Chaseha: I was ssooo happy when I saw your review! Jin couldn't pass through the barrier because his strength was too high and he did not have Koenma's permission. But Yusuke took care of that ^_^ As for the kit… I'm still debating what to do with him but I have a rough idea of where he will end up

Lord Axel: Are we talking KH, Axel? 'Cause he is yummy! I'm hoping speechless is good.

Disclaimer: I guess there's a minor spoiler alert for those of you who have not watched The Poltergeist Report movie. I do not own the movie, series, or characters.

Hiei was floating in a sea of pain, the edges of his soul torn, tattered and black. Time had no meaning as he slowly felt himself letting go. As he ceased to struggle the pain began to wash away and he felt himself begin to fade. However something didn't want to let go, urging him to go back to the pain, to wait.

"Will you leave him, Hiei?"

The fire apparition found himself standing in a forest of bamboo, his pants the only article of clothing he possessed, torn and bloody but no pain assailed him. He felt no danger but then he felt nothing at all; pain, anger, emptiness, nothing.

"Have you given up so easily? You, who from the moment of birth fought for your very life?"

"Show yourself!" Hiei growled more from habit than irritation.

From the mist to his left a tall shape began to form, Hiei could make out a hat, wings and a glint of red.

"Kuronoe"

The chimera stepped forward, his face impassive. "Hiei"

"You're dead."

"I am yes, but you are not. At least not yet."

"What are you doing here if I am not dead?"

"I am a memory more or less. Would you leave him?"

Hiei shook his head. 'Leave who?' his mind screamed. Hiei was just so tired; of fighting, of surviving, of being alone.

Kuronoe shook his head "Ah, but are you truly alone? You have fought long and hard Hiei, but through the sorrow and pain blooms a dream, a reprise from all the suffering. Can you not hear him? His soul is screaming for you, even as his heart breaks."

Hiei froze as an unimaginable pain seared through his heart, dropping him to his knees. Kuronoe walked slowly to him and knelt in front of him. "You defended me and the love he and I had when he had lost sight of it. It takes a strong demon to encourage the love of another, to allow a past lover to remain in the heart and memories of the one he loves."

"What are you talking about?" Hiei hissed. Emotions flooded him; pain, tentative friendship, fear, the beginning of hope, waves of bloodlust, triumph, and something more. Something that took hold of his whole being, burning higher and hotter than anything he had ever known.

A waterfall of red filled his vision and his breath caught. He slowly reached out to it only to stop as soft husky laughter replaced the keening cries reverting in his mind. A tall figure slowly began to materialize and Hiei's body jerked in shock and recognition as green eyes laughed back at him over a slim shoulder. The smile of warm welcome became a seductive smirk as the red head turned into a playful silver youko.

"Kurama!"

In a blink he was left alone with his hand outstretched towards his mate, surrounded only by mist and bamboo. "Will you fight for him Hiei? Are you willing to give up your soul for him?"

Hiei whirled around his eyes flashing dangerously as he took a threatening step forward. "What the hell kind of game is this?"

Kuronoe shook his head slowly and looked around with wistful regret "It is no game Hiei, but a choice. You can choose to stay forever by his side, or leave now and start a new life, a life where there is love and compassion, where you are no longer the Forbidden Child, but a wealthy and respected man with friends and family."

"Stop fucking around with me!" Hiei shook with impotent rage and what he had come to realize as heartache. The feeling so excruciatingly intense it nearly shoved him into complete numbness. He spun around and walked in the opposite direction of the chimera, the thick bamboo rose up around him like an army and his hand twitched over empty air.

"You can't run away from this Hiei."

With a snarl Hiei tried to slam the taller demon into a thick bamboo pole but his hand slid through Kuronoe "Who sent you?"

The chimera smiled sadly before vanishing completely.

"Fate is a funny thing, Hiei. In all my centuries there have been very few things that have shaken my beliefs and you my little volatile friend are one of them."

