Chapter 44

Hiei's Sacrifice

"How much further" Kuwabara whined. "A couple more miles" Tengoku replied. "So you're the Gatekeeper" Riku said. "Yep, that's me" Tengoku said. "What exactly is the Gatekeeper?" Yusuke asked. "Basically I'm the guard of Heaven and Hell" said Tengoku. "I bring the souls to Spirit World and she makes sure they stay in Heaven or Hell" Botan said. "So Shinzu was dead and in hell" Kurama said. "Yes, he managed to sneak by me" Tengoku replied.

"Pick up the pace or I'll just leave you all behind" Hiei said impatiently. "I know you want to get your girlfriend back but the only way to beat Shinzu is if we work together" Tengoku said. After a few hours more walking they came across a mountain.

"His lair should be in a cave" Tengoku said. "There" Riku said pointing at something. They all looked to where he was pointing and sure enough, there was a large cave. They headed for it. "I guess there's no point in sneaking around the doctor probably know we're here" Yusuke said. Everyone nodded and walked into the cave.

"This place gives me the creeps" Kuwabara said. "I you don't like it then go back to that half wolf you like so much" Hiei replied. "Kazuma Kuwabara does not back down from a…" Kuwabara was cut short when Yusuke punch the back of his head. "What was that for" Kuwabara whined. "You were giving me a headache so I shut you up" Yusuke said. Kuwabara was about to reply when the group reached a set of doors. "He must be behind them" Kurama said. "I'd better get ready" Tengoku said. Her body was covered in a white light. When it died down she had transformed. She now had long curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and white angel wings. She was dressed in angel robes. "Starting this out in your angel form I see" Botan said. "Yep" Tengoku replied. The others prepared their weapons.

"On the count of five, we break down the doors" Yusuke said. Everyone nodded. "One…two…" "Five" Hiei said before kicking the door down. He then rushed in. The others shrugged and followed him in. The room they were in was completely dark with no light whatsoever. "I hate the dark" Kuwabara whined. Suddenly the room was lit up by a series of lights. They were in a large, dome shaped room. "Where is he" Hiei growled.

"So you've finally arrived" Shinzu said. They all looked up and saw Shinzu sitting in a recliner with Nami standing next to him on a balcony. "Nami" Hiei said taking a step forward. "Not so fast Hiei. If you want Nami, you'll have to get through them" Shinzu said. He held up a remote and pressed a button. The walls started to open to reveal multiple passages. Out of them came dozens and dozens of lizard demons. They all had a mechanical left arm, tail, right eye, and feet. "Some of my experiments in making half robot half demon warriors" Shinzu said. He snapped his fingers and they charged.

"SPIRIT GUN" Yusuke's attack had no effect. "They have strong armor. Yusuke point your middle finger as well as your index finger" Riku said. Yusuke did as he was told. "Okay so now what?" he asked. "Shot" Riku said. Yusuke fired and the recoil sent him flying the other way (Like on Men in Black when Jay fires the cricket gun). It went right through one of the lizards and hit another killing both. "Man, what was that" Yusuke said as he stumbled back up. "That was the Spirit Magnum" Riku replied. Yusuke shot another and he went flying again. "I think I can get use to this" he said as he got to his feet.

Riku nodded then charged the lizards. He, Hiei, and Kuwabara, slashed their way through the lizard ranks. Kurama and Tengoku were surrounded while protecting Botan. "ROSE WHIP" Kurama's sliced through two that had jumped toward them. "My turn" Tengoku said. She grabbed one of her feathers and pulled it out. "WHIP OF FAITH" the feather transformed into a white whip. "Impressive" Kurama said before slicing another. They kept the lizards from mauling Botan.

"CRESCENT CLAWS" Riku's attack sliced through ten lizards. "SWORD GET LONGER" Kuwabara swung his sword around him and sliced all the lizards that had him surrounded. Hiei was fairing well and caught a glimpse of Nami and Shinzu. "You all hold them off. I'll get Nami" he said. He started to slice his way toward the balcony. 

Kurama winced as one of the lizards managed to slash his shoulder. Tengoku sliced it to pieces. "You okay?" she asked as she kneeled next to him. "He cut pretty deep" Kurama said. "Let me see it" she said. He moved his hand out of the way to let her examine it. "No problem" she said.  She placed her hand over the wound. It started to glow in a similar way as Yukina. After a few seconds it was completely healed. "Thanks" Kurama said as he stood up. "Don't mention it" she replied.

