth already bearing in threat as the teen’s hand stays on his visor.
… Had Scott decided to shoot, Hiei would have left Kurama to do as he pleased in retribution. Thankfully there’s nothing to come after the teen for just yet, though Hiei keeps red eyes focused on Scott even as his hand raises to touch Kurama’s fur, silent reassurance that things were under control. ]
Do not do something stupid like attack, Scott. I will not even attempt to stop him.
[ Hiei turns to visually check on Kurama for a moment before turning back to Scott. ]
Are you satisfied, now?
no subject
Kurama closes his mouth as his head turns back to the mutant when his name is spoken, seeming to consider him more thoughtfully now, trying to piece together why he's familiar. Even as he relaxes his form appears ever changing, that smoke spreading over his body and apparently transforming solid flesh into the ghost-like wisps that had started along the edges of his fur.
He does not want to hurt Scott - or anyone, really - and his own wish to protect others even at detriment to himself manifests by making it so that he can't, at least in that smokescreen illusions can't physically harm, they are geared towards tricks of the mind, after all.]
no subject
Thanks for the heads up. [Something sarcastic enters his voice, but yeah, he's not attacking. He's spoken to Kurama a couple of times and he generally likes him, so if he could avoid hurting him, all the better.
He just doesn't know how it's going to work with the wish seeds being the reason for his transformation, but one step at a time. Scott nods slightly at Kurama, as if acknowledging him in return. It's also interesting to watch his form change, not understanding why it's happening, but he's going to remain as non-threatening as possible.]
So, the moment you stop using your Jagan eye, Kurama will attack?
no subject
[ Hiei's nose scrunches a little as Kurama gives him that indication to back off, but follows the silent instruction. In his human form, Kurama is always the one to initiate touch, and though the fire demon may be classic and complain about it nearly every single time, he's annoyed by his attempts at touch being more often than not rebuffed at the moment.
Later, when there is less to fuss about, he'll have to ask Kurama's forgiveness for this entire mess with the Jagan. He'd never had a chance to expressly ask his permission, after all.
Poor Scott with no knowledge of the Jagan asks what would seem obvious, and Hiei turns with a scowl. Perish the thought that he's never explained what he was doing or how the Jagan works, of course - ]
No. His mind is his own. The Jagan makes it easier for me to soothe him when this form takes over a bit too much and makes him restless, and we can communicate through it. [ Though, judging by the smoke around them, Hiei's going to make an educated guess. ]
Right now, he is trying to wind down this form and reel control back in.
The volatile moods come and go at random for the most part. I am assisting in keeping him calm because none of us will want to deal with all the guilty sighing after it's all said and done.
no subject
Scott lowers his hand and the fox sits cautiously, as if to indicate there is no real threat here and everything's safe. His eyes narrow at the suggestion that the Jagan is keeping him from attacking, as if Hiei could just opt to unleash him on someone as a weapon, but his focus switches to the demon immediately with his explanation in response.
In the meantime that smoke is expanding across the ground, inching out gradually to enclose them all within it. When he answers, it's in their minds rather than spoken aloud, the eyeroll practically felt with his words.]
Yes, my guilt is truly the biggest concern to have in all of this, isn't it, Hiei?
no subject
And as uneasy as it may be, standing here with his hands by his sides, he knows it's probably the best course of action. The smoke from Kurama has expanded, that hasn't escaped his notice, but he's well-aware how badly things will turn if he does any sudden provoking movement.
Instead, he looks from Kurama to Hiei and back, nodding at them both. Well, that's one thing he can definitely agree on.]
Yeah, I think we would all prefer to help Kurama keep calm so that he doesn't hurt anyone. [...] Do you know what his wish was? These transformations stem from that. We can look into solving that so that he can return to normal.
no subject
[ Hiei is thankful that Scott happened on Kurama in a moment of clarity, honestly. He knows that the fox fighting him off is to keep him safe, in every case where he's been injured, but... he isn't exactly known to avoid the possibility of harm when he feels some form of honor bound to help. With Kurama there's two obvious reasons to assist - both for Kurama's welfare as well as their group's. Yukina's safety first and foremost of course.
Red eyes slide toward Kurama as he speaks in to the connection between their minds, narrowing slightly before he turns back to Scott. ]
It is the biggest concern I have, when it comes to you.
[ He knows you too well, Kurama. The fire demon pauses for a moment when Scott asks about his wish - something that the fire demon actually hadn't thought to ask. He'd been more focused on containment than anything else to think about the wish, or the information readily given by Fauna.
... A post which he'd taken the time to tell her how useless she was instead of taking notes, not knowing they'd end up where they are. ]
I do not... I was simply helping him here so there isn't any further damage.
[ So here he goes, turning to Kurama with a look that asks him to elaborate. ]
no subject
His own eyes narrow at Hiei with that response, seemingly gearing up to be offended when Scott speaks again. Kurama's head tilts as the mutant asks Hiei about his wish, noting he seemed to expect the fire apparition to answer for him. He'll just let that play out and see where it goes, rather than interrupt. Not that either of them are likely to be much help, with the distortion of reality aspect these transformations included. His main wish had always been protecting his mother, but that doesn't exactly apply here, does it?]
My focus was on helping others. Assisting at the clinic seemed to be the only way to be of any use before this happened. I had not put much thought into a wish before it occurred, but my powers have not been working correctly since the beast first appeared...
[As they talk they have become encased entirely in a dome of sorts, obscuring the fox's visibility as his fur blends with the color of his smokescreen, an illusion that would have concealed him entirely if not for the glowing red eyes.]
no subject
It's... just so different from some of the other transformations he's seen so far.
