Wind Master Jin of the Northern Breeze
Chapter Three
"Normally I wouldn't have to say this but," Hiei's serious eyes settled deeply in warning, "Watch your backs." He turned swiftly and entered the stone archway. Their destination was beyond the walls of human world, boarding carefully on the brink of sprit world and demon world. It rested between territories, making the cross sound risky. The barrier protecting it, however, had proven to be unbreakable in demon world. Spirit world was a different case. One path led to the chambers, a path which Koenma had been held responsible for guarding. Until now the gateway had been closed for centuries. Demons dwelled within those walls, carrying unknown levels of skill. Koenma worried, the confinement of such powerful creatures had surly only made them stronger. With not much to keep them occupied, training in attempt to gain their freedom must have been the first priority.
With an absent 'hmph' Yusuke followed Hiei, still lugging the sleeping Jin along. Kuwabara paused at the entrance, his awareness running rampant and causing his skin to sprout gooseflesh. He could feel the unusual energy swirling around the passage, flowing out and tangling about his form as though luring him.
Swallowing heavily and steeling his nerves he followed the shrinking spirit detective.
"Where are we going, anyway?" Kuwabara asked, hoping conversation would keep his mind off the odd aura that was thoroughly soaked into each brick of the chamber.
"To our opponents I guess." Yusuke didn't bother tossing a glance over his shoulder. Chances were they all felt the same energy, but Kuwabara was nearly overloaded thanks to his sensitivity. The power was misleading. It radiated the feeling of being surrounded. No doubt it had Kurama concerned upon his visit. More than likely the confusing maze of forceful demonic energy had been the reason the fox was caught off guard.
Yusuke didn't like that. His anger flared slightly, hoping he would be the one to have a crack at those that hurt Kurama. He huffed lightly and continued through the stone chambers. He soon found Hiei waiting rather impatiently by a new door.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
They continued on through the dreary halls and finally entered a room illuminated by torches of talkative fire.
"A stone chamber," Yusuke appeared slightly annoyed, "I just hope there's not another rock demon like Genbu."
"Why, is it because my 'pretty fox' isn't here to help?" Hiei glared out of the corner of his eyes.
"Nah, it's just reruns irritate me." Before Hiei could respond they were interrupted.
"I usually keep this room darker than night," the newest voice was deadpan and unenthused, "But since you humans don't possess the abilities we demons do, I have decided to light it."
"Kuyai," Hiei's eyes shrunk to slits, "Step forward and show yourself."
"You," She walked into the light, pointing at Hiei, "You, small demon, you have the power of the Jagan. Show me the eye." Her eyes were as disgusted looking as they had been on the tape and her brown hair remained as dark and ominous as treacherous storm clouds.
"Not everyone will obey your demanding orders." Hiei countered, chancing a blink and finding his lack of guard angered her further.
"Eh, interestin' creature, that dragon." Jin said, yawning as he pulled himself up from Yusuke's support.
"Dragon? What dragon?" Kuwabara looked about the room curiously.
Yusuke furrowed his brow, "Sweet dreams, Jin?"
"So, you can see my pet, can you..." Kuyai dully turned to the side. She really didn't want to talk to them.
"Aye, that I can. Looks a wee bit familiar." Jin stretched, reaching his arms towards the ceiling as he drew in a deep breath.
"Welcome back to reality." Yusuke clapped the Wind Master on the back.
"How dare you." Kuyai's eyes narrowed, "Coming in here and disrespecting our world."
"Your world," Hiei said sharply, "You live underground in a repulsively filthy place and call it your world? If you ask me... you could have picked a more scenic home."
Kuyai's long hair began to rise as dark aura built around her frame, "You will soon learn to bite your tongue before me."
"I don't think so," Hiei's eyes became challenging, "I will not be an easy opponent."
"If you can see my precious pet then you should know I have extensive knowledge of your black dragon technique. I often watched you fight but only that dragon intrigued me. After witnessing it I strived to form my own version. As you know the Dragon of the Darkness Flame cannot be controlled, but the one you see now obeys my every command. Therefore, it is superior to yours." There was no smirk on her lips, only that glare of thick loathe. Behind her rose a black dragon, looking nearly identical to Hiei's, but its patterns of dark energy were less vicious.
