A/N: Finally! I've updated in a space of time that's not longer than a month. Or two. Yay! Kudos to me! D And hopefully, this chapter's longer than usual as well. I've noticed that I tend to focus more on the Tantei, and specifically, more on Hiei and Kurama. If you didn't notice before (highly unlikely), then it'll probably become more apparently in the coming chapters.

Oh well. I think later on, our favourite little demons are in for some angst. After all…ain't tough love the best kind?

Disclaimer: Errr. I don't own anything, or anyone. For now, I'll content myself with playing with Yoshihiro Togashi and J.K Rowling's lovely characters.

SPOILERS (maybe)

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"Blah" Talking

Blah Thinking

Blah Telepathic

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Last time:

It seemed that even though they were traveling in each other's company, they would not learn to trust one another.

Well…he thought to himself, almost grinning. That's another thing Kurama will have to teach them. Eventually.

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Kurama quickly threw in a few more dry sticks before turning to the others.

"Your food is ready." He gestured towards the steaming hot plates of food laid carefully on the ground.

"Well, what are ya waiting for?" Yusuke drawled from where he was sprawled against a tree. "Aren't you people hungry?"

Slowly, the wizards and witch got up and took one plate, carrying it back to where they desired to eat.

Draco sniffed his plate before asking, "What the bloody hell is this?"

The Hogwarts trio, now used to these types of meals, methodically placed bit by bit in their mouths. "Don't ask." They replied in unison.

Kurama watched with a raised eyebrow as Draco gingerly picked up a thin, bread-like wafer and placed in his mouth. The boy chewed, then swallowed, leaning back with a funny expression on his face.

"Is our food really so terrible, Master Malfoy?" Kurama's soft voice inquired, though his eyes glittered with barely concealed amusement.

"What? Oh…" Malfoy reddened, being the centre of everyone else's stares. "Oh, no, it's not that bad. It's just a bit different."

Master Malfoy? Yusuke asked, surprise colouring his tone.

Kurama shrugged. I do not know either of them as well enough to make a decision.

What?! Yes you do! He was the one who was so rude to you! Don't tell me that long-term contact with Harry, Ron, and Hermione has given you short term memory loss! Yusuke protested.

Kurama laughed. My memory is fine, Yusuke. And besides, those words may not have carried his true feelings. God knows I've done that often enough. And even so, you and Hiei must have scared him into regretting them. He added something so quietly that Yusuke didn't understand the mumbled noises.

What?

It would be unfair of me to ask Harry to forgive over the death of his dear friend if I could not even get over a few empty taunts.

But we all have forgiven, and have another forgive. Hiei added unexpectedly. I, Kurama for interrupting the path of my sword, and betraying me that night, and you, detective, for landing me in the cursed prison. We know what it is like to lose. We have learned to forgive and forget, but also to remember what it teaches us.

Yusuke stared, then smirked. Awww…widdle Hiei has found himself some feelings!

Shaking his head, Kurama answered, while placing a placating hand on Hiei's shoulder. Very unwise, Yusuke. Keep in mind that I will not always be able to stop unfortunate accidents from occurring.

Yusuke nodded hastily, shifting under the deathly glare Hiei had trained on him. Suddenly, he sat up straighter.

They were fighting when you two left.

Kurama gave Yusuke a quick glance. Fighting?

Well…staring at each other…and looking like they wanna kill something.

Even after the kitsune's speech. Hiei stated flatly. Fools. They will die.

Kurama sighed, rubbing the creases in his forehead. I had hoped to give them time to rest so we could continue on tomorrow, but it seems they need some instruction. Trusting each other will keep them alive, or they will end up as Hiei so bluntly put it.

Are we on a tight schedule or something? Yusuke asked. As far as I know, we have the rest of our lives to finish this mission.

Frowning minutely, Kurama answered. I don't know, Yusuke. I do not have the gift of foresight, but I feel uneasy. I wish to finish this as quickly as possible.

Does this have to do with someone back home?

Thank Inari, no. Kurama replied quickly. This feeling is much more closely related with ourselves.

We are wasting time, Hiei interrupted pointedly.

Yes, of course. Kurama stood up, attracting curious stares from the others.

