A/N This story takes place a year after Two Shots and follows Hiei and Kurama as they plan and initiate the theft of the Three Artifacts.
Kurama stretched leisurely against the back of the tree leaning heavily on the supple bark and closing his eyes against the dying rays of the sun bleeding warmth across the park. It felt good to be outside after being in the stuffy classroom all day long. The air was fresh and crisp, a light breeze ruffling his red mane. He was in a rare good mood, the rain from the previous night refreshed the once parched greenery, and the plants surrounding him sang their joy, and welcomed the presence of the figure that fed them not with water, but with energy. Ever since his mother's illness, he was becoming more and more entrenched in the throes of despair. It seemed like ever since he arrived in this realm she was is one tie to this world. She was the reason he lingered, she was the reason he went to school, she was the reason he needed to achieve, and most importantly she was the reason he felt something. Before her, he was cold, cruel, now he was kinder, gentler than he ever thought possible.
A few months ago Shiori had taken severely ill. It started out as what appeared to be a small case of a cold. She had started coughing after dinner one night and insisted that it was nothing to worry over. I told her she was working too hard at that job of hers and needlessly stressing over me. I was beggining high school at the prestigious Mieou Academy, a private institution that only accepted the top students. I had earned many academic scholarships, yet still the cost of the school was high, and we could barely afford the difference. I had suggested I get a part time job in order to help with tuition, but she wouldn't hear of it. She insisted that my studies should take priority and that I did not have time to waste. I had argued but it seemed it was in vain. I felt guilty at times, she gave me so much, and all I gave her were lies. Sometimes I seriously considered going back to a life of crime if only to provide for my mother. But I knew I couldn't do that, if she were to find out the thought that her prefect son was a common thief would disappoint her. Though common was hardly the word to use, extraordinary would be more true, though he doubted she would appreciate the distinction. However, the stress of living this way had no doubt tired her and left her susceptible to illness…though another reason for her illness crept into my thoughts. Perhaps it is wholly my fault that she is sick. Perhaps I broke her spirit, and crushed her will. It must have been hard to raise such an arrogant child as I, and I fear I have somehow worn her down over the years…
Still, her illness progressed until I had to nearly restrain her to keep her from going to work. I took a few days off of school to care for her, which promptly triggered another episode of guilt for her. She made me promise to pursue school…no matter what happened. I should have seen it then, but I was blinded as I often am by foolish optimism. It didn't take long at all for her condition to deteriorate. I had attempted to heal her myself with any herbs I had at my disposal, but that proved useless, and in the end all I could do was take her to the hospital hoping for the best. She was still lively, considering, asking me how school was going every evening when I visited her. I was even pleased to note a certain gentleman from her work had taken to visiting her nearly as often as I. That was good, she deserved to be happy. I only hope she will live to enjoy it, but I now fear the worst. The doctors were carefully remaining optimistic for my sake, but I could tell they were reaching the end of their rope. She didn't have much time.
Sighing he opened his eyes absently watching the fleeing birds soar free across the darkening sky. Sometimes, not often, he felt bound here. Shiori's sacrifice kept him. His original plan was always to leave this place once he turned ten. After he built up enough energy, he would go back home only…where was home now?
Twilight was nearly upon him, yet he felt as if he should not yet leave. Somehow he knew that something was about to happen, he need only wait. Sure enough he soon felt a familiar demonic energy. Surprise would be a mild way to describe the feeling of sensing that energy again. Looking up he thought wryly, cue the dramatic entrance, as he spotted the dark demon standing on the tree's lowest branch above him, gazing at the red head with an arch smirk on his face.
"I have to say I love what you did with your hair...though I must say you were effeminate enough without it what with your flowers…" Hiei deadpanned jumping off the branch to land in front of the reclining fox.
Kurama paused a moment to level an affronted glare in his direction before speaking dryly, "Why, Hiei, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