Riku sliced through another one. "Is there any end to them" he said. He sensed something behind him and turned around. One of the lizards had snuck behind him and buried its fangs in his left arm. Riku winced and sliced it in two. "You okay" Kuwabara said. "I think it injected me with something" Riku said. He saw a few trying to sneak up on him. "CRESCENT CLAWS" nothing happened. "What the?" he said. "I bet your wondering what my creation did to you. Their venom locks away your spirit energy" Shinzu said. "Damit" Riku said. "Let's head back to Kurama" Kuwabara said. "I may not have any sprit energy but I still have my sword" Riku said as he sliced his way to Kurama and Tengoku. He looked behind him and saw a six lizards leaping toward him. "SHOTGUN" Yusuke's attack killed all six and a few more. "Thanks for the assist" Riku said. Yusuke nodded and sent another blast toward the lizards.

Hiei had finally managed to slice his way through the ranks of lizards. There was nothing between him and Shinzu. "Shinzu" he said. "Well, well, it looks like Romeo has finally made it" Shinzu said. "Give Nami back" Hiei growled. "Let me think about that, no" Shinzu replied. "You'll regret the day you snuck out of hell" Hiei growled. "If you want me then you'll have to first beat her" Shinzu said pointing to Nami. She unsheathed her scimitars. "Deal with this nuisance" Shinzu said. Nami nodded and charged.

She swung at Hiei but he managed to dodge. Their swords clashed sending sparks in various directions. They both jumped back. "I won't fight you Nami" Hiei said. She charged him again. He stopped her swings with his katana. "Nami fight his control. I know your stronger than this" Hiei said. She just continued to attack. Hiei deflected another swing and reluctantly kick her face. She recovered and landed on her feet. "Like I said I won't fight you Nami" Hiei said. He then sheathed his katana. "He must have a death wish. Finish him Nami" Shinzu said. Nami nodded. 

She charged again and kicked Hiei in the stomach and then in the face. Hiei didn't even try to defend himself. She jumped into the air and threw a Spirit Grenade at him. The explosion sent him crashing into the wall. "What a fool" Shinzu said. Nami disappeared and reappeared in front of Hiei. She grabbed him collar and threw him the other direction. She sheathed her blades and cupped her hands. A ball of fire gathered in her hands. "GRAND INFERNO" she threw her hands forward. A beam of fire shot out of them and headed straight for the injured Hiei. He closed his eyes as the flames hit. When the flames hit the ground an explosion ripped through the cave. The rest of the team looked over to the explosion.

"Hiei can't take much more" Kurama said. "I guess it's time I cut the nice girl act" Tengoku said. Her body was engulfed in a black aurora. When it died down she had transformed again. A black robe covered most of her features but her face showed what had changed. She now had very pale skin, black hair, and two transparent devil wings. In her hand was a pole with a huge blade on the end. "What ever you do, don't look at her face" Riku said. "Why?" Yusuke asked. "Cause if you do, you'll die" Kurama said. "I'll take care of these nuisances" she said with a much darker voice. She charged the lizards and started to slice through them. She laughed with each kill. "Man is she scary" Kuwabara said. "This is her devil form. In it, she's pure evil. We'd better be careful around her" Botan said.

As Tengoku slaughtered the lizards Hiei stumbled back up from the flames. A few seconds later, he fell to his knee. "That was entertaining now put him out of his misery" Shinzu said. Nami unsheathed one of her scimitars and charged. Hiei watched her as she got closer and closer. I'm sorry Nami. I was to weak to save you he said silently. She reached him and prepared for a downward swung. A single tear gem fell from Hiei's eye. Just before the blade made contact it stopped. He looked back up and saw a tear run down Nami's cheek. "What are you waiting for? Kill him" Shinzu said. "No" she replied. "What?" Shinzu growled. "I refused to kill Hiei" she said. Her voice showed she was struggling to speak. "We'll see about that" Shinzu said. He pulled out the remote connected with Nami's chip and turned the dial. Nami screamed in pain and dropped her weapon. She clutched her head as she struggled to resist. "Give in" Shinzu said. "No, I won't be used by you" she cried. Shinzu growled and turned the dial as far as it would go. Nami screamed even louder.

"That's it fight it" Hiei said as her grabbed her shoulders. She continued to resist. "Remember you don't have to face this alone. I'm here and I'll never leave you" Hiei said. He pulled Nami toward him and caught her lips with his. Her eyes widened as he deepened the kiss. She closed her eyes and slid her arms around his neck. "No, no, no" Shinzu said. He was about to try to turn the dial more when a blast hit the remote and blew it up. The chip inside Nami's head also blew up. It knocked her unconscious. She broke the kiss and went limp in Hiei's arms. She was back to her normal form. "Nami wake up" he said. She didn't reply.

