Here's chapter 19. Not much to say so enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or Inuyasha. I only own this story and Oni.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Change of POV, location, and time

Hiei's Journey In The Past

Chapter 19

Normal POV

Inuyasha Group and Kurama

The gang continued to follow Kagura at a fast pace. Kilala, along with Sango, Miroku, and Kurama, were close on Kagura's heels, but kept a safe distance. Inuyasha carried Kagome and Shippo on his back and weren't far behind.

Sango kept clenching and unclenching her left hand on Kilala's fur in eagerness, wanting to reach Naraku's castle where Hiei, Kohaku, and Naraku were. Miroku and Kurama watched her behind, slightly worried.

"Sango. Are you all right? You haven't been yourself since Kurama sensed Hiei's energy," Miroku asked with concern clearly in his voice.

Without looking back at him she said, "I'm fine Miroku. We just need to hurry before something bad happens."

Kurama stared at the slayers back. He couldn't help but smile. He had his suspicions, but he didn't know this group that well, so for the time being he decided it was just concern for Hiei's safety.

Naraku's Castle

It was beginning to get dark. The sun was now casting an orange hue over the land, but because of Naraku's miasma it appeared that it was already nightfall. Hiei walked back towards where Naraku had revealed himself. Now that Oni wasn't a threat all he had to worry about was Naraku, or at least that's what he told himself. He stopped in front of the entrance that Naraku came from and looked up towards the top of the castle. Glaring, he prepared to jump but stopped when he heard the sound of a chain. Hiei looked around himself for the source of the noise, but didn't see anything.

"So yourself fool. If you do I might make your death quick and painless," Hiei spoke out to the darkness.

He heard the noise again and turned back to the entrance. Out from the shadows came a boy with an outfit similar to Sango's, only his armor plates were green. He carried a chain attached to a scythe in his hands and a katana at his waist. Hiei looked at him suspiciously.

"Who the hell are you?"

The boy remained silent. Hiei took a closer look at him and noticed that his eyes were dull and emotionless.

"Hn. So you're Naraku's puppet. Allow me to take care of that," Hiei said, raising his sword.

The boy made the first move by throwing his scythe. Batting it away with his sword Hiei ran towards the boy. The boy tried to jump over Hiei but he moved faster and cut him off, knocking him down into the dirt. Hiei stood above the unmoving boy and flipped his sword around, prepared to stab him. He raised his sword and then thrust it down, but stopped just before piercing his back.

"Wait? The slayer said something about having a brother, didn't she? Hn. I'm becoming too soft."

Hiei pulled his sword away and stared at the boy on the ground. He bent down and rolled him over and saw that he was unconscious.

'Weakling. Be grateful that I owe the slayer.'

Hiei reached up to his bandana and removed it, throwing the piece of cloth away. Opening his Jagan and closing his regular ones, Hiei reached out to the boys mind. It was protected by a powerful barrier and was nearly forced out.

'Damn, Naraku. If that fool is good at anything it's creating barriers.'

Continuing to force his way through Naraku's barriers on the boys mind, Hiei's Jagan began to pulse and radiate a purple glow. Slight sweat started to drip down Hiei's brow as he strained to force his way through. Sensing that he was almost through he pushed harder. The boys body began to glow a dark purple, showing that Naraku's hold on him was slipping. With one final push from Hiei's Jagan the dark purple light dispersed, freeing the boy.

Letting out a deep breath that he hadn't realized that he had been holding in, Hiei eased up. His Jagan stopped glowing and returned to normal. Looking down and the boy Hiei said out load, "Hn. That girl has been nothing but trouble."

Taking a moment to regain himself Hiei stood back up. Before walking off he looked around and saw no one or sensed anyone other than Naraku.

"Hn. I've already returned the favor. If something comes by and kills you it's not my problem."

Hiei looked back up the castle to where Naraku should be. He jumped onto the roof and began to scale the rest of the castle. Oni watched from behind a corner, still covering her wound with her hand. She had seen him free Kohaku and leave him lying on the ground. Limping over to the unconscious boy she looked down at him.

"Why did he free you? What purpose did that serve if he was planning to just leave him here unconscious?" Oni asked out loud to herself.

Shaking her head she bent over and picked him up. She didn't like the kid but they did work together. Looking up to where Hiei had gone off to one more time, Oni turned and carried Kohaku off to safety.

Inuyasha Group and Kurama

Sango didn't like that it was getting dark and they still weren't there yet. So far Kagura hadn't seemed to try anything.

