More Than Partners

More than partners

By Bane Huntress [Sarah B]

Chapter 4 – The Tournament

[90 years on]

 

Yusuke was exhausted. He had almost forgotten what tournaments were like, it had been so long.

It was almost 90 years since he had last entered one.

But when Koenma had come barging into his home demanding his help, crying the last Spirit Detective wasn’t up to the task, Yusuke had sat him down and demanded to know what was going on.

Apparently there was a youkai who had fought in the last few tournaments, but had killed his opponent and subsequently been disqualified before reaching the finals.

The third to last Makai ruler had changed the Maki tournament to happen ever eight years, because Youkai lived longer than humans, four years was to short. So they had reinstated the Dark Tournament to take up its place alternatively, where the applicants had to submit their wish beforehand to make sure the wish’s wouldn’t harm anyone or bring someone back from the dead. The judges for both tournaments were the last six rulers of the Makai, mostly so they couldn’t enter the tournaments themselves. And it seemed to be working.

So apparently this Dark Mountain Yamino had been rampaging thought the Makai shouting to anyone who would listen that he wanted everything to go back the way it had been. But most of the Makai really didn’t want this, there were a lot of youkai doing quite well in the human world and didn’t want the barriers to go back up. Neither did Koenma because it would mean more work for him.

So finally Yusuke had agreed.

Keiko had died over twenty years ago now to old age as Yusuke still looked in his twenties. It had been hard loosing her, but he had his kids. Akira was living in the Makai with his lover, a darling girl. His daughter, Atsuko, kept moving around but was currently in the UK. His youngest Kamui still lived with him, and was probably sat in front of the TV right now eating popcorn.

So, Yusuke had just spent the day fighting his way through the preliminaries, all so he could defeat one stupid youkai, IF said stupid youkai didn’t kill anyone in the process, then he could go home.

He had actually seen the guy, he looked a lot like Toguro, the younger one, so much so Yusuke thought it might actually be him, but the guys fighting style was totally different, he also seemed to give off an energy that would drain those around him.

Yusuke had also seen Yomi and his son, he was surprised not to see Mukuro thought. He had seen her visiting Hiei and Kurama from time to time and she was always with Yomi, so her absence was a little confusing.

He was just thinking of going to bed when his hotel door burst open and Koenma and Boton came in.

“Great job out there!” Koenma gushed at him. “My money’s on you all the way!”

“Koenma!” Boton scolded, “You’re not meant to be betting on this fight.”

“I’ll bet with who ever I want!” Koenma snapped. “So how are you feeling? Ready for tomorrows finals?”

Yusuke sighed as he sat down again. “Would be better if the rest of my friends were here to cheer me on.” He smiled, feeling a little sorry for himself.

“Yes, well.” Koenma got all shifty, like he did when he was lying or keeping something from him. “I’m sure they are watching it on the television.”

Yusuke snorted, not wanting to get into an argument. “I saw Yomi got through, and there is a masked guy who looked competent as well as a few others… Do you know who I’m going up against tomorrow yet?”

He didn’t miss the look his two guests shared.

“Look guys, I’m pretty beat, and if you’re not going to tell me what’s going on, I really need to get some sleep.”

“Ah, yes! You need your rest! We will see you tomorrow!” Boton said as she dragged Koenma from the room.

Yusuke just sighed as he went to bed.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Yusuke was feeling a little apprehensive two days later, he had won his last fight, and the next two fighters had knocked themselves out the ring but only a tall woman called Kinnko had managed to crawl back in.

Yamino had also taken out his opponent in a quick bloody fight. Now it was Yomi against the Masked fighter.

Yusuke had to see if Yomi would win, so he sat in the stands nursing his bruises. Koenma had offered him a place in his box, but Yusuke had turned the little bugger down, he was still being shifty about something and it was pissing him off.

He watched as Yomi got up onto the ring, he was tall and looked confident as always. Then the Masked fighter got into the ring.

Yusuke hadn’t really watched any of the Masked fighters rounds, but now he was intrigued. Who ever it was, was a little short but looked built to fight. He was dressed all in black, even his eyes were covered. Yusuke had no idea how he could see.

Then the announcer, a pretty little dog youkai, looked like she was confused over something as she approached the Masked fighter. They seemed to have some kind of argument before she skipped back and the Masked guy turned and beckoned for someone stood by the wall to come closer. He was dressed exactly the same but was taller. The other fighter got onto the ring, then knelt down at the edge, looking like a spectator more than anything else.

There was also confusion in the crowed as everyone wondered what was going on.

“Ok, Calm down!” The announcer called in her high pitch voice. “The Masked fighter… err… fighters are Mate Bonded, So they must be in the ring together!” She shouted over the crowd. “Before you all get over exited, I’ve just been told that they have been in the various battle stages together, but only one chose to fight at a time as the other stood at the outskirts… err… it’s been in the rules since the great Makai tournament was founded! But for final rounds they must be physically in the ring together!”

The crowd settled down a little, but it was now thrumming with excitement over who the bonded could be.

Every few year the Makai news was full of yet another failed Mate Bonding, where both parties, and sometimes whole chunks of towns or entire villages, were destroyed in their attempt.

Yusuke felt his mouth go dry as he really looked at the Masked fighters, then put his hand in his pocket and pulled out his phone, hitting #1 then waiting.

“Hey uncle Yusuke!” Miniko said as she picked up. “How are things going? Have you won yet?”

She always made him smile, “Not done yet.” He told her. “Look, can you get your dad for me? There’s something I need him to do.”

“Err…” He heard her put her hand over the receiver and he could hear her talking to Atago, then she came back. “He’s out for the day uncle. Can I take a message?”

“I guess your Mama’s not there either?”

“Umm… No…” she said sounding a little guilty.

“Don’t worry about it honey, I think I know where they are.” He reassured her.

“You do?” she gasped. “Emm… can you tell them hello from us… Anti Yukina has said we cant watch and I’m worried.”

“Don’t worry honey, I’ll get them to phone soon as I talk to them, ok?”

“Thank you uncle!”

He could practically see her smile down the phone.

“Ok, you do what your anti tells you too ok? And I’ll see you soon.”

“We will, See you soon!” then she hung up.

Yusuke shook his head, the sneaky bastards could have at least told him about this, and he guessed that’s why Koenma was being so bloody annoying, well, more so than usual.

So he sat back to watch the fight even if he already knew the outcome… then he would find his friends and start yelling.

 

+ + + + + +

 

‘Well that’s blown it I guess’ Kurama chucked into his mind. ‘And I get the feeling we have some yelling to deal with after this.’

‘He’s in the crowd just over your left shoulder.’ Hiei answered, he could feel Yusuke’s anger from where he stood. ‘I thought he would have figured it out earlier, shows he still doesn’t watch the fights.’

Kurama sighed as he made himself comfortable kneeling on the hard surface of the ring. ‘I just wish we could take these mask’s off. It’s denting our pride hiding like this.’ He grumbled.

‘Just a little longer.’ Hiei promised. ‘Am I taking your friend alone?’

Kurama chuckled. ‘I’ll stand with you if you wish it.’

‘Hn, that’s a yes then.’ Hiei chuckled back.

“FIGHT!” the announcer yelled.

‘He’s a sneaky bastard, and he’s rushing you.’

Hiei had just enough time to skip out of the way as Yomi’s fists flew at his face, it wasn’t at all like the youkai and it caught Hiei by surprise. Then he was being rained with blows.

“Tell Kurama to get off his ass.” Yomi growled at him. “If I’m going to loose I at least want it to look good!” then he was skipping away.

‘Should I just beat him down?’ Hiei laughed, it felt so good to be fighting again, he couldn’t help but be a little giddy.

Kurama sighed. ‘I would like to say yes.’

Hiei dodged another attack.

‘But no, Yamino is watching this fight too.’ Kurama said. ‘let Yomi know to hold back a little, make it look like you get tired then I’ll step in. it will put Yamino off guard and over confident when we have to face him.’

Hiei got close to Yomi. “Hold back, keep me running, I’m throwing my half of the fight.” He didn’t like it, but as always he knew Kurama and his plotting were always sound. He instantly felt Yomi pull back some of his energy as he threw another attack, Hiei dodged it but went down like he was hit. Then Yomi was running him about the ring. They carried on for another twenty minutes like this until Hiei was actually enjoying the bizarre dance.

‘NOW!’ Kurama said and Hiei went down under Yomi’s next attack, skidding to a boneless heap at Kurama’s feet.

‘Drama queen.’ Kurama grinned as he screamed and drew out his leaf blade, going after Yomi himself. He hadn’t used this weapon in some time, other than to spar a little with Hiei, so it felt a little strange.

“Oh my!” The announcer cried, “One of the Masked fighters is down and now his Mate is getting into the fight for the first time!”

Hiei watched Kurama skip sideways, turning Yomi away from him as if trying to draw him away, then Kurama got in close to his opponent.

“Glad of you to join me.” Yomi uttered. “Should I go after Hiei now or later?”

“Whenever you wish.” Kurama answered back, “I was hoping you could take some of the ring with it?”

Yomi grunted as Kurama forced him back. “You both owe me an entrance fee, by the way.”

“I’ll pay you back later.” Kurama chuckled as he let Yomi knock him off his feet.

“Both the Masked fighters are down!” the announcer cried into her mic, “Will we see the demise of a Bonded pair today! As they get their ass’s handed to them by the great Yomi!”

“Not today.” Hiei grunted as he started to relax and watch his Mate fight. There was something sensual about the way Kurama was moving that was sending wanton thoughts straight to his libido. Then Kurama turned to look directly at him and Hiei cursed. “Damn Fox.” ‘Not in public you mut!’ he growled at Kurama, almost ready to get to his feet and drag his Mate off to some quiet place.

Kurama twirled out of Yomi’s way. ‘I thought you would enjoy the show more this way?’ he said back trying to be innocent, but failed because his true feeling also came through and Hiei swallowed hard.

‘Stop. It. Now.’ And Hiei meant it. He was getting hard and his possessive side was ready to flare up and just kill Yomi and the whole entire stadium if they didn’t take there eyes of his Mate.

Instantly Kurama stopped his flirtatious dance and fell back into his fighting stance.

‘Sorry.’ Kurama side softly as he launched another attack on Yomi.

‘Hn… Who knew.’ Hiei shot back a little mollified, but still possessively angry.

He felt a wave of smug happiness come from Kurama and Hiei sighed deeply, Kurama always seemed to get a kick when ever Hiei got jealous of something.

‘Makes me feel loved.’ Kurama whispered gently.

‘But makes me want to kill people.’ Hiei grumbled.

‘That’s their problem.’ Kurama laughed. ‘Em, you might want to get out the way…’

Hiei only just managed to dodge Yomi’s energy blast as the green ball slammed into the ring floor where he had been laying.

Hiei saw Kurama jump at Yomi, then fall out of the air to the ground hard before he was blinded by smoke and dust from the explosion.

‘Kurama?’ he questioned almost in panic as he coughed.

‘Bruised, ouch… but we are putting on a show.’ Kurama replied, and Hiei could sense his bruised shoulder and hip.

“And here we see why Mate Bonding is so tragic!” The announcer cried with joy, “Yomi has taken them both down with one blow! Our tall Masked fighter just collapsed in midair when his mate was no doubt rendered unconscious! This is thrilling! ONE!” she cried to the roar of the crowd. “TWO!”

Hiei got to his feet as he felt blood trickle down his check, he grunted at the sting where he must have caught some of the shrapnel from the ring. A quick check made sure his mask was still in place though.

“THREE!”

