Drabble Days

The story continues (a little)! Happy Reading! 

Well, things certainly didn’t go as planned. He was given intel that an ice maiden now dwelled in the temple of the deceased psychic. He knew how they’d turn no one away which was literally an open invitation for him to carry out his plan. To abduct the maiden and deliver her to the Tarukanes. They’ve gone underground for a while now. Ever since the Toguro incident, the remaining members of the Tarukane Clan decided to lay low till things blow over. In all that time, they’ve directed their wealth to developed Energy Cancelling weapons, shields and enhancers to reinforce their defence.

He calculated the possibility of the grim reaper being present at the temple seeing how frequent she’d visited over winter, even the orange head human. Thus, he came prepared with his energy cancelling bullets (to immobilize any possible threat Energy reliant or otherwise, it was quite the weapon to have in your artillery)

What went beyond his expectation was the presence of the apparition in black. He had never made physical contact with the ice maiden before. But whoever he was in the equation, he clearly, didn’t need an ounce of demon energy to finish him off. Which brings the vagabond to his next and greatest miscalculation; the possibility of being shown mercy.

He awoke around midday to discover himself in the dreary basement of the temple. His left foot shackled to the ground of what was a part of a seemingly treacherous training space with several limb binding handicaps nearby. He was surprised to find a blanket, cushion and a bowl of rice near him.

What were his captives thinking?

“What were you thinking?” questioned Hiei, reaching the quick end of his little patience.  

The vagabond was still very much unconscious when Hiei checked on him earlier that day. It was only after some light training that he decides to make his way back to the basement in hopes that their captive was awake for some intense questioning. He had it all planned, it was simple really. He was going to scare the living daylights out of him. To put it nicely.

That is, until the ferry girl went and made the captive their new house guest.

 “I was thinking that we can’t possibly let him starve?” she answered, giggling nervously with her hands up in defence. The ferry girl had bumped into him in the hallway right after her little meal delivery stunt and well, let’s say Hiei isn’t subtle about his irritation.

“We can and we should.” he answered, “We need him to fear for his life, enough for him to risk his loyalties to whoever he’s working for to tell us everything we need to know.” He continued.

“Now, now, there’s no need to resort to violence.” She started, “You know what they say, you can always ‘kill them with kind-” she stopped just as he’d cornered her against the wall near them. He had had enough of her nonsense.

She did it this time, bit off more that she can chew with Hiei’s patience. Yet, she wasn’t keen on backing down.

“Have you already forgotten how he almost killed you?” she turned away as he started, almost by instinct. “Or the fact that he threatened Yukina’s safety and freedom?” he went on, “Not to mentioned, that you and I have no chance of going back to our realms because of your little house guest?”

“Hiei, stop it!” she answered with a bit more vigour then neither of them had expected, “I know what he did to us and I can never, ever forget that.” She continued, a tear slowly welling in her eyes. It wasn’t the reminder of the physical pain, but the recollection of Hiei’s sacrifice for her sake.  

“But I can’t let you hurt him.” Because if he did, Hiei would be coined the villain in this story instead of the hero he truly is.

Why is she tearing? Was she still in pain from her injuries? Why is he getting caught up with such thoughts? Crap.

“Why do you protect him?” he muttered, “Why show mercy to someone who had cause such harm to you?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Botan’s. He was uncertain at this point, as to whether he was talking about their captured attacker or himself.  Either way, he wanted her answer.

“Because there is good in everyone.” she said, somehow undeterred by how silly it sounded. Just as he was also, strangely undeterred by her sudden touch when she reached out for his uninjured arm. “Like how there is so much good in you, Hiei.” she continued, her grip on his arm tightening. “We just need to give him a chance to realize that too.”

There is just no making sense of this woman. How could she so effortlessly dispense mercy repeatedly? It’s going against every ounce of his instincts to do this, but here he was, on the brink of receding just to see how her approach will work out. On the other hand, if it does fail, he’d have all liberty to punish their captive all he wants.

