A/N: Wahoo, thanks for all the reviews! Yes this is a Hiei/Botan fic! They've gotta be my favorite couple in all of YYH. Okay so they're only a fan-made couple but c'mon, stranger things have happened. I'm still searching for the OAV or OVA (whichever) where Hiei and Kurama try to steal a kiss from Botan. Oh well, thrill of the hunt and all. Just so ya know here are all the pairings I support in YYH (hint: I might include them)...Hiei/Botan (opposites with romantic potential), Kurama/Shizuru (mature yet edgy), Yusuke/Keiko (written in the stars), Kuwabara/Yukina (her loving halfwit in shining armor), Genkai/Toguro (maybe sometime in the next life), Yomi/Mukuro (wouldn't be the first time enemies became lovers), and Koenma/Ayame (ah a king and his devoted ferry girl).
Dark & Light: Her Night, His Day
Chapter Four: Father Against Son
Ayame cautiously phased through the wall of King Enma's outer chambers. These rooms had been forbidden since the dictator-like king was overthrown. Now that Lord Koenma was in charge Spirit World operated solely on the items not privately owned by the ex-king Enma. In fact, such items were expressly off limits to all, herself included.
With a heavy sigh she let her gaze roam over the room looking for any 'hidden entrances' into the deeper chambers. King Enma wasn't one to leave his important possessions lying out in his less guarded quarters.
Finally she spotted a statue of the previous ruler which was carved out of marble. The precious stone was the sole material used in the conceited monument save for one golden door at its base.
I'm betting it has some sort of control switch that will open the other rooms. Ayame decided.
Walking over to the statue she opened the door to find a pad of numbers much like those one would find on a human teller machine or security system controller. Flexing her fingers she prepared to begin the excruciatingly long task of deciphering the code.
Waiting...they were waiting...again! It was really starting to get on his nerves. Hiei had grumpily taken up stance in a tree by the temple some time after Yusuke had announced that it would take a few more minutes before Ayame could sneak into King Enma's chambers and work the second portal generator.
Kurama strolled over to the tree and slumped against it, growing tired of watching Yusuke and Kuwabara 'practice fighting' before the portal was sent.
A soft breeze blew through the branches of the peaceful forest, a stark contrast to the edgy mood of its occupants. The two demons remained silent watching Yukina and Keiko discuss old times with Genkai. Puu had dozed off just outside the main doors of the shrine.
"Hn," Hiei decided to break the silence, it was becoming bothersome, "the onna certainly has gotten stranger since I returned to Makai."
Kurama tilted his head upwards; surprised that Hiei would choose Botan as a topic to discuss. "What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean," Hiei glared down at the fox, "she practically tried to tackle me when I got here. Before I left for Makai she would hardly come within three feet of me without cringing in fear...I almost miss her panicky behavior." he said the last part with a smirk of pride.
Kurama shook his head, Same old Hiei. "Maybe she missed you?"
"Hn," Hiei looked away, as if dismissing Kurama's suggestion as absurd. In reality, he was seriously considering the thought. The baka onna missed me? Why would she do a pointless thing like that? Then again, ningens do have a knack for doing idiotic things.
The redhead below shrugged after getting nothing more from the fire demon. "Did you ever think that maybe you're leaving us would tear apart the team?"
The dark haired demon raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about? This so-called 'team' was never meant to be a permanent thing, everyone knew that. Even that oaf Kuwabara knew it."
Kurama looked doubtful, "Maybe, but your absence definitely left a void Hiei. And all of us have felt it. I didn't want to say this before, but I suppose it couldn't hurt. Since you've been gone to Mukuro's Realm, Botan seems to have missed you most of all."
There was a loud rustling of leaves and a few acorns came showering down on the fox demon, Hiei had nearly fallen out of his tree after hearing Kurama's last comment. "Nani?!"
"You heard me," Kurama stared up at the demon with a serious expression, "Botan's missed you more than anyone. I dare say she may even harbor deep feelings for you."
Hiei gulped in disbelief. The baka ferry onna, has feelings? For me?!
Seeing the shock in Hiei's crimson eyes, not to mention the reddish tinge that covered his face, Kurama couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Don't worry, I'm sure that I'm the only one who's read so much into it. Well, I suspect that Shizuru might have as well, but she's certainly not telling anyone."
"And she'd better not," Hiei warned, "and that goes for you too Kurama. I don't want any rumors flying around that there might be something going on between me and that baka onna!"
"You don't like her then?"
