FIK: HII!!! Thanks for all the reviews once again, I'm loving the praise and the (ahem) constructive critism, but yeah!!! Okay, I know some of you are like: why did they fight? and I'm like: uh... 'cause I wanted them to. But the truth is, is that there needed to be a stress relief somewhere in this story, and I didn't know how and then I thought: fight, anger, rage and WHAM!! Out pops chapter five, which I should have called: Demon Rage. Oh... well...?

Hiei: You still speak to much.

FIK: So? You speak too little, so there! (sticks out tongue)

Hiei: Hn...

FIK: Okay, one last comment: this chapter is (finally) gonna add some (wiggles eyebrows) fluff to the story. (everyone thinks: about time...) Hehe. Just you wait until chapter 7 and 8, oh so much fun!!

Disclaimer: Hi ho hi ho, none of it is mine! Hi ho hi ho hi ho hi ho, Hi Ho Hi Ho Hi Ho.......

Chapter Six

Last time:

"Because you'll kill yourself if you kill me." At his blank look she explained,

"The bonds remember? Your life is mine as mine is yours. One dies, so will the other. Completely equal. So, sorry, Hiei, but you can't kill me without doing the same to yourself. If you're ready to die, then..."

She tilted her head to the side, allowing him complete access to her open throat.

"... Go right ahead."

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Reikai Tantai, with the exclusion of two ice youkai and two human females, were hurriedly making their way to the portal connecting Reikai with Ningenkai. Kurama led the way, Shizuru deftly keeping up with him, with Yusuke and Touya following; Yukina and Keiko were securely hanging onto their backs.

In little time, they came upon the forest clearing where the hidden portal was hanging enigmatically in the air, yellow and jade lights emitting from its depths.

And standing in front of it was none other than Genkai.

Kurama slid to a halt, catching Shizuru who had been tailing him closely. The others also stopped quickly, somehow managing not to collide with their guides.

"Grandma, can you move it?! We have to-"

"-I know that, stupid. And you're not going to."

Six stunned stares followed her answer. Yusuke set Keiko down lightly, Touya following suit with Yukina.

"What do you mean we're not gonna?! Of course we are! We need to get to Botan before she gets herself killed!"

Genkai merely scowled, clasping her hands behind her back in a fashion she took when she was ready to act as 'Master' over her 'Dimwit.'

"Urameshi, I suggest you shut up and listen to me. Koenma and I agree that no one is to interfere with what is going on in Makai. None of you are allowed to intervene; not even if they are in danger. Do I make myself clear, Yusuke?"

Yusuke swallowed, clearly annoyed, but not about to argue with his mentor, or a.k.a. Grandma. From his silence, Genkai knew that he understood. Yukina, however, was still wholly anxious.

"But, Genkai-sama, why can't we help them? They may need our assistance in getting out of Makai... alive."

"I know you are concerned for your brother's and Botan's safety, but trust me when I say that they are perfectly capable of handling themselves. Hiei is no novice when it comes to fighting for his life, and knows Makai better than anyone here."

"What about Botan?" Keiko asked quietly.

Genkai smirked a bit, "She can handle herself. I made sure of that."

Kurama frowned at this, bewildered by what she meant by that.

"Did you know Botan was going to Makai, Master Genkai?"

"Hai. Botan came to me before she left to retrieve her weapons. Unfortunately, she forgot to take her furisogata with her, but at least she is armed."

Nearly everyone's mouth fell open at this, eyes bugging out comically.

"Botan has a weapon!?! I never knew she could handle anything but a baseball bat and that oar thing she uses." Yusuke exclaimed aloud.

"You don't know a lot of things about her. For one thing, Botan is completely trained to defend herself in both kempo and kendo."

"Y-You're joking." Yusuke stammered.

Genkai just smirked, closing the portal and leaving six dumbfounded teens behind her.

"I can't move, can you?" Botan said tiredly.

"Hn."

Botan frowned at Hiei's lack of response, but wearily let it slide by. Indeed, neither of them could move, due to the fact that their bodies simply wouldn't allow them to use any more energy. They'd made it to a small cave before they had simply collapsed next to one another and found out that they were now paralyzed, for the time being anyways. Oddly enough, both of them had little frustration about this, exhausted enough physically and mentally so that any feelings towards one another, for the moment, were lenient.

Botan tried shifting herself into a more comfortable position, but only succeeded in landing her head on Hiei's arm once again.

"Dame de, onna."

"Humph! I'm just trying to get more situated, so stop nagging me."

Hiei snorted, continuing to stare outwards, watching as another storm began to brew overhead.

"I don't nag."

Botan rolled her eyes, ignoring him for the time being. At least he wasn't in a demon rage anymore, not like earlier. And he was talking to her, so that was a plus. It had been so strange; feeling so much anger and lack of control. She'd never known what being 'unrestrained' had felt like, let alone in a 'demonic rage.' Thanks to her new 'abilities' she had experienced the more feral aspect of having demon attributes within her.

