InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon ❯ Chapter 15

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Title: On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon
Author: Ryukotsusei and Cyntinell
Disclaimer: We do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. We do however own the plot. Steal it and you shall face our wrath.

Warnings: This is a dark fic. It does have graphically detailed rape in it, as well as lemons in future chapters. It's likely to have major character deaths as well. Reviews are always appreciated, flames not tolerated. You are forewarned.

'Three days. It's had been nearly three days since I've left the lair and why? All because of the insane whims of a madman. This is foolish, I should have killed him for turning me into an errand boy.' To say that Ryuji was slightly put out with Masakazu at the moment was an understatement of grand proportions. He sighed and reminded himself that this was just one more step towards his freedom. He would endure this just like he had the other times the Crow had made such demands of him. This time he had been the one chosen to retrieve the Scepter of Darkness. Once Masakazu had it in his possession he would use it to solidify his power and begin his plans of domination over the Makai and eventually the other two Realms. Ryuji knew that he needed to wait just a little longer, the Crow would know how to unlock the Scepter. When that happened he would strike quickly before the Crow had the opportunity to tap into that power. The sands of time would wait for no one. Soon he would find himself at the crossroads. He would become the leader and in control of everything he had ever desired or he would be dead. There was no way that Masakazu would allow such treachery to go unpunished.

He stared down into the ravine below him. Soon he would have to traverse the dusty path down into the depths that were littered with bones of creatures that even time had forgotten. There were bones the size of villages that had been worn smooth by the beating sun and gusts of wind that held trapped sand. Wind that would flay the skin from your body if you were foolish enough to venture into the depth unprotected. The sounds of the wind howling through valley were the last that many had heard before they died. They had all sought the same thing, just as Ryuji now did. He would have to cross this wasteland if he was to reach the cave that held the artifact Masakazu lusted after. While time held no meaning to these plains, Ryuji knew that he would have to cross them quickly if he hoped to get through this last leg of his journey. He had no desire to become on of it's many victims, his bones left to bleach in the sun.

Thoughts of keeping the artifact for himself crossed his mind but he knew that would be an unwise decision. He knew next to nothing of how the power was sealed away while Masakazu had read the ancient texts that would unlock the mysteries of the Scepter countless times. No, it was best to wait and let the Crow do the hard work. Once that was accomplished he would prove to Masakazu just how loyal he was by burying his sword deep within his flesh and spilling his lifeblood. It would be a fitting parting gift for the demise of a tyrant. He smiled briefly at the thought as he began his descent into the waiting depths below. The wind immediately picked up as if sensing his presence, flaying the exposed skin of his face raw. Wincing, Ryuji grabbed a heavy scarf from his pack and wrapped it around his face for protection. Once it was secure he continued walking, picking his trail down carefully. He thought about taking the fast route and flying down but he was hesitant to try it. Some of the gales that ripped through the valley approached hurricane force and could easily send him crashing against the cliff walls. Steeling himself for the trial ahead of him he continued on. As the wind continued to batter him he labored to take yet another step, leaning forward into the raging wind. He silently cursed himself for even attempting this while the sun was still at its peak. Already he could feel the sweat pouring off of him as the heat engulfed his form, the wind brought no relief from the sun's rays. He knew that he had no choice though, he had watched this valley for nearly an hour before deciding to cross. He had observed every part of the valley hoping to find shelter from the wind to aid in the crossing yet found none. At night he would be unable to see through the fog of dirt that blanketed the area, he had to make the journey during the day

.

He mind wandered as he walked, his thoughts drifting towards the complication of Hiei and the girl in Masakazu's care. He knew that Hiei was to be the one to destroy Masakazu assuming that he didn't beat the Hybrid to it. If Hiei was the one to succeed then he had addition problems to worry about. Ryuji had not been especially kind to the boy, nor the girl that Hiei had taken a liking to. Would the Fire Apparition seek vengeance for his actions towards the both of them? He supposed it was a good possibility, one that could be easily remedied if it looked like it was heading in that direction. Ryuji couldn't care less about the prophecies that everyone seemed so damned concerned about. If Hiei insisted on fighting he would kill him and the girl without a second thought. In his opinion the Prophecy was no more then what people hoped for. Deliverance from a great evil. With the destruction of what had been written in his opinion there was no longer a pressing reason for this one to come to pass.

