Again sorry for the long wait, but I'm not too happy with this chapter. I toyed around with it a lot and this is what it came out to. Hope you enjoy it.

Ladyasile, Chaseha-Wing, Time on my hands, thank you for your faithfull and encouraging reviews.

Disclaimer: Egh you know the drill. Don't own YYH.

Hiei clutched his head and groaned lowly in pain. Three days had passed since Kurama had given him his memories back but the fire apparition could not recall the messenger. When they had returned to Kurama's apartment they had discovered the note gone. Nothing had been taken or destroyed.

The most irritating and worrisome thing was, there was no scent or ki left behind at all. It's as if the note had been spirited away by the very wind. They hadn't noticed it missing until the next day. As soon as they had gotten home, Shiori had bombarded them with questions.

Hiei had taken the cowards way out and dashed past her into the cool sanctuary of Kurama's room leaving the poor fox spirit to deal with his mother. After what seemed like hours of trying to placate his mother and promising to explain everything the next morning Kurama had escaped to his room intent on giving Hiei a piece of his mind when he stopped dead in his tracks.

Hiei was curled up on the pillows fast asleep. Kurama chuckled lightly, he could almost see Hiei nodding off and his slight body falling over once sleep claimed him. Smiling he walked over and straightened the rumpled sheets sliding in and allowing sleep to claim him as well knowing Hiei would wiggle down as the night became cooler.

Hiei jumped from Kurama's bed and flashed over to the window sill looking out and trying to look bored. Seconds later Kurama opened the door carrying a tray of food and gently closing the door with his foot.

Kurama mentally sighed as he saw Hiei. If anyone saw Hiei all they would see was a bored and irritated fire apparition, not unusual. But Kurama could see the tiny line of strain between Hiei's eyes, a nearly indiscernible frown. He knew it was frustrating for Hiei not to remember, to have an unknown enemy and the need for vengeance was growing.

"Hiei I made some lunch. Why don't you come over?"

Acting like every move was a trial he suffered through Hiei stood up and went over to Kurama. In truth Hiei hated most of anything that came from the Ningenkai but he could not deny the food Kurama made. It was one of his astounding talents. Hiei however would never admit to it.

He paused with the spoon halfway to his mouth 'Then again I also said I would never befriend anyone or be courted, yet here I am in the Ningenkai no less on my own free will…of a sort.'

Kurama held in a frustrated sigh when Hiei grunted at his inquiry. Kurama was patient but even Hiei tried his patience at times. It wasn't that Hiei was annoying per say, slightly obnoxious but only when he went that extra mile. But it was purely frustrating to get Hiei to open up at all.

At first it had been a much needed challenge, back when he had barely met Hiei. Now it was a driving need to creep past Hiei's guard and find what was behind the nearly impenetrable walls around his fire apparitions' heart. Few times did Hiei ever share something of himself with Kurama with out the fox ferreting it out.

As if sensing what Kurama was thinking Hiei meet Kurama's green eyes and smirked. Deliberately reaching over and taking a dumpling. With out breaking eye contact Hiei bit into it, chewing slowly before he swallowed. Kurama's green eyes flared with something and Hiei swallowed the last bite rather quickly.

Nodding in thanks Hiei stood from his place on the desk and walked back to the window his heart pounding an odd rhythm. He was neither fool nor a stranger to feelings. Hiei simply shoved or rejected any and all feelings away. It was safer when he felt nothing but he never seemed to do that when Kurama was around.

Passion was something he strictly forbade himself. Love was blind and foolish and lust thickened the blinds.

Hiei did not move when he sensed Kurama near him, he was used to the fox presences. It wasn't until he felt the heat of the other on his back and Kurama's breathe stirring his hair did he turn around. Slowly deliberately he tilted his head up, a little belligerently and met Kurama's eyes. Hiei nearly took a step back.