“Stop counting witch!” Hiei shouted at the announcer as he ran past her to roughly pull Kurama to his feet.

“Well I never!” The announcer said poutily as she moved out of his way.

“Ugg…” Kurama winced as Hiei pushed him away from Yomi.

“We finish this now.” Hiei growled at Yomi, ‘You ok?’

‘Always.’ Kurama answered back, all his amusement gone now. ‘I’ll stay behind you, you take him out, it will look better.’

Hiei nodded as he began to launch his next attack.

Once again they were chasing around what was left of the ring, Kurama as his back. Hiei didn’t miss the way Yomi started slowing his attacks, looking like he was becoming more exhausted, Kurama was also showing weakness in doing the same thing but favouring his hip and shoulder.

‘Inari this is hard.’ Kurama grumbled irritably as he desperately tried to stay out of harmony with Hiei’s own moves.

‘Just a little longer.’ Hiei promised. “Fist of the Mortal Flame!” Hiei cried as he landed his burning fist on Yomi’s face. He was slightly relieved Yomi didn’t use his barriers as he went spinning to the ground.

Hiei watched as their friend struggled to get up, spitting out blood as he did so.

‘Oops’ Hiei couldn’t help but grin as Kurama laughed into his mind.

“Yomi’s down to a flame attack!” The announcer said is horror, “Our favourite to win has just taken a blow to that pretty face! But I have to start the count! ONE! TWO!”

Hiei felt Kurama come up behind him and take his hand, then he was sinking to his knees, leaning up against Hiei’s leg like he was too exhausted to carry on fighting.

“THREE!”

“I concede…” Yomi whispered as he stayed down, touching his scorched check while glairing at Hiei.

“FOUR!... what?” the announcer looked confused.

“I said I concede!” Yomi growled at her.

“Ah… The winners are the Masked Fighters!” she called, “Please change the board!”

Hiei just stood his ground as Kurama sagged against him more. The crowd half cheered and booed as the board was changed. Then Hiei bent and picked Kurama up, turned and began walking off the ring and out of the battle area while Kurama hung limply in his arms.

“Ok folks, That’s it for today! Be back here tomorrow for the Finals! Yusuke Yurameshi verses Kinnko! And The Masked Fighter verses the Dark Mountain Yamino!” the announcer carried on as they entered the darkness of the stadiums under stage.

‘Yusuke’s gonna flip out at that.’ Kurama said as he made himself more comfortable in Hiei’s arms.

‘Well… Lets hope he doesn’t have to fight that prick.’ Hiei growled. ‘Because it will mean we have failed.’

Kurama hugged him a little tighter, ‘Yamino is ruthless, I’m sure one of his opponents isn’t going to last long.’

‘So are you going to make me carry you back to our room?’ Hiei asked, he needed to get somewhere private to check his Mate over.

‘Yes.’ Kurama purred into his mind. ‘My knight in shinning black armour.’

Hiei just chuckled.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama winced as Hiei placed a cold herb poultice on the bruise on his shoulder, He hadn’t thought he had hit the ground as hard as he did till Hiei put him down and he winced at his hip stabbed at him.

Hiei found it a little funny as he began wrapping a bandage around his chest to keep the poultice in place as it drew out the bruise. They had both come apt at making the poultice as the kit’s seemed to need it so often.

Hiei was just tying up the bandage when their hotel room door was thrown open and Yusuke came stomping in.

“WHAT THE HELL!” he shrieked as he glared at them.

“Shut the door.” Hiei growled at him, “Then make some tea, sit down and shut up.”

Yusuke actually turned to slam the door shut. “Don’t tell me what to do! Do I look like your bloody submissive, I’m not Kurama?!”

Instantly Hiei was in Yusuke’s face. “Say what?” he sneered.

Kurama sighed as Yusuke swallowed, “Er… Sorry Kurama, no offence.”

“No problem.” Kurama answered, “But if you could make some tea, that would be nice, I think I still have dust from the ring in my mouth.”

“Sure.” Yusuke backed away from Hiei as he went to the side board and the kettle.

Hiei came back to him then pushed him down on the sofa so he was lying on his side, then began to tug the waist band of his pants down.

“Guys…” Yusuke coughed embarrassed. “Do you really have to do that when I’m in the room?”

Kurama couldn’t keep the grin off his face. “I landed on the ring a little hard; Hiei is just treating my bruises… Cold!” He jumped when Hiei put the rest of the poultice on his hip, but sighed as he felt it already easing the soreness. Then Hiei was putting a sticking pad over the top. “Why didn’t you use that on my shoulder?” he asked.

Hiei just grinned at him then winked.

‘And you call me a stupid Fox? My silly, cute ball of flame.’ Kurama shot back, then laughing as his Mates cheeks flamed a little pink. ‘You know you only have to ask… I’ll take my top off any time you like.’ He purred.

Hiei got up and sat at the other end of the sofa, “Sort me out Fox, before you burst or something.” He tapped his cheek where he had been cut.

Kurama sat up, took Hiei’s face in his hand and started licking the wound clean. They all thought it was a habit he would grow out of, but if anything the compulsion just grew worse as their kits got older and would end up with all kinds of scrapes and cuts. He had even done it to all the kids at one time or another. Akira had been the first when he fell and scraped his elbow on a stone when he was eight, Kurama had just picked him up and began licking it clean. Yusuke had see and asked him what he was doing. Kurama had just blinked before apologising, until Yusuke had just patted his shoulder saying it was ok.

“Least that’s vaguely less sexually charged.” Yusuke said as he put their tea on the table and took a mug for himself.

“Hn… you wouldn’t say that if it was happening to you.” Hiei grumbled, Kurama could feel grit in the wound and was currently trying to get it out. “Ouch!”

Kurama ignored him as he turned to spit into what remained of Hiei’s mask, then went back to his ministrations.

“But we guessed since he had the kits, his saliva actually has some antiseptic in it or something, things always heal faster when he does this… God damn it Kurama!”

Kurama had been chasing a large bit of grit and ended up using his teeth to get it out. ‘Sorry’ he said as he spat it out with the rest, ‘Almost done.’

“So anyway, what are you guys doing here? You lied saying you wouldn’t be here.” Yusuke accused looking pissed.

“We didn’t want people to know we were entering.” Hiei began explaining. “We were hoping that someone else would take out Yamino first, then we could retire from the tournament… But now we have to fight him tomorrow.”

“Koenma wanted me to fight him.” Yusuke frowned.

Hiei signed in annoyance. “You are our last hope… but to be frank, if he can defeat us tomorrow. Well… then no ones going to defeat him.”

“I can kick his ass!” Yusuke said with his usual gusto as Kurama began to clean up the dried blood down Hiei’s neck.

“Hn… We may have fought Yusuke… But you have never fought Kurama. I’ve only done it once, and that was a stale mate, the next was to save your life when he betrayed me.”

“I did not betray you; I stopped you from doing something incredibly stupid.” Kurama snapped before going back to his incessant cleaning.

“I’ve seen him fight.” Yusuke insisted. “In fact I’ve seen you fight side by side before.”

“And you ever thought you could win against us both?” Hiei asked quietly.

Yusuke shrugged, “No not really, but I never thought it would come to that. So I never gave it a lot of thought… But even I figured out that this Yamino guy somehow blocks his opponents main source of energy.”

Kurama could finally sit down properly even though he wasn’t finished, he felt Hiei’s arm go around his waist as he leaned forwards to pick up his tea. “You are right, but to be more precise he blocks energy being used by that person against himself, so any conscious attack that has our energy behind it will fail… Pure physical and pure weapon baste attack he has no defence against, other than his own speed and physical energy, in this way he is much like Younger Toguro was.”

“Yeah, I noticed his resemblance too.” Yusuke shivered.

“But as far as I can tell.” Kurama carried on. “He can only block one source of energy. Both you and me Yusuke have two we can draw on. I have my spirit youkai energy and human energy. Granted my human energy isn’t as strong, but I can still use it. And you have the same, though all yours are almost equally matched so you have a slight advantage over me.”

“So Hiei’s basically useless?” Yusuke grinned at him.

“Hn, fool. I have my sword and my speed, also he has a choice, block my fire energy, or try and do the same with my Jagan. Either way I’m going to hurt him.”

“But we do have some advantages.” Kurama put in before there was a shouting match, something’s never changed. “We have been careful, only Hiei has been fighting through all this, while I was waiting out of camera shot. It was only today that we had to fight together so publicly.”

“Yeah… You guys really sucked, I almost thought you were both drunk!”

Kurama smiled, “believe me, it was not the easiest thing to do. fighting out of synch is something we have never done, we have also not fought with our main weapons, or used our best attacks yet. It’s not been easy, but hopefully it will serve us in good stead tomorrow. If he hasn’t figured out who we are, or at least has only knows about our older fights. Then he will severely underestimate us, instantly giving us the upper hand.”

“Well so long as you don’t underestimate him too.” Yusuke warned.

“Oh my… taking lessons in not being stupid?” Hiei laughed with a feral grin.

“Something you should look into.” Yusuke shot back.

“Yamino isn’t stupid.” Kurama put in quickly. “He wouldn’t have got as powerful as he is otherwise, or collected his gaggle of followers. And I know he’s also been holding back… I just haven’t figured out what yet.”

“Well, you showed one weakness today. You get knocked out today Hiei, I saw Kurama go down hard when Yomi hit you with his energy blast… I was guessing it was because of the Bond?”

Kurama and Hiei began laughing.

“What? What’s so funny! Share with the group!” Yusuke growled.

“I threw myself down for that very reason.” Kurama managed.

“It would be very pathetic if all you had to do was knock one of us out.” Hiei carried on. “Knocking one of us out is actually a bad idea, the other one will just get stronger.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Kurama explained, “Hiei managed to knock himself unconscious once and where as it did send me a little violent, it also doubled my power.”

“That wasn’t my fault!” Hiei grumbled sullenly.

“I’m sure; the tree accidentally ran right into you.” Kurama couldn’t help but tease his Mate. Hiei had been running around with the kit’s at the time when one of them tripped and Hiei hadn’t noticed the tree that he ran straight into. “Anyway, I almost burned the forest to the ground before I could get to him.”

“Scary.” Yusuke breathed. “Well… I wish you guys the best of luck then. I really don’t want to fight you in the last round…”

“I think it will be fun.” Hiei grinned, “It’s been so long since we have exchanged fists.”

“And I would like to keep it that way.” Yusuke laughed nervously. “I really don’t fancy Kurama knocking my block off.”

“Who say’s he’d have to bother?” Hiei asked lightly.

“Hiei, stop teasing… Look, let us get cleaned up then go for something to eat, I’m famished.”

Yusuke stood with him. “You’re not pregnant again are you?”

Kurama touched Hiei’s wedding necklace that now sat around his own neck with his own tear gem. “Not yet.”

Yusuke leaned in then pulled back and pointed in horror at the little silver cage that now held another seed. “Oh my god!” he gasped. “Where the hell did you find that?!”

“Mukuro told us about it.” Kurama smiled as he looked at it. “It should be ready in another twenty years.”

Yusuke put his hands on Kurama’s shoulders. “I don’t know if your insane or not.” He said. “But how come you want more, aren’t Atago and Minako enough?”

“Of course they are.” Hiei said as he pulled his own chain from inside his top, letting Yusuke see the three tear gems. “But it would seem fate is telling us we needed more.”

Yusuke Laughed. “Well, congratulations, and this time please tell me so I can take a holiday for three months.”

“I’ll be sure not to.” Hiei muttered as he wandered towards the bathroom.

