(Hello! I just made changes to this chapter after I uploaded it, so I apologize for the inconvenience. After much thinking, I decided that the change was rather appropriate. I want to make Kurama to look hard to get sometimes since he and Hiei do start to feel something minimal for each other after the three-month time skip in this chapter, regardless of their different thoughts. Kurama want something long term and stay in the Human World while Hiei just want the fun and pleasure of being the first, if you know what I mean, before going back to Demon World. That's why the events of the next arc will bring them a little closer together to the point of forming a couple mentality that perhaps might be obvious even to Kuwabara. lol)
Warnings: Hiei is living a normal life and he has a sweet tooth for ice cream, chocolate milk, and Shiori's homemade cheesecake pie and the promised cake, Kaito wants to be the next Spirit Detective and Hiei calls him basically a noob, Kurama talks about retirement (and he's far from achieving it), Kurama/Hiei at first and then some Hiei/Kurama but it stops that Hiei makes a Surprise Pikachu Face, and Team Toguro's evil agenda is revealed. Wear masks, gloves and hand sanitizer!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yuyu Hakusho nor the cover image for this fic.
Chapter 18
It has been three months since Hiei stayed to live with Kurama and Shiori. The spirit realms duties had been put on hiatus: Kurama had to study for his midterms and the approaching final exams before the semester was over, and he had to catch up with delayed schoolwork and projects. Not to mention, to also have some sort social life. He had requested Koenma for a break on the missions, which it was approved in advance upon the condition that Koenma will personally end his break in case of an occurring emergency.
During the time of peace, Hiei was already adapting of living as a human that he dressed like one during the past three months. Although, he retains the same opinion of hatred for humans, he thinks that living as a human was not as bad compared to fighting and killing for daily chance of survival. For once, it was a nice change of pace to live a normal life even if it were temporary; Yukina would giggle at him if she ever found out about the new lifestyle.
In this day, Kurama had taken Hiei shopping to the Amane City Mall for the fourth time. Hiei wore a dark blue tank top with a dog tag for necklace, khaki pants and wore Converse sneakers while Kurama tied his hair into a high ponytail and wore a stylish dark blue jeans with a black belt to combine the black leather shoes and an untucked white button shirt underneath a black V-neck sweater.
They went to different individual stores and department stores and were able to find the Jaganshi extra clothes, accessories and shoes (that to Kurama's shock and surprise) happen to like and some decorations for the room. The items were bought with the money allowance and scholarships that Kurama saved for having perfect academic grades nationwide, participating for the first time in this year sports tournament of martial arts and winning first place again at the annual science fair. Hiei had suggested that it was Kurama's turn to buy clothes and shoes and show it to him... Kurama, for some reason, had decided that after three hours they both needed a break (i.e. he was feeling shy to undress and model in new clothing to Hiei).
Hiei sat on a bench near the food court with several shopping bags set on the floor while he waited with necessary patience for Kurama to come back with their afternoon snacks. He hoped that the redhead didn't get ambushed by his fangirls from his school. Last time it happened, Hiei had to rescue him by scaring the obsessive girls away.
Speaking of whom, Kurama came with two ice cream cones wrapped in napkins in each hand. He sat next to Hiei on the bench before handing the ice cream. "Aaaaand here's your reward for your behavior during this afternoon," he said with a foxy like grin.
Hiei rolled his eyes before taking the ice cream cone with a combined flavor of vanilla and salted caramel from the other. "Kurama, I told you many times that I am able to behave around humans and public places. I'm not much of what you think I am, nor I am socially awkward."
"And for that, mother and I are very impressed."
Hiei scoffed. "Please, your mother differs from this: she thinks that I am capable of good behavior in public but I just don't want to show it. She may be right about me," he said before turning his attention to the ice cream cone in his right hand. "What is this? I have the impression that this will still taste like the same sweet snow that we had after dinner last night."
Kurama chuckled at how Hiei kept calling ice cream as sweet snow. He thought that it was weird yet adorable. "It's vanilla with another flavor but instead on a bowl like last night it's in a cone. Try it like this," Kurama said he to then demonstrate how to eat properly his strawberry ice cream cone, which consisted of repetitive licking.
