Story Title: Consumed by Hellfire

Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.

Author's Notes: It's chapters like this that make me so happy that, as the author, I already know what will happen. He he he, what is it? My lips remain sealed… Go enjoy the update already.

Chapter Five: Smoke and Mirrors

Kurama woke, chilled by the desert's night air, on the sandy ground. Wrapping the canvas over his body like a hooded cloak, he slowly slid his feet and sat down by the fire where the three ogres were. The two minion ogres looked at one another and grinned. Surge broke up the mucus in the back of his throat and spat on the ground, close to where Kurama was sitting.

"Boy, you better now?" he growled and flared his nostrils. "How ya feeling?"

Kurama ran his hands through his hair. "I'm…better. I will be fine."

"Damn…" Needle and Grog mumbled softly under their breaths.

"Boy, why were you traveling with nothing anyway? You suicidal or something?" Surge laid his helmet beside him. Kurama could see the tiny insects crawling in his hair. "Got a name?"

Kurama paused. Even with demons of their standing, it was not wise in his mind to reveal his mission from Reikai. Quickly Kurama created an identity. "My name is Aki. I am the only one alive from a band of outcasts from the western territory of Makai sent to die. My demon lord calls it purification. I call it genocide."

Ah damn, Surge thought, his information really wasn't that interesting after all. Death was common in Makai. Death was common anywhere you go. Big deal that he was sent to die...all it means is that he will die in a more interesting way then let's say…getting stabbed in a bar fight. He wasn't any use to Surge anymore. If he even was in the first place.

"Boy, if you died right now, how many people would be affected?" Kurama shot the ogre a funny look. What a strange question…coming from an ogre as well.

Kurama took some serious thought into his question. It really depended on the identity. As Shuuichi…relatively few but they had close relations with him. As Kurama, in scope of this mission, he didn't know the true amount of people that would be affected. But he could guess.

"I am an outcast, "Kurama reminded Surge. "People throw us away, not hold on to our memories."

The ogre chuckled in the back of his throat," True. True. It was a stupid question to ask."

All the leader had to do was throw his minions a look and they understood the order. Quickly Needle and Grog sprung into action and grabbed Kurama's arms. The young man did not fight back or showed any expression of surprise. Two thick sharp bones were pointed into his back by his captors.

Surge was laughing," Sorry kid. If you had a better story, then maybe this wouldn't have happened."

Grog bounced his body happily," How shall we eat him? Roasted over a fire or savor his flesh raw?"

Kurama remained calm and composed, "I wouldn't stand so close to me."

The ogres had little time to look up and question his remark when Kurama bent his knees slightly and tossed his hair forward. Needle watched as Grog's head was severed by a thorny whip that sprouted from the young man's hair. His crusty eyes wide, the ogre watched as Kurama flicked his hair back and over his other shoulder. Needle's head plopped onto the ground.

Surge was shaken and for once in his life took a step back. His cheekbones quivered. Taking a deep breath, he snorted and exhaled. "You're no ordinary demon, are you boy?"

As his rose whip slipped back into his hair, Kurama ran his hands into his hair and clutched several seeds in both hands. Kurama replied matter-of-factly," That's another stupid question."

Surge could only watch as the vines swiftly sprouted from the spaces in Kurama's fingers, interlaced once, and wrapped around his head. For the ogre leader's kindness, though not genuine, Kurama was merciful on him. Of course, as he predicted, Surge struggled, writhing his body and tried to pry the vines with his hands. Moments later, the vines succeeded in their purpose by crushing his head in a gory display. The vines retreated back into their seed forms. Kurama's nose upturned in disgust as he returned the seeds back into his hair. The scent of those ogres was still on his wrists.

However he still had to thank the bandits in a small way. After searching through their packs, he found a map of the region and even a compass. Taking a few moments to study the map, he decided his course should be to nearest city, Zeccho. He still had no idea what sort of situation he could be walking into…perhaps there were some demons that knew something. At least in his passing through, he could probably find a full map.

Kurama wrapped the canvas around his body, even though it smelt like those ogres, for protection against the desert. Though his preference was walking on foot, Kurama mounted one of the armadillos, but only out of convenience and the urgency of the situation. Flicking its reins, the beast trudged forward, oblivious to the fact that Kurama wasn't his master.