It was a simple question. It should have been easy to give a simple answer to. But for some reason or another, Hiei just couldn't truthfully deny the possibility. He wanted to, he really did. But the thought of saying "I do NOT love Botan" made his stomach twist into painful knots. Instead he merely crossed his arms and slumped back against the tree, "Don't be ridiculous fox, you know I slay everyone I despise."
"So you're saying that you don't despise Kuwabara?" Kurama chided.
Hiei angrily blew the bangs from his eyes, "Don't get cocky Kurama. We both know that Yukina's misguided fondness for that dolt is the only thing keeping him alive."
"Whatever you say Hiei," the fox pushed himself off the tree trunk and started making his way back to the others, satisfied that he'd obtained all the information he'd been seeking about Hiei's real opinion towards Botan. "Whatever you say..."
The journey to the exit was farther than Botan or Shizuru had anticipated. Ruri guided them through a maze of tunnels previously hidden by the wall to the pathway they'd been stumbling down. This tunnel was much brighter than the others. Ice lined the walls and sparkled as small beams of light filtered in through tiny holes to the surface. Unfortunately none of the openings was large enough for them to squeeze through. Ruri assured them that they were nearing the exit and would be out soon.
"How in the world do you stand it Ruri?" Botan exclaimed, shivering from the cold. "Living in such freezing temperatures year round?"
Ruri chuckled to herself, "I suppose one gets used to it. You see extreme heat and fire can be deadly to koorimes."
"Yeah Bo," Shizuru teased, playfully punching the ferry girl in the arm, "they aren't called Ice Maidens for nothing."
"Oh right," Botan smiled, rubbing her sore arm. "So how much further did you say it was?"
"Just a few more minutes of walking and we'll be there. Once we're out I'll take you to a safe hiding place where we can wait for a portal." Ruri promised.
"You wouldn't happen to have any coats there?" Botan inquired hopefully.
Smiling the koorime good-naturedly replied, "I'm sure I can find some sort of warm clothing to offer you."
"Terrific." Shizuru muttered sarcastically.
A chilly breeze blew in flakes of snow, the ferry girl sneezed as one landed on the brim of her nose. She decided to keep a conversation flowing in order to take her mind off the cold. "So Ruri, what have you been up to? I mean, other than guarding the jewel?"
"Not much," Ruri admitted, "I'm barren, so I've had no children of my own to raise. After Yukina left, I've pretty much kept to myself."
Shizuru huddled close to Botan and Ruri for warmth, "You know I actually know more about your life now than Botan's?" she mused.
Ruri turned to the ferry girl in disbelief, "I assumed the two of you were longtime friends. You must not have known each other very long at all if a stranger has already revealed more of her past than you know of each others."
Botan blushed and looked down at her feet, trying to keep up a steady pace. "Well, we've known each other for over three years."
"Yeah," Shizuru nodded, "still, I've often heard Yusuke say that he doesn't know squat about his own assistant's past."
"We have a few minutes ahead of us," Ruri stated, "why don't you two take this time to ask about your histories?"
"Okay," Shizuru turned to Botan, "so...what was your home like?"
"Um..." Botan bit her lower lip in embarrassment. What was it like? I haven't thought about it in so long I...well this is just silly. It was...well, it was...
Shizuru cocked an eyebrow; Ruri stared at her in concern.
"What about your family?" Shizuru tried again, "Did you have any siblings? Or were you an only child?"
Botan hung her head, ashamed at her inability to answer. "I'm sorry Shizuru but, the reason none of you know of my past is because--well--I just can't remember it!"
The two women ahead of her froze in their tracks. Ruri patted the crying ferry girl on her shoulder. "It's alright dear, I'm sure it will come back to you."
"Yeah Bo," Shizuru agreed using the most comforting tone she could muster, "you've probably been a ferry girl for a few centuries to be promoted ahead of the others. That's plenty of time to forget your past."
Botan sniffled, growing angry at herself. "No, I've been a ferry girl for over a millennium. And Ayame's been one longer than that and she still remembers her life before dying. I-I remember that she trained me, before she became head of The Research Department, but before my death..." she wracked her brain but came up blank. "...nothing!"
The brunette stood there in bewilderment. Why would Botan specifically lose memories of her past life? If it was brought on by time then how was it that Ayame--the elder ferry girl--had retained all of her memories?