Hiei couldn't help but to stare the display of Kurama's skilled tongue and HOW he was eating the cold dessert…He got flustered that he shook his head as different kind of thoughts ran on his mind. "Please no more demonstrations of your part. I give this too my seal of approval," he said so he could eat his ice cream.
"Um, you were supposed to lick the ice cream unlike with a spoon," Kurama said confused at Hiei's antics so he wouldn't get a brain freeze.
"Shut it! I do whatever I want!" Hiei said as he kept eating his ice cream cone until it was gone from his hand. He then used the napkin to clean his hand.
"There are still other forms and ways to eat ice cream but we'll take it one day at a time. There is still so much stuff to do together in the Human World," Kurama said with a friendly smile. "I can't believe that I really do have fun with you going out besides training, Hiei. I have more plans in store for us now that school is over for the summer," he said this time with a wink.
Was Kurama being friendly or flirty towards him…? Hiei crossed his arms to his chest as his mind wandered while Kurama ate the rest of his ice cream in silence. He could count with his hands and feet the times that he and the redhead had socialized when there were no training sections or exams involved. They had gone to many places together that it can be said that the fire demon did have fun for the first time in his life. Last week became different from the other outings when the two went to the City Annual Fair: they rode every attraction, and even Hiei won a prize for Kurama at one of the game booths. Kurama considers the prize a treasure that he fully cherishes it. It could be said that it was some sort of date for the two of them but Hiei wasn't entirely sure because Kurama was joking constantly about the topic of dating that night.
In addition, the suspicions grew stronger the next day when Kurama took Hiei to eat a lunch picnic under his favorite cherry blossom tree the National Park. At that same evening, they had a walk by the beach while Kurama held Hiei's hand when no one was looking. Kurama even wanted to suggest for the two of them to kiss and cuddle as they watched the stars of the night and clear sky…however, that suggestion was never voiced out yet still, Hiei had read (without permission) what was on the redhead's mind.
"Are you okay? You sound like you never actually went out of your house and socialized," Hiei said because his suspicious thoughts needed real answers.
Kurama had finished his ice cream cone and cleaned his hand with the napkin before tossing it in the nearby trash. "Yeah, I'm afraid so. You have been my real friend that I ever had in a long time. Kitamija was my friend from childhood but after we left elementary school, we didn't hang out as often. After my last mission with Karasu, I had amnesia and had these horrible injuries from being tortured almost to death…I became antisocial and traumatized that I didn't want to ever leave my house. I had to do online and home schooling as I recovered from my wounds. Reasons why I love mother so much: I told her what happened, and she supported me in every way unconditionally until I recovered. I learned to really appreciate her that we did things together: she taught me how to cook, how to clean the house and I taught her how to take care of the garden while I'm gone. What about you, Hiei? What your family looks like?"
Hiei felt that he was caught off guard with the question regarding his own family that he lowered his arms. "I don't know who my father is, and I will not bother to find out… My mother is all that I have and all I need."
Kurama became deeply interested to learn more that he wanted to ask more questions to Hiei. "If you don't mind me asking: did you ever find her?"
"Yes, I did. She embraced me with all her might and told me that I had a twin sister that was born minutes after I was thrown off into exile. That's how I also met my sister on that day, very identical to mother..." Hiei said that he became uncomfortable all of the sudden to talk about his personal private matters. "I…I don't feel comfortable talking about myself. I have to stop everything right here."
Kurama felt sad that Hiei was thrown into exile for no reason. He wanted to place his hand on top of Hiei to transmit that sense of comfort but he will not do so in public. "It's all right. I will still wait for you to open up as I already promised," he said softly, wanting to somehow stop Hiei from brooding and lift his mood. "Come on. Let's go to the arcade."
Famous last words, Hiei's melancholic mood was lifted all right… Kurama beat Hiei for the 5th time on the Goblin City arcade, followed by an arcade fighting game.