He was ashamed that it was the window that prevented his movement not his will. Kurama's normally clear green eyes were clouded with need and naked lust. Hiei felt an answering call in his body, his mind cautioning him to run but his blood turned to lava and his body took over.

Dimly he recalled he hadn't yet passed his heat.

Kurama's body moved as if in a trance. He crowded Hiei closer to the window sill his senses overflowing with only Hiei. Slowly as if afraid to break the spell around them he leaned down inch by inch.

His mind flashed to those passionate moments not so long. His body reacted to the erotic images of what could have happened if Yusuke and the rest had not been there. Groaning he tried to regain some control of his breathing, he hadn't even kissed Hiei yet and his body was already in painful attention.

Kurama caught his breath and touched his lips softly against Hiei intending to seduce him. Hiei nearly moaned at the butterfly like sensation of Kurama's lips against his. In an impatient move he reached up to pull on Kurama's tails when he sensed an odd reiki.

Hiei pushed Kurama away and stepped away from the window nodding his head as Yusuke came into sight before the window. Blissfully unaware of what he had interrupted Yusuke grinned and waved at them. Kurama's muddled mind half expected Yusuke to jump on the tree but the young punk walked over to the door waiting impatiently.

Yusuke had once climbed the tree and found himself with a very angry Hiei. He still woke up shaking and looking around frantically after that particular incident.

Shaking his head Kurama worked on auto pilot and sent a frustrated look over his shoulder at Hiei as he walked to the front door to let Yusuke in…perhaps he would let Youko out to…play with the young detective.

Kurama groaned softly when he saw Hiei's gaze mirroring his own; frustration and nearly concealed desire. He knew as soon as he walked into the room, no doubt Yusuke trailing behind him, Hiei would have his usual disdainful mask in place and would more than likely flit out and go to the temple.

Hiei stared out the window his body burning and his mind in turmoil. He wanted Kurama nearly to the point of needing and it infuriated him. He didn't want to need anyone and even worse he didn't know if it was the heat talking or some part of him locked away.

He had accepted Kurama was a part of his life, the most important next to his twin, but that didn't mean he was going into this blindly. Hiei wasn't one to jump of a cliff with out checking to see what awaited him.

Hiei frowned before turning to face the opening door making no effort to hide his irritation. Yusuke burst in smirking and oblivious to the murderous glares from the shorter fire apparition.

"How's it going Hiei?"

"Where is Kurama?"

Yusuke ignored the animosity; in truth he hardly ever noticed it anymore. It was just so ingrained in Hiei's ways. But he wasn't stupid, he approached the fire demon cautiously his eyes darting around locating the nearest exits while searching for anything that could and would be used as a weapon.

"He's in the kitchen, something about cooling one thing or another." He replied nearly absentmindedly. Yusuke narrowed his eyes, something was ...different about Hiei today. He stepped closer completely ignorant of the narrowed ruby eyes and fang flashing in warning.

He took a cautious whiff and then a longer deeper one. Hiei's eyes widened and faster than he could anticipate Yusuke had pinned his hands to the wall behind him and thrust his leg between his own.

Enraged he opened his mouth to snarl at him but the angry threats were stopped by a feverish hard mouth. Hiei stood shocked for a moment unable to react. The kiss was hard and unyielding. It took him mere seconds before he started to fight Yusuke. Hiei wretched his head to the side and spat.

He heard Yusuke growl and he shivered when he felt the detective's tongue burn a trail down his neck. Disgust and near desperation coupled with the half hearted arousal. His body betrayed him.

Furious he did the only thing he could think of. Leaning forward he clamped his sharp canines into Yusuke's ear and watched with satisfaction as Yusuke reared back howling in pain his eyes turning from lust to horror. Stepping back he was stuttering an apology even as he wiped his mouth ignoring the blood trailing down his face.

