Please don't sue me, I don't own anything except the insanity that is mine and that, sadly, does not include YYH or it's bishies ;_;
Hiei blocked another punch and threw one of his own. The other boy ducked and came back yet again on his attack. The two were equally matched, Hiei barely avoiding blows that would have taken anyone else's head off. His katana lay forgotten to the side, no use in such a close proximity battle. Another punch, another block, another duck. It seemed neither of them had what it would take to finish this dispute.
Until he heard it.
A sharp cry coming from above; a familiar cry. Hiei looked up, distracted, and cracked his jagan to see Kurama tense and fall backwards. He felt Yuusuke's ki blast out in a shot. His thoughts were brought rudely back to the present as Delko landed a very solid, very strong punch right on Hiei's jaw. The short Jaganshi stumbled under the blow, immediately opening himself to another attack. The punches were just as hard as the first, and Hiei's whole body shook with the impacts. Delko had won.
At least, that's what Delko thought. Hiei had quite a different idea. He felt another powerful blow and he went to the ground hard. Stretching slightly, his hand clasped the blade of his katana. Hiei's eyes were still closed, he'd found that even open, they were so unused to work they did him no good in this fight. Now he could smell the rich copper of his blood, he felt it trickle down his fingers. In one arching motion, he threw his hand wide, sending his blood right into his attacker's eyes. Hiei would have to thank Kurama for showing him that move.
Delko stumbled back, unable to defend himself. Hiei laughed, his jagan slit open so he could find the opponent. "Now we are on even battle ground, ne? Isn't that the whole reason you ambushed me before? So that for our final fight, you'd have the advantage of sight? You knew you couldn't beat me."
"You're weak and pathetic, I could easily beat you in a fair fight. But the weak and pathetic always cheat. I'll bet that even now, the blasted third eye of yours is open, staring at me."
Hiei gave a cruel laugh. "So it is. But I have not used it in our fight until now. You say that the weak are always cheating. I think you might be right about that. After all, using my loved ones against me, disgracing me in front of them to wound my pride and confidence . . .That is certainly what I would call cheating." He closed his jagan, determined to do this fairly, and rushed forward. He grabbed the other boy's arm, twisting it painfully and feeling it snap in his hands. "You truly are weak, attacking from behind, when the opponent is defenseless." He forced the tall demon to his knees and grabbed his blade, digging it deep into flesh. "And using poisons so as not to get your hands dirty or risk losing."
There was a soft whimper. "Please, no. Let me go, I-I'll do anything."
"Yet despite all that, you have lost, haven't you?"
"Hiei, brother, please-"
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT!!" Hiei slammed the boy to the ground and smiled with satisfaction as he heard at least two ribs break. "You do not deserve to live. To think you are so stupid and weak that you would beg for your life, even knowing your sister is dead. Pathetic." The other demon's whimpering continued and Hiei released his hold, standing tall. His katana spun brightly in the sun, reflecting every bit of hatred and contempt within its wielder's soul. It glistened as it descended, putting a quick, painful end to that awful begging noise.
Hiei stood motionless for a moment. With the seeming grace of one coming out of deep meditation, he opened his eyes. The world was still so bright! The green all around him was like needles to his sense. It was gradually getting better though, and within a minute, he could see well enough. The body lay before him, mutilated and soaked in blood. Koenma would probably be upset about this-not that Hiei cared what the infant thought. The important thing was that Hiei's family was safe. Yukina. Kurama.
Kurama! Hiei had all but forgotten that his love had been hurt. He turned to leap into the tree but paused, hand sliding around his side. That fight had taken more out of him than he cared to admit, and he had the dark bruises and wounds to prove it. Ignoring the now obvious pain, he jumped high into the tree and then through the broken window.
Kurama lay on his side, breath raspy and shallow. There was blood everywhere. Just behind him lay Neja's remains, burnt and positively dead. Yukina was bent over the unconscious fox, trying to heal the wound that continued to bleed. Hiei knelt, hitting the floor hard, and stroked his love's hair. That beautiful red hair. He'd thought he'd never be able to see it again. And the eyes, he wanted to gaze into those emerald depths forever.
But Kurama's eyes were tightly shut. Looking at Yukina, Hiei saw how pale she was. She healed the moron and then me. Her ki is all but gone . . .Kurama . . . Yukina was doing all she could, but she was barely keeping the wounded kitsune alive, much less healing him. "What can I do?"
Her eyes opened from concentration and slid up to meet her twin's. "Nothing. There—there was a poison on the blade. If I can't clear it from his system . . ." her voice cracked under the strain and she turned back to her patient.
Tears threatened Hiei's eyes. She's too tired, too weak. She can't save him. She should have left me blind, if she hadn't wasted her energy on me he would be OK. Yuusuke's hesitant hand rested on Hiei's shoulder. The half Koorime didn't move under its comforting weight. There was nothing he could do.
***
Kuwabara didn't open his eyes. He didn't want to see it. But his awareness told him everything he didn't want to know. The enemies were dead, Hiei was hurt, and Kurama's life essence was quickly fading. Slowly, the orange-haired ningen drew himself up. He focused on the group surrounding Kurama's motionless form. The redhead looked . . .dead. Glancing behind him, Kuwabara saw Botan standing with silent tears rolling down her cheeks.
She noticed him watching and came over. "If-if they can't do anything," she muttered between quiet sobs. "They have no more time. If they can't do anything . . .I have to take him" Her tears strengthened and she wiped furiously at her eyes.