The ice maiden observed Botan with genuine pity. How terrible to lose one's memories of their past. The one thing she had hoped for most when giving the infant Hiei the tear gem which his mother had shed during his birth was that he would remember his past, and never lose sight of who he was. Sadly, she had no tear gem to give to the frustrated and weeping Botan. Only her sympathy, and maybe...
Seeing that the two women were preoccupied at the moment Ruri turned and held her hands up in an arch-like position, nearly touching her fingertips together. She started concentrating hard on the spot between her hands until a faint blue light flickered in the lower center of the arch. The light took on the shape of a sphere then twirled as shimmers of gold and white danced around it, much like rings spinning round a planet.
Checking to make sure that the newcomers were still distracted she resumed her toils. It was taking a lot out of her to summon forth the Reikai Orb but she sensed that its powers could prove useful in restoring the blue-haired woman's memories.
"One kind deed deserves another." she said gently as she approached the ferry woman with the jewel clutched tightly in her hand.
Botan turned from Shizuru and stared at Ruri puzzled, "What do you mean?"
The older Kuwabara sibling noted Ruri's clenched fist, obviously concealing something. Uh-oh, I feel it, a new presence. This—thing—is incredible! Such power...and it's coming from Ruri. Her eyes narrowed, regarding the woman distrustfully, just what was she up to? "Alright, what's in your hand?"
"Master Inferuno," the tiny demon minion upon the fire youkai's shoulder hissed, "what is keeping the koorime?"
"That's precisely what I expect you to find out Snit," the demon growled. "I do not like being kept waiting!"
"The others," the smaller demon cringed, "they have reported that she does not travel alone. She's in the company of a ferry girl and a ningen woman."
"Hm," the 'Master' considered the unexpected turn of events, "her companions sound pathetic, but I won't be tricked again."
"No Master, never again!" the tiny demon swore, he had no desire to wind up like the last head minion...burnt to a crisp.
"Now come Snit," the demon's crimson eyes glowed as he started off into the mouth of the underground tunnels, "an opportunity like this doesn't present itself everyday. The Spirit Detectives will find a way to the island soon. No doubt my son will be among them. We don't have a moment to lose."
"Not a single moment Master Inferuno," the demon hastily agreed, lowering its tone as they drew nearer their targets, "this time, the Reikai Orb will be all yours!"
The dark haired ferry woman grinned in triumph as she managed to crack the code. She watched with concealed delight as a panel behind King Enma's large oak desk slid open revealing a winding stairway which she presumed would lead her straight to his inner chambers.
It was a narrow stairwell and dimly lit, but Ayame summoned forth all her courage and pressed on. The stairs seemed endless yet she knew that it was a mere trick of the mind to discourage intruders from continuing towards the more powerful items within.
About ten minutes later her patience was rewarded when the stairs ended, a large cloth covering the entrance at the top. Pushing it aside she noted that a tapestry had been concealing the stairway. Strange how all castles seem to have similar methods of hiding secret passages.
It must be here somewhere, Ayame thought as her brow furrowed in determination. Looking around she found that the new room she'd stumbled onto was simply far too dark to allow a proper search. I'm going to need some more light in here...aha! her midnight blue eyes caught sight of an unlit torch hanging from a stand near the entrance.
With some effort she managed to wriggle the torch loose and head back behind the tapestry to light it with one of the candles along the stairwell walls.
She never even thought of what the darkness might have been concealing or the peril she had placed herself in by unknowingly setting off one of King Enma's traps.
Large pendulums hung from the high ceilings of the second room and began swinging the instant she had removed the torch. Fortunately she had narrowly avoided being sliced apart when she had hastily returned to the stairwell. But as she pushed the tapestry aside to reenter, the pendulums swung back on a deadly collision path with the oblivious woman.
Just before Ayame's number was up for a second time the pendulums froze in midair, and then were raised up into the hidden ceiling panels, locked away as if they'd never been sprung in the first place. Feeling something amiss the fair skinned ferry girl looked upwards with her torch raised high. Shrugging she chalked it up to imagination and resumed searching the second chamber.
Down the hall, several rooms away, a tiny finger pressed another button on the view screen of the desk before him.
"Uh, Koenma sir?" the large blue ogre behind him ventured, "Isn't that Ayame, head of the Research Department?"
The small king cocked an eyebrow and gave a low—almost threatening—reply, "Yes, what of it ogre?"
"Well sir," George gulped, "don't you think she shouldn't be wondering around your father's old chambers like that? I mean, it is forbidden."
Koenma's eyebrow twitched, "Listen up ogre, I'm the one who forbade access to those chambers and I'm the one who'll decide what's to be done about anyone who enters them!"