"I trust you have eaten enough for the moment."Kurama said smoothly, Yusuke and Hiei standing up behind him.

"Are we leaving?" Ron asked, slightly anxious.

"Lately, it has been brought to our attention that you are all sorely lacking in cooperation. Without this, your quest will end in guaranteed failure." Kurama continued, brushing off Ron's question.

"What are we doing?" Hermione repeated, nervousness creeping into her voice.

Hiei turned his piercing ruby eyes on her, silencing the witch immediately. "Listen," he growled.

From right beside him, Yusuke concealed a growing grin behind his hand, and turned his head.

"Am I understood?" The kitsune persisted.

"If you wish for us to increase our strength, I am afraid it slightly late. They cannot learn much in such a short period of time." Snape replied slowly.

"That is exactly the problem." Kurama said, voice hard. "It is always I, they, you…never we. We are united in a common goal. Is it so hard to cast away our differences? At this time, we are still squabbling like schoolchildren, while there is a greater danger to us all on the horizon. Is that not a foolish thing to be doing? To succeed, you must be able to know at all times that there are people whom you can trust, and who trust you. People at your left and right, behind you and in front. People whom will that a hit for you, and you are willing to take a hit for."

All eyes were glued to him, and everyone, even Hiei, was impressed at the fire they saw in the former thief's eyes, and the passion in his voice.

"We understand." Harry answered, hesitant to break the sudden silence.

Tension fleeing from his posture, Kurama nodded once. "Good. That is the first step. Now, we will make that statement go further. He turned his head to look at both Yusuke and Hiei and shared a quick nod with them.

"To start," he said, turning back. "We ask you to attack us."

Yusuke chortled softly at the dumbfounded looks on their faces. Kurama's statement had left a priceless stunned look on each of their faces.

"But…but…" Hermione struggle to recover from the absurdity of the command.

Hiei shot them all a reproving look. "If this is how long you take to even attack an enemy, you would all be long dead."

"All of us?" Harry asked doubtfully, slowly standing.

"You got it!" Yusuke exclaimed, cracking his knuckles and rolling his shoulders in anticipation for some action.

"One of you alone would not prove to be a challenge anyways." Hiei added snidely.

"Despite what Hiei says, the main purpose of this exercise is for you to develop your teamwork. One on one fighting will not accomplish that." Kurama added quietly.

"Hn. Now begin. And try everything you possibly can, and use everything you know."

"Remember to trust your instincts." Kurama stated as he slowly reached back into his hair.

The next hour passed by in a blur for the wizards and witch. Every single spell they cast towards the Tantei was skillfully dodged, even though the demons were purposely keeping their speed down. The wand-wielders began to grow frustrated, as not one of their curses had struck the intended targets. The surrounding trees were reduced to twigs, and grass was charred and blackened. Out of anger, someone had even cast the killing curse, that struck a tree and started a small blaze, quickly stamped on by Yusuke.

"Stop!" Kurama called, all of a sudden.

Everyone froze, and slowly, silence fell.

"You are all weary, are you not?" Kurama asked, turning his gaze upon each of the panting magicians.

There was no reply needed, and none given.

"I have let you all continue all this time to prove one point. You cannot do this alone. For the past hour, you have all been shooting your own spells, trying to hit us yourself, and every time, you have missed. What if this had been Voldemort you were battling, instead of us? What would have become of you then?"

Again, silence reigned the wood. Then, Kurama spoke again.

"We have decided," he began slowly, "-to try this another way."

Tension hummed in the clearing as the others anxiously awaited for elaboration.

"One of us." Kurama mused thoughtfully. He turned, looking at Yusuke and Hiei for confirmation. Apparently, he found it, though the others could see no difference in their posture, or expression.

"All you have to do," Kurama's voice drew them back to the task at hand. "All you have to do, is hit one of us. Only one. Work together, to get one hit. If you do not, after a quarter of an hour, you five will guard tonight as punishment. And tomorrow, we remain. As well as the next day, and the next, until you manage to achieve what we ask."

Nobody moved, and it seemed like even the forest stopped breathing.

"What are you waiting for? The kitsune told you that you have fifteen minutes. You are wasting your own time." Hiei reminded them scornfully.