Kotone is a large example of that, but he shoves that memory to the back of his mind. That's not something he really plans on talking about, not if he can help it. It's not her fault. At least it's easier to shove all that hurt down when there's something that he actually needs to focus on, that being Kurama and Hiei.
"Your new powers and form are supposedly related to your wish..." He trails off a little, not quite tensing, but looking just a bit more alert when a strange fog begins to encapsulate them. Clearly the work of Kurama and he's not sure what he's trying to do now, but as before, he's not going to try and do something reckless like using his powers.
"What's all this?"
no subject
"Most of this is not new, for Kurama - The power or the form." At least not to his knowledge. Every now and then the fox does like to spring something new that hiei doesn't know of, after all, and it wouldn't be difficult, either. In the grand scheme of demons and partnerships, Kurama and Hiei have not known each other all that long.
For a moment, Hiei looks around in the gathering fog, Jagan beginning to glow as he expands his consciousness that little bit more, the creeping, malevolent spread of the Jagan making sure there isn't anything nefarious going on.
Hiei's seen this before, but - well. The fox's moods are not always the most predictable thing in the world lately, and it never hurts to be prepared. For a moment, he thinks to step forward so that he is not so obscured, but decides to stay close to Kurama for both their comfort's sake. Despite Kurama's previous annoyance, he will even reach out again to touch, hoping to be something of a physical reminder, if he can be.
"The fog is how he calms himself. Or tries to regain control. If it fails, then I use the Jagan." A pause, and Hiei continues, not meaning to sound tired, and yet it seeps into his annoyed tone anyway.
"This is how we've spent most of our time since Fauna had to go and make it worse."
no subject
Hiei responds and the fox waits, this time allowing the touch when the fire apparition rests a calming hand on him. That was fine, it would allow Hiei to keep track of him physically when he apparently disappears completely from view not long after. Kurama simply lies down, ensuring the contact is maintained despite the movement as the large fox settles in the grass beside him. This much, at least, is familiar.
“To answer your question, this-” From the mist, Kurama steps forward. Appearing perfectly human and seemingly not transformed at all, as he gestures to the smokescreen around them. “- is an illusion. I'm sorry, but I thought it might be easier on everyone this way. I'm afraid Hiei is right... sort of. My original form is a fox, but this is not how I was born. Abilities that I would normally have are twisted in a way, but they are not... new. I can still grow plants, just like always. They are simply coming out of my own flesh as well. It is not exactly a pleasant sight so I reverted to my fox form instead, only to find myself transforming again into what you see now.”
Or, what he saw before the smoke, at least. Kurama's change was not instantaneous, happening in a flash, but gradually developed over the weeks that followed and fought against every step of the way with everything the two have at their disposal.
“Likewise, a smokescreen is a simple enough trick with the right tools. Creating the one we are in at the moment was intentional. However, with this transformation - when it is not - I become the smoke. As it expands, my own physical body is replaced by the fog, intangible, as you saw happening before. That… I can not control, and it seems to happen most often when I am resisting the urge to lash out.”
Exactly as Hiei had suggested. If he's honest, it was embarrassing to be seen that way, not recognizing Scott and treating him like a threat in some animalistic panic. Frankly, he does not want to think about his initial reaction to the disturbance earlier. It's taking a great deal of effort to maintain this level of control, even now.
He gestures in the fire apparition's direction, green eyes never leaving the mutant as he speaks.
“Right now, Hiei has physical contact. As long as we're touching, he knows exactly where I am and whether or not I move. I could not attack without his awareness, and he'll most definitely stop me before I can do something to feel guilty about.” The airy quality of his tone with those last words speaks volumes for his opinion of the fire apparition's motivations and earlier comment, even if he doesn't say as much directly.
At the mention of Fauna, the redhead's illusion does glance back in Hiei's direction.
“Since that creature's arrival, my powers do not work as well outside of the city limits. All I had truly wanted of late was to get the farm's crops sustainable. I have stayed out here to avoid hurting anyone, it is not safe for me to go into the city, and yet that is the only place where my power seems to consistently work. I suppose if I had to guess, my motivation for a wish would be centered around that. However, I could not say for sure, as I did not make one consciously.”
So, they're working on best guess here, really.
no subject
"So your wish is for the farm's crops to remain protected from everything? It's a start, even if you're not sure. Besides, it would be good for that to be protected when we might have a food shortage later." So, to Scott, it's a win-win situation overall, at least when it comes to protecting the crops.
Although...
"Okay, so I'm not really helping you or Hiei out by being here. Hiei can keep you calm, but he's being drained doing so. In other words, maybe I can help with making sure that nothing gets to them? Or if there's some other area around the forest that you care a lot about."
no subject
Hiei takes the opportunity to zone out a little, tuning in to Kurama's physical form more than paying attention to the conversation at hand. He doesn't need the explanation after all, and if there is some way he can assist in Kurama going back to some form of normal.. he's sure the fox would let him know. Hiei is a simple being, after all, and particularly now.
Most of what he wants is a nap, which has evaded him for much of their time spent here in the woods.
"I told you to go away." ... He could not let that one go, of course. Not when this entire encounter had started with him telling Scott to turn back around. Why do people never listen to him? Particularly when he's acting fishy as hell? Still, the idea of protecting the crops isn't all that bad, if a bit below what Kurama is fully capable of, but this is not his to comment on.
.. Other than when he inevitably questions Kurama about going in to town.
"Could you assist from here, Kurama? I'm thinking it's too far, but I don't want to assume too much."