Hiei didn't bother to wait dashing out the window into the open catching the little breeze and practically flying to the dark cool forest. His feet a mere blur even to his eyes he ran not bothering to hid his yoki, he couldn't mask the scent of his damn heat so what would be the point?

The damn heat! He knew it was the reason Yusuke had reacted that way, he was after all a half demon. Hiei also knew under normal circumstances Yusuke would have never attempted or even thought of it. It was clear his sights, and if Hiei were a romantic, Yusuke's heart was with the human girl Keiko.

Hiei knew why the disgust had come. If he were completely honest he could admit Yusuke was…somewhat handsome. For a human that is. But that was not the reason, it was simply Yusuke wasn't Kurama.

Hiei for the first time stumbled and lost his balance. He fell a few feet before he managed to grab a hold of a thick branch and pull himself up. Glancing around he noticed he was in a familiar part of Genkai, now Yukina's forest.

Knowledge was power and Hiei horded it like Kurama had hidden his most precious treasures. It was the last barrier between Kurama and himself, and frankly Hiei was not ready to surrender it.

Hiei grinned wolfishly. No surrendering was not his way. If Kurama wanted him, whole, completely he would have to give something of himself equally as valuable or wretch it away from him.

He was still a demon after all and so was Kurama. It was not their way to go meekly along with something. After all, a valuable lesson they had both learned was still in play and no doubt they would both enjoy it.

The best things are worth fighting for; and this most definitely was worth it.

Kurama burst into the room in time to see Yusuke slump to the floor and a nearly indiscernible blur flit out the window. Kurama was mildly surprised and walked quickly into the room heading over to the bleeding man.

Yusuke only had a moment to clearly see the truth, to contemplate his death in the crystal green eyes. Kurama's eyes went from mildly concerned to deathly cold, golden flecks etched deep into the green eyes.

"What did you do?" Kurama hissed.

Yusuke lay submissive beneath Kurama. It took all of his will to not fight back but he was not as stupid as everyone thought. He had learned a great deal in Makai . Whoever had said mother protecting their young was the scariest and deadliest thing you would ever encounter clearly had never heard or even witnessed a bonded mate protecting his counter part.

Although Yusuke himself had never actually seen a mating Razven had, and his memory had flitted with so many more when he had first assumed his demon form.

So all Yusuke could do was choke out a few words as Kurama nearly crushed his windpipe "Heat…Hiei…didn't…mean to…"

"You dared to touch what is mine?"

Yusuke's vision was going black around the edges "Sorry…Keiko"

Kurama released him abruptly, the anger receding and a slither of guilt crept in. Of course Yusuke would be affected, any demon not directly related by blood would be. Kurama calmly turned and took the abandoned cooling tea and handed it to Yusuke.

"I must apologize for my rash actions."

Yusuke waved it away still wheezing in breaths. " 'S cool man. Woulda done same…Keiko." he kept his sentence short and thankfully drank the tea. "Better find him. Sorry."

Kurama nodded and didn't bother to use the front door merely leaping out his window. It would be easier if he transformed to Youko but he needed the few minutes to think, to organize his thoughts.

Hiei had not rejected him. He had also been molested by Yusuke.

Those two facts kept swirling in his mind. Hiei could have pushed him away, protested but he had leaned into him. Perhaps the last was nothing but wishful thinking but it also meant he was getting close.

'After all" he thought smugly 'I am not the one bleeding from unwanted advances'

Kurama sighed in frustration and put a little more speed; the last time he had been here chasing after Hiei he had been in a full blown panic tapping into Youkos powers to allow him greater speed. As a human despite his abnormalities it was still a long way to Genkais. Normally he took the train or better yet his car but again, he had forgone the transportations for the liberty of the flight.

Youko chuckled and added his strength to his human counter part. "It has been a while since I last came out. Why don't you let me take us to the forest? We can switch back once we are there?"

Kurama debated for a bit, weighing the pros and cons to it. It was not fair to cage Youko but then the fox had a …devious personality and often wrecked havoc when he was out.

