Winter's Halo

Conflicted

Hiei kept the steady blurriness that was currently his eyesight focused in the mouth of the cave he'd been directed too by that Youko and walked inside, determination sketched over the contours of his fatigued face. Lead by his senses alone, he aimed for the small demon frantically calling for his care.

To be reduced to this? A near caring devoted follower of a mere child. Sadly and as truthfully pathetic as it was, the facts were as clear as the crystal ocean.

Little Fool mattered to him whether Hiei was brave enough to admit it or not and he'd be damned if he allowed the child to be kept by that…that silver creature.

However as his eyes gained better view of the darkened innards of the arranged meeting, the tall vision of what appeared to be flashing scarlet wavering unbalanced, the closer he edged towards it. That's when Hiei came within ten feet of the entity, his nose twitched at the stench of filth torching his nostrils. "You," Realization hit home, forcing him to jump back, draping his arm over his nose to protect what little senses he held from being destroyed by that creature's odor. "What are you doing here?" He spat, venom laced in the whole question.

Kurama resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "You're here to give me answers—"

"I'm here to give that Youko answers, not you." Hiei interrupted harshly. "The deal had been for me to give him the answers he wanted in exchange for the child."

"I'm the one who has the questions." Kurama narrowed his eyes placidly studying the shorter demon before him. "If Kisa is who you want, simply cooperate and we'll see where this goes."

Hiei blinked. "Kisa?"

The sterling kit yipped acknowledging his original title. Hiei frowned at the tiny pup, quickly dismissing the simplistic name. He preferred the label he'd given the brat himself. Little Fool suited him just fine. "Nonetheless, I was told I'd be asked questions by a demon. I don't answer to mortals."

"If this child is your goal, it shouldn't matter how the task is performed." Kurama switch the squirming pup from one arm to the other. "Don't make this any more difficult than it already is."

On cue Little Fool began to reach out whimper, calling out for his friend to come and take him. Kurama glared down at the tiny traitor, and then turned his attentions back to the weary Koorime, rigged with a defensive posture. At this rate neither of them was willing to let their guard down long enough to carry a normal conversation without being cautious of bloodshed. If that's the case he'd have to be the one to level the fields. Kurama stepped forward, letting out an uneasy breathe. "Kisa seems to want your touch," his arm tightened around the pup's waist. "If I give him to you, do I have your word that you won't try to take him?"

Surprised wove over Hiei's face for the briefest instant before returning to its scowl plaster. Oddly he was slightly floored that the human would consider it. At any time if he wanted too and Little Fool was given to him, Hiei'd be long gone. His strength was returning but was still limited to three fourths his normalcy. But the faded expression he could see of the human, made him think otherwise. Perhaps in those foggy green eyes there was hidden desperation for keeping the child near... "You have my word." Why Hiei agreed to a human's bargain only the Gods knew but this wasn't one of those times when Hiei could bring himself to double cross someone. That look in those large eyes was... oddly disturbing.

Kurama looked down upon the peeping child who met his gaze, sensing the reluctance in his guardian's grip. "Eeep." Kisa squeaked and licked Kurama's cheek, nuzzling his head underneath his chin. Physical hesitation was noted, even to Hiei as he watched the interaction between the two, a bit perplexed by the unnatural behavior. But that aside, Little Fool still seemed to want him instead as he began to reach out waving his arms for Hiei to coddle him. Kurama closed the gap between them, and held out Kisa to Hiei, his eyes clearly messaging 'keep your word' the instant the kit was released from his arms.

Hiei grabbed the pup, holding him to his chest with one arm, keeping the other shoved in his pants pocket. His scowl deepened at the way the human seemed to fold his arms in an effort to keep himself from reaching for the child again, though his sage expression remained as stiff as a diamond's coat. "Here," Hiei finally grunted after an extended pause, holding out the child. "Take him."

"No," Kurama turned walking towards the back of the cave. "I gave him to you on your word." One green eye looked over his shoulder. "Unless I have reason to believe your claim is false?"

