______The teacher smiled. "Minamino, you can be the prince," she announced. Noises were heard. "I wanna be the princess," said a girl named Yuri. The teacher smiled. "Chotto matte," she said, scanning the names in the file.

______Minamino had to attend the drama practice. Someone had written down his name and the teacher was so happy that he decided to join in. Telling the teacher that he wasn't interested was only going to break her heart.

______So he sighed, trying desperately not to find that idiot who signed up his name and give him to his Makai, flesh eating plants. And because of this, he had to stay back after school.

______"Tasuki, you become the Emperor and Bulma, you can be the Empress," said the teacher. They nodded. Kurama glanced over at the two characters. Tasuki and Bulma. Both were the seniors of Meiow High School and seemed to be popular among them. Of course Kurama was popular too, but not many of the seniors know him well as he was only in form 2.

______Both faces were serene, almost serious. Smiled softly if were spoken to and gave very good response on everything. Looks like a couple of responsible students, just like Kurama himself. But looks can be deceiving. These two are the seniors' most cunning occult disciple Meiow High could produce. They have no bad intentions though.

______But no one knows…

______Tasuki and Bulma walked over to the table and looked at the script. They took it and handed it to everyone.

______"Tasuki-san, Bulma-san, I want to go to the toilet. Can you take care of them first?" requested the teacher after she finished giving everyone their characters.

______Tasuki nodded. Bulma took the script and flipped through the pages. "I am going to divide you guys into different groups. "Group 1, Palace inhabitants. Group 2, normal citizens and group 3, the bandits. You know which group you are in, and get into it now," she said.

______All of them nodded. Kurama looked at his character. Must be in the 'Palace Inhabitants' group. He smiled, thinking of the way she represented it. She's weird. He decided.

______The Palace Inhabitants group consists of the Emperor, Empress, Bishop, Royal Guards, Prince, and a few other characters more.

______Tasuki smiled at Kurama. "Nice to have you here, Minamino-kun," he told Kurama. Kurama nodded. "Let's start by reading our lines. Follow who you are, don't mess up," said Tasuki.

______Bulma was first to speak, but then she paused. She looked out the window and frowned. Tasuki narrowed his eyes at her. "Daijobu, empress?" he asked, slightly smiling. Bulma turned back her attention to Tasuki. "Em… nothing. Can I talk to you later?" she asked. Tasuki nodded. "Yeah, sure…," he said.

______Kurama bit his lower lip. Did Bulma actually feel Hiei? Kurama knew he was out there. And what did he want?

______The teacher came back shortly afterwards and guided them. Kurama was new in this stuff and was having quite a hard time trying to impersonate the character's expressions and voice control.

______He finally turned to Bulma for her help since Tasuki was too busy with repeating a line for another cast member.

______"To make your voice snotty…," she said, coming up with a jar of peanut butter and a spoon. She scooped a spoonful out. "Put this inside your mouth and stick it on your palate," she said, pointing at the roof inside of her mouth.

______Kurama put the peanut butter and placed it on his palate. He tried hard not to swallow it. Bulma looked at him. "Now, try saying… Hello," she suggested.

______Kurama swallowed and opened his mouth. "Hyelrow…," he said. Bulma smiled. "Try harder, practice makes perfect," she said and went over to the others.

______It ended at nearly 5 o'clock. Kurama rushed home to do his homework. "Tadaima, kaasan!" he called out. "Aa… Shuu-chan, why are you late?" asked Shiori. "Gomen kaasan, I was having a play practice in school," he said. Shiori smiled. "Have you eaten lunch?" she asked. Kurama nodded even though he hadn't eaten anything. He just had enough of peanut butter.

______Tasuki and Bulma were responsible for locking the hall after their use for the play. Bulma was clearing the tables when she saw a script book under a few other papers. She took it and looked at it.

______Shuuichi Minamino, she read, Silly, you'll need this to practice. He must be in a hurry or something, she said and took it together with his other papers.

______Tasuki and Bulma walked out of the school together. "Ano, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" asked Tasuki. "I felt an unusual qi just now. Not a reiki, but a youki," she told Tasuki.

______"Really? What's it doing in the hall?" he asked. "No, it's not inside… but outside. Seems like it's looking over someone," she said. "Nah, don't worry. Maybe it's just another of those small devils," he smiled. Bulma nodded and shrugged. "But I think it has to do with Minamino Shuuichi," she added. Tasuki blinked.

______Tasuki widened his eyes. "Honto ka?" he asked. Bulma shrugged. "It's just a maybe… I'm not too sure. But the worried looks on Minamino's face were… Nah, just forget it," she shrugged the subject off. Tasuki shrugged and touched Bulma's hand.

______"Care to come to my house later this evening? I found a new spell in the basement," he told her, slightly smiling. Bulma returned the smile and nodded. "Yeah sure… but I wanted to find out more about this Minamino-kun. I think there's something more to it than a mere top junior student," she said in her normal suspicious tone.