Suichi heard Youko laugh 'Always the prude"

"I am not!" he thought somewhat indignantly even as he grinned and fog surrounded him.

A tall gorgeous silver fox spirit emerged from the still standing wisp of smoke. His ears perked at the chance of freedom and his golden eyes alive with amusement. This he had learned from his human counter part and was forever their little running joke.

Elated Kurama pushed the toxic smell of the city and its populants away and concentrated on the smell of the cool clear forest. He also caught the faint smell of Hiei and a feral grin graced his face as he ran a mere blur to human eyes.

Within minutes he arrived at Genkai's borders and he slowed down taking a cautious whiff to see if there were any demons lurking by. Smelling no danger he proceeded to the forest intent on at the very least saying "Hi" to Hiei. After all they would be mates soon.

Kurama walked slowly through the forest allowing the calm earthy smell to wash away the stench of smoke, smog and all the other unpleasant smell of the city all the while soaking up what the forest had to offer him.

Blissful darkness lightened by stray sun beams illuminating the trail. The plants whispered to him the secrets of the occupants and events. A light fragrant drifted to him so subtle he nearly missed it. Intrigued he turned his face towards the faint trail as red flags went off somewhere in his mind but the curiosity in his nature was as strong as his need for survival.

Turning he loped lightly towards the scent his mind slowly becoming hazy as his tail began to softly wag. Eager now he began to run his human counter part yelling at him in panic to stop to turn away but soon even his red head was seduced by the nearly smothering smell.

With an excited and delighted yip Kurama dove into the vibrant red flower patch. His mind was hazy, the pleasure of feeling the soft petals caressing his skin making him numb and his sense of smell was overwhelmed.

Foxbane.

A soft tinkling laugh reached Kurama's ears and he turned his head slowly languidly. His golden eyes were hazed, half lidded and heavy, his body cumbersome. A golden form swam into his vision slowly clearing as it got closer.

His muddled mind trying to resist the lure; his inner sensors going off. Danger was close by but the smell! Suddenly two whiskey colored eyes filled up his vision. Kurama tilted his head back a little more his body still wriggling in the patch of Foxbane.

A beautiful fox demon stood before him. Tall, a bit shorter than Kurama himself, with narrower shoulders and honey brown hair and ears. Slim built nearly female like. His tail was thick and silky looking and his eyes…

If Kurama was in full alert he would have recognized the delight and smugness in them but all he saw was a beautiful tail and cognate eyes. It was enough to bring his starved body to life.

The other fox seeing this smirked and lowered himself slowly so he was straddling Kurama. The golden male saw desire flare and knew Kurama was dominant and he anticipated the demands the silver youko would surely command of him.

Delighted he ground his already full erection against Kurama's slowly growing one and growled in delight when Kurama abruptly shifted their positions. Laughing the golden youko rubbed himself against Kurama enticingly. With a low growl Kurama nuzzled the youko's neck.

Abruptly Kurama stopped and took a deep breath, taking in the others scent. It smelled pleasant; a fox in heat and it was enticing but not what he craved. Dissatisfied he rolled off the other male and onto the flower patch, frustration warring with the numbing pleasure of the flowers.

The golden male stared shocked at Kurama. He swiftly got onto his knees and took a firm hold of Kurama's head turning it first right then left. Puzzled he saw no mark and anger began swallow the stranger. Standing he waved his tail back and forth calling out to Kurama in the most silky and seductive voice he possessed.

Pausing Kurama turned towards the sound his ears flicking. Slowly he stood desire swirling in his amber eyes as he approached the attractive fox. Sliding behind him he clamped an arm around the slim waist and the other slowly trailed up the seductive male's chest.

Hiei stopped and stared at the scene. Shock froze him in place while twin burning of hurt and anger began to stab at his already bruised and battered heart. The golden youko opened his eyes slowly and Hiei grinded his teeth together. Arrogance and disdain mixed with smug satisfaction in the pale golden eyes.

