Trials of the Soul: Chapter One
by: Kawaii Kitsune

Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho and all the characters in the wonderful show do not belong to me, blah, blah, blah. You get the point. No money, don't sue, blah, blah, blah. Moving on.

Note: italics indicate thoughts.


Kurama kicked off his shoes and dropped his bad as soon as he entered the apartment, not caring about the mess he's making. He then promptly walked to comfy couch and plopped down on it, immediately melting into the soft cushions. The redhead closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh. He turned his head slightly when he heard a ruffling sound to his right.

A figure in black clothing lazily walked into the room. "Tough day at work, fox?"

Kurama smiled at his demon lover and gave a bit of a nod. "Somewhat but it's over now," he answered, "And now I have my two weeks of vacation to look forward to."

"About time you got a break," retorted Hiei, which Kurama simply shrugged off.

The kitsune patted to the empty space next to him on the couch, indicating for the fire demon to sit down, which he did. Kurama sank into to his lover's arms and closed his eyes, relaxing once again. Hiei lowered his head and softly kissed Kurama's rose-scented head. The fox smiled into Hiei's embrace.

A year had passed since the incident with Hikoku and Evangeline, and the two lovers had finally settled down in a comfortable arrangement. Kurama purchased an apartment within walking distance from the hospital where he worked. There's also a beautiful park nearby with enough wildlife to keep the youko happy. Hiei was still under the employment of Mukuro but whenever he was not needed, he would spend time with his fox in the Ningenkai. As much as he detested the stupidity and weakness of ningens, he did enjoy the peacefulness of the human world. And there was always the redhead to keep him entertained.

"Ne, Hiei?" Kurama's voice was slightly muffled by the fire demon's shirt.

"Hn?"

"Wanna take a walk in the park? It's been a while since I've last been there."

"Hn."

Kurama smiled again. "Thanks, love."

* * * * *

The park was nearly deserted, it being dinnertime for normal families. Hand-in-hand, Kurama and Hiei walked silently through the woods. Kurama enjoyed being surrounded by wildlife, his natural domain, and Hiei loved the freedom of the outdoors, for he was still somewhat unfamiliar to the idea of being cooped up in an apartment all day. They slowly walked through a maze of trees and stopped at a clearing: their favorite spot. More than once, they had come here where no one would find them and make love under the stars. It was their secret and special place in the woods.

As soon as they reached the center of the clearing, Hiei grabbed Kurama's side locks down and gave the fox a passionate kiss. Although the fire demon had grown some in the past year, he was still shorter than his redheaded lover. Kurama responded to the kiss by raising his hand and placing it on Hiei's face, gentling caressing the soft skin.

A moving black shadow interrupted their perfect moment.

Fighting instincts kicking in, the two demons immediately broke their kiss and switched to defensive stances, eyes scanning around for the enemy. They soon saw their targets.

A figure in black was running towards them, followed closely by a dozen youkai. And the youkai are catching up. By the look of him, the cloaked figure seemed to be wounded for he would stumble every now and then, clutching at a particular place on his person. He stopped twenty feet away from Kurama and Hiei, and attacked the nearest youkai with a long sword. The demon died before his body hit the ground two seconds later.

Then the others attacked. The black figure barely got out of it alive.

Hiei looked over to the redhead and met his eyes. Kurama gave a slight nod and they both jumped into action. The fire demon's katana sliced through two youkai before the others noticed what was happening. The rose whip skewered another two while the cloaked individual polished off three more.

Only four left.

The plant life beneath them sprang into life and entangled the remaining youkai, immobilizing them. A quick pass by Hiei's sword finished them off nice and quick. The plants returned to their normal size and nature. The rose whip was reduced back into a beautiful red rose but the fire demon did not return his sword back into its scabbard. They turned towards the mysterious figure before them.

Kurama was the first to speak. "Who are you?"

In reply, the figure stumbled closer to the two demons. He stopped when Hiei raised his sword and pointed it at him.

"He asked you a question," growled Hiei, eyes narrowing in suspicion and distrust, "Who are you?"

A hand reached up and lowered the black hood of the cloak, revealing a beautiful young female with long, dark red hair and blood-red eyes. She had splatters of blood marring her face but otherwise, her visage was flawless and perfect. Kurama and Hiei stared at her in shocked disbelief.

"Father," the girl said in a strained whisper, letting the extent of her exhaustion show, "please help me."

Then she promptly collapsed.

End of Chapter One


Very short, I know, but I thought it was an appropriate place to stop. Reviews are very welcome.