"I win," Kurama said simply as he shrugged to pick up and carry the shopping bags. He was ready to call it a day after going to the library to pick up new books to read on a rainy day.
Hiei snarled in defeat. "This is nothing. I can beat you in battle! I want a rematch," he demanded.
Kurama giggled at the determined attitude of the fire demon. "You are a sore loser, Hiei. Give it up already."
Before Hiei would speak again:
"Minamino?"
Kurama turned around to see one of his classmates. "Oh hello, Kaito," he greeted. He hadn't seen Kaito since school was officially over for about less than a week.
Kaito raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at Hiei. "Kurama, you are visiting the mall with a demon?" he asked with a bit of an attitude. "Last time I checked the mall's policy, demons and pets are not allowed. Wouldn't he be destroying the mall like a demented psychopath by now?"
"You need a real life and stop meddling."
Kaito found himself offended because Hiei spoke back to him in a rude way. "I remember you now! You are the one who posed as an international student the other day!" he pointed out.
"I was bored, okay? It only just happened just once."
"You went there for a week! School didn't became the same after that!"
"You almost blew my cover!"
"I needed to report you to the principal! What do demons know about going to school and living a normal life like ordinary humans? Next thing you know, they will be taking over Human World and killing everyone just like in the fictional movies!"
Upon hearing this, Kurama decided to intervene in the argument. "Are you done, Kaito? You are already disrupting the afternoon for us. I can't let you offend Hiei anymore when he has done nothing wrong and he's trying his best to blend in," he said seriously that it was also dangerous.
Kaito remembered his place: Kurama was getting angry at him. "Well, yes. I forgot that you are also have demon heritage. But unlike Hiei here, he cannot be here. He'll go on a rampage any minute now with his dangerous technique."
Hiei's brows furrowed that this was going to be the last time that this snobbish human spoke bad about him.
However, Kurama stepped in to defend Hiei once more. "One more word out of you and you'll regret it. This is your final warning," he threatened as the look of his eyes resembled his fox demon self.
Kaito was afraid that he sighed. "Fine. I won't anger you anymore, Karama," he said almost pleading. "So anyways, I know that you have been doing detective work along with him."
"Is there something else that you don't know about Kurama? You are worse than those fawning girls at school," Hiei said in annoyance.
"As I was trying to say, I could also work for Spirit World and my friends from Mushiyori City. They are thinking of getting a transfer to Meiou for the next school year plus we will receive training from a powerful psychic to strengthen and develop our unique abilities."
"Sorry but I don't think Spirit World is taking applications from unskilled and weak rookies at the moment. Kurama and I don't need assistance except for bringing coffee and the towels. You and your friends will be nothing more but interns," Hiei said being completely sarcastic. He sensed that Kaito didn't have enough spiritual energy and he will be nothing but a nuisance during a mission.
Kaito was offended yet again but he tried his best not to let it get to him: Kurama would beat him up to a pulp. "Yana, Kido, and I are no demons but we can definitely kick ass with our matured psychic powers combined. Hiei will be the one first to sample our powers since he is gladly asking for it!"
Hiei rolled his eyes in disbelief. "That's gonna be pathetic and laughable. You three will be down in no time."
It was Kurama's turn to speak. "We are leaving now, Kaito. As Hiei tried to say, we don't need the help but if you think that you and your friend's powers can be of any help, then don't hesitate to talk to Koenma. I plan to formally retire from my duties after my last assigned mission. I can be a mentor for a while until you get the hang of it."
That last statement took Hiei by surprise that his eyes went wide. He didn't expect Kurama to retire at an early age from his spiritual duties. Then again…
"What a shame…I was really looking forward to it. I won't hold you any longer, Kurama. I may not beat you in school's academics but I will be the next best Spirit Detective," Kaito said arrogantly before leaving the arcade.
Hiei and Kurama walked out as well from the arcade towards one of the City Mall's exit. They would take a taxi to the library as a normal mode of transportation. Next year, Kurama would take his driver examination to operate a personal vehicle and would assist Hiei somehow to operate a motorcycle.
