Prologue

The Cherry Blossom Festival was always such a happy time. It marked the end of the long winter season and the beginning of spring. Spring brought new beginnings and happy endings. It was always the most celebrated time for everyone around. Everyone was so happy, so carefree, but not all things could be perfect.

Hiei hated these festivals. He always had, probably always would. It didn't matter that everyone in our group always attended, he just hated being there. It didn't help much that this year we had all been invited to attend the festival at a newly renovated shrine. The new priestess was nice, but somewhat suspicious of us. Genkai told us that she most likely had some spirit awareness if she was on edge only around Yusuke, Hiei, and me.

We'd all been here before, when the old priestess was still alive, but we hadn't been there for on to three years. The previous priestess, Lady Mika, had passed away, and the shrine had to be closed down until her granddaughter was ready to assume her duties as a priestess.

Thinking back to that horrible day, I wish I had paid more attention to what was happening; maybe Hiei wouldn't have made such a mess of things. His mistake cost me, not him. The curse inflicted by an untrained priestess landed on the wrong victim, me. Oh well.

Chapter One: The festival battle

Three days earlier...

(Kurama)

"Hiei, get down here! We're going to be late!" I shouted as I paced my long time friend and partner's tree.

Hiei was always this way whenever a get together was inevitable. He always tried to get out of it, meaning we were always late getting there when I finally got him to come. Hiei is my best friend, but sometimes I'd like to just ring that koorime's little neck. He can be just so vexing at times that I just wish I was the sort to give up on people. Alas, that is my gift and my curse; I don't give up on my friends.

I drew in a deep breath to calm myself, and then tried again. "Hiei, Yukina will be there with Kuwabara. Do you really want to leave your little sister alone with that oaf?"

All I received was silence. I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'll just go without you."

As soon as I turned to walk away Hiei leapt from his tree and landed mere inches from me. I had to jump back to keep from running him over. I hate it when he does that! He always gets too close to me for my piece of mind. Sometimes I wonder if he even has any personal boundaries.

My mental tirade was stopped by my koorime friend's gruff voice. "Damn you, fox. You know I'd never leave Yukina in that baka's care for long."

He then walked right past me. He was only a few paces ahead when he looked over his shoulder at me and said, "Are you coming or not, Kurama? I don't have all day, you know."

I smiled slightly at his choice of words then started after him. "I'm coming, Hiei. I was never the one who was wasting time."

We walked on in silence for quiet some time before Hiei sent me one of his rare half smiles and said, "Crafty fox."

I simply grinned at him then returned his comment with my own. "Stubborn koorime."

"Humph. And proud of it."

I cracked up. Hiei could be so amusing sometimes. Then again, he could also be a pain in the butt when he wished too. His moods changed as often as the wind. That was just Hiei. Too much of a lone spirit for his own good sometimes.

By the time I had calmed down enough to look at Hiei again, we had reached the stairs to the shrine. Everyone else was already there, just as I'd known they would be. We were always late. I glared at the cause of my tardiness, but he just glared right on back.

Yukina was the first to greet us.

"Hiei, Kurama, you made it. I was afraid you weren't going to come."

"What and miss a chance to see you, cherub?" Me, of course.

Yukina blushed, Hiei and Kuwabara both glared at me. I just smiled and turned to greet everyone else.

"Yusuke, Keiko, Botan, Genkai...How nice to see you again. It's been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Yes it has, Kurama. We really must get everyone together more often. Oh, and Lord Koenma is here too. Somewhere." Botan said as she looked around.

"If yer looking for the toddler, I stuck him in the trashcan when we got here."

"Yusuke!" WHAM! Yusuke was hit in the head with Keiko's purse.

WHAM! Yusuke was then hit in the head with Botan's oar.

I sweat dropped. Same old Yusuke. He'd never change. Three years of peace hadn't mellowed him any. If anything, he had gotten worse. Even though he hadn't really changed in personality, he'd changed in other ways. All of us had.

Yusuke, Keiko, Kuwabara, and I were all seniors in high school this year. We had all matured, some more than others, but we were still the same people mostly.

Keiko was still rather violent with Yusuke, but she was somewhat more lenient with him now that he wasn't fighting all the time. She and the Spirit Detective were to be married next spring. I was happy for them.

Kuwabara still fought Yusuke on a regular basis, but he stuck more to the books now than to fighting. His friends were all passing school thanks to him. I knew something Hiei did not about the orange haired young man. Kuwabara had an engagement ring in a little box in his pocket. He was going to propose to Yukina very soon. I can't wait to see Hiei's face when he does. Oh, it will be priceless.

Yukina still lived with Genkai, but now she was learning some martial arts in case she needed to defend herself and nobody was around to help her. She was pretty good at it too. She could beat Kuwabara, and that was saying something.

As for me, well, I guess I haven't changed all that much. I'm quieter than I use to be; at least that is what my mother tells me. My Yoko half doesn't show much anymore. Many of my friends tell me I need a girlfriend before I withdrawal completely. Maybe they're right, but for some reason I'm not all that interested in dating. At my age that must say something. I'd much prefer to spend my time in my garden with my flowers or under Hiei's tree talking with my friend.

