Chapter 10: Give or Take

Kurama knew that he had to bring it up to Hiei somehow. Yet, how could he tell him that it was...not the best mission he was ever going to have. He knew that Hiei had no skills what, so, ever in interrogation and knew that his way of persuading wasn't the best way.

Jolting down a few notes about the tribe and the antidote and folded it carefully. Why did it have to be the only thing? It was a poison as well as an antidote. To much can kill and to little wasn't enough, it had to be just right. It was a tricky antidote. Very, very tricky.

Kurama stood up from his desk chair and pushed it in. He left the book closed on his desk. He knew that Hiei would come for it if the mission that he was going to be given was going to be successful.

Walking over to the door, he carefully opened it to see a pretty upsetting sight. Akamery was shaking with fright and was clinging on to Hiei's hand in a death grip. Nearly begging him to stay with her. He knew that couldn't be helped. He felt as if he was betraying Akamery by keeping Hiei away from her.

"Hiei," Kurama spoke softly.

Hiei on the other hand was completely out of it. He was absently combing Akamery's hair out of her face. "She won't let me go, she's so frightened."

"The Mugen Ankoku...it will change memories into our darkest fears," Kurama said, "It's not one of the most poisonous but, it is lethal all the same."

"Anyone could go insane with it," Hiei understood, "They'll kill themselves."

Kurama nodded and looked at Akamery. She calming down, but her shaking was still in tact. The girl was scared in every possible way. He frowned and then looked over at Hiei. "I got the antidote, but I'm going to need you to get it for me."

Hiei knew at once that there was a reason why. It wasn't because of Akamery otherwise it would just be a good-bye. No, it was something more. Focusing his attention on the kitsune, he murmured, "Go on."

"The antidote is called Pectus Luminarium and that flower is only found on Mountains of Fire," Kurama began softly, "Yes, it is a poison, but most antidotes are poison if to much is taken. Too few will not heal it. It has to be the right amount. Anyway, since it is found on the Mountains of Fire, there is a tribe called Helder Ontslann."

Hiei had heard of that tribe before. They were pretty superstitious about a lot of things and the flower was one of them. Even though mainly peaceful, if threatened to take anything they would attack with no bounds. It wasn't the best tribe to be caught making a deal with unless it was life or death.

This was life or death, Hiei knew that much.

"I'm sure you understand that we need that flower. To them, it's a sacred item. Only will give if there is something higher value in place," Kurama said, "You know that's basically impossible."

"Not everything is impossible. A life is a higher gift," Hiei stood up and Kurama understood.

"Hiei, don't be rash," He said soothingly, "We can always find another item that..."

"I made up my mind," Hiei said finally, "I just did alright?" He left the room.

Kurama watched as the door slid closed and looked toward Akamery, he was, was shocked. She was crying, not making any sound, but she was crying not her sky-blue gems.

They were black.

So, the Dukodukoshii Yuki was taking effect to the gems as well. This could prove to be a battle of a lifetime.

'One life is given while another is taken. Akamery's won't be taken no matter who's is going to be given. I promise.'