MLF98: Therewe go the next chapter up! Thank you for being patient with us. We've been typing like crazy to finish this chapter!
FFTDA- This has a little Kurama and Hiei moment in it, okay more like Fluff, and again this fic has Yaoi you don't like yaoi then why are you reading this fic?
Disclamier: We'll own Yu Yu Hakusho as soon as we win the lottery! But even then we have lawyers to deal with.
It was around nightfall when Inuyasha and the others made it back to Kaede's village. Sango was uncomfortable leaving the injured man with the burned down village, but luckily some villagers came back once they saw the smoke and flames gone.
Kurama sat in front of the fire in Kaede's hut staring into the flames that reminded him of Hiei. He couldn't understand it something didn't make sense. Hiei working for someone that had his sister was very likely, but he would kill the person who had Yukina and then find her with his Jagan eye.
Kurama sighed, oh how he wished that Hiei and Yukina were never taken to this strange place.
Kurama looked up when Yusuke and Kuwabara came back in with some wood for the fire followed by Inuyasha and the others.
The old women that Kagome said was lady Kaede sat in front of him watching him with one of her eyes. Kurama couldn't help but feel a little bit curious on how she lost one of her eyes she seemed to be a peaceful women not prone to violence.
Shippo and Kirara immediately headed towards him when they entered. Kagome asked Miroku why they did that and he replied that if Kurama truly was a fox demon they'd want to comfort him since he's been depressed.
"Um…Shuichi…" Came Kagome's hesitant voice. Kurama looked up from a purring Kirara to Kagome smiling slightly at her making her cheeks heat up, "Yes Kagome?" He inquired.
"Umm…I was wondering why Yusuke calls you Kurama?" She asked trying not to blush. Kurama blinked and sent a mild glare at Yusuke who just blinked innocently at Kurama making him sigh, "They call me Kurama cause it's what my demon name is, Shuiichi is my human name my mother gave me." He explained and she nodded her head.
"So is it okay if we call you Kurama too?" She asked and he smiled at her again, "Its okay if you do. To tell you the truth I'm used to everyone calling me Kurama." He said.
Kirara mewed slightly catching everyone's attention. She seemed very excited. She jumped out of Kurama's lap and ran towards the door. At the same time Inuyasha started to sniff the air, "What's wrong Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, "I smell something. It smells like smoke…fire!" He said rushing outside everyone following him.
Everyone froze as they saw the village surrounded by black flames. Kurama instantly looked around the area looking for any signs of Hiei, "There you are half-breed." Came Hiei's voice.
Everyone turned around to see Hiei standing on top of the arc on top of the hill. Inuyasha growled at him, "What do you want?" He shouted causing Hiei to smirk, "What every demon wants…the sacred jewel shards." He said.
"Oh yeah like I hand them over to you!" The half dog demon shouted. "Good I usually want to take things with a fi--!" He started to say but stopped as he jumped off the arc barely dodging Kurama's rose whip.
He landed not to far away from him glaring at him, "How dare you attack me fox." He said with an emotionless voice surprised when he felt something wet travel down his cheek. He raised a hand to his cheek to brush it away and is shocked as he sees his blood on his fingertips.
Kurama looked at Hiei with a pained expression, "Hiei I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have too." He said raising his whip. Hiei growled at him, "Big words fox, but will you actually do that?" He said coldly.
Kurama gritted his teeth together angrily. Hiei was right; he would never try to hurt him. "I knew you wouldn't spending all that time in the human world has made you weak." Hiei said looking at him in disgust.
Kurama flinched at the remark, but didn't say anything, "Hiei you bastard! After everything Kurama's done for you, you just insult him!" Yelled an outraged Yusuke. Hiei gave Yusuke a leveled stare, "Could you yell a little louder detective? I don't think they heard you in Reikai." He said smirking when Yusuke's face turned a little red.
"Why you…" He hissed, "Yusuke its okay." Kurama said laying a calming hand on his shoulder. Yusuke turned his head to look at him, "You sure?" He asked and Kurama smiled and nodded his head.
Kurama turned his head towards Hiei, "Hiei I don't know why you are acting this way, but tell me what's making you hate me?" He asked calmly with worry in his eyes causing Hiei to blink confused.
'Why am I hating him? I don't I care about Kurama too much! Why am I questioning his loyalty? When he's shown me nothing but kindness and friendship? Why am I hating him?' He yelled inside his own mind narrowing his eyes in concentration.
Kurama saw this and smiled in relief, no matter when Hiei threw insults at him he never really meant to hurt him, 'Come on Hiei. Fight it.' He thought.
Inuyasha who was watching them quietly noticed Hiei's arm pulsing, "Hey Kurama, better watch out his arm is acting up." He warned. Kurama glanced at Inuyasha then to Hiei's arm, 'He's right. Hiei's dragon is starting to gain power. But why? Hiei isn't feeding it his ki.' Kurama thought to himself.