I guess I had been quiet for a long while, because the next thing I knew Botan, Keiko, and Yukina were crowding around me looking at me like I was ill or something. I noticed that most everyone was staring at me with a look of either concern or confusion on their faces.

"What is it?"

"Kurama, we called your name several times, but you didn't answer us. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Yukina."

I squared my shoulders, grabbed Botan and Yukina each by one arm, and said, "Let's go up there before the festival is over. I hope we haven't missed too much."

I rushed past so quickly that I completely missed the looks I was getting from my other friends. I guess they're worried, but I'm fine so...

(Hiei)

"He's doing it again."

"I'm aware of what the fox is up to, Urameshi."

The fox was pushing everyone aside, even those closest to him. I know I don't show it, but I worry about him sometimes. Often times I sit and think outside his window while he's at school, and once his mother saw me and she spoke to me. I guess Kurama told her about me because she didn't seem to be afraid of my presence outside her son's room. She'd confided that she was worried about her son. I was too.

It wasn't like Kurama to just stop socializing with people. That wasn't who he was. I knew that he had skipped several of his regular after school activities, but I hadn't really thought about it until his mother said something. Come to think of it, Kurama has been missing some of our normal meetings. I'd come to expect him sitting under my tree three or four days out of the week, but lately I only saw him once or twice a week. This wouldn't have bothered me so much, but for the fact that he keeps me posted on how Yukina is doing.

I shook my head then started up the steps after the fox thief. I'll be damned if he'll get away with flirting with my sister! Damn fox, he's just too charming for his own good. Or my piece of mind. A few years back this wouldn't have fazed me. Now, though, I can't help but be worried. Kurama is the only person I consider to be my friend. Tell anyone that, and I'll kill you.

As soon as I reached the top of the stairs I had to stop myself from staring. Kurama had always looked very feminine to me, but tonight he looked more girlish than usual. I had opted not to wear the traditional attire for festivals, but Kurama had donned a simple black yukata with little gold foxes dancing across it. He had also pulled his hair into a high ponytail, something I had never seen him do. If I hadn't known he was a guy, I'd have thought he was a female. A really cute female at that.

I froze. 'Oh no, I did not just think that! I am not that way! I've never been very fond of girls, but that doesn't mean I like guys. That is just disgusting. Damn you, Kurama! Damn you and your girlish looks!' I shouted in my mind.

That was why I hated festivals so much. Every single time I agreed to come to one Kurama would dress so damn feminine and I'd get those disturbing thoughts. I hated it! Kurama is my best friend, I shouldn't be thinking of him like that. And I am not gay! No, no, no, no, NO!

I stopped my mental ranting when Kurama turned to look over at me with a smile on his face. He crossed one arm across his waist to lightly grab his other arm. Then he tilted his head to one side and said, "Oh, hello Hiei. I didn't see you over there."

My entire face turned bright red. I don't know why, but it did. I quickly looked elsewhere so that Kurama wouldn't see before I spoke. "Whatever, fox."

Kurama tilted his head to the other side. "Hm? Are you still angry at me for flirting with Yukina? Come now, I was just teasing her. She knew it too."

"Drop it, fox."

"Won't you tell me what's wrong?"

"I said, drop it."

"Oh, but Hiei..."

"Damnit, Kurama, just leave me alone!" I shouted as I stalked away.

Damn him! Damn him! He always does this! Always! Stupid Kurama! Stupid, ningen loving, fox! I hate him! I stopped short. Did I just...? No, I didn't hate Kurama. Never hate him. I'm just mad at him right now. I need space. I have to just get away for awhile.

I chanced a look around. The shrine wasn't that big, but I was still somewhere I didn't know. All around me were ningens enjoying their stupid holiday, but no one that I recognized. Not even Yusuke.

"Sir, are you lost?"

I spun around and drew my sword in one motion. I had nearly jumped out of my skin. I glared at the owner of the voice, a ningen wench. She had somehow snuck around behind me while I was trying to get my bearings.

"What do you want, ningen?"

She showed no fear. Not of me, and not of my blade. This was no ordinary human. Her gaze was leveled at me. Calm, steely, but not scared in the least.

I felt a tingle of awareness run down my spine. She had to be the priestess of the shrine. No normal human had that kind of spiritual power. I drew back my sword and returned it to its sheath.

"What do you want, miko?" I repeated my question.

I felt her glaring at me. Like I was afraid of some half trained priestess.

"The question should be, what are you doing here demon."

(Kurama)

"Hiei! Hiei, come back!" I shouted as I trotted in the direction my friend had gone. "Where are you? Come on now, Hiei, this isn't funny! If this is about Yukina, I'm sorry! Now come out here!"

I didn't see him, nor could I sense his distinct demonic aura. Wherever he was, he didn't want me to find him. I don't know what I've done to make him want to hide from me, but I sure intend to find out.