______Tasuki laughed. "Yeah, and tell me weather if he's a youkai or a living dead," he joked and turned to the left to his house. "Ja na," he waved goodbye at his partner. Bulma nodded and walked to the park.

______Now what excuse can I come up with to see Minamino? she asked herself. Then her eyes gleamed excitedly. "Yeah, I'll just give him back his script book and dig some information from him," she said to herself, slightly giggling evilly.

______If this Minamino guy is a youkai or something associated to that, it'll be fun to ask him to join them.

______Kurama had even wrote his address on the script book. So that was a no problem in finding his house.

______"Ano Shuu-chan, kaasan would be… ah! Konnichiwa Hiei!" greeted Shiori as she went into the kitchen. She wanted to tell her son that she wanted to go and do some grocery shopping. Hiei gave her a small nod. "Kaasan is going to get some groceries. Take care, cook your own dinner would you? I think I would be late," she said, winking at her son.

______Kurama nodded and smiled back. "Have a good time with Hatanaka- san!" he hollered from the kitchen. Shiori blushed and closed the door behind her.

______"What's with all that?" asked Hiei. "Kaasan is going out on a date," he told the koorime. "Date? Hn… ningens…," he muttered, walking over to the fridge. Kurama turned and put the tea on the table. "Now, eating that would spoil your appetite, botchan," he joked. "Shut up. I eat what I want," snorted Hiei and opened the carton of ice-cream.

______"Sweet snow…," he uttered almost amazingly like every time he opened the ice-cream carton. Kurama tossed him a spoon. "You love that so much, you can take it to bed with you," said Kurama sarcastically, sipping his tea.

______"Good idea," said Hiei sarcastically back. "I would love to cuddle up with sweet snow instead of a warm perverted fox whose always craving for sex," snapped the koorime. Kurama frowned. "That's not completely polite to say, Hiei," said Kurama.

______Hiei looked at Kurama from the corner of his eyes. "I could tell you more 'polite' stuff if you want. Just keep annoying me while I eat this," he gritted his teeth. Kurama smiled. "You snotty little darling," sighed Kurama, sipping more of the tea.

______Bulma pushed the doorbell and waited for a moment. "Looks like we have company Hiei," said Kurama, standing up heading for the door. He managed to brush his slender fingers between Hiei's hair as he passed the koorime who's busy eating ice-cream.

______Kurama opened the door and was met with solemn crystal blue eyes. "Ah, Bulma-san… ohairi," he invited her in, stepping aside to give her room. Bulma nodded and walked in. Kurama closed the door and smiled. "Is there anything I could help you?" he asked.

______Bulma paused as she sensed the exactly same youki. This time it was clearer and it was definitely in this very house. "I came to return your stuff you left in the hall," she uttered in a smooth liquid tone.

______"Ano… doumo arigatou, Bulma-san. I was in a hurry just now," said Kurama, taking back his script book and papers. "Why don't you come and have tea with me in the kitchen," he offered. Bulma looked at her watch and shrugged. "Mochiroa, I still have time," she said.

______Bulma followed Kurama into the kitchen. There! that source of youki. That figure sitting over there… eating ice-cream?! What's wrong here? A devil eating ice-cream? Is Minamino raising youkais?

______Bulma eyed the little red eyed boy who seems to be eyeing her too. "Please, have a seat," said Kurama while making tea. She got a place across Hiei and narrowed her eyes at him. Hiei paused at shoving ice-creams and thought that this was a staring competition, deciding that he would participate in it.

______Kurama came back and sighed. "Why Hiei… don't glare at people like that, would you?" he said. The angry youkai broke the stare and returned to his ice-cream. Kurama placed the tea in front of Bulma and she took it, sipping carefully.

______"Actually, I have another reason to come by," she said, still looking at the koorime from time to time. Kurama widened his eyes. He was sure there was something unusual with this girl and he's going to dig it.

______"I know this guy was around before," she told Kurama. Hiei stop eating. He was finished and held the hilt of his katana that he placed on the chair next to him.

______"He's that youkai just now, wasn't he?" asked Bulma. Kurama narrowed his eyes. "How did you know?" asked Kurama. Bulma smirked. "I'm an occult disciple. I could sense youkis and devastating reikis," she explained.

______"My partner Tasuki is a powerful occult apostle. He had somehow managed to get powers as powerful as a higher B-class youkai," she told them. "B-class?" echoed Hiei. Bulma was surprised with the low tones that Hiei produced, despite his small lithe body.

______She nodded. "That's why I suspected that you're somehow connected to the youki outside just now and decided to check you out. Are you raising devils?" asked Bulma.