"How much longer until we reach Naraku's castle?" Sango shouted/asked.

"Not too much longer. It should just be over that hill over there," Kagura said.

Content and pleased with that answer Sango got a rush of energy. The others, after hearing what Kagura said, also got a slight boost in energy. For the Inu gang it was finally being able to confront Naraku. For Sango though it was a mixed feeling. Kurama didn't know Naraku but from what he heard from the others he didn't think it would be safe for Hiei to fight him alone.

Looking back down at them Kagura said, "This is as far as I'm going to take you. You all wait here for a little while, while I go on ahead. This way Naraku will think that you just followed me and I didn't lead you willingly."

No one objected her plan. They were going to let her off for now since she brought them there. As Kagura flew off and over the hill Sango commanded Kilala to lower to the ground. She, Miroku, and Kurama climbed off her back when they reached the ground and waited for Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo to reach them. When the others reached them they started to discuss a strategy.

"So what's the plan?" Miroku asked.

"What do you think? We're going to bust in there and fight Naraku like always," Inuyasha said.

"But Hiei's in there, Inuyasha. We don't know if he's safe or not. What if he's injured and Naraku tries to use him as a shield or something?" Kagome said.

"Well than that's his own fault! He's always saying that he can take care of himself!" Inuyasha answered stubbornly.

"I'm sure Hiei is fine. He's stronger than you may think," Kurama said, trying to make peace amongst themselves.

"We don't have much time to waste! Every second we waste here could mean trouble for Hiei! Now I agree with Inuyasha. We should just force our way in. There's no other way, and if there was one it would take too long to find," Sango said.

"Alright Sango! Lets get going!" Inuyasha shouted.

Silently agreeing that they waited long enough they all got back to the way they were before. Inuyasha reached the top of the hill first and used the slope to build his momentum. By the time he reached the barrier Sango and the others were just arriving. Kagome and Shippo climbed off of Inuyasha's back as he reached for his Tessaiga. When he transformed it the blade slowly turned a dark red.

"Stand back!" Inuyasha shouted.

Wind currents could be seen building around his sword. Inuyasha lifted his sword above his head and then swung it straight down, sending out blasts of golden energy. The wave spread out as it collided with the barrier and climbed it. In its place when it disappeared was a hole in the barrier.

"Alright! Hurry up before it closes!" Inuyasha yelled over his shoulder.

Everyone hurried through the portal. Once they were inside they grouped together.

"Ok so where do you guys think Naraku and Hiei are?" Shippo asked.

Inuyasha sniffed the air.

"I can smell Hiei's scent. He was here not to long ago."

"Yes, and I can still sense him. His energy feels like it's towards the center of this castle. But it seems he's not alone," Kurama said.

"Is it Naraku!?" Kagome asked.

"It is. Seems like Hiei found him though," Miroku said.

"Than lets hurry!" Sango said.

With Hiei

Hiei scaled the last of the ledges and landed on the top of the castle. Naraku stood in the center, waiting for him. Smirking up at him, Hiei slowly started to walk up the slanted roof so to be level with his opponent.

"It seems your shield has failed, as well as that boy. Now you're on your own. Do you think you can survive longer than two minutes?" Hiei asked/mocked.

Seeming to have no effect on Naraku, he only smiled. Hiei was somewhat annoyed by his look. He didn't like it when his prey showed no fear.

"You have truly surprised me Hiei. I didn't think you were this strong. Hehehe you will make a great addition to my body," Naraku said, trying to control his laughter.

Hiei watched as Naraku's body started to shift into something else from under his pelt. Then a countless amount of tentacles burst out from beneath him. Hiei watched in awe as Naraku continued to grow. Before long Naraku was nothing more than a huge mass of tentacles, save for where he still kept his human body from the waist and up. Raising his sword, Hiei watched carefully, knowing that one wrong move could be his last.

"What do you think now Hiei? Are you as confident as you were before?" Naraku asked mockingly.

Hiei said nothing and stood his ground. Deciding that he would make the first move, Naraku swung a tentacle at Hiei. Hiei narrowed his eyes as he watched it get closer, then leaped forward over it and slightly to his right. Naraku swung another tentacle at him while he was still in the air. Anticipating this Hiei hacked off the limb and landed safely. Not seeming to care Naraku swung more of his tentacles at him.

