Enemies from the start, lovers until the end

Well, here I am, updating again. Sorrythat it took so long, counting that I went to camp. For all you lawyers out there, don't you DARE think about suing me, I am saying right here, right now, that Yuu Yuu Hakusho does not belong to me in any way, shape or form.

Warning: Yaoi here, yes…. YAOI Now please, if you happen to be a hater, don't waster your time in reading, and/or flaming the story. I highly respect your view on the relationships of certain characters, and I am asking you kindly, to please respect mine. Angst, being angst, is here as well, and although I know most people aren't bothered by it, you shouldn't read if you don't like it.

To my reviewers:

Lol

I can relate to you on getting bored waiting for an update. That happens to me a lot, and therefore, I always try and get my updates up as fast as possible. As for your question, I guess I can tell you Hiei will find out a little more about Kurama in this chapter. Not everything, mind you. Thanks for reviewing!

HieiAndSess'sBabyGirl

I appreciate your advice, and definitely, I don't mind what you're saying, it's honesty about what's actually wrong with what I'm doing, not a flame saying my story's a piece of shit because it's yaoi. I see the sentence thing you're getting at, my friend, who also happens to be a writer, says I use too many commas and not enough periods. Translation, my sentences DO drag on too much. It's a really bad habit I'm trying to correct. My wording…. Well yes, I do agree I use rather strange wording at times, which is another thing I must go fix. I thank you greatly for the advice, and taking what you said into mind, I will try to improve my writing as best as I can.

Evene

Thanks for reviewing again! I do want to do a festival, but I'm not sure if I fit it in well. Cotton candy, sounds like a funny, bit bad idea at the same time. Why? Let's just say Hiei plus a boatload of sugar usually doesn't produce good results, although it's quite an amusing one. It sounds cool that you get to live where there are stars, nut the airport thing sounds extremely annoying.

Anna

Thank you for you three kind reviews, I'm glad that you like it so much.

Kuranga108

Yeah, it is. Hiei isn't very good at being nice a lot, is he? Yes, he is getting somewhere with Kurama. His previous trembles have been replaced with words. I hate grammar… that is why I'll have to read this chapter over three times before I post it. Usually the one time isn't good enough for me, and although I use proper grammar in speech, I still suck at it when it comes to writing. Stupid English language, too many rules and exceptions to follow. Thanks for your consistent reviews!

Iggy - illmatiq shorty

Hmm, glad you like it! As for Kurama ticking you off, I think he is for everyone. Thanks for reviewing!

Shiorifoxiesmom

Yay! I'm so glad that you like it!Well, there wasn't a computer where I was, although I was practically being taunted because all the counselors had laptops x.x I really can't live without my compy too long, can I? Thank you so much for reviewing.

Chapter eight

Hiei wandered through the forest, searching through the tress, livid as of now. Where had Kurama gone? He'd been just a few feet away ten minutes ago and now Hiei could find no trace of him. Hiei had already gone back to Kurama's house a few minutes ago, there was no sign of him there either. Personally, he knew since he searched under everything, bed table, even under the small gap under the couch. He was reminded, however, that he had been the one to scare him away in the first place. Damn it, who was he kidding, this was practically impossible. How was he even supposed to earn the trust of somebody wouldn't even let one person near them. He glared up at the night sky, as if to ask it if it had seen Kurama. Nothing.

At that, he went deeper into the forest in hopes of finding Kurama there, and surprisingly, was rewarded for it. Soft panting met his ears and he was faced with the redhead, sprawled out on the ground a shivering violently. Kurama turned his gaze to Hiei, who took a careful step towards him. Luckily for Hiei, the boy was too weak to move, and it proved easy for him to scoop him up in his arms. A few strands of crimson locks fell from Kurama's view, and he tried hard to struggle as best he could. He continued to walk, holding the fox tightly in his grasp so he wouldn't escape.

Within minutes, they reached the house again, and Hiei opened the door and closed it. Kurama struggled harder yet, but still, Hiei kept his grip tight until they reached Kurama's bedroom. He dumped Kurama there and went to retrieve a chair for himself, hoping Kurama wouldn't try to run again. After doing so, he brought the chair in and sat next to Kurama's beside. Kurama had buried himself in the blankets and was laying with his back turned to Hiei.

