Chapter 4

The five of the started to walk home, Yusuke was beaming with happiness. He thought to himself that was the best fight he had in ages. Hiei has surely gotten stronger since the last time he saw him. He guessed he wasn't just patrolling demon world.

"Oh Yusuke you're all beat up," exclaimed Keiko. "Should we get someone to heal you?"

"Nawh, I'll be fine. I've been in worse pain before. I just feel great from fighting, sweet."

Yusuke laughed and the other three boys joined in. Yusuke suddenly gave Kurama a wink towards Hiei. Kurama shook his head no. He didn't want to tell Hiei yet. Though, this was a rare opportunity that Hiei was around.

"Yusuke, great fight," said Hiei calming down. "I hope we didn't give Koema a scare."

"Haha. Nawh, I don't think he would worry about us. He knows we wouldn't destroy the world or would we? He knows we could if we really wanted to."

"Dream on Yusuke."

Yusuke laughs.

"If we wanted to all four of us could take over the world. It would be easy. I could make Keiko my queen."

"Whoever said I wanted to be queen" replied Keiko angrily. Kurama thought about what Yusuke said. Hmph I could make Hiei my queen. Kurama grinned at the thought. Hiei turned and wondered what Kurama was thinking. Kurama then realized that Hiei probably wouldn't go for that.

Yusuke whispered something to Keiko. Then the other three watched them quickly disappeared. Kuwabara quickly followed his friend even though he didn't know what was going on. Kurama and Hiei suddenly realized they were both alone. They both blushed towards each other and turned their heads away. Kurama made a mental note to kill Yusuke later. Then he realized he would enjoy the thrill of the threat. Yusuke has become so like them in one way or another. He chuckled. Hiei noticed it.

"Kurama, what's with the laughter?"

Kurama stopped laughing. He looked at Hiei. He could now see how much of a beating he took from Yusuke.

Meanwhile, Keiko and Yusuke landed in from of Keiko's house. Keiko gave him a hug. She then kissed him sweetly. Kuwabara suddenly landed next to them. Keiko let go of Yusuke. she blushed and quickly left.

"Why didn't you two get a room?"

"We had a room until you showed up. You ugly piece of—"

"Why you two suddenly disappear?"

"Oh nothing"

"Is it something about Kurama and Hiei?"

"What's with the stupid questions? Good job you are not the same stupid git we all knew and love."

"I want in of what's going on!"

"Well that's a secret."

Kuwabara crossed his arms and gave Yusuke a serious look. He was always left out something important. Just like when they never told him about Hiei being Yukina's twin brother. Times like these Urameshi made him so angry.

"Sorry man. I would like to tell you, but this is something Kurama told me to keep my mouth shut about," said Yusuke seriously. "Besides that day (somehow he was able to read what he was thinking) you were just being stupid and didn't watch the rest of the tape."

"Oh-why-you-"

Kuwabara suddenly attacked Yusuke. Keiko sighed as she watched from the window. Boys will be boys no doubt about that. Keiko quickly shouted to them that they were making a scene. They stopped and continued to walk home.

"Though, I am still curious as to what they are going to talk about," said Kuwabara.

"If they want to tell, they'll tell you what is going on. I'm not even sure if they will talk. I just thought it be nice for them to have some "alone time"."

"Yusuke, what's with the air quotes?"

He quickly put his hands away and smiled. He replied "Oh nothing. I guess you really are a big idiot."

"What yea say? But anyways I gotta run."

"Where you off to? Oh-" Yusuke now realizing where he was going.

"Yes, I'm seeing the love of my life!"

"Bye, Yusuke!"

Kuwabara quickly flashed step out of the area. Yusuke watched him go as he headed home now too. He did hope Kurama and Hiei would talk about their issues. He revisited their fight at the end. Why did Hiei act like that? Was he thinking about Kurama that way too? Was it possible that Hiei is also falling in love?

Kurama walked with Hiei in silence. Did he really want to talk to him about love? Was he willing to? The worse emotion right now was fear. Fear of being rejected. Fear of what might happen when he tells him and if he does. He was afraid, why?

"Um, Kurama-" Hiei started to say shyly.

"Yes," Kurama realizing Hiei might actually say something.

"Um-" he trailed off again.

Hiei didn't know what to say to Kurama either. He thought of the dream he had earlier. Was that Kurama? He wasn't sure. Should he say anything to his fox demon? He wasn't quite sure of his feelings himself. He needed more time.

"Hiei, I-I wannatalk about something. It sorta deals with you…" Kurama had difficult trying to speak.

Was Kurama about to say what he thinks? He noticed Kurama's face was all red and he was a little tense. Hiei was scared. He wasn't ready. Then suddenly without thinking his feet quickly drove him away from Kurama. He could hear Kurama shouting his name after him. Why was he so afraid? He just didn't know. He was so confused, if Kurama confessed he might just hurt his feelings. All he knew was he couldn't face him now.