Hiei continued to hack and slash his way closer towards Naraku. While this was happening Naraku didn't seem to care. He just continued to smile, as Hiei got closer. As Hiei was distracted by his other tentacles, Naraku forced some of his other tentacles, from underneath him, through the roof. They sneaked over to Hiei's location. Sensing that something wasn't right Hiei leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the surprise attack.

"Now you die fool!" Hiei yelled.

Hiei gave himself a thrust and propelled over towards Naraku's still intact body. Still not seemed to be worried Naraku jumped straight up into the air. Hiei cursed under his breath as he landed where Naraku once was. He looked up and watched as Naraku began to slowly descend, but slowly gaining speed. Cursing under his breath again Hiei dashed out from underneath him. When Naraku landed he caved-in most of the roof, taking Hiei with him.

Dust and smoke filled the room. All the candles that had been lit had fallen over and a fire broke out. Naraku stood himself up high, not caring for the fire, while he searched for Hiei.

"I saw you fall in here Hiei. It's pointless to hide. If I don't get you the fire will," Naraku said.

There was still no movement, other than his own, to reveal Hiei's location. Finally Naraku saw some rubble shift. Slowly emerging from underneath was Hiei. He stood and brushed himself off, not seeming the least affect by the fall. Naraku was both pleased and displeased by this, but didn't show it.

"Are you done talking yet? Because if you are then lets continue," Hiei said.

Naraku smirked as he quickly lifted four of his tentacles and swung them in multiple angles. Hiei managed to slice two of them but the other two quickly wrapped around him. Naraku then leaped forward and pinned Hiei against the wall. When Hiei was pinned against the wall he dropped his sword. Satisfied with this current position Naraku leaned over so that he was right in front of Hiei's face. He began to slowly chuckle.

"Is this all you have to offer? From your attitude was expecting more. Even Inuyasha would have put up more of a fight."

Not content with ending it, Naraku pulled back and brought Hiei with him, and then he threw Hiei with great force. Hiei was sent flying through the wall. When Hiei burst through Naraku moved over to the hole that Hiei's body made and watched as Hiei fell. A satisfied grin was on his face, but just as quick as it was there it was gone.

Sango had flown by on Kilala and caught Hiei's hand as he was falling. She pulled him up and he climbed onto Kilala behind her and in front of Miroku.

"It's good to see that you're not dead. Seems like we came just in time," Sango said, relieved to see that Hiei was still alive.

"Hn. I don't need your assistance slayer. That fool just briefly got lucky. He never should have let me go," Hiei said.

"Yes and you just displayed to us how well you were doing on your own just now," Miroku said.

"Quiet monk! I don't need to hear something like that from you," Hiei yelled over his shoulder, glaring at him.

"Too bad. Now that we're here you're not fighting him alone," Sango said with a smile.

'Stubborn girl,' Hiei thought.

They flew up towards the top of the castle, or what was left of the top. Sango brought Hiraikustu above her head and threw it with great force. A purple barrier appeared around Naraku and her weapon was deflected. It sailed back to Sango and she caught it and held it behind her.

"Damn. It can't break his barrier," Sango said.

From down below Inuyasha and the others arrived. Kagome and Shippo climbed off Inuyasha's back. Kurama had decided to run the rest of the way, thinking it would be best for Kilala.

"There they are, up there, and it looks like Hiei's safe," Kagome said, pointing up.

"And so is Naraku!" Inuyasha shouted.

He jumped up onto one of the lower roofs and drew his Tessiaga. Jumping again he quickly ascended his way to Naraku. When he was close enough a wind current started to circle his sword and he held it low to his left side. While this was happening his sword also turned a blood red. He yelled up to Kilala to move them to safety.

"Prepare yourself Naraku! Wind Scar!"

With all his might Inuyasha swung his sword horizontally and a blast of gold energy shot out. Naraku looked down when he heard Inuyasha's voice and saw him launch a massive blast of energy. Not having time to move he kept his barrier up. The wind Scar connected with full force and slowly broke through Naraku's barrier. Naraku's face was covered with extreme anguish as the energy started to slowly tear through every part of his body.

"Got him," Inuyasha proudly announced.

Everyone watched in awe as the energy finally exploded, not having anywhere to go. Chunks of flesh and flaming wood flew everywhere and rained down to the ground far below. Sango had caught Inuyasha's hand and pulled him out of harms way. They watched as everything rained down. Kurama had pulled Kagome and Shippo away as well. As flesh and the flaming wood started to hit the ground dust and black smoke raised into the air.