Hiei whirled around to face the intruder, his eyes widening slightly from shock before narrowing threateningly.

"You manipulative little bastard!

Hiei lunged, half expecting to pass right through the lean youth and was mildly surprised when he crashed into his solid body. He didn't bother to try and find an explanation instead the half koorime straddled the all too familiar figure and his fist connected with warm flesh. Hiei stared one arm raised for a second strike and a handful of the prince's tunic in his other hand. Koenma was looking steadily back at him, the trickle of blood slowly running down his chin. There was remorse and acceptance in the godlings eyes.

"What more could you possibly want from me?"

Koenma gingerly sat up as Hiei released him. He brought a hand up and watched in morbid fascination as his hand came back with blood. It had been centuries since he had last bled.

"I'm giving you a chance."

"A chance for what?"

"To take back what is yours. What has always been yours."

"Stop talking in riddles!"

Koenma looked around his surroundings. It obviously held a special meaning to them both. This was after all a collection of the two demons memories. Kurama's form shimmered into view next to Hiei and the prince took a moment to study the two figures together. Kurama was looking around dazedly, not quite sure where he was. Neither could see each other and yet something beyond even his control made them aware on some level that they were near each other. Hiei took a step to the right while Kurama turned his body so that they were shoulder to shoulder, nearly touching.

Koenma called forth their individual life force in forms of pulsing lights. Kurama's were autumns blazing colors; gold, orange, greens and reds while Hiei's were darker, a blend of twilight; deep purple, dark blue shot with silver and maroon. They were polar opposites and yet their auras blended together. They did not border each other; they did not fight for dominance, but they intertwined, weaving into each other until they were no longer separate strands.

Koenma could see the glaring differences in their personality as he carefully touched some strands. Where Kurama was cool and assessing, Hiei was impatient and rash. Hiei was brash and harsh in his honesty while Kurama used subtlety and half truths to get what he wanted. Kurama had a polished edge that hid his darker thoughts, the cruel, cunning nature that was his by birth right balanced out by his adoptive human lifestyle that was full of unconditional love. Hiei made no apologies for his more than rough behavior, his elegance and compassion hidden behind a caustic tongue and brutal fists.

Despite outwards appearance they were nearly a perfect match; not because they countered each other but because they understood. Both demons were stubborn but they knew when to compromise. They were loyal and ruthless, manipulative and selfless. They had the capacity to love and love deeply despite their upbringings, despite the darkness that encroached on their lives.

But even that wasn't enough.

"You've one chance and one chance only. If you fail your soul will be lost. There will be no reincarnations, no hell or heaven. You will be erased forever, past present and future. Will you still fight for him?"

There was no hesitation from either demon. "Always"

Koenma nodded and beckoned the two demons "Very well. Follow me." He led them in silence through the bamboo forest, each keeping pace with the other, often throwing glances to the side as if they could see each other. The godling didn't bother to listen into their thoughts, it wasn't necessary. For one it was obvious from the determined expression on their faces, and the almost hidden hope. Secondly he would soon delve into the very soul of the two, an invasion that did not sit well with him, even though it was necessary and a perverse part of him, one he had tried to deny, that had always wanted to know what bonded the two. To see into the intricacy of their life, not just what they allowed the world to see.

He stopped and motioned for them to precede him. Slowly the two demons walked forward until they were at the edge of a pond. They each sucked in their breath as they realized exactly where this was. Koenma peered into the pond as the two collapsed into the mossy floor, even unconscious and blocked off each others presence they curled up protectively against each other.

He had been privy to most of their past already. Ever since Kurama had skillfully delegated for their freedom Koenma had known of their first meeting and it had been insightful, the instigator to his curiosity if he were honest. But now he needed more than simple friendship; more than a need to break barriers and loyalty to a partner. In short he needed to see into the very heart of the two.

The surface of the pond rippled and an image wavered into view.

Kurama stood waist deep in the pond, his gaze faraway. A motion alerted him to the presence of another but he did nothing to defend himself. The jagged edges of memory and regret pierced his heart too deeply for him to bother with any form of defense.