Glancing at the, again motionless, koorime besides her, she studied his face inquisitively, wondering what was hidden beneath the infinity of layers he seemed to have. Much more than he would ever show, that was for certain. But somewhere, under all the cool, calculated actions, was a demon that felt something for others, taking note of their sentiments and inquiring about the welfare of the ones he cared for....

.... She tilted her head to the side, allowing him complete access to her open throat.

"... Go right ahead."

Time had froze then, collapsing inwards in a spiraling circle of destiny and anticipation, focusing solely on the deadlock individuals stationary in the depths of a shadowy, corroded woodland.

His face had been contorted, stuck somewhere between a fevered desire for her spilled blood, and a dazed grasp on the severe tie he had with the one daring him to dispose of her. Botan said nothing, waiting for him to do what his inner demon begged him to fulfill. The clawed hand hovering above her neck shook, tensing as something began to happen. Hiei half growled, gradually forcing his hand away, trembling with the effort it took. Grasping the sides of his head, his eyes shut compulsorily; his breathe heaved with shuddering gulps.

"No." His voice was jagged, carrying an animalistic tone she'd never heard before. It rumbled through her, sending shivers down her spine.

"I shall... not... succumb... to your... will..." He snarled.

Botan was half petrified, the incessant thunder of growls pulsating with each breath he took racing into her as he fought. He was fighting himself, something he'd seldom had to do. His mind was staggering back and forth, his primitive nature fighting for supremacy, desiring death, while his collected side demanded that he stopped now or face the penalty for surrendering to his blood thirst.

In a sudden burst of willpower, Hiei drowned out the beast, eyes becoming crimson once more when they opened, the black etches faded from their irises. It was then that Botan had looked at him, their intense gazes locking in silent combat, hesitant and inquisitive. He looked distraught almost, as if he was mortified by his actions. Botan raised up onto her elbows, swiping away a stray strand of hair, her face covered in old blood and dirt.

"H-Hiei?" She whispered carefully, watching for any signs that his blood lust was still in affect. He remained impassive, head held between bloodstained claws, gripping tightly to his midnight hair. Sighing, she called his name for a second time, successfully catching his attention. His questioningly stare assured her that he did not want to harm her anymore, but she remained wary just the same.

"Could you... umm... get off me, onegai?" She said, blushing slightly.

Hiei's eyes widened as he realized exactly what position they were presently in. Botan was pinned firmly beneath him, his hips straddling hers in a way that looked suggestive to any one else, but completely awkward, not to mention just plain unnerving, to them; why were they still like that anyways?

He jumped, literally, off her, face rigid and somewhat red. Botan raised herself slowly off the ground, groaning as numerous cuts and pains made their existence known to her. Her swords appeared suddenly in front of her, held out to her by Hiei as he looked resolutely away from her. She grinned faintly, taking them and sliding each securely into a sheath she had incase she lost her jacket. Spotting it a few feet away, she grabbed it, pulling it around her shoulders. Turning back, Hiei was waiting irritably for her to finish, arms crossed in a stubborn fashion across his chest. Without a word, he started striding out of the clearing.

Botan stood surprised for a second. He hadn't said she couldn't follow him, so shrugging, she hurriedly ran after his rapidly disappearing figure....

This brought her back to where they were now, paralyzed and stuck in a cave until they were able to move again. Yawning, Botan closed her eyes, promptly drifting into a profound, dreamless slumber.

Hiei waited until Botan was asleep, her breathing slowing and becoming calm. His thoughts wandered to their earlier encounter with one another, now able to recall exactly what had happened without the interference of his primitive nature. What had happened then? Never in his lifetime had he gotten so passionately into a fight such as today; even to a point where his blood lust had taken over without a second thought. This girl... this woman.... a deity no less... had riled him, infuriating him to no end, but at the same time, giving him immeasurable concern and kindness.

Glancing at her sleeping face, he was again taken aback at the purity she held, the serenity of her aura. She looked content; a sweet smile hovering on the ends of her lips. Her scent engulfed him, waves of ease soothing his troubled spirit. Shifting, he lifted himself so that his back rested on the caves wall, unwarily bringing the shivering girl up with him. Settling her between his legs so that her head laid on his chest, his drowsy mind gazed down on at her peaceful face for a moment, and then he too, dropped into a dead slumber, all energy now extinguished.

The sky groaned, purple and gray smattered storm clouds racing across the night sky, bringing torrents of refreshing rain, quenching the dried woodlands yearning after so long. The same downpour, as would someone wiping a slate clean, washed away the remnants of battles and death, turning what was considered a hateful black area into something unsoiled; something to grow and develop anew, a little bud of brilliance for the blood-soaked arena of tragedy. It seemed that even the Heaven wished to wash away it's past, taking its mistakes and furious struggles with it. As the rain poured, two sleeping forms curled closer to one another, for warmth, for support... for acceptance.