Jumping up, Hermione shot out a bright red beam of light at Kurama. Reacting faster than one could have thought possible, he bounced up, and turned a one-handed cartwheel, artfully dodging the spell.

"One is still one, Hermione." Kurama reminded quietly. "Startling me will not change that."

Reddening, the witch spun to her companions, and then once again stood between them.

The next fifteen minutes seemed like eternity to everyone. Yet despite their best efforts, not one of the Tantei was hit.

"Time's up!" Yusuke announced loudly, at a signal from Kurama.. "You guys split up guard tonight."

Kurama calmly brushed off his clothes. "Help yourselves to the leftover food. I'm going to go find someplace to clean up a bit." With a somber glance towards the others, he quickly walked out of the clearing.

The wizards and witch quickly ate the remains of their lunch, which, curiously, remained warm after all this time, then formed a group to discuss their punishment. After quickly deciding their arrangements, they left Snape and Draco sitting along the fringes of the camp.

Slowly, five minutes went by, then ten, until Hiei stood abruptly half an hour later.

"Stay here, make sure the ningens don't die," the fire demon ordered Yusuke, before flitting off, hopping from branch to branch, disappearing into the semi-darkness.

"Where's he going?" Hermione looked up at Yusuke inquiringly.

Yusuke shrugged. "Probably to find Kurama. He's acting a bit weird…"

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Kurama leaned back against the tall oak tree he was sitting in front of, and closed his eyes. The setting sun highlighted his wet hair, and made the small river he had found glisten. With his wet clothes clinging to his skin, he sighed. When he discovered this secluded stream, he had just wandered in, and washed his thoughts away with all the grime on his hands and clothing. But now that he was sitting here, all alone, all of his previous thoughts came flooding back.

Suddenly, leaves rustled and he tilted his head back, peering up.

"Oh, Hiei." Kurama lowered his head again. "You startled me."

The fire demon jumped down from the branch he was occupying. "You didn't sense me, kitsune?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kurama shook his head slightly from side to side. "I was…otherwise preoccupied."

Hiei didn't say anything to reply, and everything was quiet once more. Finally, Kurama re-opened his eyes to look up at Hiei.

"Is everything alright with the others?"

"Hn. They are fine. I told Yusuke to watch over them for the time being as well."

Conversation ceased again as the fire demon sat, with a knee bent in front and the other leg straight. Staring intently at Kurama, he broke the silence with a question.

"Why did you do that?"

The fox demon focused on Hiei. "Sorry?"

"Why did you act the way you did with the ningens? That is not your way. Living in the Ningenkai has made you soft. You prefer to teach over forcing something with punishment."

Kurama laughed mirthlessly. "I did not take pleasure in that."

"Why did you do it then?

Kurama sighed. "I was frustrated," he answered honestly. "We have told them many times. Yet they do not seem to take it to heart. I don't talk just to hear myself, you know."

Hiei smirked. "Is that so?"

With a glare, Kurama raised his hands as if to shove Hiei away. He snorted as the other demon easily dodged his hit.

"It also didn't help that Hermione shot that curse at me without indication. That was low." Kurama added, lips twitching in amusement.

Hiei nearly chuckled. "We did tell them to try everything they could."

"You did."

"You didn't disagree."

Kurama grinned, settling back against the rough bark of the tree.

"But that wasn't all you were thinking about."

The former thief sighed. "Very acute, Hiei." He hesitated. "I'm getting slightly concerned. Warm weather…it is approaching. Already we've had a few warm fronts. And as spring comes, Youko pushes more for release. If we do not get this done soon, he will get out, and I will not be able to ensure their safety if he does."

"Suppress him until we fight the last."

Kurama let out a wry chuckle. "I will try, my friend, I will try."

"No one could ask for more of anybody." Hiei answered, in an extremely rare moment of open truthfulness.

Kurama flashed him a look of gratitude before gracefully rising to his feet. His now damp hair was put into a high ponytail, with a thin vine snaking around, then in among the strands to hold them up.

The fire youkai flexed his ki so that the temperature rose slightly, and Kurama's clothes were dried off.

"Thank you, Hiei." Kurama said, slightly surprised. He smiled warmly. "For coming."

