Hey there

L: … We're not even going to go into how long it's taken me to update. Caprice? We are NOT GOING THERE.

S: Yeah. It only took you… -counts- five months to get off your lazy a and actually take the time to update. Not to mention you started a second one-shot that can be included in your 'The Amusement of Demons in School', but never finished it, nor did you ever finish the first chapter of your new story that you're working on. Which is also YYH people, so look forward to that if you like this.

V: … what he said… -is pointedly glaring at Sain and Leikaru-

L: …. I said we weren't going there. I can't believe you just did that traitor. And after all I did to ensure that you were here with Vu-gets tackled and mouth covered with duct tape-

S: 0-o…. yeah. Leikaru you said you wouldn't bring that up. … But I guess I deserved that…

V: Huh? So you could what? Sain what's she talking about?

S: Just do the disclaimer Vul. –strained smile-

V: … Leikaru does not own any of the characters thus far other than Toshiya… but seriously Sain. What was she talking about?

S: ON WITH THE STORY!!

L: -is tied up in the corner, but smirking/glaring at muses because she has plenty of evil in store for her muses planned-


Silent and grim, the hulking figure cast shadows of danger about the room of demons that he stood before, and menacing idol that was bowed before and followed unquestioned. Those that crouched directly before him did not necessarily fear him, but neither did they question that should they ever fail him, they would be no more than a mere stain in the forest that surrounded the ominous castle from which they kept their ilk. They're loyalty remained unwavering even as the figure moved abruptly to behead the serving slave directly to his left, sending both the head and carcass dead into the horde of demons from the sheer force behind his attack. No one so much as flinched as an enraged bellow screamed from his lungs, such were they used to his outburst of frustration. There was something off about him though; perhaps it was the way his eyes gleamed with an unfamiliar maniacal glint that had been present before, but perchance, not to this degree. Or maybe it was the harsh and erratic breathing that wheezed from him as he glared wildly about the room, just looking for someone to punish.

Gozaburo Takazuki has not been a pleasant lord to be around from the moment he had learned that the demon, whom had caused him a great deal of pain, was still alive. Furious cries had resounded in the surrounding forest for days and nights on end, either unintelligible shouts or strings of curses, the demons who followed him stayed just barely within earshot so that they would know when I was safe to approach him once more. Two weeks had passed before the demon lord had finally ceased his tirade, but when his vassals saw him at last, they were mystified over the change that had overcome their lord. He had spoken in incoherent bursts, sometimes shouting as loud as possible, at others he spoke in hushed and haunted whispers. All agreed that he had become unstable, and it had only increased after he captured the stunning fox demon that had held Gozaburo's enemies scent. Never had they seen him look so possessed, nor had he ever derived so much pleasure from a captive's torment, which made those closest to him begin to fear his next action.

It had almost been a relief when the fox had escaped, but he had only become more incensed as the hours progressed and still no word of the fox being recaptured came through. But still… no word reached the demon lord within his castle.

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"We need to speak to Kurama." Koenma's sullen tone had Yusuke, Kuwabara, Sniper and Toshiya looking questioningly at the tiny lord. They all exchanged a look, and debated with their eyes over who would tell Koenma that Kurama was currently indisposed because he was within the confines of a healing plant, and that Hiei was with him; though the debate didn't last long because Koenma held up a hand before Yusuke could speak. "When he's awake boys…" he turned an interested gaze towards the raven haired fox demon, and then suddenly, as though he remembered something, clapped his hands together with a surprised expression. "Toshiya! It's been quite some time since I employed your exceptional skills. What's it been, ninety-one years?" A small and sheepish grin crossed the fox's face, even as Yusuke and Sniper raised eyebrows in his direction. Kuwabara had left the moment the three teen's silent eye debate was over to join Yukina in the kitchen, most likely to swoon over her rather than to actually help.

"Something around there Koenma sir." He looked to the right almost embarrassedly, so that he wouldn't have to look anyone in the eye. "You know that if you ever need my services again I'll be willing to help." He was presented with a warm smile from Koenma, and a small nod of acceptance.

"I just wish that you had agreed to stay on permanently, as our personal psychic." He frowned "There really aren't that many with your particular talent you know, Toshiya." The fox merely nodded as he looked pointedly away from the Lord. "Well, anyway… when Kurama wakes up I want you to contact me right away. Is Hiei sitting with him?" there was dead silence. Obviously Koenma had not been paying attention to his surroundings and had failed to notice the rather LARGE plant that was sitting just off to his left on a diagonal.

"Umm… about that Koenma…" Yusuke looked hesitantly towards the flower, and finally realizing that his spirit detective was looking at something, he turned to follow the teens gaze. Consequently, he let out a small yelp and took two steps back.

