Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Kirinashi ❯ A Prelude to Shadow ( Chapter 1 )

Kurama groaned and snuggled deeply into the warm covers, trying futilely to push away the intrusion of sun-sprayed patterns dancing across his eyelids. He didn't want to get up; he wanted to sleep until well past noon. Only, that wasn't going to happen. Nature insisted that he got up now, incessantly demanding his lucid attention with no further delay. He sighed and cracked open one leaf-green eye, then immediately squeezed it shut and winced as the onslaught of late morning light surrounded and blinded his sight. There was something completely wrong with that… it was morning, yes, and… late morning! He was supposed to meet Yusuke and the rest of the Reikai Tantai for briefing at eight! If Kurama were still a fox, he'd have done himself justice with the leap that sprang him out of bed and landed him at eye-level with the alarm-clock.

A low growl issued from deep in his throat. The stupid Ningen things were supposed to wake you up, not sit there like some strange-looking rock. With one last growl and a glower for the offending clock, Kurama dashed across the room and ripped open his dresser drawers, tearing frantically through the neatly folded stacks of clothing until his eyes lit on a suitable outfit. He then proceeded to shed his pajamas and hop from foot to foot about the room, attempting to pull everything on at once. Kurama's eyes widened and he gave a short yip of surprise as he tripped and landed unceremoniously on his bottom.

He gave a small huff of indignation, then seized a bountiful handful of his long, silky crimson tresses and grimly set to, mercilessly yanking a brush through them. Surprisingly enough, he was able to stumble out the door in ten minutes, dashing down the street several blocks to an old park where the meeting was to take place.

Kuwabara had placed himself on a rather large boulder, and Yusuke was sitting lazily under a nearby oak. They waved at his approach, but continued to pursue conversation, both rather carefully examining their hands.

"A beautiful day, isn't it Kuwabara?" Yusuke inquired, still pointedly examining his fingers.

"Oh, yes, very pretty," came the idyllic response.

"Such a very wonderful day for sitting about several hours, doing nothing but wait for a certain kitsune…" he trailed off in a rather suggestive manner, glancing up.

Kurama coughed delicately into his hand, blushing to match the savagely red locks that fell about his shoulders.

"Ah… well, see it was that thing you recommended that I buy… that alarm-clock." He scowled at the ground. "It didn't work."

Yusuke leveled a brook-no-nonsense gaze at him and opened his mouth to reprimand him. Well, it was a valiant effort, he had to give him. Their team leader abruptly lost all pretenses of seriousness and promptly fell over, clutching his sides as convulsive fits of laughter overtook him. Kurama pointedly ignored this and flopped down on the ground, stretching out long, graceful fingers to twine with the blades of grass. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes as the tantalizing scents of lemongrass, pine, and fresh dew mingled to drift over him in soothing waves. It could almost take him back home to the Makai, back to Youko's territory and the long summer days he'd spent simply running through his beloved forest, stalking prey and tending to the plants that were his protection, main weapons, and only friends. A sad smile gently turned up the corners of his mouth. Youko Kurama had needed no friends, nor had he wanted them.

That had all changed in the fifteen years he'd spent as a human. His human mother, Shiori, had taught him how to love, how to appreciate life in it's fullest, and most of all how to accept what he was, even though she did not know. That was a point of guilt in his life- that he hadn't told this woman who was closest to him exactly what he was and what he had been, that it seemed she would love him unconditionally… and yet still he did not utter those words.

Kurama sighed and opened his eyes as a dark, familiar you-ki flickered across his awareness.

"Hiei," he called softly, sitting up to scan the trees.

"I'm here," came the equally quiet reply. It was all that was needed between the two of them- they were closer than brothers and linked in a way neither of them yet understood. Even though Yusuke and Kuwabara knew a little about his past, Hiei knew him to the core, as no other ever had or would. Kurama had an equal understanding of the other, all that brought pain to him, all the nuances of expression- everything.

A radiant smile graced Kurama's features as a small, dark figure dropped soundlessly from a nearby tree and came to stand by him, ignoring Kuwabara's taunting greeting of "Yo, shrimp, back from another of your escapades with Mukuro and her mob of scum?"

Ok, Hiei was short. There was no way to put it gently, nor politely. At most, the compact Jaganshi was four foot solid. He did not, however, have any problems with being short or ignoring Kuwabara's comments. The orange-haired boy was so stupid that Hiei didn't think him worth the time, and that's exactly what he'd told him on numerous occasions.