The others rushed to his side. Kurama placed his fingers on her neck. "She's just knock out" he said. Hiei cradled her in his arms. Botan couldn't help but smile at the way he was acting. He was showing the side of him he only showed Yukina.

"Dam you. Now I have to brainwash her if I want my plan to succeed" Shinzu growled. Hiei's eyes narrowed and he glared at the doctor. "Don't you ever lay a finger on her" he growled. "You leave me no choice" Shinzu said. His body was surrounded in a black smoke. When it died down he had transformed. He was now seven feet tall, with blue skin, fangs, claws, devil wings, a tail, ram-like horns, and red eyes. The only article of clothing left was his tattered pants. "I've injected myself with devil DNA for emergencies" he said. "Take care of Nami. He's mine" Hiei said. He threw his cloak off and readied his katana.

Shinzu leaped down from the balcony and landed in front of Hiei. "Nami weakened you so you shouldn't be to hard to deal with" Shinzu said. He then swung a fist at Hiei. He managed to dodge and sliced Shinzu's hand off. Shinzu cried in pain and stumbled back. Hiei charged and leaped into the air. Shinzu smirked. In a few seconds his hand grew back and her used it to grab Hiei and slam him into the ground. Hiei cried in pain as his ribs broke. "Easy enough" Shinzu said. He then lifted his right fought and started to stomp on Hiei.

Nami's eyes started to flutter open. "She's coming to" Botan said. "Where am I" Nami said. "Shinzu's lair" Riku replied. "Where's Hiei" she said as she sat up. Everyone looked toward the battle. Shinzu was still stomping on Hiei. "Hiei" she said as she got to her feet. She then fell to her knees. "What's wrong with me?" she said. "Your still weak from the chip blowing up" Kurama said. Nami watched helplessly as Hiei cried in pain.

"This one will end this battle" Shinzu said as he lifted his foot for a final stomp. Before it landed Hiei disappeared and reappeared behind the doctor. Black flames surrounded his fist. "FIST OF THE MORTAL FLAME" he slammed his fist into Shinzu's face. Both fighters fell to the ground. Hiei struggled to his feet. "That attack used what little spirit energy he had left" Kurama said.

Shinzu groaned and stumbled back to his feet. "That was pretty impressive even though it was futile" he said. He then charged Hiei. I have no choice Hiei thought. His body was surrounded in black flames. "Wasn't he out of spirit energy" Yusuke said. "Oh no, that's not spirit energy. Hiei's using his life energy" Riku said. "But if he uses his life energy to summon the dragon there's no way he could survive" Botan said.

Hiei looked at Nami. 'I'm sorry, but this is the only way. He must be destroyed now. Just remember, I'll always love you' he said telepathically. "Hiei, don't do it" Nami said. He turned his head his head back to Shinzu. "NOOOOOO" Nami cried. "DRAGON OF THE DARKNESS FLAME" the black dragon shot out of his hand and flew toward Shinzu. Shinzu screamed but was silenced when the attack hit. The dragon crashed into the wall and dispersed. All that was left of Shinzu were ashes. Hiei smirked before falling to the ground. "Hiei" Everyone said as they rushed to him. Nami was in front. She was using the last ounces of her strength to reach him.

She reached him and cradled his head in her arms. "Hiei, don't you dare die on me" she cried. No response. She couldn't fell a pulse. "At least breath" she cried. Everyone bowed his or her head in respect. 

Riku walked to her and placed his hand on Hiei's forehead. "What are you doing?" Nami asked. "I'm giving him some of my life energy" Riku replied. "But the venom severely weakened you" Botan said. "I can't let Hiei die, Yukina would kill me" Riku replied. His body was surrounded by a faint glow. "That's all I can give without losing consciousness. It should be enough to keep him going till I reach Genkai's. I've recovered just enough spirit energy to wind morph the two of us there though I may not be conscious when I reach it. Yukina will handle the rest" he said as he lifted Hiei in his arms. "If he's dies I'll kill you" Nami said. "I'll keep that in mind" Riku said before disappearing.  

"Take that!!!" Tengoku said as she killed the last lizard. She then headed for Shinzu's remains. "Get out here" she said. A transparent Shinzu floated out of the ashes. "AHHH a ghost" Kuwabara said as he hid behind Yusuke. The ghost tried to get away by Tengoku kicked it to the ground. "You're going to have a special place in hell" she said. She then grabbed him by his coat and dragged him away. "I guess I owe you all a thanks. Until we met again" she said as she exited the room.

"We'd better head back" Yusuke said. "Think you can make it on your own?" Kurama asked Nami. "I've recovered from the chip, don't worry" Nami said. They all headed back to Genkai's. 