Kuwabara turned back to the group. Yuusuke's spirit energy was practically non existent-something was tainting it. Damn that demon and her incessant poisons! Hiei was no better off, and Yukina looked so fragile. Slowly, the tall boy went over. He had to do something, anything. He knelt once he was beside the girl dressed in blue. "Botan's here" he whispered. "We don't have any time."
Despite his attempts otherwise, Kuwabara's words reached the ears of Hiei. The Jaganshi stood and whirled on the ferry girl. "No! You can't, I won't let you!"
Botan took a step back. "I don't want to Hiei, but there's no other choice. If—if we're lucky he can still come back as Youko Kurama."
"I don't want Youko Kurama! I want him!!"
Botan blanched, unable to think of what to say. There was no time, she had to do her job. Kuwabara turned away from the two and looked at Yukina. She didn't have the energy to save him, he could plainly see that. Slowly he bent over and pressed his lips gently to hers, offering the only help he could give.
***
Hiei and Botan both froze and turned towards the couple. An energy, a life force. Kuwabara was bleeding off his own life force to give Yukina strength. Hiei's throat tightened. The moron didn't have that much spirit power, and Kurama's wounds were very serious-it might not be enough. It *had* to be enough.
The seconds ticked by more slowly than they ever had before. Shortly, Yukina and Kuwabara collapsed onto the floor, surrounded by the girl's tear gems. Hiei nearly choked and had to look away. It wasn't enough. They can't do it, even together. Now Botan will take him from me forever, I may never see him again. He turned back to look at the ferry girl with hatred.
She was smiling. The tears were still there, but she was smiling as brightly as she ever had. There was a soft noise and Hiei turned just in time to see a wall of pink wrap around him. He felt relief wash over him in that hug. He didn't care if they were hurt, he didn't care that he couldn't really breathe. All he cared about was that his Kurama was back. *His* Kurama, and nothing would ever change that.
Reluctantly, the fire demon pulled away from his fox. "Hiei, koi. Is something wrong?"
Hiei just smiled. He looked up into those deep green depths and was immediately lost. He was drowning in that sea of green, but he didn't care. He welcomed it. He could feel a tear snake down his cheek, hardening into a priceless gem. Out of habit, he wiped it away and stuffed it into his pocket before Yukina could see. He had to repeat the process a couple more times before he was composed again. But none of it mattered anymore. They had won. And Kurama was safe and *his*
***
Hiei stood at the window looking out at the world. He had never realised just how beautiful the world was. But he wasn't really enjoying the veiw. He had nearly died now, Yukina had been hurt because of him, and Kurama . . .All because of him. Why did Kuwabara have to be the one to save him? He turned and scowled at the ningen, perfectly aware that if not for him, Kurama would be dead. K'so. Why does he have to be so damn noble? Why does *he* have to be Yukina's boyfriend? He sighed and stared back out the window.
At the table, Kuwabara looked up from his desert of chocolate ice cream to stare at Hiei. Damnit. Why does he have to be so damn mean? Why does *he* have to be Yukina's brother? He went back to his ice cream, sulking quietly.
Yukina stood and gave her boyfriend a hug. They were both still tired from the ordeal, and everyone had injuries that she just didn't have the energy to heal. But they were all alive, safe, and together. She went to the counter and dished up a large bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream and brought it to Hiei. "Oniisan? Would you like some sweet snow?"
Hiei sighed and looked at her with sad eyes. "You were hurt because I'm your brother." His hand traced a small cut on her cheek. It looked like it would scar. "You've already been tainted by me."
She leaned over and kissed his cheek where an equally nasty scar rested. "But I gained something that makes it all worth while. Oniisan, I know what you're thinking. Please, don't leave. Don't take my brother away from me."
Hiei forced a small smile and took the bowl of ice cream from the ice maiden. "I'm not leaving." Yukina smiled and turned to go back to her love, but Hiei grabbed her arm. "I . . .I have something for you." He fished into his pocket and came up with a small glimmering gem.
Yukina's eyes sparkled as she took the perfect little tear gem. "Hiei-kun. I will treasure it always. Thank you so much." She led the way back to the table where Kuwabara stood to say something. Before he could get anything else out, however, Yukina silenced him with a kiss.
Once he could breath again, Kuwabara stepped aside with Hiei. "Hey, shrimp, I'm- I'mreallygladyou'reallrightandI'msorryforeverythingIeversaid."
Hiei frowned, untangling the words in his mind. "Hn. Baka ningen." He reached into his pocket again and held up another gem. "Yours, for if you get married." He pocketed the small gem again and turned away. "Don't hurt her."
Kuwabara smiled, "I can't wait to get that little gem, and all the family that comes with it. But you better not hurt her either, Hiei."
"Hn." Hiei scooped a spoonful of sweet snow into his mouth and walked away. He felt Kurama's gentle arms encircle him. "Fox, I'm eating."
"Come on, koi. Everything's over now, and you need some time to relax. I know I could use it." Hiei's eyes widened slightly and he turned to face his fox.
Giving a wicked smile, the Jaganshi pulled away from his love's arms. He took another bite of sweet snow and headed to the bedroom, casting a glance over his shoulder. "Let me finish my sweet snow."
Kurama's breath caught in his chest and he turned to the others. "Out. Outoutoutoutout. Out!" Taking the hint, the others gathered their things and left, bowing to the blushing fox as they went. Kurama threw the dishes into the sink I'll wash them later. and rushed after his love. They both needed to relax.
***
***
Yay! It's done!! Even if this chapter was too long, ne? It has such a mushy, sappy ending-sorry bout that. I like it anyway. Anyway, if any of you don't know, I always post a personal review at the end of my long fics-it's usually a humor thing. Read it if you'd like and please review on the story itself. I really hope you liked the fic!! Ja!