Kurama watched Kuwabara's face grow red with fury at being so conspicuously ignored, wondering if it were possible for a human to explode.

"HEY!" the ugly boy yelled. "You're so short you can see your feet on your driver's license!"

Hiei snorted and calmly came back with "And you're so stupid you'd climb over a glass wall to see what's on the other side."

"Well… well, you're so short that when you sit on the curb, your legs dangle!"

Hiei shrugged and sank smoothly to the ground beside Kurama, unsheathing his katana to run a whetstone down its deadly length.

"At least my brain cells aren't on the endangered species list."

Kuwabara's faced switched from an angry shade of purple to deathly white, and he stuttered as he backed up a few steps.

"Well, um… ah…you um, you're so short you… you look like a match-stick when you blush!" Kuwabara stumbled as his back hit a tree. The poor kid didn't know whether to be scared or completely enraged. He seemed to hold a deep fear that Hiei would someday kill him, and could so be reduced to a shuddering heap if the little fire demon so desired. Even the sight of the katana drawn when in his presence was obviously quite terrifying to the ugly teenager. On the other hand, Hiei's responses, delivered in a calm, offhand manner seemed to deeply offend Kuwabara's pride. If he didn't know the diminutive fire demon better, Kurama would have thought he elicited no response. The slightly lifted eyebrow, however, completely gave away the huge smirk that wanted to spread over his features.

"Helloooooo!" Botan yelled ecstatically as she swept in upon her oar. "Yep, everyone's here, that's just great!" she said enthusiastically as she scanned the small group. Yusuke rolled his eyes at the blue-haired ferry girl and walked over as she hopped down.

"So what's Koenma got for us?"

"Well, it looks like we've got a shape-shifter hiding out in the forest and two youkai who have been repeatedly robbing any Makai bank they can find. While normally this wouldn't disturb us, it would seem that they are linked, and it's for sure the two thieves are extremely powerful." She said, wiping stray locks of hair from her face.

"It's nothing we can't handle," Yusuke stated arrogantly, looking about at the faces of the Reikai Tantai confidently. "Does Koenma want them dead or alive?"

Botan shrugged. "He doesn't really care- it's the seventh ring for them anyway. Be careful, though- these are high S-class youkai, not simple opportunities for more training. Also the two thieves, by the names of Koashura and Iryoki, have this staff of some sort. We aren't sure of its properties, but we know it's extremely dangerous."

Hiei rose and sheathed his katana in one swift motion. "Hn, Yusuke's right- it shouldn't be a problem."

Yusuke stole a glance at his friend and lifted an eyebrow. It was very rare for Hiei to say anything other than his trademark `Hn' or swap insults with Kuwabara.

"So how are we getting there?" he asked impatiently.

"Hiei and Kurama can take a portal into the Makai, and you two can ride with me!" She stated cheerfully, directing a finger in the directions of Yusuke and a slightly green looking Kuwabara.

Hiei gave a brief nod, and then was gone, speeding towards the closest portal. Kurama smiled apologetically and took off after him, running at top speed to keep up with the black blur that was barely within his sight.

"And they're off again," Yusuke commented before turning back to Botan.

"Well, that's about it! Hop on!" She said cheerfully, following her own instructions. So, they all piled on the oar and zipped into cyber-space.

~ * * * ~

"Hiei," Kurama called up to the Koorime flitting ahead of him. "Have you any idea of where to find this shape-shifter?"

The speedy fire demon slowed down for his benefit, letting the breathless redhead come up beside him. "I have an idea." He conceded shortly. "Mukuro's been grumbling about some mischief making or other on her borders." He lifted one shoulder and let it drop. "I think it's this shape-shifter Botan was babbling about."

Kurama gave him a feral grin. "It's perfect… the forests surrounding Mukuro's borders are just my style."

One corner of Hiei's mouth flicked up as Kurama let out a low, wicked chuckle. "You're crazy, fox." He commented before taking off again, flitting from tree to tree, a dark, barely visible blur. Kurama sighed and set out after him. Sometimes Hiei was a mystery that even he could not decipher. He knew much about his past, knew the pain and sorrow the Jaganshi had suffered, all the measures he'd gone to so that his sister might be safe. Yukina was the one person Hiei cared most about, if only the gentle girl knew that he was her brother… They were twins, the two, although Hiei's father had been a fire demon- that was a forbidden pairing for the Koorime. They had no need of men to reproduce, and it had been solely their mother's choice. And yet as a child Hiei had been thrown from Ice Mountain, left in the world to fend for himself, a mere week old. From that point a lot of the youkai's history was unknown to Kurama- all he'd been told was that some person had taken him and used him to their own benefit. It was needless to say that Hiei's well-being had not been taken into consideration.