Eventually the burning in his legs reminded him of the task at hand, yanking him out of his thoughts. He realized that he was only a fourth of the way across if his memory of the landmarks was anything to go by. Every so often he would take shelter against some of the larger bones allowing them to shield his body from the wind. The brief rests he allowed himself gave him a much needed breather and the chance to clean away the build up of sand that had collected on the scarf. Sweat continued to pour down his face mixing with blood oozing from his raw skin. Still he pushed onward knowing that the crossing wasn't going to get any easier as the day wore on.

Night would be falling shortly and then he knew it would become more difficult. It would be too easy to lose his way inside the dust cloud in the darkness. He pushed himself to move faster, desperation to make it to the cave in time urging him on. On the wind was now a haunting melody, one that he knew was responsible for the deaths of many. It was one of the many trials he had to pass in order to gain entrance to the cave. It called to his soul urging him to give up the fight. He resisted the desire to stop moving. The sweet music filled his every thought, promising that things would only become more difficult if he continued in this endeavor. It told of the harsher punishment that awaited him if he persisted in this quest. Still he fought but wondered if this was a battle he was destined to lose. As he began to give into the desire to just rest the winds slowly subsided with each additional step he took. As he realized that he was no longer fighting against the elements he came to a stop but realized the music's message was beginning to change. Now it called to him, urging him to come closer. 'It seeks to devour my soul yet I have no choice but to answer it's call.' He looked up to see that the mouth of the cave was merely a few feet in front of him.

Answering the call of the wind he slowly he made his way to the entrance and stepped inside. A bright flash of light enveloped him as the music ceased. He felt a barrier spring up behind him effectively sealing him inside. It shimmered around him as if testing his worthiness and he realized that he was floating mere inches about the ground as it carried him further into the darkness. As his feet hit the ground once more he looked around at his surroundings. He had been told there would be trials to pass in order to obtain the Scepter. One of which was the walk through the valley. Each test was designed to prove the strength of his mind and body.

His gaze locked onto a figure that sat mere yards away from him, his eyes narrowed in distaste. There was a warrior that had long since died sitting in a chair. Bits of mummified flesh clung to the bones of the skeleton. In his clenched fingers he held the Scepter that Ryuji sought. There was a brilliant golden orb attached to a piece of polished wood. 'How can something so bright be known as the Scepter of Darkness?' His eyes traced the details that had been carefully worked into the gold as he slowly approached the figure. In the center of the orb lay an open eye that was fogged over with a cloud of black and a gemstone gleamed in the darkness, the red stone held the two pieces in place. 'This is too easy.' Surely there was something else that was to happen before he would be allowed to claim the treasure. None had gotten to this point before so he had no rumors to go by. He brought a hand closer intent on taking the Scepter when twin pools of red flashed in the darkness. Ryuji stepped back a pace when the skeleton warrior spoke, effectively shattering the silence.

~*~

Kagome watched Hiei carefully, she had become consumed with trying to figure out what exactly it was that was wrong with him. Really there was nothing else for them to do in the cell but even if there was she'd still have been concerned. His internal conflict had become more and more apparent to her yet she could not find the source. He had yet to speak of it and she was afraid to pry not knowing if it was something that she could help with to begin with. Every time he looked at her she could see it lingering there in his eyes. They always seemed to have a sad yet determined look in them. She smiled at him slightly as he looked up at her. Her confusion only grew as she watched his crimson eyes fill with a pain that gradually changed to something more. She could have sworn that it was longing that she saw directed at her before it once more changed and became uneasiness. Her smile faltered as he turned from her and rested his chin on his hand. Whatever it was that was bothering him was slowly consuming him yet she was powerless to do anything about it.

She sighed heavily and looked down at the ground. She felt especially alone now that things had changed between them. Ever since she had woken up he had been there for her, helping her to gain her strength back and pulling her out of the void of depression she wanted to fall into. Finding herself in his arms always helped to push the nightmares away and gave her the strength to push forward She reveled in his arms, finding the peace she sought to carry onward. But now there stood something between them that she couldn't see and she could feel the darkness closing in once more. The thought crossed her mind that perhaps it was for the best, for once she had completely healed surely Masakazu would take an interest in her once again. 'As if he hasn't taken enough from me already. I know he's there waiting. How long until he comes again?' His image appeared in her mind, the cruelty in his eyes mocking her helplessness. She tried and failed to suppress a shudder that wracked her body.