Yusuke shook his head, “Oww… and phone your kids, I think I made Minako worry.” He couldn’t keep the smile off his face as Kurama ran for the phone.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama walked a step behind Hiei’s left shoulder, favouring his hip and shoulder. Even though they were fine now, it still didn’t hurt to keep up a show. Hiei even pulled him up onto the ring it’s self as they went to face their opponent.

Yamino was a tall thin man, but when up close he did give off an air of quiet confidence with a lot of menace behind it all, that put anyone close to him a little on edge.

“After our first round today with the stunning Kinnko and the half breed Yusuke.” The announcer called into her mic. “Where Yusuke ground her pretty face into the ring! We now have the stunning but brutal DARK MOUNTAIN YAMINO! And our two Masked Fighters entering the ring!”

‘Want to do this under our own names?’ Hiei asked in agitation.

‘Please.’ Kurama answered, ‘Also I can’t get at my seeds with this hood.’ They were going to talk about it earlier, but they got distracted.

Hiei held his hand up to the announcer, to get her to come trotting over. ‘You want to play the good little uki?’ Hiei teased as he talked to the girl. “We wish to be announced properly wench.” He growled at her as he reached up and pulled his mask off, along with his cloak, flinging them both out of the ring.

The girl blinked at him stunned.

Kurama went to his knee’s besides his Mate with a grin, Hiei had only meant it as a Joke, but Kurama really couldn’t help himself. He lifted his chin as Hiei removed his hood, letting his hair fall free.

The announcer squeaked as Hiei helped him back to his feet. Then she was blushing furiously as she stared at him.

‘Sometimes I wish you weren’t so pretty.’ Hiei sighed, though he should be used to the reaction’s Kurama got by now.

‘I’m not the one baring his chest to the whole world, as always.’ Kurama shot back with a smile.

“You do know who we are don’t you?” Hiei hissed. “Or do I have to spell it out for you?”

“Errm… no, no… The Masked fighters have revealed themselves at last!” She recovered and screamed into her mic. “It’s the legendary HIEI and KURAMA!”

The crowd went eerily silent, then hushed whispers went around the stands, Finally the crowd started cheering and screaming.

‘Oh… Makes a change, they are on our side for once.’ Kurama commented.

‘That’s because there is only a small group behind Yamino who are keeping silent.’ Hiei said, indicating a small group of Youkai that sat by themselves, who were just glairing at them.

‘So long as they stay there… But it dose say something if the rest of the crowd isn’t on Yamino’s side at all.’

‘So you want to play this your way? Slow and easy… or mine?’ Hiei asked as he faced their opponent who was just grinning at them.

‘Brute force?’ Kurama smiled. ‘Why don’t we just do our own thing? You attack and I’ll stay ranged.’

‘Works for me’ Hiei said as he pulled his sword out from behind his back, where his back up sword also sat, Kurama had insisted Hiei carried a second, seen as he always ended up braking or loosing his first.

“I’m honoured.” Yamino finally spoke to them with a cocky smile on his craggy face. “I thought Yusuke was supposed to be their big guns… but to bring you two from retirement? They must be desperate… Am I that much of a threat?” he laughed.

Hiei grinned back. “I was growing bored.” He replied. “But when I heard about you, well… I couldn’t resist but to put you back in your place.”

“That so?” Yamino smiled. “Well, I have never fought a bonded pair before… but I know about you all the same, this should be fun, if short lived.”

“For you maybe.” Hiei snorted.

“Enough chit chat gentlemen.” The announcer called. “A nice brutal fight with no death’s please, those are the rules… so FIGHT!”

Kurama took a step back and got out his rose whip as Hiei ran in.

Yamino seemed to block every one of Hiei’s attacks as Kurama tried to cercal around the back of him, but every time the larger youkai would move.

‘He has some kind of barrier.’ Hiei growled as he jumped back then dashed back in forcing Yamino to turn his back to Kurama. Instantly Kurama lashed his whip at Yamino’s back while quickly pulling a Death seed from his hair and adding it to the attack.

Then Yamino turned on him and threw some kind of energy blast at him. “I don’t think so girly.” Yamino laughed.

Kurama just managed to dodge as part of the floor where he was standing exploded, then Yamino was in his face.

“You’re even more pretty close up.” Yamino said as he went to land a punch at Kurama gut, He twisted away just in time to take it on the hip and he went spinning away as Hiei pounced on the Youkai’s back, trying to drive his sword through his back.

Kurama got back to his feet as Hiei jumped away. ‘Got him’ Hiei growled as Yamino screamed, a spray of blood coming from his back.

“Enough playing.” Yamino shrieked.

Kurama could feel Yamino’s energies change as he got a black aura that suddenly spilled from him and out. When it hit Kurama it took his breath away as his Rose whip changed back into a harmless rose and he could feel his spirit energy suddenly cut off. Kurama grit his teeth, he was hoping they had a little more time before Yamino pulled out his trump card. All Kurama’s seeds were now useless to him.

“Fists of the mortal flam!” Hiei cried as he leaped at Yamino, his fists a blaze of fire.

Kurama skipped out of their way, then joined his Mate in a double physical attack, forcing Yamino on the defensive.

“Fire is it?” Yamino laughed at them, Kurama once again distanced himself as he saw Hiei hit by the same energy that had cut him off from his spirit energy.

‘Damn it.’ Hiei growled as he landed besides Kurama.

“Is that all you have?” Yamino taunted. “Little boy’s and pretty girls should learn there place!”

‘That should at least be it.’ Hiei said, meaning the energy blocking technique they had seen in other fights, as they both sprang apart at Yamino tried to rush them.

‘He’s playing with us.’ Kurama panted as Yamino went after him. ‘He knows I’m now the weakest.’

‘Shows how much he knows.’ Hiei grinned as he ran back in with his sword.

They skipped and danced about the ring for another ten minutes.

Yamino got a few blows in on each of them and they him, but it was proving to be who had the greater stamina.

‘I grow bored of this.’ Hiei spat out blood from where Yamino had caught him a blow on the cheek.

‘We are at a stale mate.’ Kurama said as he ran past Hiei, grabbing his second sword, the first not having broken yet. ‘Though I think he’s becoming less able to see how fast you are… let me ware him down a little more.’

A sword was never his favourite weapon, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t proficient with it as he began attacking Yamino alone, every now and again Hiei would bounce in and they would move in synch before Hiei backed away again, always looking for a weakness or any opening Kurama could afford him.

‘Step back!’ Hiei finally demanded, sensing how tired he was getting.

‘Just a little longer… Keep watching!’ Kurama growled back as Yamino grabbed his wrist, wrenching the sword from his hand and threw it to the edge of the ring.

“I’ve grown bored of this.” Yamino spat at him, before Kurama felt a fist in his gut, he tried to jump away but Yamino still had a hold of him, then he was spinning to the ground as he got a punch in the face. Then Hiei was there forcing Yamino back.

‘You watch!’ Hiei snapped angrily.

“Why don’t you idiots just give up already?” Yamino sneered.

‘Move!’ Kurama could feel Yamino building up his energy, then Hiei was dodging blast after blast from Yamino. The ring was quickly becoming a mess off craters and rubble.

Kurama kept away from the fight, as he observed, Yamino’s power levels were not going down, if anything he seemed to be drawing it from somewhere other than himself. For a split second he though he was drawing on his own and Hiei’s energy that he had blocked. But he couldn’t feel any draining from himself or Hiei… it was coming… He looked back at the crowd. Sure enough, Yamino’s followers were silent and very still as they watched the fight, Kurama could see sweat on a few of their faces and then he understood why Yamino wasn’t slowing down despite the energy he was using.

‘Run him away from this side of the ring.’ Kurama said as he dodged another blast. He felt the question from Hiei as he did what Kurama had asked. Kurama sent him an image of the crowd as he began running for the edge of the ring, one leap and he could make it to the stands. All he had to do was take out Yamino’s youkai battery and they could finally ware him down.

This was the weakness Kurama had been looking for. Once Yamino had to fight solo, he and Hiei could finally pull out their own trump cards and fight for real.

He was just about to jump when something hit his back with such force that he suddenly found himself laying face down on the ring floor, stones digging into every part of him as he tried to struggle at the unbelievable weight and heat on his back.

“Shackles of molten core led!” Yamino laughed somewhere behind him.

‘Wha…’ he asked in confusion.

‘Threw something at you.’ Hiei answered immediately, then showed him an image of himself secured to the ground with bands of sickly yellow energy that seemed to disappear into the floor.

‘Cant move!’ he tried not to panic, he could feel struggling would get him nowhere and the bands across his body were burning like acid. ‘Take out his followers!’

He felt Hiei tare off his bandana to open his Jagan, then he could actually see the energy that was leaching from the crowd to Yamino through Hiei’s eyes. He forced himself to keep watching even thought the Jagan always made him feel a little queasy.

“I don’t think so little boy!” Yamino shouted as Hiei began to run towards Yamino’s followers.

Kurama screamed as an energy blast went off right next to him, he couldn’t even move as the shards of stone pierced skin on his entire left side and into his face. The crater the blast caused made the bonds loosen for a moment and he tried to struggle free, but as he looked down he could see his discarded sword now piercing his side above his hip, blown there by the blast. Cursing he tried to reach for it but the bonds around him moved once again forcing him onto the ground, only this time one slipped up to his ribs and he gasped for air as his lungs were restricted in a vice like grip.

“Kurama!” He heard with his ears as he felt his Mates panic as he was forced back to the other side of the ring.

Kurama tried to blink blood out of his eyes as he gasped painfully for air. ‘Keep trying…’ he managed, blinded by his own blood and he couldn’t keep a hold on seeing through Hiei’s Jagan. He tried to block out the pain and focus.

He could hear Hiei attacking and Yamino’s taunting laugh as he started to black out.

‘Stay with it!’ Hiei snapped.

‘Might be better this way…’ Kurama answered, wondering if some of the stone had pierced his lung as well, it was getting very hard to breath.

‘Don’t you… Damn it!’

Kurama managed a smile as everything went black.

--

When he came too it was with a start.

Hiei was screaming with fury into his mind and out loud. Though it was incoherent with fury.

‘Hiei?’ he asked groggily.

Hiei suddenly stilled. ‘I tried using the black dragon, he’s blocked that too! And I cant get a handle on the Death Plant, it’s not growing into his skin!’ He could feel Hiei struggling against something, ‘Took that damn bonding technique off you and put it on me… You have to get up, She’s started the count!’

Kurama realized he could breathe a little better as he struggled to get his arms beneath himself.

“Six!” the announcer called with a little less gusto than what she normal put into it. “Seven…”

Kurama pulled his right leg underneath himself, ignoring the massive amount of blood that lay beneath him, then shakily managed to stand, pulling the sword from his side hurt like hell, but with a little relief it hadn’t pierced anything vital.

He turned to see Yamino razing his hands in victory to a booing crowd. Hiei lay on his back just to the right, yellow bonds keeping him immobile.

He saw the announcer see him get up and she made a ‘stay’ motion with her hand. “Eight”

The crown’s booing slowly turned to shocked silence as they watched.

Kurama nodded his head in understanding as he took a few deep breaths to centre himself. His spirit energy was still blocked, and he had no stamina to run, let alone fight, he knew he had lost too much blood but he had to make himself enough of a nuisance for Hiei to get free… somehow.

“Nine.” The announcer grimaced an apology at him behind Yamino’s back. “And Kurama is back on his feet!”

Yamino spun to glare at him.

“After Hiei seemed to get some extra umf from somewhere before being incapacitated, His bond mate is back up drenched in his own blood, can he still fight!?”