"Oh, yes Koenma sir!" George saluted nervously, "Um...does this mean that she won't be receiving any spankings sir? I mean, you did just deactivate those pendulums."
The tiny ruler's face went beet red as he sunk into his oversized desk chair, "Hmph, I've decided that since this is just an isolated incidence, and her first known violation of Reikai law, that I'll excuse her current actions and let her off with a warning this time."
"Oh how chivalrous of you sir," George declared clasping his hands together with a goofy grin, "not only do you spare the girl but you also let her off the hook! Why it's almost as if you're sweet on her Lord Koenma...uh...Lord Koenma? Are you blushing?"
"Grr..." if possible Koenma's face had just reddened by three shades, "...MEDDLESOME OGRE!"
WHACK!!!
Back at Genkai's temple Kurama had resumed his training with the rose whip. Every few seconds the smooth lashing of the vine-like weapon could be heard slicing through hurled stones with pinpoint precision.
"Nice one Kurama." Yusuke commented casually as he prepared to toss another rock for Kurama to target.
"Thanks, I've been meaning to work on my aim when lashing out at airborne opponents." Kurama explained, recoiling his whip in anticipation of the next attack, "One never knows when such skills might come in handy."
"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed, "especially now that you're not turning into that Yoko guy anymore."
"Right," Kurama gave his orange-haired teammate a half enthused smile, "I refuse to give into temptation and allow my demon self to dominate me any longer. I'm a human now, loyal to my mother and this world."
A distant 'hn' voiced Hiei's sour disapproval on the fox's resolve.
"Well I think it's wonderful Kurama," Yukina smiled brightly from her seat next to Keiko where they were watching the guys practice from a safe distance, "It shows a lot of will power and strength to leave your past life behind you."
"Yes, thank you." Kurama replied absently as he struck out at the next stone, cutting it into two perfect slices with his thorny rose whip attack. Sometimes he wasn't so sure that refraining from turning into Yoko was the right choice, then again, sometimes the right choice and the easiest weren't always the same.
"You know Yukina," Kuwabara spoke up in an attempt to draw her attention back his way, "sometimes a man just needs the proper motivation and he can do all sorts of things. Take for example my undying devotion to you my darling."
"Oh boy," Yusuke rolled his eyes and lifted a mini boulder from its half buried position in the ground at his feet, "here we go again."
"Hey!" Kuwabara heatedly snapped at his longtime school rival, "Just can it Urameshi! Can't you see I'm trying to bear my soul to Yukina here?!"
"But the question is, can she bear listening to another of your pointless ramblings of stupidity?" a mocking voice inquired.
"I don't need any crap from you either Hamster Legs!"
"Hn," Hiei placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, "don't push me fool. It would be exceedingly simple to cut you down to size."
"It's alright Hiei," Yukina said softly, laying a hand on the fire demon's forearm, "I'd actually like to know what he has to say."
"Hee...hee..." Kuwabara laughed nervously, beads of sweat pouring down his back, "well Yukina my sweet, my goddess, my-"
"Get on with it moron!" Yusuke shouted, tossing the mini boulder up for Kurama to target.
"-Yukina my jewel, since the very first day I laid eyes on you I've been changed forever." Kuwabara stammered.
This seemed to peak the koorime's interest, "Really? How?"
"Well my love," Kuwabara dropped to his knees, taking her hands in his despite Hiei's growls of protest, "you've inspire me, to be a better man! And I want you to know that every battle I've fought since our meeting has been done solely for you! Our bond is truly undefeatable my gorgeous icy maiden!"
I haven't decided which to do first, the fire demon seethed to Kurama, kill the oaf or lose my lunch.
Kurama's response was cut short by Yukina's joyful tone, "Oh Kazuma! Do you truly mean all that?!" the kneeling man before her nodded happily, "That's just the sweetest thing that anyone's ever said to me!" she hugged him gleefully.
Hiei's eyes were ready to pop out from their sockets. Yusuke's jaw had dropped, followed by muffled curses as Kurama had missed (distracted by the odd scene) causing the small boulder to come plummeting back down, landing right on Yusuke's foot. Keiko just watched with a contented sigh as the pair in front of her embraced.
"Um..." Yusuke winced after shoving the large stone off his foot, "...that's the sweetest thing someone's ever said to her?"
"Hm, she must not have been listening to all of Kuwabara's prior declarations." the fox demon mused.
