Enemies from the start, Lovers until the end

Me: Hello everyone! Yes, I'm sorry, it did take long. But don't you dare blame me; time balancing between school, Internet, role-playing, homework, and writing isn't an easy thing to do for me. I have worked really hard on this, mind you. I worked on certain parts during breakfast at school and during lunch instead of just sitting there, and it's been revised many times. Not to mention, the countless brainstorms that went into it. If you don't like this chapter, I apologize. I shall say, for the sake of all that is good, please, don't read this if you hate Hiei and Kurama together as a couple, it'll save you time. Today, I have decided to bring in someone to do the disclaimer. I have brought in… a mass murderer! Everyone, meet the escaped prisoner, Gilbert. Gilbert, please inform them how I own nothing that Yoshihiro Togashi owns rights to.

Gilbert: -holding knife, grinning maniacally-

Me: Um… maybe I SHOULDtell somebodyabout this convit. For now, I bid you my best wishes. Read on!

To the reviewers

Kari Ishikawa

I'm glad that you really like this chapter. Yeah, I am really mean to Kurama aren't I? Hmm, I think I'm becoming sadistic because I'm writing it. O.0 Yes, I'll probably drive my self off the edge of sanity with my own mind. Thanks for reviewing; I'm so happy you do so much!

Evene

Nope, no memories about his life as Youko Kurama so far. No, he doesn't know what his powers are currently, but I promise, in due time, he will. Gotta love his cute little platy techniques, right? Yup! You spotted le improvement. Cute fluffy scenes, I don't think I've met a person on here who didn't enjoy a fluffy scene. Looking over the chapter again, I do see what you mean about my use of words. Pain is in there way to many times, I'll pay more attention to synonym use in the future. Thanks for the advice, and thanks for reviewing again.

Lol

Well, I'm not sure if this is up very soon, but hey, I HAVE been working hard to get it up as fast as possible. For your question, I would answer that, but I don't want everything about the story to be revealed, so I'll keep that a secret for now. I promise you though, you'll know soon enough. Thanks for reviewing so consistently, I really appreciate it!

Shiorifoxiesmom

I'm really glad you liked it, and I'm really happy you reviewed as well. Thank you sooo much!

Kurama'sgirl88

I'm happy that you reviewed. Really, I don't blame you for shuddering at it. I shuddered when I wrote it, so you aren't alone. Thanks for the review!

Kurama-hieigirl25

I'm glad you liked it, and sorry that the previous length wasn't really as long as some people would've like I to be. But I swear I'll try as hard as possible to make this chapter longer than the last. I'm so happy that you reviewed, thank you!

Nyte Kit

I'm glad you liked it. I haven't heard about that new rule on fanfiction, I'd love for you to send me the petition. You can hind the address in my profile. Thanks for reviewing!

Loverspastforgotten

I'm glad you enjoyed the ending. Hiei? Being called a sweetheart? Not something I can imagine someone calling him out in the openunless they had a death wish. Thank you so much for your review.

Blueeyedchibi

I'm really glad that you liked it so much; you really are kind in saying that. Thank you for reviewing!

Red Kitsune Flames

Well, I'm glad you like the story as well as the character relationships. I'm relieved Kurama cowering in fear hasn't sickened you, 'cause I think that he's probably done that too much. I'm really happy that you reviewed. It shall be known I really appreciate the fact you have reviewed and I hope you do so again in the near future.

Chapter ten: Training

As the weeks passed from that day, Kurama's condition slowly began to improve. The sneezes left from his illness no longer came, and the wounds inflicted by Akushitsuko and Shin were almost completely healed. But still, the events still seemed to trouble Kurama, and despite the fact Hiei had save his life, he still didn't have full trust in him yet. Kurama seemed to still have trouble controlling himself when Hiei got to near him, and didn't allow him to touch him. Hiei saw this as an improvement, nonetheless, since Kurama seemed to now be able to bear staying with Hiei in a room for longer amounts of time. Hiei now slept on Kurama's couch each night, keeping a vigilant eye on Kurama at all times. Kurama hadn't objected his request to stay, Hiei had told Kurama he hadn't anywhere to go, and asked if he could stay at his house for a while. At first, the redhead was very hesitant about this, he was still nervous around Hiei after all. But eventually, he agreed to it. This gave Hiei the opportunity to keep a good watch over the fox, who was quite vulnerable at this point.