"Where did that bloody huge plant come from?!" he was quite astonished and failed to remember that plants were Kurama's motif. The others merely raised an eyebrow. Even Botan who had been slightly surprised by the plant seemed to understand that it was Kurama's.

"… Koenma… Kurama uses plants." Almost condescendingly were the words spoken. "Remember?" Kuwabara had exited the kitchen carrying a heavily laden tray of light snacks, while Yukina came from behind him carrying tea. Yusuke nodded in agreement with Kuwabara's statement when Koenma turned to look at him.

"…Oh. I knew that. I was just checking that you all still remembered." There was a unanimous rolling of eyes from the small lord's statement.

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There was darkness as Hiei slowly opened his eyes, seemingly waking up from a very restful slumber. At first, when the memories of finding Kurama came back to him, he believed them nothing more than a dream. Thinking that he had finally lost his mind with his uncharacterized worry, he believed that the warmth he held tightly to him was a pillow; a moment later though, he knew that he was NOT holding a pillow. For one, pillows were generally soft and squishy, and decidedly not breathing. For another, he highly doubted that he would be clutching a pillow to his chest so protectively. That and there was a delightfully familiar, slightly floral yet not feminine sent drifting from the thing he held so carefully. A scent that was most definitely Kurama's, making him think he was an idiot thinking that he had lost his mind because the proof that he had indeed located Kurama was nestled deeply into his embrace and was breathing lightly in sleep.

He was content to simply sit there, but then he realized that the area they were in was not the room in Genkai's temple, but rather a silky soft area that reminded him of a plant. Which immediately led him to the conclusion that he was indeed inside of a plant, considering whom he was with, it shouldn't have been such a surprise. But it had surprised him nonetheless, causing him to wonder just what was wrong with him.

"It's official Hiei. You're losing your mind." After speaking quietly out loud he had to agree. "Yes indeed… now you're talking to yourself." Kurama shifting in his arms made him focus all his attention to the wounded fox.

The red head held a content expression on his face which was slowly transforming into one of annoyance. A look that was very common on people who had no desire to wake because they were quite comfy and warm. A small smile lit Hiei's face as he watched the fox wake up, having missed this for so long. His expression immediately fell when he realized the Kurama was still unaware that his human family was dead and that he would also have to be informed that people assumed him dead. He had been gone for long enough that the courts had officially declared him dead just weeks after Shiori's death. It had only taken them so long because Kurama's human mother had refused to believe he was dead and had insisted that they not declare it officially.

"Mm… Hi…ei…?" the mumbled question had Hiei once again directing his attention back to the fox demon.

"Right here fox." He lifted one of his hands from Kurama's waist almost unconsciously, to brush crimson locks out of the other's face. At the brief contact, emerald eyes opened to a gaze blearily up at the fire koorime. "You're no longer wherever it was you were. You're back in the Ningenkai." He almost thought his words weren't registering with the fox when the bleary expression began frowning in confusion, but after a moment the eyes lost a little of their bleariness.

"The.. Ningenkai…?" he spoke slowly, something Hiei had long ago realized was something common for Kurama after having slept a deep sleep. Any other sleep and Kurama was awake almost immediately. Something Yusuke and Kuwabara had found rather annoying when they were still tripping over their feet in the morning while Kurama had gracefully walked ahead of them.

Hiei hmmed an agreement as he continued to look over the fox. He noted with relief that the majority of Kurama's wounds had healed themselves for the duration that they had spent within the plant. He was unsure as to how long they had been there, but didn't bother trying to think too hard about it, seeing as they couldn't have been within for more than twenty-four hours, because the fire koorime found it difficult to sleep any long than twenty-five. Nonetheless, he searched out with his Jagan to see if any of the others were nearby, only to be startled when his Jagan would not activate.

"If you're… trying to see where the… others are using… the Jagan," Kurama's slow and breathy speech distracted Hiei from his momentary stunned disbelief, and looked once more into hazy emerald eyes. "Then you won't…. be able to because… this plant blocks certain forms…. Of mental capabilities…. Such as the Jagan." It was obvious that the red head was waking up because his voice was moving to a stronger tone, even if his words were still spoken slowly.

"…I don't know whether to be impressed or to be annoyed." Kurama chuckled sleepily at Hiei before letting his Ki flow out to shrink the plant.


L: Well…. That only took me about 6 months… And I apologize for it being so short. Thought you might want it sooner arther than later.

S: 6 Months indeed… you are a very bad author, making your readers wait that long.

V: yeah… and just because you got a job and are currently sick is no excuse.

L: Yeah yeah… I know. Results not excuses. … TT I hate being sick though. And with my Dad getting ready to go over sea's… well this is going to be just ducky.

S/V: 0.o …. I can't believe she just said 'ducky'.

L: -- …. Would you rather I said peachy keen?

S/V: You know what? Just go update another story or something. And readers? PLEASE REVIEW! She might feel inspired to update that much sooner.