"You really will retire from being a Spirit Detective?" came the question after a few minutes.
"Yes, Hiei. I really don't want to keep fighting and not dedicate my whole human life solving other living creatures' problem. I want to live in peace for the rest of my life and value my time with my mother. I would also like to get married to a nice girl and have children of my own in the future."
"That's all the opposite from Youko Kurama," Hiei commented thoughtfully.
"He and I want different things in life, and I choose to live my own life the best way possible…Will you help me prepare dinner tonight after we leave the library? Mother is coming out of work late and she'll be starving. I'll make your favorite dish and we came have mother's homemade cheesecake pie for dessert."
"I get the larger piece by default," he demanded in exchange for helping with dinner. "Your mother will bake that cake on Sunday like she promised me?"
"Of course, Hiei. You can even lick the spoon full of cake frosting," Kurama said with a smile as he wondered at the same time when Hiei had developed a huge craving for sweets? He would be witness to the fire demon lick that spoon into his mouth.
…
Later at midnight, Hiei came down to the kitchen as he was shirtless, barefoot and he only wore black sweatpants. He opened the refrigerator to look for a specific sealed container. He felt Kurama's presence behind him.
"Hey Hiei, what are you doing here?"
"I couldn't sleep so I came down here for a midnight snack," he replied as he pulled the sealed container and closed the refrigerator. He turned to look at Kurama, who was wearing a full set of mahogany silk pajamas. "I'm finishing off the last of your mother's homemade cheesecake," he said before grabbing a clean fork from one of the kitchen cabinet.
"Sure, help yourself," Kurama said while Hiei took a seat at the table. "Would you like some milk to pair it with the cheesecake?"
"Chocolate milk."
"Coming right up. I can't sleep either so I hope if you don't mind if I joined you," Kurama said before taking two empty glasses to pour one with milk and the other with the same milk but to mix it with a chocolate powder. After he was finished, Kurama joined Hiei at the table to sit right close and next to him.
They sat together in an awkward silence. Hiei was yet to eat the cheesecake, and Kurama just took a sip of his own glass of milk…What it seemed forever, he took a small piece with a fork to feed Kurama. "Open your mouth. I thought it was selfish of my part for me to have all the cheesecake in this house."
To his shock, Kurama looked at Hiei and he could tell that it was serious. "I'm really surprised; I never pegged you as type to share."
"Well, you are always sharing stuff with me or giving away in exchange for nothing, so I decided to return the favor for once."
Kurama slightly blushed and opened his mouth to eat the piece offered. He tried to speak again after swallowing down the dessert while it was Hiei's turn to eat with the very same fork.
Hiei took another piece of the cheesecake with the fork to feed Kurama again. "I'll feed us both, if you don't mind."
Kurama really wanted to say something else that instead he found himself amused. It was not every day that the reserved Hiei did this type of event. They both ate the cheesecake until the very last piece, which Hiei gave it willingly to Kurama. Kurama became thirsty that he drank the rest of his glass of milk and he placed it on the table. As unexpected, Hiei reached out with a hand to clean gently the remains of milk from Kurama's lips and used his fingers to trace the lips gently.
Kurama couldn't handle it anymore as the caressing hand pulled away. "Okay, seriously now, Hiei. What's up with this?" he asked flustered as Hiei drank his entire glass of chocolate milk in one gulp and licked his lips to the substance remains of the drink.
"I have been thinking a lot after we had dinner with Shiori. I was really mean with you before so this is a way to, um…I'm…Uh…" Hiei said as he was at a loss for words and his eyes diverted from looking at the redhead…then, he said something else in a low mumble.
"What did you say?" Kurama asked since he couldn't comprehend the last words.
Hiei put a brave front that he faced Kurama. He was going to do his best to tell him what was on his mind. "I recognize that you have been so good to me as far as letting me stay here with you and your mother plus I get spoiled with fine hospitality. No one really treated me this way before…Somehow, I'll pay for all this. I swear."