"So, you think you can take my dragon out with yours merely because you have tamed your own?" Hiei removed the white band over his forehead, revealing the Jagan eye.
"Try your pet then." Hiei dared with a snort. Walking forward to face the fighter he removed his cloak with one swift motion.
"Well, this should be good," Yusuke crossed his arms, "Just don't go and get yourself killed Hiei, your fox would never forgive me!"
"Ah," Jin laughed, waving a hand at Yusuke, "Cute one, Urameshi!"
"Very well then, you'll die here and now." Kuyai lifted an arm, "Shadow Dragon, kill him." The dragon roared with might and dived from the ceiling, racing toward Hiei.
"Hm," Hiei smirked, "You made a mistake." Confidence shining in his eyes and stance firm, Hiei's Jagan began to glow. The Shadow Dragon rolled in mid air, screeching downward to gain velocity. Dark flames had grown vicious and lashed at the air as pointed fangs revealed themselves. Another roar broke the air before fading quickly upon the dragon's sudden halt.
Mere yards from Hiei's face the Shadow dragon was frozen in place, its jaws parted and ready to devour the short male. The movements of the great beast were sealed, as though bound by invisible chains.
Kuyai was displeased with the delay, "Destroy him, now!" She snarled, using a swift gesture of her arm as a signal for execution.
"He won't listen," Hiei informed her, rather bored, "There is a reason why the Dark Dragon cannot be controlled by mere orders."
"What are you talking about?"
Hiei lifted an arm and pointed towards Kuyai, "It's so your enemy has no way of stopping it. The tables cannot be turned, while here, well... you see." The Jagan flashed and the dragon turned its broad head toward the woman, eyes a blood red as it twirled in the air before rocketing in her direction.
Kuyai didn't budge - only gazed at her dragon emotionlessly, "Such power wielded by mortals... seemingly impossible... yet it is to be so." The dragon swallowed her in its power as she made no attempt to dodge. After the swirling of black power faded, Hiei's Jagan settled to a normal color and he closed his eyes, not bothering to replace the white band.
"Tha' was breezy." Jin smiled charmingly, describing the battle.
"I would still like to know why none of my fights are that easy." Yusuke sighed in defeat.
"Thowht I 'ad seen the dragon before..." Jin cheered up, delighted with the fight. Hiei said nothing more as he began to walk towards the door at the end of the room.
"Guys, I think shorty is leaving without us." Kuwabara interrupted. The two snapped back to attention and watched as the spiky haired demon proceeded to move away from them.
Kuyai, in Hiei's opinion, had fallen too easily.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
The next chamber to be found was lit by more torches of fire, illuminating every corner of the room.
"Gee, you think they could have better decorating." Yusuke commented, stuffing his hands in his pocket while kicking a rock out of boredom.
"Welcome to my domain," A peaceful voice rose to their ears, "This is my home. I hope you can forgive its appearance as there... isn't much I can do with it." The owner of the casual tone stepped forward, arms open in greeting - a welcome Yusuke would expect from an old friend. The gesture soon disappeared as the young-looking man withdrew his hands to rest behind his back. Gracefully, he bowed. His short black hair was slightly unruly as his bangs rampantly trailed down the middle and along the sides of his face. His eyes were unique, harnessing a dull, pupil-less shade of blue.
The lifeless expression that had been on his face turned into a fond smile, "I specialize in weaponry and am quite attached to my sword. It is my area of expertise." He was tall, nearly matching Kuwabara, and wore a pair of soft brown pants and a dark red silk shirt.
"Is it just me, or do these demons like to babble?" Yusuke yawned.
"Nowt at all Urameshi, I 'ave noticed as well. They down't shut up even if you ask them to. No way to learn anythin' that way - always a flappin' your yap like that. You'd think they wanted to catch flies." Jin scratched the back of his head and grinned.
"I'll take this one guys." Kuwabara slapped his hands together and rubbed them roughly.
"Don't be a fool, you don't stand a chance." Hiei commented somberly, causing Kazuma to sweat-drop.
Naturally, Kuwabara's temper snatched the better of him, "I got a better idea, why don't you shut up for a change!"