Hiei's fists were clenched in fury, his body temperature rising to dangerous levels. That baka had really done it now; he would be charbroiled before he could utter another sappy syllable!!
He would've sent a fire blast hurdling straight for the lovesick fool had he not been interrupted by a sudden outburst from Keiko who jumped up and blocked his shot. "Oh Kurama! You're bleeding!" she exclaimed pointing to a damp tear on the redhead's sleeve.
Looking a bit puzzled Kurama glanced down at his bloody sleeve, pulling the tear open a bit; sure enough a small gash came into view. "It's nothing," he dismissed her concern, "just a minor cut. Probably came from one the thorns when I drew back my whip. I was thrown off guard by Kuwabara's—um—elaborate display of affection."
"Yeah," Kuwabara got to his feet chuckling in relief of Yukina's positive reaction, "I guess my love speech was pretty amazing huh?"
"Heh, something like that." Kurama sweatdropped.
"Should I heal it for you?" Yukina offered, rushing over to inspect the wound.
"No don't trouble yourself." Kurama smiled, "It will heal on its own soon enough."
"Okay," Yukina relented but hurried inside the temple coming back with a roll of gauze, "but please let me wrap it up so it won't get infected."
Conceding to the treatment the redhead rolled up his sleeve, allowing Yukina to properly bandage his arm.
It was at this moment that Yusuke's communicator began beeping. Yanking it out of his pocket he opened it to see Ayame's triumphant smirk. "Well?!" he demanded.
"You should really work on your greetings detective." Ayame frowned, "I was just checking in to let you know that I've found the second portal generator."
"Really?" Yusuke inwardly let out a sigh of relief, "That's great now just beam us a portal here to that island and we'll get the girls and that stupid jewel. Then you can send us a portal to Reikai."
"I'll have one ready and sent to your exact location in under a minute, stand back." the ferry girl nodded before closing the link.
"Alright everyone," Yusuke turned to the group, "let's get ready to move, the portal's gonna open up here any second!"
Sure enough the portal appeared, first through it were Hiei and Yusuke followed by Kuwabara and Yukina. Once Keiko had stepped through the portal Kurama tugged on his tightly bandaged arm.
"Sorry Yukina, but I think this bandaging will inhibit my ability to accurately fight with the rose whip." Giving the gauze a final tug he yanked the bloodstained material from his arm and casually tossed it through an open window to the temple before entering the portal himself.
Genkai watched with little interest as the portal disappeared from sight. Turning to the large blue spirit beast behind her she muttered nonchalantly, "Well, looks like it's just the two of us left behind to guard my temple again."
Puu let out a wide yawn and curled up in the lush green grass. "Okay," the elderly woman sighed, "make that just me."
Inside the hidden catacombs of the Island of the Koorimes an uneasy Shizuru repeated her question to the suspicious acting koorime. "What's in your hand?!"
Botan gave both women a quizzical look, "What's going on here? I thought we were all on the same side?"
"We are," Ruri assured her, "don't worry child, I'm not going to harm you. This," she held out her hand, "may unlock the memories buried deep within your heart."
The ferry girl stared with awe at the shimmering rays of light shining out through the cracks between Ruri's fingers. "Is that-?"
"The Reikai Orb!!!" a large ball of fire was blasted straight for the unsuspecting trio.
The blazing sphere fell just short of the females, hitting the ground in front of them. The resulting explosion sent them all flying back.
"Ugh!" the brunette hit the far wall with a loud CRACK! "Why didn't I sense an attack like that coming?!"
A small minion demon appeared just inches in front of her smudged face hissing, "Because Master has powers too enhanced for a mere ningen wench to detect!"
"SHIZURU!" Botan pushed herself up off the stone ground and summoned her metal bat, "Get away from her you ugly little troll!"
The minion turned to snarl but met with the thick end of Botan's bat. "Bingo!" she cried happily, "Home run!"
"Thanks," Shizuru muttered while Botan gave her a hand up. Her eyes widened when she saw at least three more minions springing forth from behind the ferry girl. "Look out!"
Both girls tumbled to the side and collided into one of the tunnel's icy walls. Panting and shaking the mortal and ferry woman staggered to their feet. The minion demons were still coming.
"HEY!" Shizuru exclaimed as one small bat-winged creature leapt at her face in an attempt to scratch out her eyes.
Botan winced, "What'll I do?! I can't smack it with a bat; I'd knock your face off!"
