"Youko, I'm scared."
Youko quickly glanced down at the small child before returning his gaze to the set of demons advancing on them. He reached out to his plants scattered over the ground and sent his youki into them. His eyes narrowed seconds before the plants sprang to life and began devouring the demons.
"They're getting away!" Rumie exclaimed.
Youko followed his gaze to the five demons fleeing through the forest. He shook his head and reached down. He caught Rumie around the waist and placed him on his hip.
"No, they aren't," he vowed.
Kurama paused, a strange whirring sound filling his ears. He jerked back, relying on instinct. A large beast leapt out of the trees beside him and lunged. Kurama's Rose Whip tore through the air and struck the beast as its claw swept out, catching the front of Kurama's chest. The beast collapsed, its claws on scraping his chest instead of ripping through it.
He stumbled backward, allowing the rose to reform before slipping into into his hair. He pressed a hand to his chest and felt the blood seeping through his shirt. Kurama glanced down, wincing slightly
"Getting careless, fox?"
Kurama glanced back as Hiei dropped from the tree above him. "I thought you were following your own trail?"
"I sensed the rise in your youki."
"And didn't want to miss out on a fight?"
"Hn."
"Are you coming with me to Youko's den?"
"Someone has to babysit you," Hiei replied and started walking.
They had only gotten a few feet before Hiei "hn'ed" again. Kurama glanced sideways at Hiei, that he appeared irritated. Hiei glared at the space before him as he walked, appearing to barely notice Kurama's presence. He was frowning slightly with the jagan's purple glow forcing through the white bandanna.
"What is it, Hiei?" Kurama asked quietly.
"We're not alone. Someone's following us."
Kurama's eyes widened as he raised his gaze from his friend. Why couldn't he sense anyone? He concentrated but still couldn't detect another's presence.
"Where are they, Hiei?"
"Behind us, about ten feet. There are five of them." Hiei stopped abruptly and turned around.
"Come out, you cowards. We know you're there."
The five demons crept into open view and spread out, seeking to surround them. Hiei drew his sword, his narrowed crimson eyes watching the demons intently. Kurama drew his rose and transformed it into his Rose Whip.
"What do you want that's important enough to seek your deaths?" Hiei asked, his hand tightening around the sword's hilt.
"They thought to escape me," came a soft voice from their right.
"Youko," Kurama said, nodding to his other half as he and Rumie stepped into view.
"We've had several attacks, and these five thought to flee," Youko explained, his golden eyes dark with silent fury.
"Master Youko, we didn't know it was you!" one of the demons exclaimed.
"I suggest that you answer my question, then. I may let you live," Youko said, moving closer.
"I want the locations of all the Slaver camps, and I want to know why you're so intent on taking this child."
"We let him get away. The boss doesn't like unfinished business," the horned demon explained.
"Where are his parents?" Kurama asked, drawing the demon's attention.
"Gone. They were sent to Camp Seven."
"The locations?" Youko reminded the demon.
The demons named twelve camps and fled. Youko glanced down at Rumie. "We'll find your parents." Rumie nodded and wrapped his arms around Youko's leg.
"You two take care of the closer camps. I'll find his parents."
"Have it your way," Hiei said and darted off. Kurama shook his head and hurried to follow him.