He sighed, dragging his free hand down his face.

“Fine,” he started, “Do as you wish.” He continued, freeing himself from her grip and turn his course away from the captive’s quarters. It was after a few quick angry steps did he sneaked a quick glance over his shoulder. There she was again, beaming at him. As if she was…proud after their little squabble.

A very short continuation after going back and forth for a proper followup sub-chapter. Happy reading! :)

”Say Hiei, if Yukina’s healing powers didn’t work on you. How was I healed then?” she asked, it was peculiar after all. She clearly remembered being in quite the state of trouble with her injuries before. So how did these siblings saved her.

For a second there, she doubted that Hiei would answer her, seeing how silent he was staring into the snow dusted trees. “We used life energy” he said 

”What?” she asked in disbelief, “Yukina used her life energy to heal me?” she continued, “And you allowed that?” this was insane.

“We used my Life Energy.” he answered, “It was my suggestion, Yukina shouldn’t bare the cost of it.” he continued unaware of how his words are effecting her. Once again she found herself at a lost for words.

If what he’s saying is true, Hiei had suggested saving her through such dangerous means. It was probably for Yukina’s sake. Yet, no matter his intentions, he sacrificed a part of his life to save hers. The thought of it moved her, but acknowledging the act of it by the fire demon broke her. No one had ever went through such lengths for her. To be honest, she wasn’t sure if she deserved it. As a ferry girl among the multitudes, she could be easily replaced. Heck, if it wasn’t for the friendship she had with Koenma, she would have been sacked long ago for her favour for the realms outside spirit world.

Yet, here she was, alive and well. Her heart beating and swelling at the thought of the demon’s rare act of kindness. Then again, perhaps he always had it in him. It was silly of her to think otherwise.

“Hiei,” she called, “Thank you.”

“Hn” he answered, “Don’t get ahead of yourself ferry girl.” continued Hiei as he stood, picked up his coat and left. Honestly, the demon just doesn’t know to accept gratitude.  

Even more so was it silly how her eyes subconsciously traced the trail the fire apparition took to the exit.

But perhaps it was sillier that a part of her found the demon annoyingly yet adorably…

The first two chapters have been published on Archive of Our Own (which I’m still exploring) And here goes another! Happy Reading! 

She didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt, when the vagabond had asked for a meal, she had thought him to be sincere and invited him to come inside. She had never expected him to draw a weapon, at Yukina no less. Before she knew it, Botan had threw herself into his line of fire and had taken the blows head on. It hurt a lot more than she had expected, her legs gave way almost immediately, the world around her started to spin and the air around her grew thin. Were bullets always this powerful? Botan had thought herself to be able to put up more of a fight or at least come to a sensible negotiation with the attacker. But now it’s beginning to feel like she’s out for the count right from the start, leaving Yukina at the mercy of the vagabond. Well, not for long.

 She knew Hiei was nearby and she trusted that he’d show up right when they needed him.

Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to call out to him, because it became so much harder to breathe right after, but she needed to be sure Hiei wouldn’t do something that would put him on probation after coming this far. She felt herself drift in and out of consciousness and began to wonder why she wasn’t healing like usual. Something was wrong. Seriously wrong. She remembered feeling really scared. She remembered reaching out for something warm to ease the cold that overcame her so abruptly. She remembered regretting not having Hiei over for tea. And wondered if she would ever have the chance to do so ever again.

She could feel the cool winter air brush across her skin as her eyes flutter open to a gentle ray of sun. This wasn’t Spirit world. She sat up, a little too quickly which caused a pathetic squeal to escape her lips. She was sore all over but for the most she was alive. Which was nothing less that what she would have expected from Yukina’s healing powers. Yet something about herself feels off. Something beyond the physical pain. She just can’t place a finger on it. She was surprised to find the silent fire demon sitting by the open sliding doors with a roll of bandages, gauze and something that smelt a lot like antiseptic. Was he hurt? She couldn’t really recall the events of the day before in much detail. But it concerned her that the whole incident was bad enough for even Hiei to be injured. She got up, made sure she caught her footing and made her way towards the demon.

