Greetings everyone, and welcome. Yes, your eyes do not deceive you, fore it is I, the-sixth-shinobi, back once more! I know that many of you did not expect to see me back so soon, and I must admit that I really had no intentions of returning until sometime next year. But, I have just gotten a review on my last story that reminded me how much I love to write. It was very painful ending my Jin and Touya saga, but I think it turned out nicely. In that respect, I thought I might like to write another story about the ice and wind demons. However, over the course of the stories I received many requests for a full fledged Hiei and Kurama fic. I tried to satisfy these hungry fans by adding the dynamic duo into the mix, but I could sense there were times when they themselves could have carried on their own unique storyline. What I have now decided to do is write another story for Jin and Touya called "Secrets of a Broken Past". That story and this one are linked as they take place at the exact same time but tell the tales of Hiei x Kurama and Jin x Touya separately rather than together. So, if you like Hiei x Kurama stay with this story, if you like Jin x Touya, feel free to read "Secrets of a Broken Past, or simply flip between the two. Hmmmm….it seems there is nothing more to say at this point….let's continue on then. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you "Three Years Past the Summer"! ENJOY! : )

I do not own Hiei and Kurama nor yu yu hakusho (this side up)

P.S. I realize that there are a great number of individuals who do not agree with the whole HieixKurama relationship, and I want them to know that I respect their opinions. I, myself, tend to write a lot of shounen-ai stories and completely embrace the idea of the two demons as a loving and committed couple. For those of you whom do not see it that way, please flame if you must, but I ask you to read my story before you do so. It has been my experience that those who are not HXK, yaoi, or shounen-ai fans have yet to actually read a story that truly speaks to them. During my Jin and Touya saga, I received more than one review expressing how my shounen-ai stories changed the way in which that individual thought about boyxboy relations. So, perhaps this story might be the one that changes YOUR mind. If not, then that's ok too. You have every right to express how you feel and I shall not delete your review if you read my story and still decide to flame. Thank you. : )

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It had been three years. Three years since the completion of the ordeal concerning The Beautiful Sazuka, and three years since the reunification of the four be withered demons. In this time, much had transposed within the world of the Makai though none of it was of such great importance that it need be repeated. On the whole, the world found itself in relative calm and was in such a state that "paradise" might envy it. And this was how two such lovers found themselves, though one of them would never admit it. Perhaps this, however, was for the best, as those who tend to acknowledge their happiness are often met with unpleasantness soon afterward. But on this day, this most perfect of days, it was hard NOT to relinquish at least a little joy.

"Hiei, I must say that I am a little impressed. With how intensely Mukuro has been defending the borders of the Makai lately, I would have never imagined that she would have given you time off."

The fire demon only offered one of his infamous "hn's" in reply. Truth be told he didn't feel much like talking (which came as no surprise to anyone). This was his day to be with his fox, and what promises he had had to make to get it were not to be worried about at the moment. In the years since he had become Mukuro's heir, Hiei had seen very little of his fox. His time was now spent guarding the borders of demon world, killing off members of annoying peasant uprisings, or simply spending time with the bionic woman herself in order to gain the knowledge of how he would one day rule. This routine was a far cry from the one he had once had. After The Dark Tournament, both the fox and fire youkai vowed to engage in a simpler life, a form of demon retirement if you will, in order to be with one another. Neither of them thought it would last.

"How did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Convince Mukuro?"

The black haired youkai let out a deep sigh and rolled over onto his side, facing away from his long time lover and friend. They were outside, in what Kurama knew to be Hiei's favorite spot in the Makai. It was an open space about 500 or so kilometers from their home. There were no flowers, only soft grass lining the forest floor, and the whole area was surrounded on all sides by pine trees. There was always a breeze here, and the richness of the trees' scent wafted gently over the two as they lay. Hiei had always been quite fond of pine trees for reasons Kurama never knew, and they seemed to have a calming effect on him. Here, the fire demon was always at peace and it was always here that he would run whenever the troubles of his life plagued him beyond control.