Kurama remembered a time that seemed long ago when he himself could have been so cruel and heartless. Oh yes, Youko Kurama had been well known not only for his numerous lovers and skills as a thief, but also for his ability to be a cold, calculating killer. He would become especially vengeful if one of his possessions were taken from him- thus was revealed to an even fuller extent the part of him that was kitsune. His memory of that time was not complete, but to look back at what he did remember… Kurama shuddered and drew away from those recollections. At least he could fondly remember the feeling of complete and innate freedom coursing through his veins like wild-fire.

The smile that had drifted onto Kurama's face faded. Perhaps he had been too free, gotten too caught up in that sense of carelessness. He tried to shake himself out of the reverie that had taken him, but a strange sense of something lost lingered over him as he slipped through the Makai forest that reminded him so much of the home he had lost. Kurama sighed and sent his you-ki out, questing for some strange energy signature. And then it occurred to him.

"Hiei," he again called out, waiting for the slightly exasperated fire demon to once again slow and accommodate his pace. "How will we know its you-ki? If this creature is a shape-shifter, that also means it can change to the forms of plants and trees, and can easily disguise its energy levels so that they match those of the flora surrounding it."

"Hn," came the surprised grunt. "I suppose you're right. I guess we'll just have to lure him out."

He turned to continue on their way. "Hiei," Kurama said softly, grabbing the small youkai's arm to halt him. "Mai kaonajimi… why did you say `he'?"

"Watashi…I think I know him." He said reluctantly, tugging his arm free and shifting uncomfortably.

"I see," he said, realizing it was something the Koorime did not wish to discuss. "If you find you want to talk about it… well, I'm here."

Hiei took a step back, eyes widening in surprise, then nodded his understanding and took off, this time completely disappearing. Kurama sighed and shook his head. If ever there was a thing that unbalanced Hiei, it was usually something emotional, close to his heart or past. It frightened him to confront such feelings, he knew- the Jaganshi had built walls against anyone or anything that tried to get close to him. There were only a few hair-line flaws in that fortress of ice, but the stoic little youkai would never admit such a thing. He feared to place trust in anyone… he'd been betrayed and rejected too many times. That was part of the reason why he was always so shocked when Kurama reached out to him.

The redhead picked up his pace, now sending his you-ki out among the plants and trees, steadily searching for the slightest inconsistency. It could be anything… one misstep and they could both be dead. He gave a mental shrug and drifted back into thoughts of Hiei and his dark past. Such a riddle was the small Koorime… sometimes it seemed like he wanted to be unraveled, and sometimes like he never wanted to be touched by another soul. He knew, however, that the compact fire demon had a larger capacity to love than any would ever guess- that was yet another reason he tried not to let anyone get too close to him.

Kurama continued his headlong dash through the Makai forest, still attempting to understand Hiei's most recent reactions. There was certainly something wrong, but the slender redhead couldn't seem put his finger on it. He'd just started to have this niggling at the edge of his awareness, like he knew, like there was some clue that would unlock everything. So he sent his mind questing after that stray wisp-then he froze.

"Oh, nicely sensed," a melodic voice commented. "I'm surprised- it's been a long time since anyone could unlock my codes of camouflage."

Kurama spun around to face the spot where a Lithalia blossom had been `growing'. Well, it certainly wasn't a plant any more. His emerald eyes followed the white hem of a dress up, and his breath caught in his throat. Long, silvery white hair tumbled down to her waist in graceful, shimmering waves, and framed a face of such beauty as Kurama had not laid eyes on in all his years. He felt Hiei land silently behind him, saw the deep azure eyes of this seeming apparition shift to take in the youkai.

"Hiei," she greeted him. "It's been a long time, hasn't it? Why, the last time I saw you, your hair was grown out long, like your pretty friend here."

He heard the diminutive fire demon growl and step protectively up beside him. "How do you know who I am?" he snapped at her. Deep inside, though, he feared he knew exactly how.

"Why, don't you remember?" the voice shifted and contorted into a deep baritone not so different from Hiei's own, followed closely by the change of her- no, his face and form. The long silvery hair gradually faded into a raven black, and sharply pointed ears emerged from the thick mass. The once beautiful azure eyes blinked to reveal orbs of startlingly deep amber shot with gold that had cat-like slits for pupils. The form now completely cloaked in black was still breath-taking… any normal person would be reduced to a shivering pile of uselessness, cowering in fear and awe.