"My, my," the opposing demon spoke to himself, "Look at that, a team... yet they fight among themselves. How can they possibly get anywhere? Such weak links make up this chain."
Both Hiei and Kuwabara shot a glare in his direction and yelled at the same time, "Stay out of this!" Jin and Yusuke snickered behind them.
"Okay Jin," Yusuke laughed, "What do you think?"
"Certainly havin' trouble, what a strange pair they are. Aye, I think they enjoy all the arguin'."
"Oh, so you think Kurama has some competition?" The teen grinned broadly, laughing through clenched teeth.
"Aye, but nowt much!" Both burst into outright hilarity.
"Forgive me for my rudeness." The demon interrupted their games, "I have not introduced myself. My name is Ven."
"Is that your full name, or your initials?" Yusuke tilted his head to the side.
"My full name? Well, in my native language... Vendryaco Konotai Helmanfera Gabejaqunap Shizurawabakanix."
There was no pause as Yusuke immediately lifted a hand in greeting, "Well hello there Ven! Sorry I asked!" Yusuke waved, a sweat-drop running down the side of his face, "Say that one three times fast." The Wind Master gaped for a moment.
"With a name like tha' you could scare a person 'alf to death," Jin paused and blinked a few times in thought before continuing, "Just don't go sayin' it twice in a crowd, there'd be a lot o' dead souls runnin' about."
"I'd hate to know what names his parents go by." Yusuke muttered into Jin's ear.
"Urameshi!" Jin jumped back, both hands over his now currently twitching-like-mad ears. His face immediately flushed.
"Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot." Yusuke smirked.
"Thas' no excuse!" Jin turned and took several long strides away from the others.
"Sure it is."
"Then its nowt a very bright one!" Jin crossed his arms and shuddered at the feeling. Yusuke snickered and froze when he noticed two peeved fighters before him.
"What's this all about Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked, shoulders and arms slumped.
"Yes, please, fill us in on your little game." Hiei added.
"Oh it's nothing, really." Yusuke waved his arms in defense.
"So, it is true... Yusuke Urameshi has a mate after all." Yusuke laughed weakly at Hiei's playful banter.
"Oh, and I suppose Kurama is just a close friend?" Yusuke countered quickly.
Hiei held out his sword and pointed towards Yusuke, "Yes, but I'm sure that's nothing compared to you two."
"I see, well... you didn't deny it. And here I always thought you weren't good enough for Kurama." Yusuke scratched the back of his head, a large, cheesy grin plastered across his face.
"What!" Hiei snarled viciously.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"Well Kurama, it looks like there's quite a bit of controversy over you." Koenma fiddled with his thumbs, watching the group from the screen before his desk.
"Eh," Kurama was a bit taken aback.
"Surly you and Hiei can't be..." Koenma's eyelids drooped as he slowly turned his gave on Kurama. The fox sweat-dropped as he began to sink away from Koenma's desk with an uneasy laugh.
"What can I say," Kurama smiled feebly, "I'm popular today?"
IIIIIIIIIIIII
"You heard me Hiei!"
"Then how about I tear out that voice box of yours!" Hiei growled, his grip on his sword tightening until his sheath threatened to crack.
"What's so wrong about it? I thought you liked Kurama! After all, every time fox boy gets injured you're always so uptight and worried about him no one wants to get near you!" Their glares were enough to light a forest ablaze.
"Guys, I'm going to fight now." Kazuma's attempt to gain their attention failed as the two continued to argue. Jin sat on the floor, legs crossed and face red.
Hiei, wonderfully ignoring Kuwabara, continued, "You don't seem to understand."
"Yeah, well... you can't admit the truth!" Yusuke shot back.
"I don't have to you fool." Hiei snorted.
"Thas' enough Urameshi," Jin grabbed the Spirit Detective's shoulders and jerked him back to stop his next assault, "Sit an' watch the fight." Yusuke crossed his arms over his chest in disappointment. Insulting each other was one of the best parts of his strange sort of friendship with the fire demon. And he couldn't forget the teasing - that was always a laugh. This went to show how far an argument between them could extend when Kurama wasn't there to settle it. Jin took the fox's place, quieting the two for the time being.
"Feeling better already?" Hiei asked Jin, looking up at him.