 “Good Morning Hiei!” she sing-songed. Crimson eyes turned to her, but it lacked its usual hardness. Which was surprising, she never thought she’d be able to witness this side of him without Yukina around.

 “Are you alright?” she asked, leaning in as she planted herself at a close enough distance to properly examine his wound. It looked a lot like a bullet wound. But, it didn’t seem like something too severe that a little demon energy boost wouldn’t solve. Which confused Botan so. Why didn’t Hiei just patch himself up the easy way? Well, she’ll just have to do it herself.

 “Here, allow me.” she said before placing both hands above the wound on his left shoulder. But when, the effortless act of drawing spirit energy developed into a struggle, she opted to position her hands on his upper left chest, just below his injury. She shut her eyes, hoping it will help her focus. But when the struggle grew out into frustration. She had switched the placement of her hands on his skin several times over.

 “Is there a point to all of this,” he started, “or are you just in the habit of fondling every man you come across?”  

 She withdrew her hands, with a tinge of pink in her cheeks.

 “I was just trying to heal you, Mister Grumpy!”    

 “It won’t work.”

 “What? What do you mean?”

 “Because you’ve lost your Spirit energy as I did my Demon Energy.”

 She stared at him, at a lost for words as she digest all that was said.  

 “Never thought I’d lived to see the ferry-girl speechless.” Hiei remarked, with a smirk spreading across his face. She pouted, a little annoyed by the tease yet she couldn’t help but feel a gentle peace envelope their less than peaceful circumstance. How could this be possible?  

 The roll of bandages caught her eyes and she reached out for it with a new found resolve. Even if she can’t heal him the conventional way, she can still give Hiei a good enough wound dressing. Maybe it was the cool winter air, or maybe it was this side of the demon that he’s affording her, whatever it is, she wants to dwell in it a little longer.

 The ferry girl was insistent on tending to his wound, which really isn’t anything beyond redressing it, since the oaf had clumsily treated it the evening before. But honestly, he just didn’t want to waste his effort arguing with the reaper. Nothing more. But he can’t help but notice her soft yet certain touches. Perhaps it was the practice she had when she worked with Yusuke. Yet, the way her eyes glowed with a tinge of concern followed by an uninterrupted determination, made him wish his Jagan was still in tact for him to read her thoughts.

 Yes, the Jagan is closed shut. Along with all other channels of his hard trained Demon Energy.

 Troubling thoughts, which he will attend to in due time. But for the time being, his thoughts were focused on the blue haired woman.

 “Why do you do it?” he asked, a pair of puzzled amethyst eyes look up to him.

 “Do what?” she replied as she secured one final gauze in place.

 “Come here so often.”he continued, it took the ferry girl a few added seconds to snap out of that initial confusion and return to her usual glee.

 “Probably for the same reasons you come for.” she said. He looked at her quizzically, unsure where she’s leading to. “I’ve seen that look on your face Hiei,” she started, “the one you wear knowing that Yukina is safe and happy.” she continued, speaking as if she had really known him.

 “Likewise, that’s what I hope to achieve. For Yukina, my friends, to be safe and happy.” the ferry girl said. Such a simple reason, something he’d expect the woman to hold on to.

 “And that includes you, Hiei.” she went on and for a second there his mind went blank with surprise and confusion. “You’re my friend too. So don’t go around getting hurt so easily!” this was unexpected.

 “Since when were we ever friends, Botan?” he asked

Strangely, I’ve yet to do any scenes of Hiei and Botan actually interacting. Which is proving to be quite a challenge. Something of the sort should make its debut in the next chapter (I hope) but for now, here’s some mild KuwabaraxYukina as well as a rare Hiei-Kuwa scene! Which, like the entire fic itself, is really new to me. Happy Reading!

