Hiei stalked down the hallways of the Bureau of the Dead. Kurama walked after him, not saying a word. The seal on his Jagan must be taxing indeed if he didn't flit to avoid him and the words the little demon must know would be said.

The small demon suddenly stopped and Kurama paused behind him, eyes regarding him closely.

"Follow me." Hiei said.

"Where?" Kurama asked, knowing he would receive no answer.

Hiei walked out the gates of the castle and stood on the brink of the Spirit World, eyes gazing out into the distance.

Kurama followed his gaze. What was the little demon thinking? Kurama sighed. He should have called his mother before he

followed Hiei through the portal. He had let his suprise get the better of his sense. That was about to happen for the second time in less than a day.

"Fox." Hiei said. "I will agree to the contract."

"What?" Kurma gasped.

Hiei laughed. "You sound surprised, but it won't be that simple." He suddenly turned to the human form of Youko Kurama.
"First remove this seal."

Kurama blinked. "Surely Koenma will....after the contract is signed."

"Do you think so?" Hiei said and laughed. He began to walk away.

"Hiei, wait."

"Koenma will not remove the seal. He never would have gotten the seal on had I been conscious. I....will not be able to watch my enemies if my Jagan is useless."

Kurama smiled slowly. That was a complete lie. "You are worried for Yukina."

Hiei didn't answer. He waited with his huge, almond eyes gazing calmly at Kurama.

Kurama sighed and reached out tentitively, until his palm hovered right above the seal. Hiei grunted and Kurama quickly removed his hand, shaking fingers that had gone suddenly numb. "It is a strong seal."

"Then your reputation was a lie, Youko Kurama? It was said you could break any seal."

"Youko Kurama does not stand before you, does he, Hiei?" Kurama snapped and Hiei's eyes went wide, then narrowed with dark amusement.

"I suppose not." he said and began to walk away. "You say I am worried for Yukina. Maybe that is true, but you, theif, have your own worries, do you not? The lesser demons witnessed your escapes with the Spirit Detective and your fight with me. Do you not think they will tell those with large enough brains to realize just who you really are? Then, human, who will protect your mortal mother if you are not there."

Kurama glared at the fire demon.

'A miracle!' the doctors had exclaimed. Miracle indeed, there were no such things.

"Very well." Kurama said, "But it will not be simple."

"Hn."

....to be continued....