"Hn," Nevermind. All sorts of any aimed pity or concern for the human's feelings of desired coddling were quickly erased and replaced with the reasons why Hiei hated those confound beasts in the first place. One namely being their smart remarks and sense of authority over others. The damned fool could get depressed and die ten times over for all he cared. Kisa on the other hand, peeped from Hiei's shirt noticing his guardian was leaving and started patting his chest. "Mm, Mm."

Hiei looked down. "What is it?"

"Eeep." Came the short peep. The blushing bubble face looked sadly over to the retreating mortal and poked his stubby finger out. "Uh, Uh."

"You want me to follow him I take it?"

"Eeep, Eeep!" Kisa bounced his head up and down excitedly, gurgling all types of giggly nonsense.

Oh dear god help him. If Hiei was beginning to interpret this brat's language it only confirmed that this place was stealing his intellect faster than he estimated. But the way the kit seemed eager for him to get back there probably had something to do with the attention he craved from his guardian. So without so much as a second thought on it, Hiei followed behind, keeping his guard on full alert at all times. This was a completely different territory on different grounds, in another person's base. If push came to shove he was at a greater disadvantage, so he made sure to scan out each and every potential asset that could be used for him in case something didn't go his way.

"Please have a seat," The red haired human gestured toward an engraved cave-in where a generous sized wooden table and large chairs sat stationed. This was some very impressive wood quality if the Koorime were to openly admire the material's structure. Designs of Tear Drop Leaves and Snow Gem Roses were craved into the smooth redwood, connected by jutted vines circling around the single center thick support and rounded edge. The craftsmanship on this furniture was quite elaborate and stylish—Hiei lifted an eyebrow—considering the place it was in he hadn't realized the cave was this large.

"The seat won't bite I assure you."

Hiei snapped from his inspection to glare at the other. "I don't recall asking whether the chair was alive."

"Nor did I intend to state it, but since you're taking so long to a take a simple sit, I assumed you needed assurance."

"Hn," Snorted Hiei walking around the table to stand by the far way. "Assume the next time you wish for a demon's company to keep that mouth of yours shut, lest you want to have that tongue ripped out."

Kurama shrugged one shoulder. "Your threat is duly noted and ignored."

Hiei's piercing carmine eyes darkened a dangerous garnet.

"If it's all the same to you," the glare was purposely ignored. "Could we get on with the inquiry? I doubt either of us wants to be in the other's company for longer than need be."

"Point and case." The sooner they got this over with the sooner Hiei could be on with his own affairs. The Koorime decided against standing with the wiggling child in his arms, who was trying to ease into his shirt like a pouch and sat with Kisa on the table. "Hurry with whatever you want to ask so I can be on m—would you sit still for two minutes!" He fussed to the kit still trying to claw into his clothing. Kisa whimpered pleadingly with his eyes, bottom lip sticking out. For the love of— "Fine, but if you claw me once I'll kill you. Understand?"

"Eeep." And with the dead threat blandly misunderstood the settlement had been made. Kisa popcorned off the table and lifted Hiei's shirt, and crawled up, mapping his way around until his bright eyes discovered the opening where Hiei's head resided. With much effort he managed to squeeze his fluffy silver hair out and yelped happily at the warm, close contact. After a few moments of irritated silence, Kisa blinked forward at the soft smile Kurama bestowed him and yipped a few murmurs and incoherent words unknown to adults.

But Kurama nodded as if understanding every word. "Yes Little One, I see you're having fun."

Kisa giggled and replied with a few more baby gurgles. "Mm, Mm, Mm, Eep, Eep, Eep. Mm."

"Do tell," Kurama said. And that's what the little tyke did, saying all types of confusing riddles. At first Hiei had been irritated at the interruption but after a few moments of watching the transaction between the human and foxling he slowly lessened his stature, listening to the animated hand gestures thumping his shirt and odd series of peeps and squeaks from under his chin.

"Yes that sounds very interesting."

"Eeep, Eeep, Eeep, Ba, Mm, Mm, Ba, Ba."