Kurama opened his mouth to ask the question but stopped as Hiei's eyes, which closed snapped open revealing blood lusting crimson eyes. Kurama took a step back in shock, "…Hiei? What's wrong?" He asked, but Hiei didn't reply verbally he just smirked and reached for his katana.
"Hiei! What are you doing!" Yusuke yelled, 'I thought Kurama got through to him!' He shouted mentally. The hi-youkai unsheathed his blade, "Better get ready. I've got some bloodlust to satisfy." He said causing Kurama raise his Rose Whip defensively, hesitant to cause his fire demon any harm, 'Wait a sec…MY fire demon?' He thought blushing a little.
Hiei took one step forward snapping Kurama out of his thoughts and he took one step back. Inuyasha tensed as Hiei came closer, "Inuyasha please help Kurama." Kagome begged, "He can't face Hiei on his own."
"Don't worry I will." He mumbled as Yusuke looked at Kurama, 'He can't do this; Kurama won't be able to hurt Hiei. He's probably beating himself up inside for that little scratch he gave him earlier.' He thought, 'Poor guy. Sometimes Kurama's way too nice for his own good.'
Hiei took another step forward enjoying it when Kurama took another step back, he then started to pick up his pace till he was running at them. Kurama was unable to run backwards without knowing where the others were so he stood his ground and waited for Hiei's attack.
Hiei jumped into the air his sword above his head. Kurama flicked his wrist making his whip fly upwards to deflect his attack, which cause Hiei to smirk knowing the redhead would do that. He brought down his sword covering it in black fire as it sliced through the whip like a hot knife through butter.
Kurama tossed aside his useless weapon and reached into his hair for another seed. Sango and Miroku standing in front of him not knowing if Hiei would attack him while he was defenseless or not. To their surprise Hiei just stood there waiting for Kurama to be prepared. He maybe under Naraku's control, but facing the youko he retained a little honor.
But every time Kurama's expression turns into one of sad or hurt he felt a stab where his heart is. Hiei's heart was still clouded with the darkness that the tainted shard created, but slowly it was starting to clear with every second that he was with him.
The fox always found a way to help him, no matter what Kurama was always there for him, but why did he doubt his loyalty?
Why was he fighting him? Why was he trying to hurt him? Why was the dragon feeding off of his hatred and anger towards the one whom he cared for?
Hiei shook his head from all the questions running through his head and raised a hand to his temple. 'Why are all of these thoughts? Why am I seeing Kurama in two different ways? One moment I could swear he was my sworn enemy then the next…he's more than a friend to me? What the hell is happening?'
Everyone noticed Hiei clutching his head and dropping his sword. Kurama wanted nothing more than to run to Hiei's side and see if he was all right, but he was unsure on how he'd react.
'What the hell is happening to me?' He thought as many different images of Kurama flashed before his eyes, some showing him as an enemy, some showing him with the two of them talking together and acting VERY friendly. 'What's real? All of these emotions! I don't know what to believe!' He thought as another image appeared, but this one had the fox looking much younger.
--------------Flashback-----------------
Kurama ran a hand through his short hair before returning to tending the plant before him. "Fox? What are you doing?" Said a deep voice behind him.
Kurama blinked in shock before turning his head and smiling at the small demon, "Hello Hiei. It's been awhile since I last seen you." He said turning his whole body to face him.
Hiei raised an eyebrow, "You dodged my question fox. What are you doing?" He asked again, "I'm just tending to this tree." He replied and Hiei looked up at it, "It looks perfectly fine to me." He said drawing his eyes back to the short red-haired fox.
"Well you see… this tree isn't in bloom yet. All the cherry trees are close but this one's behind." He explained looking up to the branches. Hiei walked over and took a seat beside him, he saw Kurama's lips turn into a soft smile, "Hiei you know I'll always be friend right?" He asked, and Hiei grunted in his own way of saying yes.
"Good. Let's make a promise that we'll always be there for each other okay?" He said looking at him with his forest green eyes. Hiei stared back before nodding his head bringing a genuine smile to his face, "Thank you Hiei!" He exclaimed before hugging him making Hiei stiffen and blush from the affection that practically rolled off the fox's body.
-----------End Flashback-------------
Hiei's eyes snapped open fro that last memory, 'That was real. I can tell but, then…why am I fighting him?' He thought angrily to himself. Hiei lifted his eyes to look at Kurama, "…Hiei?" He asked pleadingly. Then Hiei's eyes opened wide he remembered, Kurama was his friend, probably closer than that and he was fighting him cause he needed those damn jewel shards that the human girl wearing the white and green clothing had.
Hiei snarled angrily. He didn't want to fight Kurama or the others so his best bet was to get the shards and leave. That's the only way he can do it and not fight.