______He stood. "He doesn't raise me! I…" but Hiei was silenced by Kurama who put a finger on his mouth. Bulma bit her lower lips. She could sense a very powerful youki rise just now from within Hiei's body.

______"He's dangerous," noted Bulma. "Okay, since we're in the same line… I might as well tell you. But don't get this spread all over school okay?" Kurama made a deal. Bulma smirked. "Does anyone in school know I'm an occult disciple?" she asked Kurama. Kurama smiled.

______He told Bulma about who they really are and Bulma told Kurama and Hiei about Tasuki, who got challenged by a powerful Makai creature.

______"I and Tasuki alone can't possibly win the challenge," said Bulma. "What's this challenge about?" asked Kurama. "Well, this woman named Mukuro had found me and Tasuki in her territory and captured us. We told her that we're just practicing occult humans and we're trying to understand devils. Tasuki told her that he's as powerful as a B-class youkai and she challenged him," Bulma told Kurama and Hiei.

______Hiei stood up in mentioning Mukuro's name. "You know Mukuro?" asked Bulma, gesturing Hiei. Hiei smirked. "Well, you'll definitely loose," he said casually. "Why? We haven't tried yet," argued Bulma.

______"She's an S-class. You're just B-class. It takes all the B-class youkais to defeat even an A-class. A B-class dreaming of defeating an S- class youkai?" reasoned Hiei.

______Bulma bit her lips. "Well, when we agreed to the challenge we didn't know that she was an S-class demon! Oh great! What am I going to do now?! Tasuki will be fried for sure!" Kurama took a glance at the koorime but Hiei's face remained expressionless, as if he didn't have any care in the world. "Maybe we can help you," Kurama hinted, still looking at Hiei, who’s stubbornly remaining silent. Bulma frowned then stood up. "I have to tell Tasuki about this! Can I use your phone?" Kurama nodded and pointed the phone out to her. Grabbing the receiver she dialed Tasuki's number.

______"Moshi-moshi?"

______"Hello Tasuki! This is Bulma. We are in very big trouble!"

______"Huh? Do desu ka?"

______"Mukuro's an S-class demon!"

______"Nani?! Y-you're not serious?!"

______"Well I got it from a reliable source that..."

______All the while Bulma was on the phone with Tasuki, Kurama and Hiei meanwhile were having a whispered argument of their own.

______"Well, why didn't you say anything? This is Mukuro they are talking about! You know very well they don't stand a chance against her!"

______Hiei shrugged. "Well, what do you want me to say? It's not like I could do anything about it!" Kurama frowned at him. "You could talk to Mukuro. You know she'd listen to anything that you would have to say." Hiei answered him with a small "Hn" and continued sulking in silence at the table.

______Kurama was about to say more when Bulma-san appeared at the doorway, a sad expression on her face. "Tasuki told me not to worry; that he would train hard to beat Mukuro but we all know that's near to impossible!" She slumped down on the chair, shaking her head, "I just wish there was some way to help him!" Kurama bit his lip; he felt sorry for Bulma and a little bit irritated at Hiei's insensitivity.

______Hiei meanwhile just sat in his chair like a lump, the ice cream dripping on the tabletop unnoticed by now.

______Bulma then looked up, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Even S-class demons have their weaknesses right? I mean, there must be something that can stun her at least just a bit, right?" Kurama raised an eyebrow at her.

______"What I mean to say is," Bulma said, trying to explain herself, "That if there are any visible weaknesses you know about Mukuro I would be forever grateful if you could tell me! It would help Tasuki a lot, you know..." Kurama took another glance at Hiei and when he didn't respond, Kurama turned back to Bulma and asked politely, "Would you like to stay for dinner? Maybe then we can figure out a way for you both to get out of this." Bulma nodded her thanks and Kurama went about setting the table up.

______Trying to be a good host, Kurama served the food first before letting his guest get back to the problem. When they were both finished eating Kurama leaned back against his chair and Bulma looked at him worriedly. Kurama shrugged, catching sight of the expression on her face. "Well, I don't know Mukuro much so I am not really the right person to ask," he admitted with regret. Bulma leaned forward, "Even any small piece of information I can use, I'd be very glad," she prodded. Kurama scratched his head. "Well, I know she's a Makai warlord and one of the three main rulers of the place." Bulma's eyes widened and she slumped back. "Oh, that's certainly going to help!" she said exasperated, "Now I really feel doomed!"

______"Hey, it's okay!" Kurama said soothingly, patting her back, "Don't worry. I told you we'll try to find a way out of it for you guys. Just head home and take a rest, Bulma-san. You look like you really need it!"

______Bulma stood up, a sad expression on her face. She waved goodbye to her two hosts. Kurama walked her out to the door, trying hard to cheer her up. When he had seen her off down the road he returned to the kitchen to find Hiei's place empty and Hiei himself gone. Sighing, Kurama picked the dishes up and started to rinse them out. When he had finally rinsed out the last dish, Kurama headed upstairs for a small nap.