It wasn’t a scene he was expecting to see on a regular visit to Genkai’s. It was suppose to well, just be the usual evening visit, he’d bring over some groceries to last Yukina a few meals till his next visit, then they will probably spend a couple of hours by the veranda talking about their week, sometimes their conversations fade into moments of silence where her mind wanders over the forest before them while his thoughts hovers over her being. Something a little less… complicated.

 Instead, he entered the compound sensing an additional presence in the temple as well as the weakening of two others. He raced to the room where he sensed Yukina to be and was surprised to see Botan injured. Needless to say, he was confused to see how and why Hiei was here too. And the fact that he was seemingly accessing his life energy to heal Botan.

 Kuwabara merely stood before the open sliding doors just outside the room. Somehow, he felt as if he might be interrupting something. Minutes later, his eyes traced a tired but joyful Yukina smiling up at the fire demon. Hiei merely nodded and soon returned his attention to Botan. He might be wrong, but for a second there he was sure the two were holding hands. If he didn’t know the demon so well, he’d say Hiei actually looked relieved that Botan was well.

 His mind quickly returned to the ice maiden who was already half way towards him. He watched her shut the doors behind her and turned to him. He felt his heart froze and heat slowly gathering in his cheeks when she weakly took hold of his shirt before resting her forehead against his chest. What was going on?

 “Yu-Yukina?” he croaked weakly, still flustered by their sudden contact. She sniffled as the gentle taps of tear gems hitting wooden floors echoed through the hall. “Kazuma,” she answered and turn up to him with more gems threatening to form. “Botan’s safe.” she said, “I’m so relieved” she continued, smiling up at him. She must have been really scared and worried. Looking away from him, she returned to bury her face in his shirt. The man looked at her and wondered what really happened that evening. Whatever the case, he was proud.

 “Silly Yukina, you’re suppose to laugh if you’re happy.” he teased, raising his hand to gently pat her on the head. His heart eased at the sound of her giggles, yet he can’t shake the feeling that Hiei played a part in Yukina’s relief. Weird.

 “Hold still, danggit!” cursed Kuwabara, in his great struggle to close the final stitch.

 “I’m not the one moving you oaf.” answered Hiei, “You’re the one with the trembling hands.” he continued, annoyed at his decision to see this through. Yukina had offered to patch him up, but the idiot had insisted that she rest and volunteered to tend to his wound in her stead. Hiei had refused the idea entirely, but Yukina wouldn’t rest unless she was certain that his injuries were looked after.  

 Thus, here he laid at the mercy of his least favourite person.

 “Needles just aren’t really my thing!” he replied in defense, “And you should be grateful I’m even helping you out in the first place.”

 “I didn’t ask for your help.” answered Hiei, his patience running low with the oaf’s constant stitching errors.

 “Well, if it wasn’t for Yukina I wouldn’t have helped!” Kuwabara answered in a huff before refocusing on the task at hand.

 There he goes again, with his silly reasons.

 “Why do you do it?” he had to ask. “Why do you do it for her?”

 Kuwabara looked at him, perhaps a little taken aback that Hiei would actually continue a conversation with him, especially with something of considerable insight. He sighed and answered Hiei in all seriousness,

 “Because I love her. Isn’t it obvious?”

 Hiei glared at the man, irritated but at the same time perplexed. As much as this oaf had professed of his so-called affection for his sister, he had never thought it to have much depth. Yet, here he is tending to a person who, Hiei presumes would be his least favourite too.  

 “What are you so upset about!” exclaimed Kuwabara, as he dropped his tools into the little basin. “You don’t… have a crush on her or something like that do ya?” he questioned, Hiei couldn’t help but rolled his eyes. “Well, even if you do, it’s nothing compared to what I feel for her, so bug off!” the oaf went on and Hiei sighed, as his strength thinned along with his patience.