The full moon gently washed the sand dunes in an eerie light, but none of that mattered. Through the sandstorm, Hiei barely could take a step. Still from hours before, he had traveled in this straight line, unsure of where his path was taking him. At least, the storm was not as bad as before…that is to say it was gentle but was still a nasty sandstorm. Hiei managed to steal a glimpse of the path ahead. There was a bright pale blue light glowing in the distance. Hiei steered his body toward it.

It was a floating lantern. It swayed and made a clanking sound, though it had no bearer. Oddly, the lantern was friendly and seemed to want Hiei to follow it. With few options else, Hiei trailed behind it.

The lantern brought him to a high dune. Hiei waited as it danced and clanked like the Shinto temple bells in the human world. Sand parted toward the base and revealed a door.

"Okay. Okay. I'll go," Hiei grumbled as the lantern smacked him in the back, pushing him forward.

Bells jangled when Hiei opened the door and stepped side. The lantern floated around until it placed itself on its hook. Its pale blue light eerily illuminated the room, drawing more shadows than providing light. He was in a small, simple home with walls of stone. The entire floor was cluttered with books, scrolls, and sand. There was a small, rounded wood table with a crystal ball sitting in the center. An unlit fireplace was in one corner. He noticed the ventilation pipe running up the side of the wall, but wondered if it had ever actually been used. The curtain in the corner slid open.

An adult woman walked out from what appeared to be her sleeping chambers. She had skin the color of night, gold eyes, and long green dreadlocks decorated with ribbons, silk flowers, strands of cowry shells, basically anything pretty she could stick in her hair.

"Well, well, Gentou…what pathetic soul have you washed up into my home now?" her voice was quite deep for a woman's voice. As her feet and body slinked forward, the golden coins that formed her bra clinked and the many bracelets of metal, bone, and shells jangled and clanked.

She puckered her lips and blew him a kiss," What brings a cutie like you to my home?"

Hiei snarled and turned his head away," I didn't come here. Your lantern led me here."

"Yes. Yes. Gentou is quite mischievous." She plopped down in a seat at the table and gestured to Hiei to sit in the seat across from her. The woman pulled the crystal ball close to her. "I am Haruka, Oracle of the Sands. With my crystal, I see what has happened, what is happening, what has yet to happen, and will never come to be. Are you interested?"

Hiei looked away uninterested. He didn't need her to tell him what he had already seen himself. But Haruka performed her divination anyway. The orb was filled with her spirit energy and glowed white.

Haruka watched as his future revealed itself to her. Sighing, it was the typical hero on a quest vision…what a shame, he didn't look like a hero but the crystal never lies. How boring. But then her eyes grew wide and a gasp escaped her lips. Hiei paid attention now. Haruka couldn't believe what she was seeing. He couldn't be…and yet it was true. There was no mistaking. This young demon was…

Haruka covered her mouth with her hand. Taking time to reclaim her composure, she smiled and returned to her reading. When the crystal refused to show her no more, she leaned back in her chair. "My advice to you, whether you choose to follow is another, is this. Beware of feathers. Shield your ears from sliver-tongues. Most importantly," she paused," protect the golden flower. Above all else, protect the golden flower."

"What is the golden flower?" Hiei asked.

Haruka gave a playful smile, "Only you know that Hiei Jaganshi." Hiei responded with a look that said he did not. She laughed, "Just know you need it as it needs you. It will help you shield off temptations and wickedness as it lives. But should you let it wither and, Sands forbid, die, your flesh shall fade into shadow."

"Hmp. Whatever," Hiei stood and turned his back from Haruka. "How do I know what you saw is the future? You yourself said the crystal lies. I only trust what I see with my own eyes."

Haruka smirked," I lie. The crystal cannot. It is up to you to decide which of my words are lies and truths."

Hiei laid his hand on the doorknob. Her eyes were piercing him from behind to stay. He turned back around. "You can go, Hiei. But is it really wise? The storm will not subside any time soon. You might as well stay and rest. There is a long journey before you."

The King shot a wide grin across his face as the wide mechanical soldier lowered himself onto one knee. Finally, after a long wait, General Lord Kayaku had arrived from the East and with him, the treasures of his advanced cities. Treasures such as guns, mechanized transportation, and gunpowder, the deadly fruits of progress. Kayaku was a demon obsessed with advancement and perfection, so obsessed he transformed his body into a living testament of the future. While Kayaku saw his experiments and modifications as a pursuit of discovery, the King saw him and his creations only for their face value. Lord Kayaku was merely a war machine. Two ice blue eyes, his last bits of visible humanity, shined inside his plumed helmet as his mechanized mouth guard parted to reveal his burnt, scarred lips.

