I.. really have no excuse for why it took so damn long for me to update.. -_-; I know, I'm a horrible person. BUT! Before you pull out your various weapons and such, remember! If you kill me, I can't write more chapters! –happy smile-

…I'm sorry it took so long! –cries in corner of woe-

Kuwabara: Don't cry, the power of love-

NL: -punches- Shut up, Kuwa, no one cares about your fluffiness with Yukina!

Kuwabara: -gasp!- YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

NL: NEVEEEERR! AHAHAHAHAAHAHA! –prances away-

Kuwabara: NOOOOOOOO!

Awes, it's okay, I know there're KuwaYukina fans –smile- It's kinda cute. But Hiei does not approve…

Oh yeah, I've hidden a special thing within this chapter and I wanna see how many of you lovely people are clever enough to find it…

The Lord of Roses and the Shackled Dragon

Chapter 4: Chaos Erupts

A growl erupted from his throat and the fire demon was positioned in a defensive crouch before his large eyes had even opened. Kurama glanced over at the slave from across the room where Suzuka was fussing over the fox-lord's appearance. The fox smiled apologetically at the slave. "Hiei, I hate to ask this of you after what Aina's done, but my guardians will not accept less than your appearance at this party."

Hiei glanced down at himself, noticing that he was no longer wearing the clothing he had been knocked unconscious in. The slave was now draped in a simple black male's kimono. A more elegant black collar was in place around his neck, complimented in its image of slavery by simple black bands encircling his ankles. His eyes flashed up to his master, another growl escaped him, expressing his displeasure.

Suzuka rolled his eyes at him. "Oh, be quiet, you look great."

The growl intensified and Kurama gave the blond a silencing glance. "Forgive me, Hiei, but neither of us has a choice in this matter."

The slave relaxed his stance, but his glare did not dissipate. He knew he would be forced to go one way or another, but that did not mean he had to enjoy the experience.

"'Finished!" Suzuka stated proudly a few minutes later, holding up a decorated silver mirror so that Kurama could see himself.

The fox frowned slightly at his reflection. "Suzuka, did you have to?"

Kurama was adorned in deep purple silk that fell to his ankles. The kimono was trimmed in silver along the fold and the ends of his sleeves. His waist was circled in a rich sapphire, blended with more streams of silver. The initial purple split just below that, revealing an under-layer of more sapphire. The fox's sleeves and collar were lined with beautifully intricate red roses.

The lord's creamy white skin was complimented by a light dusting of blush across his elegant cheek bones. His eyelids had been lined darkly to make the emerald shine even brighter. His lips had been colored, giving him a pouty look as he frowned. His hair had been twirled about a silver comb ornamented with more roses, and sat artistically atop his head. His manicured hands brushed his bands to the side before pushing the mirror away with an irritated sigh.

"You went overboard again," he said finally.

Suzuka waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, hush, you look gorgeous." He grinned. "Now you boys be good, I have to go make sure your darling relatives are properly prettied up." He winked playfully and left the room.

Kurama looked over at Hiei, who had been staring at him. The fire demon's eyes were shining, and there was a curious twitch at one corner of his mouth, as if he was struggling to hold back a smile. The fox raised a delicate eyebrow at the slave. "Yes?" The twitch seemed to grow slightly, but Hiei simply crossed his arms and looked away, leaning comfortably against the wall.

"I should've let Suzuka put makeup on you too," the fox commented off-handily, earning him a vicious glare from the fire demon. The red-head broke out in a grin, but waited in silence after that for the festivities to begin.

- - -

The family descended into the ballroom, Kurama taking his place behind his guardians with Hiei shortly behind his left shoulder. All eyes locked on the small group and Kurama had to fight himself to keep from glancing back at the small, black-haired demon behind him. The fox knew well how uncomfortable the slave was feeling at that moment, but there was nothing he could do. In all honesty, the fox lord didn't care for being the center of attention much more than Hiei did.

