Story Title: Consumed by Hellfire

Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.

Author's Notes: Okay, I hate computers! When I was typing this, the computer froze and I lost all of my work. I'll repeat myself. I hate computers…sometimes. Oh well, it didn't take too long…just until 4 A.M to recreate everything. Then it wouldn't save! Grr...Need sleep…zzzz.

Chapter Six: Masquerade

The King grinned, exposing his fangs, and stepped away from Hiei. "You're a lucky son of a bitch, you know that?" Hiei did not respond as the King laughed and threw back his necklace. "What's your name, boy?"

Hiei narrowed his eyes," As if I'd tell you."

The King had a smug look on his face," That's not how you talk to your father."

If it was possible, Hiei's eyes would have widened farther. His body felt so heavy, who knows what kept him from falling, and the blood left from his face. It…it couldn't be. This demon wasn't his father. Hiei had no father! At least no one he would ever claim.

Believe it. You are my seed, Hiei heard the King's voice inside his head.

"Get out of my head!" the young demon snarled and drew his katana. Put away your toy, the King frowned. Hiei vanished and slashed from behind. Just as the blade sliced through the King's cloak, he turned and grabbed Hiei by the throat and slammed him into the cobblestone. His hand rapidly shook as Hiei tried to hold onto his katana, but his strength failed and his weapon slipped out of his numbed grasp. There had…there had to be a way to fight, Hiei assured himself.

Give up, son. You'll never defeat me…even if you have half my power in your possession, the King projected his thoughts into Hiei.

"I will kill you. With my own strength," he replied and bared his teeth.

"Where do you think your power comes from? That Jagan?" The King allowed Hiei to rise. He did not like the sound of the King's confident laughter. "Do you even know where that Jagan came from?"

Hiei reluctantly admitted that he did not. It wasn't a priority of his to know back when he asked Shigure to implant it. The origin never mattered. The Jagan serves its purpose and that was all that Hiei cared about. Though at that exact moment, the question did race through his curiosity.

The King leaned forward and drew his face close to Hiei. A dark grin was plastered on his face as he tapped his finger near his empty eye socket. No! Hiei froze and clenched his fists. How could…how could any of this be true?

"Your power is the Jagan's power. Therefore all your psychic abilities, your far-seeing, and even the flames to summon the Dragon…" the King paused to savor Hiei's priceless expression. "Your power IS my power!"

Hiei clenched his bandaged and chained arm. It was all a lie. He had been living in a masquerade. All of the achievements he could be proud of…none of them were his to claim. His father's shadow, that was all he was.

His flying shadow.

The King rested a hand on Hiei's head. His expression confused and irritated Hiei. It was softened and almost…the words sickened him…fatherly," I know. I know it's hard to bear. But now you're home and I can show you the Truth, my son. As the Prince of the Land of Fire."

Hiei smacked away his hand. Never, he'd never be a Prince and this wasn't his home! Hiei had no home and he preferred it that way. The King stared down at him displeased at his behavior. What a strange boy…he spares his life and decides to accept him as his son and look at how he treats his father! The boy needed to learn some respect. And the King knew exactly how to show him.

He gently brushed his fingers across Hiei's headband. The heat scorched and charred the band almost instantaneously. The magic seal…Hiei tired to smother the fire with his hands. Long gray streaks of ash covered his hands. No…the Jagan!

Fallen onto his knees, Hiei quickly closed his lips and forced back his scream of pain. The Jagan was open and glowed in a red light in unison with the King's eye. Hiei could feel all his control over the eye slipping through his hands. There was nothing he could do as the King reclaimed the Jagan.

His expression, that snickering, laughing expression…if only Hiei could, if only he could scorch it off with his bare hands. Ah, like father, like son, the King thought and allowed Hiei to hear.

I will never be like you, Hiei projected into the King's mind.

The King begged to differ. The light of the Jagan burned brighter. Trembling, Hiei clutched his head and bowed. His control. The King's control was spreading into Hiei's will. Fumbling to the side, his fingers brushed against his sword's hilt. Grasped in his hand, he swung at the King.

Before it even reached flesh, Hiei stopped. No, he was ordered to stop. His body betrayed him. Hiei clenched his lips tightly to hold back the curses. The Jagan, his body, and even his thoughts were betraying him and bowing down before the King. Never, Hiei. As long as his soul burned, Hiei would never submit.