Kurama looked down at the strange sound that issued from Hiei's throat. The little fire demon took a step forward, ruby eyes widening in shock, and reached a hand towards the katana at his side. "Ekitai," he hissed, lips curving into a snarl. A chill wind whistled through the small clearing and Hiei's hair began to snake around, slowly separating into two forks as the Jagan glowed through the band on his forehead and his skin started changing colors.

It shocked Kurama to the core of his being to see his friend react in such a way to anything, his rage so instantly potent that it crackled like lightning in the air around them. He also knew that anger wasn't the only thing to it. There was a horrified recognition in the small Koorime's eyes as he slipped into the stance of a water-dancer, an expression he'd never before seen on his face. Hiei looked as if he knew he was facing death in the next instant, and it frightened, disgusted, and angered him. Kurama knew without a second thought that this was one of the unspoken of figures in the youkai's past.

A low, discordant laugh drew his attention back to the shape-shifter standing before them.

"It looks like you do remember, koibito." Ekitai purred, his tone heavily laden with amusement and attempted seduction. Hiei took a threatening, barely restrained step forward.

"Never, never call me that again." The little fire demon whispered in torment.

"What, so shy in front of your friend?" The tall shape-shifter taunted.

"Watashi daikirai maro!" Hiei screamed, launching his compact body at the other with such a blinding speed and rage that Kurama was forced back a step. He saw only the brief flash of light as katana left sheath before his friend went hurtling into Ekitai. Or so he would have, had the tall figure not stepped gracefully to the side. Hiei whirled around and charged again, moving faster than the human eye could ever see.

"Kieuseru!" he yelled in frustration, growing ever more frantic as the slender form easily shifted stance to avoid his flashing blade. Ekitai smirked, taking no notice of the black whirlwind that surrounded him.

"Fiery, isn't he? I've always loved that about him. A very… attractive quality, wouldn't you say?" He said, addressing Kurama. "But now, I think…" the metallic eyes narrowed and his hand shot out, wrapping itself cleanly around Hiei's neck. He used his free hand to shake a reprimanding finger at the struggling youkai.

"Ah, ah, bishounen. Shouldn't you know better, chicchai hitotsu? I taught you much more than that, surely!"

"Get your filthy hands off of me you ugly sai ato--!" he was cut off as a fist was slammed brutally into his face.

"Let him go!" Kurama cried, lunging forward to reinforce his demand. He was stopped in his tracks by a finger flicked in his direction. He struggled fiercely, but the ward stubbornly allowed no movement. His emerald eyes snapped in rage and he tried to call up the plants around him, but realization came too late and pain lanced through his head, leaving a white, agonized slash across his field of vision. Sealed… His you-ki was completely and totally sealed inside him. A low, menacing growl issued from deep in his throat- what right did the bastard have?!

"Kisama!" he spat venomously, straining towards the shifuto. "Release me!"

"Of course, pretty one," the amber eyes narrowed. "Right now my business is with Hiei, but don't you worry." His laugh was low and wicked, echoing through the clearing as he faded from sight, taking a struggling Hiei with him. Leaves drifted through the empty clearing, leaving only a whisper in their lonely wake.

"I'll be back for you."

~ * * * ~

"C'mon, I think he's this way!" Yusuke yelled back at a panting Kuwabara. "Hurry, I can feel his you-ki fading!"

"I'm coming Urameshi!" the ugly teen hollered as he tripped unceremoniously over a rather offensive log. They had been finishing the job with the two thieves when both boys had felt a huge burst of ki somewhere in the Makai forest. Shortly after, Hiei's energy had blinked seemingly out of existence and Kurama's had begun a rapid decrease. Thus the two were on a headlong rush through the surrounding greenery, praying that they would get to the redhead in time.

"Kurama!" they yelled hysterically, hoping against hope he would answer. Silence greeted them and they pushed faster, sensing the nearness of their companion. Yusuke skidded to a halt as the trees suddenly thinned and became non-existent around him. It took him only a moment to spot the mass of crimson hair and long slender body sprawled unconscious across the ground, a rose twined around the graceful fingers. He stumbled as Kuwabara bashed into him from behind, and they both dashed over to where their friend lay.