Soon formal introductions began; a horrifically boring process that had Kurama squirming to get away, so he could hardly imagine hard it was for Hiei. Knowing this, the fox aimed for escape as soon as the guests became distracted by Lady Aina's beauty, as was always the case. Judging by his aunt's low-cut, forest green kimono, it wouldn't take long. The shining lightning bolts that were scattered across the garment only added to the effect.

Soon Kurama was pulling Hiei quickly through the crowd by his sleeve, leading him to a more secluded area in the room. He looked down worriedly at the fire demon. "Are you okay?" The ruby eyes burned darkly at the fox's question. The slave's whole body was tensed up, as if he was preparing for battle. He angrily wrenched his sleeve away from his master, leaving the fox started, for he hadn't realized he was still holding on.

The moment was interrupted by a sudden gust of wind and a loud shout of, "Oi, Touya, ah found 'em!" Footfalls were heard following after the voice, until two figures appeared before the master and slave.

The first looked much like Lord Hiron, so it was obvious they were related. His light blue hair was combed back, but his sea green bands fell in his face. Like Kurama's, the boy's ice-blue kimono was made of silk, but the design was simpler, showing that his social status was below the fox's.

They boy beside the bluenette floated in the air a few feet from the floor, his legs crossed beneath him. He had hair the same color as Kurama's, and there was a small horn nestled in the spiky strands. His blue eyes sparkled in amusement as he grinned at the fox lord. His kimono had the same design as Hiei's, but it was made of ivory colored silk.

Kurama nodded first to the blue-haired boy, then to his companion. "Touya, Jin, it's nice to see you again."

Touya's eyes held amusement as he half-bowed to the fox. "Lord Kurama."

Jin's grin seemed to widen. "'Rama, ya look like ah girl."

The fox glanced at Hiei just in time to see a barely visible smile flash on the slave's lips. 'Ah, so that's what he found so amusing earlier…'

"Jin, I see you're still wearing that collar," Kurama replied with a smile. The mentioned demon's hand rose to the black circlet, a light pink covering his cheeks.

"Ya know, I was gonna get rid ah it, 'cuz ah wasn't a slave, but then ah figure ah got i' frim Touya, so.."

Hiei glanced questioningly at his master. "Jin used to be Touya's slave before he was freed."

The horned demon's eyes closed in happiness. "Yup! Bu' then ah liked 'em so much ah had ta stay. Righ', Touya?"

It was the bluenette's turn to be dusted pink. "Yes, Jin, now shut up!"

Too intent on the conversation, the fox lord failed to notice how Hiei's eyes had widened at the mention of Jin being a freed slave. By the time Kurama glanced back at the fire demon, the crimson eyes had narrowed again and the slave seemed to have closed in upon himself even more.

The large orbs widened once again when the small demon noticed blue eyes staring inches from his own. He jumped back with his teeth bared, a silent snarl aimed at the demon now floating a few feet away.

Jin laughed merrily at the slave's reaction. "Ah, so ya are awake!"

"I wouldn't do that again," Kurama warned. Jin looked back hopefully at the fox, pouting slightly.

"Ya ginna introduce me?"

"This is Hiei," the fox said simply.

The floating demon's face broke into a grin again. "Come on, Hiei, ya gotta come pla' with me!"

"Jin," Touya started.

Kurama finished the thought. "Hiei's not really the 'playful' type." This time Jin pouted for a moment before a thought popped into his head and he flew closer to Hiei, planting his feet on the ground. Hiei took a quick step back, but this did nothing to deterr the spiky red-haired demon.

"Look wha' ah kin do!" Jin said, holding his hand, palm-up, before Hiei's eyes. A tiny tornado formed, and the sight seemed to please its creator to no end. "See? Ahm a win'demon. Wha' kin you do?"

Hiei glared and Kurama frowned, answering Jin. "He can't do anything for the time being, there's a ward sewn into his back. He's a fire demon."