Hiei had automatically looked at her when he heard the sigh pass her lips. The forlorn look on her face made him ache and he was sorely tempted to go to her. Would she understand why he was doing what he felt he needed to do? Still, he remained where he was fighting with himself. However when he saw her tremble, his resolve broke and he stood. He wasn't sure what had caused her to shiver so, whether it was the cold or something that she was thinking of but either way he would take care of her. He made his way behind her, noticing how she failed to react to his presence. He worried that she was slipping back into her mind as he wrapped the blanket securely around her and pulled the girl against his chest. His breath caught as she finally reacted, turning to him and resting her face against his neck with a sigh of contentment escaping her. Should he tell her what was going on with him? Already he could feel his body beginning to react to her, his blood heating up yet still he held her forcibly, ignoring his instincts to rut with her. It was a fine line he walked at the moment but he knew that it was unlikely to last.

Would she turn from him if he told her that his body was turning on him, demanding that he make her his? Or would it be best if he was to hold onto the belief that he would be able to get through this and control his desire? At the moment he was leaning towards remaining silent. He didn't feel that she needed to know what he was going through if he could overcome it himself. He already knew that she would berate herself for causing him such problems. That was probably what was making him hold the information he knew that she desired. He knew that he could never hurt her. Honestly he believed that even if his instincts got the better of him and he lost control that he still wouldn't be able to bring her physical harm. It was the emotional aspect that he was more concerned with. Surely after everything that had happened to her she would never be able to accept his touch like that, no matter how much she cared for him. His eyes widened in surprise as her hand made its way up to his face briefly caressing his cheek before continuing its way up into his hair. Gently he returned the show of affection, holding her closer as he desperately searched for the strength to overcome what was happening to him. He quickly picked up the scent of magic as it filled the room and he looked about quickly, his gaze landing on Masakazu who was watching them intently. Hiei had yet to move, knowing that Kagome had yet to notice the Crow.

It was unlike Masakazu to be so silent, he had only been there mere seconds and already he had set Hiei on edge. A cruel smile touched his lips as he scanned Hiei's aura to search for the changes he knew were happening. He could easily smell the arousal of the Hybrid and knew that his heat had begun. It was time to make things a bit more interesting for the both of them. He resisted a laugh as Hiei turned from his gaze instead concentrating on the girl. Yes, it wouldn't be long before the young demon lost control of himself. All he needed was the proper push and everything would fall into place.

Kagome felt Hiei's arms tighten around her once more. At first she thought nothing of it until she felt how tense he was, his breathing coming at a much faster rate. She raised her head away from his neck to look at him when a slight movement in her peripheral vision caught her eye. Her head snapped to the side, her eyes widening as she caught sight of the Crow watching them both. Her body seized up, paralyzing her with fear. 'What can he possibly want now? I have nothing left to give!' She noticed that Masakazu had locked gazes with Hiei and tears began to gather in her eyes as she realized she did have one thing that Masakazu could still take from her. She turned and buried her face in Hiei's chest, not wanting to give the Crow the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She had no intention of showing such a weakness to the twisted bastard if she could help it. The silence dragged on and she began to wonder why he hadn't said anything. She had already learned that Masakazu was not a patient person by any means and yet she still feel his presence as he stood there watching them.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity the silence was finally broken as the smooth, arrogant voice of their captor echoed through the room. "My, my, Shadow, it seems like you finally have decided you like women after all. You seem awfully fond of my kitten there don't you?" His voice was full of smug amusement as he watched Hiei's reaction. He could smell the way the Hybrid's scent had changed with his impending cycle. Already it held a musky tinge to it, once he was in full heat he had no doubts that even the girl would be able to pick it up. He wondered if the girl would cling to the young demon so desperately if she knew what Hiei's instincts were screaming for him to do. Oh yes, he was greatly enjoying the torment that the Hybrid was going through at that moment.

It was difficult to do with the way Kagome was clinging so desperately to him but somehow he managed to maneuver Kagome so she was behind him. If Masakazu wanted the girl then he would have to fight for her. He would not stand by and watch him hurt her again. "What the fuck do you want Masakazu?" He knew that the Crow had to be there for a reason, not just to torment them. He could easily see all the work that had gone into bringing Kagome back being wiped away with one wrong move.