"We gotta get him to Genkai's," Kuwabara dumbly stated the obvious. Yusuke sighed and glanced up from the squatting position he'd assumed by Kurama's body.

"I can't see any physical injuries, but you check him over again while I call in Botan." Kuwabara nodded and sank down to the ground, a line of worry creasing his massive forehead. Yusuke fished a round communicator out of his pocket and popped it open, mashing a large blue button.

"Botan?" he called at the blank screen. His feet shuffled impatiently as he waited for the blue-haired ferry girl's face to pop up on the screen. Finally, his efforts were gratified.

"Yoshi!" came the cheerful voice. Her big pink eyes blinked and she smiled happily. "Yusuke! So good to hear from you! What's been--?" He cut her off with a firm shake of his head.

"Sorry Botan, no time. We need you to come and get us, and fast! We found Kurama here unconscious and his you-ki's fading quickly… I don't know if he's gonna make it!" he gushed frantically.

"Alright, I'll be there in a flash! Saraba!" The screen went blank again and he returned it to his pocket as he turned back to Kuwabara, who was busily huffing frightfully. He fluttered his big hands, eyes wide with panicked sympathy.

"Urameshi! H-his you-ki got sealed inside him while he-he-he had wards on! Whe-when he tried to use his spirit energy, I-I think it-it exploded, I mean retracted, I mean-!" He threw his hands up in the air. "I don't know what I mean" he wailed. Yusuke was just giving him is best `you-must-be-insane' look when Botan's oar came screaming past them, disgracefully depositing the girl herself on the ground nearby.

"I came as fast as I could!" she panted, stumbling up and over to them. "Oh Gods…" her face went pale and the pink eyes widened in alarm as she looked down at Kurama. She rounded on them, fists on hips and a fierce scowl set across her features.

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" the two boys winced and covered their ears, shrinking slightly back from the maelstrom standing in front of them. "He's DYING! Just look at him, his energy levels are nearly depleted, and you're just STANDING here?!" she yelled, delivering her speech with a solid stomp, which most conveniently found Kuwabara's foot. He hopped back with a yelp and they both stared at her as if she'd grown three heads quite as fierce as the one she currently possessed.

"WELL?! What in the Seven Hells are you waiting for?! Start feeding him energy!" she hollered, giving them both a good clobber on the head before turning around and stomping furiously to her oar. They two teenagers looked at each other for a moment, and then hastily leaped to do her bidding.

~ * * * ~

"It's as you suspected, Kuwabara." Genkai said absently as she passed a faintly glowing hand over Kurama's unconscious form. "His spirit energy was locked inside him and rebounded when he reached for it. Thanks to you boys, he should be fine by tomorrow morning." She sighed wearily and removed her hand, moving it to tuck a stray lock of pink hair behind a delicately pointed ear. Her matching pink eyes closed for a moment and she rubbed at her aching temples before reluctantly prying them open again.

"Yukina and Shizeru," she said, pointing a finger at each of the women. "I want you two to get him to a room in the west wing and make sure he gets washed and put in a warm bed. Yusuke and Kuwabara, you boys are sleeping here tonight. And you as well, Botan," she threw a glance at the hopeful-looking ferry girl. "Now get," she shooed them with her hands and rose slowly to her feet, giving out another faint sigh. Her tired old eyes watched her young student and his friends leave with regret. Oh, but to be young again… she forcefully shook herself from that frame of mind and thought back to the kid's ragged appearance on the steps of her temple.

After Botan's rather unexpected outburst, Kuwabara had fed Kurama a mass amount of his own spirit energy, somehow sensing that he'd needed it in such a large quantity immediately. This done they'd all piled up on the guide's oar, Yusuke in the middle with Kurama in his arms, slowly but steadily feeding the redhead his own reiki. The group had flown from there as fast as was possible without worsening Kurama's condition, then gotten off and ran past the shields to Genkai's Temple. The old sensei was still amazed at their endurance… that they were still awake was amazing.

She wondered exactly what had happened to Kurama and Hiei, but the redhead's mind had been such a jumble of confusion that trying to explore more deeply would have driven them both insane. Now completely alone, Genkai heaved another sigh and shook her head. For now she was too tired to think about such things- it was bed for her.

~ * * * ~

Kurama sat bolt upright, emerald eyes springing open in panicked trepidation. Warm woolen blankets fell from his shoulders, leaving the cool wind to whisper across his bear skin. Where where where, his mind chanted frantically, racing in circles for the knowledge of his whereabouts. Where am I? He blinked as his eyes became adjusted to the dark, taking in the small room but spacious bed he was in. His head snapped to the left as the gentle flutter of sheer white curtains caught his attention. Window. Freedom. He sighed as the sense of being a caged animal subsided and looked at his surroundings with a little more rationality, noting the recently dead fireplace and empty chair by his bed.