Abruptly Kurama's head jerked up away from the male's neck where he had been swirling his tongue and delivering little nips. His unfocused eyes searched for Hiei and with an excited yip he shoved the startled youko away from him and practically hopped his way over to Hiei where he wrapped his arms around the shorter demon and began to rub against him a low rumble of pleasure issuing forth from deep in his chest.

Hiei shook with anger and he shoved Kurama away. Kurama stumbled back his ears and tails dropping and Hiei heard a hurt whimper before the silver youko slumped to the floor. An enraged hiss drew his attention away from Kurama.

Hiei turned his burning gaze to the infuriated golden male. "Who the hell are you? he asked rudely making no effort to hide his immediate disgust and anger.

"You insolent little whelp! You dare take that tone with me? Kurama is mine!"

Hiei quirked an eyebrow in mild amusement despite the pain that came with the declaration. Before he could say anything he felt something warm and heavy settle against his legs. Looking down he was shocked to see Kurama curled at his feet, his demeanor a submissive one. Narrowing his eyes he took a fistful of the silky silver hair and yanked up, not enough to cause pain but in warning.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he growled his eyes sliding into mere sleets as he saw the unfocused amber eyes. A strange scent assaulted his sensitive nose and he huffed lightly. Taking a cautious whiff he realized Kurama reeked of it. "What the hell have you been doing?"

Kurama whimpered and tried to get closer to Hiei, wrapping his long arms around his legs and nestling his head on Hiei's pelvis. Hiei fought down the blush, Kurama was not being sexual, simply…submissive.

"You still haven't answered me, worm, who are you?" Hiei bit out turning his eyes on the enraged youko.

"That is none of your business as a dead demon has no need of names."

"Hn. You're right. I won't need the name of a corpse." Hiei said silkily his hand on the hilt of his katana while the other stayed in Kurama's warm silky hair. When the golden youko saw this, his eyes turned murderous, rage and jealousy prominent. "You say Kurama belongs to you yet here he is with me. What claim do you have on him?"

Hiei tried to sound uninterested as if it were a trivial matter, yet his blood boiled and a nearly unbearable urge to rip the stunning golden youkos throat out.

The word seemed to snap the male back. Smirking he looked down and his malicious smirk widened. "It won't matter soon. Kurama will be of no use to either of us."

Before he could ask what he meant he heard Kurama groan out his name. However this time it wasn't in pleasure but in pain. Looking down he saw Kurama's face counter in pain as his body curled into himself and he began to tremble. Within seconds the trembling silver youko turned into a trembling silk ball at his feet.

Confused and slightly panicked Hiei bent down and picked Kurama by the soft silky scruff till they were staring at each other. The amber eyes were full of pain and confusion. Cruel laughter cut through his blank mind making his head jerk.

"What have you done to him?" Hiei hissed no longer bothering to place a mask, no he let his fury show the threat of emanate death plain to see.

"Don't you know what this is?" he the youko gestured to the wilted field. Hiei stared at the crushed flowers and something jiggled in the back of his mind. It was something important but he couldn't reach that memory. A frustrated growl erupted from his throat.

The male started laughing as Hiei gently placed Kurama on the cool green grass. Faster than the golden youko could blink a seriously pissed of fire apparition had him pinned to the nearest tree the gleaming katana pressed against his throat a red rivulet of blood already freely flooding down his delicate neck.

The fox spirit gazed defiantly at the smaller apparition but Hiei could smell the fear and pressed the blade a little closer. "Foxbane" the youko spat out his eyes burning with open hatred.

"Foxbane will kill him." It was a question but Hiei made it a statement. He did not want the deceptive youko to know that despite the familiar term he did not know exactly what it would do.

"Well as it's been too long with out Kurama being sexually stimulated, yes" he replied rather smugly.