Hiei's mind was focused elsewhere; he wondered when the two demons that had attacked Kurama would come back. Kurama had only been semi-conscious when they made the vow that they'd come back, and Hiei had no intention of telling them of that vow. Even so, he became desperate to get Kurama to train with him and learn how to fight. The fox showed no interest in doing so, he told Hiei he didn't want to learn combat techniques; he just wanted to be left alone. The youkai didn't seem to care what Kurama said, he was as persistent as ever each time he asked the question.

It was early in the morning, but both demons were already awake, Kurama stood at the stove, stirring something. The other stood against the wall, watching Kurama in a vigilant way. At a sound of a familiar voice, the redhead turned his gaze and glanced at Hiei through emerald orbs, listening to his question. "What are you doing?" he inquired. The other didn't seemed to bothered by his question, but turned his head back quickly, still bothered by making eye contact. The youkai ignored the fact that Kurama took a slight step further away, distancing himself from any possible threats.

"Just cooking. Do you want any?" Kurama answered, stirring the rice in the pot. All he got back was the hn, which he had grown used to in the time he'd spent with Hiei. Although it really hadn't been an answer, Kurama pulled out an extra bowl for the boy, taking the reply he had offered as an acceptance. Easily, he poured some rice into the bowls and offered one to Hiei, heading to sit down at the small, two-person kitchen table. Hiei only glared, but soon after, decided to join Kurama in sitting down. Kurama didn't look at Hiei when he did sit down his eyes could be called somewhat― distant. That is, if one could actually see them properly. For now, Kurama's gaze was aimed straight down at his plate; he played with the rice with his pair of chopsticks unenthusiastically. Hiei took slow bites, deciding now would be the time to talk to Kurama about the training he wanted to give Kurama.

His explanations would be simple enough. He'd tell Kurama that they had said they were going to come back, and if Hiei wasn't able to save Kurama's butt when that time came around, he wouldn't have to worry, counting on the fact that he would know how to properly fight. He felt a peak of annoyance at this; he really wanted Kurama to just accept. Although he had learned how to have slight patience in the boy, sometimes he didn't know the meaning of the word. He wasn't used to having to wait for people like this before. But then again, he'd never met a person like Kurama before either. After he met Kurama, people who he found weird, annoying, or cowardly, seemed quite normal to the standards of Kurama, or at least― the standards Hiei BELIEVED Kurama possessed. It was scary that he had grown closer to Kurama than he guessed many people had, but there was still so little he knew about Kurama's actions, or reasons for certain choices he made. Heck, he didn't even know half of what Kurama's personality was. All he knew was just a tidbit of his history, and that Kurama was scared of people. It was noted in his mind, that Kurama could be quite… serene at times, that was the Kurama that Hiei preferred. Sadly, that was a rare face he ever saw Kurama wear, he was always so scared, it was what angered Hiei so much. He was desperate to know Kurama's innermost thoughts; there was just something about the character that urged him to get to know the boy better.

"Kurama," he stated planning to ask about the training now. The redheads gaze shot up, and more fear was instilled into his eyes when he looked at Hiei, as if he expected to get hurt of simply replying. A silence passed between the two, Hiei had his eyes fixed― rather, locked, on Kurama's demanding an answer of him. The fox only glanced back, in what was between mild and extreme fear. He still seemed to feel that if he replied to the question, something horrible would befall. Him. He finally mustered up the voice to speak.

"Y-yes, Hiei?" His cringed away a little, but Hiei relaxed his gaze to reassure him, he didn't want Kurama to break eye contact, it was a huge breakthrough on Kurama's behalf and he didn't want it to go back downhill so abruptly.

"Kurama, please, you need to train, these demons are going to come back, and it isn't like you can just live by hiding and using those meager defense techniques you possess when you need to. I'm not always going to be here to help, and if you can fight, then it will make your world a lot easier." Hiei paused to evaluate his expression. It was something he had learned to read over the weeks. The look told him 'Fighting is wrong, it hurts people, and I do not want to become like my enemies.' A second gaze also told him 'I am weak. I cannot fight.' Ha! And Hiei was just criticizing himself for lack of knowledge. He praised himself for reading those expressions. Still, the fire demon focused on staying serious, as he was trying to persuade the fox to learn how to fight. Who knew? Maybe in time the redhead would gain good skill and he would have a partner to spar with. So, he continued, in his regular annoyed tone