It's like a reflection, the King smiled proudly. He watched as his son's red eyes turned the color of dried blood and his posture relaxed. It certainly would have been easier just to kill him and reclaim the Jagan but the King saw potential in this situation to use him for other means. Remember son, a single thin hair protects you from a dangling sword, and if I get the slightest wavering feeling about you or your usefulness falters, I will not hesitate to snip it.

"Come, Prince," he gestured Hiei to follow. The corners of Hiei's mouth raised in a wicked grin as father and son made their way into the interior of the castle.

A light dew blanketed the grassy forest floor as gathered droplets ran down the leaves. It was surprising how different the geography of the southern territory of Makai could change. Half a day's walk earlier, Kurama had been walking in an unbearable desert. Now he was sleeping beneath the trees in a cool forest. A gentle warm wind awoke him. After yawning and stretching, Kurama continued walking deeper into the forest. He stopped and looked around.

A faint scent had crossed Kurama's nose.

His eyes widened in recognition. It's blood. The trees and the plants…Kurama noted, have all been nourished by blood. Though luckily, none of it smells fresh. He breathed a sigh of relief. Even though he did not sense any danger, Kurama raised his guard and quickened his pace.

What? Kurama thought as he passed the same plant once again. Even though he had been running for hours, he was no farther into the forest than if he had just began. What is going on here? Kurama asked in thought. Closing his eyes, his ears picked up on the sounds of chirps and squeaks. Faint sprouts of energy had surrounded him.

"Please forest spirits, I mean you no harm. In fact you are harming me. Please give me safe passage through your forest and you shall be rid of me," he spoke in a calm voice. Forest spirits were notoriously contrary and territorial spirits. When he was Youko, they cowered and hid from him, even though he would never pay attention to them, but it seemed they were not afraid of his new form. They weren't dangerous and all they could do was stall him for time. Time Kurama did not have to waste.

"I am a friend of the forest. Though I appear to not be who I once was, my name used to be Youko." The forest spirits were not listening.

The moaning wind rustled the leaves on the trees as Kurama dodged the razor sharp leaves. Strange, the spirits, at least those he had been in contact with before, were never this aggressive or accurate. Kurama winced in pain as one of the leaves pierced his ankle. In the second that he paused to remove the leaf, a vine wrapped around his neck and hung him. This…this isn't how it ends, Kurama thought and choked for air. He would not be killed by his own element. Slitting the vine with the leaf, Kurama landed on his feet and swiftly rolled out of the way of a row of leaves.

Enough! Kurama projected his spirit energy into the forest. It was not enough to transform him into Youko, but the energy certainly had the same essence of the fox demon. The forest spirits loudly chattered among themselves for some time. The vines slithered and receded as the wind stilled the moving leaves. His vision blurred and his surroundings became hazy as his senses were readjusted. The illusion was broken. With a nod of thanks, Kurama continued on the path the forest had opened for him.

Minutes later, he arrived at his destination, the ruins of Kareha Temple.

Broken white pillars lay scattered and overgrown with green ivy vines and fragrant clematis flowers. A large, adolescent oak tree grew from out of the temple's rooftop. Birds chirped from the oak's branches. The sun was gentle and warm. A sweet scent was carried by the gentle breeze. For once in his journey through the southern territory, Kurama felt peace. However, Kurama was not foolish enough to drop his guard as he entered the temple.

The ceiling was an entanglement of vine plants. His eyes watched and his ears heard simultaneously the water dripping from their broad leaves. The original stone lay in large, broken chunks on top of the splintered pews. His surroundings smelled damp and earthy just as if after a spring rain. Though this temple had not had a worshipper in years, it was very much full of life.

Kurama proceeded carefully. Most of the temple was blanketed in shadow. Light entered in thin shafts through the high broken windows and illuminated only parts of the floor and surroundings. One round window remained unbroken. It stood above the ruined altar and was made of stained glass. Kurama stood in admiration of the beauty and detail within each wildflower and lily. Very few creations of such beauty were ever made in Makai.

