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Usual disclaimers apply! ^_^
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/Foot on unfamiliar grounds\

Shadows shifted as the dark, makai forest rustled in an errie anticipation. Deep, low growls warned the travel-weary pair of a fast approaching danger from their lairs further within the valley, thick with tall, whistling trees as a chill wind shuddered through their leaves.

Kurama sighed and dropped his pack in the dirt, having earlier pushed up his airy, silky, white sleeves, he trailed a delicate hand across his brow.

"Hiei…I think we're lost."

The red eyed youkai spat and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"You doubt my directional skills?"

"No. At first I doubted them. Now I've come to believe you've never had any to begin with."

Hiei growled, "Stupid fox, " he narrowed his eyes challengingly, "I'd like to see you do better."

"No problem."

Elegant brows knitted as the red head tilted his head up towards the black heavens and closed his eyes in deep concentration.

The scent of pine was becoming a bit overwhelming in the fire demon's opinion. The only reason he had come this way was because Kurama had suggested going the other way…

His fists clenched and trembled furiously, it was all that stupid fox's doing! And now he dares to mock me even!

Before Kurama could even consider reacting, his short-tempered, menace to society of a companion tackled him from his left side, throwing them both to the rough forest floor. Kurama gasped as a sharp rock dug into his back, his arms suddenly pinned at his sides.

"Hi-hiei!? What are you-"
"Silence!"

Kurama could do nothing but stare wide-eyed up into Hiei's bloody irises, now mysteriously aflame by an awakened anger, as the demon loomed over him with a snarl.

"Who do you think I am!? I'm not some child for you to reprimand!"
"But…but I-!"
"How do you know I wasn't leading you right into the enemy's hands!? You know nothing about me!"

Kurama's eyes softened, he whispered apologetically with a hint of fear, "…Hiei…"

As if awoken from a trance, Hiei's eyes took a more confused look, lightening, before looking remorseful. He sat up quickly, releasing his captive's wrists. He stood abruptly and turned away.

"I-I'm sorry. I-I don't know what…"

He eyes were still wide and staring off into the forest as Kurama stood and brushed himself off, his rich purple tunic revealing no blemishes in the cover of the night. His sleeve, however, had snagged on a twig just above his elbow.

"I understand,"

Hiei didn't respond, his pale cheeks stained with an ashamed blush. Kurama continued.

"I felt it too."

End chapter 3


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Thanks go out to Isis Blue for sending me a site with a YYH gloassry. Thank you! You're so sweet! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ v
Love Akira