Winter's Halo

Getting There

Three days after introductions were made between them, not a single word was spoken from the lesser of the trio. Conversation was normally one sided from the only one who cared enough to give it a try; namely Kurama. For three days Hiei's steered clear of any form of communication between that human or that damnable Youko. He was nearly to full power but not quite enough to dilute the poisonous mist hovering above with his flames. And even with him wanting to depart this lonely place, the Youko refused to let him leave the territory without giving him an answer to the proposition offered yesterday morning.

Around mid noon the previous day, Hiei was offered a chance to join them on a heist against the reigning queen of a kingdom in the north with a supposed promise of lavishing wealth and jewels. Of course riches and treasure did nothing to quench his thirst for satisfaction. Hiei got his thrill from the kill, not from some boring run aways or thievery.

Today on his third day left in this large prison, Hiei choose a particular tree to reside in with the clearest view of the territory. As a cool breeze wisped across his face, the automatic tuck of his face in his now dried scarf, proved his body still wasn't accustomed to the blares of winter. He'd considered taking the clothing given to him by the red human, but quickly dismissed that notion. It was bad enough the creature continued to offer attempts of a decent conversation with him, but to try and give him charity was going too far.

Like now as he sniffed the odors of crisp rose petals and listened to the crunch of snow below his perch. "Whatever you wish to say to me will be ignored," He stated through the puff of white mist. "Go about your business and leave me be."

The audible grind of snow broke through the natural silence of the snow filled forest. "Your rude welcome will probably be the only kind hello I receive from you," Kurama mumble, his voice clear as day despite his lower level. "Nonetheless I wanted to ask if you wanted to accompany me on an expedition around the territory."

"Hn," Hiei snorted, draping one arm over his drawn up leg, as he spoke sarcastically, "A tempting offer but I think I'll pass."

"I see," Said the somewhat disappointed mortal. "If you should change your mind, I'll be in the field with Kisa."

Hiei said nothing more to the person he knew was still down below, probably debating on whether to say anything more or to leave things be. That's how Hiei's come to notice of this red haired human. He was the sort to analyze everything, regardless of what it is. The sense of invasive departure was obvious in the lacking noise of retreating footsteps. Hiei knew he was still down there, as if pondering what to say next. The staring wasn't annoying per say, it was the simple fact that the human continued to bother him every few hours with numerous tries of talking to the Koorime and despite the same smart alec remarks, he kept trying.

"I don't see why you refuse company," Kurama continued, bracing his hand on the tree bark.

Hiei closed his eyes from the celestial skies, listening to the whispering sounds nature chorused with her creations. He sighed through a clear mist, thinking of the question but not giving an answer. His silence should be more than enough for Kurama to get the picture.

"Would it be so wrong to have a person to talk to from time to time?" Kurama said to the occupant above. "Surely you grow tired of being without another presence."

Hiei opened his eyes back to the cobalt horizon before turning his hard gaze down to the green pair staring up at him expectantly. "If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer my previous silence." He said stiffly and twisted his back on the large branch to disregard whatever else to be said.

After a few moments of intense silence, Kurama let out a low breathe, sliding his hand down the rough bark. "I suppose you can't blame me for trying," he chuckled on a small voice. "It does get lonely here sometimes." The last part coming out on a low whisper, but one Hiei could hear as the snow steps finally came, signaling his granted wish of solitude.

Empty…lonely…silence. This was what he wanted.

---

At times it seemed he was alone minus the company of his mate Yoko but with him being the only one who bothered to keep him near, it did at times grow quite complicated being kept in secret. Before it had been Kurama, Kisa and Fasha—Kisa's mother –who were always together, always around one another. It'd been that way for only a short time until Yoko discovered Fasha's secret child and banished them both from the grounds.

It'd been a final decision, one that quietly hurt Kurama to his core as he had no other to speak with or be near. Yoko would only be home for a short time and in the midst of that lapse their time would always be brief before he had to be off for another heist. This left Kurama to reside in the cavern until his return since Yoko knew of the animosity his men carried toward the human for being what he is. A warning had been briefed during a meeting, declaring all those who dared to touch someone belonging to Yoko as challenging his authority. That however only blanketed the problem, accomplishing very little since there were some who were still bold enough to go against their chief's orders.