Shizuru gripped the little vermin by the base of its wings, forcefully prying the demented minion off. Muttering curses she gingerly touched the scratches it'd left on her face.
Preoccupied with Shizuru's struggles Botan failed to notice the two minions springing at her from behind.
"AAAHH!!!"
Screaming she swung her weapon blindly while the demons swarmed around her, clawing and biting. The fabric of her pink kimono was torn apart under the fierce onslaught of the pint-sized youkai. Brief shrieks of pain resounded through the tunnel each time a flesh wound was inflicted on the frantic ferry girl.
"Get OFF of me!" she demanded shrilly. Finally she managed to clobber the demon at her hip and send him flying into the rocky ceiling, knocking the sadistic beast unconscious.
Shizuru recovered from her own attack delivering a jump kick to the demon minion just above Botan's left shoulder.
"I think that's the last of them." the brunette huffed.
"Don't be so sure!" a deep masculine voice bellowed.
Spinning around they spotted the mastermind behind the attack. "The fire demon Inferuno!" Botan gasped.
"The one and only," Inferuno sneered, gesturing grandly.
"Hn, this guy doesn't look so tough," Shizuru spit a bit of blood to the side making her way in front of Botan.
"Don't be a fool by underestimating me girl," Inferuno growled, stepping to the side to reveal his hostage.
Vaguely visible in the shadows of the catacomb stood the bound and injured Ruri. Soot smudged her thick kimono and the sides of her face and hands. The head minion Snit had his leathery gray tail wound tightly around the demoness's neck. Her arms hung limply at her sides as a thin stream of smoke curled around her faintly floating form.
"Ruri!" Botan made a move to rush to the captive koorime but was halted when Shizuru grasped her shoulder tightly.
"Don't do it Bo," she warned, "that troll could deal her some real damage before we got to her. And I get the feeling that Mr. Fire & Brimstone is concealing more energy than we know."
"Well well..." the fire demon chuckled, "...so there is a brain in that pathetic little head of yours ningen."
Snit snickered as well, "Master Inferuno has been searching for the Reikai Orb for many centuries now. His first attempt was ruined by the incompetence of the late head minion. But I shall not fail my master. The Reikai Orb, my lord, is in the custody of this koorime wench!"
Crimson eyes shifted over to the minion and his prisoner. "Are you sure?"
"Yes Master Inferuno, Snit will stake his very life on this!" the minion declared.
"Very well," the fire youkai approached Ruri while slowly raising a clawed hand, "it is your life Snit, and you are highly expendable."
Oh no...! Botan panicked, her thoughts racing, Ruri's gonna be killed if we don't do something quick! I wish Yusuke and the others were here!!
As if in answer to her prayers a bolt of electric blue energy shot through the tunnel's exit and collided with Inferuno. The fire demon was sent hurdling through the darkness of the tunnel and finally a loud crash was heard signaling that he'd been driven into a stone wall.
"Yusuke!" Botan yelled in enthusiastic relief.
"Well it ain't George the ogre," the spirit detective smirked, stepping forth from the shadows.
He was soon joined by the figures of Hiei, Kurama, and Kuwabara.
"Release her!" Kurama ordered Snit preparing to launch a rose whip attack.
"No chance!" Snit hissed, "One wrong move and I'll strangle this koorime to death!!"
"Hn, I don't think so." Hiei spoke up, stepping forward he drew out his katana. "This woman is the koorime who tossed me off this island. Her life is mine to take, not yours!"
"And yet you didn't take it." All heads turned to towards the semi-familiar voice. Glowing red orbs shone out from the darkness, hollow footsteps slowly increased in volume, then the outline of their enemy appeared, the dim light spread over his daunting features. "Hiei..."
Growling Hiei turned swiftly on the heel of his boot so that he was facing his new foe, "Father."
A wicked grin was plastered on the elder fire demon's face. "So, you know of me. Good, I see that brat Koenma keeps his detectives well informed. Although, you're more of a mongrel on a leash aren't you?"
Hiei's eyes glowed a threatening red, the growls coming from his throat now would cause even the highest class demons to quake...all except, his own flesh and blood.
"First you get cast out from your homeland by a tribe of meager wenches, then you're thwarted by a mere boy despite your Jagan Eye, forced to work under Koenma's heel to escape your prison term, and now you serve as a lap dog for Mukuro." Inferuno laughed, reveling in the misfortune of his only son.
Nearly losing all his composure Hiei spat out, "And what have you done?! Mated with a female you didn't love only to abandon her and your offspring after you found out she didn't have some stupid jewel?!"