Hiei stared out at his partner unflinchingly. He did not bother to pretend to not understand, that it didn't matter. He saw his friends pain and he understood his partners indecision, the war between memory and fact.

The impersonators words had burrowed in deeply and were starting to spread like poison, killing the foxs' normally implacable resolve. And that above all else showed just how deeply the silver fox spirit had loved his chimera, to be unable to strike at a ghost despite knowing the consequences . To succumb to the label of traitor by his former lover, even a fake version, was beyond what the fox could endure.

And so he gave him the only thing he could, the only thing that would matter. Something that could never be taken back; the truth without embellishment, an acceptance and an admittance of himself and his feelings.

"If there was ever a heart without a scar it would be a shallow soul."

Koenma leaned back from the pond and stared at the smaller demon. Hiei, to his knowledge had never acknowledge the presence of a heart unless it was to extract it or as a human weakness. Kurama had been very well known for his prowess as a lover and fighter. It hadn't been until Kuronoe that the demon's cold heart had begun to thaw. At least that is what had been rumored.

The godling's sigh was bitter as he reached out a hand to the prone silver fox. A shimmering caught his attention and he turned to see the shadow of the chimera. The guilt and bitterness he felt swarmed up again as the demon made his way silently over to him. The black haired demon knelt down next to the demons and stared with a heartbreaking and bittersweet half smile.

"This isn't for you"

Kuronoe looked up with wistful eyes and placed a nearly transparent hand over Kurama's head. "He was mine, once. I'm happy he has another chance and I'm grateful you're willing to give them one. There's no need to spare me, Koenma, I know what is in his heart" the chimera laid his free hand over Hiei's head "and his"

"They will not fail"

Koenma could almost smile at the confidence in the demon's declaration. With a lighter heart he delved into a memory that Kuronoe had guided him to. A monumental moment that had happened not too long ago when Hiei had been cured of the parasite in his body.

Kurama didn't want to move a muscle. He was finally relaxed despite the fact that he was starting to feel a chill as the sun began to set, setting the surface of the small pond they had been lazing by on fire. The fox spirit smiled when he felt a small compact body bump against him. Kurama lazily brought his arm up and around the warm body cracking an eye open when he felt more than heard Hiei's low chuckle.

"It doesn't take much to get you going does it?"

Kurama arched a brow but otherwise did not move. "I'm not even hard…yet"

He felt a slight sting where Hiei bit him and he felt a low pull of arousal. "I meant your purring you pervert!"

It was Kurama's turn to chuckle and he finally opened his eyes. The sky's was a blaze of red, orange and pink, but the beauty didn't compare to his mates relaxed features. Hiei was lying on his side, his head cradled on his palm as he gazed down at Kurama. His body was relaxed, and the perpetual scowl was gone leaving his face serene and almost childlike. His ruby eyes were not guarded or full of disdain.

With a small smile Kurama pulled Hiei over him so the smaller demon was directly above him. Hiei protested half heartedly and squirmed around a little but did not make a move to get up.

"I'm surprised I didn't wake up to you groping me"

Kurama tried to look indignant but he could tell he wasn't fooling Hiei even as he tried to play it off. "I don't know what you're talking about Hiei. I have excellent self control and am not that hard pressed"

Hiei chuckled and leaned down. Kurama's eyes slowly closed until only slits of gold showed and Hiei paused inches from contact. Kurama leaned up and closed the distance between them, taking the pliant lips with soft strokes. Hiei nuzzled back and Kurama took it as a go-ahead. He slid one hand into Hiei's hair and angled his head to deepen the kiss.

It wasn't until he felt Hiei smirk that he realized he had fallen for Hiei's trick. With a mental shrug he let it go and enjoyed the feast before him, determined to make it count. He growled lightly before turning to pin Hiei down. When the half koorimes hands came up Kurama quickly caught them and pinned them over Hiei's head.