Kurama wanted to blush hard that he managed to keep himself composed. "Um, you are welcomed. Mother doesn't you mind living with us. She enjoys having you here knowing that you are a strong demon as if you are another son for her," he said before standing up from his seat. "I'm going to bed now, Hiei. Good night."
Out of reflex, Hiei grabbed Kurama's left arm. "Kurama, wait," he said…without further thinking, he stood up fully on his feet and used arms to lift and carry Kurama's body on his arms to walk away from the kitchen.
Kurama was so dumbfounded and blushing madly that he used his arms to wrap around Hiei's neck to hold his balance. "Hiei!? What is the meaning of this!?" he shrieked being out of character. He was also amazed of how strong Hiei was to carry him like a bride, especially going up the stairs with no problem.
"Shh. I wont' hurt you. I'm just taking you to my room and we'll stay there. So be a good fox," Hiei replied in a low voice as he walked the hallway to his own room with the redhead still in his arms.
The door to Hiei's room was open. After entering the semi dark room, Hiei placed Kurama on his king-sized bed to then close and lock the door for much needed privacy for what was about to come.
"Hiei—"
"Sleep with me, Fox. I need your company tonight and this time you will not get away with it," he demanded as he approached the bed. He was going to get tonight what he wanted.
Kurama's eyes went wide as he slowly realized the Jaganshi's behavior towards him. "Hiei. I may be good and friednly to you but I'm not that promiscuous. Explain your behavior or I'll go back to my room," he said firmly.
Hiei sighed because he didn't want to talk, he just wanted to act on his instincts and for Kurama to be quiet and comply…"Look, it's been a long time since we kissed. So I'm asking you this: what changed? You suddenly got yourself occupied with school, personal hobbies, and the chores around the house. Heck, I think you favor Kaito over me."
Kurama shook his head as he sat straight on the king-sized bed. "I don't think of Kaito that way at all. He can be overbearing."
"Then what is it? I'm jealous for the attention that you give him. You have been ignoring me. I thought you was attracted to me."
"It was just a temporary physical attraction, Hiei. Nothing more and nothing less. I do admit that your personality can annoy me sometimes as you can be hard to handle," Kurama confessed to the point of showing his real frustration.
Hiei sat next to Kurama to get closer and he leaned in close to kiss the left side of the neck. "I know that you did put up so much with my bullshit. That's why I showed you earlier that I can be nice to you. I thought I told you before that you are attractive too. Your humanity doesn't bother me anymore," he said as he unbuttoned the first three sets of the silk pajama. He then kissed, sucked and licked the left side of the redhead's neck, and worked his way to not break the clothing and undress Kurama.
As much as Kurama wanted to let Hiei have his way, he had to push him away and resist temptation when his chest and abdomen was bare. Besides, he didn't Hiei to leave marks (hickeys) of his sharp fangs on his delicate neck.
"Hiei, I don't think is a good idea for us to be intimate. I don't want to have sex before marriage, especially to you since you are leaving me after we finish our last mission. I'll marry somebody else and live my life as you live your own."
"Oh so that's is why we haven't done with our last mission. By the way, I know that you are not wearing any undergarments, which is perfect."
Kurama blushed madly for the second time that night not only for the comment but Hiei was touching his legs, buttocks and inner thighs as he still worked on the neck with his lips and mouth. What Kurama was thinking before going to the kitchen earlier to not dress appropriately…? "So anyways…Botan suggested to not do that mission right away. I listened to her-I guess I don't want you to go back to Demon World. I won't see you again. I do value your time spent in the Human World. That's why tricked you to go out with me on dates three times," he said as he held back the moans from ever coming out of him. He could be heard by someone else but Hiei didn't seem to care.
Hiei stopped kissing the neck and roaming his hands on the lower body to look at Kurama again. "I knew something was odd during our recent outings. When was the third time?"
"It was actually our first time we had dinner to ourselves here at home, and I gave you a nice and long therapy massage since you were complaining about your tense muscles from training."
"I remember now: you didn't want me to touch you or see you undressed. I was trying to return the favor. Tell you what: it is not like I have anything else waiting for me over there. I think my family would rather live here… I can stay a little longer here with you and if my family decide to migrate."