"Hiei," Kurama whispered to himself. He watched Hiei go further from his sight. His eyes started to feel teary, but he brushed them aside. He couldn't deal with that emotion now. He clenched his fist at the thought of Hiei. Suddenly the same surge of spirit energy flowed through Kurama.

"What's this," Kurama said to himself. "What was going on? Could the others feel it too?"

He didn't know. Who had this much spirit that could easily scare them? Kurama wanted to know this more than anything right now. He could feel his body trembling in fear. This pressure was really strong. Could they defeat this person? Suddenly Kurama burst out screaming in pain. He could feel blood pouring out from his body. Kurama's knees gave into the pain. Another burst of pain came a second time.

"HIEI," shouted Kurama screaming in pain. The pain was so intense tears form into his eyes. His whole body was covered with blood. He opened his eyes to see if he could see his attacker. Nobody was insight. He thought of Hiei. Rage filled inside Kurama as he wondered why he couldn't defend himself in battle. This was a surprise attack and you were always on the defensive. You only switch to offense if the attacker is within range and there is an opening that you can take an advantage, and don't waste your spirit energy. Another ambush of attacks came towards Kurama. Kurama this time was ready or so he thought…

Hiei suddenly could hear his name. He recognized this voice in an instant. Kurama's thoughts of fear and pain came rushing into Hiei's head. "Kurama!" he shouted to himself. He quickly flashed to Kurama. Flying debris and dust covered the air. Hiei looked for Kurama. The smoke cleared away. A moment later, he could see him in full view.

Kurama was about to collapse.

He suddenly reappeared and caught Kurama before he fell from the loss of blood. He gently caressed Kurama's body in his arms. "Kurama! Kurama, can you speak to me? Kurama!" He gently shook him awake. The fox demon lay motionless. Hiei finally realized that he was unconscious. He telepathically shouted to Yusuke and Kuwabara to get their asses back here. Yusuke didn't hesitate at Hiei's orders. Kurama was his friend and he needed help.

"Oh, fox," Hiei mumbled sweetly. Then Yusuke showed up.

"Holly shit!" said Yusuke in shock. He knelt beside the fox demon. "Hiei, do you know what exactly happened here? I think we need to seriously call Botan or Genkai."

Hiei stayed quiet and continued to look at his unconscious friend. Why go after Kurama? What did this human or demon want?

"Hiei," said a worried Yusuke.

"I don't know. I don't know." Hiei was shaken up pretty bad.

Kuwabara suddenly reappeared near Urameshi. He asked what was going on. Yusuke pointed at the bloody unconscious Kurama. He was shocked too. Who could destroy him like this? Kurama was one of the smartest and talented demons he knew.

Yusuke then realized how could he call for Botan or Genkai? It wasn't like they had numbers he could call them with. What a stupid question he asked himself. His calling card was Hiei. How else could he reach them?

"Hiei, I need you to telepathically call Genkai or Botan. They both have healing abilities remember. I would heal him myself. Though, I do not trust myself enough with the spirit wave technique."

Hiei did as he was told. Botan was quick to respond even though she shouldn't.

"Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara! I'm here, what's going on?"

"It's Kurama, he has been attacked."

"Oh my goodness," replied Botan as she went over to him. She looked him over. "Yukina or Genkai's powers are much better at healing. Mine aren't good enough for these kinds of injuries. The best thing I can do for Kurama is stopping the bleeding. Yusuke, I need you to keep an eye on Hiei."

Yusuke looked over at him. He was completely white with shock. What was going on with Hiei? He then noticed Hiei had his hand in Kurama's. Was he that worried? Yusuke scooted over to Hiei. He let him gently put Kurama to the ground. Hiei still wouldn't let go of Kurama's hand.

About twenty minutes later, Genkai showed up. She smiled as she thought of them being all back together. Though, something was different was in the air. She looked at them closely and saw worried faces.

"Hello, dimwit long time no see," said Genkai.

"Grandma, what took you so long?" complained Yusuke.

"I'm an old lady, Yusuke I'm not as young as I used to be. Furthermore I didn't know where you guys were. I had to find you guys by spirit pressure. Hiei wasn't any help when he called me. All he told me was to get over here now," lectured Genkai. "Next time give me some general direction."

"All I have been able to do is stop the bleeding," cried Botan. "Oh Genkai will you be able help him? I have done all I can."

"You have done enough, Botan. I'm sure he is grateful for what you have been able to do," she paused for a second. "Before I continue, I think it would be best if we take Kurama back to my temple. We can take better care of him there."

They agreed, but Hiei didn't say anything. He let Yusuke take Kurama with them. He left himself on the ground while the others slowly went away. This wouldn't have happened if I was still here he said to himself. Kuwabara came back.

"Hey shrimp. Are you coming or what?"

Hiei looked at Kuwabara.

"Yes you incompetent fool. I'm sorry that I need a moment."

"Oooo, to think about what?"

"What it would be like to pound your face into the ground… no it's none of your concern."

"Well then let's go."

They left their spot. They soon met up with the others at the temple.