A prime example of this was about to occur as Kurama scaled up the fortress to retrieve his little kit for a day out. The back way path was the only one he was allowed to follow in case some of the other men grew bold enough to try and assault him.

Like now. "Oh lookie what we got here fellas'. A little kitten that's lost his way."

Kurama stopped near the side, turning his eyes over his shoulder to the hostile voice dripping with malicious intent.

Of course. Why was he not surprised to see this ragged reptile with snake like yellow eyes? Komodo and a few others who followed him, basically echoing whatever command or insult he dished out. A weak annoyance who enjoyed pestering Kurama every chance he got. Not someone that could cause much trouble to Kurama because of his skinny, worm like body and limp legs and arms. Stringy blond hair jutted out down his back like a tangled mane, ending at the tip of his tail. The other three worthless grunts weren't even worth a glance.

Komodo stood tall, in all of his eight foot height folding his arms and wagging his large tail. His attempt at seeming like an intimidating monster failed miserably. Kurama stepped up to the five grunts. "Let me pass Komodo, I haven't the time for your tactics."

"Why don't you make time," Chuckled Komodo which was a signal for the other fools begin laughing as well. "What's the problem ya got somewhere to be?"

"That's no concern of yours."

"Oh ya hear that fellas?" The head idiot yelled louder than necessary as his tongue slithered out. "The human doesn't have time to play because he has to hurry back to Yoko's bed." Again the others laughed evilly.

Kurama ignored the obvious attempt at getting a raise out of him and walked on his way until a large green arm blocked his path.

"What's your rush? I'm sure Yoko's whore has time to play for a while."

Kurama didn't have the time to deal with these jealous minions, especially with Kisa being in the cavern alone. The child was bound to wake up finding no one there and become distressed. Damn these devils. Their envy of his secondary status to their leader always stirred some kind of irritation amongst them.

"It's pathetic how a worthless siren like you has to be used to keep our leader's bed warm when he can get any female in the district." Spat Komodo, furrowing his claws in the rock face angrily. "You're nothing but a disgusting distraction, bringing more filth to keep him off the job. A fucking pet!"

The others low growls and raising youki expressed their own anger about the situation as well. "You should've died when he brought you here the first time." Komodo lowered his hand to crack his knuckles. The others glared, smashing a fist in their open palms. "It's fine though, we can correct the boss's mess for 'em. Hell he probably can't realize his mistake with some nasty human busy tryin' to seduce 'em."

The three other demons surrounded their prey, each drawing an arm back prepared for the unfair attack. Unbeknownst to them, the sharp twinkle of rage sparkled in Kurama's eyes before he lifted his hand to his hair….

---

"Damn him." Hiei had no idea what propelled him to follow after that blasted human. He'd later blame it on his stupid sense of pity he felt for when he heard that whisper of silent longing. Why the hell should he care about that damn fool's need for company? Why should he give the smallest shade of pity? Gods he was getting softer each day he stayed here. No sooner when he lefted this blasted place he was murdering everything within a fifty mile radius, to gain back at least half of his buried dignity.

It wasn't hard to follow that distinctive smell. Being the only human in this entire area, Kurama's scent was easy to detect through the forestry. In no time, the perfumed roses brought Hiei toward the back bottom of the fortress where a winding path lead up toward the top. With the few branches jerked out on the sides, he opted for disguising his trailing by leaping along each one. These hadn't lost their wintery coats just yet. Luckily for him it covered his scent and appearance from all sides.

By mid jump from one branch to the next, the scent of blood whiffed through his nose, halting all advances as the smell became evident. He knew this blood. On impulse a low growl burrowed in his throat as he raced around the circling path and stopped atop a nearby cliff to see the most disgraceful scene.

