Just then, Kurama stepped into the water beside me. He walked up to my back and hesitated. "What are you waiting for?" I questioned irritably.
"Are you sure this is all right Hiei?" Kurama asked worriedly.
"Yes, just hurry up and get on my shoulders!" I snapped. Awkwardly, Kurama began to climb up like he had been instructed. I struggled to remain upright. He was heavier than I thought he'd be. Finally, he got situated. I wobbled a little before I regained my balance. A few seconds later, Kurama wiggled uncomfortably. I grew hot from his touch. As soon as this was over, I would swear off chicken fights forever.
"Are you ready?" Koenma asked through the microphone. Kurama and Yukina nodded. "All right then- begin!" Koenma ordered. Immediately, I took a step forward. Carefully, Kurama locked hands with my sister and they began to push against eachother. They seemed evenly matched, but I strained to stay put because the friction was affecting me as well. Suddenly, Kuwabara took a step forward. I felt myself beginning to slip. To counter, I pushed with all my might, but the water was making me miscalculate strengths and weaknesses. I had to shift back a little to get my bearings.
Kurama and Yukina continued to "Indian Wrestle" as they say, and I struggled against Kuwabara in order to press forward. To my dismay, I soon grew tired. This was more work than I thought, and with Kurama weighing me down, it was harder. Just then, Kuwabara grinned. That goofy, obnoxious grin that drove me insane. Gritting my teeth, I did the only thing I could- step on his toes.
"Yow!" Kuwabara yelped as he stepped backward. For a moment, Yukina swayed, but Kurama didn't press forward. Even he was reluctant to beat my sister... but although Kurama and Yukina were hesitant, Kuwabara had no problem fighting back. Clenching Yukina's legs tightly so she wouldn't fall, he fired a kick at me with his left leg. I tried to jump, but because the water slowed me down, Kuwabara managed to hit the bottom of my sandals, sending me off balance. Kurama lurched in one direction, but I held tight to his body. Luckily, I landed on one foot and was able to remain upright.
At that moment, the chicken fight did not matter. All I could think about was beating Kuwabara into the ground. Kurama seemed to sense this, because his grip on me tightened. Using my speed, I ran at Kuwabara. His eyes widened slightly as he desperately tried to move out of the way. Before he could move, I punched him hard in the chest. Kuwabara stumbled backwards, but when Yukina let out a screech, he regained his footing.
"Hiei! Come on, this is a chicken fight, not a match! Don't battle here," Kurama pleaded.
"Ursai!" I shushed him angrily.
"It seems like the boys have disregarded the battle and are starting to fight eachother!" Koenma announced in disbelief.
"Hiei, let's just finish what we started. Just because you're afraid to beat a girl doesn't mean you should take it out on me!" Kuwabara exclaimed. I resisted the urge to release my Kokuryuha. Instead, I decided to do something else. I ran at Kuwabara, but stopped a few feet short of hitting him. Kurama and Yukina immediately locked hands again. Kuwabara appeared relieved. I smiled at him and he studied me suspiciously.
"Do you see that girl Kuwabara? She's stupid enough to admire you," I said darkly.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Kuwabara asked, his eyes narrowing. I shrugged slightly, earning a foot in the ribs from Kurama. Wincing, I went on.
"You don't see her? That ningen in the bikini screaming your name?" I asked, pretending to be surprised.
"Uh, no... is she hot?" Kuwabara asked in a whisper. Dumb, and gullible...
I shrugged again, earning a harder kick from my partner. "Don't move Hiei- unless you want me to lose!" Kurama growled. I was about to point out that he was going easy on my sister as it is, but held my tongue. Instead, I continued to address the pathetic excuse for a human.
"I am not the type to judge a ningen, but if you mean to ask if her cleavage is popping out of her top and if she has a slender body along with a cute navel, then yes. She also has long brown hair and curves like an hour glass," I said dryly. Like a kid eager for candy, Kuwabara turned his head to scan the crowd.
"Wow! Where is she?" He wondered. Choosing not to answer, I lifted my leg and hammered my wooden sandals squarely in Kuwabara's groin. Seeing his face contort in pain gave me a feeling that no words could describe. I was happy to put it simply. I didn't care if Kurama scolded me later. I would always remember his expression and that's what mattered.