Deciding that the other would be willing after just listening, Hiei parted Kurama's legs to get in between and he pushed Kurama with a hand to the chest until his back was laying down flatly on the bed. Hiei got closer to undo the rest of Kurama's pajama top with his hands. "Let's not think anymore of what the future holds or think about the past. For now, I'll show you pleasure, Fox. You'll give in to me as I want to be the one and only to touch your pure body."
Kurama gulped yet he kept character as Hiei stared his exposed chest, lean abs and belly. Hiei's right hand touched from the chest area down to the hem of the pajama pants. "I'll let you know now that I won't make it so easy for you," Kurama said in a warning tone, hoping that he didn't actually was succumbing to the fire demon. One thing fore sure was that he could feel an erection forming from the Jaganshi, who didn't bother to hide it unlike the previous times.
"Hn. Challenge accepted," Hiei said while not giving much thought nor paid heed as he could feel his sweatpants getting tight and feeling rather hot just for having the object of his desire very close to achieve the long awaited goal. His face leaned into the belly button to give it a lick a few times, and used his hands to squeeze the buttocks. He then worked his way up to leave a trail of kiss/licks until he reached the neck again. He sucked the neck momentarily before looking at Kurama again, who was squirming the whole time.
Kurama was fighting hard not to give in to the lustful temptation but his body was betraying his mind. Everything felt so good and he would be wanting for more to come. His breathing pattern became hard…
Hiei smirked at his handiwork. He used his right hand to tease Kurama's exposed right hard nipple. He touched it softly in between his fingers before licking it with just the tip of the tongue and give it a quick suction with the mouth. This earned a reaction from Kurama by letting out a suppressed low moan.
"I will fuck you and your delicious ass senseless," Hiei said huskily upon hearing that sound that drove his lustful senses to do more. He was getting tighter in his sweatpants, and Kurama will have to do something about it with his own mouth. That was why Hiei traced Kurama's lips earlier, wondering how it feels…Hiei crawled on top of Kurama to face him directly as he placed both hands on either side of the other's face. "I will dominate you that I'll make you scream my name. I must confess the last time I tried to train you from being raped, I really wanted to have my way. I wanted to fuck you so bad back then, Kurama. You looked so irresistible as you laid underneath me as you are now…"
With those words of long time declaration made, Hiei closed his eyes and he leaned down to kiss Kurama on the lips…He was stopped from leaning mere inches closer when a finger was placed on his lips and another hand pushed him away harshly to the side of the king sized bed.
When he got Hiei's body completely of him, Kurama got himself out of the bed to do the buttons of his silk pajamas in place. He thanked Inari that Hiei didn't ripped his clothes.
Hiei was with his eyes and his mouth open because of the unpredicted act: "Kurama? You are rejecting me?" he growled.
Kurama faced Hiei again when he was done placing the last button of his silk pajamas. He gave Hiei a serious look with narrowed eyes. "When I said that I wasn't gonna make it easy on you, I actually mean it. Good night, Hiei, and thank you for the lesson," he coldly said before leaving the room and not returning for the night.
As if Hiei recovered for a short amount of time, he needed to get a long cold shower on his private bathroom to release the sexual frustration. He will not let Kurama to "continue living" upon this personal humiliation.
NEXT MORNING
Shiori and Kurama were having breakfast together on the table. Shiori wanted to wait for Hiei to join them but Kurama suggested her to start eating breakfast without him.
"Shuichi, where's Hiei?" Shiori asked I curiosity. Hiei would usually have breakfast at the same time with them.
"He must be still under the blankets, mother."
"Oh dear. This is unlike him to sleep this late."
Speaking of the devil, Hiei appeared in the kitchen fully clothed in casual attire. He took his usual seat across from Kurama without bothering to look at him. He started to eat his meal.
"Good morning, Hiei. It is good of you to finally join us."
"Hn," was Hiei's sound as he kept eating his plate.
Kurama looked at Hiei for a moment before resuming to eat his own meal. He knew very well the reason why Hiei was in a foul mood this morning.