"Now, now, Shadow, is that any way to speak to me? You must like staying in here." He gave Hiei a menacing stare, meant to force him into submitting. "Wouldn't you like to get out of here? Sleep in your own room once more, away from this human girl." Masakazu saw the look of fear that crossed the girl's face as well as the resignation that blanketed Hiei's. He waited patiently for the Apparition's answer though in the end it was immaterial to the question. Regardless of what Hiei wanted he was going to be removed from the cage, by force if necessary. He knew that removing him from the object of his desire would torment the young demon. When the time was right he would be brought before her once more and by then Hiei would have no control. Unable to resist his desires he would take the girl. It was watching her final degradation that interested him, in the meantime he would watch with amusement as they played right into how he wanted events to occur.

Hiei watched the Crow warily. He knew that he was being baited yet what choice did he have? He knew that if Masakazu decreed that they were to be separated then there was little that he could do to stop it. He kept his silence, waiting to see what the Crow's next move would be. He really had no desire to leave her even though his presence only made things more dangerous for her. He had felt Kagome's grip tighten around him at the mention of him leaving. How would she cope with things if he were to leave? He was clearly torn, unsure of what the best move would be for the both of them.

Masakazu easily saw the turmoil his words put the both of them in. His amusement continued to grow as he realized the Hiei was in love with the girl and if he was reading her actions right she had come to care for him just as much. "You know Shadow, they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think perhaps you two need some time apart, especially considering your current condition." He couldn't hold back the laughter any longer. Kagome cringed and huddled closer to Hiei's back, she had come to learn that laughter never meant anything good. "Come, Shadow, let's see what desires you hold in your heart. You know, I already smell the lust in your soul. It's beginning to taint the very air around you."

Hiei dropped his head, resigning himself to accepting the Crow's offer of leaving the cell. He had heard her sharp intake of breath at Masakazu's words. He had to leave before the Crow told her what exactly he meant. Carefully he pulled away from her, ignoring the whisper of disbelief from behind him. He just couldn't allow Kagome to know of what he was fighting. He ignored the smile Masakazu gave him as the Crow opened the steel door. He couldn't bring himself to look back at her a final time, he could already smell the tears that began to fall. If he looked now, he knew that he would never be able to leave. At least not voluntarily, and based on the look he saw from the Crow he had no doubts he would be forcibly removed if it came down to it.

Once the door was closed and Masakazu stopped him and brought his hands to Hiei's cheeks. To the uninformed it would have looked to be a gentle touch, one reserved for lovers. The Crow smiled slowly as he began to slowly drag the tips of his claws down his pale skin. "You haven't told her that you are in heat yet have you? How very interesting. I believe the next several days will be interesting for the both of us." He kept his voice low, knowing that Hiei could easily pick it up. He'd let the Hybrid think what he wanted about his statement, perhaps after he watched the girl's final disgrace he would once more have the boy beneath him as no doubt Hiei was thinking he meant at the moment. "Do not forget your place again, Shadow. If you do I can promise you that there will be no one able to save you should you displease me again."

Kagome watched him go and continued to sit in silence. She no longer knew what to think as the hours dragged by. Hiei had walked out of the cell, leaving her behind. She missed him already, the chill creeping both into her heart and her body. Questions raced through her mind as she tried to make sense of it. Had he changed his mind about her? She couldn't understand why he would go so willingly! He hadn't even looked back at her. Didn't he realize how badly she needed him there with her?

She lowered her head into her hands trying to stop the impending tears. Masakazu's words haunted her, it was obvious that he knew what was bothering Hiei. What could be so important that he would hide from her? As more time passed, her mind began to wander even further. She hadn't heard any screams yet but that didn't necessarily mean anything. Masakazu could be doing god knows what to him right now and he just willingly walked out with him. It was like watching a lamb go voluntarily to the slaughter. Surely there had to be a reason for his actions, she knew. 'What is he trying to protect me from?' Answers were not forthcoming, all she could do was hold onto her faith that Hiei was still alive. She could not bear to think otherwise.

~*~

Hiei sat alone in the room that had been deemed his. It had been many weeks since he had last been allowed to roam through the place freely. He was not a fool, he questioned every moment of this newly granted freedom and he was not foolish enough to believe that he would not be watched. He had sensed them, feeling the eyes of those appointed with keeping tabs on him. Every move he made was done with care, waiting for the perfect time to make his move. These past four days had been hell on him, he longed to go see her and make sure that she was okay. But every time he had gotten near to the cell he had been intercepted. Stealth would be of the utmost importance if he were to see her again. He had come to realize that he would rather be with Kagome inside the cage instead of having his freedom. He knew that part of it was due to his instincts and longings that came with his approaching cycle but another part of him longed merely for her company.

