A/N: Yeah, so it's been HOW LONG since I've updatded? Ok, so shoot me. I've got a problem with updating. What ever. This chapter's been written for over a month, but this is the first chance I've had to type it. There's one, maybe two chapters left after this. Maybe a sequel. I'll leave it open for one anyways.

Enough of my yappying, here's the story.

Chapter 6: Stubborn as Death

And so Hiei and Kurama set off to the home of the late Tom Riddle bright and early the next morning, leaving behind a very miffed Kuwabarra. The stubborn man had tried to go with them, and in the end Yusuke had to knock him out to keep him from following. Kuwabarra wasn't the only one to offer assistance- half the Order was clamoring to help out. The pair had insistantly refused, and it was only with Dumbledore's intervention that they were able to leave the address and directions to Riddle's abode.

However, after well over a hour of aimless wandering through the backstreets of London, it became apparent to Kuramam that they were hopelessly lost.

"I don't get it," he mutter distractedly. "We followed the directions exactly. Now where the hell is Mayberry Street?"

Hiei wasn't paying attention to the distraught kitsune. Instead, he was watching a group of three boys near by who appeared to be playing jenken (rock, paper, scissors). Two of the boys played rock, while the third played scissors. The two who won grinned.

"Ya lost! Ya lost! Now yous gots ta go inda hause on Mayberry Street!" They chanted.

The one who lost was close to tears. "But I don' wannna!"

"But'cha gotta, Pete!"

Pete stared at his shoes. Hiei glanced at Kurama, who was still deep in thought, and then went over to the boys. The two who had won were now chanting "Sissy! Sissy!"

"Don't tease him," growled Hiei. The three looked stratled at his sudden appearance. One of them stepped forward and said defiant;y, "Who are you? Ya big meanie! Can't tell me what ta do!"

"My name," Hiei responded curtly. "Is Hiei. And who exactly are you?"

The one who stepped forward said, "Steve." which was followed by a "Billy" and an "'m Pete."

Billy stared at Hiei with intrest. "How old are you? You talk like my mommy does, but'cha look like you're five or six like us."

"Hn. I'm small for my age. Where is this haunted house you speak of?"

Steve grinned eviliy and whisper something to Billy, who said aloud, "Yah! Hee-ay can go wiv Pete to da house! BYE!" and then they left. Hiei guided Pete to where Kurama was mutter to himself.

"Fox," Hiei said coldly.

mumble mumble no response.

"Baka kistune."

mumble mumble

"Kurama?"

mumble

"SHUICHI!"

Now that got his attention. He whipped around to find Hiei standing with a very confused little boy.

"Wha...?"

"Kurama, this is Pete. He knows where the house is, so it looks like we're baby sitting again."

Pete tugged lightly on Kurama's coat and said, "Are you a friend of Mr. Hee-ay?"

Kurama nodded, laughing at the horrible mispronunciation of Hiei's name. "I am. My name is Kurama, but you can call me... Fox."

Hiei's jaw dropped.

"Ok, Mr. Fox. I'll take you to do haunted house."

Pete led them down one of the many unnamed streets, talking the whole time.

"People don't live down here no more 'cause of da ghosts. My friend Tim lived here for a while, but he moved away. We used ta cath froggers together. Did you catch froggers, Mr. Fox?"

"Yes, when I was your age."

"Wowwy! Dat musta been a gazillion years ago!"

"Not as long as you think."

"Did you, Mr. Hee-ay?"

"Did I what."

"Catch froggers."

"...hn."

"He don't talk much, does he Mr. Fox?"

"No, he doesn't."

"We're here!" Pete pointed at the well kept house in front of them. It was twice the size of any other house on the street and was in pristine condition, while its neighbors had begun to fall in disrepair from years of neglect.

"Uh...I gots ta go... Bye bye Mr. Hee-ay and Mr. Fox!" and with that, Pete took off.

"Nice kid," Kurama said, watching Pete run away.

"I agree, Mr. Fox. Might we go inside?"

Kurama blushed and nodded. Hiei stepped forward and slowly pushed open the unlocked door.

The door led into a small entrance hall. And in the entrance hall stood a solitary ghost.

"Nee-chan," Hiei whispered. "Yukina..."

Yukina smiled, "You came. I'm so happy. How are Kazuma and the others?"

"They're doing ok. I finally told the baka of your relationship to me, Nee-chan."

"Good. Riddle is up the stairs, first room on the left."

"Arigatou."

As they headed up the staircase, Yukina whispered, "Be careful..."

The first room did contain Riddle. He was an elderly man, seated at his desk. He did not notice the pair as they entered, and Kurama spoke first.

"Mr. Riddle?"

The man jumped a foot in the air and hissed, "One's of the living, what are you doing here?"

"We have come for your son's wand. We want to return to the living," Kurama responded calmly.

The ghost's eyes widened and he yelled, "Never! You will NOT take my supply of souls from me!"

"Supply of souls...?"

"Yes! In order to retain exsistance, I need to devour the souls of the dead or of the living. And you, red haired one, look particularly tasty..." Riddle moved forward and placed a hand on Kurama's face. Kurama froze, his eyes wide with fear, and his body began to glow. He screamed as his soul was slowly torn from his body.

Hiei yelled, "No!" and stepped forward.

"No? I think not."

"Please.. I beg of you. Leave him alone. In exchange, I shall let you have my soul."

The ghost thought about it and then grinned, jerking his hand away from Kurama, who promptly collapsed.

"I accept."

To be continued....

A/N: Ain't I evil? Nice little cliffy there for ya. Not to worry. I'll update soon, I PROMISE.