______He had just changed into a fresh new pair of clothes when he heard the doorbell ring from downstairs. Wondering who would be ringing the doorbell at this time, Kurama trudged downstairs to open the door, only to find a very worried looking Bulma standing outside.

______"Gomen nasai," she told Kurama before he had the chance to say anything, "But I passed by Tasuki's house just a few minutes ago and he wasn't home. H-he… he left me a note instead…" Kurama cocked his head to one side. "Well, what did it say?"

______"He's gone to finish up Mukuro!" Bulma screeched, almost on the bridge of hysterics, "Right after I called he left and he didn't tell me anything about it because he didn't want me to get hurt. He knew that if he had dragged me along both of us would have had to suffer, but instead he just left himself so I would be kept safe. Kurama, we have to do something! Tasuki's gonna die if we leave him in the hands of Mukuro!"

______Kurama nodded. "Stay calm," he told her, "We'll help him don't worry… just stay calm, okay?" Bulma nodded. "So how long ago did he leave?" Kurama asked. Bulma frowned. "He's been gone for hours already and I took so many detours on the way home that I didn't get to Tasuki's house that fast. I wasn't even planning to go but something just told me to check on him. Imagine if I didn't, he'd be Tasuki-toast by now!"

______"Who said he wasn't already?" Kurama told her. "Kurama!" she belted out as he laughed. "I'm just kidding," he told her, "Just let me lock the doors and we're out of here!"

______Tasuki panted as he tried to support himself from the ground. He was covered with lacerations and had a billion head wounds slashed across his face. Well, it felt like a billion anyway as his head started throbbing like mad. Mukuro meanwhile stood her ground a few feet away from him, a triumphant smile on her lips. "It's not everyday I get a sparring partner as determined as you," she told him smiling wryly, "But I always get my way in the end anyway so it's time to say your last good-byes, twerp, before I finish you off."

______Tasuki pushed himself back up to his feet, his balance just a bit rocky. "I told you, I'm not giving up!" he gasped out. Mukuro gave an evil laugh and shrugged," Suit yourself. It's not my funeral!" Mukuro put her hands together, forming a very strong qi-ball to hurl at him while Tasuki tried to stand his ground. So busy were they both to win or stay alive that they didn't notice a rustle in the bush. One look at Tasuki and Bulma let out a high pitched scream. Before Mukuro could react, Bulma stood squarely in front of Tasuki to protect him and raised her hands forward. "Cha ah no su ma!" she chanted and hurled a gigantic qi-blast that looked like a spiral electric wave at Mukuro.

______Taken by surprise, Mukuro’s qi-ball exploded right in her face, sending her slamming into a tree. When she didn't get up, Bulma shivered and dropped limply to her knees. Tasuki crawled over to Bulma and put his arm around her while she continued shivering. "What are you doing here?!" he hissed.

______Bulma shrugged. "Well, it's not as if I didn't save your life you know. If I didn't come when I was supposed to do, you think you'd still be alive right now?" she shot back.

______Tasuki smiled at her softly. "So go already. I can manage. Thanks a lot, okay? Now go!"

______Bulma pulled away from him. "Well, thanks a lot! Is that how you repay an act of kindness?! You know, you're to stubborn for your own good Tasuki. Can't you get it in your thick skull that you can't beat her alone!" she told him angrily. Tasuki frowned. "It's not that, Bulma," he told her seriously and shaking, he stood up, moving in front of her.

______"Mukuro isn't dead yet or even hurt in the least bit, I think. Something fishy is going on here and I'm telling you...I don't really like the smell of things." Bulma looked around. She saw Mukuro move a little but… that was it!

______She was about to give Tasuki another reprimand when something, or ‘someone’ zipped past her.

______In a flash, a small creature seemed to be bending over Mukuro and Tasuki was instantly on his guard. "It must be one of her demons," Tasuki whispered, "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

______Bulma took a look at what Tasuki was talking about and her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my god! It's Hiei!" she said shocked and grabbed Tasuki's arm as he prepared to slice the demon into pieces with his razor fan.

______"You know this person?" Tasuki asked Bulma and she nodded. "He's a friend," she said by means of an explanation and waved over at Hiei.

______"Over here Hiei! We're alright, don't worry!" But to Bulma's surprise, what met her eyes was an expression of pure hatred as Hiei turned his face towards her direction. Pulling out his katana, he lowered Mukuro to the ground and advanced towards the two friends, eyes blazing with anger.

______"H-Hiei? A-are you alright? It's me Bulma...and--and this is my friend Tasuki..." But Hiei still glared at the both of them with hate. "You're no B-class demons," he hissed out, "You planned this whole thing didn't you?! Now I know why you were fishing for her weaknesses. What did she ever do to you?!" Hiei charged at them with his sword but Tasuki was able to block him using the razor tinges of the fan. Bulma cringed behind him. "Hiei," she shouted, "What's wrong with you?! Mukuro is the enemy!"