A heated duel began the need to dominate burning every thought out of their heads. Hiei growled and flexed his hands, only to discover he was securely pinned. He opened his legs to cradle Kurama between them and they both moaned at the position. The fire apparition took advantage of the split second of distraction to hook one leg over Kurama's hip and push off with his other leg, forcing them to roll. Kurama broke the kiss and they stared at each other, passion glazing their eyes as their needs strained against each other.

"What was that about self control, you horny fox?

Yoko shrugged and stretched his body lazily careful not to jostle the smaller demon straddling him. Hiei was momentarily distracted as lean but firm muscle rippled beneath the almost see through tunic and delicious alabaster skin played peek-a-boo with him. Glancing up he caught Kurama's devious and self-satisfied smirk and he realized the sly fox had done it on purpose

Hiei rolled his eyes but made no move to relinquish his position atop the fox. "Feel better now, old foxie?"

Yoko's eyes widened and he huffed out an indignant growl. He tried to sit up but Hiei planted a hand on his chest and pushed down, forcing the fox spirit on the grass again. "I am not old, Fire Brat!"

Golden eyes twinkled merrily in a fashion Hiei knew was reserved for him and him alone. The only other demon who had been gifted with such openness and unguarded playfulness was Kuronoe.

"But you are vain. Or could it be that in your old age you fear your stunningly sexy figure is deteriorating and losing to our beautiful red head? Of course it's understandable since I am so young"

Only years of self-control kept Yoko's mouth from dropping open. He had never seen or heard Hiei be so playful and it excited him even as it warmed his heart. "I woke up in such a good mood I will ignore the old man jabs and keep the "stunningly sexy figure" and "beautiful red head" thank you very much."

With a snort that sounded close to laughter Hiei reached out a hand and playfully tweaked one of his silver ears. "That's called going deaf."

The silver foxed growled playfully and lunged at the smaller fire apparition. He caught the black haired demon by the waist and buried his face against the slender neck delivering small stinging bites along the slim column. Hiei growled and squirmed but didn't try too hard to get away. In apology Yoko dragged his long lupine tongue across the light red marks, his slightly rough tongue sending darts of pleasure through Hiei's system.

With a snort the half koorime took hold of Yoko's mane and pulled with enough force to let his partner know he wasn't playing around. Reluctantly Kurama raised his head but was pleasantly surprised when he was yanked forward into a hard kiss. He purred lightly at the hot lips and took a playful nip and received and answering growl.

Reluctantly he began to pull back but was stopped by the strong hand that was still buried in his hair. The kiss became harder and more demanding, Hiei taking complete control. With a low growl of challenge Kurama gripped Hiei's hip with one hand and the other slid up his back to burry itself in Hiei's thick hair. He stopped when he felt a small hand gently caress his cheek.

Shocked at the tender move he opened his eyes to find ruby staring steadily back at him. The contrast between the dominating kiss and gentle caress touched something within his demon heart. Something he had never shared with his beloved chimera.

Hiei felt his partner stiffen and golden eyes cloud with a deep sadness. "Fox?" he questioned softly.

Kurama shook his head. "It's nothing Hiei," He pulled the unresisting fire apparition into his chest and held him tightly, in a grip that would have broken a human's rib. He cast his gaze to the night sky and sent his apology and love into the heavens, knowing it was futile but feeling it was necessary none the less.

"You can't say it's nothing, Foxie. Did I…"

Yoko shook his head and allowed the smaller demon to pull away. "No you did nothing wrong, Fire Baby. I simply…realized something."

When Hiei stared at him steadily he sighed and leaned his head back. "It's unfair, really, how you can say so much with just one look."

"Hn"

"Or with one word"

Hiei didn't say anything but he could feel Kurama's tension. Golden eyes were alive with indecision and hurt. But Hiei knew it had nothing to do with him. It was an old hurt, a sadness Hiei had seen once before, when some bastard had taken Kurama's old partners form and forced his lover to confront a past that had been buried. His thoughts were confirmed when Kurama's soft whisper reached him. Hiei's gut clenched at the sadness and regret that resonated in that one short sentence.