"What does it matter fox? I'm here now, so let's enjoy it while it lasts." The truth was, however, that Hiei didn't have the heart to tell his lover that he would be going on yet another mission for Mukuro, one that might take up to a year to complete. He knew that these recent adventures were putting a real strain on his relationship with Kurama, and Hiei secretly longed to have it all come to an end. Often times, the yoko would ask if he too could come along, and there was nothing more the fire demon wanted than to fight alongside his partner once more. But Kurama had his own affairs to attend to, and was now the leading ambassador between the Makai and the Nigenkai, a job he was obligated to uphold.

The day dragged on into early evening, and then into night, and neither of the two youkai had moved since they had gotten there. Occasionally, one of them might have made some sort of remark to the other, or perhaps commented on the changing beauty of the sky, but these were only little things. The demon pair, in all the years they had been together, were never really one's for deep conversation. But then, that is how they knew they were meant to be together. Those who are really in love get by by hearing what is NOT said rather than what is. They relish in the joy of simply being close, and need not always explain it through words. Words interrupt.

The stars were now beginning to light up the rapidly blackening sky, and the two suddenly became aware that the Earth was moving, while they were not. It was time to start heading back home, though neither really wanted to. They would have been more than grateful if this day had lasted for all time. Then, as though it were a final reminder of their lives outside this space, the air in front of them began to change. It was like what happens when one stares too intensely at a road on a hot day, or when you look just above the flame on a candle. The air seems to wiggle and not hold the same shape it had only a moment before. To most, this is simply an illusion, a trick of the eyes that can be corrected with a simple blink. To those who understand the link connecting the three worlds, however, this is much more. Fore if you stare long enough at this disruption of air, some say, and you do not look away, you will see things. Messages. Messages meant for you, or perhaps a glimpse into your own future. Demons have long since mastered this art of seeing and not seeing, and use this form of air disruption as a way of communication between worlds. And as the two youkai stared into the changing atmosphere before them, there came two images. The first was that of a woman with flaming red hair and a face that would have been quite beautiful had it not been for the part that was completely replaced by machine. The second, was of a demonic king, one which bore a blind countenance. These were the faces of Mukuro and Yomi.

At first the images simply floated in midair, perhaps waiting for one of the demons to acknowledge them with the proper greeting. When no such greeting came forth, it was Mukuro that was the first to speak. "Ah, Hiei, so good to see you. Have you been enjoying your time off?"

"Hn."

"Good! Glad to hear it! I'm afraid I've got some rather bad news, however. It seems I need you sooner than expected. The rebellions in the North are getting more persistent and must be delt with as soon as possible. I need you to come to headquarters immediately for a briefing on our next plan of action. I shall expect your arrival in no less than three hours." And with that, the woman dissolved, leaving nothing but vacant space in her wake.

The remaining image of Yomi stayed silent a moment longer, and then began its long awaited message. "Kurama, it seems that a problem has occurred in our negotiations with the Renkai (spirit world). I request your assistance in these matters."

"This is not my area Yomi, you know I deal strictly with the Nigenkai."

"I realize this Kurama, but that is what is causing all the trouble. Now, I shall hear no more excuses. Please be at the Makai consulate at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I shall be awaiting your arrival." The image faded, and now the two youkai were left alone once more.

"It never seems to end does it Hiei? One would think that we were the only demons in the Makai capable of handling the government's problems."

"They can't afford to handle it themselves, Kurama. If they fail then they might get blamed."

"Still. . ."

Now the night seemed even shorter than it had before and their lives seemed a little less immortal. What good was having eternity, if you had to spend it under the rules of another? But this was something the two would have to contemplate another time, fore now there was much to be done.

PERHAPS THESE MISSIONS WILL BE EASILY COMPLETED, Kurama thought, AND WE CAN CONTINUE HERE WHERE WE LEFT OFF.

Unbeknownst to him, the fire demon that lay next to him was hoping for just the same thing.

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HOORAY! I'M HOME AGAIN! HOME AT ! Did you miss me? I hope so. Anyway, this was chapter 1, so I hope you didn't expect anything too dramatic to take place just yet. I have not yet decided how long this particular story will be, though I do know the general direction I want it to take. There will be much more action happening relatively soon, so I hope those of you who are new to my work will stick around to read more. Just ask those who were fans of my Jin and Touya work, and they will tell you I tend to start out slow and work my way up. Trust me, it's worth the wait! Well, that's all for now. See you at chapter 2, and remember to send in those reviews!