"Listen, fox," Hiei began. Kurama cringed away, at least that was a sign that he heard him. Either way, Hiei only gave up and let loose an irritated sigh. Gosh, this was going to be a lot harder than he had first assumed. Weren't people supposed to be at least a little bit easier to be friend that this? He stood up, taking a break from Kurama's presence in mind.

"I'm making you something to eat. Is there anything in particular you want?" He waited for a reply. Anything was better than being here with Kurama, and at least it was something that might coax the boy away from his fears. Scratch that, it was possible Kurama would refuse to eat it. Otherwise, why would he be so thin? After Kurama shook his head in the designated answer 'No' Hiei left to go search the pantry for something suitable for Kurama to eat in his current condition.

A few minutes later, after rummaging through the pantry, Hiei found was only able to find two suitable items of food. Bar out the other ones, counting since the after affects of the illness wouldn't allow him to eat a large variety of foods. He grabbed a can of cream of potato soup and a bowl of leftover white rice sitting in a small fridge next to the pantry. While setting the soup on the stove to heat, he slipped the rice into the microwave to reheat. Hiei sighed as he stirred the soup for a few minutes. He felt like some kind of maid doing all this, and he swore, that if Kurama didn't improve in a week, he'd screw what Koenma said, strangle the boy, and probably get sent to Spirit World jail even longer for 'murdering the innocent human'. Yeah, like that was true. As innocent as Kurama seemed, he was still reminded that this boy WAS Youko Kurama. And despite the fact that he was a mere reincarnation who held no memory of his past life, he still had a score to settle with this fox, and if Kurama pushed him to his limits, he would remember to yell at him for that as well. Scooping the soup into a bowl carefully and put it on a tray, soon joined by the bowl of rice. He then carried it to Kurama's room and sat down on his bed, offering the tray to the fox.

What he expected happened. Kurama took the tray softly when offered it, but he didn't eat it, a suspicious eye was fixed on it instead. Hiei growled and whispered dangerously. "It isn't poisoned, but if you rather, I could shove the food down your throat instead." Kurama's jade orbs widened in fear at Hiei's angry, serious tone. Still, he debated upon it.

"Do you realize, that if I had any wishes of killing you, your death would be much more painful then that of a simple poison? I am not taking no for an answer Kurama, you're going to eat that food, whether you are willing to or not." Kurama, in hearing this, took a small, tentative spoonful of the soup, keeping the emerald eyes fixed on Hiei, as if he expected him to take that katana of his at that very moment and slice his head off. Hiei sat there to make sure he finished, although he did find it rather odd he stared while the fox ate, Kurama seemed intimidated by it, there was no kindness to be seen in that cold stare. So, he focused himself on eating instead of bringing his gaze to meet Hiei's. Kurama stayed silent, but continued to eat the soup in small spoonfuls, He had to admit, this soup wasn't half that bad, by standards of hospital foods, even if he had only eaten enough to survive on during his stay there. Eventually, he moved onto the rice, slowly bringing his gaze up to meet Hiei's. Yep, he was still glaring as coldly as ever, the look sent shivers down his spine, as if daring him to meet eyes again with him. Kurama finished the rice quickly and hurried to get the bowls into the kitchen. Hiei grabbed Kurama's wrist, stopping him short of this task. A soft hiss escaped the Hiei's lips and another intense glare was fixed on the human before said youkai.

"Hn. What do you think you're doing? You need rest, I can't afford for you to get sick again." Kurama trembled, but with a sudden memory rush gave him the strength to kick Hiei hard in the knees and swiftly escape the grip. Hiei growled as Kurama ran from the room, tray in hand. What a stupid fox, where the heck had he learned that? Without thought, he ran and caught Kurama again, both arms wrapped around the struggling creatures torso. Kurama was still seemingly full of surprises. He spun around in an odd sort of way, kicked Hiei in the shins, and succeeded in escaping his grip once more. Hiei managed to corner the fearful fox, though, grabbing his shoulders pinned the weakened boy against the wall. Having used up what little energy he had at the time, Kurama found his current struggles to be in vain. Hiei merely glared and held Kurama tightly until the squirming stopped and Kurama fearfully brought his gaze up to Hiei's.