" I found what was lacking in me, in my relationship with Kuronoe."

"Fox I…"

"No, it's ok. I think it's time you knew, it's time I accepted this."

Hiei sat silently and Kurama began, his heart aching at the thought of his beloved chimera. Guilt and pain washed over him as he thought of what he was about to reveal, of the betrayal to his partner of long ago.

"As you know Kuronoe was my partner a long time ago. We began as associates then partners and soon as exclusive lovers. We had a thrilling and passionate time together" he paused to gauge Hiei's reaction but as expected there was none. Hiei's eyes were focused steadily on him but there was no reaction, nothing to allow him into the half koorimes mind.

"We hunted, planned and stole together. We fought and had sex at any given chance. It was truly an amazing time with him, and I was happy, he was happy. But we never gave a part of ourselves to each other, never came close to the…intimacy you and I have."

Kurama closed his eyes as sadness invaded him "We never just stopped and enjoyed a day. We never had this closeness that you and I have. So you see I don't think…"

Kurama's eyes snapped open as his body made a painful reunion with the floor. His hand came up to his throbbing cheek and he felt his blood slowly trickle down from the open cut on the corner of his lip. Hiei stood with clenched fists and burning eyes. For once Kurama laid stunned his heart beating too quickly and spreading the pain over his entire body.

"When did you become so stupid Kurama?" Hiei growled out. "Of course our relationships will be different. What you had with Kuronoe is special," the fire apparition reached down and hauled Kurama up by his tunic. "It was what you both needed; Freedom and fun. Are you telling me you regret it? The times you had with your partner?"

Golden eyes widened and filled with anger. Yoko slapped Hiei's hands away and stood towering over Hiei. The smaller fire apparition didn't move an inch simply stood ready to take on his partner. "Of course I don't regret it! How can you say that, after all I've been through?"

"Then why do you doubt him, Kurama? Why do you doubt yourself? There was nothing missing in your relationship. You had someone you could trust, someone that you could share your interest, heist and bed. I'm not his replacement Kurama"

Kurama eyes widened "Of course not Hiei! I never thought…"

"No you didn't think!" Hiei cut in ruthlessly. "Don't compare us Kurama. What we have is between you and I. I know Kuronoe will always be in your heart, I wouldn't be with you otherwise. Your affection and loyalties are not so easily broken or forgotten."

"I…" Kurama trailed off, his mind going back to the times he had with Kuronoe. Went past that painful night and into other nights when their dens were filled with wicked laughter and passionate music. When their bodies filled with excitement and anticipation as they planned heists together. The cool nights they spent running and fighting, to or away from a score.

Kurama slowly sank to the floor. Hiei watched his partner tip his head back so a waterfall of silver hair streamed down his back. His ears were flat against his head and eyes closed. Slowly golden eyes opened to peer into the heavens and he let out a low musical whistle that carried into the night. A few seconds later Kurama continued with different notes, some high and some low until he stopped and whispered his name softly "Kuronoe"

Hiei slowly approached the kneeling fox and was startled when two strong arms wrapped around him and crushed him to Kurama's chest. He felt small tremors shake his silver mate's body and Hiei felt awkward. He had never had to comfort his fox in this form and was unsure as what to do, especially now that the flare of anger had passed. Hell he could count on one hands the times he had to comfort his red head and even that hadn't gone so smoothly.

The fire apparition slowly began to run his hand down Kurama's back his fingers easily threading through his silver mane as his other hand slowly rubbed the tip of one silver ear. Kurama was silent for a long time before slowly leaning back but his arms stayed in place. He tipped his head up to find ruby eyes watching him steadily. He gave a wan smile before looking at the sky again.

"I told him I was home" the fox spirit said softly. Hiei said nothing but Kurama could still feel his confusion "Kuronoe. I told him I was home and happy. It was our signal before we entered our current home. It worked as a warning system and communication to let each other know we were near and what mood we were in."