One, two—four. There were four demons surrounding the human. Such a dishonorable way to engage battle. One versus the bland hatred radiating off these villain's youki. "Hn, and they dare to call themselves demons." Hiei rested his hand on the hilt of his sword prepared to fight off the creatures— A large hand covered his hand, keeping the sword withdrawn.

"Don't interfere." Said the raspy voice from behind.

Hiei was mildly surprised to hear the Yoko behind him but barely registered the fact since his eyes were trained on the human and surrounding creatures below. Yoko folded his legs beneath him alongside Hiei, on the same branch as he watched his own men team on up the young red head. "You'd rather watch your human be killed?"

"Don't underestimate Shuichi's abilities." The Youko said quietly. "He'll be able to hold his own just fine."

"Such confidence in a lonely human," But now Hiei was interested in seeing what this human had to offer. "Are you not worried for how he'll fare?"

"Whatever I may decide to do is irrelevant." Hiei heard what sounded close to resignation on the Yoko's voice as he continued on. "If I were to save him a lesson would not be learned here." For both his men and Shuichi. The men would be punished for their crime, there's no mistaking that much. But for Shuichi he would have to look out for himself. If it were up to Yoko he'd gladly go down there to finish the deed, but if he did then the fact would remain that Kurama was a weak helpless human who couldn't defend himself. By defeating or killing off these fools, it would exert his dominance amongst the band and thus lessen the harassments he's received for so long.

Hiei, on the other hand, was extremely doubtful. Kurama may have held his own against him but that had only been because he was weakened from hunger and weather exposure. Whatever this fox demon may believe, he surely couldn't think that a human would stand a chance against one B and three C Class demons. Kurama would sooner fall out from exhaustion then survive such a brazen encounter.

Let's see how this plays out…

---

Kurama retrieved a simple yellow blade of grass from the comforts of his hair and willed a spout of energy into limp weed, creating the curving form of a hooked golden dagger.

When the first demon pounced Kurama had the blade prepared for a counter attack and slashed through the air, hitting his target directly in the stomach. Speckles of blood dotted over his cheek as he listened to the howled surprise of pain echo from his victim. Another tried for a side swipe of those long claws, whilst Komodo darted out his long scaly tail from the other side.

Kurama managed to dodge the double sided attack, back flipping far enough to gain some distance from the attackers. The only warning he received from another assault was the shrilling whistle of a sharp point object sailing past his arm. Barely missed, yet not without consequence. The assailing claws cut through his kimono sleeve, nicking his arm. By the time he recovered his ground, another was on him in an instant, slamming his fist in his jaw.

The sudden blow knocked Kurama straight into the arms of Komodo who wrapped both of the humans' wrists in one hand, and held him up three feet off the ground. First one, then the second sound of crushing bones echoed loud enough for the others to laugh about as a large fist connected against Kurama's face. Upon the fourth blow, Kurama sucked in a deep breath and spat a crimson powder from in his chest.

The spicy mist sizzled like acidic venom the second it landed in the lizard demon's eyes. Kurama used this time to fold his legs down and swirl a leg around to knock the blinded bandit off balance. Down in his crouched level, Kurama hooked a sharp right, sticking low to the ground and dashed toward the next demon to slash his blade through his leg, shivering the thick limp clean through. The grunt hollered from the spill of agonizing blood pouring from his injury and tumbled to the ground.

The final demon pulled an unexpected deed and punched a hole in the cliff edge, jagging a large crater in Kurama's path. The shock caught him off guard only long enough to take refuge in the air directly above the demon. Kurama met the enemy's gaze directly as he positioned his blade downward prepared to impale the fool between the eyes.

But it never came. He didn't get the chance before something coiled around his ankle and threw him across the way. With a sickening crunch, Kurama's back connected with the rocky surface, destroying whatever wind supply he had stored in his body. The coil tightened, twisting around to flop his body down on the flat ground again and again before hanging his mangled body upside down for full display.

Komodo panted still wiping his eyes as he growled menacingly at the human hanging by his tail. "You…you nasty…piece of trash!" His fist threw back. "I swear once I tear you apart I'm going after that brat too—"

Suddenly by the most misfortunate twist of fate, the tiniest noise to draw Kurama's enemies away sounded off on a soft tremble. "Mmm..."