A rare frown crossed the wind demon's face. "Tha bastard tha' kept ya, huh? Didn' trust ya? I rememba.." The bright smile retured. "Bu' that's okay, yar still ah goo'demon ta us! Righ', 'Rama?"

"Yes, Jin," the fox replied, his voice sounded like he was trying to please a small child.

The wind demon leaned in secretively toward Hiei, though he didn't bother to lower his voice. "Ya see tha' blue hair' guy ova there? Tha's Icy. He's me mate," he announced proudly.

Hiei, at this point, was staring at the other demons as if he was the only sane individual trapped inside an asylum. Kurama smiled warmly at him. "You'll get used to it." The flame-filled glare that replied told the fox that the slave didn't hope to stay that long.

"Oh no," Kurama looked over and saw that his other companions had aquired displeased auras.

"What is it?"

"Our cousin," Touya replied darkly.

Kurama grimaced as he remembered his uncle's earlier warning. "I can't help but wish that her parents would be robbed of their wealth so she was no longer granted access to these celebrations."

"I can' help bu' agree," Jin replied, and Touya nodded. Hiei looked on curiously, but the other demons continued to stare off into the crowd.

An attractive demoness approached, an eager look darkening her golden eyes, making her appear almost crazed. She grinned at Kurama, showing sharp canines, oblivious to the grimace her gesture received.

The bodice of her onyx kimono fell lower than Aina's, revealing a daring amount of cleavage that left half the demons in the room drooling in lust, envy, or a mixture of both as she passed them. The worst part of her beauty was that she knew about it, and so reveled in and used it in any way possible. Purple tinted claws brushed through her silky raven hair, drawing attention to the dainty horns atop her head, the piercing in the left strangely adding to her stunning appearance. She winked mischievously to the staring audience, blowing them a kiss before continuing to her prey.

With a seductive grin, she immodestly draped herself over Kurama, causing Jin and Touya to look away in disgust. The demoness paid them no mind as she focused all of herself on the fox lord. "Kurama, darling, how are you?" she asked smoothly.

"Hello Akemi," was his stiff reply.

Jin flew over and grinned at the female. "'e was ah lot better before ya came ova here, so ya be a goo' lass an' go away."

The golden orbs stared dully at the wind demon, and a cruel smile twisted Akemi's painted lips. "Perhaps you should learn to speak properly before to attempt to communicate with me again, pet. I've no idea what you just said."

Touya's eyes flashed in anger. "He told you to slither on, you disgusting wench!"

She looked him up and down as her pale fingers entwined in Kurama's crimson locks, much to the fox's discomfort. "I find it hard to believe that someone of your status would be daring enough to insult me when it would just be so easy to rip your high and might attitude away with the rest of your family's.. wealth."

There was a hint of a growl in Kurama's voice as he said, "Back off, Akemi."

Hiei took a step toward his master at this, his eyes beholding Akemi in disgust and hatred. His action, unfortunately, only served to direct the demoness's attention to himself. "And what is this?" she asked, amusement clear in her voice.

Jin quickly flew in front of Hiei, adopting a semi-protective stance as he stood between the slave and Akemi. "Ya hear' 'Rama, lass, move on," he said, completely serious for once.

Akemi locked eyes with Kurama. "Why don't you show me your new toy?" She leaned over so that she had a clear view of Hiei from around Jin. "Come here, pet, I promise my fangs are just for show."

"It's tha' sharp tongue ya shoul' watch for," Jin said immediately, bringing further amusement to Akemi.

Hiei stayed firmly in place, glaring daggers at the demoness. The amusement in Akemi's eyes soon dissipated. "Get the hell over here, you worthless slave!" When the fire demon didn't respond, the demoness left Kurama's side in a flash, pushing Jin out of the way in the same instant. Her sharp claws dug into Hiei's scalp, causing blood to trickle down his forehead, as she tried to pull him closer by the spikes of his hair.

The other demon's bared their teeth at her, not having had enough time to prevent the injury to Hiei. "Akemi!" Kurama growled dangerously, his eyes flashing gold.