Dried flowers still lay on the cracked altar. Kurama ran his hand across the surface edge and blew away the dust and ash on his hand. Black stains of smoke residue were charred permanently onto the stone. Makai did not have the same sense of religion as in human world terms. Demons of unfathomable strength and long life took up the title of Gods. Certain minor spirits of particular merit were also, Kurama stretched the term greatly, worshipped. It was not the correct word because the word worship indicated love and respect between the deity and the faithful. Demons had no love for their Gods. Demons worshipped out of fear.

Take the statue of Meika before him. The stone depicted her as a sweet, beautiful nymph seductively posed yet conservatively covered by flowers and her long hair. Those who knew Meika when she lived knows that the stone lies. Few demons could outmatch her thirst for blood and knowledge of plants. As if my rose was given demon form, Kurama thought and amused himself. Kurama never knew Meika. When he first became a thief, she had been dead for many, many centuries, though he wondered what it would have been like to have been her student.

Reminding himself of his mission, Kurama focused back on trying to find the opening for the Holy Road. Unfortunately, Setsuna had not revealed that particular key piece of information. The temple was only one room…so it wouldn't take him too long.

His body froze, yet his senses could not pick up on any danger. Kurama stared at the statue of Meika before him. She seemed to be smiling.

As if she couldn't hold back her anticipation for the sight of blood…

Laughter bubbled from the shadows. Still shrouded in darkness, a familiar voice spoke in a dark tone, "I knew you'd come."

The voice's owner stepped out of the shadows. Kurama raised his guard and took a step back, "Setsuna? I don't understand."

The look on the friendly demon's face had completely changed from before. His eyes were narrower and sinister, even his smile had taken a shadowy turn. "Oh really? I thought you prided yourself on being so intelligent and calculating. Am I not correct…Kurama?"

His eyes widened in shock but quickly narrowed and focused on Setsuna," How did you know?"

Setsuna's expression softened as he gently shook his head from side to side," Poor, poor, Kurama. You underestimate how famous you have become in Makai. And I'm not just talking about your name. Your new face is quite recognizable to many upper-level demons."

Kurama wasn't surprised by the news. He knew with his tournament appearances demons would take notice and would not so quickly forget the face of the new Kurama.

Setsuna chuckled, "Unfortunately to all demons, your face has also become synonymous with Reikai. You're Kurama…the Demon Traitor. You're on a mission for Reikai right now, are you?"

Kurama poised his mind for battle and readied his reflexes to draw the rose whip, all just in case. With his arms crossed over his chest, Setsuna stepped forward into the light more. He was not wearing his glasses anymore. "I'm sorry, Kurama. I'm afraid I didn't properly introduce myself earlier. I think we've become close enough that I can give you my real name. I am…" He paused and smiled before he continued his sentence.

"General Lord Maki."

Meanwhile, the oni scrambled in fear as Koenma screamed from his desk. The world monitor was on the fritz and the prince could not track Kurama's progress. What if…what if he had failed? Koenma had promised to him that Yusuke and Kuwabara would come, but the boys were reluctant to come. They weren't against it…Kurama was a friend and they would definitely come to his aid. But they also claimed it was a manner of pride. This wasn't their mission. It was Kurama's and neither Yusuke nor Kuwabara wanted to interfere. It was clear to Koenma that the only way they would go was if Kurama was in immediate danger. Right now, the prince of Reikai had no means of knowing.

Slamming his infant hands on his desk, he clenched his pacifier tightly between his lips. Kurama could already be dead. He could be bleeding. He could already be in grave danger.

"Orge! Get that monitor working pronto!" Koenma removed his cap and wrinkled it in his hands.

"Yes, Koenma, sir." Jorge paused and replied.

"Maki…" Kurama closed his eyes and briefly laughed, "It's interesting how we both hid our true selves from each other."

"Indeed, " Maki paused and held the tip of his chin in thought, "I believe, in differing circumstances, we could have been friends."

Kurama narrowed his eyes, "You're wrong again, Maki."

He smiled and nodded in agreement, "You disagree with me so much…and yet you would most likely benefit most from my vision."

With the stem of the rose in his hand, Kurama charged forward, "You don't know what true enlightenment is."

Maki leapt over Kurama and elegantly landed on top of the altar. A haughty smile on his face and his arms still over his chest, he peered down on Kurama, "That's not what I was referring to…I'm talking about my TRUE vision for the human world once the King divides it among us four Generals."