"Oh well, it means this time that he's not in a good mood. I better hurry up and eat or I'll late for work. Tomorrow I'm off, Hiei, I will bake you that cake if that would make you feel any better."
"Of course, Shiori, don't go back on your word. I'm not sharing it with your son."
Shiori giggled at Hiei. "You are so adorable when you are grumpy. The whole cake is exclusively for you, so no worries there," she said grinning, and did her best to eat most of her meal before heading to work in 20 minutes.
Hiei rolled his eyes and ate his meal in silence.
Kurama found himself at ease…for now. Luckily, his mother knew how to defuse Hiei's temperament as if it was a time bomb.
After Shiori left to work, Hiei was sitting on the couch with a bored/angry expression in the living room. He and Kurama had the rest of the day for themselves…He thought of ways to get even for last night. He will be nobody's fool again.
After cleaning the dirty dishes from breakfast, Kurama had to look for the last remaining X-File folder, which he had in his hands after he came back to the living room. He carefully sat next to Hiei on the same large couch. He tried his best to pretend that nothing happened the night before. "Let's review this mission, Hiei: this is our last one," he said calm and naturally.
Hiei looked at Kurama. He had almost forgotten about the mission, and he also tried to keep a cool demeanor to pretend that last night never happened. "What is it about?" he asked before Kurama handed him the open red folder to read the following:
Yatsude has been under watch since his last assault on females. Bring him to Spirit World dead or alive upon breaking his limitations that has been established upon him.
"I couldn't defeat him back then since I wasn't strong enough," Kurama explained briefly about the last encounter with Eight Hands Yatsude.
"I heard of him before. I be wary of that demon. He targets young innocent ice maidens or innocent human females…With the two of us, we can take him on."
"I guess we can't do nothing if he hasn't done anything yet…Let's go to Spirit World and report to Koenma that we have solved all the missions."
With that being said, there was a knock on the front door.
"That's strange, you and Shiori don't get much visitors," Hiei commented that he went to answer the door as part of the human culture.
The door revealed a tall teenager wearing a formal black suit with a blue tie. "Ah, Kurama! Hiei! Thank goodness I catch the two of you here," Koenma said in a mature voice that the two were confused as ever as he entered the house shamelessly. "Sorry, this is my teenager form and I only use it when the occasion calls for it," he explained as he took a seat across from the large sofa.
"Kurama and I have finished all the missions," Hiei said to Koenma before closing the door and sitting again next to Kurama.
"Well yes and no at the same time. I have a huge favor, and it will be your very last mission, I promise you that," Koenma said as he flashed the red folder in his right hand. "It's all in this folder. Please read carefully as it is very confidential. That's why I came here myself and not Botan, Ayame nor George," he said to then pass the red folder to Kurama.
Kurama and Hiei read the papers in the folder together…
"During the past three months, I couldn't find the Chapter Black Tape anywhere," Hiei said honestly as he recalled the several times that he would search for the tape.
"Well. Thanks for trying anyways. However, you two should investigate the mentioned leads and find any solid evidence."
"Well, wouldn't that be too dangerous?" Kurama asked because the last place of lead is right on Spirit World on Enma's Work Desk.
"Yeah, and I trust that you two are more than capable of doing the task. In exchange, I'll pardon Hiei for his crimes and release him from his probation, and you can ask me for anything you want and I'll make it happen, Kurama."
"We'll think about it. It's too risky if we get discovered by Enma."
"Yeah, Hiei and I will talk it over."
Koenma nodded and he got ready to leave. His job as a messenger was done. "I'll be counting on you guys. With your cooperation, we can end the injustice among humans and demons so they can live together in harmony and have the same rights in both worlds."
After Koenma opened and closed the front door, Hiei and Kurama looked at each other and then at the new red folder containing the details.
"So this Sensui person…?" Hiei started to speak anew as he read classified information of Shinobu Sensui. "I don't know about that mission, Kurama. I have a bad feeling about it. We should decline it."