Kurama reached into his hair and pulled out a handful of bamboo leaves then turned with what was left of his energy and threw them amongst Yamino’s followers. They didn’t even flinch as Kurama felt Yamino slam into his back.

‘HIEI!’ He screamed as he went down under the larger Youkai, the grit and stone on the floor grinding into his flesh, braking skin.

Instantly a bamboo forest burst out among Yamino’s followers. The crowd around them scattered with screams of fear as Yamino’s followers were ripped apart and impaled on the hard bamboo fronds.

Kurama felt Yamino get off him screaming in fury as his stolen energy faded away with each death.

“How the hell!” Yamino kicked him in his already injured side, sending him skidding across the rubble that was the ring. “I blocked your spirit energy!”

Kurama just chuckled as he once again tried to get to his feet.

“Well no matter… I’ve won anyway. You killed so forfeit this fight.” Yamino said confidently.

“Umm… actually.” The announcer timidly said as she backed away. “Accidental crowd death isn’t considered a forfeit.”

“That wasn’t an accident!” Yamino turned on her.

She held her hands up as she backed away further. “It didn’t include a combatant, it could have been anyone in the crowd… err…” she put her hand to her ear. “Sorry, but you still have to fight till one of you concede or has a ten count, I’ve just been informed by the judges!”

Yamino swore as he turned on Kurama with a grin. “No matter. I already have you where I want you… I may as well have some fun.”

Kurama didn’t like his tone and managed to skip out of Yamino’s way as he ran at him, but it was short lived as he tripped and went down near Hiei, who was still struggling to get free.

Then Yamino grabbed him by the back of the neck and forced his face into the ground.

“You’re still a pretty thing, even if you’re covered in blood.” Yamino was whispering into his ear with fetid breath. “Should I take you here?... In front of everyone, and your mate?”

Kurama struggled as he felt Yamino lick up his ear. He felt sick as Yamino’s hand tightened around his neck, once again cutting off his air.

“Keep touching him and I will kill you…” Hiei warned, deadly calm.

Yamino laughed as he flipped Kurama onto his back, then with a few well aimed punches rendered him totally numb, hitting all his vital points in quick succession.

Kurama was biting his teeth closed as Yamino tried to shove his tong into his mouth. One of the bastard’s hands was already running down his chest, going lower.

“I am disappointed I’m not getting to do this to the famous Youko, could you face that shame?” Yamino asked as his hand ripped the waistband of Kurama’s pants away, exposing him.

Kurama tried to fight, tried to move, anything as he felt Yamino’s hand’s touch him.

Hiei was once again screaming as Yamino began unbuckling his own pants.

“I think I’m actually going to enjoy this… why don’t you look at each other as I take you?” he purred as he grabbed Kurama’s chin and moved his head so he was looking at Hiei.

‘Oh Inari… please…’ Kurama whimpered desperately. He had never been raped, and for Hiei to see it too, brought no comfort as it began ripping his heart apart. He closed his eyes as he felt Yamino moving his legs apart then get into position between them.

“You cant do that!” the announcer screamed. “I’m calling the fight, you win ok! They have both been down for more than a ten count!”

“Shut up woman!” Yamino screamed as he sent an energy blast at her, sending her crashing out of the ring unconscious.

‘KURAMA!’ Hiei screamed into his panicked mind as Yamino turned back towards him. ‘DO IT! NOW!’ Hiei growled.

Kurama struggled to get some kind of calm as he felt Hiei open his mind, while he felt the head of Yamino’s large member pushing at his hole.

“DRAGON OF THE DARKNESS FLAME!” Kurama screamed.

He hated touching the dragon, it burned through his vanes till the pain was almost unbearable as its flame tried to consume him.

‘I’ll lead it… You just have to let it out…’ Hiei said steadily into his mind as he tried to share some of the agony.

Kurama just gave in and with a scream, pouring all his pain, hate and fury into the dragon as it burst free from his very soul.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Yusuke watched the fight on the edge of his seat at the back of the stadium. At first he couldn’t understand why Kurama and then Hiei kept trying to jump at the crowd of what looked like Yamino’s followers. Until Kurama got back up, then there had been mayhem over there as each and every one was impaled and killed. Even one that had tried to run away didn’t make it.

Then when Yamino had begun trying to kiss Kurama and started ripping his clothes off. Yusuke couldn’t take it anymore. It was one thing to watch his friends get beaten down… It was another to watch them get humiliated in such a way.

He was running towards the ring before he was aware he was moving so fast. He vaulted the rail and kept on running, he was just about to leap onto what was left of the ring when he heard Kurama cry out.

“Dragon of the Darkness Flame!”

Yusuke stumbled to a stop as he watched Kurama become consumed by black fire.

Yamino was trying to stumble backwards when Hiei’s black dragon roared into the sky from Kurama. It was shrieking so loud it was defining. Then it turned and came down to slam straight into Yamino, it’s jaws clamping shut around him as the ring beneath them imploded.

Yamino was screaming in pain as the dragon writhed around him. Then Hiei was there.

Yusuke watched as Hiei grabbed one of Yamino’s arms and ripped it off at the elbow, throwing it to one side, before taking the rest of Yamino’s arm and pulling it out of his shoulder socket till the flesh tore and Hiei threw that away too.

Yusuke couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Hiei could be vicious on a normal day, but his sudden brutality was a little unnerving. Yusuke expected to see a grin or some form of mania on his friends face, but Hiei just looked grim as he carried on pulling Yamino apart, bit by bit.

Then he saw Kurama sitting up and pulling himself into a tight ball. Without thinking he left Hiei and the dragon to deal with Yamino as he went to his other friend who looked like he needed him more.

He was just about to reach out a hand to Kurama when his friend growled.

“Don’t touch me!” Kurama snarled, tightening in on himself.

“But…” Yusuke protested about to reach out again when his wrist was grabbed and pulled away. He looked up to see Koenma looking down at him, his face for once deadly serious.

“Don’t.” Koenma said releasing him then pulling his own cloak off and literally dropping it over Kurama’s shoulders. Kurama didn’t even make a move to use it to cover himself as he sat their, covered in blood and half naked. “If you touch him now, Hiei WILL kill you too.”

They both looked back at Hiei, the black dragon had gone and Hiei was now plunging his hands into Yamino’s torso, pulling out his guts in handfuls. He wasn’t making a sound as he tore Yamino to shreds with his bare hands.

“That’s just creepy…” Yusuke whispered, glad he hadn’t eaten recently. “I guess they just forfeited the fight though?”

Koenma sighed deeply. “Actually no.” he said softly. “The moment Yamino tried to kiss Kurama the fight was over.”

“What? How?” he looked back at Koenma.

“Kurama wasn’t down long enough for a ten count, and Yamino forfeited the fight, he was a dead man the moment he touched Kurama in that way.” Koenma said as he then crouched down near Kurama but didn’t touch him. “I don’t have a smell.” He told the red head who’s face was hidden by his blood soaked hair. “You can use my cloak to cover yourself.”

Kurama shook his head a little.

“Yusuke, go fetch Hiei’s cloak, it should just be over their.” Koenma pointed just off to their right. “Go get it and try not to touch it too much.”

Yusuke did as he was told; picking the black cloak up with his fingertips and giving it a little shake to get the dust off. Then he was back with his friends as Koenma daftly removed his own cloak then took the one Yusuke had and once again put it around Kurama’s shoulders without actually touching him.

Instantly Kurama pulled the black material about himself, hiding his face in its folds.

“Shouldn’t we do something?” Yusuke asked, Kurama was still bleeding, and he could see burns on exposed skin, then his friend began trembling.

Koenma sighed again as he got to his feet. “You might want to step away a little.” he said before he approached Hiei, who was now cracking Yamino’s ribs to open up his chest.

“Hiei…?” Koenma said as he inched closer to the fire youkai. He only just dodged a lung that Hiei threw at him. “Hiei, enough now… Kurama needs you more than this…”

Hiei paused before putting his hands inside Yamino’s chest again and pulling out his heart. Yusuke tried not to be sick as he saw the thing contract in Hiei’s hand like it was still trying to beat. Then the heart was consumed by a black burning heat that Yusuke could feel from where he crouched.

“This will destroy his soul?” Hiei growled at Koenma.

Koenma nodded. “It’s already done.”

“Good.” Hiei said before he smashed his foot down on Yamino’s head. With a sickening crack and squelch, he destroying that too. Then he shook his foot of gore as he flitted over to Kurama.

Yusuke backed up a little more when Hiei glared and him with a growl. There was nothing that was ‘friend’ in Hiei’s cold red eyes at the moment.

“Easy, easy, just here to help.” Yusuke said backing up a little more.

Hiei knelt and put his arms around Kurama, pulling him tight against his chest.

Yusuke gasped when he saw the black dragon tattoo that Hiei always kept covered and warded, slither across Kurama’s bare shoulder.

“Take him to your rooms.” Koenma said softly. “I already have Boton on her way to get Yukina and your children, they should be here in a few hours, I’ll look after them especial till you’re ready for them. And your floor and the ones above and below are being cleared now, I have guards at all entrances, all ones you will have met before.”

Hiei spared him a look before he practically disappeared.

“Wow…” Yusuke let out, not realising he was holding his breath. “That was scary in OH so many ways.” He glanced over at what was left of The Dark Mountain Yamino, mostly just chunks of gore and shattered bone that still smouldered with black fire.

“Yes…” Koenma said with a touch of regret in his tone. “But right now I’m wondering if it was worth it.”

Yusuke looked at the Jr God, he looked pale and a little shaken. “Kurama’s a tough guy… He’ll get over this beating…”

“You don’t understand.” Koenma said softly. “I don’t know how far Yamino actually went. If he actually manage to get inside Ku…”

“DON’T say it!” Yusuke bit out. “He was close… But I don’t think he got that far.”

“Lets hope so… If he did… this could go very bad.”

“What aren’t you saying?” Yusuke demanded.

Koenma sight and for the first time Yusuke thought he looked very old, much like Kurama sometimes did, it was something in the eyes. “If Kurama has been violated beyond his tolerance and Hiei can’t get Yamino’s smell off him… Then Hiei might very well let Kurama succumb to his wounds.”

“What!” Yusuke tensed, “We cant allow that to happy! They can get over this, What about their kids, they wouldn’t just leave them and be so selfish!”

“I’m afraid those factors might not be enough to bring them around… I’ve been around a long time Yusuke, I have seen many a Bonded pair suicide over much less. Then there is Kurama’s wounds. Hiei will not be able to let anyone else near without killing them until he has settled his own protective emotions… There are too many factors for me not to see this day ending in tragedy.”

“Don’t say it!” Yusuke fisted his hand in Koenma’s shirt, pulling the teenager face to face. “Don’t even THINK it!”

Koenma gave him a wearied smile. “All right…”

“Emm… What happened?” Yusuke jumped as the announcer girl blinked up over the side of the ring, rubbing her head.

“The fight is over… Hiei and Kurama won.” Koenma told her.

“Ah…” she picked up her mic and began shouting into it, to the delight of the crowd.

“Come on.” Koenma said pulling himself free of Yusuke’s hold. “We have some waiting to do.”

Yusuke followed him feeling his gut’s churn with unease.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Yomi sighed as his son sat forwards when Hiei and Kurama revealed themselves. His son still had an unhealthy obsession with the pair.

Shuen had become stronger as he grew, but that still didn’t mean he was strong enough to win all his battles yet, and had been knocked out of the competition rather soon. But he still thought he could take on the Mate Bonded and win.