A few hours later

The others arrived at the temple and found Riku lying on the couch with an energy drink in his hand. "What's with you" Yusuke asked. "Wind morphing with a passenger really drains a wolf. I'm surprised I'm still awake" Riku said. "How's Hiei?" Nami asked. "Yukina's still working on him. He's in critical condition" Riku replied. "Where is he?" Botan asked. "In my room" Riku replied. Nami pushed past everyone and rushed to Hiei. "I think we should wait here" Kurama said as they sat down.

Nami found Hiei lying on Riku's bed with Yukina by his side. "Thank goodness your okay" Yukina said. "Any change" Nami asked. Yukina shook her head. "I did everything I could but I'm don't know if it'll be enough" Yukina replied. Nami took a seat next to the bed. "I'd better help Riku with that venom" Yukina said as she got up and headed out the door. She closed the door behind her.

Nami looked at Hiei. He had bandages around his ribs and the arm he shot the dragon out of. "Thank you Hiei, no one's ever took such a risk to save me. You're the first guy I ever loved. Please just open your eyes" she said. No response. Nami broke down crying into the sheets. "I'm not dead yet" Hiei said weakly. Nami stopped crying and looked up and saw Hiei smirking at her. "Hiei!!!" she said happily. She threw her arms around his neck. "Watch the ribs" he yelped. "Sorry" Nami said blushing. "What happened to Shinzu?" he asked. "He was fired extra crispy" Nami replied. "That's what'll happen to any guy who tries to steal my girl" he said. Nami giggled. Hiei managed to sit up. Nami rested her head on his collarbone.

"I thought I'd lose you that time" she said. "I can't die, at least not until I finally beat you in a fight" he replied. Nami smiled at his stubbornness and looked at his face. "You stubborn jerk" she said. "Shrimp girl" Hiei replied. Nami raised her head and kissed him. He moaned and wrapped his arms around her waist. He broke it and rolled them over so that he was on top and pinned her to the bed by her wrists. He smirked and caught her lips. She eagerly parted her lips and slid her tongue into his mouth. Hiei released her wrists and ran his hands down her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. His thrust his tongue into her mouth and for awhile she couldn't breath. Hiei broke this kiss long enough for her to take a few breaths before kissing her again. They were gasping for air when the finally broke. They smiled at each other and got out of the bed. They opened the window and ran into the forest.

"I'll go check on them" Kurama said as he got up from the coach. He headed for Riku's room and opened the door. "What the?" he said. "What is it Kurama?" Botan asked as she walked to his side. "They're gone" he said. "I bet they went to find a nice comfy tree" she said. "I guess your right" Kurama said as they headed back to the living room.

"It seems they've left us" Kurama said. "Sounds like them" Yusuke said. "What should we do?" Kuwabara asked. "I doubt we'll find them so lets just head home" Kurama said as he and Botan walked out the door. "See ya tomorrow" Yusuke said as he followed them. "Bye Crystal" Kuwabara said as he headed out the door.

That left Riku, Yukina, and Crystal in the room. "I'll change Riku's sheets" Crystal said as she got up and headed for Riku's room. Riku slammed his fist into the table and growled. "What is it Riku?" Yukina asked. "It's my fault" he said. "What is" She asked. "It's my fault Hiei had to do that to himself" "No it's not" "Yes it is. If I had transformed into the Devil Wolf that doctor would have been history in one blast. I can only transform when I'm near death and I was just out of spirit energy during the battle. I know the first Devil Wolf could transform at will so why can't I?" he said. "I'm sure there's a way don't be so hard on yourself" she said. Riku stood up. "If you want me, I'll be training" Riku said as he headed out the door. Yukina sighed and went to make dinner.

Back at the cave

"So much for that basterd" a girl said from the shadows. She had brown hair tied in a French braid and went slightly past he shoulders, blue eyes, and wearing a blue jacket, black jeans, and a purple long sleeve shirt. She turned around and gasped. Dusk was standing in front of her. "I should have know" he said. "Master Dusk, what a surprise" she said. "Naien, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Well you know how much I hate doctors who control other people" she said. "You should be training with the others" Dusk said. "Well they were getting boring" she said. "Just head back to the clan. I'll return after I report the doctor's defeat to the Demon King" Dusk said. Naien nodded and they both disappeared into the shadows.

So, so, so sorry I didn't update sooner. For some reason I couldn't log onto fanfiction.net. I got some good news and some bad news. The good news is future chapters will contain more Hiei/Nami fluff. The bad news is they'll have few or no fights. And their fights were the highlights of most chapters. I'll do my best to add some more fights between them though they'll probably be making out in a tree after each one. 

Naien was created by Kaeru Soyokaze.

Next chapter, Rogato and Lila come to visit and they'll bring something special with them. Review please.