Nature, mysterious and unexplainable, was meant to be forgiven, as seen in a small little cave holding two worn out, oblivious souls.

Dawn came unnoticed, peeking her delicate beams of warmth and sighing light onto the silent realms of Makai. Stray shafts of brightness made miniature rainbows from dewdrops, only to intertwine with one another in sparks of reds and greens and blues. Daylight's radiance danced off sparkling young streams that were borne to life during the night, lazily spreading their limbs out, stretching for a mother river to join with. As the air breathed in the strange freshness forgotten for so long, a single creature awoke with it, though his sleep-muddled mind believed he was still dreaming.

Hiei came back into consciousness without knowing it, too warm and relaxed to do anything but stay where he was. His left hand twiddled languidly with a strand of hair, not his own, but one belonging to the girl lying asleep between his legs. One of his arms was wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her securely against him. His other arm, the one playing unwittingly with an azure tress, was hooked around her shoulders, holding her so that his chin rested on the nape of her neck.

He gazed, half-asleep and vaguely, down at the sleeping girl in his grasps, running a hand tenderly through her silky mane of downy blue. He smiled, just slightly and no more, at her softly slumbering face, contemplating wearily if she knew how angelic she looked when sleeping. He rested his head once more on the nape of her neck, dreamily watching her breath. She looked so petite, so delicate, so... enticing. He was in just the right place to kiss her, her creamy cheek so close to his craving mouth. Gently, he leaned around, touching his lips carefully to her soft cheek, taking a moment to savor the taste of her skin, and then pulled back quickly. Suddenly more awake, he sat.

Stunned.

"What am I doing?" He muttered, looking down at Botan again, but with detestation. She shifted in her sleep, hair sweeping over his face. His dislike vanished, a tiny amount of consent registering in his chest. For a moment, he just looked at her, his mind bleary and thoughts still not clear of what had happening. Botan murmured a soft sigh, nuzzling her face into his chest. Hiei couldn't help but smile, not a lot, but it was a smile.

Botan grinned to herself, trying to keep her breathing and heart beat the slow. She had felt him playing with her hair, but had been staggered when he had kissed her cheek, his warm breath on her face. She shivered, taking pleasure in the way she felt against him. Nestling her head into his chest she thought, 'Why don't I push him away? Why not shove him? He is just toying with me, after all, so why let him enjoy his games?' Somewhere inside her, she wished that Hiei was someone else, someone who cared for her and liked to be with her. If only.... no.... she wasn't going there. Not now... not here... not with him.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes, staying still in Hiei's unplanned embrace. She didn't remember going to sleep like this, but she waved it aside for the moment.

"Good morning, Hiei." She murmured.

He started, hurriedly pulling his face away from hers, his arms leaving from their comfortable position around her. Botan giggled, watching his face heat up and eyes shifting determinedly away from hers.

"Hn. Whatever, onna."

Botan poked him playfully, watching as smoldering red eyes came back to meet hers. They stared at one another for a minute; Botan burst out laughing seconds later. Hiei frowned, observing the fits of mirth overwhelming the spontaneous girl in his lap.

"What's so funny, girl?" He scowled, almond shaped eyes narrowing.

Amethyst pools filled with tears of merriment met his, only to be sent back into frenzies of jovial giggling.

"Oh, Hiei, you have n-no idea how c-cute you look when you're b-blushing!" Botan exclaimed, finally starting to calm a bit. Hiei flushed again, but Botan held her tongue, noticing the building irritation in the koorime's aura.

"Hn. I care not how I look."

"Yeah, I know." Botan said joyfully.

Hiei just 'Hned' again, standing up abruptly, pulling her with him. Releasing her, he strode to the entrance of the cave, glancing over his shoulder when she didn't move.

"Are you coming or shall I leave you here?"

Botan grinned, jogging up along side him.

"We're going back?"

Hiei didn't respond, just tilted his head as if to say, 'Do I really have to answer that?' Then started walking again, Botan happily following along besides him.

"Arigatou, Hiei-sama."

Nodding, Hiei picked her up abruptly, a squeal of surprise escaping Botan's lips.

"What are you doing?!?" She cried.

Hiei smirked at her, "Too slow." And then shot off, Botan clutched firmly in his arms.

Vixen's G-Den

FIK: So, there ya go. A whole nuther chappie and packed with, suspense, drama, fluffyness and some cute little addons I couldn't help but put in. NEED REVIEWS OR WILL DIE!! AHH!!!!

Hiei: Shut up.

FIK: Umm.... No.

REVIEW ONEGAI, ONEGAI!!!