"My lord," his deep voice bellowed, "I have cleaned out my complete storages for this glorious occasion. My treasures are yours but I ask that you use them wisely. You will be surprised what a small bit can do."

"I am giving you control of your weapons. Use them in ways that will only benefit me."

"Of course, my lord. I and my army are at your disposal." Slowly he stood.

The King grinned once more, "Of course, Lord Kayaku. You, Lord Hoono, Lord Takigimaru, and Lord Raika will usher in a new dawning. Become the wildfire and torch the three worlds for your Lord and Master."

General Kayaku bowed, "Of course, my lord. But why Lord Raika? First Lord Maki and now Lady Hanabi is not accompanying?"

"Lord Kayaku, don't be so dumb. Maki has his reasons as I have my own for keeping Lady Hanabi. Stay in your place and don't ask many questions." Kayaku nodded and was dismissed.

Haruka crouched down in front of a sleeping Hiei. She had offered her bed but he refused to sleep next to her and propped himself against a wall. What? She wasn't going to touch him! It was the only place she had to offer…it wasn't like her hovel in the middle of a desert had a constant stream of overnight visitors. An idea sparked in her mind as she looked at his face turned to the side. Slowly leaning forward so not to startle him awake, Haruka ran her wet tongue up Hiei's cheek. Instantly he awoke and struck at her.

She jumped back and cackled loudly, "Good morning, Precious."

Hiei shot a death glare at her and wiped away her saliva, "You're disgusting."

"Hiei…Hiei…" she grinned, "Don't make me sit on you."

He flicked up the hilt of his katana with his thumb," Say one more thing…"

Her eyes flashed, "Ooo. Seems like I've found a sore spot. Just a…little one." He rushed and cut her in half. Her image blurred and vanished as Gentou the lantern clanked.

Haruka yawned and stepped out from her sleeping chambers, "It's too early for all this clatter. Gentou, be good. Hiei, put away your sword. I need some rum."

Hiei averted his eyes when she came into the room. Apparently, she did not feel like putting on clothes this morning. She held a bottle half-full of rum in front of her, "Want some breakfast?"

Hiei shook his head no. "Fine, more for me," she replied and drained the bottle.

Rummaging through the clutter, Haruka found, seemingly from out of nowhere, a basket of fresh fruit. She dropped it on the floor in front of him as she went back into her chambers to search for more rum.

Minutes later she returned, empty-handed. Hiei sat against the wall and munched on an apple. His eyes darted back and forth while she searched. After he had eaten three apples and two peaches, Haruka crouched down in front of him. As he held up his third peach, Haruka swiped her hand and stole it just before he had bitten into it.

"That was mine," he narrowed his eyes.

"Pffft," she blew air across her teeth and rolled her eyes," possessive." Hiei grabbed an apple. Haruka swiped it in her other hand and bit into it. She had only taken one bite of the peach.

Hiei could feel a nerve popping on his temple. At least now she had no more hands. Picking up a peach, Hiei breathed a sigh of relief. Instantly the weight in his hand was lifted. Hiei opened his eyes. Haruka grinned and clutched the peach in her toes.

"Ridiculous," Hiei mumbled.

Haruka laughed and bit into the peach," This is how I am when I'm sober."

"If only we had some rum," they both said in unison.

Haruka stood and brushed herself off," Hey, you have a journey ahead of you. Get going." Hiei agreed and made his way to the door. Her eyebrow rose," You have a death wish? Take the tunnel, much safer and no sand. Gentou will guide."

The lantern swirled around Hiei and clanked in approval. "Go. Get out of my face," she flicked her wrist in dismissal.

Hiei followed Gentou into her sleeping chambers. Behind a bookcase was a set of downward stairs. As Gentou lead the way, Hiei trailed behind. Looking at the shadows cast by the lantern's light, he thought about Kurama. No explanation why, but he thought about him. The boy was lucky. He was safe at home while Hiei was here…traveling to a place he had never been, foolishly throwing away his life to protect Kurama and the world he had fallen in love with. Hiei briefly chuckled. So this is what humans meant when they do crazy things when they're in love. Hiei's laughter died. He was doing this for naught. What benefit does he receive? Unrequited emotions and the joy that his love remained alive? Hiei sighed.

So must it be.