______Hiei's qi radiated hotly around him. "Enemy?! I owe her my life, damn it!" he roared, "And I'm gonna make you pay for what you've done!" "Stop it, Hiei!" a voice shouted, stopping him in his tracks. Kurama stood at the edge of the grove, a rose whip in hand. Hiei's eyes hardened. "Get out of here Kurama, this is none of your business!" he said gruffly and raised his katana to strike down again.

______But Kurama caught him in the nick of time as his whip slashed through Hiei's hands, holding his wrists in a tight grip. Kurama ran to cover his two companions and recoiled his whip, momentarily making Hiei drop his sword.

______"Listen to me Hiei, they aren't enemies. This is another trick of Mukuro's!" But Hiei was beyond all reasoning as he rubbed his wrists where the thorns dug in. Raising his eyes to meet Kurama's, he glared at him, the pain of deceit throbbing inside of him.

How could Kurama do this to me? And how could he protect people he hardly even knew and hurt his… his… :… What am I? What am I to Kurama? Nothing??? …The words rang inside his head.

______He was nothing.

______Just a forbidden child; just another one of those outcasts that no one could or would love. Not someone as popular and as handsome and sweet as Kurama and no one could ever love a nobody like him.

______He knew that now. Hiei gritted his teeth hard, his hands balling up into fists. Kurama's expression softened. "I'm sorry I did that, Hiei. But I had to get through to you somehow. You were almost going to kill them. Here, let me suck the thorns out." He reached a hand towards Hiei's wrists and Hiei immediately swatted his hand away. "I don't need you or any of your help!" he spat out, "I'd rather rot in hell!" Hiei knew what he said was already overboard but he couldn't help himself. He had to make Kurama feel the hurt that he was feeling right now. Grabbing his sword from the ground he turned away and carried Mukuro off with him, leaving Kurama shouting after him in vain.

______Turning his face away, Hiei thought, :… Never again. I'm never going to let myself be deceived that way again! …:

______Kurama watched as Hiei's figure became a mere shadow in the distance. His hands were shaking and his heart felt like it was being bashed into a million pieces. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see Bulma looking at him, a worried expression on her face. "Kurama-kun, are you alright?" Kurama took a deep breath and gave her a shaky smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I see your friend isn't though. He seems to be losing a lot of blood." Bulma nodded. "Do you think there is any hospital or medical center around here somewhere? We've got to get him a doctor… fast!" Kurama shook his head. "They all work for Mukuro and I don't think it's a good idea to seek out their help at all." Bulma frowned. "So what are we going to do? If we don't get him to a doctor soon he’s going to die!" Kurama bit his lip. "Well, there is one solution."

______"What is it?" Bulma asked frantically. Kurama draped one of Tasuki's arms around his shoulder. "If it's okay with you to cross a few rocky places we'll reach Yomi's territory and maybe there we could ask for help." Bulma nodded. "By this time anything's fine with me!"

______They walked on, supporting Tasuki while they hiked up steep spots. After a strenuous three-hour walk to the borders of Yomi's kingdom Kurama gasped out to take a breath.

______"Man... Bulma, your friend is very heavy. Did anyone ever tell him to go on a diet?!" Bulma laughed. "That's what you call muscle, you loon! That's why he's totally heavy." Wiping a hand past his brow, Kurama looked around. "Well, this is Yomi's kingdom alright. If I remember well I--" Before Kurama could finish his sentence somebody grabbed him from behind and shoved a drugged cloth in front of his face. Kurama struggled but to no avail as he saw darkness surround him and he fell into unconsciousness. The last thing he heard was a scream...then silence.

______When Kurama finally woke up he found himself in a dark and dingy cell. A cell guard suddenly opened the door and pulled him to his feet. "The master wants to talk to you," he said in a gruff tone and dragged Kurama to the throne room.

______Bulma and Tasuki were already huddled in one corner as Kurama entered the court and he ran to them to see if they were okay. Bulma nodded and she was about to ask him if he was hurt when a loud booming voice interrupted her.

______"Ah, so we meet again eh, Kurama?" Kurama stiffened, his voice a bit strained, "Yes, I believe so Yomi. We came here to ask for your help." There was a long pause before Yomi burst out laughing. "Me? Help you? Let's evaluate shall we? Once when we were young you had me killed, but I overcame that of course. And I made you general of my troops and you went against me. Twice you have deceived me. And I am supposed to help you?!" Kurama clenched his fists.

______"It's to your best interests Yomi. Mukuro is looking for these fugitives, who happen to be my friends." Yomi smiled, no… it’s more like a grin!