Kurama braced his wrist under his chin with a genuine smile. "You don't say?"

That set the tiny kit off on a giggle fit. He was absolutely tickled pink.

The dark eyebrow lifted. "You can understand him?" Hiei found himself asking all of a sudden.

As if both were surprised to hear that gruff voice speak, Kurama and Kisa shared a look before an answer was given. "No, I can't interpret all his words but it keeps him entertained when it seems I can."

"So," Hiei bumped his chin on the large ears spread on each side, lips pulsed to ask something. But he shook his head not wanting to question it further. "If all interruptions are complete, could we get on with this interrogation?"

"Of course." Might as well get on with it, Kurama thought. This brazen attitude was stifling to say the least. "First how did you come across Kisa in the first place?"

Hiei hadn't thought the questions would be based on his relationship with the child. He'd assumed these would be personally related for other unknown purposes. Just shows what happens when you jump to conclusions. "I discovered him in the cave during a Winter's Halo bundled in some furs."

"I see." A pause, then. "Have you by any chance seen his mother?"

"She's," Hiei looked down at the sterling foxling and shook his head. His hand pressed down to tuck the pups head in his shirt. "I found her dead near the Serpent's Forest."

In a mild pained sting, Kurama closed his eyes as if to lower the shock of hearing about Fasha's death and shook his head. The damned vixen should've known better to wander off without his notice. She'd dug her own grave by foolishly running away as she did. And now—he opened his eyes—Kisa was left so young and depraved of a mother's care. What was he to do after learning about this?

"Is there more?" Hiei questioned quietly hinting towards impatience. Disturbance lied bare in his voice as a theorized reason for the human's expression surged in the Koorime's mind. If there was a romantic connection with this child's mother and this human to say he would be disgusted would've been putting it mildly.

"Yes, I wanted to ask why you had Kisa in your custody."

"Would you rather I left him there to fend for himself?"

"Perhaps I should've stated it differently," Kurama released a wave of patience through his nose. "What are your intentions with this boy?"

"To take him some place safe. To live with his own kind." Hiei answered on the next beat.

"Do you know where his clan resides?"

"No I don't. I was heading toward the East where a few of the clans lived and hoped that one of them would've adopted him."

Kurama shook his head. "Luckily you didn't take him to that place. Despite their peaceful nature, the Eastern Youkos aren't known for claiming children outside their bloodline. Had you gone that far, Kisa would've been exiled from their lands and left to fend for himself."

The widened eye span spoke volumes of a fact Hiei was fortunate to have learned before making such a long journey. The whole trip would've been done in vain if it were only to have the kit right back at square one; living on his own in this cruel world. Suddenly shadowy thoughts of a consuming darkness clouded over Hiei's vision as his mind ventured away to a time where exile was a familiar ally.

"Rei, I know you and Hina are close, but you must do this for her own good and yours and ours. This Imiko, this boy of fire will slaughter us all."

The young maiden whimpered quietly clinging to the small child in her arms as she whispered, "I'm sorry," for the terrible sin she was forced into committing.

"Do not pity the beast."

An exiled beast. The isolated Imiko.

Fortune has smiled on this child today. Had Hiei not known of this the same twisted destiny bestowed upon him as a baby, would've been granted on Little Fool as well. But where would this lead him now? Hiei had a quest he needed to uphold and having this boy along would only complicate his mission. But…what could he do? Abandonment was out of the question. Hiei knew that feeling all too well of being isolated in a frigid despair that could freeze your soul as chilled as the frosted blizzards.

"Eeep." Hiei glanced down at the round plump face child with such trusting saffron eyes popping from contents of his shirt and sighed. No he wouldn't and couldn't give this boy such a fate. Hiei'd just have to figure something out that, whether it included him in the plans or not the fact remained it would have to be beneficial for them both.

"Demon."

Hiei looked up.

Kurama blinked wearily of the determining factor gradually building in those slanted cerise eyes. "If the case of him being taken to them is now altered, I must ask what do you plan to do now?"