"The humans you love so much…they seem to love to tinker with the natural order, don't they? All their…sciences and advancements. Feh, technology is a waste and it's unnatural. Humans are even infecting demons with their noxious technological notions. My real dream is to return chaos to their synthetic order to return the world to its natural order. All your cold, metal human cities will fall to the natural wild forests. Beasts and demons shall reign supreme—"

Kurama interrupted Maki's sentence, "I don't see how it would benefit me…"

"Don't tell me you wouldn't like to live in a plant lover's dream?" the General replied.

Kurama laughed," How would you know what I like? Besides, your vision will never come to pass." Maki rolled his eyes. Always disagreeing with him, there was no pleasing this fox. "What you call synthetic order is progress, which occurs naturally in the natural order. All advancements began as an improvement on a situation or idea that occurred before it. Therefore, everything has its origins in the natural order."

Kurama paused, "And other thing, you are one demon of many. Alone you can do nothing but you can become an instrument of change and hope in those that follow to institute your vision. Which you are not."

Maki glared. An instrument of change...what good would that do for him? Why wait for change when you can just take control and do everything yourself right now? Kurama's look…it was as if he could read his thoughts. Bah, how he hated how he smiled like he was so noble!

"All you think about is yourself. What gives you the right to decide what is good and bad for the world?" his eyes fell downcast and his smile faded into a frown," Perhaps life back then was wrong and difficult and when progress occurred, our lives changed for the better. Maybe we're happier now in this time…and you're the only one who sees otherwise."

Maki laughed, "I'm not the only one who talks and lives in the past."

Kurama cleared his throat," Progress is a gradual, slow change sometimes."

Whatever, Kurama, whatever…The young General stepped down from the altar and sauntered forward," You are not aware of it, Kurama, but you are the villain here."

Kurama's smile was of amusement. Really…hmm, what was your crafty mind thinking up now, Maki?

"You are trying to stop my vision, therefore you are my opposition. You are my villain."

"The same can be said of you, " both young men locked eyes. "We both have reasons to fight. It doesn't matter which of our reasons are more righteous or who deserves to win. What does matter is that we can fight…" Kurama drew his rose whip and charged Maki's side, "And we can let Fate determine the victor."

Maki grinned and took chase. I should pity you, Kurama. You don't even know that I've already won. All this wasting time is just me having a little fun with you. Never had a chance, you never had a chance. I am that force you call Fate. Your life is merely a candle's fire on a thin wick and I am the storming wind blowing in from a nearby open window. I won't pity you however. The first move was yours.

Do you understand, Kurama?

Do you?

Maki leapt high over Kurama and turned in mid-soar. Holding his arms above his head and crossing them, his red spirit energy spiraled into a rolling wheel. Laughing, he released his "Halo Fire" attack as two plumes of fire shot from the spiraling energy. With a few effortless acrobatics, Kurama dodged Maki's attack. The fox was surprised. With that one attack, Maki had hemorrhaged nearly a quarter of his spirit energy. So much for so weak an attack, yet Kurama sensed that Maki was still a threat. Landing in a crouched position, Maki looked up at him and laughed confidently.

You don't and you won't…until it's far too late.

His smile…he's wasting so much energy and yet he smiles like he has the upper hand? Kurama thought as he dodged Maki's fireballs. I better end this quickly. I don't have time to leave anything to chance.

Although his attacks were quick, Maki had poor reflexes. Easily Kurama appeared behind the young General and snapped his whip. But suddenly then, Maki's reaction time increased. His eyes widened as a gasp uttered through Kurama's lips. Maki willingly took his attack just to grab hold of the whip. Wrapped around one wrist, the thorns slit into his flesh and blood stained his black priest robes. Kurama pulled back on the whip, tightening and piercing deeper into Maki's skin. Maki was grinning and shaking with a silent laughter. Was he mad? Kurama was shaken and did not know how to react. No one ever took his attacks directly. He sensed he was in grave danger. Yet he couldn't remove his weapon. Maki had him locked in this deadly tug-of-war.

"You must think I'm crazy. You're the one who's crazy for challenging me," Kurama watched as his red spirit energy ran up his rose whip toward his hand. The handle quickly grew hot. Wincing and searing in pain, Kurama dropped his rose whip and jumped back. In those few seconds, his hand had been flooded with pain and several tiny blisters formed. A minor second-degree, Kurama noted.