"I know that look, Kurama! Let me tell you something, ONE! There is nothing wrong with fighting; it is foolish to think so. AND TWO! Maybe if you started standing up for yourself instead of cowering in fear, maybe you would be stronger!" It was hard to sustain his growing impatience, and it showed through in Hiei's tone. Kurama lowered his head slightly, squeezing his eyes shut as if he didn't want to hear what Hiei was telling him. Trembles ran through his thin body, soft lips quivered a bit as he stared down at his plate. He just wanted to be alone; Kurama asked himself why Hiei was so persistent about this training. He'd never really cared before if he could take care of himself or not. Kurama stood weakly and looked at Hiei, head bowed in woeful apology. His mind kept reverting back to Yuusuke and Kuwabara, a single question nagging at his head. Yuusuke and Kuwabara had been so strong, how could he possibly measure up to their strength? How could he ever be strong enough to fight, if Yuusuke and Kuwabara had been easily beaten down by those demons?

Memories flashed through his mind, Yuusuke and Kuwabara pigging out at a watermelon eating contest and Kuwabara being beaten up for smashing an entire watermelon on Yuusuke's head. The judge automatically dropped their places, on account that it was against the rules, even if they had already participated in the first round and advance to the next. Yuusuke's child-like grin and odd sort of laugh when he and Kuwabara won first place in a martial arts tournament, making ten consecutive tournament victories. He imagined a younger version of himself, standing in the front row, smiling brightly, and laughing as Yuusuke and Kuwabara came to boast about their win. Often he would say that Kuwabara and him were the best team together, and they were unstoppable to any forces that stood in their way. Kurama felt tears well up in his eyes, and not wanting to cry in front of Hiei, ran off.

Hiei hadn't really been paying attention. He heard a muffled sob, and a slight gust of air as Kurama rushed past him. He was brought back to reality when he heard the soft, yet defined slam of a door. What was with Kurama now? Damn, he hated it having to be this complicated, he wasn't good at emotional things. Maybe Botan had just placed him on this job to drive him insane. He remembered how each time the ferry girl came to visit, she'd blab about how good of friends they were becoming. After that, she urged him Kurama needed to be rid of his fear, and that he needed to stop any demons near the town in the meantime. Hiei was beginning to get an idea of what Botan and Koenma's plans were, just using simple observation skills, he figured there was some sort of force Koenma needed Kurama to protect the town from. He wished he could figure out what was wrong with Kurama that easily.

Hiei sighed and walked to Kurama's room, turning the knob and kicking the door open. He was surprised Kurama hadn't locked it, but then again, maybe he had been to distracted to remember to do so. The redhead lay curled on the bed, body racked with sobs. At this, Hiei felt the desire to turn away, just forget about this nuisance and hide out into the demon world until Koenma found out and brought him to Spirit World Jail. Maybe, just maybe, he could convince the fox this way, maybe he'd be able to comfort him enough so he was determined enough to try. He made his way over to where the boy lay, trying to think of what to say to him.

"Kurama?" tentatively, he reached out and touched said boy's shoulder lightly. The effect was immediate. Kurama drew away, as with anyone who tried to touch him. His fear was accompanied by something else today, though; tears. Hiei saw them and his eyes widened a fraction, angry, saddened, ashamed tears streamed down Kurama's cheeks, and every so often, he would let out a soft gasp of air, and then a soft breath back in. It was evident, even to the clod Hiei that he was holding back loud sobs that threatened to overpower him. This almost made him feel sorry for the fox, it made a question appear in his mind. Had he caused this? It could be anything, Hiei didn't know what bothered him, and therefore, he COULDN'T know what had caused all of this. He spoke out again, voice ordering for an answer.

"Kurama, listen! What's so hard about it that you can't even try to learn? Damn it, I mean you won't even get near a weapon, despite the fact there are two demons that want to kill you. Isn't it instinct to try and strengthen yourself, to fight back with all the potential you have?" he was practically yelling now, but he wasn't really one to care about that. It angered him that Kurama wouldn't even fight; it was a waste of time just trying to help someone who didn't even want it. A soft voice came from the figure, and again, Hiei was jerked away from his current thoughts.

"How… how can I be? I wasn't even strong enough to beat Yuusuke and Kuwabara at sparring, and they were defeated by demons even weaker than this. Isn't it nature for demons to overpower humans?" he shouted, not in an angry way but in a desperate, reasoning tone. Hiei's eyes widened a bit more. Kurama was telling about his own past, and of his own free will this time. Instead of giving a usual protest like he usually did, he sat and listened as the fox continued.