"Ne," Jin blushed furiously, shaking his head, "Can't 'elp it, nowt a bit!" Ven had been patiently waiting, finding amusement in their fighting. A smile had crept onto his features, and a small laugh escaped his parted lips.
"If you don't mind, I'm fighting now." Kuwabara started forward.
"Fine, be a reckless soul, you'll only get killed." Hiei's eyes close in a careless fashion.
"Hey, I've managed to get this far, I think I can handle myself!" Kuwabara stuck his nose in the air and continued his path toward Ven.
"Sheer dumb luck I'm sure." The fire demon shrugged slightly. Kuwabara didn't hear, which Jin and Yusuke found was for the better if they planned on leaving soon.
"Alright Ven... person... guy," Kuwabara began, unsure of how to address the man, "I'm your opponent so get ready!"
"That sounded intelligent." Hiei commented bluntly. Jin and Yusuke glared at the short demon.
Kuwabara's temper flared, "Shut up you little punk!"
"Right then," Ven's soft voice began, pausing the new argument, "I offer you the first shot. Please, come at me with all your might."
"You're asking for it then," He paused, "Then again I actually feel kind of bad doing this. I mean, well, you sound like a really nice guy."
"Don't be fooled by my appearance, Kazuma Kuwabara. I may destroy your world. Now offer me a challenge." Ven's smile had disappeared.
"Okay guys, this is weird, Mister Vendran... Helmin's... or whatever... isn't he acting just a bit out of character for a demon trying to annihilate the world?" Yusuke snapped, thinking he was a tiny bit uncomfortable with the situation.
"Usually they have that tough arrogant attitude saying that no one can beat them." Yusuke pondered his thoughts.
"Sounds like someone I know." Hiei said dryly. Yusuke scowled at the demon, emitting an annoyed groan. Jin muffled a laugh.
"I guess I'll just have to take you out first then!" Kuwabara yelled as he charged, "Sprit Sword!"
"Horizon Blade!" Ven leapt out of the path of attack. He landed lightly on his toes, a ball of light forming in his hand. Lifting his left arm, the spherical energy extended into a blade. As he slashed downward the light snapped into oblivion to reveal a golden sword.
"Well that's just peachy. Alphabet Boy has a pretty sword of his own." Yusuke sulked angrily. Kuwabara faced Ven, sword in hands and eager to fight.
"Beam of the Twenty Heavens." A soft smile spread across Ven's lips as he held his gleaming blade in the air. Light flooded the room, temporarily blinding the group.
"That doesn't sound good." Yusuke grunted, rubbing his eyes.
"I'm seein' blank!" Jin exclaimed, "Never 'ave I seen so much light!"
"Glad someone is enjoying this." Yusuke growled as his vision slowly began to creep back. Ven stood tall, his Horizon Blade pointing towards the ceiling as it glowed an intense pale gold.
"What the hell is that?" Kuwabara took a step back in caution.
"The heavens strike now!" Ven's sweet voice resonated through the deserted chambers as he dove into a charge.
"Alright, let's go!" Kazuma kicked off, finding the vibrant light made his vision less reliable.
"Too slow..." Hiei said softly, knowing Kuwabara didn't possess the speed necessary for winning this game. Kuwabara leapt upward, thrusting his sword into the air at the descending fighter above him. Ven's eyes glowed with the same white light as his blade, and his roar of battle had not ceased. Hiei, about to step in, though reluctantly, paused when he noticed a change of events.
Ven had suddenly slowed in mid air, almost as if he was pressed back. It delayed his attack, creating a window of opportunity, and Kuwabara struck. The Spirit Sword pushed through his strong abdomen, cutting through and out his back. Hiei's eyes widened as they flashed over to Jin who was smiling happily and watching the fight with an innocent air.
He used the wind to slow him; he knew the fool couldn't win. Hiei thought, staring at the Wind Master. Kuwabara roared as he threw the weight of his opponent away with massive force. Ven, already severely injured, made no motion to catch himself as he hurdled through the air and soon collided roughly with a wall. He released a weak breath and sunk lifelessly to the floor. The battle had been another quick one, an achievement Kuwabara had never been all that great at when it came to his victories.