“I can’t believe you lost to them Father!” Shuen was saying in a peeved tone as the fight drew it’s self out. “Even I can tell Yamino is going to win!”

Yomi sighed. “That is because they are holding back.” He explained, he knew Kurama would be pulling some kind of strategy; He never liked revealing his cards to early. Kurama was no doubt trying to figure out Yamino’s trump card.

When the scramming started in the stands, Yomi couldn’t help but smiles. It was odd feeling Hiei use Kurama’s spirit energy to make his deadly plants grow.

“What the hell… I though Kurama’s energy was blocked?” Shuen gasped.

“It is.” Yomi patiently explained, “Hiei is using it, Yamino only blocked the user from using their own energy, but he can’t stop Hiei using Kurama’s.” He felt his son turn to look at him, a frown on his face. “I have told you this before.” He said with a sigh, wondering if he was ever this stubborn, then smiled, maybe he had. “They are Mate Bonded, so they have access to each others energy and can use them as their own, but like everything it takes practice.”

“Oh…” Shuen muttered. “You never told me that before.”

Yomi shrugged one shoulder, “That is because you never take care over your studies.” He tried not to smile as he felt his son get irritated.

“But still… If this bonding is so good… why arnt more fighters doing it?”

Yomi could almost hear his son plotting on how he could find someone to bond with and who it would be.

“And why did you never do it with Youko Kurama?” His son asked with a mocking tone.

Yomi chuckled. “Because back then Kurama’s energy would have ripped me apart. It is why the idiots who have tried bonding since those two got together have all died. And why you have never seen other Bonded pairs in the tournament over the years.”

His son snorted. “So what makes them so special… It’s obvious Hiei has more energy and is a lot stronger.”

Yomi was distracted by what was going on in the ring. He could hear Kurama’s panic, then he was calling for Hiei’s black dragon. Yomi smiled as he heard Hiei begin to rip Yamino apart.

“What makes them so special?” Yomi smiled at his son. “It’s quite simple… They truly love each other.”

His son had gone very quiet as he watched the carnage in the ring. “Love…?” Shuen uttered. He had gone quite pale; Yomi could hear the blood leave his face.

“Yes.” Yomi said softly. “So much so, that no matter where their soul’s end up after this life, they will always find each other, and if not, then they will be unable to love anyone else truly… The bond they made will last until the last stare blinks out of the sky…” he put his hand on his son’s knee. “That’s why so many fail, they try doing it for power when it’s about something a lot more subtle and harder to obtain…”

“Like what?” Shuen whispered.

Yomi shrugged, “I wouldn’t know that.” he said with a sigh, “Maybe one day I should take you to meet them… if and when you loose your silly notion that you can defeat them.” He grinned.

His son snorted as Hiei carried Kurama out of the ring.

“I guess it’s over… lets go talk to Mukuro…” He said as he got to his feet.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Hiei tried not to think of anything but what he had to do. Once he got them into their bathroom and sat Kurama down on the floor of the wetroom, he stripped them both and burned their clothes as he did so. Never once letting go of his trembling Mate.

Every time he tried to brush against Kurama’s mind it was silent with shock, like a black hole sucking all other emotion and sensation into it, and Hiei was finding it hard to resist it’s pull, but knew better than to get close.

He pulled away physically as he turned all the shower jets on, turning the temperature up as high as Kurama could stand. He needed desperately to get them both clean, to get rid of Yamino’s stench while also cleaning their wounds.

He quickly cleaned himself first using Kurama’s rose scented soup. He also checked out his own wounds, just scrapes and busies and a few burn marks that were quickly healing from the acid like bonds Yamino he had placed on him.

Then he turned his attention to his Mate. Kurama was a mess, his hair was still caked with blood and his body was littered with small cuts and abrasions, mostly on his left side.

As the water sluiced most of the blood away, still there was a lot of red going down the drain.

He put his hand under Kurama’s chin to move his face up as his other moved his wet hair away. Dull green eyes looked straight through him, staring at nothing. Blood from a cut over Kurama’s left eye still bled a little. But that side of his face was also a mess of small scratches.

Hiei washed them all clean as gently as he could manage with a flannel before he moved on to the rest of Kurama’s body. Again his Left side was a mess, something had caused a hole the size of his thumb pad in Kurama’s ribs, it went deep and Hiei was sure it went down to bone, he just couldn’t tell if it had broken anything. He put his hand over it and put a little pressure on it and sighed when he felt a little grinding. Broken ribs it was.

Then he went to the top of Kurama’s left hip where the sword wound also still bled. It was just a small wound but Hiei knew it went deep; He opened his Jagan and could see it was only tissue damage, but it could still become infected.

With a heavy a sigh he left all the damage as he finished cleaning his Mate, who just sat unresponsive.

Finally Hiei pushed Kurama down onto his side and knelt up over him. Now he was at the bit that even his forced calm was being battled against by his obsessive protectiveness. The though of someone else taking his Mate was enough to even pierce his heart and make him sick. He had already killed Yamino, but he still felt like he could flatted the whole of the Makai.

Gently he ran his hand down Kurama’s back, feeling the heat from the burn marks cause by Yamino’s technique, then he ran his hand lower in-between Kurama’s cheeks, when his fingers found Kurama’s hole he almost laughed with relief.

His Mate hadn’t been violated. He couldn’t help but push one finger inside.

Kurama whimpered and tried to curl up on himself. It was the first reaction Hiei had seen since he picked him up in the stadium.

Quickly he removed his finger and pulled Kurama up and against his own chest.

‘That bastard didn’t take you.’ Hiei reassured into Kurama mind. ‘Thank your Inari, she was looking out for you today.’

Hiei wasn’t prepared for the emotion suddenly coming at him from his Mate, disgust, shame, loathing, shock, humiliation and mixed up in it all, Guilt aimed at himself. But what scared Hiei the most was the dark depression that carried them all.

Every now and again Hiei caught a glimpse of Kurama’s darker emotions, but his Mate would just apologise and either make a distraction, or on rare occasions would just need to be held till the feelings passed.

This darkness in Kurama was even stronger than when Shiori passed away and his Mate had needed some quiet time where he clung to Hiei for about a fortnight, not talking unless he had or unless it was helping the Kit’s through their grief. Finally Kurama had broke down one night and cried himself sore and Hiei had held him till he fell asleep, then Kurama had woken the next day much more healed.

Now, Kurama was shaking violently as he turned into Hiei’s chest, clutching to him painfully, Hiei just held on, there really wasn’t much more he could do.

Eventually Kurama spoke aloud. “Everything I’ve done… and can not atone for… was this to be my punishment?” He whispered out so quietly Hiei hardly heard it.

Hiei ran his hand thought Kurama’s wet hair, “If it is… Then I share it too.” Hiei answered softly as he closed his eyes. “I couldn’t protect you…”

Kurama pulled him a little tighter. ‘I’ve never felt so helpless.’ He uttered brokenly.

Hiei sighed as he pulled away a little; he took hold of Kurama’s right wrist and brought it up between them. ‘Look.’ He shook his Mate a little.

Finally Kurama was looking down at his own arm, then sat back in stunned shock.

Hiei watched as his black dragon began to move up Kurama’s arm, away from the spray of the shower to wind it’s self around Kurama’s shoulders and neck, its head finally coming to rest on his right cheek.

Hiei poked its head. “At least it’s not going near my marks.” It had purposefully not crossed Hiei’s Marking scars.

“But…” Kurama asked. ‘I can feel it… but it doesn’t hurt, it always burned before.’

Hiei shrugged as he took his Mate’s hands in his own. ‘Maybe both it and I know you need it more right now?’ he surmised. ‘Towards the end, as my bonds broke, you had more control over it than I did.’

They sat silently for a moment before Kurama looked up into his eyes. ‘What… what happened to…?’ His eyes were wide, and Hiei hated seeing his mate look so unsure.

“I ripped him apart then burned his heart and soul… Koenma assures me he’s never coming back… He can never hurt you again.” Hiei growled with a smile.

Kurama smiled back, then his relief began to fade as once again his eyes began to dull as his body sagged. ‘Cant… hurts.’ Kurama uttered and Hiei could feel the fatigue and grogginess slowly dulling his Mates mind as he started to slip into unconsciousness.

Hiei cursed as he picked his Mate up and went through into their bedroom and placed Kurama on the bed. He was torn between staying and having to get their medical kit in the other room. He leaned down and kissed his Mate with a promise, then went and grabbed the bag, he wasn’t even gone a second and he could feel Kurama’s black panic start to form.

“I have you.” He said as he sat back down next to Kurama. ‘Just let go… I’m not leaving.’

He felt Kurama slip away, but it wasn’t a conscious decision. Kurama had lost too much blood and his body was going into shock.

Quickly Hiei bandaged and put plasters on Kurama’s worse wounds and burns. He knew he should get help, should go and get Yukina as soon as she got there… but he couldn’t, not yet. He knew Kurama was still too deep in his own physical and mental pain to put up with anyone else near him.

And that was another thing. He couldn’t feel anyone actually near their hotel apartment. Koenma was actually true to his word and cleared the surrounding area. Hiei could feel the guards who kept themselves far away and he recognised every energy signature from people who had guarded Kurama when he was pregnant.

With a sigh he pulled up the covers, they were both still wet and the last thing he needed was Kurama to get a cold. So once he had his Mate in his arms he razed his own body temperature before closing his eyes, though he was tired he couldn’t sleep as he watched over his World.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama woke feeling like he was nothing but rice paper, thin and insubstantial; his body wouldn’t stop trembling as he hurt all over.

Then Hiei was looking down at him. His red eyes filled with concern.

Kurama reached up one shaking hand to lay it on his Mate’s bruised cheek as he felt tears enter his eyes.

‘It’s over…’ Hiei whispered.

Kurama let the tears fall, feeling his shame once again wash through him. ‘I couldn’t stop him!’ He gasped on a sob as there was a sharp pain in the side of his chest.

‘You have a broken rib.’ Hiei explained softly. ‘But you did stop him… You took my dragon and you killed him… You did us both proud.’

Kurama blinked trying to settle his emotions, but he still felt so fragile. He closed his eyes feeling every second of all the years his soul had lived and it made him feel heavy and ancient, like maybe he had lived too long, maybe he should just let go… at least then he might not feel this crushing depression.

“Don’t even think that!” Hiei raged into his face. “If you were meant to be dead you would be ash already!”

Kurama felt his Mates fear and desperation and he opened his eyes to look up at the grim determination on Hiei’s face.

“I chose a Mate who IS strong enough to get over some bastard who TRIED to humiliate him!” Hiei stormed angrily. “I chose a Mate who was strong enough to kill the bastard! I chose a Mate who WILL get over this!”

Kurama shook his head, wishing he could believe Hiei, but his chest felt empty as he let more tears fall. He wasn’t worthy of Hiei, he had tricked him all this time, he should brake the bond and let Hiei free, and let his own soul be damned.

The darkness in his soul was free now and he couldn’t contain it any longer as it swept through every corner of his being. With a shriek of pure agony he let it out.

 

+ + + + + +

 

“What the hell is that?!” Yusuke felt something dark and ominous sweep through his entire body, chilling him to the bone. When he looked, everyone else in the room was holding themselves and shivering as if cold. Then he heard the scream, so filled with pain and despair it brought tears to his eyes.

“That’s Kurama…” Koenma whispered as he removed the pacifier from his mouth.

“Mama…” Mineko breathed out as she sat with Atago, Kamui and Hanako, all four hugging each other, their eyes wide, but only the twins had tears in their eyes.

“What’s he doing?” Yusuke asked getting to his feet.