"I," For possibly the umpteen time in a matter of days…Hiei was at a loss of how to correspond with an issue. No quick witted reply or intelligent comeback of any sort. Just an honest and confused whisper of three words he'd ever thought would be associated in the same sentence. "I don't know..."

---

In the cavern grotto connected through a series of glimmering honeycomb tunnels, hidden behind the Youko's hideaway was a enlarge basement hollowed out cavity dimly lit by rows upon rows of multicolored Lamp Weeds and Firefly Snake Vines lining along the winding halls, acting as a guide toward the dead center ring. This was where the elaborates of exquisite quality and texture took place in the forms of plush carpets spanned from one end of the floors to the other. Walls were decorated with the finest and most valuable paintings and on a sizable table, made from the thickest wood, sat every known marauder, sitting idly down it's lengthy measure.

Yoko sat at the head, Kuronue on his left, and Yomi being his second in command, to his right. The remaining group of bandits filled the remaining seats, each carrying on small talk about something or another.

After gracefully raising from his seat, all attention turned to their leader and immediate quietness was demanded. No more talks of whatever could be spoken or uttered unless addressed by Yoko himself. If anything when it came to his men, Yoko was seen as being aloof and leisurely easy going but when it came to matters of upmost importance, he had to exert his authority and keep the memory of why he was in control stabilized firmly.

When order seemed to be in check, Yoko begin his usual praises of the past jobs and flaws needing to be fixed come the next time they deployed on another mission. Very few questions were asked about the activities and planning of another future heist based on when and where the next strike would be and how the strategy should be executed. Besides all the usual concerns and meager practices, nothing major seemed to be of worry from his men. Which was exactly what he needed since what he was about to say could stir up some conflicted issues.

"Alright with all of that settled, there are a couple of changes that need to be addressed." All eyes stayed trained and all mouths stayed quiet as Yoko continued. "Due to a couple of events taking place without my acknowledgement there are two newcomers within our territory that you should be aware of."

Yomi and Kuronue shared a confused look but kept quiet.

Yoko stood tall, clasping his hands behind his back. "A sterling kit named Kisa will most likely take residence here in the care of my cohort. Under deep concerns for his welfare, though the decision isn't firm, I've decided to let him stay with Shuichi till a better option presents itself before me. He is to be placed under our surveillance as long as necessary and no harm is to become him unless issued by myself."

"Hm, why would he wanna take care of a kid not belonging to 'em?" Kuronue questioned quietly to himself.

"Tsk because he's just trying to make up for what he isn't." Yomi blurted, folding his arms defiantly.

"Nah I don't think so."

"Regardless of the reason," Yoko said pointedly to his side men. "I will allow the child to stay on my grounds until I decide what becomes of him. In the meantime my terms are to be held firm and those who disagree are free to walk out that door or be killed for defiance, which ever your sadistic mind is up for." Yoko closed and opened his eyes moving on the next matter. "There is another person who's been brought here without my knowledge. An injured fire demon that was found with the sterling kit that'll also stay here until he feels ready to depart. However I don't plan on allowing him to leave."

Kuronue and Yomi as well as a few others lifted an eyebrow simultaneously.

Seeing the questioning gazes, Yoko elaborated on his reasons why. "As you're aware our next heist will be in the north where a queen lives hidden within a structured heavily guarded but that isn't the issue." He paused looking each man in the eyes. "She's well known for her speed but nothing that can compare to mines. But I can't be the only one who dashes inside to retrieve the jewels hidden in her palace on the first try. I need someone else who can be just as fast or faster and that demon is him."

"How can you be sure he's as fast as you?" One of the bandits asked.

"It was tested unintentionally when I went to see him for myself. I took something of his but he was able to follow my movements despite being weakened. I believe he could be put to good use if properly persuaded."

Kuronue laughed at this. "Yea and if he isn't, how are you gonna make him?"

The most mischievous smile, twice as charming and three times as contagious soon spread from one demon to the next until they were all smirking the same feral grin of devilment. Every last one of them knew whatever Yoko wanted he'd get one way or the other. No matter how it's done. "For now we'll play it by ear and see where it goes."