"Kurama, why do you choose to just ignore me? If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to help, not kill you. Why won't you just simply lay in bed and let someone take care or you? Most of all, why the heck do you cringe away from any signs of a person. It isn't like they can all hurt you." Hiei said this all very fast, echoing on the anger and exasperation he'd encountered these past few weeks. Kurama averted his gaze, almost as if he felt guilty, Hiei knew better. Kurama slowly forced himself to stay calm and opened his mouth to speak.

"It's just that I-I…." His voice trailed off, as the sad look in his eye was shadowed by the mass of crimson bangs. What he said next was in barely a whisper, a tone so soft that Hiei had to strain his ears to hear.

"I'm sorry…" The tone echoed all of Kurama's sadness, fatigue, but most of all shamefulness. His voice was racked with guilt so deep; you would've though he had been caught doing crimes unspeakable. Hiei almost regretted asking all these questions. Kurama sounded really sad. The thought was brushed from his mind a minute later and he sighed, loosening his grip slightly on Kurama. With that the redhead turned to head for his room, shutting the door behind him and sitting against the door to think. Hiei looked almost regretful at this and went up to the closed door, sitting up against it as well. Vaguely, he could hear Kurama crying softly from inside. Hiei decided speak up, impatience in his tone.

"Kurama, you're a demon, don't be so pathetic as to cry." The tone was nowhere near comforting to Kurama. He still cried softly, drawing away from the voice coming from behind the door where he sat. Hiei again, attempted to calm the lamenting fox down.

"Maybe you could talk about it?" Hiei suggested. Kurama remained silent and stared quietly down at the floor before answering

"Why would you care? After all, you hate me." Kurama went back to crying as he waited for Hiei to answer.

"Hn. Just tell me why the hell you're so scared of everyone." Kurama paused to contemplate about it. There was an aching desire in his heart to get his feelings out, but was Hiei really the person to talk to? It wasn't like he'd provide much comfort, if any. Oh well, who else was there?

"Well…" he began

"When I was around twelve years old, my family was destroyed, not just them― my entire village. I was then taken to a demon by the name of Karasu. He was cruel beyond belief and I was kept there for three years. Only recently was I released from his keep." Kurama kept silently as Hiei took in what he said No wonder he was so scared, he'd hard of Karasu, his maniacal sadistic ways. He hardly doubted he'd be that fearful after three years of being stuck with the demon. Not that he would let himself stay stuck with him that long, he'd just chop Karasu's head and take his leave. They sat there for the longest time in silence wile Hiei still thought about what he had said. Tears had stopped a long time ago, and Hiei was glad for that. They easily annoyed him, and he couldn't deal with them as long as some people could He tried his luck, slowly opening the bedroom door, which to his better fortune, was unlocked.

The door collided with the sleeping figure of a redhead, who stirred slightly in his sleep, but was not woken by the bump of door on his back. At least he had gotten somewhere with Kurama now. He was as annoying as ever to Hiei, but at least he knew more things than he had before. Maybe, just maybe he could earn Kurama's trust. Hiei picked up the boy and carried him to the bed, setting him down and pulling the covers over. Something on the fox's arm caught the fire youkai's gaze. Gently, he lifted the wrist and took a closer look at it. A long, whip like car traveled from the wrist to the elbow, Kurama flinched away in his sleep momentarily. Judging by this scar, the experience in getting it must have been rather painful.

There was nothing better to do than stay here. He dragged up his chair and watched Kurama sleep, twisting around and moaning different things in his sleep. The sleep was so fitful; he must be having a horrid nightmare. Hiei shook Kurama by the shoulders, screaming his name to wake him. Kurama's emerald orbs snapped open and he shouted something along the lines of "NO WAY!" before pulling across the length of his mattress and trembling violently. It took him a few minutes to calm himself. Hiei didn't acknowledge Kurama's previous action, but gave a frustrated sigh at the break in silence. There he had gone, being stupid in waking Kurama up. Still, said boy seemed as if he had yet to notice the presence of the demon. He panted and trembled violently at noting, eyes glazed over as if in a daze. Hiei cocked his head at Kurama's actions, he should at least now know that it had all been a dream, but by the why he was acting, he still had yet to figure it out.

"Kurama?" asked Hiei tentatively. The boy jumped at the slightest sound of Hiei's voice, and he turned his sad confused gaze to the person who had just spoken his name. Hiei found it extremely ironic that Kurama's eyes seemed to copy the exact image of a lost puppy. Hiei decided now would be the time to get up and leave; perhaps he could find an excuse….