"I did what I had to, boy." The elder youkai proclaimed, devoid of any remorse. "Hina was supposedly my means to obtaining the Reikai Orb. You and your sister....you were just a few mistakes that happened along the way."
Scarlet eyes narrowed on the fiend. "You disgust me." Hiei seethed.
"My sentiments exactly," Inferuno retorted, "It's humiliating, being cursed with two weak and sentimental fools for offspring."
"Yukina is NOT your offspring!" Hiei snarled.
"You think she's just another asexually produced koorime?" Inferuno cackled, "Open your eyes boy; she's as much my child as you are. Hina may have given you each her size and kind-hearted traits, but you BOTH have MY eyes and MY drive for success!"
Hiei's sword was clenched so tightly that the veins showing in his fists where near bursting, "I may bare some of your less desirable traits but my sister is NOTHING like you! She is solely of our mother's blood!"
"Simple minded fool, she is as stubborn and rebellious as I am. If not ruined by your mother's humility you both might've made decent underlings. Now I'll just have to correct my past mistakes and wipe you nuisances from my path for good!"
"HOW DARE HE TALK ABOUT YUKINA LIKE THAT!" Kuwabara shouted forming his spirit sword. I...I can't believe it! I won't! Yukina, my dear sweet snow angel, is related...to Shorty?!!!
"Calm down dofus!" Yusuke ordered, moving to restrain the orange-haired fighter. "What's the point of leaving her outside if all your yelling clues her in anyway?!"
"Huh?" Kuwabara was dumbstruck, "you mean she doesn't know? Well why not?!"
"Because he's afraid she'll hate him or something because of his past." Yusuke answered, annoyed at having to go through this now.
And I'll kill anyone who reveals my secret. Hiei's threatening message rang out inside Kuwabara's mind. The orange-haired man flinched, knowing the fiery tempered demon would be all too happy to make good on his threat.
Kurama was at a stand off with Snit. He was reluctant to use his whip. And the artic climate wouldn't fair well with any plants he tried to summon. They were at a standstill, the ice maiden's life hanging in the balance.
Botan watched the scene unfold between Hiei and his father hoping against hope that Hiei would be able to defeat the elder and probably much stronger fire demon. Besides, this wasn't just some ordinary foe for Hiei—no—this heartless power-hungry maniac...was his father.
I don't understand, she pondered silently, how can Hiei be related to such a monster? I admit that he's no saint himself, but he's no where near as cruel as Inferuno! And the things he's said about his own children... Be careful Hiei; please don't let him trick you into attacking. He must have incredible power; just look what he's managed to do to Ruri! Shizuru and I never even sensed his energy!
The redheaded fox furrowed his brow, his eyebrows knitted closely together as he scowled at the arrogant little youkai holding Ruri hostage.
"What's the matter fox demon?" Snit chided, tightening his grip on Ruri's neck, causing her to whimper in pain. "Afraid I might wring her pretty little neck?"
Emerald eyes narrowed then widened a fraction of an inch as he spotted another person noiselessly stalking up behind the unsuspecting minion. Shizuru!
The brunette signaled for Kurama to remain silent and poised as she continued to advance on the taunting half-pint.
The only way we're gonna beat this ugly bootlicker without harming Ruri is by catching him off guard. Shizuru resolved drawing nearer to the minion whose back was currently towards her.
"You may as well surrender now," Snit continued to snigger, "As soon as Master Inferuno is finished with your friend, you'll all be next to perish in his flames of darkness!"
"GOT'CHA!" Shizuru cried darting forward and tackling the demon, wrenching his tail loose from around the ice maiden's neck as they fell.
Ruri, Shizuru, and Snit hit the ground with a THUD! and rolled across the floor of the cave. Wincing Ruri opened her eyes to see the human woman from before joyfully pounding the smart-mouthed head minion against the stone floor.
Kurama offered the ice maiden a hand up which she gratefully accepted. "Shouldn't you be helping her?" she asked, referring to Shizuru.
"I would..." Kurama smiled nervously glancing over at the elated Shizuru as she slammed a battered Snit against a frost covered rock, "...but I'd hate to spoil her fun."
Pushed to his boiling point Hiei chose this moment to attack his father. Sword held high above his head the younger fire demon charged the elder youkai at a speed no human eye could follow.
Inferuno merely looked on with a smug expression. Hiei landed several feet behind the demon menace as a streak of blood came showering down behind him.