Ven rose and placed his blade, which was still gripped tightly in his left hand, against the stone floor for support. Slowly he eased to his feet, right arm clutching at his midsection as blood seeped through his thin fingers.
"It will take... much more than... one strike... to kill me... human." He took a step and staggered forward, working his way towards Kuwabara. His throat scratched against his voice and he coughed brutally, dark liquid escaping the corner of his lips. His head fell forward with another hacking fit and he caught himself before his knees caved. Shaking slightly he lifted his head, smiling softly with a weak laugh.
"I-I... didn't know death could be... so... painful." His dull blue eyes looked upon Kuwabara, and his smile changed - turning into a delicate curve, almost as though thanking the teen. His gaze faded further and his smiled dissipated. Kuwabara watched in fear, with a guilty expression, as Ven's shoulders slumped. It was the beginning of the collapse as the rest of the swordsman's body crashed to the floor.
"Hm," Hiei observed, "One more down. Let's hurry and get this pathetic game over with."
Kuwabara was last to exit, still finding Ven's death had not been deserved.
"I'm sorry." He apologized before exiting quickly to catch the others.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
Yusuke whistled a tune to distract his body from the chilling and damp hall. The entire fortress was compiled of, what appeared to be, bricks and dirt alone.
"Brr! Does the view ever change?" Jin shivered, rubbing his arms.
With some humor, Yusuke replied, "Not unless you're the lead dog," Jin scowled, pondered it for a moment but eventually deemed it somewhat truthful.
The next chamber was in view and Hiei entered with a fearless stride, stopping several feet in and waiting for the next challenger. The room was much different than the previous. It was enveloped in darkness and the only sound present was emanating from their own footsteps.
Wait, what was that? Hiei focused, closing his eyes and tuning his ears to unbury sounds, Breathing... There were two others in the room. One torch on the side of the room suddenly lit, catching the attention of all fighters except Hiei. He was busy studying the spirit energy of the opponents, discovering there wasn't much of a challenge to be found here.
After the first torch, the one to the right of it burst into a vigorous flame. A domino effect occurred as the trend caught on, lighting every torch until the entire room was basked in a circle of flame.
"How much did the special effects cost?" Yusuke asked, raising an eyebrow and glancing around for an answer. Jin was more absorbed by the wonder of fire to bother responding to his friend. Casually, Yusuke snapped the demon's open jaw shut.
"There!" Hiei's voice was quick. His eyes set forward, glaring directly at the two men now standing before them. The two figures of their opponents grew larger as they approached.
The first spoke, "Look at them brother, what a sorry bunch of weak humans." They were tall, fairly muscular men with many scars. No doubt they had received the blemishes as punishment for their own mistakes. The one who had spoken flipped his long, silver hair behind his shoulder. His face had a distinguishing scar crossing over one eye and down along his jaw line. The other, with equally long hair, was defined by his own scar, or rather scars, that crossed directly beneath his right eye. In their entirety they were quite elegant and held a certain appealing quality that radiate almost divinity.
"Yes, but I was hoping the good looking red head would come back and play some more." The second responded, a predator's grin spread across his thin lips like an intrigued tom cat who wanted a pretty girl to play with. Hiei's eyes narrowed dangerously and his fists clenched.
In Yusuke's brain the facts snapped into place and he pulled forth a serious tone, "So that's it then. I was wondering about Kurama's injuries - looks like I finally found out."
The first, with enthusiastic eyes, chirped in, "But look, brother! They brought another red haired demon. He's not as pretty as the last, but perhaps he'll play with us." At this, Jin was taken aback for a moment.
"Nowt as pretty you say?" the Wind Master blinked innocently, but soon smirked demonically enough to sheer a sheep, "Thas' fine with me! I still 'ave enough to beat you."
"No," Hiei interrupted coarsely, "These two are mine."
"Hey," Kazuma protested, "You already had your turn!"
"Back off Kuwabara," Yusuke held an arm across Kazuma's chest to hold him at bay, "Let Hiei take care of these guys. I'm sure he's just itching to get even."
"I'll get more than even, but let's get one thing straight," Hiei turned to Jin and glared, "I don't want your help. The moron needed it to survive, but if you interfere I will kill you myself."