Even better than that, was when Kuwabara fell backwards, taking my sister with him. We had won. Knowing this, I abruptly shook Kurama off my shoulders. While he sputtered and wiped the water out of his eyes, I reached down and pulled my sister up into my arms. She blushed as I took her to the side of the pool and deposited her on the ground. Grabbing a nearby towel, I wrapped it around her before turning to look at an enraged Kurama and Kuwabara. Before either of them could say anything though, Koenma boomed:
"And the winners are Kurama and Hiei! What do you want?" With a smile, I said:
"Make sure Kuwabara doesn't come within six feet of Yukina." I heard Kuwabara gasp, as I looked him in the eye.
"What's your problem Hiei?" Kuwabara demanded in disbelief.
"Hiei-san, that really isn't necessary. Kazuma hasn't done anything to me," Yukina assured me gently.
"That is my wish," I said firmly, ignoring her innocence. With a sigh, Koenma replied:
"If that is your wish, so be it. Kurama, what do you want?" At first, Kurama was silent. Everyone waited patiently while he thought until finally, he grinned. Looking directly at me, he said:
"I wish that Hiei had to share a room with Kuwabara instead of Yusuke."
"Nani?!" Everyone including myself shouted.
"Kurama, you can't be serious," I seethed angrily.
"That is my wish," He exclaimed, using my words against me.
"All right then. Botan, see to the arrangements," Koenma ordered. And that, as they say, was that.

* * * * *

I woke up a day later to complete silence. I rolled over and buried my head into a pillow. The way I saw things, if I never left my room, no one could make me do anything. Sure, it may be considered cowardice, but the longer I slept, the longer I could avoid the others without being disturbed. I couldn't wait till we returned to Nihongo. The first thing I'd do when I got back would be to flee to the Makai and stay there for as long as possible.
The only thing that could possibly pull me from my bed was hunger. Of course, I could go a few days without food, but the longer I went with an empty stomach, the lower my energy became. In the rare case a battle occurred, I wanted to be able to do my best. So... although I detested it, I knew I had to get up and face the ningens as well as Kurama.
With a soft sigh, I sat up and yawned. Looking around the room, I was glad to see no sign of Kuwabara. Glancing out a nearby window, I assumed that it was about noon. Sliding out of bed, I changed into some clean black pants and a matching muscle shirt. Raking a hand through my hair I stepped outside and began to walk. I could always order room service, but without Kurama, I was clueless. I wasn't about to ask Kuwabara either. Suddenly, I paused. I could ask the girls... no, forget it. Why make a fool out of myself when breakfast was already being served in the dining hall? All I had to do was avoid everyone...
When I reached the large dining hall, my red eyes scanned the area. I saw no sign of Kurama or the others, so I made my way to a small table in the corner and sat down.
"Good morning Hiei-san, how may I help you?" A waitress asked as she approached me.
"I need something to eat," I answered tiredly.
"Anything in particular?" She questioned sweetly.
"The head of a demon, drenched in blood," I answered sarcastically.
"I don't think we have that sir. How about ham and eggs?" The waitress suggested with a smile. I thought for a moment while studying the waitress under my steady gaze.
"Close enough," I finally agreed. Bowing slightly, the waitress nodded and hurried away. I saw that there was sake on the table, but decided that it was too early to drink alcohol. I waited patiently until the girl returned with a steaming plate of food and a glass of water.
"Is this all right?" She questioned gently. Quietly, I looked at the plate. It held a mountain of scrambled eggs, three slices of ham, toast, and potato wedges. The smell wafted into my nostrils and made my mouth water.
"Hn," I answered.
"Good. Enjoy your meal Hiei-san!" She bade as she walked away. After the woman walked out of sight, I began to eat using a fork she had set on the table. The food was pretty good, and I ate it slowly to savor the taste. Kurama cooks better... I thought suddenly. I paused and set down my fork. Kurama was a really good cook... I shook my head to clear my mind. No- I couldn't think of him now. He had handed me over to the stupidest ningen on earth. I could not forgive him! Yet... I could not stay mad at Kurama for long. After all, he was the only friend I had. Well... I could always be angry with him for a little while. Yes, I would remain angry until he made it up to me, I decided. Without thinking of the kitsune again, I finished my meal. Getting up, I quickly left the room to go back to my quarters. About half way there though, I heard footsteps behind me. Without looking back, I quickened my pace... but so did the footsteps. I knew I was being followed. Gritting my teeth, I cursed myself for leaving my katana in my room. Suddenly, I reached a corner. I ran around it and flattened myself to the wall, expecting the person to take chase. But to my surprise, nothing happened. A minute went by, then five, then ten. Tired of waiting, I peeked around the corner. I was astonished to see Kurama leaning over the railing, the breeze fluttering through his hair and the sun shining on his face. I stared at him in awe, unsure of why he was there. Was he the one who had been following me? If it were he, I was sure I would've sensed his familiar ki. Reluctantly, I stepped out into plain sight and made my way towards him. "Nanda Kurama?" I questioned darkly. "Oh, Hiei! There you are," Kurama replied without answering my question. "Yes, what is it?" I repeated. "You missed coming to the dance hall last night," Kurama said quietly. "And?" I demanded sharply. "I missed you," Kurama replied quietly. "Hn."