With his light dimmed, Gentou stood in front of Hiei and showed him images of Kurama in his bedroom. Raising the hilt of his sword, Hiei watched as the lantern returned to its job. It was trying to cheer him but it only made him unhappier. Just a few hours ago, he was in Kurama's bed surrounded by his scent and close nurturing, now if only he was with him…if only he could see and hear him to give him hope. Hiei picked up his speed. The quicker this nightmare was over, he could return to his dreams.

Hunched over asleep, Kurama awoke as the beast slowly trotted its way toward a small city. After halting and dismounted, he made the rest of the trip on foot. The buildings in Zeccho were either made of stone or adobe and were closely set. The main streets were narrow and bustling. The back alleys, Kurama guessed, were nightmarishly thin then. With a sigh, he hoped he wouldn't have to run.

The desert had been cruel to his body and drained most of his fluids. Dehydration was a dangerous murderer and Kurama needed liquids soon to replenish. Unfortunately, he had not a coin of Makai currency in his possession. Desperate times will often stir up past memories, so it seems.

Kurama gauged his target, or targets, carefully. Not too rich nor too poor, not young or old, someone easy but not too obvious. Getting caught for something like this would be shameful. It was not just choosing targets but the method and procedure used. Would he use a traditional approach, a cliché approach, or something more innovative? He clutched the canvas cover tighter around him. Kurama never thought he would have to steal ever again.

But these were desperate times...

Kurama had watched these two demons for some time now. Strategy formulated, he approached the first demon. He was an older grandfather and walked in a shuffle. Taking a seed in his hand and filling it with his spirit energy, Kurama tossed the pebble-sized seed ahead of the old man. When he was close enough, the seed sprouted into a root and tripped the old man.

Kurama stepped forward and caught the old man, who thanked him graciously. Looking behind him, he could have sworn he felt something but nothing was in the road, save for a pebble. Oh well, the grandfather thanked him once again and shuffled onward.

The small bag of coins lay heavy inside his dark green battle robe. The young man could barely believe what he had just done. His mind was assuring him it was okay and he was just a fool, but his heart…his heart was screaming how wrong all this was. Already he was breaking the oaths he swore.

Clutching the bag inside, Kurama walked quicker to catch up with the old man. If he could return it…all would be right. Right? His feet stopped. Demons shoved by and stared hotly in annoyance. Youko was making his feelings known. He couldn't hear a voice but the sensation overpowered him and new thoughts entered his mind.

Stop being an oversensitive fool! Your world isn't crumbling beneath you, now is it? It's just coins. He can get more. Consider it a donation for the greater good and quit being so over-dramatic. There are more pressing issues to worry over than a penniless old man. Kurama sighed and apologized to himself.

Luckily, the old man had enough so that the other target was not needed. Slipping into a tavern, Kurama paid for a drink, a juice from a Makai fruit that would prevent and aid against dehydration. With a town so near the desert, it was a common beverage…beside the usual alcoholic ones.

"Hey, you heard the rumors? There's something occurring in the lower lands?" a demon said to his comrades. Kurama tilted his head and listened intently. "All these demons have been called away, called to war."

"Big deal," his friend gulped down his beer, "War is common."

The demon shook his head," But not when it's a call by the King of the Land of Fire."

The two demons sitting with him sprayed their drinks," HE lives? No way." They threw back their heads and laughed.

A young demon walked up to the demons. He was different from these lower class demons. His short purple hair was slicked back and neatly trimmed. Thin, wiry framed glasses set in front of his saffron colored eyes, expressing a cold demure. Kurama was surprised by his clothes for he seemed to be wearing a mock uniform of a Catholic priest. Surely that wasn't the case.

"The rumors, my primitive brethren, are indeed true. And I hope his fervor chars away all your pathetic lives so you will cease to pollute the air with your ignorance and bother me with your trivialities. Good day, sirs." The demons merely laughed louder as the young demon shook his head and walked away.

When he passed Kurama's table, he paused and took the empty seat across from him, "I don't believe I have ever seen you here or in Zeccho at all. Have you just arrived, traveler? What is your name, if you pardon my rudeness?"

Kurama faked a smile," Yes, I have just arrived. It's Aki."

"Aki, it is a pleasure to meet you and welcome to Zeccho," he nodded his head, "I am Setsuna, also a traveler but I consider this foul hole my home."