Hiei tightened his arms and allowed his fox the time he needed. He was after all catching up with an old friend.

The night was filled with low mournful notes. As the moon rose higher in the sky the melody changed from longing and regret to excitement and happiness. Kurama's symphony and final goodbye to his partner and lover of long ago resonated through the forest.

Koenma sank back on his heels, his eyes wide and thoughtful fixed on the two demons before him. It felt so wrong to be invading their privacy this way, dissecting what they had together. But it was the only option left to them.

"This should be enough, but they are demons and there is a darkness within them that cannot be denied or hidden."

Kuronoe focused on the godlings face and for the first time really paid attention. There ageless youth was gone and in his place was a man weighed down by the consequences of his decision, his chocolate eyes held admiration and respect for his two friends. But along with the compassion and care he felt there was censure and guilt.

"There is darkness within everyone, demon or not. It is part of the balance, you above all else should know this."

Koenma cut a sharp glance at the crouched chimera but could say nothing. Because really what was there to say? The truth of the matter was he was scared. Not for himself, though he would be foolish if he didn't have some reservation, but for his two friends. The darkness that encroached Hiei was strong, he wasn't a gentle soul by any means, nor one easily swayed into the compassion he was capable of. Kurama had his humanity to balance out his demon heritage but even that was a tenuous hold.

If they were judged to be too powerful, too dangerous they would be hunted down unmercifully. It would be a bloodbath and involve too many of those he cared for. As a god he had responsibilities that were above even himself, and those he could not ignore. But above all else he did not want that life for Hiei and Kurama.

They were now at peace, with each other and their past. Wouldn't it just be more merciful to let them go? On to a new life were they were not persecuted, there was always the possibility they would not find each other again but at least they would live happy lives, even if they were not together, he would see to that.

He hadn't been aware he was voicing his thoughts until Kuronoe voice reached his ears. "You know better than that. They've proven themselves many times over. They are not perfect maybe not even good but they are not evil. They have chosen to fight together you can do no other than to honor their wish."

The pond rippled to life once more and Koenma peered into the water.

Hiei could feel the darkness swarming him, pulsing through him in waves drowning out everything else. The evil eyes surrounded him; starring unwaveringly at him, into him, through him. Reikos voice floated through the darkness "You're true character is an incarnation of evil."

Ryuu roared a protest as he was summoned. How dare that lowly demon think to command him? Hiei almost laughed at Reikos sheer stupidity. What a load of bullshit. How could he possibly draw out something that was never hidden? But he played along, allowing the enemy to think he was under the evil eyes spell ignoring Yusuke's frantic calls. His eyes focused on Kurama and he smirked, watching his partner step protectively in front of the shinigmai child.

When their eyes met he saw the recognition in his partners' eyes. It soon turned to anger and Hiei laughed, enjoying the thrill that ran through him as the dragons powerful force was released. He was careful to direct the dragon around his companions blocking them from Reikos view. One so weak as the jagan wielder could never take control of a hidden darkness, Hiei was the darkness, he breathed it, lived it and most importantly controlled it. He might not be perfect but he knew his flaws, his desires and though not all pure he was not evil, nor was he a murderer.

Kurama had first recognized it in him and later helped the fire apparition to see it in himself.

New waves were created and the memory wavered and became a new image, taking the prince and chimera to the city. Koenma was bemused when he recognized where he was standing but even more so when he realized who occupied the room.

Hiei stood just inside of the sliding doors looking in. His hand gripped the hilt of his katana with such force his knuckles popped before turning white. Anger was a living demon within him, the need for retribution was beating through his blood stream until everything was filmed with red. He could clearly see his victim in the darkness and he watched with satisfaction as he finally became aware of the danger he was in.

The male's shoulders stiffened and a small sheen of sweat popped onto his skin. With the slowness of caught prey the tall youth turned to face his adversary, defiance tried to hide the fear that glimmered in his eyes. Hiei could almost give the human credit for turning to face his fate…almost. The fire apparition could practically taste the blood in his mouth, could hear the screams and there was no denying he had fantasized on beating the overgrown brute.