Oh yes! It was about time Kurama took that medicine. He got up and left the room as fast as he could. It was then he let out one of his newly trademarked, sigh, one chock full of annoyance and impatience. He went to the sink and filled a glass of water for Kurama, rummaging around in cabinets for the pills that had been prescribed. He found them in a small cabinet containing other things of the sort; the bottle was hidden behind a first aid kit and under a large bag of bandages and a thermometer. He retrieved the pills and headed back towards Kurama's room.

It was as he had predicted, Kurama was still tense, but at least he has calmed down somewhat, enough to at least except the pill from Hiei and swallow it so as not to anger the Jaganshi anymore than he had already. He scooted a little bit away from Hiei and took a few more sips of water. Hiei was the one to break the silence.

"You are improving in condition, I see." Said Hiei, surveying Kurama. "Would you like to take a walk outside, since you seem to enjoy that so much?" Hiei inquired. Kurama blinked and thought for a moment before asking

"Why are you concerned about my condition? If I remember correctly you were never quite eager about my condition. Am I not correct in saying that you merely remain here, is simply because you have no choice?" No doubt about it, that fox was sure intelligent. Hiei gave a Hn and watched as Kurama pulled himself up from bed,

"I suppose you want me to go on that walk now, right?" Hiei watched Kurama rise out of bed and grab a jacket from the closet and gave a satisfied nod. So… Kurama may be an annoying idiot, but at least he wasn't and annoying, AND arrogant, AND ignorant idiot. Those were the types of fools Hiei hated the most.

He followed Kurama to door, and slipped his boots on, watching Kurama take careful time to tie each lace on his sneaker carefully. Out the door they went, Kurama seemed refreshed by the fresh mountain-scented breeze that greeted their noses. He strolled almost happily down a small, dirt trail, Hiei following in his wake. Loud sounds met their ears, and Hiei blinked a confused manner. Kurama stopped when he got to the clearing. Many booths were set up, and a large banner looming in front read

"The town of Kirei no yama welcomes you!" Kurama groaned and muttered something under his breath that sounded like.

"How did I forget it was today?" He was about to turn around to leave, when Hiei grabbed his hand and glared at him, just daring the fox to go back. Kurama resorted to being dragged around by Hiei, while at the same time, attempting the inevitable― avoiding every single person who walked past them. He lightly trembled, trying to remain calm as he found himself fully immersed among what he feared most. Still, Kurama found it unavoidable to keep walking, Hiei's grip was like that of iron, and he felt that if he even attempted to escape, he would be faced with a wrath unexplainable.

Hiei forced Kurama to follow behind him; he knew that if he let his guard up, Kurama would escape. A chase didn't sound very inviting now, either way. The only reason he was staying at this stupid festival was simply because he wanted Kurama to get over this phobia. And that book had suggested that he should keep Kurama immersed in his fear to coax away the fear of the thing itself. This seemed like a good way, it was at least worth a shot. Anything to at least get rid of that annoying fear sounded inviting. He pulled Kurama, who seemed to be tired, over to the side to sit down for a while. Hiei was mindful to keep his eyes on Kurama at all times, his gaze ordering Kurama to stay in the designated spot.

Kurama glanced down at his lap. Why did he have to agree to that walk? If he had remembered, he could have at least avoided the place where the festival was. Unless, of course, Hiei had planned this from the start, that was a thought that made Kurama angry. Who was he to just barge into his life, scare him out of his mind, and act like he could change him? He'd been better off without Hiei's presence. Before Hiei came, Kurama had been a quite, inconspicuous boy who stayed away from the public.