"Alright!" Yusuke cheered, "You got him!"
"Hn, don't be a fool." the black-hearted youkai was now standing just to the right of the Spirit Detective. Yusuke and Kuwabara did a double-take only to find that the 'victim' of Hiei's attack had only been his father's after image.
"So, you too utilize speed in battle?" Hiei said through clenched fangs. The bloodied black fabric of his cloak was held tightly in his free hand. Inferuno was fast, fast enough to pierce his side with a sword he hadn't even seen him unsheathe.
"Where did you think you got it from?" Inferuno smirked...a leer even more eerie than Hiei's trademark grin. "Now, it's time you were taught to respect and FEAR your elders!"
Hiei barely had time to stand before he was knocked down and sent sliding back through the tunnel by a sudden powerful punch. Inferuno was obviously a firm believer of kick 'em when they're down attacks because he didn't leave his son a moment to recuperate before repeatedly plunging his blade into Hiei's upper torso.
The younger fire demon bit his tongue to stop from crying out at the vicious onslaught. He wouldn't give the cretin the satisfaction of hearing his screams of agony.
"HA! HA! HA!" the malevolent fire demon raised his weapon high to deliver a death blow to his own son when a wall of ice rose between the two. "Nani?!"
Ruri held an outstretched hand towards the fighting pair. She wouldn't let the heartless monster who abandoned her dearest friend with his offspring destroy the son she'd struggled so desperately to protect. "Stop this Inferuno! You will NEVER harm Hina's kodomo, not so long as I'm alive!"
"Stay out of this!" Hiei snapped slicing at the wall, regardless of the fact that Ruri had most likely just saved his life, he was determined to personally make his father pay!
Too late, Inferuno's attention had been drawn back to the jewel. "SNIT!"
The bruised minion groaned from his position under Shizuru's left heel.
Growling at the incompetence of his servants Inferuno resolved to take matters into his own hands. In less than half the blink of an eye he swooped down on the koorime and vanished.
Hiei emerged from behind the shattered ice wall enraged and soaked in blood. His black cloak had been torn off sometime during his battle with Inferuno; now all that remained was his sliced pale blue sleeveless top, damp with blood and clinging to his half-revealed chest. "WHERE IS HE?!"
"That jerk's got Ruri!" Yusuke replied searching for any clue as to which way he'd taken her.
"Yeah well that's not all," Shizuru muttered, "Ruri's the jewel's keeper so if we don't find them soon he's gonna use it to become ten times more powerful. Then we can all kiss our butts good-bye."
"Oh no!" Kuwabara gasped, "What if he's run out the exit?! My precious snow bunny! I've gotta go protect her!!"
Hiei scowled as Kazuma took off down the tunnel towards the exit. "Yusuke," he pointed after Kuwabara, "follow the oaf. I don't think Inferuno's left the catacombs. But I don't want that idiot blabbing my secret to Yukina either. She's so attached to the buffoon; I'd hate to have to see her cry over my killing him."
Nodding Yusuke hurried off after the rambling Kuwabara.
"Maybe the ankle biter saw which way his master went," Shizuru said holding Snit up by the neck and running a finger over one of the bleeding scratches on her face, "I'd like to get a few more rounds in with this annoying pipsqueak before handing him over to Koenma."
Snit let out a high-pitched "Eep!" before assuming a begging position while dangling from the brunette's harsh grip. "Please don't let her kill me!"
"Then you'd best start talking," Kurama stated seriously, all the while a mischievous golden glint flickering in his emerald eyes.
"Snit did not see which way Master headed, but there are many narrow passageways hidden along the tunnel walls of these catacombs. Master used them many years ago to sneak in and 'visit' the koorime Hina."
Hiei let out a warning growl to the sniveling underling.
Gulping Snit shut his trap.
"Then we must split up and search along these walls for any hidden passages." Kurama concluded.
"Hn," Hiei darted off into the blackness at the tunnel's opposite end.
"I guess I should follow and search along the middle section." Kurama sighed, "Shizuru, you and Botan stay here and look around. If you find anything, don't hesitate to come inform us."
After waiting for a quick nod from the brunette Kurama set off into the shadows himself.
Keeping a tight grip on the diminutive youkai Shizuru turned to discover that her partner was nowhere to be seen. "Botan?"
Amanda/Artiste: Some people are just impossible to keep track of. Please review and let me know what you thought of this chapter. No flames! Next Chapter: Ruri vs. Inferuno! Hiei vs. His Feelings?!