Kilala lowered everyone down to the ground. When they were low enough Hiei jumped off. When Kilala reached the ground Sango let go of Inuyasha and she and Miroku climbed off.

"Way to go Inuyasha! You did it!" Kagome cheered, running up to him and throwing her arms around him.

Inuyasha's cheeks turned a bright red and he started to fumble with his words.

"Ge… get off me! And of course I did it! What did you expect?"

Kurama walked over to Hiei, who was watching the fire closely.

"Hiei. Have you finished what you wanted to?" Kurama asked.

Hiei didn't say anything. Kurama tried asking him again but still received no answer. He reached out and touched Hiei and Hiei almost jumped, as if he was shocked. Hiei looked over to him.

"What fox?"

"I asked if you had completed what you had to do."

Hiei looked back to the fire and didn't say anything right away. He closed his eyes as if he was in thought. After a minute he opened them again and answered without looking at Kurama.

"Hn. There was never a point for me to even come here. It was just a waste of time."

Hiei then started to look around their surrounding. Confused Kurama watched and looked where Hiei was looking. Finally he asked.

"Hiei? What are you looking for?"

Hiei stopped and turned around.

"Nothing."

He walked back to the others and Kurama followed. Sango was the first to notice them approaching.

"There you guys are. Well what are you going to do now Hiei? Are you going to go back to your time?" Sango asked.

"Of course slayer. There's no point for me to be here any longer," Hiei said.

Sadness almost crossed Sango's face, but she fought it and pushed it away. Instead she looked over to where Naraku's flesh had fallen.

"Is he really dead? How can we tell for sure?"

"Of course he's dead! No one, even Naraku, couldn't have survived that. Besides it's been awhile and he hasn't come up yet. If that isn't a sign that he's dead than I don't know what is," Inuyasha said.

"Hey Miroku. How about you check your Wind Tunnel?" Shippo suggested.

Agreeing that it was a good idea he turned around for safety and held out his right hand. He started to reach for the pray beads when they all heard something rupture from behind them. They all turned and watched as a tentacle, moving faster than any of them could react, headed straight for Sango. Sango raised her arms and shielded herself, expecting to be hit. But it never came. Instead she was shoved. She heard the others gasp and after she hit the ground she looked up to see who pushed her and was just as greatly surprised. In her place was Hiei, struggling to break free of the tentacle. Everyone tried to run over and free him but the tentacle pulled Hiei away.

"Hiei!" Sango cried out.

All they could do was watch as Hiei was pulled into the fire. Sango attempted to run into the fire after him but was stopped by Miroku and Inuyasha. She tried to break their hold but was unable to.

"Naraku! You bastard!" Sango yelled through chocked tears.

As they stared in disbelieve the ground began to shake violently. Then out from the flames burst a giant figure. A mass of it fell forward and in the center of it was a smirking Naraku. He held in his laughter but a smirk still plastered his face.

"What's wrong Sango? Are you upset that the demon had to die?" Naraku mocked.

Sango continued to fight more against Inuyasha's and Miroku's hold. Kurama now looked at Naraku with a glare that could match or even surpass Hiei's.

"What exactly have you done to Hiei?" Kurama more of demanded than asked.

"I've absorbed him into my body. Soon his power will flow through me and there's nothing you can do to bring him back," Naraku said before he started to laugh.

'If what he has said is true than why do I still since Hiei's power? Could it be that he only thinks he's absorbing him?' Kurama thought to himself.

Everyone stood there helplessly, unsure of what to do. Finally Inuyasha let go of Sango and held his sword out, pointing it at Naraku.

"If you think there's anyway I'm going to let you absorb him than your wrong. Even if I have to completely tear you about to bring him back," Inuyasha said.

Kurama's glare started to slowly fade away as he continued to feel Hiei's energy. Soon it was replaced by a smirk. Kagome looked over to him and thought he was crazy.

"Kurama! Why are you smiling? Your best friend was just absorbed by Naraku!"

The rest, including Naraku, looked over to him as well. They all had a look of bewilderment. Finally Kurama explained himself.

"I don't believe you've absorbed Hiei just yet Naraku."

"What?" Naraku questioned.

Suddenly the ground began to shake more violently then before. Inuyasha grabbed onto Kagome to help steady her. Sango and Miroku used Kilala and Shippo held onto Kagome.

"Wha…what's going on?" Shippo cried.

"I feel a dark power coming from close by," Miroku shouted over the rumbling.