Maki had Kurama's full whip in his hands, "Poor, poor Kurama. Of all the Generals you could have come up against…it had to have been me."

Youko! An image of his demon form appeared in his mind. Kurama could change into him. Biting his lip, even now he was reluctant. In the battle against Shigure, he told himself he would never become Youko ever again…that he was ready to devote his life to his human side. Could he break another oath? This was a matter of life and death, yet he couldn't just cop out when his battles become too heated. There seemed to be only two options for him—live and remained chained to Youko or die with his honor and pride intact. Kurama shook his head. He would take the third option…whatever that was going to be.

Maki blanketed his whip with his spirit energy. Fire blazed and charred it to a fine black ash. Kurama's face froze in fear. His heart pounded furiously and drained the color from his face. He stood with his lip quivering, unable to utter a sound. The burning of his rose whip wasn't what caused such a reaction from him. That was the least of his problems.

His spirit energy…it's increased! Kurama thought loudly.

Maki laughed as he used some of his new energy to heal his wounds," Now you understand. You can never defeat me, Kurama. My fire thrives on burning matter and absorbing its essence. Any plant you summon, I can just steal your spirit energy."

And don't even think that I'm going to give you time to summon Youko…he added in thought.

Interlacing his fingers and keeping his pointer fingers raised, Maki bowed his head and began chanting. His spirit energy surrounded his body and flared like fire. Tiny white-gold embers danced and flickered around him…reminding Kurama of the whirlwind of rose petals he used against Karasu.

It might be similar, therefore my best defense would be to keep my distance, but hopes can be false. I can't be certain that any part of this attack is similar. What can I to do? I've got to come up with something quick before he—

His thoughts were cut off short as Maki released his "Holy Angel's Fire". The copious embers burned with a blinding intensity and barraged Kurama's every move. Their small size didn't matter when he was getting hit with hundreds and hundreds every second. All he could do was dodge as many as he could while protecting his vital points.

Time! I need time…his thoughts demanded as he pushed a seed into the ground. The seed sprouted into a giant elephant ear leaf from Makai and shielded him. Kurama hid behind the massive leaf. Youko's image appeared in his mind. No! I won't. I can still fight, Youko. I don't need you anymore. Kurama's eyes rose up to the ceiling. The wet vines...I can use them. Maki burned his leaf and absorbed its energy.

Protecting his vitals from the "Angel's Fire", Kurama ran toward the lower hanging vines near Maki. But what was the point? It would take a lot of energy to manipulate all the vines and then Maki could just absorb it. But the soaked vines would take time to burn and could give Kurama both the time and distraction to make a direct hit before Maki could react. Feint one attack, strike with another—that could work.

It had to work.

Maki's eyes widened. What was he doing? Did he want to die? A grin slipped through his lips. He had been such an interesting toy…perhaps there were others in the Land of Fire who would like to play with him. As Kurama drew closer, Maki released his chanting stance and slipped behind him. Kurama's fingers touched the vines and a burst of his spirit flooded through them. Maki wrapped one arm around Kurama's neck and tightly squeezed while his other hand rested near his heart. The fibers scorched and burned as Maki's spirit proceeded and reached Kurama's flesh. Kurama threw back his head and screamed in pain as Maki absorbed all of his spirit energy.

His eyelids felt heavy and slowly began to fall on his dulling eyes. Kurama's body fell limp against Maki's frame as the General bent his body to support his weight. Maki laughed as his opponent uttered a pathetic noise. Bah! This…this pain…Maki forced himself to remain standing and to endure the agony as the vines pierced his back. Amazing…he managed to injure him. Heh, Kurama lived up to his dangerous reputation. If Maki had prolonged the fight, who knows what surprises he might have had in store? After healing his back, Maki summoned a small fire demon.

"Find the King of the Land of Fire. Tell him Maki is on his way with a little present," the living fireball nodded and vanished in a puff of gray smoke. Slinging Kurama's body over his shoulder, Maki grunted and cursed the long and heavy trip down the Holy Road.