Kurama listened as he took a large drink. Setsuna stopped talking and saw how quickly he was drinking. His smile was gentle, "Poor thing, not used to the sands?" Why does everyone say that? Kurama thought. Setsuna grabbed the wrist of a passing servant, "Boy, bring this young demon another drink and some food. Here." Rummaging in his coin purse, he dropped several coins into the boy's hands. He nodded and went off.

Kurama set his drink down," You don't have to do—"

"Quiet, Aki," he interrupted quickly," Your eyes have been the first intelligent pair I've seen in a long time. Of course, I'm going to help you. I need demons like you in my future."

"Setsuna, I'm not the sort of demon that travels in groups. I tend to wander," Kurama said. Lying, of course, but he was Aki, not Kurama.

The demon removed his glasses and cleaned them," I believe you misunderstood my words. I have been on an endless, solitary mission to find the most precious gift of all. Do you know what that is, Aki?" Kurama shook his head no.

"Enlightenment."

Setsuna replaced his glasses, "I am not a demon that condones violence. I wish nothing more than Makai to civilize and embrace peace. Unfortunately, Makai is a world of demons such as them, but…there are also demons like you and I. When I take control, there will be no violence. Only peace. Through enlightenment of Makai and the aid of intelligent demons spreading my message, my dream can be achieved."

A second drink and a plate of food were set before Kurama. "Your dream is ambitious and I wish it could come true, but it won't."

His eyebrow was raised jaggedly,"Really?"

"What is your plan…in other words, how will you gain control of Makai? Do you except to be just handed the role? If that is so, your biggest problem is not gaining power," he paused to take a bite of food and to shallow," but getting over yourself."

Setsuna covered his smug grin with his hand as he laughed," Is that what you believe? Truly, Aki, you are a comedian."

"My point exactly. You think too highly of yourself. This seems so rude. Here you've bought me dinner and I'm basically insulting you…but it's the truth." Kurama took another bite.

Setsuna crossed his arms over his chest, "It's when we blur the truth with opinions is when heresy is produced. Don't mix the two, Aki. It's a dangerous concoction."

Youth, the poor demon had good intentions but had arrogant youth against him. Kurama sighed. Part of Setsuna reminded him a little of a young Yomi, the ego that is. Give him some time. At first he'll fail but then finally he will be enlightened himself and realize and correct his mistakes.

"Makai is an unruly place. You won't acquire it so easily. In fact, I don't believe one person can step up and forever rule Makai. You see how all the minor demon lords are fairing. They can barely control their own subjects, let alone Makai." Kurama had finished the food.

"Now, the Makai Tournament…that I believe is the proper way to control Makai. Sure there are risks that a terrible demon will gain power but for how long? Competition is what all demons understand. It is a fair and just means of election."

"That vile tournament is another senseless bloodbath of idiotic demons perpetuating their barbarian ways. I spit on the soul who founded it! All that mix blood did was push back my dream. How can I bring a message of peace when demons are tearing each other apart?" Kurama watched as Setsuna clenched his fists tightly on the table.

"The Makai Tournament brings order where there was chaos. It brings hope, in its own strange ways…" Kurama smiled. Sort of like its founder.

Setsuna smiled, "This has been an interesting chat. I can't remember the last time I intelligently debated with someone."

Hiei had zipped through the tunnel as Gentou tried to keep up with him. By the time the poor lantern had caught up, Hiei had already reached the end. The tunnel opened out to a thick jungle-like forest. Hiei looked behind him. Gentou was returning. Drawing his sword, Hiei continued on and slashed down any plant in his way.

"Lady Hanabi! Hanabi!" The King's screams bellowed in the Great Chamber. Where was she? He had been calling for her for at least ten minutes.

He heard her laugh as she appeared from the shadows,"Yes, my thunderous master? I'm afraid I could not hear you…with your voice being as soft as it is."

A vein twitched above his eyebrow," Hanabi, I am not in the mood. I have a mission for you." She listened closely. "It has returned, what I have lost is returning…and is quite close to reaching my kingdom. It, however, is the possession of another. My mission is simple. Bring it home."

Hanabi bowed. From her back, she drew and spread her huge rust and black folding fans and slowly drew them across in front of her. She and her fans vanished.

Faster and faster, Hiei ran and sliced down any lower class demon that crossed his path. A small band began to give chase. Vengeance on the sudden death of an ally, he guessed. Oh well, come what may Hiei would end their lives quickly. The forest opened up to a clearing. Hiei stopped, turned, and fell his sword on every demon that had come. When none remained, he took the time to clean the blood from his sword.