The two demon figures stood on a rock overlooking the festival. The first one was a dark appearing shadow demon; the black in his eyes mimicked the midnight black hair, both of the features slightly intimidating. The look in his gaze was nerve wrecking for anyone, for all that filled his eyes was hatred, cruelty, and apathy. His clothes matched his personality, the dark black pants were slightly faded in some places, and in others, darkened surprisingly further by bloodstains. A blood red top, accented by black flames around the sleeves adorned his upper body. Even his weapons were intimidating… kusari-gama.(1) Chained and spiked jewelry accented his arms and neck. This demon went by the name of Shin (2)

The second demon was a water dragon from eastern Demon World, he looked not half as foreboding as the first. But we all know that looks can betray, he had an aura of extreme destruction, and cruelty more than three time larger than that of the first demon's, but as clothes masked this manner, he was more talented than anyone at masking his true nature. Baggy white pants and a azure top were pretty much his only attire, bar a black cord of a necklace connected to a sea-blue stone with the kanji for 'Mizu'(3) on. it He had a fair complexion, shoulder length blue hair, and the most stunning cerulean eyes anyone had ever seen in all three worlds. Blue dragon ears sprouted from the side of his head and a beautiful scaly blue tail flowed behind him. The black-clad demon spoke up "You are sure Youko Kurama will be there, Akushitsuko? (4)" The water dragon smirked.

"Yes, he is there. I clearly know that every single village resident is present at this festival. It is ironic, yet much in our favor, that the person we are looking for, goes by the name of 'Kurama.'" Shin chuckled darkly, yes; this was very much in their favor. Not only was this boy's death the key to world dominance, but also they would gain twice as good a reputation in Makai for killing the infamous Youko Kurama. Not to mention, a very handsome reward from many of the wealthy figures in the Demon realm that wanted him dead.

It had been fifteen years since the alleged 'death' of Youko Kurama, but three years ago, it had been proven from a reliable source that Kurama had intentionally reincarnated himself in the human realm, and was indeed, still alive. It was said Youko Kurama lost his memory at birth, yet was still assured to regain the memories of his past life. These demons planned to exterminate him long before he got back those memories and went back to thieving.

"Here's our plan," continues Akushitsuko,

"I'll disguise myself, hide the dragon ears, and my ki. While I look for boys around the age of fifteen, you stay hidden. When I lead him away, we'll both gang up on him. Knowing his skills in his past, I wouldn't doubt that his human form would at least be proficient in at least self defense." The dragon paused for a moment.

"How about we have a little fun with him before killing him? There's no need to rush into things, we can make his death as slow and painful as we want. By the time we begin, Youko will beg for death. Shin nodded and disappeared, signaling the other demon to mask his ears and tail, then to begin the search.

Akushitsuko walked down the path in his human-like disguise that was just like his other form, except there were no dragon ears and tail. A little boy darted across the path, giggling. A ball bounced at his feet, and Akushitsuko rolled his eyes, annoyed at the child's antics.

A short scream echoed before being cut off abruptly, Akushitsuko wiped the blood off his fingers in an innocent manner.

Kurama sat with Hiei at another table; occupying his time with the most fearless task he could find― eating. He'd gone up to a stand just a little while to get something to eat, and to treat and hungry looking Hiei to a meal. Kurama chewed gently on some lettuce from his salad and Hiei sat across from him; enjoying a meal of chicken strips and chocolate sweet snow. Kurama looked across at the black-clad boy eating, and almost smiled. He looked so innocent eating the ice cream; much unlike the regular, intimidating boy Kurama saw him as. They were disrupted by a soft, kind voice.

"Hello, would you mind if I sat here?" Hiei looked up to see a blue haired boy, smiling warmly down at them. Kurama scooted his chair further away, as if to say, "No Hiei, send him away, please." Kurama remained silent, but Hiei saw the look in his eye. He knew Kurama wouldn't like having this guy sit next to him. Hiei decided to invite him to sit down, for not only did he have no sympathy towards Kurama whatsoever, but also it would help ease away Kurama's fears.

"Fine." Hiei replied.

"You may sit." The blue haired boy bowed politely and took the only empty seat; one next to Kurama. Akushitsuko went on to introduce himself, remembering to use a fake name.

"It's very nice to meet you, my name is Aoi. May I ask you names?" Hiei looked up from his ice cream again to answer for the both of them, seeing as Kurama was in his own little world, and forcing himself to keep his attention restrained from Aoi. He found it kind of odd that Kurama was scared so much that his complete attention had been locked inside. Hiei made a secret bet if he went and taunted Kurama that he's chop his head off with a sword, Kurama wouldn't even hear him.