"Yuusuke and Kuwabara were my only friends, and they already tried to train me! Obviously, I failed to learn from them, so why should I bother? I mean, you may say I'm a demon, but face the facts! I'm NOT a demon, and I'm NOT Youko himself. I only posses his soul, that makes me only a reincarnation, a shadow of that former being, nothing more!" Kurama broke down in a fresh wave of sobs. Hiei growled, he was in no mood for the fox's irrelevant rambling today. He grabbed the boy's shoulders and shook him roughly to bring him to attention. Kurama cried out softly, and brought his gaze fearfully up to the crimson eyes, beginning to tremble lightly despite himself. Hiei didn't care. His eyes bore down into Kurama's frightened emerald ones,

"Damn, Kurama, are you really that ignorant about who you are? Know this, it is simply not one's body that makes someone a demon. It's their soul. And last time I checked, your soul was nowhere near that of a true human. This is undeniable, you ARE a demon." Kurama looked scared, he bit his lip and averted his gaze. With a deep breath, he wiped away his tears and forced himself to stop crying. Kurama felt the need to cry, but with Hiei there, he simply couldn't allow himself to do so. It only made him feel more pathetic, and that wasn't something he needed at the time. Kurama, surprisingly, protested back

"So what? What does it change? I couldn't be a skilled fighter, despite what you claim, I do know what my abilities are. It's me we're talking about, not you." Hiei growled and glared, anger mounting further, Kurama immediately regretted saying what he had, and shrunk back slightly at Hiei's renewed frustration.

"Damn you, Kurama, how the hell are you supposed to know if you don't try. You're so stupid, can't you see fighting is in your demon nature; it isn't something you won't have talent at after you practice a little." Hiei screamed. He'd had enough, and grabbing Kurama by the wrist, he pulled him to his feet and stared him dead in the eyes.

"Listen, you are going to train! I will not take 'no' as an answer, fox!" he said in a firm, yet angered tone, squeezing Kurama's wrist rather painfully in order to stress his point. Kurama shook his head for a moment, but stopped when he saw Hiei shake his head firmly. The idea of training sent fear through his body, although he hadn't mentioned it to Hiei. Knowing the way the demon reacted to the redhead's phobia, he certainly wouldn't fare well if he admitted this. Slowly, he turned his gaze up to Hiei and nodded his head slowly, whispering a single word loud enough for Hiei to hear.

"Fine" At this Hiei smirked,

"Alright then, Kurama, prepare yourself. Then meet me outside in ten minutes, no more than that. We'll start training immediately." With that, he left, leaving Kurama behind in his wake. Hopefully the fox would be more cooperative when they started, it was beginning to get hard to deal with this attitude. Not that it was a bad one, like that of a delinquent, just a particularly annoying one. He headed out to wait outside of Kurama's door, watching him from inside with the aid of his Jagan. Kurama, surprisingly, seemed serious enough about this, so that was a good thing. Hiei watched the mental image of Kurama, multi-tasking. Kurama had slipped on some appropriate clothes and he paced randomly around the house, a piece of toast sticking from his mouth, simply because both his hands were occupied on combing and successfully untangling the mess that was his hair. Occasionally, he would pause and stop his actions to take a small bite of toast, and then return to brushing his hair.

Within a few more minutes, Kurama had finished and joined him outside, he glance down at the porch he was standing on while trying to hid the nervousness he was feeling at the time. He didn't know if Hiei noticed how nervous he was or not, he only wore a neutral yet distant expression that was impossible to interpret. He soon motioned for him to follow, finally giving Kurama a bit of information.

"Come. We will be training you in a forest near here, and I will be training you with a sword and in martial arts for now, seeing as neither of us knows what your best weapon will be" Kurama nodded, growing more determined as seconds flew past.

Me: Okay! Here's your chapter, I'm sorry it isn't really much longer than the last chapter. Hey, I at least tried. I really hope you liked it. –Sigh- High school is so tiring, I get to school at six fifty five and I don't even get home until four. Plus, that'll change once I start anime club. Well, I shall update ASAP, and in the meantime, would you be so kind as to review? It really makes me happy, and counting upon how long it took me to finish this chapter, the few minutes it'll take you to review are a piece of cake. Comments, questions, suggestions, and criticism are all most welcomed, because not only do I appreciate to know what you think is good about my writing, but I want to know what I need to improve on and fix. See ya until next time!