DISCLAIMER: We don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. Never did. Never Will. 'Nuff said.

Chapter 9. Finding the Kitsune

The rest of the hike was taken without another word. They soon found themselves walking in the park woods, or forest. They continued walking still. Then, Hiei suddenly stopped, and moved behind a tree surrounded by brush. He motioned for Mirae and Shadow to stop as well. They moved in behind him, and crouched partly, so as not to be seen by what ever it was that made Hiei stop.
"What is it Hiei?" asked Mirae.
She only got a quick and quiet "Shh." from the demon, then the sound of voices speaking nearby made it clear what Hiei was doing. He was listening. Shadow took off her hat so she could hear better.
"There, You have the item you wanted. Now what about-"
"All in good time. There's still another item I wish for you to get for me."
"But that wasn't the original agreement. You said that-"
"I Know what I said. And Now I'm saying that I'm not Done with you Yet."
The group listened intently, but none as intent as Mirae. Several feelings of familiarity and warning signals where going off in her head. Especially to the stronger voice which continued to interrupt the more submissive one. The submissive one was different yet Familiar. The more controlled one was darkly familiar. It left her feeling uneasy, but wasn't quite sure why. She shook off the feeling and continued listening.
"But What about-"

"She will be fine. As long as you cooperate. Now, I must do more research on the next item. It won't take long. I will return in three hours time. Be here, or, she will die."

The sound of someone leaving could be heard. The other figure sank to his knees. He then punched the ground and let out a cry of frustration. Hiei left the hiding place, and Mirae and Shadow followed. Shadow placed her hat back on her head as they walked. Pulling her hair through the back. In a few short steps they could see the back of the figure. He was about 20, maybe 30 ft away. The setting sun made his red hair look like more of a red orange. His pink school uniform looked more red than anything else. But right now, all they could see was his back. Hiei motioned for the Mercenary and the Ex-assassin to stay back, and he approached the figure, stopping about 7ft from him.
"Kurama."
Kurama turned his head to look at who spoke to him. Of course. It was Hiei. Hiei saw Kurama's green eyes where damp. Clearly he had been holding back tears. Something Bad must be afoot to get under Kurama's skin so badly.
"Hiei, What are- how long have you been here. Let me guess, long enough." said Kurama as he got to his feet and wiped his eyes.
Hiei also took another two steps forward.
"Yes, now tell me what is going on." This was not a request.
"Very well. The demon that left just now, you see, he has my mother. Captive."
Hiei's eyes widened, and Shadow and Mirae silently gasped. Yes, this did explain a lot. Why Kurama was stealing again, specifically, something apparently so valuable, that a couple of hired hands would be sent to look for it at all costs. It also explained why he didn't answer his com. The Demon probably had Kurama on a vow of silence, and was some how keeping a close eye on him. This was why no one had been able to get a hold of him till now. And it also explained why he didn't fight when the demon threatened him.
"Kurama…" Hiei trailed off, unable to think of anything to say that the Fox didn't already know. Also completely forget for a moment that he was not entirely alone with the fox.
Kurama then noticed the two shadows behind Hiei. But their distance and lack of light made it hard to see any of their features.
"Hiei, who is with you?"
Hiei turned to look at the two girls who now approached, having realized they had been noticed.
"They're a couple of hired hands. They were sent to hunt you down and retrieve the item you stole."
"Oh.." replied Kurama, rather casually. But not too casually as they were with Hiei, and judging by his tone, not entirely by choice. In other words, it was all his fault.
As the two girls came in to view, his eyes widened a bit at the sight of one of them. He was trying to suppress his surprise, but...
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you didn't recognize me, after how long it's been."
"No, Mirae, it's not that, I'm, going through a difficult time right now. You understand?"
Mirae nodded.
"Yes, believe me, I understand."
Kurama gave a faint smile.
"It is good to see you again. But I must ask, the last time you saw me, I was still Yoko. Yet you see me now and are not surprised. Tell me, how is it you recognized me in this form?"
Mirae looked back at him, her eyes seem to shine a different hue and the intimidating aura seems to erase, seeming to ease slightly and looks away somewhat inferiorly.
"In truth, I saw you three years ago.. About two years after I began to travel. I was lucky enough to pass by a demoness down on her luck, and she managed to project to me a vision of you, rather, a small clip of you fighting in the Dark Tournament. Literally, I haven't physically seen you in a long while, but when I saw you in that vision…it was easy to tell it was you. Hard to explain it, it just hit me and I knew for sure…" She raises her eyebrow a matter-of-factly and looks at him.
"So I see. Well, you never were one to be easily fooled."
Mirae was now glad to see that Kurama was now calming somewhat. She turned to Shadow.
"Well, the situation seems to have changed quite a bit. What should we do? Abandon the job?"
Shadow looked at her friend surprised. (Ok maybe more like are you nuts?)
"What? No way. Not that much has changed. The item has changed hands, therefore, so has our target." she walked a few feet from the group, her back to them, and crossed her arms. "Besides, I'm not about to walk away from a 30,000 dollar job." she turned her head back to look at them and grinned.
Kurama and Hiei sweat drop. The looks on their faces saying 'you have got to be kidding'. She was insisting they stick around for money?
"And besides.." She continued, now turning to fully face them. "We can't just leave and do nothing in a situation like this. It wouldn't be right to leave a friend in a situation like this. "
Mirae smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Agreed on both reasons." she turned to Kurama. "Besides, Kato would never forgive me if I didn't help you. Knowing what's going on."
Kurama smiled gratefully.
"Thank you. Your help is most appreciated."
Mirae turned to Kurama.
"Now, Kurama, what do you know about this demon?"
Kurama shook his head.
"Not much I'm afraid. But I know he's fast. Naturally when I found out what he had done, I attacked him. He dodged easily. He also has keen eyes. When I tried the death seed, he caught it"
"Hmm, another speedy one eh?" Mirae smirked slightly, a plan forming. "Tell me, was he not as fast, as fast as, or faster than Hiei here?"
"He was fast, but not as fast as Hiei," answered Kurama. Only now realizing that it was unusable for Hiei to travel with such company. At least, not without a fight. So how did..
"Hey Shadow, how would you like to learn that spell I used to trap Hiei?" Mirae asked turning to Shadow.
"Trap?" asked Kurama.
Shadow beamed. She had been wanting to learn that spell since the 'Incident.'
"Really? You'll teach me the acid spell? ALRIGHT!" she said with much enthusiasm.
"Acid mist? Hiei, they caught you?" Kurama asked now turning to Hiei rather surprised, but there was also a hint of amusement in the fox's voice. Hiei grimaced. Knowing that he would Never, like many other things, live this down.
"Mirae, what are you planning?" Hiei asked.

ShadowFox777: There you go, a new chapie. Alright you know the drill, 5 reviews gets an update in two days time at the latest bla bla bla. More review, faster updates. Ok see you next chapter. I hope you enjoyed.