"Pleasure. I'm Jaganshi, Hiei, and the STUPID idiot over there is called Kurama." Hiei's tone was far from pleasant. Akushitsuko knew immediately this was who he had been looking for, the legendary Kurama. He seemed a little too sickly to be his reincarnation, but of course, Akushitsuko knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving. A sinister smirk would've come across his face had he not been in the presence of the two boys.

"If I may be excused for a moment," said Akushitsuko, as he sensed his partner's presence nearby. He made sure that he was out of their view before he darted behind a tree and beckoned for Shin to appear. He leapt down from a tree and smirked.

"I see that you've found our target. Akushitsuko smirked and nodded. He's that redhead I was just talking to.

"How do you plan on leading him away?" he asked. The smirk remained

"You'll see. Follow me. Stay hidden, keep your ki masked. I've noticed that black-clad one is a demon; we don't want to take any risks. Shin nodded in compliance to the orders.

Hiei and Kurama sat looking at each other. It had taken Hiei a good few shouts, threats, and shakes before Kurama had finally come to his senses. The aftereffects on Akushitsuko's presence were evident; he didn't understand half of what was being said to him. "Kurama? What makes you so much more fearful of him?" Kurama merely shivered at the thought, he knew well what Hiei was referring to. He thought long and hard, shrugging his shoulders once but then answering

"It's something about him, I just get a really horrible feeling, like he's a cold blooded murderer, targeting me or something." Hiei blinked but did not comprehend, again, he brushed of what Kurama said. If that guy had been a mass murderer, he wouldn't be targeting Kurama specifically, he'd just go and kill someone to get it over with. Hiei also knew of all the serial killers on the loose. Of all of them, he was absolutely sure Aoi wasn't one of them. Plus, the last logical explanation was that the person was a demon out to get Kurama for specific reasons. If Aoi had been a demon, he would've sensed it. The boy Kurama had spoken of, reappeared suddenly, Kurama jumped and moved farther away from where he sat down, traveling back to his stated of unawareness. Aoi didn't seem to notice this; he spoke up, making an offer

"Kurama, you must really like nature. Would you like to come to the top of the mountain one of these with me? I am certain you will appreciate the view and all the trees surrounding it." Kurama shook his head, but Hiei would not let Kurama refuse just like that. He pulled Kurama up, and gave him a little shove. "Go on, in need a break from you." Kurama still shook his head 'no'. Hiei's gaze turned into a glare, and Kurama soon hears a telepathic voice in his head. One, which he recognized as the voice that belonged to Hiei the voice said in a cold tone

"Now, listen. You need to stop being pathetic, demons are supposed to be proud. You're a demons reincarnation, so act like one! Prove to me you aren't just a weak ningen, or I will make sure you die." Kurama sighed and nodded his head in a silent answer.

"Good. I'll see you later, Kurama." He walked off so he could have some peace. Kurama trembled a little, but began to follow Akushitsuko up a steep mountain path. The dragon smirked as he trekked upwards. This was too easy, once he lead Kurama up to the top of this mountain, killing him would be easy, and the youko would get the painful death he deserved. Even with search parties out within a few days would have trouble finding his body all the way up here, and by that time, they would be all the way back to Makai, planning the downfall of the Human realm. They reached the top, and Kurama actually smiled. Despite the cold temperatures, it was beautiful. Below the sheer cliffs you could see snow crested forests, where trees could thrive, but it was high enough up that the temperatures varied enough from the ground for it to snow. He barely heard the dark figure land in the snow behind him.

(1)kusari-gama- hmmm, I don't know the names for these in English. They're scythes with chains on the end. Imagine the weapons Kohaku(Inuyasha) or Kuronue(YYH) use. That's what they are.

(2) Due to the fact that I didn't use real Japanese names, I'll transliterate what I made up. Shin-death

(3) Mizu-water

(4) Akushitsuko- Evil child, vicious child See,s suiting for a villan, doesn't it?

Me: HAHAHAHAHAHA Clliffe! Yes, I love my dear old friend the cliffhanger. I will say, please, PLEASE review. I've been working by butt off to get this done, and someone's a review would make me very VERY happy. –Sigh- High school's looming over me. I start on the seventeenth, meaning next week. I really hope it won't constrict the time for writing, or I'll go insane. I will try my best to update before school starts, and work to update quickly during the school year as well. I still stand strong on my vow that I'll finish this fic and update quickly as well. Thanks for reading, and until next time, ja ne!