Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry I haven't updated for so long. We've been having thunderstorms every night all week, and the lightening has kept me off the computer. Ok, I want to get something perfectly clear. Hiei and Kurama are JUST FRIENDS. There are NO other feelings between them. Hiei is just concerned for his best friend. Wouldn't you be? All right, on with the story!
The factory looked much the same as before. Dark, damp, and deserted, it stood like a symbol of doom, with only small streams of the setting's sun light penetrating the grimy, boarded windows. Hiei and Yusuke approached cautiously, straining to hear even the faintest noise. The door was off its hinges, standing ajar just wide enough for the two friends to creep through.
At first, the building seemed empty. Slowly, as their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they saw that they were not alone.
Hiei darted forward. There, leaning against the wall, was Hitoro's slim form. The assassin's eyes were closed and he was breathing very shallowly. Indeed, he would have seemed dead to anyone but Hiei. The fire demon could sense that Hitoro's soul really was trapped.
Idiot fox, Hiei thought. This wasn't worth your pain. The fire demon drew his katana, prepared to kill Hitoro. His sword was raised, ready to strike.
'I wouldn't do that, if I were you.'
Hiei whipped around. Someone had crept up behind Yusuke and was even now strangling him. The detective struggled violently, managing to loosen his captor's grip, but was unable to escape.
'Kill my servant and he dies,' the enemy said. He stepped forward, his face revealed.
It was Kuronue.
'You!' Hiei snarled. 'You're supposed to be dead!' Kuronue laughed quietly.
'Yes, I'm supposed to,' he replied, 'but I'm not. No, I lived, despite my friend Kurama's beliefs. I lived, and I watched.' He tightened his grip on Yusuke's throat. 'And now I get my revenge on you, idiot detective.'
Hiei hesitated, utterly bewildered. He couldn't move because of Kuronue's threat, but he could distract him for a little longer.
'Why do you want revenge on Yusuke?' Hiei asked. He lowered his katana a fraction. 'You've never even met him before.'
'Didn't you here me?' Kuronue asked carelessly. 'I watched. Oh yes,' he continued, turning his attention to Yusuke. 'I've been following Kurama's progress as a human. Suichi, isn't that his new name? Well, it seemed to be going well. His mother was sick, his father was gone, and his power had returned. Once his mother died, he would become a demon, return to the Makai, and then he and I would continue thieving like we used to.'
Kuronue's eyes suddenly flashed in anger. 'But then you came along, Urameshi. You ruined everything. By giving Kurama the Forlorn Hope you gave him an excuse to stay a human. By saving his mother, you made sure he would never return to the Makai! And then you pushed it even further. You just wouldn't leave him alone, would you? No. Instead, you made him part of your team, convincing him that he should be helping humans!'
Kuronue's voice had risen steadily during his monologue. Hiei lowered his katana fully, realizing that the crow demon had forgotten he was there. He inched forward, agonizingly slow.
'Kurama doesn't even know I'm alive! Why? Because you, Urameshi, you have him so wrapped up in this Spirit World business that my best friend doesn't even remember me!' He paused, calming a little. Hiei froze. 'But it's too late now. By resurrecting Hitoro, I was able to exact my revenge on the infamous Spirit Detective.'
'But y-you're kil-killing Kurama!' Yusuke managed to choke out. Kuronue's attention was once again zeroed in on Yusuke. Hiei inched forward some more.
'Kurama's too far gone,' Kuronue snarled. 'He's better off dead.'
Hiei saw his chance. He raced forward, katana extended. The deadly edge of the blade bit into Kuronue's side. Blood welled from the wound.
With a cry, Kuronue dropped Yusuke. The detective balled his fist and slammed it into the crow demon's jaw. He fell backward, Hiei instantly on top, his katana pressing against Kuronue's throat.
'Now,' Hiei snarled. 'You will surrender. We will kill Hitoro, and you will be turned in to Koenma. All right?'
Kuronue smirked in defiance. 'No,' he stated. 'Do what you wish, but I will not surrender.' He leaned forward, smiling as the katana's edge just barely nicked him. 'Kill me.'
'I will.' Hiei tightened the grip on his sword.
'Freeze.' A new voice rang through the air, steely and smooth as oiled glass. Hiei looked behind him, giving Kuronue the opportunity he had been waiting for. The crow demon punched Hiei hard, knocking the fire demon off his chest. Kuronue stood up, smirking as Hiei scrambled to his feet.
Hitoro came walking towards them, black hair flowing softly. He stopped, standing with the balanced ease of a fighter.
'So,' he smirked, 'been having fun without me?'
'Ah, Hitoro,' Kuronue greeted. 'Am I right in assuming my old friend Kurama has passed on?'
'Honestly, I am not certain,' Hitoro replied. He flicked contemptuously at some dirt on his black trench coat. 'I managed to break free and return, so I am guessing it killed him. He was near death when I left him.'
'That is good,' Kuronue said. 'I do not care if he dies or not.' He motioned toward Yusuke and Hiei as if they were mere objects. 'My real prey is here.'
Hiei shook with cold fury; he was sick of Hitoro.
'I'm going to kill you,' he hissed. Hitoro turned to Hiei, amusement dancing in his eyes. 'I'll kill you for everything you've done.'
'Oh, will you now?' Hitoro jeered. Yusuke stepped toward Kuronue, prepared to fight.
'Let's finish it, then!' the detective cried. Hiei darted toward Hitoro, who seemed more than ready to fight. Yusuke and Kuronue faced off.
All four knew the same thing. Only one side would walk away this time. Detective or demon, friend or foe, good or evil.
Who would win?
To be continued…
Author's Note: Well, I hope you enjoyed that! This next chapter will be the final battle. Who will win? Will Kuronue exact his revenge? Is Kurama still alive? These questions will be answered next time! Please, please review! See ya soon!