“It would seem he’s having trouble dealing with his emotion.” Koenma sighed, “I feared this would happen, no doubt he would be infecting everyone within miles with his depression if I didn’t have the foresight to create a barrier against it… Now we just have to wait and see.”

“We need to go to Mama!” Minako said as she grabbed her brother’s hand and pulled him to his feet too.

“You can’t.” Koenma also got to his feet and blocked the door. “Your Papa is with him… Your Mama wants to be alone right now, your Papa will keep him safe.”

Yusuke didn’t miss the look Koenma shot him. “That’s right kids. Your Mama’s just a little upset right now. You know he doesn’t want you to see him cry.”

“But he’s hurting.” Atago growled, much like his farther.

“Come sit down with me children.” Yukina finally said, her eyes misted with tears as she held her arms out to them. “Dry your tears, you want to show your Mama how brave you are when he calls for you, don’t you?”

Both twins nodded as they slumped down either side of their aunt, putting their arms around her.

Yusuke slumped as they all sat, waiting for the waves of black despair to lift.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Hiei clung to his Mate, riding out wave after wave of despair, black depression and shame.

With every minute that passed Kurama’s cries where growing weaker as he gasped for air.

Finally it faded and died as Kurama lay in Hiei’s arms limp and exhausted, totally spend physically and emotionally. It had taken almost two hours. But Hiei sighed with relief, he was sure it would last days.

‘You need to sleep some more.’ He whispered into Kurama’s mind.

‘I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…’ Kurama replied and Hiei could feel how desperately his Mate wanted to hug him but was too drained to even move a finger. ‘I… I couldn’t… wouldn’t…’

Hiei knew he was talking about their Bond. He had been angry and stunned when he felt that thought flash through Kurama’s mind, thinking that if he could break it, all would be well.

‘Shhh… I know.’ And Hiei truly did, He had felt how scared Kurama had been, but even in his fear he had wanted to protect Hiei. ‘I forgive you… I’ll forgive you everything… But even if you ever think like that again. Know I’ll follow you willingly, don’t ever think I won’t.’

‘I’m sorry…’ Kurama whispered again.

‘Stupid Fox.’ Hiei smiled feeling the darkness in Kurama reseed a little more. ‘Sleep, I’m also sorry… but you need Yukina’s healing and I cant let anyone near you yet.’ Not without killing them.

He felt Kurama’s acknowledgment as he drifted off into a true sleep.

 

+ + + + + +

 

“Oh… Poor Kurama.” Yukina sighed as Yusuke turned off the recording of yesterday’s fight. It was very early in the morning and Yukina had asked to see it.

“I see now why you wouldn’t let us see them.” She said. “I don’t want the children to see this.” She insisted. “But I can see Kurama took some deep wounds that need treating.”

“I agree.” Koenma sighed. “But even trying to go near them right now would just be suicide.”

“But how come Kurama called forth Hiei’s black dragon?” Yukina asked. “I’ve seen Hiei trying to grow seeds before, but they always burst into flame, and I remember Kurama commenting that he kept getting burned by Hiei’s fire energy… How did he manages to control something so feral? I thought it would have consumed him too.”

Koenma shrugged. “When they Mate Bonded Kurama had to exert some kind of understanding with the dragon or he would have been killed that day… I’m guessing because of his desperation he could control it for a short amount of time, then Hiei must have sealed it away again once he was free.”

Yukina was just about to ask something else when they all jumped as the phone in the room began ringing.

Yusuke quickly picked it up. “Hello?”

“Send Yukina up, no one else… We cant wait any longer….” Then the phone went dead.

“Err…” Yusuke said looking at the phone. “Yukina, Hiei wants you now.”

Without a word Yukina picked up her bag and ran out of the room.

Koenma let out a chuckled breath. “Well I guess the worse is over if he’s willing to ask for help.”

“You think they will be up for the last fight?” Yusuke asked picking up his coffee.

Koenma shrugged. “It’s not till noon… who can say.”

Yusuke grunted. He really didn’t want to fight his friends, especial not after what happened yesterday. Maybe he should concede to them.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama could hear someone knocking lightly on the main door, he opened his eyes as Hiei called out to who ever it was, then he smiled a little as he saw Yukina peeking into the room.

He had woken a few minutes ago with a fever that made the world seem a little fuzzy, he knew he had an infection somewhere, but all his body had a dull ach so he wasn’t sure what bit hurt most.

“Hi…” he managed. As he felt Hiei tense a little besides him on the bed.

“He’s got a fever.” Hiei said as he moved reluctantly so Yukina could get to him.

“Don’t touch too much.” Kurama smiled, “Hiei’s a little possessively protective at the moment.” He tried to joke weakly as his rib stabbed a bolt of pain through his chest, making Hiei growl.

“I’ll try not to.” Yukina smiled at him. “Now… let’s get to work.”

Kurama closed his eyes as he felt her start healing the sword wound. He could feel something start seeping out and grimaced as the infected puss dribble down his side, the smell was intolerable in it’s corruption that made him a little nauseas, then there were sharp little stabs of prickly pain as her healing energy seeped into him soothing and healing from the inside out.

He wasn’t aware he had drifted off till he heard Yukina talking to her brother.

“I’ve healed the worse.” She sounded pleased but tired. “The burns will still be as tender as his bruising and the little scratches should be healed soon.”

“What about his fever?” Hiei asked.

“It’s already coming down, but the loss of blood will take more time.” She said. “Just make sure he eats as much as you can get in him and drinks frequently. When he gets dizzy just sit him down and make sure he rests.”

“No ‘If’s’” Kurama asked, he was feeling a lot better, and his ribs no longer hurt.

Yukina chuckled softly. “IF you don’t get dizzy I’ll be surprised.” Then she was getting to her feet. “I’ll leave you both alone now… Would you like me to send up Atago and Minako? They are very worried, so much so I had to sleep with them last night.”

Hiei groaned. “You really should stop spoiling them.”

Yukina laughed. “I’m there aunt, I can spoil them as much as my own… So are you ready to see them?”

Kurama paused. He did want to see them, but he still felt a little delicate.

“I’ll call them soon.” Hiei answered for him, “But if they want to come when they wake up, don’t stop them.”

“Alright, I’ll have them bring up some food when they do.” Then Yukina was gone.

‘I don’t want them to see me like this…’ Kurama explained softly. He wasn’t usual bothered about them seeing him in bed, or even naked for that matter. The little brats had crawled into their bed often enough over the years for it not to be an embarrassment anymore. But he didn’t want them to see him as weak and broken as he still felt, even if it was much less than it had been just the night before.

‘I know.’ Hiei said as he slowly got off the bed. ‘I need to let go so I can get you something to wear.’

Kurama got a moment of trepidation twisting in his gut at the thought and squeezed Hiei’s hand a little tighter. It almost felt like when they were bonding and he couldn’t let go of his Mate or the world would come crashing down around him.

‘I’m right here.’ Hiei whispered into his mind then was caressing his cheek. ‘So is the dragon, we wont leave you.’

Kurama sighed as he looked up into his Mates eyes and smiled. ‘Remember what I told you about colour and clashing.’ He grinned as he reluctantly let go of Hiei’s hand.

Kurama couldn’t help but find some amusement in how proficient Hiei was in changing the sheets with him still in it, or dressing him. He had done it way to many times. But as Hiei had pulled him upright the world spun and he felt like he was going to be sick, he clung on tight, silently begging Hiei not to move, hoping the feeling would pass.

“Looks like Yukina was right… No ‘If’s’” Hiei chuckled as he held him till the nausea passed. ‘You’re staying in bed; I’ll call the kits and make you some tea.’ Then he piled up all the pillows and resting Kurama back against them.

Kurama would have preferred being sat on one of the sofas.

‘It’s only the Kits.’ Hiei growled at him in annoyance. ‘I don’t want you throwing up on them or something.’ He grinned to take the sting out of his words.

‘Brats! Move.’ He heard Hiei send to the Kits. Then Hiei was going into the other room, making sure as he prepared the tea, Kurama could see him the whole time.

Finally the main door was thrown open, and the Kits came running in. At first they saw Hiei.

“Papa!” Minako cried as they flung themselves at him after throwing something on the table.

Hiei hugged them both as Kurama sent him a grin.

Both the kits were taller than him now, Atago a little more so, they almost smothered him as they both threw their arms around his compact frame.

“I’m fine.” He told them gruffly as he kissed them both. “But why don’t you go see to your mother?”

Kurama watched as two sets of green eyes turned on him, then they were running at him.

“Slowly!” Hiei called.

But it was too late as Minaka threw her self on the bed to hug him, Atago leaped over them both to do the same on the other side.

“I was so worried!” Minako sobbed as she tightened her hold.

“We felt you last night… you were so sad!” Atago said desperately. Then he was pulling away a little to look at him. “You’re okay now right… err.” He reached out to touch Kurama’s cheek. “Why are you wearing Papa’s dragon?”

Then Minako was looking at his face. “Did it just move?”

‘Hiei?’ Kurama was a little startled, usually it only moved on Hiei if he was about to use it, or he was agitated. But most of the time his Mate had kept it warded until he needed to use it. Now it was neither. It would be a problem if it saw the kits as a threat.

Hiei was suddenly between the Kits, kneeling over Kurama’s legs as he also looked at the dragon.

“Atago, touch it again.” Minako poked her brother.

Kurama felt his son touch his cheek again and keep his finger there.

Kurama grew a little concerned as he watched all their eyes widen.

“What is it?” he asked a little alarmed.

Suddenly he was looking through Hiei’s eyes, he watched as the dragon opened its mouth and looked like it was licking under Atago’s finger with a long black tong.

“The infamous Youko Kurama, bandit and great thief, now tamer of Dragons!” Hiei laughed. ‘Is it causing you any pain?’ he asked with more concern.

‘Err… No… a little warm maybe.’ Kurama answered softly. He could feel where the dragon tattoo rested about his neck, but nothing more from it. ‘What do you feel?’

‘I still feel it as I always did, but I can also feel it through our bond.’ Hiei answered with a frown, then he was getting up. “You guys bring food?” he asked as he went back into the other room.

“Some tuna mayo sandwiches.” Minako said as she settled at Kurama’s side again, cuddling up to him, as Atago did the same at his other.

“You look pretty beat up.” Atago said softly as his hand tightened in Kurama’s shirt. “Was the fight really bad?”

Kurama settled back into his pillows as he hugged his kit’s. “It was towards the end.” He whispered, kissing his son’s forehead. “But your Papa made sure he cant hurt me again.”

He could feel his Kits worry for him like a biting awareness. And he closed his eyes tight, remembering that not even twenty four hours ago he was ready to give in and leave them behind without even a thought. A stab of guilt went through him as he remembered what he was prepared to do for his own mother so long ago and he grit his teeth against a sob as he pulled his kits to him more.

Hiei might follow him anywhere, even into death, but he was never going to leave his kits before it was his time, or Hiei’s. He opened his eyes to see Hiei smiling at him from the other room.

‘Figured it out?... Hn, stupid Fox.’

Kurama just smiled back trying not to show his tears as he rested his cheek on top of Minako’s head as he hugged his kits to him a little more.

“Don’t fall asleep yet.” Hiei snapped as he brought in a tray with the sandwiches and tea. “Eat and drink, then you can take another nap.”

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama sighed as Hiei pulled him to the edge of the bed. He still felt shaky and really didn’t want to face anyone right now, let alone a stadium full of strangers and potential threats.

“Hn… This isn’t going to work.” Hiei said softly. “I’m going to carry you till it’s time to face the crowd.”