He yelped when Hiei swung his katan in an upward arc the tip of the blade pressed tightly against the males neck while the deadly edge rested against the fox spirit's perfect cheek. The quickest and most cruel way to get to a fox spirit was through their vanity. A slice or two on his perfect face would do him good.

"You claim you want him yet you are willing to let him die? If you can't have him no one will? Is that it?" he asked in a cold detached voice. It took all the strength he had not to run the blasted son of a bitch through. But he needed an antidote and the bastard probably had one squirreled away.

"Yes damnit! He was to be mine! If you want him to live that badly I suggest you hurry. If that pollen sets in there will be no chance of saving him."

Infuriated Hiei glanced quickly at the trembling bundle, there was still a chance to save him. "Give me the antidote." he demanded

"I can't I took it for myself. You'll have to come up with one on your own." He sneered.

A red haze of violence overcame Hiei and he welcomed it. When he was younger he had ridden this wave of lust for violence until he had nearly drowned in it. It was somewhat daunting how easily it came back but at the moment he didn't care.

He raked his slightly elongated nails down the prefect face of his captive, the pained and outraged scream ringing in his ear. With a swift move Hiei hacked off a good portion of the Youkos long golden mane and the tortured scream reverted through his body calling to his Dragon and Jagan, always eager for violence and retribution.

Before he could finish his kill he sensed something coming his way and neatly flipped back and away in time to avoid the unexpected attack. Five darts were deeply imbedded on the tree he had been standing in front of only seconds before.

Shaking and crying the bloodied youko cried "You will regret this Hiei! I will make you beg for mercy, and your companions as well, including that whore!" he spat out as he ran into the forest. "Not even your title as heir will save you from my wrath!"

Hiei stood still his katan out and ready to be used. He scanned the place with his jagan but found nothing but a fission that used to be the portal. Quickly he turned to the violently trembling fox and scooped him up by the scruff.

Hiei quickly cradled him when a pained yip escaped the tightly clenched jaws. Hiei took a moment to allow himself to panic, his body shuddered once before his steely resolve and implacable iron will took over.

Cradling the bundle he walked with out hesitation to the stream a few feet away. With out preamble he dunked Kurama in the water, heeding the bastards warning. He brought Kurama up for a breather before he pushed him down once more this time he began to scrub a hand through the fur.

Hiei took out the thrashing bundle and placed it on the grass next to him. Kurama was now shivering whether from the cold or pain Hiei didn't know but he could not risk raising his temperature while Kurama was in his fox form. He didn't know how the fox system worked, especially under these conditions.

Stripping out of his cloak he wrapped up the shivering soaking Kurama and fleeted off at top speed to Kurama's house. Hiei was beyond frustrated. He knew Kurama had spoken to him of Foxbane and its danger; it was there at the edge of his memories but he couldn't reach it.

Arriving at Kurama's apartment Hiei wasted no time and nearly ran through the window in his haste to get in. Walking directly into the bathroom Hiei carefully cradled the shivering bundle in the crook of one arm while he twisted the knob for the water not bothering to check to see if it was the one leading to the hot pipe or not.

Looking around he spotted the stopper and plugged it in watching the water rise he placed the black bundle one the floor and began heating the water. Judging the water to be warm enough Hiei turned and scooped the soaking bundle up, un-wrapping it he was met with pain and confused golden eyes.

Blinking Kurama tried to stretch his muzzle and lick Hiei but stopped short whimpering lightly. With uncharacteristic gentleness Hiei lowered Kurama into the warm water and nearly sighed in relief when it reached past the soft silky belly. Moving quickly he scooped water up and let it rain down on the small silver body he was holding up. Hiei doubted Kurama would be able to stand on his own.