______"Having Mukuro's enemies isn't my best interest Kurama," he chuckled lightly, "But I will help them if you agree to one condition." Kurama looked at him warily. "What's the condition?"

______"You have to be my slave for a day. Anything I say goes. Do you agree?" Kurama tried to control himself from strangling Yomi but he knew he'd probably get into even worse trouble if he even tried. "What if I say no?" he told him stiffly. Yomi shrugged. "Then you can either go back to Mukuro and have her roast you three over an open fire or I can keep you in my dungeon till you rot there. Or you can be my slave of course; it actually sounds like the better of the three. So what will it be?"

______"Do I have a choice?" Kurama spat back. Yomi smiled. "Good then. Now can you please get me that glass of ale by the counter, servant? And while you're at it, wash my feet please?"

______Kurama bit his lips and chewed on it while he walked over to the bar counter. Bulma eyed the redhead while still had a drained Tasuki in her arms. Feeling sorry for him. If Tasuki hadn’t been that big of an asshole, Kurama wouldn’t have to suffer this.

______Kurama walked over to Yomi with a tall glass, filled with light purple colored liquid. Yomi took it and raised his feet. He then placed the glass down to the table next to his throne. Kurama sighed and began to bent down a bit when Yomi grabbed him and place him on his lap. "Forget that," he whispered softly in Kurama’s ears.

______Bulma widened her eyes as she saw the horned man kissed her friend…

______Hiei carried Mukuro back to the palace and lay her down in one of the large canopy beds. Opening one eye she smiled at Hiei. But Hiei was in no mood to smile and gruffly grabbed some bandages from inside the closet and set to bandaging her arm which she claimed was "broken."

______"What's getting you down? I'm the one with the broken limbs here!" she asked and ran a hand through Hiei's soft hair. Hiei jumped away, startled. Kurama used to do that to his hair! Gritting his teeth he forced himself not to think about the red-headed fox who broke his heart. He'd never think about Kurama again. From now on, he never even existed to him! This was to Mukuro's liking, after all, she was there to comfort him and supposedly "mend" his heart.

______"Thank you for saving me," she whispered in his ear softly, "If you didn't come at the time you did I would have been dead by now." Hiei grunted a reply back and continued bandaging. Mukuro could see though that Hiei did not regret the fact and decided to push further. "I saw how Kurama pushed you away, Hiei. How he chose those two over you."

______Mukuro felt the bandage around her arm tighten as Hiei tried to suppress his feelings from her and from himself. "I don't care," he bit out, "That fox means nothing to me!" Mukuro gave him a seductive smile, "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that!" Before Hiei could react, she pushed him down to the bed with her other free hand and moved on top of him. Pinning him, down she ran her tongue down the side of his throat, nipping at the sensitive skin between his neck and his shoulder blade. Hiei tried to struggle away but Mukuro had him firmly pinned down on to the bd. "Shhh, don't fight it," she whispered into his ear before nibbling it, "Just let yourself go." Hiei noticed that for a girl with a broken arm, Mukuro sure was strong!

______It dawned on him then that perhaps Mukuro was just faking it all and asked her, anger building up in his voice, "So how's the arm? It's not really broken… is it?!"

______Mukuro smiled. "Of course not, or else I wouldn't have been able to seduce you, would I? I've wanted you for the longest time, Hiei but things just kept getting in the way." :… especially that damned fox …: she continued mentally as she pressed her lips down on his and slid her tongue across his lips, gently teasing him to open up to her.

______Hiei felt white hot anger flare through him and he pushed Mukuro away with all his might. Standing up he glared at her, "You lied to me! And all this time I thought Kurama was lying and I wouldn't listen to him because of you! You planned this all out didn't you? If I wasn't there I bet you would have finished off those two without a second thought. But you used them, just like you used me! And I hurt the only thing that's ever meant anything to me because of you!!" Mukuro rolled her eyes.

______"Come back to bed Hiei. Kurama hurt you remember? It's time to put aside your past and forget about him. I can make you forget, if you let me." Hiei turned away. "Goodbye Mukuro," he told her icily and jumped out the window to look for Kurama, Mukuro's voice echoing behind him, calling his name. He remembered how Kurama called him back also and how he didn't listen. The pain of the memory cut through him like a knife. Kurama's face clouded his mind, the pain hidden beneath the depths of those beautiful green eyes. Green like emeralds filled with unshed tears.

______Hiei felt like slashing himself as he remembered the words that he had uttered and how he had hurt Kurama badly. :… I'm going to find him and do anything in my power to get him back! …: Hiei was still unused to the weakness he was feeling but somehow, deep in his heart, he knew that if Kurama never forgave him, his world would shatter into a million pieces.

______"Kurama, I have one more thing to ask of you." Kurama looked up wearily from where he was bowing. Yomi had kept him running errands the whole day. Not just any ordinary errands but things that would make him make a fool out of himself and he noticed that Yomi was getting some slight kick to see him humiliated.