Surprised, Jin's shoulders slumped in defeat, "Eh, what's he talkin' about Urameshi?" Jin looked to his friend for the answer. Hiei paused, his eyes a bit perplexed.
"Beats the hell out of me," Yusuke looked down at Hiei, "Mind explaining?" Hiei merely snorted at the boy and stepped in the direction of his two opponents.
"Let's introduce ourselves, brother." The second one spoke once more, tugging at the first one's long sleeve. He was like an excited child. Hiei was cautious, not falling for their immature act.
"I highly doubt your names are worth my while. It's your lives I'm after." The fire demon, eyes blazing in anger, stood powerfully.
"Don't get too wound up, cutie," number two laughed sweetly, "We're twice your size... at least!"
Yusuke snorted out a laugh, "It's one of those things that's funny because it's true!"
Sparing an annoyed sigh, Hiei ignored Yusuke and continued, "If you think your size and strength will give you the advantage then you were misled, because this fight... is mine."
"Hasty little boy, isn't he, brother?" The first laughed, his vibrant green eyes watching his twin with fondness.
"What a bunch of blind fools." Hiei glared.
"Blind?" The second emitted a sound that could only be described as a giddy chuckle, "I'm afraid you've already met the blind one."
"Blind one?" Kuwabara thought back.
"Come now, you couldn't tell?" number two covered his mouth as though surprised at their lack of observation, "Dear little Ven was blind - has been since the day he was born."
Kuwabara freaked, "Ahhhhh! You mean I killed a disabled guy?"
"'Fraid so," two continued, "And he was so sweet, too."
"At any rate," one interrupted, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jhun, and this is my dear brother Leon. We live together, we train together, and we work together. He is my only family."
"Well I hate to break up the mushy family introductions, but shut the hell up and start fighting!"
"Fight? Already?" Leon pouted, "But I wanted to talk first. We never get to see anyone new."
"So thas' why they babble." Jin hummed as he rolled the possibility around in his mind.
A quiet sound escaped Leon as his legs bent several degrees. All gazes focused on the tall male.
"I'm not here to play around," Hiei straightened his stance, clinking his sword back in its sheath.
"Bro... brother," Leon exhaled in disbelief, "He cut me." Jhun, concern clearly written on his face, turned his brother to face him and found a diagonal slash marring a lean torso. The long-sleeved, white shirt Leon wore was nearly sliced in half.
Jhun, thoroughly enraged, locked his sights on the fire demon. The whites of his eyes quickly turned red as blood tore through his body. He growled, lips curling to reveal sharp fangs.
"I'd offer you the first attack, but... I'm afraid, it's already been taken." Hiei smirked, face cocky and taunting.
"How dare you strike my brother. You'll pay for the blood you drew."
"And you'll pay for harming Kurama."
Leon humphed, fingers pressed carefully to his wound, "It was his fault. He didn't want to play with us. We were being nice, too." His hand fell from shielding the fresh cut. It was merely another blemish to be added to his collection. He had gained many scars over the years, mostly thanks to his curiosity or many attempts to escape the barrier.
"I'll tear your arms off." Jhun rumbled out a growl.
"No," Leon lifted an arm to block his brother, "I'll fight him. You can have whatever's left when I'm done."
"It doesn't matter who's first. You both lack the spirit energy - neither of you stand a chance against any of us." The confident glare of Hiei's faltered slightly when Leon smiled in a crazed fashion.
"Lack Spirit energy?" Leon laughed deeply, finding amusement in Hiei's arrogance, "Don't. Get. Cocky." Though he was unsettled by the look in those bright green eyes, Hiei held his poker face firm.
"I think we're in for more than we bargained for," Yusuke took a heavy breath, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Hiei turned his head sideways, glare deepening. He sensed a greater threat within the two. Leon's wide eyes narrowed and his smile faded.
"Come a little closer, my fire demon. I won't hit too hard," his face tightened to an infuriated snarl, "Just enough to rip every breath from your tiny lungs." Leon's eyes had now flooded red as well. He prowled forward and Hiei had suddenly been struck upside the head with a sign that read 'danger'. The level of power he had been reading from the twins was not what they were capable of.
They had their power restrained all along...
