How Could I Forget You?

Disclaimer: Do not own YYH or the wonderful Hiei.

A/n: Time for another chapter. I know I just posted the last one, but I had already written this one, so I thought I'd post it. Hope you like it. Oh and if you like action, you'll like this chapter.

Luthoen: Thanks, glad you're interested. I always look forward to your reviews. I've also noticed that some fanfics are losing their originality. I'm glad you think this one's original. I'm also glad you don't think Hiei's too OOC. He might be a little more in later chapters. Well here's another chapter for ya.

Hiei's Shadow Tenshi: I've already started to write the prequel, as it keeps nagging me to do so. I just have to post it. Look for it in my profile in the next few days. You get to see Hiei's reaction in this chapter, I think, I don't remember. I wrote it like two days ago. I'm just typing it now. So now it's getting updated! Thanks for the review!

Chapter 9: Genuine Smile

Slowly, ever so slowly, she was sleeping back into the world of consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered open. The harsh light blurred her vision as she tried to grow accustomed to it. After a few seconds, her vision became clear and she could see everything for what it was.

With much effort, Sazumi sat up straight. She was still seemingly stuck in that strange place between waking and sleeping. Her brain had not fully caught up with its now conscious counterpart, her body. Then it suddenly snapped back into place causing her to become fully awake. And it all came flooding back with the tremendous force of rushing water. The silent tears that followed stained her now pale face.

At the corner of her mind, Sazumi heard a small grunt. She turned towards the unconscious figure of the kitsune drenched in blood. Her composure returned itself to her and all the memories were momentarily shoved to the back of her clouded mind. There were more important things right now then the deep pain searing her heart, like Kurama, the others, and stopping the searing pain in her arm.

Sazumi ripped off one of the white sleeves of her school uniform and tore it into long strips. Taking the ragged strips of cloth as a make-shift bandage, she wrapped it around the white dragon on her left arm. The painful energy that had been escaping stopped burning as it became trapped. She had to control the power that now dwelled within her.

Then Sazumi wobbly stood up. She headed over to the wound redhead to free him. The steel web was going to try and thwart her attempts. It closed around her friend's body as if mocking her and her thoughts of rescue. Sazumi would not be swayed.

A small amount of spirit energy formed in her right palm. It glowed a bright green against her flesh. Slowly it transformed into a weapon, a small handle with sharp blades at each end pointing downwards.

In one swift attack, Sazumi slashed at the steel web. Her spirit energy just managed to slice through the metal threads. Sazumi made quick work of Kurama's bindings, he was soon free.

The wounded kitsune collapsed into Sazumi's arms as she sliced through the last thread that held him captive, leaving her spirit energy to dissipate. Sazumi gently laid him on the cold ground to examine his wounds.

The various cuts and bruises that littered his body had already started to heal, thanks to the kitsune's youkai regenerative capabilities. Sazumi wiped away the dried blood with the other sleeve of her uniform, now in rags. It's not like she needed it anyway. Still Kurama was weak and they needed his help to fight the mass of youkai cronies. He was no condition to fight at the moment though.

'I can't fully heal you right now Kurama,' Sazumi thought, 'I need my strength to fight, but I'll do the best I can.'

Sazumi held her bandaged palm over Kurama's chest. His breath came out in ragged gasps. Suddenly, white energy began to emit from Sazumi's palm and Kurama's healing was now beginning to speed up. But Sazumi was forced to stop before he was fully healed if she wanted to be able to help the others.

There was a grunt and Kurama pushed himself up into a sitting position. His sharp green eyes flickered open and they met misty blue ones. He gave the owner of the eyes a small strained smile. Sazumi smiled back. Kurama was surprised when she gave him a gentle hug, careful not to put pressure on his remaining wounds. The hug was tender and full of great relief, but only friendly at the same time.

"Hello Sazumi," Kurama said.

"Hi Kurama," Sazumi whispered back.

"Welcome back."

"Thanks," she whispered again, "Let's go help the others."

Sazumi stood up and held her hand out to Kurama, which he took with a small smile.

"Yes, we probably should."

With Kurama's help, Sazumi was able to find her way back a lot quicker then it was finding Kurama. Their progress was slowed because of the kitsune's condition, but it was otherwise fine. They should be able to reach the others in no time.

When Sazumi and Kurama were finally near, they could hear the battle still raging. Prepping themselves, the two walked forward and around the corner. It wasn't a pleasant sight that greeted them.

Many of the evil youkai had been killed already, still many were left. The ones that had not met their fates continued to attack the two ningens and their koorime companion. They weren't getting much accomplished though. Kuwabara was repeatedly cutting them down with his spirit sword as they charged at him. Yusuke was doing pretty well with his street fighting skills and his reigun. Meanwhile Hiei was just slicing them all with his katana. He was clearly enjoying himself.

Sazumi turned to the redhead beside her.

"You see what you can do to help Yusuke and Kuwabara," she said. Kurama nodded.

Sazumi watched him go. That's when one of the cronies spotted her. He started to walk her way. Out of the corner of his eye, Hiei saw the advance. Killing the current enemy he was fighting with, Hiei rushed to her.

In an instant, Hiei quickly picked her up bridal style, and flitted away. Just as the youkai swiped his claws in attack. Needless to say, he missed the girl completely and connected with air.

Sazumi was clutching his neck tightly and had her eyes closed. She could feel the air rush past her cheek as she was attacked. Hiei could feel her shivering against him.

"Baka," he said with a small growl.

Hiei set her down and she slowly opened her eyes. Her face became a look of surprise as she saw her previous adversary running towards Hiei's back. She was even more surprised when the koorime swiftly turned around and killed him with one slice of his katana. Though she wasn't quite as surprised as the now dead youkai.

Suddenly she felt a high heat headed towards her, only it was aimed more over her shoulder and at the person in front of her.

"Hiei! Look out!" she yelled, roughly pushing him to the ground and covering him with her body.

Seconds later, a powerful energy beam shot past. It zoomed over Sazumi's head and it the wall in front of her. A huge explosion was heard.

Sazumi heard a growl beneath her.

"Get off," the body underneath her said.

Sazumi complied and raised herself up to stand. The person she had just protected, did as well. His crimson eyes turned to stare at the girl.

"Thanks for protecting me, Hiei," Sazumi said.

Then she smiled. It was a true, compassionate smile. Hiei recognized it to be the one she use to wear before she had lost her memories. It wasn't that fake one he'd been seeing lately, as she gave them to her friends. No, this one was the most genuine one she owned.

TBC…

A/n: Yeah! Another chapter in the books! Finally Hiei's got his Sazumi back! Or does he? And what happened to the ever evil villain behind this master plan? He took a lunch break. :audience sweat drops: Well I hope this chapter was enjoyable. Can't wait to see ya'll again! Rain-on-my-soul signing out!