Kurama gingerly reached for his you-ki, slowly feeling his way deeper into his mind where that well of swirling light sat temporarily dormant, awaiting his call. The breath he had not realized he was holding blew forth in a rush, and he sagged back against a soft pillow. He sent out his awareness to every corner of the compound he was in, taking in the energy signature of every surrounding being and bringing that knowledge back to his mind to be assessed and set aside for consideration. The infinitesimal spark tension that had found a place along his spine relaxed as he recognized the reiki of Yusuke, Kuwabara, Botan, Shizeru, Yukina, and Genkai. That's where I must be…Genkai's Temple. Fine. Now how had he gotten here?

Kurama swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose smoothly to his feet, noticing with some amusement that he really wasn't wearing anything at all. One crimson eyebrow lifted and he snatched one of the sheets off the bed to wrap around his slender torso, then traipsed over to the window and peered up at the starlit sky. Somewhere around midnight, his mind gauged as he took in the position of the moon and it's reflection on the ponds in the garden outside. Hm… west wing, this absently noted. The redhead considered for a moment, then walked back to his bed and seized the armchair, which he noticed had his clothes neatly folded in it, to take back to the window.

He turned it so the back would face the door, then shoved his clothes off and settled comfortably down, curling his legs up under him. He closed his eyes and pushed deep into his mind, searching for the memory. It did not take long, and the emerald orbs jerked back open as agonizing realization washed over him. Hiei...

His eyes narrowed and a low growl issued from deep in his throat. Revenge. The sheet settled silently to floor as Kurama rose and jerked the window the rest of the way open, forgetting his state of undress until the cool night air blew across his graceful figure. This time it was not even remotely amusing. It was a hindrance to his path of revenge. His eyes found the clothes he'd so carelessly deposited on the floor, and he stooped in one smooth motion to pick them up. Kurama quickly vested himself and moved back to the window. His crimson tresses stirred ominously in the gentle breeze, and then he was gone, a mere shadow making its swift way through the night towards a single destination. Ekitai.

~ * * * ~

Kurama paused, crouched on the limb of a tall pine tree deep in the Makai forest. He lifted his face to the air, nose searching out any scent that would tell him what path the shape-shifter had taken. He should be tired- after all, his energy levels were only three quarters of the way recovered. And yet he was not. His anger fueled him.

A grim smile played about his lips as the unique scent that he now knew belonged solely to a shifuto caught his attention. Twigs cracked as beasts moved about the forest, but he was not to be distracted. He was a fox on the hunt. The part of him that was Youko Kurama now resurfaced and took over, lending him all the skills he'd needed as he lived the life of that entity.

He set back out again, dashing from tree to tree, devoutly following the path of magic Ekitai had unknowingly left behind. I'm coming for you Hiei... I'm coming. His mind whispered to that little fire demon who was his best friend. Perhaps he could hear, and perhaps not. It didn't matter; he was coming. The green of the trees and the light of the stars rushed around him at such a blinding speed that, had he not been on the hunt, Kurama would have blinked at his own speed. And yet still it did not matter.

Finally he began to pick up something that was not a mere scent- it was the shape-shifter's you-ki, and something else... Hiei. Flickering faintly under all of that evil stench was his friend's distinct energy signature, wavering like a lonely, battered flag in the midst of a battle's aftermath. To think of what pain and suffering he must be enduring in order for his normally strong and dependable you-ki to be so dim and fluttery... A silent rage now poured from Kurama in palpable, undulating waves. No twigs now snapped with the weight of beasts- any creature that was so near cowered fearfully down under anything that could be found. No night birds called, no wolves howled. Youko Kurama once again hunted.

He knew no moment of uncertainty as he masked his you-ki and neared the entrance to the cave. Ekitai was his, and there was simply no other way it could be. A grim, deadly smile once again found its way to his lips and he silently slipped inside that black entrance, needing only his spirit senses to guide him through the dead of pure night which reigned in the cave. He skirted around strategically placed pits and traps, making his stealthy way deeper and deeper into the cave, then came to a dead halt as he felt himself in the very center of a cavern. Flaming hair and gold shot emerald eyes flickered and became visible for an instant as Kurama's head snapped towards the mouth of another tunnel. There was water trickling there... quite an interesting method of covering up one's movements, he mused.