The sound of applause startled him. Hiei looked. An adult woman in Japanese-style armor stood. Her lips and eyelids were painted a crimson color. Her thick white hair was pulled into a long and tight ponytail. At the base of the red band were small rat skulls that constantly hit one another held onto the ribbon by thin silver chains. Hiei didn't notice the skulls. His eyes were focused on the long black feathers also in her hair.

Beware of feathers…

"That was quite a display of violence, young swordsman." She tilted her head and unfolded two normal sized fans. "It would be an honor if you let me play with you."

Hiei glared, "I don't have time. Move!"

"First move? You're such a gentleman," she grinned as she set the fans blaze with her spirit. She dove forward. Hiei was surprised by her quickness…it matched his own.

Blow to blow, they were equals. Just as quick as he was to strike, she was to block. Hiei slipped up. Hanabi closed her fan and jabbed it into Hiei's lower ribs, slightly cracking them and scarring the flesh. It was surprising how much strength she had…Hiei would have guessed she was more of a speed and defense fighter, but she had the attack too? Hanabi threw her fans, which targeted Hiei and chased him throughout the forest as Hanabi pursued.

Damn, Hiei thought as he leapt from tree to tree. So fast, he couldn't ease up a bit or the fans could strike. How…how could he turn this fight around? Hiei looked behind him. Hanabi had disappeared. Turning back around, he saw the underside of a giant folding fan as it came crashing down. Hiei fell onto the ground as the pair of flaming fans flew into his abdomen. Trying to stand up, the pain was excruciating, even after he removed the fans, and he fell back down.

"Tsk. Tsk. And the master wanted you alive…I guess my fun ends," she smiled and then knocked Hiei out. Holding him by the back of his shirt, Hanabi made her return to the castle.

"Setsuna, who is this King of the Land of Fire?" Kurama asked. "I've never heard of him."

Setsuna chuckled," He is exactly as he sounds. A King of Fire, a ruthless demon lord who savors power and fear. My family…my real home was a small town just outside the area known as the Heart. He turned my village to ash. I escaped using the Holy Road, a path that connects the Kareha Temple to the Noroshi Temple."

Interesting, a path that leads straight to his goal…this demon Setsuna was proving very beneficial. That concerned Kurama, this demon was being very talkative. Still, he was the only source of information he had yet to come across. Better to believe him and keep your guard up at the same time.

"Is this road still accessible?"

Setsuna paused and thought deeply," I have never since used it, but I remember it being in the forest. Accessible? I don't see why it wouldn't be." Kurama never asked him where it was…why did he say that? More and more, he was mistrusting Setsuna. Yet, what other options did he have?

"My Lord, I've brought you a present," Hanabi called out to the King as he stood in the courtyard. She tossed Hiei onto the ground and vanished.

Hiei lay, barely able to move, as the King laid his boot on his chest and lightly pressed. The young demon could barely breathe. He…he couldn't believe it. So close, the King was so close to reclaiming that which he had lost to Lord Enma. His whole body shook with excitement.

"I've been waiting…so long. So very long indeed. How does it feel to be a speck of dust at the mercy of a violent storm? Hmm, little boy?" he laughed aloud and lightly stomped on Hiei's chest. "Why so quiet? Are you finding it hard to find the right words to say? Are you ready to give it back to me?"

"What are you talking about?" Hiei managed to say.

Spit flew from the King's lips in anger," You know what I'm talking about!" Taking deep breaths, the King calmed himself down and grinned. Look at him. Can't even move. It's pathetic.

"Poor, poor warrior child, in your final moments you cannot fight. It must be maddening that all these years of honing your body, turning yourself into the perfect soldier cannot help you when Death stares in your face. It is the truth. We are born to die. It is a matter of when and how, my dear boy. Yours happens to be now."

His hand inflamed. Hiei closed his eyes as the fist fell. So it seemed it was his time…

Good bye, Kurama.

Heh, and so another pathetic soul dies, the King thought as his fist drew close. A tiny glint caught his eye and he stopped. Smothering the fire, the King used his hand instead to rip the necklace from this young demon's neck.

Dangling in front of him, he was mesmerized by the sight of Hiei's tear gem necklace. The King never believed he would ever see one of these gems ever again. It had to have been stolen! But the King looked down and into Hiei's eyes and knew this stone was his.

Amused and smiling, the King could hardly believe this was happening. He never thought he would ever meet…

His son.

–end Chapter Five