Author's Note: Hi everyone! Well, this is the big fight. Thanks so, so much to everyone who reviewed. There's so many of you that I can't list you, but believe me, I would! I hope you've enjoyed the story so far. And, without further delay, the sixth chapter!

'Let's finish it.'

Kurama darted forward, mockery shining in his eyes. Hiei lunged, katana flashing. The fox easily side stepped, watching with satisfaction as the fire demon flew by. He wheeled around in time to duck Yusuke's fist.

'Is this it?' Kurama crowed. Yusuke drove forward again, but only connected with air.

Suddenly, Kurama's knee came up, hitting Yusuke in the jaw, hard. The detective sailed back, tumbling to the ground.

'Yusuke, don't be stupid! Use your Spirit Gun!' Hiei cried. Yusuke shook his head, saying no as well as clearing it.

'This is Kurama! I won't kill him!'

That snapped Hiei back. He's right, Hiei thought. We can't kill him. But even then, anger boiled beneath the surface.

But we can hurt him.

Hiei dashed forward, barely touching the ground. Kurama spun around, diving under the katana's sharp edge.

Only to meet Hiei's fist.

The fox was thrown back, much like Yusuke, but was able to keep his feet. Blood dripped from his lips as he steadied himself.

'See that, Kurama?' Kurama/Hitoro snarled. 'He hit you again!'

Give it a rest, Hitoro. You won't make me upset at them. They're my friends. I've already forgiven them for anything they will do.

'Insolent baka!' Kurama/Hitoro fumed. He jumped back, facing Yusuke head on. He lashed out with the dagger, scoring a hit on the Detective's arm. Yusuke kicked out, smashing his foot into Kurama's stomach. The fox rolled, leaping to his feet.

Hiei appeared next to Yusuke. The boy was breathing hard.

'Hiei,' he whispered urgently. 'Haven't you noticed?'

'Noticed what?' Hiei hissed back.

'Kurama's not using his Rose Whip. Why?'

Hiei hesitated. Now that he thought of it, there had been very little spiritual energy emanating from the fox.

The fire demon shook his head, confused.

But his train of thought was broken as Kurama suddenly came up beside him. He grasped Hiei around the neck, easily lifting the slight form off the ground. Yusuke cried out in surprise, but Kurama stopped him with a wave of his hand.

'Move at all and he dies,' he stated simply. Yusuke froze, brimming over with frustration.

Let him go, Hitoro! It's not worth it!

'Yes, it is,' Kurama/Hitoro replied. He tightened his grip on the fire demon's neck. 'I've waited so long for this. You won't ruin it now.'

Yes I will.

Suddenly, Kurama staggered. He fell to his knees, snarling.

'No!' he growled. 'No!'

His grip relaxed. Hiei jerked away, rubbing his neck as he gasped for air.

'Kurama?' he said. Yusuke gasped.

A look of contentment spread across the fox's face. He gazed over at his friends, smiling as tears coursed down his face.

'I'm sorry,' he said. 'I wasn't able to-to stop him before he hurt you.' His gaze settled on Hiei's stomach. 'I thought you were dead,' he continued. 'I'm so happy you're all right.'

Kurama abruptly stiffened as Hitoro tried to retake control. The fox growled, baring his teeth in a defiant snarl.

'Leave my friends alone! If you go near any of them, I swear I'll find a way to kill you, even if it means killing myself!' He repeated the promise he had made the days before.

He brought up the rose hilted dagger. Hiei realized what he was going to do, but it was too late.

With a final smile, Kurama plunged the dagger into his stomach. He doubled over in pain, but the smile never faded. He fell backwards, hitting the ground with a soft thud.

Yusuke and Hiei rushed over to Kurama. The fire demon fell to his knees next to the fox, pulling him into his lap.

'Kurama, why?' Hiei asked. 'What just happened?'

Kurama's green eyes fluttered open. He smiled weakly, gazing up at his friends.

'Th-that day in the factory,' he said. 'Hit-Hitoro possessed me. He wanted to- to kill you.' He drew a shuddering breath. 'I wasn't able to st-stop him.'

Hiei's tears spilled over, clattering to the ground as black gems. Yusuke, too, was crying.

'I-I knew that he would use my rose, s-so I withheld by spiritual pow-power. I managed to regain con-control, but he would take it back.' Kurama's eyes closed. 'Th-this was the only way.'

'Oh, Kurama,' Hiei said. 'I'm so sorry! If I'd noticed sooner, I could have-'

'No,' Kurama interrupted. 'It's not your fault. It's mine.'

'Don't give up, Kurama,' Yusuke demanded. 'Genkai can help you! We'll get you healed, we will!'

But Kurama didn't answer. His eyes were closed, his breathing very shallow. A calm peace settled on his tired features.

But Yusuke refused to give up. 'Come on,' he said, slinging Kurama over his shoulder. 'We've got to get him help!'

Hiei nodded, still crying freely. His heart broke every time he looked at the dying Kurama. Quickly, he and Yusuke ran full-tilt toward Genkai's temple.

Kurama had sacrificed his life to stop Hitoro.

Were they too late?

Too be continued…

Author's Note: How'd you like that? It's so sad. I feel sad just writing it. Poor Kurama. Poor Hiei. Poor Yusuke. Review Please. Until Next Time!