Komodo turned around to see the second object of his anger hiding timidly in tears, seeing his guardian bloody and a savage mess. Kisa whimpered nervously from behind his hiding place when the big scary demon caught him looking. He was scared and too afraid too move from his place. Kisa wanted to run but he was frozen in place and couldn't stop crying after seeing what happened.

Komodo looked between the wide eyed human and the little foxling before a sadistic curl of his jaws spread his cheeks. "Well, I'll be damned. Looks like I get to kill two birds with one stone. Hold him." Kurama's body was tossed to one of the grunts as the wicked animal advanced over to the little child.

Kisa shook his head and turned to waddle away as fast as his tiny feet could muster. In a split second he squealed when he was roughly snatched up by the scruff of his hair, the points of those sharp claws digging deep in his scalp. Pain shot up his body as he wailed, scratched and cried out trying to get loose. He shrieked and whined over and over again, crunching his body to lessen the pain. "Eeep. Eeep!"

"The sooner we get rid of you and that damn human the sooner we can get back to the way things were!" Komodo drew back his fist, ready for a roundabout to destroy the child's body in a single punch. The fist flew around by the slowest degrees in Kisa's widening saffron eyes pure terror racking his body the closer it came.

"EEEEEEPPPP!"

In the next moment, a razor sharp gust of swirling youki descended as wild as a twister's destructive mass. Quicker than the eye could see, much movement happened in the briefest instant before the sounds of it came to a sudden halt. Distilled silence dampened the once blood lusted surface to be replaced with fear and trembling acknowledgement by the only one captured in the midst of it all. Hiei stood with child in hand, a sword planted deep in the creatures arm. Yoko stooped down below with his thorn whip constricted around Komodo's neck and Kurama stood on the reptile's shoulders, his grass blade pressed dangerously against the large jugular pulse. The other three minions: dead, leaving only Komodo alone to bask in the coming punishment of his crime.

Kisa opened his terrified eyes to see the plush of pure black in his wake and nervously looked up to see Hiei's face above. So much relief washed over the small pup's body as he cried and buried his face in Hiei's chest, still trembling with high pitched gurgles of apprehension.

Hiei's banes remained low on his eyes as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. "It's over, you ugly fool." With that the simultaneous signal for attack came from each assailant. In one thrust, slash and pull, scattered pieces of dismembered pieces fell to the ground in a messy mass. The next second, Hiei cast off a quick sphere of fire to the entire pile of worthless beasts before turning his gaze to the bleeding human. A quick inspection of his body told Hiei all he needed to know, "You'll live." Then he was gone with the child in his arms.

Yoko watched the Koorime disappear around the cliff path before turning his full attentions to the imbalanced human. Kurama held his left arm with his other and coughed a little blood splatter from his lips. "How are you feeling?"

"I'll survive." Kurama mumbled stumbling a bit as he walked forward. "Though I could do without this pain."

"Hm." He knew his mate would hate this but Yoko scooped the human bridal style in his arms and sprinted off toward their cavern. Yes Kurama despised it a great deal, detesting the idea of being treated like a helpless female but this time he'd humor his beloved and settle down in the strong comfort. Kurama relaxed his face against the Youko's neck and sighed contently when a moist press of lips tickled his forehead. "What of Hiei?" Came his sudden question.

Yoko smiled, landing off one branch onto the other. "He tried to help you."

"But you wouldn't allow him."

"That's right." Yoko chuckled. "Though he was against it."

"Hm." A soft smile played on Kurama's lips as he tucked his face in the crook of Yoko's neck. The smile was one of silent contentment a bit of knowing. Even though Hiei wouldn't admit out loud. Funny…as much as Hiei denied wanting his company…that didn't stop him from coming to their aid.

"You're going to need more training Shuichi."

"Yes…I know."

---

TBC: Looks like we're getting somewhere. Thank you guys. Things will spice up in next chapter.