"Afraid?" Leon inquired, his right hand held before his body. Hiei remained silent and observant. White nails began to extend into thin, needlelike edges.
"So that's your weapon? Your claws?"
"They're all I need. I'll decorate these walls with your blood before I'm done." There was no doubt Leon was insane. Having been trapped for thousands of years had no doubt impacted the demon's mind beyond repair.
"You're pathetic. I'll put you out of your misery."
Leon growled, "Not if I get to you first!" Hiei captured the drop in Leon's guard and dashed forward. His tactic was to approach from behind and catch the demon in a vulnerable position. He may have succeeded, had Leon not predicted the move.
In an instant Hiei found the blade of his weapon tangled in a cage of claws. His face was set inches from his opponent's and he became further acquainted with the dangerous fangs.
"Hiei!" Yusuke's word of caution was spoken too late. The short demon leapt back, turning in mid air to find Jhun behind him. Nails descended toward his shoulder. He dodged them only to fall back into Leon's attack. Five pointed edges sunk into his flesh, cutting through his thin side effortlessly. With a start he recoiled, delaying enough to allow Jhun a window of attack. He received a brutal kick to his stomach which sent him tumbling along the floor for several yards before he regained his footing. He hadn't expected that.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Yusuke objected, "I thought this was one-on-one!"
Jhun steadied himself, "As I said... we work together." Leon roared, sounding much like an angered beast as his main priority remained Hiei.
"I told you," Leon leveled his glare with a dissatisfied fire demon, "Your blood will coat this room before I'm finished." The twins' spirit energy was now soaring - to a height Hiei had failed to predict. He had underestimated them - therefore, he had no choice; they would have to be taken care of quickly.
He would use the Dragon.
Jhun was suddenly upon him before Hiei could prepare his attack. Both rolled violently across the stone floor until their bodies thumped against a solid wall. From there it was a hand struggle. Hiei's sword clattered to the floor, useless in such close combat.
"Get him, Hiei!" Yusuke may have received a glare had Leon not quickly joined the attack. The twins overwhelmed him, sealing his movements. Jhun locked short arms behind Hiei's back as the second twin threatened to further the damage he'd already inflicted.
"I think," Leon ran his tongue over his teeth, "Your blood will taste quite good." Hiei's incredulous expression was shattered as Leon spread his jaws once more before plunging forward and sinking his teeth into the base of the fire demon's neck.
A grunt of pain was badly stifled, and Hiei began pulling against the strong arms binding him.
Yusuke's eyes turned into saucers, "Should we help him?"
Jin bit his lip, "Well, he said he'd kill me if I 'elped him so I'm stayin' right 'ere."
Kuwabara nodded in agreement, "Yeah, me too." Jin crossed his arms.
"I'M COMING, HIEI!" Jin and Kuwabara jumped as the detective took off in a full-speed sprint.
Leon, who had drawn several mouthfuls of blood, swallowed his current yield and fiercely tore his teeth away to face the teen. Hiei cursed, rolling his eyes at the level of stupidity Yusuke could reach.
Leon bared his fangs, conjuring a vocal screech that had Yusuke slowing his pace due to the intensity. He covered his ears, fearing the noise may cause his brain to explode otherwise. The noise could have shattered the windshield on a semi.
After the long-winded sound had finally ended Yusuke almost expected the silver-haired demon to return to Hiei. Almost.
Instead, Leon charged.
"Wah!" Jin jumped, "Get out of there, Urameshi! He's an angry one!"
"No shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!" Yusuke slid back to his place beside Jin, showing he was butting out. Leon appeared content with the retreat and cautiously returned to Hiei.
"Besides," the detective whispered to Jin, "Hiei's got it now."
The Jagan began to glow an irritated red. The alteration quickly sparked a sense of danger inside Leon and he decided it best to end playtime. Razor-edged nails rose to meet the skin covering a small jugular.
"I don't think so." Hiei's body tensed and pushed out a defensive blast of dark flames. Leon snapped at the dark power, half blinded by the intensity.
Jin lifted his arms to protect his eyes from the vicious bursts of heat, "Thas' power!"
The attack tore Hiei's blue tank top from his torso as he roared, summoning his beast, "Dragon of the Darkness Flame!"