“But…” Kurama needed to not show any weakness, it was churning in his gut enough just to go out there; it was making him nauseous if he couldn’t make a show of being strong and unaffected by yesterday’s events.

Hiei bent down to look him straight in the eye. “I need my Mate to save his strength to put on a show for the crowd, and not to shame us both by falling down… Unless he has too… You understand me?”

Kurama nodded as he lowered his head in an automatic show of submission. Then Hiei’s fingers lifted his face up. ‘I might like you doing that stuff… But it’s not the time for it… Chin up and be the proud Fox you are.’

Kurama nodded again feeding off Hiei’s pride and belief in him.

He hated feeling like crap, it was bad enough when he was emotionally unstable as he had carrying the kits. He hated it more now, he just wanted to go home and hide in familiarity for a while.

‘We are going home tonight, just be strong till then.’ Hiei said as he slipped Kurama’s feet into his shoes, then the next moment Kurama had his arms around Hiei’s shoulders as he was being picked up. Kurama tried to burry his face into Hiei’s shoulder when he felt and heard his Mate sigh. Then he felt himself being put down in a chair. “Wha..?”

“This…” Hiei said as he pulled his scarf off, shook it out then began wrapping it about Kurama’s head, it was large enough to cover his hair and shoulders. Then Hiei pulled it loose about Kurama’s face so he could hide in the folds.

Kurama bit back his emotional tears at the tender act, for a moment he had wanted to pull it off, but it smelled so strongly of Hiei he couldn’t.

Then Hiei was picking him up again.

“Come on guys.” Hiei said to the Kits who had helped Hiei pack. “Get the bag’s and lets go find your aunt and the rest of the idiots.”

“You’re sure you want to do this?” Atago asked as Kurama felt his hand on his shoulder.

He gave his son a reassuring smile. “No, but I have to,” he reached out and ruffled his son’s stunning dark red hair. “Then we can go home and eat enough ice-cream till we are all sick.”

Atago grinned at him. “I’ll go get some cookie dough soon as we get back!” then he leaned in and kissed him before being shoved out of the way so his sister could do the same.

“Love you Mama.” She grinned as she went to help Atago get their bags.

“Ok, let’s get this over with.” Hiei sighed as a long suffering parent as he went to the door. ‘Cover yourself up if you want.’ Hiei told him.

With a groan of relief Kurama did just that, burying himself in Hiei’s sent.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Yusuke was getting restless, he had been watching the crowds slowly thinning out as they made their way inside the stadium, by all accounts the ring had been fixed and soon the last battle was going to be starting. Koenma had already bitched at him that he should ‘man up’ and stop complaining and that he wasn’t allowed to quit, even if his next opponents were Hiei and Kurama.

When Yukina had got back she had reassured them all that Kurama would be fine, that he just needed rest. Then the twins had run out like their heels were on fire, Yukina only just managed to shove a box of sandwiches into their hands as they fled.

He was just about to have another go at Koenma when Minako barged into the room.

“Papa asked you all to be quiet!” she said breathlessly as she held the door open.

Then Hiei was walking in with Kurama in his arms. The Kitsune had his head covered in one of Hiei’s scarves and his face pushed into the fire youkai’s neck, but the rest of him looked limp and lifeless.

Yusuke took a step forwards when Hiei glared at him, then sat down in one of the chairs with his cargo.

“He’s just sleeping.” Hiei whispered as he gently moved the scarf away from Kurama’s face so he could look at him.

Yusuke could still see small wounds on Kurama’s very pale face, then he gasped as he saw Hiei’s black dragon on Kurama’s cheek. He edged closer before Hiei glared at him. “How…?” he asked, pointing at his own face.

Hiei glared at him some more, then he was turning his attention to Koenma. “We are going home after this, can you make the arrangements?”

“Already done.” Koenma assured him. “Whenever you want, just say the word.”

Hiei nodded. Then Kurama was waking up.

Yusuke felt guilty as he saw his friend flinch as his green eyes swept the room, then he settled back against Hiei.

“Hello.” Kurama sighed. “Sorry, I must have fallen asleep.”

“It’s all right.” Yukina said as she picked up a bottle of water from the table, then walked over and held it out to him. “Drink something; you will feel a little better.”

Yusuke watched as Kurama opened it with shaking fingers then lifted it so Hiei could take a sip, then took a drink himself.

“You look terrible uncle Kurama.” Kamui whispered as Atago sat down at his side and put an arm around him.

Yusuke tried not to roll his eyes; the boy’s were almost inseparable as Atago’s parents.

“He’s gonna be fine.” Atago told him with a grin. “Then when we get home we can eat ice cream till we are sick!”

“Really, awesome!” Kamui grinned back.

“Who said you could?” Yusuke asked.

“I did.” Kurama said a little guiltily.

“After all.” Hiei said with an evil little grin on his face. “He’s up at our place so much we started to tell people we have triplets instead of just twins.”

Yusuke sighed as he watched his youngest son blush furiously as Atago grinned and put his arm around his younger friend a little more possessively.

Kurama had already had a ‘little chat’ with him about the two a long time ago.

“We should get going.” Koenma said. “It’s almost time.”

“I cant fight them!” Yusuke said yet again. “Look at Kurama for gods sake, he cant stand, never mind fight!”

“He doesn’t need too!” Hiei snarled. “Don’t think I cant take you down by myself!”

At first Yusuke thought he was doing his normal bravado kick before he actually looked into his friends eyes, “Look, I just mean I’ll forfeit the fight to you guys. Then we can all go home.”

“Don’t you think Kurama’s honour has been affected enough?” Hiei hissed angrily. “Now you want to make a mockery of our last fight!”

“Hiei…” Kurama whispered at his husband desperately. Then they did that silent looking thing, like they were talking without saying anything.

Then Kurama was getting to his feet with Hiei’s help.

Yusuke could see how he was struggling just to stand as Kurama turned to him.

“Hiei’s right. Please do us the honour of stepping into the ring.”

Yusuke sighed deeply. “Fine… But I don’t have to like it.”

“Thank you.” Kurama smiled, then he was putting his arm around Hiei’s neck as the little guy swept him up in his arms.

“I’ll go with you.” Koenma said to Hiei, then he turned to the kids and Yukina. “You children, come with us too, and Yukina, if you wouldn’t mind… just in case.”

“Yes, obviously.” Yukina said as she stood.

“No one’s coming with me?” Yusuke asked. “Kamui?”

Kamui ran up to him and gave him a hug. “You’re gonna be find dad, I just wana watch from Uncle Koenma’s VIP box!”

“Fine.” Yusuke said as they all started walking to the stadium.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Kurama hid himself as Hiei tried to take them past as few people as possible till they stood at their side of the stadium, just inside the gate to the arena it’s self.

They listened as the announcer was talking, then she was screaming for Yusuke.

They saw their friend get up onto the ring and stand with his fists on his hips.

‘He’s not happy.’ Kurama sighed as he rested his head against Hiei’s.

‘Well… anything to stop him being a coward…. Ok, show time.’ Hiei said giving him a quick kiss before lowering him so he could stand.

Kurama could feel his legs shaking, not just from weakness and it annoyed him, but the amount of youkai in the audience were sending shivers of apprehension up his spine.

“You are going to be fine.” Hiei said as he straightened his scarf around Kurama’s neck, then making sure his hair was straight. “Remember, if you cant stand anymore, just say, I don’t want you passing out or falling while we do this.”

Kurama smiled as Hiei carried on straightening his clothes. “I’ll try not to shame us.” He promised.

‘You will never do that.’ Hiei said as he looked him directly in the eyes.

Kurama smiled at his Mate, ‘If you say so.’

‘I do.’ Hiei said firmly. “Lets get this over with.”

Just like the previous day, Kurama walked a step behind Hiei’s left shoulder. He made sure his back was straight and his shoulders back as he tried to walk with his normal sure confidence.

“And finally here comes Hiei and Kurama!” the announcer said happily as she gave them a little wave.

Kurama gave her a nod as he felt Hiei’s arm go around his waist, then Hiei was jumping them both up onto the ring.

‘Okay?’ Hiei asked as he waited for Kurama to get his feet firmly on the ground.

‘Yes.’ Then Hiei was letting him go as they carried on walking towards a grim faced Yusuke.

“And the lovely Kurama is back on his feet after taking such a beating in yesterday’s long and shocking fight with its epically gory conclusion!”

‘She should shut up.’ Hiei growled.

‘She’s just doing her job.’ Kurama replied feeling a little better as the crowd seemed to go a little wild as they cheered for him.

“So this should prove an epic battle of old friends! Who will win I really don’t know! Ok gentlemen, a clean fight.” Then she moved her mic from her mouth to whisper at them. “And please no crowd deaths, they pay my wages.” She winked. “Ok FIGHT!”

‘You sure I can’t smack him around just a little bit?’ Hiei asked with a grin as they watched Yusuke take a fighting stance.

‘Not today.’ Kurama replied, letting Hiei know he really was ready to sit down.

So when Hiei raised his arm from the elbow. Kurama placed his own on top of it then slowly eased himself down to his knees with Hiei’s help. Then he bent forwards bowing his head.

“What the hell?” Yusuke asked in confusion.

Then Hiei went to one knee and also bowed his head. ‘This is killing me.’ Hiei snorted. “We concede!” Hiei called out.

The silence that followed was eerie.

“You sure?” the announcer asked surprised and a little bit disappointed.

“You think I’m down on one knee for my health!” He stormed at her.

“What the hell are you guys playing at?” Yusuke shouted as he came stomping over. “You wouldn’t let me back down, then you do it yourselves, where the hell do you get off!”

‘Can I smack him about a bit now?’ Hiei snarled as he gave off waves of anger.

Kurama rolled his eyes, then wished he hadn’t as the world tilted a little. ‘Only after it’s made clear we are not fighting for the Makai.’

“Tell them girl.” Hiei shouted at the announcer. “We concede and Yusuke is the winner… Then we will give this crowd the show they paid for.” He said looking at Yusuke with a grin.

“I’m not fighting you!” Yusuke growled his fists clenched at his sides.

Hiei got to his feet slowly as he faced Yusuke. “You and me ARE going to fight today.”

Kurama sighed, he should have know Hiei would want to do this.

Yusuke blinked. “Err… but Kurama?”

“I’ll be taking a nap I imagine.” Kurama replied.

“Sparing matches don’t have rules, idiot.” Hiei taunted with a lethal grin. “Kurama doesn’t need to be in the ring for that… or are you too chicken to face me?”

“I’m never too chicken to face you, you little brat!” Yusuke shouted razing one fist.

“That’s settled then.” Hiei snorted. “Announce!” he snapped at the girl.

“Umm… Ok, Hiei and Kurama concede the fight to Yusuke!” she said as she skipped about the ring talking to the crowd who didn’t sound happy.

Kurama shivered as he leaned just a little against Hiei’s leg, then sighed when his Mate put a hand on his head.

‘Just a little longer, then you can rest.’ Hiei told him as he brushed his mind with a kiss.

“So Yusuke is the winner of this years Makai Tournament!”

The crowd didn’t know whether to cheer or boo.

“BUT!” the announcer screamed over the crowd. “To not disappoint you lovely Youkai, Yusuke and Hiei will put us on a bloody show! One fighter against the other in a brutal match to see who is the strongest! Lets cheer them on as they get ready! Then we can all go home happy as our new ruler for the next eight years get’s his face pounded into the ring by yesterdays gallant hero’s!”

The crowd went mad with cat calling and blood thirsty cheers.

“Crap…” Yusuke uttered. “You bastards tricked me into this.”