Hiei glared calmly at the female and knocked her hand away, unaffected as chunks of his hair were wrenched from his scalp, resulting in more blood dripping down his face. A serpent's hiss escaped Akemi's lips. Her pupils turned to slits, her claws lengthened considerably, and a constant hiss resonated from her smooth throat. "You little whore," she hissed hatefully at the fire demon. "Kurama is mine. You have no right to be here, you nasty little bitch."

"So which is it that holds youhere, Akemi, pathetic loneliness or a thirst for power?" Eyes flashed from opponent to a beautiful white youko with golden eyes that shone with anger. "You've overstepped your boundries. That slave is my property; step away."

Hiei's eyes widened as he beheld the creature that had taken the place of his red-headed master. His face colored with confusion and mild fear. Yoko attempted to smile at the fire demon, but it came out as more of a lecherous smirk. This did not do much to quell the fear in Hiei's stomach, though the slave knew better than to display such fear in the face of such powerful demons.

"He's mine!" Akemi shouted, more hiss than words escaping her throat. She dug her claws into the smooth flesh of Hiei's throat. Yoko stepped foreward to pull the demoness away, but stopped once he saw how the intense hatred in Hiei's eyes bored into the snake. Calmly, the fire demon tightening his own fingers around Akemi's, breaking every bone within his grasp, successfully freeing his neck.

The snake demoness screamed in agony before lunging at the fire demon. Hiei landed a hit to her face, violently knocking her to the floor. As the demoness glared up at the slave from behind her bloody bangs, Yoko found he had gained a new respect for Hiei.

Soon the moment was shattered as Lord Hiron and Lady Aina stormed into the scene. "What the hell is going on here?!" the lord thundered.

"I told you to control that creature of yours," Aina said calmly, venomously.

Hiron took a deep breath so he could be calm enough to give orders. "Touya, help Lady Akemi to her feet, take your mate, and leave. Kurama, release that ridiculous form. Aina, my love, see that the slave is taken care of."

"But Uncle!" Kurama protested, interrupting his guardian. Hiron's eyes burned black fire into Kurama as he turned to him.

"You will obey me, or you will find yourself alongside your slave in the dirty cage back at Fantasy Island. Remember that you are still my charge and remain under my power until the day I depart from this world."

There was silence throughout the vast expanse of the room. Finally, Kurama gave into Hiron and agreed to follow orders.

"The rest of you," Hiron continued, addressing the crowd. "This celebration will soon come to an end. First, my nephew will give you all his formal apology for creating this mess. After that, please disperse."

They watched silently as Hiron left the room. "'Rama.." Jin began, but a look from Touya silenced him. They followed orders and left.

The fox was focused on the fire demon, who was glaring hostilely as Aina approached. Kurama would never forget the look of betrayal he saw in Hiei's eyes shortly before the slave was rendered unconscious by Aina's electricity. The young lord watched with sorrow-filled eyes as the helpless demon was carried away in the arms of his cruel guardian.

God I hate you, Akemi... Originally I was going to make her a basilisk, but.. I didn't want to give her that kind of power.

So is anyone else as excited about the new review button thingy as I am? ..Heh, I'm such a nerd (sweatdrop)

Anywho, did I do okay with Jin's accent? It's not too off or too hard to understand? If it is, do you have any tips for improvement?

I'm always looking to get better in my writing! (happy smile)

I don't actually plan to write in the scene where Hiei goes through Aina's "punishment" but I'll take a poll and see how many of you want to read it, then maybe I'll consider it.

So it would be completely amazing if any of you would like to draw any of my characters(especially my OCs) I love fanart and such. And fanfictions dedicated to me. That's always fun... And Xmas is coming up.. Just, ya know.. if anyone wanted to give me anything.. Because you love me.. HINT HINT! lol XD

So I'm tired, weary, but finally this chapter is finished! Please review, and please don't be so angry with me about the long wait.