He had decided that it would be best to wander aimlessly through the corridors like he normally would to avoid drawing any suspicion. It would also help to avoid any place that he would normally run into Masakazu. He exited his room and began to make his way towards the kitchen, if nothing else he was hungry to begin with and he was certain that Kagome would be as well. He knew that he had to try and show the spies that he had lost interest in the girl long enough for him to get out from under their eyes. It was a trick he wasn't entirely positive that he could pull off. He knew they followed yet he continued to ignore them as he opened the heavy wooden door and entered the kitchen area. A quick glance proved it to be empty as he closed the door behind him. He made his way quickly over to the pantry and removed some bread. Once his snack was procured he sat down at the table and ate, waiting for the first of the spies to check in on him. He had just taken his third bite when a head popped through the door. 'Kisho. I shouldn't be surprised.' Just as quickly the door closed and he could hear the demon's footsteps echoing as he walked away.

He would have found the situation amusing if Kagome wasn't involved with this. He had long ago learned that he excelled at the game of cat and mouse. His speed and smaller size gave him the advantage of finding hiding places that others would never think to look. 'Let the game begin.' He stood quickly, knowing that it would only be a few more moments before someone else came to check in on him. Already he could hear their approach. First he would need to buy himself some time, having them searching for him. He knew the first place they would look would be the cell. If he could give them enough time to assure themselves that he wasn't there then he could look forward to a few minutes with her that would not be interrupted. Crossing the room he slid into one of the rarely used cupboards and waited. He made it just in time too, for shortly after he had gotten the door closed he heard the kitchen door open.

He smiled to himself as he heard the muffled curses from the one sent to check on him. A second voice joined the first quickly, their voices raised enough so that he could clearly hear them. Apparently these were two of the more stupid demons that Masakazu had under his rule. "Did you see him leave? Where the fuck did he go to?" Hiei continued to wait, knowing they would leave soon to seek Masakazu out and inform him of his disappearance. He wouldn't have long to spend with her but the few short minutes would be worth it and easily explained away should the Crow question him. A few moments later he heard the sounds of their footsteps fading away from him. Carefully he opened the door and slid out, making sure to pocket some food for her. Making sure that there was no one to see him quietly Hiei stepped into the shadows of the hallway and began to make his way towards his destination.

Hiei heard more footsteps approaching and quickly ducked into an unused store room. He'd wait there for his next opportunity to move about freely. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness and he found that the dust had been displaced in a few areas indicating that it had been searched recently. He rested against the wall in the darkness and waited. He used the time to reflect on what had been and what was yet to come. Hiei remembered his last cycle quite vividly, every day Masakazu had tormented him. The Crow raped him repeatedly, denying his release until he begged him to let him give into the pleasure. He had quickly learned that it would not matter if Masakazu's body was tired, he merely gave one of the other demons free reign to abuse his body while the Crow looked on. It would seem that this time would be no different. He was still going to be used albeit in a different fashion. It remained to be seen whether or not Masakazu would force himself on him.

He heard the footsteps of his would be pursuers moving past the doorway to the room he had concealed himself in. Thankfully his guess had been right, they saw no point to searching a room that they had already looked through. It was sheer laziness on their part but Hiei was still thankful for it. Their lack made his work easier, they were careless and he would use it to his advantage. Briefly he wondered why he had not heard Ryuji's voice. Come to think of it, he realized his scent was old, as if he had been gone for many days. He wasn't about to look down on that particular stroke of luck. The Dragon had an uncanny way of popping up when you least expected him to. He was almost as bad as the Crow in that regard.

