Word Count: 737

Ages: Hiei- ...um over 400 maybe...?

"There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Hiei stared at the sword in his hand, wondering vaguely why he stole it. He didn't really have a goal, other than getting the mirror for Kurama's mother. In fact, he didn't really know much about the three object other than their abilities. He shook the sword lightly, listening as the cure for its poison clinked within the handle.

The balance was off.

He frowned. He wasn't much of a swordsman even though he did carry a sword. It was mostly used to channel his power. Though Kurama did suggest actually trying to learn a style, just in case he ever came across a true swordsman.

He doubted the fox would approve of him using this particular sword, however.

Honestly, he wasn't sure he wanted to anyway.

It didn't really help him in any way. It was only semi-useful against humans. Other demons wouldn't be affected. Not only that, but it didn't help his search for his twin in any way.

Of course, he could create his own army out of turned humans, but what was the point in that?

He sat down still debating with himself.

It wasn't like he could simply return it to the Spirit World at this point. He could sell it, but money or treasure had never really appealed to him like it had to the fox. Maybe he could try and leverage some information for the stupid thing, but he didn't want knowledge of his ownership of it to spread around if there was no information to be found.

While he couldn't think of any use for it, other demons would be more than happy to cause chaos. He didn't want to deal with trying to fight to keep the thing.

He folded his arms across from his chest and glared down at the sword in his lap.

He wondered if Kurama had gotten the Forlorn Hope to work. The fox had a determined glint in his eye when he left, so Hiei didn't doubt that he'd figure out how to use it. That was the whole reason for their little escapade, even if he didn't want to admit it.

He had come to like the human woman Kurama called mother.

She never asked any questions nor did she try and make him stay when he wanted to leave. Her cooking was also a big plus.

He had watched silently as Kurama frantically tried to find every possible method to heal his mother. When he realized that the illness was caused by his own demonic energy he broke down in a way Hiei had never seen before.

It was difficult to see someone like Kurama lose control. Perhaps if he hadn't known the fox's family. Hadn't eaten and lived with them. If the little human hadn't taken to calling him 'Nii-san' and the mother hadn't admitted to thinking of him as a third son, he would have made fun Kurama for caring so much for the silly humans.

But all of those things had occurred and he couldn't bring himself not to care. Not to worry. Not to find some way to help them.

So, he had come up with the plan to break into the Spirit Realm. He didn't know much about the items, but he knew enough to realized that the Forlorn Hope would be able to help if not completely cure Nana.

He glanced down at the sword again.

There really wasn't a point in keeping the darn thing.

The Spirit World was in chaos when they found the Sword of Shadows sitting innocently outside Koenma's office door the next morning. It had a note with it that nearly sent the Prince into a temper tantrum. Yusuke only laughed, claiming that his gut was always right and that they should listen to him more often. Botan just shook her head, realizing not for the first time, that she wasn't paid enough for this nonsense.

When Kurama noticed a presence outside the hospital window, he only smiled and opened it. Allowing the shorter demon inside, making Reborn send him an exasperated glare as Tsuna greeting him enthusiastically.

You should really upgrade your security. This whole situation was pathetic. Be grateful I wasn't planning on using your stupid, useless sword.

So, yeah. I haven't watched YYH recently, but I couldn't remember why Hiei wanted that sword. Maybe I missed something, but it had never made sense to me especially when we learn more about him and his goals later in the series.

Anywho, while I can't guarantee scheduled or even frequent updates, I'll at least try and post a couple of chapters for each update. If that makes any sense. XD

Thanks again for all of your lovely reviews. I can't even express how happy each one makes me.