"It's none of your damn business"

Hiei grit his teeth as the loud voice grated over his already raw nerves and his muscles ached from the restraint.

"I warned you didn't I? Anything you do that involves my sister is my business"

The carrot top took one threatening step forward, anger completely obliterating the fear before his shoulders fell in defeat and he sat down heavily on the bed. "Ah what the hell, go ahead and kill me. It doesn't matter anyways, she hates me"

The small fire apparition slowly dropped his hand from his katana and stared silently at the bane of his existence. Now was the perfect time to strike, he could feed the overgrown fools insecurities. He could completely crush him and his nauseating ideas that involved his sister. It would be so satisfying, all that damage he could cause.

Hiei opened his mouth to deliver the killing blow but no words came out. He simply stared at the dejected man in front of him. He could feel the waves of depression rolling off the carrot top, the defeated form in front of him should make him feel overjoyed. But that wasn't the case. He'd been waiting so long for this moment!

But Kurama's caring green eyes stopped him. The red heads gentle touch held him back. The soft, soothing laughter prevented those acid words from pouring out. Damn that fox for interfering even from across a large distance. Since when had the damn fox spirit become his conscience?

Hiei let out a disgusted growl, although directed at his partner, the idiot before him or himself he didn't quite know. The words got stuck in his throat, choking the smaller demon but he forced them out and it felt like acid.

"Listen, Oaf, because I will only say this once! And I swear if I hear you even begin to repeat any of this I will cut out your tongue and stuff it back in your throat and leave you to choke on it!"

"She doesn't hate you but she doesn't love you the way you want. She's a koorime maiden, do you understand what that is?"

Before Kuwabara could respond Hiei cut him off with an imperious wave of his hand "Never mind, your stupidity will only make it worse. It means she isn't attracted to you."

He'd be damned if that didn't feel good coming out of his mouth. But he could also hear Kurama's soft voice admonishing him and he almost bit his tongue in half. "She…cares for you but as a close friend. Don't blame her for her nature and don't you ever make her feel like she is lacking in any way!"

Kuwabara looked up and he could almost swear Hiei was green in the face. He knew how much the little fire demon disliked him and he knew it cost the demon to be standing there instead of shoving the dagger he was stroking unconsciously into his gut. A part of him had come to realize the truth a while back but…he could never force himself to admit it. Until earlier that day when Yukina had gently, if very sadly, rejected him. He'd been hurt and was beyond ashamed that he had made the little koorime maiden feel like she was at fault somehow. It was a pure miracle he was still breathing.

"I understand. I'm sorry"

Hiei swallowed what he was about to say when the softly spoken words reached his ears. He was beyond angry; at the situation, himself , the stupid human in front of him but most of all at Kurama.

"Good" he said gruffly "Just so we understand each other; if you hurt her nothing on any of these three worlds will ever save you. Consider this your last warning"

Hiei turned and faced the night sky. Kuwabara hadn't moved from his slumped position, the hurt and disappointment hadn't changed and Hiei was forced to acknowledge that something in the carrot top had broken. He gripped the glass so tightly it cracked but neither male noticed. "She could use a friend who makes her laugh and helps her at the temple. One that accepts her as she is with no demands, just as she has always accepted all of those she loves"

Hiei flitted into the night; a new hunt beginning. He was going to take every humiliating second out of someone's hide; a silver youko would do.

Koenma bowed his head in thought. When he met the chimera's gaze they were full of determination. The hesitation was gone and so was the guilt, only the will to help his friends remained. If they were willing to sacrifice everything to be together then he would do everything within his powers to help them. He had already broken the rules there was no going back.

The process would be long and painful to all involved. And this was just the beginning. He didn't have much time though, if Hiei's body did not survive the whole process would be a waste.

Review please! One more chapter and maybe an epilogue.