Lost Partnership

Disclaimer: Uh, don't wanna get sue. Nu-huh…

Chapter 1

"Hiei!" Kurama was shocked. Hiei is back and is wounded severely. Without much consideration about having his shirt soaked wet with blood, he caught Hiei's falling body. "Hiei, answer me, Hiei!" He shook the immobile body. No answer. He silently reminds himself to keep in mind that Hiei is wounded. That thought was already settled, though. Hiei is wounded and he needs treatment, quickly.

Without hesitation, he ran toward his room, carrying the unconscious demon with him. At this instant, he halted himself, as he almost stubs his toe on his bedpost. The redhead took a deep breath, as he must calm himself down, before treating Hiei. He slowly reminded himself the procedure of treating a wound, failing to notice the shadow he is searching for is just right behind him.

Catching a glimpse of an unknown youki, he grabs a rose from his red hair. Fully aware of what is going on.

"Rose Whip!" Under Kurama's order, the rose transformed in to threatening whip, coated with powerful thorns. Kurama didn't need to consider about attacking his adversary. He whipped the shadow, not surprised at all; his adversary dodged the attack gracefully.

This didn't stop Kurama to attack, though. He whipped the shadow again, managing to get a glimpse of the robe before changing his whip's direction. This time, his opponent was surprised. The rose thorn cut through the robe, dripping purple blood freely to the floor.

"Impressive, Kurama." Kurama narrowed his eye at the call of his former name. It, perhaps, has surprised him. It was rare, for a demon to call Kurama, well, Kurama in Ningenkai. He shouldn't be, in the matter of fact. After all, he should be famous for his participate on the Makai Tournament and the Dark Tournament. The mysterious shadow formed a silent smile. He has surprised him. "Don't worry, Kurama. Your Ningen body will be lying in heaps soon," the shadow spoke again, snapping Kurama from his thoughts.

The mysterious demon released a few winged knifes, throw them right at his target. Kurama dodged them, most of them, at least. One of the many knifes cut through the skin at the lower part of his left arm. Even though, it seemed to be merely a scratch, it was bleeding.

Kurama narrowed his eyes, he glared at his opponent. A hint of danger sparked across the emerald orbs, amusing the shadowed adversary.

"Are you angry?" The shadow taunted him, "Are you? Angry for hurting your friend?" He chuckled at the last bit. Kurama continued glaring at him.

Even though, it was obvious, Kurama was indeed angry. It was the fact, he injured one of his friends, and he isn't going to live for it. Hiei leads his life this far, the redhead thought silently, he always have thought he haven't paid up for it. The taunt was pretty much unsuccessful, as Kurama continued to glare at the shadow.

It has angered the shadow, though. Gritting his teeth silently, he growled a threat at Kurama, "This blades," as the words have said, he pulled out four more winged knifes, showing the silver tools right in front of Kurama's emerald eyes, "Will tear through your soul!" With those words, he unleashed his ki-wrapped knifes. Kurama didn't bother to dodge them, which shocked him greatly.

Why? Why wouldn't he dodge it?! The shadow youkai thought in silent, as he watched his attack approach the redhead.

"REIGUN!" A familiar voice cried, as a bluish reiki blast advanced at the shadow, swallowing the ki-wrapped attack inside the blue glow, in advance, it blow the shadowed demon out of the apartment, smashing the mysterious shadow in to the park's rough ground. No doubt, people nearby will be starting to wonder, what is going on.

Kurama silently greeted Yusuke, not before taking a short glance at his open-wound. He didn't feel like bandaging such a small wound, thus, allowing the blood to freely flow down to his finger tip, and dripping on to the rain-soaked floor. He did take a small scan around his once called 'home', though. "Great, Yusuke." He managed to said, catching the attention of the raven haired boy, "Where am I supposed to stay? And, where is Hiei supposed to rest?" He asked, in a small joking voice.

Yusuke paused from apologizing, when he heard the name that belongs to a demon that he hasn't seen in a long period of time. It took him a split of second to understand what has Kurama said. All he did was stare at the redhead, as rain droplets continue to fall on his already soaked body.

"H-Hiei?!" He blurted out; he was surprised, no doubt. Kurama let out a frown; it isn't exactly comfortable to tell Yusuke about the injured demon, especially, when he is slightly frantic. Reluctantly, he pointed to the injured demon. "Holy shit! What happened to him?" He asked, as he took a quick scan of the Jaganshi. Kurama shut his eyes closed, as he listened to Yusuke's babbling of thirty thousand questions, followed by a set of curses. Kurama was no longer able to stand against his acquaintance's rudeness. However, it was known to be not wise, if he socket his ribs, without much a choice, Kurama stared at Yusuke.