______"What is it you want now, master?" Kurama asked wearily. "Stand in front of me," Yomi commanded to which Kurama obeyed, oblivious to what Yomi was planning to do. "Wear this blindfold over you eyes." he told him, handing him a small piece of cloth. "Why? Kurama asked suspiciously. "So that for once in your life you'll know how I feel."

______When Kurama hesitated Yomi commanded harshly, "Just do it." Kurama tied the black cloth around his eyes and waited for further orders. Surely, this couldn't be worse than the time Yomi had him scrub the canals with a toothbrush. Kurama then realized that scrubbing the canals was much better than what Yomi had in store for him. He felt Yomi's hands caress the sides of his neck, moving down to the top of his shirt. Slowly he began unbuttoning the shirt, trailing his fingers down Kurama's smooth chest, resting on his abdomen. Kurama gave a slight gasp and pleaded out, "Please Yomi, stop it."

______"Silence," he commanded him and slowly traced his hands down into Kurama's pants, cupping the erection that was throbbing from within. He slid his fingers back and forth Kurama's throbbing manhood with slow, erotic movements. Kurama clenched his fists at his sides, trying to control his reactions. Um… erections.

______There was only one person who he’d allow to touch him like that. The only one person he would give himself wholeheartedly to. And now he’s gone. Thinking that he’d betrayed him. Inari… what had made Hiei think of that?

______Kurama heard a slight thud as Yomi's hands stopped their teasing. "Hiei… forgive me," he uttered softly as he felt the hands finger the edge of his pants. Slowly, he felt them pulling what was left of his clothing down to the floor and they started their slow exploration of his body again, tracing circles around his abdomen, tweaking his nipples and running his tongue around to suckle them.

______God, how he was glad that Bulma and Tasuki were down in the regenerating chambers. And not witnessing this inopportune scene. And thinking that if there were, how could he even go to school without being haunted by nightmares?

______Kurama was having a hard time controlling himself, eliciting short, tiny gasps every now and then, Finally, when he was sure he couldn't take anymore of the torture, he felt the hands brace themselves against his chest and a warm tongue flick at the tiny, inviting pearlescent drop that was positioned at the top of his arousal. "Please stop it, Yomi… please," Kurama whispered, stifling a groan. Instead, he felt a warm mouth engulf his erection and suckle at his penis until he was sure he could stand it no more.

______A small moan escaped Kurama's lips as he felt the surges of ecstasy race through his body, building up to one earth-shattering orgasm. Shaking, Kurama grew limp as his torturer drank in the last drop of his seed and almost crumpled to the ground if strong arms did not catch him. As the blindfold was lifted, Kurama refused to open his eyes, a small tear escaping from his eyelids and down to his cheeks. He was surprised to feel a soft tongue lick away the tears. Slowly he opened his eyes and found himself looking straight into two beautiful ruby-red eyes that could only belong to Hiei. "H-Hiei? What are you doing here?" Hiei smiled, "Looking for you. And when I saw this pervert molesting my fox I thought that I better do something about it." Looking down, Kurama noticed that Yomi lay ungracefully on the carpet, unconscious. Looking back at Hiei he asked, "But I thought you didn't want anything to do with me?" Pain flashed through Hiei's face and Kurama was immediately sorry he even mentioned it. He tried apologizing to Hiei but Hiei wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. "No, it's me who should apologize," gruffly he said, "I'm sorry." Kurama put a hand on Hiei's soft hair and stroked it gently as Hiei's head was bowed down to receive his fox's punishment. Kurama knew how hard it was for his friend to admit he was wrong, what more to apologize and even simple as it was said, Kurama couldn't help feeling like he received a really valuable gift---the knowledge that Hiei after all, cared even just a little bit for him. Raising his chin up, Kurama brushed his lips softly on Hiei's and pulled back a bit just to see his reaction.

______Hiei had his eyes closed and blinked his eyes open as he realized that was all he was going to get. "Is that all I get for knocking him out?" Hiei asked, pointing at Yomi. Kurama laughed. "Hiei no baka. I just thought you might not be ready for anything else after all that happened."

______"Hn. Stupid fox," Hiei said gruffly as he moved towards Kurama, his mouth inches away. "Kurama-kun!" Bulma called out while entering the room. Kurama and Hiei hurriedly pulled away from each other and turned to look at Bulma.

______"O-oops" she exclaimed guiltily. A blush slowly spread across Kurama's face and Hiei regarded her coolly. "Kurama, you and--- oh, sorry. I--wait a minute, isn't he--?!" she said nervously, her hand immediately reaching for a weapon. "It's okay, Bulma-san, we've made up," Kurama explained, guessing her motives. Bulma's hand dropped to her side but she still eyed Hiei suspiciously. After on brief, tense moment she finally let down her guard and smiled at them both. "I guess you both want to be alone then?" she asked, giving Kurama a knowing look. Kurama shrugged. "Why were you calling me?"