The King stroked his long beard as he peered down at the tattered, yellowed map of Makai. There were several key cities circled, all were target cities his army was to raid and capture. Lord Kayaku and Lord Raika had sent word they were approaching the nearest target while Lord Honoo and Lord Takigimaru had gone ahead. Good, good, things so far were going to plan.

"You see son. When all is done, the three worlds will be under the Land of Fire. I shall take Reikai. The Generals shall have the human world. As for Makai, " he paused and pointed a finger," shall be yours. What do you think about that? "

"You are too generous, Father," Hiei said in a monotone voice.

The King grinned, "I think you can handle it."

The door loudly creaked and buckled as Lady Hanabi entered the small side chamber. Her armor was broken and hung only on one thin red twine. Her kimono sleeves had been completely ripped off and her makeup was smeared. Breathing heavily, she walked up to the table and laid a round object wrapped in a traditional giant silk cloth.

"You got what you wanted," she glared and snarled at the King, "Now be nice and give me a break for once. It's going to take Bukigura time to fix my armor and one of my large fans."

"You broke one of your fans?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The King rubbed his forehead as his headache grew, "Hanabi, you're so useless sometimes."

Her eyes widened and she puffed out her cheeks," My lord, take that back!"

Snarling, he drew his open palm across her cheek. Hanabi lay on the ground and clutched his swollen face, "Be grateful for my mercy!"

She nodded and deeply bowed against the floor. "Forgive me for my foolishness. Please accept my worthless and insignificant gift as compensation."

He untied the simple knot and let the silk unfurl. The King's grin beamed when he saw the severed head. There was even a bit of spine attached. Its expression forever captured the final moments of horror and pain. Hanabi had done a very good job with this one, not like any of her other work had ever not been beautiful.

Hiei grunted and grabbed his forehead. Suddenly his head had exploded with pain. Wait, where did this chair come from? It was like the pain had awakened him from a long sleep. Rubbing his eyes, the haze lifted and the stone room lit by burning torches came into focus. Immediately, Hiei smelled something decayed.

This wasn't real. It couldn't be. That face…Hiei instantly recognized it. A human eye, forever locked in a perpetual stare of agony, seared into Hiei's memory. Even now, it asked for his help.

"Mukuro…" he softly whispered. The King had heard his son and chuckled in the back of his throat.

Hanabi stood and brushed herself off," What shall we do with her?"

The King glared, "Why do you ask such stupid questions, Hanabi? Put her on a pike and put her next to Yomi."

Hanabi smiled," I knew that. I just like to annoy you, my lord."

She slinked around the table and sat on the arm of Hiei's chair. Crossing one leg over her knee, she draped her arm over Hiei's shoulder. He bristled at her touch and replied to her warm smile with a hateful glare. It was as if she had forgotten that she almost killed him.

"Hello, Prince. I see your burns are healing well, " she fluttered her eyelashes and puckered her lips, "I'm so sorry…if I had only known, I might have slackened off a bit."

"Hanabi, leave him alone. You have work to do, " the King cleared his throat. "Your next assignment is…"

A flicking fire danced in the open window. The King walked over to it and the little fire whispered in his ear. Hanabi grinned as she gently ran a finger down Hiei's jaw. She had to admit…his glare was very sexy. The King walked back with a pleased smile.

"Focus, Hanabi!" his voice boomed and she snapped from her trance, "Your next target is your most important. You must kill Enki, the current King of Makai."

"Remember my armor and my fan? I can't fight if I don't have my proper equipment," she reminded him in a cheery voice. "I can't teleport either. So I'd have to travel on foot."

She had a point there. Spare armor could easily be found but her fan could not so easily be replaced. Fine, fine then, Hanabi would stay until at least her fan was fixed. Hopefully it would not be for long.

Enki's death was one of the cornerstones of the King's plan. Without him to guide and command, Makai would fall into chaos. Sure there were risks that, with an unpredictable state, the King could be overcome. However he was also confident in his army…

Confident that they would usher in the dawning of Makai as a principality.

–end chapter

Author's Notes: Kurama and Maki's part took a lot of the chapter…only because Maki likes to hear himself talk. Ha ha, oh well… I hope you have been entertained and I will update as quickly as my schedule permits. I leave everyone with these lyrics…from Hyde's "Masquerade":

It's all a masquerade.

Just who is who, I can't say.

Don't leave me in the cold,

Just who is fake? Who's real?