Chapter Eighteen: The Great Forest

Darkon sat down in his throne, his long blood red cape hung over the sides of the arms. His face was concealed by his hood. "My time in the shadow world has allowed me to grow even stronger then before." He commented. "It is fortuitous that I emerged when I did, as these new troublemakers have arrived."

"Yes my lord, the world will once again cower in fear of your might." Marth replied obediently.

"This fiasco has gone on long enough." Darkon spoke. "Soon, these rebels will be crushed once and for all."

"And what instructions shall I give the men, my lord?" Marth asked obediently.

"Discontinue all acts of aggression against the rebels for now, they may be observed, but not confronted."

"Of course, my lord." The smaller demon bowed and left the chamber.

.o.o.o.

Shera awoke gradually, looking down to see the small fire demon curled up with his head in her lap, reminding her of a cat. He seemed so peaceful now, not like before.

When she first saw him, she had no idea of what kind of person he was, but he had a strange allure to him that she couldn't explain.

Hiei was hard to explain, he was dark and brooding, yet sharp-witted and cultured at times. He seemed to be trying so hard to make everyone see him as a bad person, but his true nature betrayed him. But Hiei had shown that he was carrying a great burden of emotions.

"How long had he been holding these feelings in?" Shera thought silently as she ran a hand through his fine black hair, tweaking the tip of his slightly pointed ears and making his crumble in his sleep.

About thirty more minutes passed till he awoke. Hiei looked up at her and then got back onto his feet. He opted to simply put his black surcoat on. He could feel her watching him as he dressed.

"Hiei?"

"I have to get going." He said and started for the door, but then stopped. "Shera," he began. "Thank you." He said, looking over his shoulder at her.

He then turned around and approached her. He leaned in and kissed her ever so gently, savoring the taste of her lips. Hiei then took her hand and kissed the palm gently. He smiled devilishly, seeing her blush.

"Be careful." Shera replied.

The fire demon nodded and vanished through the doorway.

.o.o.o.

Kuwabara finished off drying his hair and got dressed quickly. He was thankful that he never really needed to shave.

He walked outside and joined Hiei, who was already outside and waiting for him.

The tall human noted that the fire demon seemed different. His posture was straighter and he looked like he had been relieved of a heavy weight.

.o.o.o.

Thorn smiled as he watched his roses grow in the castle's garden. One of the branches grew out towards him to offer him one. He leaned in carefully inspected the perfect red specimen, the pedals the same color as his hair.

Thorn heard steps. "Forgive me, Sir." One of the servants began. "But I have urgent news for you."

Thorn turned to face the other demon as the branch retreated. "Go on."

"Master Ansul is gone," He began. "But he left this note in his chambers." The demon retainer finished, offering a folded piece of paper to Thorn.

Thorn frowned. "He means to go seek revenge," Thorn explained as he read. "For the death of his brother." He added. Thorn tucked the letter into his cloak and sighed.

"What shall we do, sir?"

"Nothing," Thorn answered. "Ansul has declared the right of 'Vendetta' against another demon." He explained. "It would be an insult to his honor for anyone to intercede."

"But sir, he has no hope."

Thorn growled. "You think I don't know that?" He exclaimed. "Ansul and Densil were my comrades in arms; we fought side by side in the War of Turning nine hundred years ago!" He snapped. "We must live every moment as if is our last- till the day we die!"

The other demon backed down.

"Go now, I grow tired of this." He instructed the other demon.

.o.o.o.

It was mid-day as the duo made their way along the deserted path.

"Kuwabara?" The small demon spoke.

The human glanced down at him. "Yeah?"

"Have you remembered more?"

"Yeah," he began. "I can recall the events much better. We had rushed the fortress of that demon guy- Ren."

Hiei nodded. "We would have easily defeated him if he nod used the stone's power." He remarked. "What do you think happened to the others?"

"I don't think that they're here." Kuwabara replied. "I can't feel them."

"Nor can I." Hiei replied, keeping pace with his companion as they moved.

"Hiei, I want to ask you something." Kuwabara began. "Do you hate me for being a human?"

Hiei blanched at the words, not expecting them. He looked away, unable to answer.

"Since I first met you, we've never gotten along- but I respected you, for your strength and for the way you refused to ever give up." Kuwabara explained. "I'd give my life for any of my friends, even you."

Hiei looked at him briefly and then looked back ahead. "You say that now, but are you sure that I'm deserving of such a," He paused. "Such an honor as that?" He finished in an unreadable tone.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm a wicked thing who's lived only for his own desires." He answered. "And I'm a demon, the natural enemy of a human." Hiei added.

"I don't care if you're a demon, I know demons who are good people, and I know humans that were evil." He replied.

"Tarukane..." Hiei breathed out the name, recalling the events from three years ago.

"I never hated another human as much as him; what he did to my beloved Yukina was unforgivable."

Hiei flinched slightly, but shook it off.

"I'll never let anyone hurt her ever again." He added. "If I could feel that way about an Ice Demon, then I don't believe that I have to be your enemy." Kuwabara reasoned.

Hiei just laughed, much to the annoyance of his ally. "I'm serious!" Kuwabara snapped.

"No, wait." Hiei interjected. "I'm just surprised that you'd say that, I wasn't expecting it." He admitted. "Things have changed since we were here; I'm going to have to count on you when the trial by fire is upon us." Hiei explained. "I trust you now- I have no other choice than to put my faith in you."

The human was silent.

"Your enemies have always expected nothing from you, but you give them more then they can take. From defeating Byakou in Maze Castle, to overcoming Reisho- against all odds and logic- to mastering the Jigan-Tao." He explained in a thoughtful manner. "You've certainly made me look like an ass when it came to predicting if you'd win or loose." He paused.

"But, I'm not telling you this to make you feel good about yourself; I'm saying this to let you know that if you fail, I won't wait to let Darkon kill you- I'll do it myself." Hiei smiled darkly.

"Thanks, I guess." Kuwabara managed to say in response.

The gesture wasn't obvious, but the two psychics had at last found a common ground, even though they might never actually admit to it.

"Gentlemen," A voice began. "I'm so glad you two could make it."

The two stopped as a cloaked figure landed before them. He pulled back his cloak, revealing brilliant red locks and startling green eyes. "I am the Elder of this land."

Hiei and Kuwabara felt as if they had seen a ghost. "Kurama." They spoke simultaneously.

-End of Chapter Eighteen-

The decision to show Hiei as I did came after a lot of deliberation. I realized that he would not just simply allow himself to succumb to his emotions, it would take a lot longer than that. His defenses had to be worn down heavily enough for him to let someone else into his heart. I hope that everyone feels that I handled this well.

Also, I believe that Hiei and Kuwabara could make a great team, if they could just get along. After all, they are a lot alike is some ways, and they both are psychics and swordsmen.

I've become so attached to these characters that I'll be sad to see them go, but all things must come to an end.

Thank you,

-Bojack727