Hiei picked up his sword and flitted causing Yusuke, Kurama, and Kuwabara to look confused that is until they heard a scream behind them. Everyone turned around to see Hiei holding his sword to Kagome's neck.
Inuyasha growled, "If you so much as scratch her I swear I'll make your life worse than Hell." He threatened but Hiei didn't seem fazed, "Been there done that, just give me the shards and I'll spare her." He snarled at the half-breed.
"Inuyasha please don't let him get the shards." She pleaded tears forming in her eyes, "What? Don't be stupid! Your life is more important than the shards Kagome!"
Kagome smiled mentally, 'Inuyasha.' She thought lovingly, while Hiei growled behind her, "I don't have time for this sentimental crap!" Hiei yelled, "Just give me the damn shards, or I'll rip your wench's mind apart!"
Inuyasha growled angrily and was ready to attack Hiei but stopped as Shippo ran out of the hut holding the bottle that contained the jewel fragments, "Please don't hurt her! I have the shards right here!" He shouted.
Hiei smirked throwing Kagome into Inuyasha before flitting to Shippo and grabbing the shards, "Now that I have these I shall take my leave." He said smirking at them all before flitting away.
Kurama stared at the spot where Hiei was, "…Hiei." He muttered his eyes shining from unshed tears. Sango glanced at Kurama, "Damn that Naraku." She hissed, "Why does he gets so much pleasure from messing with other people?" Miroku yelled as Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kagome trying to comfort her.
Yusuke looked over to them, "Has this Naraku guy done this before?" He asked living up to his Spirit detective standards.
Sango nodded her head; "He has done it before…with me." She muttered lowly. "Naraku will do anything for the shards, and now he's sunk to a new low." Kagome said leaning into Inuyasha's embrace. "You make him sound so powerful. If he's as strong has you say how come he doesn't get the shards himself?" The brown-eyed teen asked narrowing his eyes
"You see Naraku is powerful but he never gets involved directly he's always behind the scenes. He never dirties his own hands, and he enjoys seeing others suffer by using the ones they love against them." Kagome explained not once lifting her head from Inuyasha's warm chest.
"Which is exactly what happened here. Naraku knew we couldn't hurt Hiei." Kurama said, "I could have." Inuyasha grumbled as he looked down at Kagome. "But how is he controlling him!" Kurama hissed.
"A jewel shard." Kagome answered for him. Kurama snapped his head up and looked at her, "You said you sensed one early. Do you know where?" He asked. "I'm not sure it seemed to be coming from his forehead but…"
"His forehead?" Yusuke shouted as Kuwabara shook his head, "It must be in his Jagan!" Kurama exclaimed looking worried.
Shippo blinked confused, "You never did explain what a Jagan is." He said hopping onto Kurama's shoulder. "A Jagan is an eye…" He started but was cut-off by Inuyasha, "We kinda figured that part out already!" He snapped.
"Inuyasha! Don't be so rude!" Scolded Kagome pulling away slightly to look up at him but not removing herself, Inuyasha grumbled something that couldn't resemble an apology but since it was so quiet, no one was sure.
Kurama looked between the two and smiled before continuing, "The Jagan isn't something you're born with you can get it implanted, but Hiei is the only one to survive the procedure. The Jagan eye can enter someone's mind and read their thoughts. Sense ki signatures far away, which makes a great tool when finding someone far away. Come to think of it that's probably how Hiei knew where we were. But there's one thing Yusuke experienced before the Jagan when completely mastered allows the user to increase his powerful ten-fold, and it help control the dragon in his arm." He explained letting them soak the information in.
Yusuke shuddered from the memory, "Believe me it's not something I'd wish a upon anyone."
"That's why I asked you if he removed either his bandana or bandages during your fight." Kurama said. "I'm glad he didn't." Said Sango bending down to pick up Kirara.
Yusuke nodded his head, "I was able to beat him in his Majin form but that was by a fluke. If I had to face him again I might be able to beat him." He muttered.
"Don't forget when he absorbs the dragon." Said Kuwabara, "Oh yeah I completely forgot about that!" Yusuke exclaimed.
"What do you mean when he absorbs the dragon?" Asked Sango, and both Yusuke and Kuwabara tried to explain to them what happened when Hiei absorbed the beast.
Kurama was obvious to their explaining instead he was looking at the village as the black flames faded slowly. "I guess we should check for any injured." He muttered, "Ye shouldn't worry." Came Kaede's voice.
Kurama turned his head towards her, "Why not?" He asked, "Because I already went." She explained entering her hut, "Ye should come inside and explain who ye friend is."
The redhead looked at the ground sadly, 'Hiei…' He thought and Yusuke put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry Kurama. I know you want to go and find Hiei, but we can't do that without finding more about this Naraku guy." He said as Kurama turned his head to look at him.