“No.” Kurama answered as he smiled up at his friend. “Like I said before, we were here to defeat Yamino, not take over the Makai. That was never our intention or goal.”

“So what ever happened I was meant to win this thing?” Yusuke growled in disbelief.

“Err…” Hiei said a little sarcastically. “Please tell me you are not that stupid to not have realized?”

Yusuke blinked.

‘Inari, he really is that stupid.’ Hiei uttered in astonishment.

Kurama guessed Hiei really was perplexed if he was using Inari as a curse. It wasn’t something he did very often and usually if he was almost speechless.

“I was more concerned that you and Kurama were gonna get killed and I’d have to take that bastard out than whether I was gonna win or not!”

‘Forgivable.’ Kurama smiled. ‘Almost.’

He felt Hiei trying not to laugh.

‘Well, give me your arm so I can get up, I think it’s time I left.’ Kurama said as Hiei instantly put his arm out. But Yusuke also step closer to take his other hand.

Hiei growled out a warning, but it was too late as Yusuke touched his hand.

Kurama felt the dragon suddenly move across his body and down his arm as Yusuke pulled back with a yelp as he put his hand to his chest, Yusuke didn’t have time to see Hiei’s fist that connected with his jaw sending him to the floor.

“Hiei!” Kurama called as Hiei tried to go in for the kill. He could feel his Mate’s single mindedness to obliterate what he saw as a threat.

“Shit!” Yusuke said as he tried to push himself back with his feet.

‘Hiei, STOP. Please!’ Kurama begged as he tried to get to his feet, but he got very dizzy and fell back to his knees, clamping a hand over his mouth so he wouldn’t throw up. “Yusuke, don’t move.” He managed through his fingers.

As Yusuke lay back on the ground, one hand clutched against his chest, the other on his cheek.

“Hiei?” Kurama tried again, letting his Mate feel how sick he was feeling, and how much he needed him more.

He felt Hiei coming back to his senses as he calmed down. Then his Mate was in front of him a question in his eyes.

‘I’m fine… Just moved to fast.’ He held his left hand up to look down at it. Sure enough the black dragon’s head was on the back of his hand, its jaws open in a snarl.

‘It moved?’ Hiei uttered as he touched the thing, it moved a little before closing its jaws. ‘Hn…’

“Yusuke?” Kurama asked softly as he looked at his friend.

“Can I move now?” he asked.

“You should have known better than to touch him.” Hiei snapped. “Get up you fool and stay back!”

Yusuke slowly got to his feet. His right hand still on his chest.

“Are you ok?” Kurama frowned.

‘Who cares?’ Hiei growled still agitated.

“When I touched you, something burned my hand.” Yusuke said as he looked down at his fingers. Sure enough Kurama could see burns.

“I think it was this.” Kurama said holding up his hand, showing Yusuke the dragon, “It moved when you got too close.”

Yusuke sighed, “When your husband isn’t being so bloody protective and you’re better, you are so gonna explain why it’s on you.”

Kurama nodded as they heard someone running up to the ring.

Then Atago was there, crouching down at his side.

“You shouldn’t be here.” Hiei snapped at his son.

Atago just ignored him as he spoke. “Uncle Koenma sent me to get Mama, and take him up to the VIP box. And he’s on his way down with anti Yukina for uncle Yusuke.”

“Fine.” Hiei said as he grabbed his son’s arm. “Let your Mama walk out to the gate, then you carry him to the box, okay? Don’t let anyone but you and Minako touch him.”

Atago rolled his eyes. “I know.”

Then both of them were helping Kurama to his feet. ‘Don’t go too hard on Yusuke.’ He said as he walked proudly at his son’s side back towards the gate.

‘Pfft, like I’m going to do that.’ Hiei grinned into his mind.

Then Kurama was shocked when Atago got him off the ring the same way as Hiei had got him on. Sometimes he forgot that his son was almost fully grown. He even stood a few inches taller than Kurama.

“You ok Mama?” Atago asked.

“Yes, come on, if I don’t get settled soon I think your Papa is going to break something.”

Atago laughed as he let go. “Something… Like uncle Yusuke?”

Kurama chuckled too. “Probably.” He said as they carried on walking.

 

+ + + + + +

 

Yusuke spat out a mouthful of blood as he glared at Hiei, who stood across from him.

They were both bloody and bruised and totally exhausted of almost two hours of fighting. But Yusuke hadn’t felt this alive in a long time, it was thrilling to have a true fight of strength.

If he had any guess, Hiei was the same as the fire youkai had a grin on his face even if he was breathing heavy.

They had traded spiritual based attacks, all of them purposefully missing so they would tare up the new ring instead of each other.

When they first started, he had feared Hiei would still want to kill him. He had never seen the pure bloodlust in his friends eyes before, just after he touched Kurama.

Sure, he had faced people who truly wanted to kill him for their own goals… But Hiei just wanted him dead, full stop, in that moment, their friendship meant nothing as Hiei protected his own.

But that look had gone the moment Kurama had left the ring. Much to Yusuke’s relief.

Now they were just fighting for the thrill of it.

“Cant we just call this a draw?” He called to his friend.

Hiei snorted. “Sure.” He replied with a vicious grin. “You first.”

Suddenly Yusuke found himself covered in vines that curled around his arms and legs slamming him into the floor. “What the fuck!” He growled as his face was mushed into the floor.

He could hear Hiei laughing loudly.

He tried to struggle a little more. “No fair!” He bellowed. “Kurama’s not meant to be in this fight!” he tried to look for his other friend, but all he saw was Hiei walking towards him.

“He’s asleep right now.” Hiei chortled, “But that doesn’t stop me from using his abilities as my own.”

“Aw come on, that’s still technically cheating!”

“Hn… Not really, he is my Mate after all.” Hiei said as he crouched down. “So do you yield?” then he was leaning closer to whisper. “Get out of this… We need to call this as a stale mate.” Then Hiei was getting up and bouncing away.

Yusuke sighed, obviously this had something to do with pride. He knew Hiei could force him to surrender right now.

He suddenly felt the vines weaken around one of his arms.

“Spirit Wave!” He cried as the vines disintegrated around him, then he was running at Hiei who acted surprised. But bought his fist up just in time.

They both punched each other in the jaw and went down. And stayed down.

Yusuke just stared up at the blue sky as he got his breath back as the announcer came over.

“Looks like our fighters are down!” she called to the crowd. “ONE, TWO, THREE!”

Yusuke closed his eyes as she carried on counting down.

“TEN! OUT!” she cried. “It looks like our new leader and Hiei are calling it a stale mate after a great fight! Well that’s all folks… There will be an announcement… err… hopefully in another hour from our great leader for the next eight years. Let’s give it up for Yusuke Urameshi, former spirit detective and descendent of the late great Toshin Raizen!”

The crowd suddenly went wild as they cheered.

“You getting up, or you want to stay there all day?” Hiei asked, he sounded smug and it was annoying.

Yusuke laughed as he took Hiei’s offered hand and got to his feet. “Man, that was good.” He said as he stretched his sore muscles. “We really need to do that more often!”

“Maybe.” Hiei offered. “But right now I need to get my family home, good luck.” Then he was gone as Shirenu, the last leader of the Makai came to greet him.

 

+ + + + + +

 

They had stayed to watch Yusuke’s speech to his people, saying that Shirenu would help keep things going for a few weeks while Yusuke went home and made preparations.

Then they had all come home to the temple.

Now they sat around recuperating, watching some of the latest films and drinking that year’s Sake offerings to the temple while eating cookie dough ice-cream.

Hiei sat with Kurama’s head on his lap, Minako lay in Kurama arms as they both lay on the sofa while Atago and Kamui sat side by side squashed into a chair. Yusuke sat with Yukina on the other sofa with Hanako between them. Koenma and Boton were even there.

Hiei felt contented as he looked at his family and friends while he ran his hands through soft red strands of Kurama’s hair.

Sure, they had lost Kuwabara and Keiko, and some of the kids had flown the nest. And there number was about to thin out a little more for a while. But right now everything was right with the world.

Hiei had never imagined when he was searching for his vengeance, that one day he would be contented with a quiet life, a Mate or children. He never though he would live long enough if he was honest to ever have any of that stuff. So he had never given it much thought.

But the day he had met Kurama in his fourteen year old human body, Hiei’s whole world had changed. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He was just about to drift off to sleep, the pull of Kurama’s sleeping mind was proving too much of a seductive pull. When Yusuke started talking.

“So…” Yusuke said lightly. “Why IS your dragon Tattoo suddenly on Kurama?”

Hiei sighed as he also felt Kurama waking up.

“I get it that you guys can somehow share your energy between each other, and use them… but why the dragon? I thought it only obeyed you Hiei?”

“I’ve been thinking about that too.” Koenma said. “And I have a theory. Hiei forced the dragon into servitude, but Kurama needed it’s help, Maybe Hiei’s protectiveness over Kurama has infected it to such a point where it’s now acting as an extension of that, as a guard of sorts. Which is why it attacked you Yusuke. Am I right?” Koenma looked at Hiei expectantly.

Hiei shrugged, “Don’t ask me.” He said, “I still feel it as I always did, it’s just now part of Kurama too.”

“It didn’t attack me or Minako.” Atago put in.

“The only threat you are to your mother is to give him a headache and grey hairs.” Yusuke grinned at Atago, who shared the joke. “So, now that’s so clearly sorted.” He said sarcastically. “Does this mean one day Kurama’s going to turn green and grow a few extra eyes?”

Hiei snorted at the mental image. “The Jagan was a medical procedure, so it’s very unlikely.” He managed not to laugh out loud.

“If I do, I’m not going to be happy.” Kurama put in as he yawned and stretched a little trying not to push their daughter off the sofa. “It makes me sick just to see through it.”

“You can use it too?” Boton gasped as she leaned forwards a little, her eyes wide with intrigue.  

Kurama nodded as he yawned again. “I don’t like doing it though.”

“Impressive.” Koenma said chewing on his pacifier. “I really should get George to study how your bond actually works, it would be fascinating to add it to the archives. I’ve never seen a bond so strong.”

“Save it for another day.” Hiei said, knowing that that day would always be ‘Tomorrow’ if he had anything to do with it. “It’s been a long day and we all need rest.” He said carefully getting up from under Kurama, then picking Kurama and their daughter, who was still asleep, up in his arms with a little grunt of effort.

“You’re right.” Yukina said standing. “I’ll get up to make breakfast in the morning. Koenma-sama, Boton-chan, will you be staying the night?”

Both apparitions nodded, obviously not wanting to miss Yukina’s cooking.

“Goodnight.” Hiei said as he walked out the room. With Kurama saying his own farewells over his shoulder.

Hiei first put Kurama on their bed, then gently took Minako out of Kurama’s arms and put her to bed in her own room, she was to old now for him really put her in her PJ’s but the little sod refused to wake up, so he had to do it anyway. He kissed her cheek then went back to his Mate.

Kurama hadn’t moved, just lay half dosing. Hiei stifled his own yawn as he started stripping his Mate then moving him about like a rag doll till he was under the covers were he quickly joined him.

He pulled Kurama into his arm, keeping him on his less injured right side as they cuddled.

‘Have I told you lately that I love you?’ Kurama asked sleepily and he began to relax and get heavy.

‘You let me know it every single day.’ Hiei replied, then cursed, he was so tired he was being mushy.

Kurama made a contented little grumble purr as his mind went foggy with sleep.

Hiei kissed his forehead as he also drifted off, a smile on his lips.

 

The End of Chapter 4

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 On to the Epilogue ^_^

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