Once he was certain they were long gone, Hiei opened the door and darted into the corridor. He knew that there would be no more places for him to hide, he was mere feet from his destination. He stopped at the door to the cell and then hesitated. Would she even still be in there or could Masakazu have moved her? If he had it would make things a lot more difficult. He waited quietly for a moment, listening for any sound that would indicate that she was still inside the room. He closed his eyes as he heard the slight sounds of her crying, how could he have done this to her? His heart ached for leaving her but he had known it was for the best at the time. Masakazu had later told him he had made the right choice, he had been looking forward to showing him his proper place if he had refused. Hiei had no doubts that it would have hurt her further to see him dragged off unwillingly. But unfortunately the knowledge that he had done the right thing did not make him feel any better. He thought about turning around and going back to his room. How would she feel knowing that he would not be able to stay? His time was limited, he'd have to leave her again soon. Hiei bit down on his lip though he gave no thought to the pain. He didn't even notice that it had drawn blood. Taking a deep breath he opened the door, he refused to stand there and let her cry. He may only have a few brief minutes but it was better than him not seeing her at all.

Kagome didn't even bother to look up at her visitor. Instead she chose to stare blankly at the floor. She had come to believe that something terrible had happened to him, surely he would have found a way to see her by now. Tears continued to fall as she heard footsteps coming closer. So long as the steel door stayed closed she was relatively safe. A pained whisper drew her attention and she finally took the chance to look up. With a cry of joy she pulled herself to her feet and threw herself at the steel bars. Seeing Hiei standing there eased some of the pain she had been experiencing. Her smile dimmed when she noticed how his lip was bleeding lightly. She sank down to the floor and leaned heavily against the bars that separated the two of them. The strain that she had seen in his eyes had only gotten worse it seemed. "Oh God Hiei I was so worried when you didn't come back! I didn't know if I would ever see you again." Her voice broke, the strain she had been experiencing was obvious which only made him feel worse for what he had to do.

Hiei felt an overwhelming urge to somehow reassure her that he would be okay. He sank to his knees in front of her and reached through the bars in order to touch her. His fingertips brushed against her cheek wiping away the tears that had begun to fall. She surprised him by leaning into the caress and closing her eyes. This was the first time he had touched her in such a way and for the briefest of moments he felt content yet he knew that it would end soon. "I can do more for us on the outside than I could being in here. I'll return often though. " He watched as she opened her eyes and hoped that she wouldn't voice the questions that he could see in them.

Kagome knew that there was a reason why he had left but what? He wasn't giving her any indication of what the problem was and she just could not place her finger on it. She took a good hard look at him, noticing how much strain had been added to him since he had left. He looked incredibly tired yet she could also see that this visit had made him a bit happier. 'Why won't he tell me what is going on?' Answers weren't forthcoming though and she noticed how his look changed to one of hesitation. She thought about asking him but as she made to ask him she noticed how he had started to withdraw from her. She didn't want to drive him away and somehow knew that would be exactly what she would do so instead she merely nodded. "I know you can Hiei." Her own hand covered his, taking comfort in the fact that he was once again with her. "I've missed you Hiei."

He almost missed the whisper and he closed his eyes. He began to wonder if perhaps coming here had been a mistake, it was going to take everything he had to leave her again. He knew that it was worth it though, if only to reassure her that he was alright. He was surprised once more as her arms snaked around his waist, pulling him as close to her as the bars would allow. They sat like this for several long moments until he knew he couldn't handle much more contact. Already he could feel himself reacting to her presence. It was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe and his skin burned everywhere it was in contact with her skin. He drew a ragged breath and gently freed himself from her embrace. "I will be back soon." He was about to turn away and leave when he remembered the food that he had pilfered. Reached into his pocket he removed the piece of fruit and handed it to her. As she took it he couldn't resist touching her once last time, his fingers slowly caressing her hand. This was becoming more difficult than he had ever imagined it would be as he made his way to the door. He took one last look back at her, their gazes locking as he stopped at the door. Seeing the anxiety that had sprung up once more he knew that he would have to hold to his words, she wouldn't be able to stand such long periods between his visits. Giving her a reassuring look that he certainly did not feel he went through the door, closing it quickly behind him and made his way back to his quarters.

Hiei never noticed that Masakazu had concealed himself in the shadows further down the corridor as he darted back to his room. He had been expecting something like this, in fact he had planned for it. He knew that the Apparition would fight to see the girl and had planned accordingly. He had even given the orders for the others under his leadership to stay away from the cell that contained the girl which assured him that Hiei's visit would go uninterrupted. He was not about to interfere at his point, each visit would weaken the Hybrid's resolve and eventually he would no longer be able to resist. With a grin he turned and made his way back to his own chambers to wait, he knew it wouldn't be long before once again Hiei made a trip to see the girl.

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