When the trembling lessened somewhat Hiei reached for a red bottle he knew Kurama used in his hair. Hiei cursed as he tried to hold the bottle and open it with one hand while keeping Kurama above the water. The stupid bottle kept on slipping and nearly fell into the water. Exasperated Hiei quickly raised his yoki and burned a hole into the bottle the scent of melted plastic assaulting his nose. Hiei knew Kurama would be irritated over the melted bottle but he figured it would last no more than a few seconds.

Kurama yipped when he felt the cold gel hit his body and tried to wriggle away only to stop as any movement caused searing pain to run trough his body. Slowly the drug induced haze was clearing from his mind as pain began to overshadow it. Rough calloused fingers began to rub over his body and with a start Kurama realized Hiei was giving him a bath!

Kurama growled lightly as the movement brought pain and pleasure, his muddled mind shocked that Hiei would do this. The fox tried to turn his head to look at Hiei but was stopped when warm water ran down his body. Kurama sighed softly in his mind and tried to remember what had happened.

'You stupid fox, ran straight into a patch of Foxbane!'

Youko was slightly surprised 'And how exactly would there be Foxbane in Ningenkai? Although it would explain the paralysis.' He mused.

'I don't know'the red head grudgingly admitted'But the important thing is to get an antidote fast.'

Their conversation was interrupted as Hiei lifted them out of the water and bundled the fox in a fluffy green towel. Kurama flicked his ears forward and a low grumble erupted from his chest as Hiei lifted him high enough so their eyes met. The growl was of pleasure and his way of showing gratitude Hiei concluded as he saw sparkling, if a bit dimmed eyes.

"Relax kit. Hiei managed to wash the pollen off and now we are only experiencing the after effect, though painful and long lasting they are not fatal. Just enjoy our soon to be mate taking care of us."

Hiei gave him a calculating look and with a soft "Hn" walked back into the room. Dumping Kurama on the bed he looked down. "Your eyes are clearer so that means you could understand me." He said over the indignant snarl "Can you move?" his question came out softer than he had intended it to.

Kurama tried nodding but his muscles were locked up yet trembling with the random if consistent waves of pain. Instead he simply stared up waiting patiently…well no exactly patiently but there was really nothing he could do except lie where he landed. Growling low in his throat Hiei plopped onto the bed.

"If you can understand me blink twice."

Blink Blink

"Can you use telepathy?"

Kurama rolled his eyes before closing them in exasperation. He should have thought of that before. Concentrating he tried to connect to Hiei only to find a blank wall. Frustrated he opened his eyes and growled.

"So it affects your yoki. It keeps fluctuating." Hiei informed him tersely allowing some anger to creep in to his voice. Better anger than the concern that was threatening to permanently settle at the pit of his stomach. "Since you cannot control it you can't control what for you are in."

It was a statement but Kurama blinked twice in rapid succession.

"Will it…wear off?" Hiei hesitated not wanting to be told he had been there too late, that his fox would die. He had pushed that thought ruthlessly away and now he held his breath, heart pounding a merciless tattoo in his chest threatening to explode as icy fingers of fear gathered close ready to squeeze his lungs.

Hiei closed his eyes briefly before springing up and walking briskly into the bathroom. Kurama had blinked twice. He leaned against the sink his knees threatening to give out on him. The only other time he had felt this way was when he had been falling endlessly into nothing, the cold setting into his very bones and the jarring fall into filthy water; the sensation of drowning lasting what seemed like an eternity.

Anger and hate had filled him soon, nearly consuming him but now the image of Kurama so long ago in the Dark Tournament arose. Kurama bloody and blurring the line between life and death. At that time Hiei knew Kurama would survive, it was after all his own plant he manipulated despite its deadly danger.

Not to mention the fox was not ready to give up, he had too much to accomplish to let death interrupt him again. But as Genkai had mentioned, Hiei would have gone on a rampage killing anything and everything in his way damning the consequences. He had never really stopped to think of the why's of it.

Reality closed in on him and Hiei did what his instincts screamed at him to do.

Hiei ran.

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