"Hn."

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"Yes!" Ron shouted as he elatedly pumped his fist.

The next day, after two unsuccessful tries, they had finally managed to freeze Yusuke in position. Using a plan they had all agreed on beforehand, not one person moved for the first ten minutes. Soon after, Yusuke had noticeably lost focus, and five stunning spells were aimed at him. The result had been a completely unmoving spirit detective.

Hiei walked a circle around him, smirking. "Finally, the detective is doing something useful."

Kurama laughed, taking in Yusuke's frozen look of shock. His mouth was opened, and his back bent slightly forward by the force of the magic.

"As relieving as it might be, not to sound uncaring, but I think Yusuke would be more use to you moving."

The 'ningens' nodded, and stepped closer to cast the release spell. However, after muttering a few different words, Yusuke remained stiff.

"What is the matter?" Kurama inquired quietly, even though he already had a good idea of what was going on.

"Our counter spells aren't working." Hermione answered, panicked.

Kurama frowned, then moved towards Yusuke, past the group. He gripped one of his hands, then with a sharp blade of grass fashioned into a scalpel, made an incision on the detective's palm. Taking a small, blood-red seed from his hair, he then gently pushed it into the cut.

"Hiei."

With a grunt, the fire demon roughly pushed past the others to Kurama's side. Sticking out his right arm, he placed his palm over Yusuke's with a small gap in between.

"Quick." Kurama murmured, bending forwards. "Not too hot."

"Hn." Hiei's hand glowed as he burned the entrance of the seed closed.

Groaning under the dead-weight of the body, Kurama carefully lay Yusuke on his back. He then turned to looks that ranged from surprised to completely stunned.

"What did you do to him?" Draco asked, in a disbelieving voice.

"It was a gamble." Kurama answered quietly. "Since you used a freezing charm of some sort on him, and it seemed to be extremely powerful, I tried to counter it. The seed that is probably dissolved and moving throughout Yusuke's bloodstream is a bloodthinner, and it works to get his circulation going. The reason Hiei had to cauterize the cut is because there is a slight chance of him having an extreme allergic reaction to the plant, and it will cause him to bleed. If there is no unnatural exit for the diluted blood to come out of, he should be in no danger."

The humans stood, open-mouthed at this description.

"So…there's a chance he'll die?" Hermione asked, distraught.

"There is nothing to change that. Your strategy was good. Remember to always concentrate, and wait for your opponent to make a possibly fatal mistake."

"Hn. He's stirring."

Kurama's eyes widened as he bent over Yusuke. "Yusuke? Are you alright?"

The detective let out a groan. "Ughhh." He cracked open an eye. " I'll be fine."

Kurama smiled brightly. "That's great! You had me worried for a bit there."

The detective sat up slowly. "How did you fix it?"

"A seed."

"How'd ya know it would work?"

"I didn't."

"What?!"

"I was relatively certain it would have no lasting effects on you."

"…That's great."

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "You would have preferred me to hand you to Atsuko and Keiko as a wall ornament? I'm sorry. I wasn't notified of this earlier. If you wanted, we could ask them to stun you again?"

Yusuke paused, then laughed. "Thanks, Kurama."

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"From here on, we must be cautious." Snape warned. "Once we leave the cover of the forest, we are on the Dark Lord's property.

Everyone nodded, and following Snape, they stepped out of the fringes of the forest, into the huge yard of the Riddle House.

What greeted them left each person speechless.

It was a maze.

TO BE CONTINUED…

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A/N: Well, now that I look at it, it's actually not that much longer. Ah well…nothing to change that now. Hope you don't mind the excessive appearances of the YYH gang…D

As for the last part, with Kurama explained the little blurb about his lovely red seed, feel free to yell at me for being completely medically inaccurate. Not to mention having the chapter being totally incoherent. Oh well…as I was typing this, I found that I made a ridiculous amount of typos and mistakes as well. Yet another thing to tell me!

As always, I love my reviewers (few that I had last chapter), and I love all the comments you leave. For those silent readers, please drop a note, or just enjoy the story!

Like it? Hate it? Won't know if you don't tell me!

Cya L8ter!