Hiei's eyes flickered open, his injuries already almost healed. His red orbs scanned the destroyed house, letting them rest on the red stain from the night before. The young demon pushed himself to his feet with a grimace, muttering curses under his breath.
"Dammit…"
He knew what he had to do. Grabbing his rustic sword and tightening his belt, the fire demon took off across the Makai plains, searching for any sign of his sister. He stumbled through brush and grasses, reopening a few of his injuries. Bloodstained and worn out, he came upon a dome-like structure by a large forest. A tall man with a long, black ponytail stood out front, testing a ring like object, sharpened to a pointed edge. Hiei paused, breathing heavily.
"Who might you be, weakling?" The man didn't even turn towards the fire yokai.
"I'm… I'm not weak."
Shigure raised a pierced eyebrow and turned to face the fire demon, causing a small bell to tinkle. "Oh? What might your story be?"
"My mother was killed and my sister was kidnapped… I have to find her."
"Hm… Do you know who I am?"
"No. Should I?"
"My name is Shigure. I am a demon operator, mainly for Jagan implants. I only operate on those with an interesting story and a withstanding for pain. You have already proven yourself for one of those, wandering throughout demon world with all those injuries."
"A… a Jagan implant?"
"Yes, an all-seeing eye used with physic abilities such as telepathy, mind-reading, and a tracking ability."
This caught the young fire demon's attention. Hardening his expression, he decided what he needed to do.
"Could I perhaps receive one?"
Shigure's lips curled into an amused grin.
"Oh? You'll have to tell your story in completion. If I am interested, then I will perform the surgery."
And so, Hiei retold the fairy tale depicting the life of a young ice maiden, the very same one she told the night she died.
Hiei woke up on a cold white operating table, a dim, flickering light hanging above him. The 'doctor' was nowhere in sight, leaving the yokai alone. Weak and drained of all demonic energy, the fire demon raised a hand to his bandaged forehead, wincing with pain. He made his way outside, to where Shigure was practicing once again with the ringed sword he had. Making his way down the steps weakly, Hiei planted his foot firmly on the rough demonic grass. Shigure turned back towards the building, watching the yokai with curiosity.
"Where do you think you're going? The operation has drained you of all your demonic energy."
"I have to get to Yukina…"
"You're in no shape to help now. Stay and I can assist you with your swordsmanship."
Hiei paused, considering his offer.
Eight-Arms cackled loudly, the deep-throated laugh echoing around the chamber. The young Ice Maiden squirmed under his touch, recoiling away from him. Slime-demon chuckled softly, watching as his master toyed with his next meal.
"Ha-ha. Looks like your brother did die after all! Now who's going to save you?"
Yukina squeezed her eyes together, not saying a word even if the fear was consuming her other emotions. The larger demon reached out again, running a hand through her aqua locks. She backed against the wall, her voice shaking and quiet.
"Hiei isn't dead…"
"Foolish girl, don't you realize that the Master killed him? Or did you block the memory because it's too painful?" The Slime-demon sneered softly from the far wall.
"Hiei is alive… He will come… He will…"
Her voice grew softer and softer as she repeated reassuring words to herself, staying alive and fighting back as much as she could until her brother could find his way to her.