"What's hap…ugh!" Naraku began but was stopped by choking on his own blood.

Behind Naraku's human body in the mass of demonic flesh it could be seen bulging. It then looked like it was starting to bubble and then it finally ruptured. Everyone but Kurama stared in both awe and amazement. Bursting out of the demonic flesh was a huge and black flamed dragon. It soar high into the air, trailing a long black flamed body. When its body finally ended a much smaller figure leaped out of the hole and landed some feet away with its back to everyone. Though it didn't take long for them to realize who it was. Sango was the first to yell out his name.

"Hiei!"

Hiei turned slowly. When he was facing them they saw that his arm was no longer bandaged. On his arm was a black dragon. It wrapped around his arm, starting from just below his shoulder and down to his hand. When Hiei was fully turned around he looked at Naraku with a smirk.

"Is that it?" Hiei asked mockingly.

Naraku's face twisted into a snarl as he turned to look at Hiei. The hole that Hiei's dragon had made was still throbbing with an intense burning sensation. Naraku took a quick glance above to see if the dragon had turned around, but it had started to disintegrate. Looking back down to Hiei, Naraku still held the same expression.

'What the hell was that?! How was he able to use an attack like that when he should have been absorbed by me?' Naraku questioned.

Before he could think anymore on it Naraku was brought back out of his thoughts by a new pain. Sango had thrown Hiraikusto while he was distracted. Her weapon tore through more of Naraku's flesh. The attack had knocked him off balance and his body, along with most of his tentacles, fell forward. Naraku looked over to the group and his eyes widened in fear. Inuyasha had launched another Wind Scar and Kagome had just released one of her purifying arrows.

Not being able to do much Naraku tried to throw himself up with what he could. The Wind Scar first tore apart Naraku's body and then Kagome's arrow completely destroyed what was left. When the attacks hit a bright white light blinded them all. After the light faded they looked for the remains of Naraku. In place of where he was, was now a large crater.

"Did it work?" Shippo asked.

Before someone could answer him a thick miasma burst from the crater, forming a spiraling wall.

"Damn! How the hell is he still alive!" Inuyasha yelled.

"Damn you Inuyasha! I'll be sure not to allow this to happen again, and you Hiei, you're now my newest target," Naraku yelled from behind the miasma.

Inuyasha tried to run through the miasma but stopped when its current increased. When the current slowed down the miasma slowly dispersed into the air, revealing that Naraku was gone. Inuyasha cursed under his breath and put his sword back into its sheath.

Hiei started to walk back over to the others. Seeing that he was moving towards him they decided to run over to him. When they reached him they, expect for Kurama who only smiled, began to question him. Hiei closed his eyes, except his Jagan, in annoyance. Finally reaching his limit he yelled for them to shut up.

"Will you fool's shut up! I have no need to answer any of you!"

Kurama quietly laughed to himself. Hearing him Hiei glared in his direction.

"It's good to see that you're still alive Hiei," Sango said.

Hiei glanced at her through the corner of his eyes. Not sure of what to say to that he crossed his arms and did his trademark "Hn". Sango didn't seem to mind, having a feeling that he would do something like that.

"I think it would be best if we left now to make camp elsewhere. It's now dark and I'm sure no one wants to stay here," Miroku said.

Everyone agreed and turned to leave.

"Hold it!"

They all stopped and turned to see whom it was, weapons at the ready. Limping over to them was Oni, still carrying an unconscious Kohaku. Sango was the first to react.

"Kohaku! What have you done to him demon?!" Sango yelled.

""Nothing. You should be grateful to me. I kept him safe after Hiei freed him," Oni said.

Having trouble believing what she had just heard, along with everyone else, they all turned to Hiei. Hiei avoided looking at any of them and started to walk off. Sango looked from him back to Oni with her mouth wide open. When Oni reached them she placed Kohaku onto Kilala's back. She then turned and walked off. As no one knew what to say or do they didn't stop her from leaving.

After she was gone Sango was quickly by her brothers side. She checked his body over to see if he was still alive and if he had any injuries. Once she was down she looked over to the still walking Hiei.

"Hiei."

END CHAPTER 19

Holy crap! This is my longest chapter. I hope everyone liked this, though there are some places I feel I might have missed up. The reason I say this is because I put long gaps in between working on this and went by memory on what I wrote in earlier parts of the chapter. I was just too lazy to look but over all feel that it's still good. Please leave a review.