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"He's doing it again!" Koenma slapped his palms ruthlessly onto the impressionable top of his desk.
"Hiei..." Kurama unconsciously bit his lower lip. He was worried. Hiei had lost a lot of blood to Leon and still dared to use the dark dragon.
"Well, I suppose you can look on the bright side Kurama. He lost his shirt - just for you."
Kurama sweat-dropped and released a weak laugh, "I assure you, we're not that way."
"Then why are you two always sneaking off together? You didn't think I hadn't noticed, did you?" Koenma narrowed his eyes, poking at the fox's side.
"It seems you've caught us." Kurama smiled faintly.
"Ha! I knew it!" Koenma jumped onto his desk and pointed accusingly at the demon.
"That's funny, I don't ever remember admitting to us being together, merely leaving at night with Hiei." Kurama watched the screen, Hiei's power still rising.
"Well what else do you do when you leave?" Koenma nearly growled.
"The same things as always," Kurama placed a hand on his cheek, supporting his elbow with his other hand, "We discuss the events of the day, speak of what is approaching and give our opinions on it. Or perhaps we'll just sit and enjoy the silence."
"Really... I know you have a home to go back to Kurama, but my question is; where does Hiei go?"
"Oh," Kurama sighed with a smile, "You'll have to ask him."
"Yeah right, he'd kill me."
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Leon winced as a pillar of black flame sent him sprawling. He hit the floor harshly and turned his eyes upward to witness Jhun being consumed by a swirling, heartless dragon of shadowy flames. He couldn't hear the yell coming from his brother's lips, only the strokes of power sweeping over him, but he could see the amount of pain the trapped demon was experiencing. It swallowed his brother in a pit of devastating power, sweeping coils of spiraling whips along the floor.
In seconds it was over. The swirling dragon faded to reveal the remains of Jhun.
"Brother!" Leon rose, his eyes vacant of all blood, "Brother!" He ran to the motionless figure, stumbling some, and fell to hover above a now shirtless chest.
"Please brother, get up!" He desperately shook broad shoulders, "Please get up!" Scarred skin was surprisingly undamaged, slightly charred in places but mostly untouched.
"Too late." Hiei, arm twitching from the exertion, headed over to retrieve his sword.
"No, brother!" Leon panicked as trails of blood began streaming from Jhun's eyes and mouth. His injuries were internal. He had died before the attack ended.
"He's dead." Yusuke announced.
"Tha' he is." Jin's voice was calm. In most cases they would not have been in such somber moods for their fallen enemies. Leon's reaction was different, though. He was now crying, clutching his brother's lifeless body and sobbing.
"Jeeze," Kuwabara rubbed the back of his neck, "Each other must have been all they had. Think about what they went through - locked up all alone for thousands of years. They must have become so..."
"Damaged? Desperate? Reliant?" Yusuke lowered his gaze, not wanting to watch Leon's breakdown any longer.
"Yeah," Kuwabara swallowed painfully.
Hiei approach the twins, his footsteps catching the attention of Leon. With defiance Leon turned around, acting as a shield to his brother's body.
"You will not damage him any more than you have. He can at least have his beauty when he goes."
"Is that your dying request?"
The heat in those green eyes transcended normal anger, "It is no request... It is a demand. Put one more scratch on him and I'll torment you for eternity. Even if I die here I'll return to claw at your soul until you break." The loyalty in Leon's demeanor was prize-worthy.
Hiei delayed his execution, "Your brother was all you had to live for?"
"Does that seem pathetic to you?" Leon's eyes filled with a new pool of tears.
"No," Hiei flipped his blade around, "Sleep well, and find your brother." In a way, they were not much different. Leon lived to protect his brother, and Hiei lived to protect his sister.
Leon made no noise as Hiei's blade pierced his heart. He quietly surrendered to his approaching death. The sword slid slowly from his chest and allowed him time to settle beside his brother. Silently he curled against his twin's chest, holding a lock of Jhun's long, silver hair gently between his fingers.
Hiei's red eyes fixed on the dark blood coating his sword, "We're leaving, now." He would allow Leon silence as he passed. At least he could offer that much.
Not asking questions, Yusuke, Jin and Kuwabara followed wordlessly.
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