"When do we meet the newcomer?" Yomi inquired, a bit skeptical about these strangers.

"Tomorrow." Said Yoko and turned to his left. "Kuronue, go to my cavern and check on them there."

"Hell yea!" Kuronue hoped over his chair and ran out as flamboyant as his youthful graces allowed.

"If there's nothing left to discuss, this meeting is dismissed." With that said, everyone stood up and left. Save for the two Head Demons.

"Are you sure about this Yoko?" Asked Yomi, eyeing his leader curiously. "We can do just fine with it being the same ole group. We don't need any extras to add to the load."

"I can understand your concerns about the stress it might bring but I know what I'm doing. This boy," Yoko remembered the steamy flames of those cerise eyes glaring at him evilly and smiled. "I think he'll be just what this clan needs."

Before another word was discussed on the matter, Yoko turned his back to the second commander and departed with the rest of his crew, leaving Yomi to inwardly fume over the latest developments. With more men came the added responsibility of caring for more mouths and unnecessary behaviors. This wasn't something the squads needed dealings with, especially with one of their biggest jobs coming up soon. How could Yoko think to bring more people into something that was perfect as it was? The band was just fine without additions. At least. . . Yomi thought so.

---

Kuronue climbed the makeshift vine latter, pushed open the ground door and shot upward, spreading the raven hue of his wings wide in midair. Gods he hated being cramped in that dirty dungeon. He preferred the wide open spaces and freedom of flying all around without restraints. That came as no surprise to any of the others being as he was one of the youngest members in the band.

As he flew up higher and higher still against the flattening layers of breezy snow flaking his face, Kuronue retracted his feathered ravens and free fell from above, letting the winds and clean breezes tease his olive skin and stings of ebony hair. The lengths of his arms fanned out catching the misty clouds against his limbs. The airy flutters of dampening fog, teased the openings of his clothing while keeping his eyes wide open. The ground was coming near and closer, bringing him that much closer to a gravity. He could see it all from up so high. The fortress, the grounds, and smell the endless wonders of the wintery cleanliness sizzling through his nostrils like clips of sweet ice.

Gods he loved his wings. Nothing could compare to the blessings of being gifted with the freedom of flight and endless adventure in your wait and— "Hello." He said coming to a halt mid plummet. Interesting. Something dark caught his attention exiting from the Youko's cavern. Was that supposed to be—Oh shit that's right he was supposed to check on those newcomers.

Kuronue took a quick nose dive toward his destination, hoping that the leader hadn't come out to discover him goofing off again. But as he fell faster and faster still . . . that dark figure from before, slowly took shape, standing near the edge of the top chambers looking out over the horizon. The entity of gradual coloring began to appear more clearly through his indigo eyes the closer he came and . . . "Wow," he whispered stopping a weak hoover, directly above the quiet demon below.

A sharp intake of breathe, brought the small demon's face to turn upward at the fluttery Chimera demon above who stared with the most peculiar expression of awe struck admiration. Kuronue couldn't look away. Try as he might, nothing could steer his flighty stare from the creature looking up at him with narrowed anixety.

Again the whispered stun of seeing the fierce fire licking in those cerise eyes. "Damn," he hadn't realized that breathless whisper was his own. His indigo gaze, by the slowest degrees took in all of the vision before him, memorizing every single detail.

The gravity defiance that dark black hair spiked in misshapened barbs, tangled with the lightening strokes of pure silver. A youthful face, angled cheek books, smooth peached skin and . . . possibly the most stunning colored eyes he'd ever seen.

Like the fire of calamity that burned through hell and swallow the surfaces of whatever it claimed in its heat, Kuronue tilted his head to the side as an enticing smile curled his lips.

"Hmm," It seems those chaotic flames of twisted destruction have blossomed the beginnings of fire in him as well.

---

TBC: Interesting development. It'll keep getting interesting guys. Things will stir a little in the next chapter ^_^.