 The young youkai continue spluttering words, as if there were no tomorrows. It nearly rendered the kitsune asleep. Fortunately, the raven hair boy started to notice a set of emerald orb was staring at him. Tiredness clouded those set of eyes. Immediately, by any luck, he grinned innocently, wishing Kurama to accept his rudeness. He hesitantly changed the subject, "well, shouldn't we get out of here first?"

Kurama glared at the Ningen. "You ruined my home, Yusuke. It won't be long before the firefighters will come here." He took a pause before continuing, "Plus, you soaked me up, and bore me to death with your "rant"."

Yusuke bowed his head, apologizing silently. He grabbed Hiei, not before noticing the confused look, he is getting from Kurama. "Well, we are heading to my apartment. I blew up your apartment, so, yeah."

Kurama nodded, he never liked his hair to get wet. He sighed heavily, this was certainly an awkward day, and he regretted picking up the phone. At least, Yusuke took on the job of taking responsibility of this case. In other cases, he probably would have mumbled a sorry, and run off, that was something he would do, if you mention about three years ago. After all, during the time, Yusuke did grow in to a mature being.

Soon, they found themselves hearing police sirens, and found themselves running through the muddy ground in a hasty attitude. It wouldn't be nice to be interrogated by the police, especially when there is no way to explain to the living beings of Ningenkai about youkai and reiki.

"I really hate this." Kurama panted, Yusuke merely nodded. They were at Yusuke's home. Both wet and panting for air. They have managed to put Hiei at bed, not bothering about having the bed sheet soaked by Hiei's blood.  

They know, if they don't help the Jaganshi, they will kill him. Tiredly and unwillingly, Yusuke have dried Hiei, cursing under his breath while doing his objective. Kurama has a better luck. He was able to snatch five second of resting, before he have to bandage Hiei's abrasion. In much of his caution, Kurama have bandaged the Jaganshi's wound, double checking every bandage before giving himself in weariness. Awfully tired, he slump at the coach, nearly drifting in to sleep. Of course, it was long till he can have his rest, as Yusuke told him about his wound. It was doubtful, Kurama would groan due to this. However, he did. Kurama wanted to sleep, not bind his wound.

"Say, Kurama," Yusuke spoke up as he attempted to start a conversation, as he focused on the kitsune's injury. They were now relaxing at Yusuke's living room. Kurama was simply lying there in a lazy attitude, a very lazy attitude, "What happened?"

Kurama lazily open one of his eyes, showing his shining emerald orb. Even though, they only had a lamp on, Kurama's eyes can be recognized easily. Whether he is in his Youko form or in his human form.

"Well, I am not too certain myself. I just caught Hiei banging on my window, and then this shadow came attacking me." Kurama slurred tiredly, his eyes are barely opened now. It was a very long night for Kurama. Not to mention, he haven't even slept in since this week's Monday.

The Youko didn't realize it, he didn't realize sleep have claimed him. However, it was certain to Yusuke, when Kurama fell in to his deep slumber. When Kurama opened his eyes again, he found the sky blue, and the sun shining it's warm ray on his body. He stretched, followed up by a small yawn.

"G'Morning!" Yusuke slurred casually, as he popped right behind Kurama, hovering his face in front of Kurama's eyes.

"Good morning." He said, as he stretched again. He winced at his wounded arm. Not clearly remembering why his arm hurting, he dragged his arm in to his sight. He was surprised to see a bandage with reddishness tainted on it.

"You injured your arm last night, remember?" Yusuke offered, as he read Kurama's eyes like a book. Kurama's mouth formed an 'o' shape, showing he indeed did remember the events.

"How is Hiei?" Kurama asked all the sudden, surprising Yusuke. He didn't show signs he would start a conversation.

"I'll tell ya that later. First, you are starting to stink with those wet clothes. You soaked my couch already." He snuffles the air, as he showed a pair of clothing probably is owned by him, "Here, it might be a bit tight, but it should be fine." Kurama accepted the fresh clothing with smile of his very own. He have forgot that he have been running under a storm last night.

He sat up, took the clothing and asked for permission of the using the washroom. Yusuke simply signaled to him an obvious answer, as he walked in to the kitchen.

Might as well take a shower then, Kurama thought. Placing the clothing on the steel rod, he took a simple warm shower. Starting to sort out his thoughts.

It was amusing, yet, it was confusing. It was amusing, Hiei is back. It was confusing, why Hiei is in Ningenkai. It was confusing, why didn't the battle take place at Makai. His thoughts wandered around, as he was unconscious about his action. He dressed himself, deep in thought. Something stopped him from thinking, though. Yusuke's clothes are slightly tight.