The scream that came quivering from that hollow was not, however, even momentarily mistaken for water. He was off in an instant, dashing full speed towards the gaping black maw that would lead him to Hiei and Ekitai. He was not running for long when a seething, taunting voice reached his awareness and began to take shape. Once again that low, discordant laughter slipped and shivered up his spine, sending flashes of trepidation lancing through his taut mind. His jaw flexed and he clamped his teeth down on a furious snarl, eyes narrowing with deadly intent.

Kurama pressed his slender body to the wall, making his way inch by inch towards the sounds of torture, agony, and evil amusement.

"Oh, Hiei, you're just as deliciously entertaining as you were all those years ago. I hadn't known just how much I missed this feeling." The shifuto's voice was low and husky with malicious pleasure.

"Aah," Hiei coughed raggedly. "Kis-kisama! Yu-kokorozashi pei taishite kono!!!" he spat weakly. Kurama snuck a peak around the corner and into a small, fire-lit cavern. His leaf-green eyes followed a path of blood down the floor, lifting up in dread as they reached the wall. And there was Hiei. Bound and warded, you-ki completely sealed inside of his compact body, the little fire demon's scowl still would have burnt a hole straight through anything standing in its path. It appeared as if that was his current objective, for that fiery glare was shooting daggers at a hysterically laughing Ekitai.

"My bishounen, you are so amusing! I could simply spend days at this, if only you wouldn't die on me!" He chuckled balefully. "We can't have that, now can we my koigokoro?" Suddenly something clicked into place. As he heard the `love terms' Ekitai so shamelessly gushed, saw the cuts and burns that traced their livid way across the little fire demon's bare chest, Kurama knew exactly why Hiei had never taken a lover.

The rage that had flared so violently through his blood a moment ago seemed like smoldering embers in comparison to the approaching firestorm he felt rising within his being. This night Ekitai would die.

~ * * * ~

Kurama reached back into his hair and pulled forth a rose, gingerly stroking its silken, blood-red petals.

"Fail me not," he whispered, gathering his anger, hatred, and resolve about him in cloaking layers. He rose gracefully and soundlessly to his feet, emerald eyes hardening in determined fury. The redhead reached for his you-ki, masking it until the very last moment, when he stepped smoothly out from behind his hiding place and called out to the despicable creature that was Ekitai.

"I'm afraid he's right, shifuto. This ends now, and you will pay dearly for what you have done." A deadly smile etched its way across his face. "How would you like your death? Quick and painless," his voice lowered dangerously. "or long and agonizing?" As the shape-shifter turned to face him, shocked recognition and then utter contempt flashed across his features. His disharmonious laughter was arrogant and belittling.

"You think that you can do anything to harm me? You are truly ignorant, but I thank you for saving me the trouble of coming to look for you." He spread his fingers and shrugged. "I can see you're eager to be added to my wall of pretty trophies. I'll admit that you are quite worthy, with that elegant form, your markedly blood red hair and gem green eyes. I'd be content to put a preservation spell over you and simply look for hours." The deep amber orbs shifted back to Hiei. "But I'm afraid that will have to wait. My aikouka is simply too entertaining to leave."

Kurama hissed and slipped into a convenient fighting stance. "That's not going to happen. ROSE WHIP!" he called, his silvery voice ringing with conviction and engulfing them in the melody of power that coursed through it. The beautiful weapon flickered into being where the rose had been and the kitsune gave it an experimental snap before gliding slowly forward, the air beginning to stir around him. His eyes flashed golden and his crimson tresses began to writhe and snake around, streaks of silver appearing amidst the silken flames.

The Rose Whip licked out and wrapped itself securely around the shifuto's neck. Kurama gave it a firm yank, sending the shape-shifter flying into a nearby wall. It was all the opening he needed. The nakaba gingitsune closed the space between himself and Hiei, mentally severing wards as he went. He caught the tiny youkai on his decent, laying him gently to the ground. The shock of being reunited with his own you-ki would temporarily stun him into unconsciousness, but he could soon be walking again. The redhead reached into hammerspace and pulled forth a finely wrought katana to set by his diminutive fire demon, then abruptly whirled to throw up a shield crafted of pure energy.