______"I just wanted to tell you that we could leave this place. Tasuki says he can get up, being the stupid baka that he is. And I didn't want to see you suffer.. umm...?" Bulma replied, looking down at what--or who--lay on the carpet. "Hiei's doings," Kurama explained. "Let's get out of here then!" he continued, as he got dressed. With his back to Bulma and Hiei standing behind him.

************

______"We have one other problem though," Bulma told Kurama as the four of them left Yomi's palace. Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Nani?" "We need an emperor for the play. Tasuki is... er, unavailable at the moment." said Bulma, gesturing at Tasuki who has broken legs and arms.

______"But we don't know any other person who would fit the role perfectly, and in such a short time too!" Tasuki said sadly. "Oh yes we do!" Kurama said, a smile spreading across his face. "Who?" Tasuki asked. All eyes immediately turned to Hiei.

______" Me?!!" ***********

______Empress Bulma turned, her costume swayed along with her movement. She sat next to her Emperor. "As the country is now back to it’s normal peacefulness, you are to be rewarded," she chanted. Her posh face was full of looks and expressions.

______Emperor Hiei nodded once. His son, prince Shuuichi was to be rewarded. "As a reward… I should let my throne be passed on to you, Prince Shuuichi. The rightful heir to it. May god bless you with it and I hope you rule this country wisely and impartially," announced Emperor Hiei.

______He stood up and gestured the kneeling Prince Shuuichi to do so as well. Prince Shuuichi carefully straightened up on his two feet and bowed at Emperor Hiei.

______The emperor handed the prince a carefully crafted katana as a sign that his prince would now officially be the new ruler of the country. The new emperor. Emperor Shuuichi.

______"With this you are to be the new Emperor of this country, do you accept?" asked the Emperor. Prince Shuuichi nodded and now he is to be called Emperor Shuuichi. "Yes I do," he answered in his sweet alto voice.

______Empress Bulma got up and walked to the Emperor. "We should reward Princess Yuri also, your highness," Emperor Hiei nodded and called the Princess up. "You are to be the new Queen of this country, do you accept that?" asked the emperor. Princess Yuri was a bit too over excited about this and quickly nodded. The emperor bit his lips and rolled his eyes. *How typical…*.

______"Yes," she said enthusiastically. She’s getting worse in controlling her emotions and keeping it in check. Hiei had even thinking of frying her off and find another replacement when he realized that they would all be the same.

______The empress gave Princess Yuri a kiss on the forehead and fastened an ancient necklace that have been worn by every queen of this country.

______Claps were heard as the curtains fell back into places. Everyone stood up. Including Tasuki which was wearing a cast and was hanging to his clutches, enthusiastically clapping. All the casts ran up the stage in a straight line.

______The curtains were pulled back and all the cast bowed.

"Congratulations Minamino!", "You were great Shuuichi!" , "The prince was sooo gorgeous!!" Kurama tried escaping all the girls… and guys… who seemed to be throwing flowers and praises to him on stage. The play turned out to be a success and Hiei did a wonderful job of being the emperor.

______This proved, size doesn’t matter…

______He tried looking for him after the show but the little fire demon was nowhere to be seen. Kurama hoped that he wasn't mad about Yuri, his leading lady again. He smiled at the memory. He didn't know Hiei had a tendency to be very jealous! Somehow it made Kurama feel special.

______Reaching the quiet of his dressing room, Kurama wondered whether Hiei was really mad at him. It hurt him a bit too that Hiei couldn't trust him. He was about to leave the room when he caught sight of a bouquet of roses on the dressing table. Probably from one of my fans again, he thought, sighing and picked it up to read the card.

Dear Prince Kurama,

You and Yuri were great tonight. But tell her you'll always be my fox. Ai shiteru, kitsune.

I'll be waiting...

The Emperor

______Kurama smiled, grabbing the flowers as he hurried back to his house where he knew Hiei would be waiting, ready for him. He remembered how the audience thought Yuri was his girlfriend because they acted so well together. He couldn't stop himself from grinning as he thought about how the audience would react if they found out that it wasn't really the princess the prince liked, but the emperor!

Onaji… Ai shiteru , my koorime , Kurama thought as he headed towards his house, I'm coming

Owari… ^_^

Well, there ya go..a little ficcie by me and Bulma-chan... I have to thank her soo much for the ides...she can be soo inspiring! hehehe...I hope ya enjoyed anyway, coz it was total fin making this with her...and all the cool conversations in between hehehe...

Ja ne!

Tasukimi

Bulma Briefs
UIN# 13254597
bulma_v_briefs@hotmail.com
http://members.tripod.com/~Bulma_Briefs/manga_mansion.html