Kurama nodded his head and entered the hut as everyone else followed. It took a few hours and a lot of patience for both Inuyasha and Kuwabara but they finally finished explaining both Naraku and Hiei. After the talk the fire was out and everyone was sleeping except Kurama.
He laid under the blanket staring up at the ceiling, 'I don't understand. This Naraku doesn't sound that strong especially after we entered the Makai tournament, but then again he does have most of the jewel shards…' He thought gritting his teeth angrily together, 'Hiei…don't worry we'll find a way to free you. Till then be safe my little Koorime.' He thought his eyes drifting shut.
-------------------------
Hiei walked through Naraku's barrier clutching the bottle of shards that the glass cracked. He brushed past Kagura barely even stopping to open the door. Hiei stormed down the hallway his dragon pulsing and squirming under his wards.
He went to the room he knew Naraku was in and opened the door with so much force that it was almost destroyed. Naraku barely flinched at the sound of splintering wood.
Hiei stalked into the room throwing the shards at his feet so hard it caused the glass to shatter, "There I got you your shards," He said barely suppressing a growl, "Now give me back Yukina!" He snarled making Naraku smirk, which sent chills throughout Hiei's entire body.
"I don't remember saying anything about returning Yukina to you." He said, "What? I've done what you asked give me back my sister!" Hiei yelled letting all his anger flow out through his words. "No." Was Naraku's reply.
It was taking all of Hiei's self-control not to kill him on the spot, 'If I kill him now, I'll never find out where he's hiding Yukina.' He thought.
"I want you to rest for now I've got another job for you tomorrow." Naraku said, "No I've done what you wanted and I want Yukina right now." He snarled, causing Naraku's smirk to widen, "You shouldn't command me to do things Hiei." He said calmly.
"I don't care. I want Yukina back and I want her now." He growled, 'I really want to kill this bastard. I can use my Jagan to locate Yukina…' He thought. "Don't even think you can do that Hiei." Said Naraku, causing the half-Koorime's eyes to widen before he growled, "Damn you and your mind trick hanyou!"
Naraku glared at him as Hiei collapsed to his knees panting and squeezing his eyes shut in pain, "I hate to say I told you so…" Naraku said with a small chuckle. Hiei winced and opened one eye, "Damn…you…" He said weakly.
"Now Hiei, you are the one that is damned if you do not do as I say, unless you want such a fate to befall poor little Yukina." He said watching as Hiei's eyes snap open at that comment, "Leave…her…out of…this!" He tried to snarl but it came out more like a whimper, "Why? It's so amusing to see you struggle like this." He said with another chuckle
Hiei growled, "Fuck you."
"Temper, temper." Naraku taunted, "Or do I need to give you another lesson in how to respect those who are better than you?" He said his smirk deepening. 'Damn it…I can't let him hurt Yukina.' He thought. "That's better Hiei, think of your dear Yukina before you act." He heard Naraku say, which made him growl again before sighing, "Alright I'll do whatever you want."
"I thought you'd see things my way." The hanyou said with a sickening sweet smile. 'Fox…Kurama…' He thought and Naraku laughed at Hiei's thoughts, "Pathetic." He said, and Hiei glared at him as his Jagan slowly opened behind his bandana, "Now, now Hiei, don't do anything Yukina or your fox will regret."
Hiei gritted his teeth together angrily and his Jagan eye started to slid shut again. "Good boy." He mocked. 'Mock me all you want Naraku. Sooner or later I'll kill you.' He thought and Naraku stood up and approached the kneeling hi-youkai, "You can say that all you want but, I'm the one that's trying to help you." He said standing in front of Hiei. "Help me? How are you helping me? You're making me do all the fucking work!"
"You'll understand sooner or later, but for now rest." He said his voice too calm.
Hiei tried to argue back, but he felt the jewel shard pulse as his body became heavier and heavier before falling to the ground he tried to keep his eyes open but soon gave up to the darkness.
Naraku watched the smaller demon close his eyes, 'I never thought this little demon would be so strong…and fast. He's easily faster then that foolish wolf Kouga.' He thought with a smirk, 'He could take down a strong number of demons. Hmm…maybe I'll keep him around. Sooner or later the shard will over power him and he'll be yet another puppet for me, but this puppet will be the strongest of them all.' He thought a sinister smirk coming to his face.
Unaware to him Kagura was watching the whole thing, 'I never thought Naraku would keep him around for so long, but he is strong,' She thought gritting her teeth together, 'If Naraku keeps him around he might get rid of…' Kagura closed her eyes tightly, 'I will not become that monster again. I will not become apart of him!' She shook her head and left before Naraku realized she was there.
MLF98-this chapter's short we were going to make it longer but figured you guys waited long enough.
FFTDA: Man I just know that the next chapter will be longer.
MLF98&FFTDA- Till next time! Later!
MoonLightFight98& Forfirith the dark angel