"Are you sure? I mean I'm willing to do it so you can have your freedom again. Everything will be all right as long as we work as a team."
"Fine. If anything worse happen, we have to call it off."
"Well, we gotta think of a way to enter this upcoming party without being noticed…" Kurama trailed off to think further. He was certain that Karasu would be in that upcoming party from the Black Black Club, so he needed to come up with the perfect disguise.
MEANWHILE AT SAKYO'S MANSION
Sakyo had gathered his team for a reunion in his large living room. Karasu was yet to appear while Bui was standing in the corner. The Toguro brothers just made their entrance.
"How's it going over Tarukane?" Sakyo asked to the two brothers.
"I wish my contract would be over already. I can't stand working for Tarukane. I do have news though," replied Young Toguro. "He recently captured and holding hostage an ice maiden. She somehow crossed the dimensions between the Demon World and the Human World. She was looking for someone."
"So Tarukane found his money maker for his next set of hiruiseki stones, eh? The heads on the black market will roll and demand production. He gotta make her cry a river to make it happen and you two can make her more than crying."
Elder Toguro giggled in excitement at twisted thought of torturing an innocent soul.
"Where's Karasu?" Young Toguro asked. He can't never leave Karasu out of his sight for a minute as for being unpredictable.
"I asked him to run a very important errand for me so he should be back soon."
At the time, Karasu appeared in the room with his hands in each pocket.
"Speaking of the devil…" Bui said for the first time in all morning.
"Well, hello to you too, Bui," Karasu said, not being amused.
"So I take it that you couldn't find Shinobu Sensui?" Sakyo asked upon deducting the look in the eyes from the demon bomber.
"I did find Annotto Itsuki, his close partner…He wouldn't let me meet Sensui, the one who holds the Black Chapter Tape. He stated that it was not yet the right time for Sensui's uprising after going in hiding for raising awareness of the video. After that, Itsuki wouldn't stop talking about Sensui. Talk about wasting my time searching for them."
"Reminds me of you and your current obsession, Karasu."
"I didn't tell you to comment, Bui. So keep quiet like you usually do!"
"Enough you two," Young Toguro said to maintain order and control during the meeting.
Sakyo could feel the headache forming and he rubbed his temples with his fingers because he was still recovering from his last night's hangover. He thanked mentally Young Toguro for his intervening action. "So anyway, Karasu, if that wasn't successful then you might want to take the next lead: Koenma is sending the Spirit Detective and his partner to investigate what Enma is hiding from the three worlds. I'll show those hard evidence to everyone and create a portal so demons can come to the Human World and make it a better place."
"In other words, you want to continue what Sensui started from the beginning ten years ago?" Karasu asked to Sakyo so his question can be clarified.
"Correct. If he is not available and on board my plan, then I'll do it without his influence since I have all the available resources needed. Luckily, I wasn't a witness of his power: it is something not to be messed with. Hell, he can even rival or surpass the Toguro brothers in battle."
"What a shame. Shinobu Sensui is indeed a strong and worthy opponent," Young Toguro said as he acknowledged the missing Spirit Detective's power.
"Sakyo, this plan of yours has captured my attention. Demons have the same rights as humans so it wouldn't be fair for Spirit World to treat us below the margin…"
"That means you are joining us?"
"Anything involved with Kurama will be worth my time."
"I told you: there he goes again."
Karasu ignored Bui this time. He will not go down to his level again. "Sakyo, where is my next lead?"
"The Black Black Club will be holding another party soon so they are hiring every strong demon to attend the party, including the Demon Lords, in case Sensui strikes again and crash the party. You, Bui and the Toguro brothers will be part of that demon personnel. Karasu, not only you will attend the party and deal with the Spirit Detective and his demon partner but you will also keep watch of their every movement as they search and gather for anything related to uncover Spirit World's top secret information. I'll sell that information on the black market to the highest bidder to fund my project. This reunion is dismissed."
A/N: Please leave reviews, comments and whatnot! Next chapter is in development. All the previous chapters are being edited for grammar mistakes and adding new scenes in some chapters on a weekly basis to understand the fiction better.