Hiei stretched out on his branch, overlooking the eastern region of Makai that was Mukuro's territory. Dark purples and reds dusted the horizon with occasional bolts of energy crackling through the atmosphere. By Demon World standards, the last few decades had been relatively peaceful. A coup rose up about 20 years after the end of the demon world tournament in which Enki had been declared the new ruler. He was overthrown and killed by a group of completely unknown demons who travelled up from the depths of the Makai in hopes of expanding their own territory into the top level, or as it's more commonly referred to as, the primary level. It's the level on where one is deposited if moving between the worlds, and also the level that sees the majority of lost humans and spirits, which many demons would rather take as slaves or dinner than return to their respective homes. After the coup, Yomi, Shura, Mukuro, Hiei, Yusuke and Kurama had teamed up to return the demons to their rightful territory. Unfortunately, as they were unwilling to leave, a hellacious battle ensued that lasted several weeks. Eventually the group emerged victorious, but not without sustaining serious injuries that took months to recover from. After that, the Makai returned to its previous structure, dividing the primary level into three territories. Mukuro reclaimed her land, Yomi his, and Hokushin ruled over Raizen's territory until Yusuke's return. Most demons who wished for peace found the re-division of the Makai desirable, as with three S class demons ruling the primary level instead of just one, the next several decades saw no revolutions and wars were few and far between.

It had been several months since Koenma had visited to inform Hiei about Kurama. He wasn't sure if the fox had since passed on, or if he had indeed decided to return as Yoko. He'd like to think the fox would have sought him out if he was now in the Makai, but then again, only the human counter-part was sentimental. Settled on this tree branch as he was, he came to the resolution that he had to know. Trust was rare among demons, and Hiei's time spent in the human world as part of the detective's team rubbed off on him in ways he would never admit.

Hiei returned to Mukuro's compound. Thankfully the ruler was no where in site, but no doubt would inquire upon his return. He strode silently through the dark, marble hallways until he came upon a nondescript steel door. Placing his palm flat on the cool metal, his demon energy coursed into the door until he heard a soft click and the door slid silently open. If any others knew what lay beyond this door, their compound would be inundated with low class demons vying for an opportunity to wreak havoc amongst the humans. The portal that existed in this room was opened as a compromise between Mukuro, Hiei, and Koenma. It was open for Hiei's convenience when he stumbled upon a lost human. Memories would be erased then the human was returned through this portal. Koenma made it clear that as long as the portal wasn't abused by either of the demons, it would remain open. Hiei had snickered at that. In what universe would he voluntarily step through this portal to that godforsaken world? The three of them were the only ones who knew of its existence.

The portal deposited him in an alleyway of downtown Tokyo. Immediately, the noise and smell bombarded his senses and he wrinkled his nose in a snarl. Seventy-two years since he had been back here and from what he could tell, not much had changed. He couldn't believe he once called his place home. He looked up towards the sky between the two narrow apartment buildings he now stood. It was near dusk. A split second later he was standing on the roof, un-warding his Jagan. Closing his natural eyes, he surrendered his senses to the power of the Jagan, searching for any trace of the fox's energy signature. It didn't take long for the fire demon to locate what he was looking for. Although faint, it was there. A small, fading, flickering flame. It had been so long since he had felt his presence. As he stood there on the rooftop, the expanding darkness casting shadows across the roof, his mind reveled in the calming presence. It was all encompassing, a warm, familiar, peaceful existence.

Hiei…

A whisper in his head.

The fox had felt him too.

He took a breath.

Kurama.

Why had he come here? What did he want? Did he care if Kurama returned to demon world? Did he care if he died? He was never one to care or reminisce or miss someone if they were suddenly gone. That was part of being a demon. Part of the Makai. You didn't form attachments, you didn't get close. Then you weren't hurt when death inevitably came.

But he had.

He had gotten close. He had cared. But he would never in all three worlds let it show.

And before this moment in time, had never admitted it to himself either.

I never thought I'd see you here again, the telepathic voice echoed in his head.

Hn. Customary response. After a few silent moments Hiei spoke up again. I thought your plan was to return to the Makai once that human woman was gone.

I didn't realize anyone was expecting me.

They weren't.

That warranted a soft chuckle from the fox. Initially, yes. But I fell in love.

The fire demon's mind went blank at that revelation. He had no response. A moment later an image floated into his mind. One of the fox's memories, from long ago. The red-head stood, it looked as though several years had passed since the end of the demon world tournament, with his arm around the waist of a beautiful young woman. The woman held a baby, and Kurama held the hand of a young child who stood half hidden behind his leg. After a few moments the image dissolved.

You have a family, was Hiei's only response.

I do.

You plan to die as a human then, since you have lived as one. It was more of a statement then a question.

There was a long pause. I've been wondering if Yoko Kurama's purpose in life has yet been fulfilled.

And what might that be?

Only one way to find out.

Another pause.

My human body is close to death. Any day now, I suspect.

One can only tell the mental state of someone when communicating telepathically, not physical condition, so Hiei really couldn't tell how worse for wear the fox really was. And he didn't want to know. In his mind, Kurama was a strong, sure fighter. He was young and healthy and without weakness. One of the only people in the world who could make the fire demon feel safe and secure. That image would be shattered if he saw the fox in the body of an almost 90-year-old human. But that was the reality of humanity. Why Kurama chose to stay and age as a human was beyond Hiei's demonic brain to comprehend.

I've lived over a thousand years. I would be more than content to let Botan come to take me. I would die without regrets.

Then what was all that nonsense about "Yoko's purpose"?

A chuckle. I guess we'll have to see what my brain decides before I kick the bucket, hm?

Hiei didn't respond.

After several silent moments, Kurama spoke again. Thank you Hiei.

For what?

For coming.