He groaned as he remembers the thought of having his cloths at his destroyed apartment. He is going to have to go to Genkai's temple, in order to snatch some of his remaining clothes.

He exited the washroom with the fresh navy blue sleeveless shirt and black nylon pants. The redhead shifted slightly, due to the uncomforting shirt. His emerald eyes caught Yusuke's brown eyes, as Yusuke bumped right at the redhead.

"Ouch!" He murmured as he bump on Kurama's chest. Only to find Kurama staring at him, "Uh, sorry, Kurama," he paused for a second to observe Kurama's tall stature. He grinned awkwardly, as he found Kurama shifting slightly. "I figure my clothes don't suit you." Kurama nodded, as Yusuke hit right on the nail. It was obvious, though.

"I'll have to go to Genkai's temple to pick up some of my clothing." Kurama face was starting to be thoughtful, "The only remaining ones." He added.

Yusuke immediately apologized in frustration. "I told you, I AM sorry." He puffed slightly; his face was red, due to the frustration. Kurama is very expertise at mockery as well.

A faint groan interrupted their conversation.

"It seems like our little demon has woken up." Yusuke said, as he flexes his muscle slightly. He has been flexing his muscle very often, even though, when he isn't on a fight, Kurama frowned. Life must have been boring for Yusuke, especially when his spirit is developed to fight. Of course, this would have to exclude Keiko chasing him with a roll of newspaper.

Loves has been blooming between those two. Ever since Yusuke have returned, Keiko would be with Yusuke, babbling about her wonderful day.

   As they entered the guest room, they found Hiei looking around, very confused. His red pupils caught in to Kurama's emerald eyes. His eyes widen, which Kurama immediately caught on. He was very surprised to see him. Perhaps, he didn't come to Ningenkai in purpose…

"Kurama?" He asked quietly. He felt culpability. It was not because he was being treated as a patient; it was rather because he has disappeared for two years. He has not even bothered to visit his sister, Yukina or his good friend, Kurama. Both of them have deserved to be visited, but he just has left. He just vanished in to the cloud of Makai's.

"Good to see you," Kurama greeted casually, as he grab a wooden chair, sitting on it in procedure as well. "How have you been?" Kurama offered a munificent smile. Hiei was shocked, Kurama was not mad at him? Not even one bit? However, he knows Kurama is an excellent liar. His anxiousness remained at the same level.

Yusuke emerge their conversation. This caused Hiei's eyes to lock on the set of brown eyes. "No, I am not going to bite you." Yusuke joked; Kurama chuckled slightly at the comment.

 "You guys… are not mad?" He shuttered. The redhead shook his head.

"No, because we know we have no right to be mad." Kurama paused, as he observes Hiei's expression, "We have been involving you in many situations, which you wouldn't like to do. You deserve this freedom." Hiei was surprised. The Youko, disguise under a Ningen form has hit the spot. He didn't liked how they pulled him to rescue Yusuke. That is the exact thought he have thought. He deserved this freedom. Once again, he felt guilt.

"You know, Hiei," Yusuke started, grabbing the Jaganshi's attention toward the raven-hair boy, "We are not mad at your choice to work for Mukuro. So, stop staring at us like if we are going to rip your head off." Hiei can't help but to smirk at that comment. Yusuke was still himself.

They sat in silent for a moment, before Kurama decided he better go to Genkai's Temple for his extra clothing. He shifted slightly and excuses himself. With a flash, he was gone. No doubt, he probably was running in an amazing speed. A sleeveless shirt and a nylon pant isn't exactly the best set of clothing to walk out with.

"You better rest, Hiei." Yusuke spoke softly, as he watched the Jaganshi's eye drooped. Hiei nodded tiredly, before lying on the comfortable bed. It has been a time, since he has a proper sleep, Hiei thought quietly. Right away, sleep claimed him.

It didn't take an amount of time to reach Genkai's temple. Still shifting slightly, he board the train awkwardly. Kurama ran through his hair with his finger, as he sat on his seat. He observes the scenery through the window, wondering how peaceful it is. That is what he thought, until he caught a hint of Reiki.

"Yo!" A familiar voice came to his mind. Kuwabara. Kurama have been keeping in touch with the tall build Ningen. So, it didn't really surprised Kurama to find him here. He already knows why Kuwabara is here. "Kurama! What a pleasant day to meet you!" He greeted casually. Even though, years have passed since their first encounter, Kuwabara was still a chatterbox. The only thing that have changed inside his heart, it was his change of pride and sense of proper language. Yusuke and Kuwabara would still quarrel once in awhile, while Kurama would be listening, trying to ignore the glances they are attracting.