I had covered maybe half of the shrine when this strange whooshing sound stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me of the sound a jet liner makes when it is taking off. A moment later Hiei came flying out of a large cloud of black smoke, and he didn't look like he'd done it on his own. My thoughts were confirmed when a very pissed looking priestess came charging out of the cloud right after him.

"Oh, Kami. What have you done this time, Hiei?" I asked as my koorime friend drew out his katana.

"For once, fox, my only crime was being a demon."

I turned to look at the priestess, then spoke again. "My lady, why have you assaulted my friend? He has done you no harm."

She glared at me. "He drew his blade on me. That alone gives me the right to strike him down, but he also had to gall to enter my shrine during a holy festival. Demons are unwelcome here. Now step aside."

I sighed then shook my head and removed my rose from its place in my hair. If she was going to attack Hiei no matter what I said, then I would have to help him. He was my partner, after all. He was also my friend, and I wasn't about to let him face fight by himself. Hiei was strong and could probably best the girl in a fair fight, but this was her territory. Her powers were strongest at this shrine.

I flicked my wrist to draw out my rose whip then said, "If he had only drawn his sword on you I would not interfere, but you are after him for being a demon. I am also a demon, so I shall also fight you."

Her face grew red with rage. "Demons! Filthy, foul, creatures! I'll kill you both!"

As she prepared to attack Hiei did the one thing I never thought he'd do to me, he used his physic powers to send me clear of the fight. Apparently, he didn't want me interfering in his battle. I landed on my feet, but I only remained that way for a few seconds before my vision blurred.

"Wha-what's happening?" I asked as my entire body began shutting down.

I couldn't be sure what was going on, but I knew it must have something to do with the priestess Hiei was fighting. I'm so going to kill him for this. Just as soon as I get my strength back I'll...I'll...I can't see straight...I'm going to...

(Hiei)

'That bitch! Bringing the fox into this! Now she's hurt him! I'm going to kill her!' I thought as I used my demonic speed to elude her every attack.

To take her wrath out upon me was acceptable. For her to use it against Kurama...That was just not acceptable at all. He hadn't done anything to her. He didn't even look like a demon, for Kami's sake! Oh, his mother is going to murder me when she finds out about this. What's worse, Kurama is going to kill me for fighting with her in the first place. Kurama's mother is scary, but a vexed fox is much worse. I'll have to avoid him after this until his anger cools off some. He'll probably murder me for this one.

I was about to unleash my dragon on the priestess when Yusuke and the others arrived. Yukina went straight to Kurama. Yusuke and Kuwabara came to stand on either side of me. There was no way I'd be able to do anything now.

"Okay, now everybody just calm down. What the heck is going on here?"

"The woman has done something to Kurama. It is as simple as that, Yusuke."

"Knowing you, Hiei, there's more to it than that. What did you do to her?"

"I did nothing, detective."

I then turned my attention to where Kurama was lying. Yukina had his head resting in her lap, but I couldn't tell if he was even breathing from where I was standing. Lord if that stupid ningen wench had killed him...

I shook my head. No, Kurama was much stronger than that. There was no way his Yoko blood would allow him to die from such a weak attack. He would be fine. He would have to be.

I knelt next to Yukina then said, "How is the fox doing, Yukina?"

Yukina looked up at me then said, "I'm not really sure, Hiei. He seems to be just fine, but his unconscious state would say otherwise. I think he needs to be brought home as soon as possible. He should be fine after a night's rest."

I nodded then turned my attention back to the others. "Kurama needs to be brought home. He has no way to defend himself in his current state. I suggest we finish this quickly before someone sees us."

"I agree." Yusuke scratched his head. "Look, miss priestess, I don't know what sort of problem you have with Hiei and Kurama, but it's my problem now."

"I only fight demons. Now get out of my way so I can vanquish these two."

"I doubt you could vanquish anybody. Those two are probably some of the strongest guys I've ever met. You're just a badly trained priestess."

I watched as the miko woman's eyes went large with indignation. "Well I never!"

Yusuke is on a roll. For once he's using his head and not his fists.

"Yeah I bet you never. You've probably never even seen a demon, nonetheless killed one."

I smirked. Yusuke has actually grown a brain over the past few years. I guess those beatings he got from our various enemies have helped him think better. The ningen wench looks ready to murder him. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then made this sound that only females can make, and walked away in a huff. Yusuke has saved the day, or more specifically, the fox.

I looked back to Kurama. Kuwabara had picked him up and was getting ready to carry him home. That is a good thing since I can't actually lift Kurama. He's too heavy for me. Besides, I don't want to show any concern for the fox. If anyone knew that he was my friend then they'd probably use that against us. I prefer our friendship remain private.

As Kuwabara walked away I decided to go ahead and follow him. Someone had to explain to Mrs. Minamano why her son was unconscious. Best for it to be someone who can run fast enough to get away from her.

End.

That's it for this chapter.

Like? Hate?

Be nice this is my first yaoi story.