It had not escaped him that, being a shape-shifter, Ekitai could change the positions of his vitals to suit whatever situation he was in. He just hadn't expected him to recover so quickly. What now stood before him was much like a Yokoshima Ookami- right down to the glowing red eyes and spiked fur. Only, he'd modified his anatomy to possess long, finger-like claws and hind legs that enabled him to stand two-legged. Kurama lifted an eyebrow. It did not concern him.

"Enough of this child's play," he thundered, brandishing his Rose Whip. "Let us dance." And so they did. The now lumbering shifuto flexed its... claws, and took large, wide swipes at him. Needless to say, the lithe redhead had no trouble in shifting to avoid the clumsy swings. Ekitai growled in frustration and moved back to shift forms again, this time coming out with something much more efficient. The creature he gazed on was tall, with the raven black hair and amber eyes of his original form, but otherwise considerably modified. Gleaming black scales ran his entire length, flowing smoothly over the well-defined muscles of his arms and chest.

He moved with a liquid grace and remarkable speed as he attacked, and Kurama was hard-pressed to keep up with him. Hearing a tiny groan from the general direction of Hiei, the nakaba gingitsune moved away, trying to draw the shifuto's attention away from the little fire demon. If he could get himself up, he might be able to employ the element of surprise and give them the opening they needed.

Hiei rose slowly to his feet, blood red eyes assessing the situation and pausing in momentary astonishment on Kurama's half Youko form. A whisper floated through his mind and the Jaganshi peered more closely at his friend. Surprise surprise, came the urgent implore.

Yes... His mind called back in understanding. Hiei stooped slowly to retrieve the katana lying at his feet and unsheathed it at an agonizingly sluggish pace. The Koorime drew it over his back, and in one swift motion launched it across the room to lodge within the startled shape-shifter's chest. A grim smile placed itself firmly on his lips as he started to once again change shape, and Hiei dashed to a panting Kurama's side, quickly unbinding the wards on his right arm.

They exchanged a long glance and then nodded, come to a complete understanding.

"Jaoh, ensatsu, bara hanabira... KOKURYUUHA KOUSEITAN'I ARASHI KOUSHIN!!!" They cried simultaneously, flinging out their hands to join in a raging whirlwind of seething flame and flower. Ether combined with Fire, Earth joined with Water, and the elements became one to complete this vital task. Everything flashed, and a blinding darkness washed over them in waves, calling the Seven Chimes and Maihiraki's Shing to do its bidding.

Ekitai's mouth opened in a scream that split the air like shattered glass and his body slumped as metallic tears ran from unseeing eyes. And then the chamber rang with deafening silence, broken only by the sound of a shape-shifter's empty husk thudding to the ground.

Kurama looked over at Hiei's wide, nearly lifeless eyes, and gasped in shock and alarm as the little fire demon toppled to the floor, his you-ki completely depleted. He dropped down by his friend and lifted a finger to check his pulse, moving his head to the little youkai's mouth, searching frantically for some sign of life. The redhead heaved a sigh of relief as a faint whiff hit his ear, then struggled to his feet and took Hiei up in his arms. He wasn't saved yet.

~ * * * ~

Kurama sat over Hiei's bed, gently tending to the little Koorime's wounds. So close... I nearly lost you, my friend. He thought to the diminutive youkai. He finished tying the last bandage and sat back, watching the fire demon's face. It was so strange, to see him like this. Normally all he saw was the ice fortress Hiei wore almost as clothing, shielding himself from the world and other people. But now here he lay, completely and totally off guard, even if it was not purposeful, and he looked so young.

Kurama hesitantly lifted a hand, then set long, slender fingers to Hiei's temples, gently brushing aside stray locks of black hair. The Jaganshi moaned slightly and shifted, moving slightly into his protective and comforting caress. The redhead smiled and continued to sooth the fire demon until he saw the crimson eyes flutter open. He blinked several times, and then looked up into his own emerald ones, a startled and amazed expression on his face.

"Ohayo, Hiei," Kurama greeted gently, still not taking his hand from its place on his forehead. The little youkai swallowed.

"Ohayo, fox," he murmured. He blinked again, as if trying to focus his thoughts, then glanced back up into the kitsune's deep green eyes. "Kurama, I... I think..." he cut off, not sure how to finish or if such an offer still stood. Kurama nodded, a tear spilling down his cheek unheeded.

"I'm still here... you can tell me." He whispered tenderly. The Koorime blinked momentarily disbelieving eyes, and then smiled the first true smile he'd ever seen on the little youkai's face. It would be alright, Hiei merely need someone to listen. So Kurama would do his best to be there. Always.