"Hiei, I invited you for a reason," Kurama explained. "Yes, to amuse our fans," I spat angrily. "No! Iie Hiei! I invited you for myself. I wanted to spend time with my closest friend. You're the only youkai who I can truly trust Hiei- you know that! So please, would it kill you to relax for once? To actually have fun?" Kurama demanded as his voice began to rise. Feeling a vein pop beneath my black hair, I took my finger and placed it firmly in Kurama's chest. "I tried Kurama. I tried to act like a sweet little ningen and play along, but I'm not a ningen. I'm a demon Kurama. I will not embarrass myself for simple pleasures like you. If you want someone like that, find a new 'friend'. I used to think I could trust you. You understand my silent gestures better than anyone- but you crossed the line. Kurama, I'm not going to bend over backwards and kiss your ass just so I can make a fool of myself." And with that, I turned and walked away. Kurama never said a word. Calmly, I returned to my room. I opened the door and walked inside as if nothing were wrong, but as soon as the handle clicked behind me, I snapped. "Damn it! Damn it all!" I shouted. Fury welling up inside of me, I grabbed the nearest thing I could, which happened to be a lamp. I threw it with all my might at a wall, just as the door to the bathroom opened. A moment later, the lamp burst into sparks, leaving a crater beside Kuwabara's head. Standing in his boxers with a surprised and frightened expression, Kuwabara asked: "Uh... Hiei... what's wrong?" Still infuriated, I opened my Jagan eye and poured out dark energy from my body. Kuwabara's eyes widened as he took a step back. "If you don't want to talk about it, I understand! Really!" He said in a panicky voice. Suddenly, I got an idea. "Get dressed fool. You and I are going to spar," I announced. Kuwabara blinked and stared at me in disbelief. "But Hiei- "Don't just stand there. Get moving. I'm not in the mood for your idiotic excuses." All he did was nod.

* * * * *
Mercilessly, I beat Kuwabara with my bamboo stick. I usually wielded the practice sword when training someone, but I also used it when sparring. After all, killing Kuwabara would be such a giant loss... (Note the sarcasm). I enjoyed fighting Kuwabara. Every other second I heard my bamboo weapon "thwack" against Kuwabara's body as he winced in pain. We had begun to fight on the top deck of the ship where only a few people were lounging and there was a lot of open space. Kuwabara had his Spirit Sword out, but he was making poor use of it. The human couldn't take one step without me hitting him, but I did not let up. To erase Kurama from my mind, I had to channel all of my anger into fighting.
"Hiei, what's wrong? I've never seen you this pissed before!" Kuwabara exclaimed as he managed to dodge one of my blows.
"It's none of your concern. Are you going to fight me or just cower in fear? You're always saying how you would like to beat me up- well, here's your chance," I snapped. Kuwabara continued to wear the same lost, vacant expression. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Can you understand anything I say without having me spell it out for you? You always have that dumb expression on your face," I sighed.
"Hey! I am not dumb! I'm just worried about you, that's all. Jeez- can't you even accept the fact that people care about you? You're so cold hearted," He stated grumpily. When he said this, I thought of Kurama and my anger intensified. Without warning, I began to exert more of my energy to make my blows more painful. Kuwabara yelped and tried desperately to defend himself, but I knocked his Spirit Sword out of his hands. I stopped short of hitting him again and narrowed my eyes.
"You're a worthless fool that will never be my equal. Where is Yusuke?" I hissed.
"He's in the casino with Keiko," Kuwabara answered promptly, his body heaving as he got to his feet.
"Hn." With that, I turned and left Kuwabara, my body still hot from our 'battle'. A casino huh? That meant lots of people, and possibly Kurama. It wasn't worth it. Better to sulk in silence. Surely, if Kuwabara was dumb enough to ask me what was wrong, Yusuke would do the same. I didn't want to explain anything to anyone, so I continued walking till I reached my room. Going inside, I shut the door and locked it. I didn't care if Kuwabara wandered the halls- nothing was going to disturb me. Throwing myself onto my bed, I closed my eyes.
"Chikuso," I muttered. A few minutes later, I drifted off to sleep.