Hiei had been wandering through the forest all day, jumping from branch to branch just thinking, and it was dark by the time he arrived back at Genkai's temple. Everyone had gone to bed, but he wasn't tired. He rarely slept.
He made his way to Genkai's small kitchen and poured a glass of water. The liquid had barely touched his lips when he jumped, sensing he was not alone. He whipped around to find Kusabana seated at the table behind him, stirring a cup of tea. She had changed out of her kimono into a splendid nightgown. Its deep shade of hunter green made her eyes all the more enchanting. Her black hair was piled into a bun of top of her head and her pale skin seemed to glow.
"I did not mean to startle you," she said without looking up.
"I wasn't startled," Hiei said defensively.
"Of course not," Kusabana replied, inclining her head. "My mistake."
Hiei considered leaving the room, but his curiosity got the better of him and he took the chair opposite her. He could not deny the pull this strange siren had on him, and he wanted to know more of the woman.
She stopped stirring her tea and looked at him expectantly. Hiei cleared his throat.
"So you have been commissioned by Koenma," he began. "Does he request your services often?"
The siren shook her head. "This is the first time he has contacted me, in fact. I was quite surprised he sent for me. We had been acquainted before, but I doubted he would remember me."
I'm not sure how anyone could forget meeting her, Hiei thought. I've never seen anyone like her.
"I must admit," Kusabana said, "I was pleasantly surprised to find you residing here. I had intended to contact you myself before I attempted to fight the demon. Koenma mentioned you had aided him in the past and suggested I invite you to be my partner, should I feel the need for one. He seems to think very highly of you, Hiei."
His name sounded like honey on her lips and he found himself swelling with pride. Koenma had personally recommended him and this beautiful siren sought his help for the job.
"The demon's name is Aisu, and from what I hear, he is very fierce," continued Kusabana.
Hiei started at the name. "Koenma sent you to fight Aisu by yourself?" demanded Hiei incredulously.
"Well, that is why he suggested I take a partner," said the girl shyly, "and you came very highly recommended. Your reputation as a fierce warrior is spoken of far and wide. Should I be unable to defeat him alone, I would very much appreciate your aid."
Hiei considered for a moment. He could find no reason not to accompany the exquisite creature. He smirked as he imagined having to rescue her from the jaws of Aisu. She would scream his name and he would valiantly rush in and finish the demon off. "I accept," he said.
"Wonderful!" she exclaimed, flashing her brilliant teeth. "I look forward to working with you. We must leave early tomorrow morning, and now if you'll excuse me, I will retire. Good night." She nodded and left the room.
Hiei was left with a sense of anticipation. His senses tingled as he envisioned the great battle awaiting.