"Hello, Kuwabara-kun." Kurama greeted as natural as he would always been. "I assume you are going to visit Yukina?" They can felt the train starting up. Kuwabara nodded, as he took the seat beside the Youko.

"Of course," Kuwabara grinned widely. His face turned slightly serious, in under a matter of second, Kurama was wondering why, "Have you heard that explosion last night? I woke up from just only the sound."

Kurama immediately locked his mouth. Of course, the explosion was such a strident scene; it has probably attracted itself to the news. He smiled sheepishly, "Well, Yusuke and I met a youkai." He showed his bandage arm before continuing on his latest gossip, "As you see, I have been injured. I experienced a very interesting moments" he stopped, trying to explain the next part. Kuwabara urged him to go on. "I could have been murdered, if it wasn't for Yusuke. I depended on his reigun, when I sensed his arrival." Kurama notice how he messed up the first part already, changing the wording smoothly, he calmly continue, "We also found Hiei. He was injured, when we found him."

The bearer of Reiken dropped his jaw. Hearing upon the fire demon's name, he was surprised. He never expected Hiei to come back.

"I know, I didn't expect him, either." Kurama said softly.

Immediately, both of them noticed their stops are nearby, as the announcer alerted them. They got up and exited the train. Kuwabara thoughts were soon occupied by Hiei's existence. His eager-talking lips were no longer moving, as he concentrated on his thought.

The walk was quiet. This caught Kurama's attention; even though, he was deep in thought too. However, Kuwabara have been silence for the entire time. That was too noticeable for even a deaf person to notice. Kurama understands, though. He knows his friends want some time to think and understand the latest gossip. Kurama didn't exactly catch up in it, either.

It was a flash darkness, as both of them caught. Kurama groaned, as his senses told him, the shadowed demon is back. The youkai that have attacked him is back. Another black stroke appeared and vanished as it traveled on the sky, appearing behind them a second later on.

Kuwabara was ready for a fight. After hearing the news from Kurama, it is possible that this… demon is that demon, which has injured Hiei.

"We have met again, Kurama." The dark shadow spoke up with a well-known voice. Kurama narrowed his eyes, dangerous gold sparks across his green eyes. "Oh, I was meant to find him, not you." He pointed his finger toward Kuwabara.

Kuwabara gritted his teeth as he widens his own eyes, it flashed his anger, and he spoke up with mightiness in his tone, "You dare to oppose me? I, Kazuma Kuwabara, will destroy you!" The shadow listened calmly, as Kuwabara summoned Reiken. Gripping his Rei-formed sword, he advanced, before Kurama can warn Kuwabara of the dangerous youkai.

"You better not interfere, kitsune." For the very first time, the shadow revealed his eyes. It sparked purple, as he throw several winged knifes at the advancing Ningen. It amused Kurama, though. He have saw this eyes somewhere before.

Feeling proud today, Kuwabara shafted to the right and slug the attack away. With ease, the following knifes dropped down at the rocky floor with a clank, shattering the rock beneath. The demon smiled his hidden smile again, this match will be interesting. Especially, to find such a powered Ningen is rare nowadays. This will entertain him.

The tall Ningen was still at the sky. He hasn't landed from his mighty jump. Not missing this chance, Kuwabara stretch his Reiken, aiming to strike the demon through his chest. "You WON'T beat me!" The shadow cried, as he formed a green barrier to protect himself, the Reiken vanished in to nothingness as it collided with the barrier. Nothing, just air. Kuwabara dropped to the ground, slightly shocked by the shockwave caused by the barrier. When he witnesses the sight of his Reiken being blocked, he didn't expect the powerful wave disabling his mind for slightest moment. He kneels at the rocky ground, eyes widened, and mouth open.

"I was never meant to claim your life, Ningen." He spoke, hoarse was hinted on his tone, "However, no human, who has made me angry, has survived my wraith!" As if the words were prayers, a few more knifes were thrown toward the shocked Kuwabara.

Kurama realizes Kuwabara's immobilized status, without considering his action twice; he bravely jumped in front Kuwabara, startling the Ningen even more at Kurama's action.

"Rose Whip!" He said, as he took a rose out of his hair, forming the same whip, which was used at the previous battle. In such a skillful way, he grip the flying knifes with his whip and throw it back to the shadow demon. A gust of wind blew, surrounding Kurama's target with dust. As the dust cleared away, his foe was gone. However, pain staggered Kurama as he found blood droplet appeared on the forest floor.

A knife has struck his chest.

******

Author's Note: I understand, if this is too boring . I did try to find my excitement, though.