 “Stop getting ahead of yourself you idiot.” he said, pulling his uninjured arm over his eyes in hopes to ease his fatigue as the drain of using his life force finally kicks in. “It’s nothing like that.”

 His answer had seemingly appeased the oaf. Seeing how he kept silent and continued to dress his wound. That is, till a few demon heartbeats later.

 “What about Botan?” questioned the fool, “I swear I saw the two of you holding hands earlier on.” he continued. Hiei’s thoughts lingered to that very recent memory of having her hands in his. It wasn’t something he practiced. No one had held on to him like she did in those few minutes. His hands were weapons of fear and destruction not one of healing or comfort. Perhaps it was only instinctual in her moment of pain and discomfort. Yet, she called out to him. Strangely, a part of him wanted to hear her call him again. Truly strange.  

Looking through my mental outline of this fic, I’ll probably be focusing a lot more into his gentleness. Which is not often associated with him, beyond Yukina. But certainly something that isn’t above him. But ah, what leisure it brings to arrange words into form. Happy Reading! 

“Life energy?”

 Hiei nodded as he lowered the ferry girl into the futon with an unfamiliar gentleness.

“It’s what the oaf used to revive Yusuke before, after he overspent his spirit energy in that pathetic Saint Beast ordeal.” continued Hiei, he could barely believe that he was making such a suggestion in the first place. He wasn’t one to put his life on the line so casually. But, he doubt he’d be able to live with himself knowing he had allowed this woman to die in such a fashion and inadvertently deprive Yukina of a companion. He turned to his sister and continued, “Channel my life energy and use it to save your friend.”

Yukina stared at him with a sea of conflict in her eyes. 

”But Hiei, if I did that. I’ll be shortening your life indefinitely.” she reasoned. He’d never understand the kindness she harbored for him. At the same time, he couldn’t allow her to be so split between his safety and the ferry girl.

 “I’ll live.” he said, “and so would the woman.” he continued

 “But only if you do this.”

  Yukina couldn’t believe such an option was possible. Yes, she had heard from Kazuma of his experience with it. But never had she expect Hiei to come to a similar conclusion. Her mind cleared slightly as Hiei implied for her to begin the procedure. His words somehow contains such affirmation. Something she never realize she craved so much from her lost brother. She knew, of course she knew. But it wasn’t her place to force Hiei into openly accepting it.

 “Give me your hand.” she asked with a certainty she had rarely shown to the fire demon. He responded without hesitation, extending his right hand towards her. She noticed the shoulder wound he acquired from the fight and mentally noted to tend to that once Botan is saved. She took his hand and placed it firmly on Botan’s core, and concentrated. She easily detected the life energy already directed towards Hiei’s palm and she smiled at the effort and the risk her brother was willing to take.

 We can do this. We can save Botan.

 He never knew his life energy could feel so, normal. A part of him had always thought it to be as chaotic and violent as his demon energy. With what he could muster with the side effects of the attack, he tapped into his core and funneled his energy towards the hand that held the woman. Yukina will have to do the rest, using his energy as fuel to heal and save the ferry girl.

 As their hands begin to glow a gentle lavender hue, he tensed mildly as a squeal of discomfort escaped the woman’s lips. He felt her hand reach out for his free one and without realizing it, he had taken it into his with an urgency that somehow reflected a buried concern. Will this really work?

 The woman’s discomfort eventually faded into and easy quiet as her breathing regulates and the glow dimmed. It was over.

 “We did it, Hiei.” said Yukina, her smile overpowering the fatigue in her face

 Hiei nodded at her in approval. She was certainly a skilled healer. Even in the standards of the Three Demon Kingdoms. He was about to withdraw his hand from the ferry girl and allowed her to rest, when he felt her squeeze his palm in her grip. He turned to her only to see her smiling up at him, her eyes held something he wasn’t sure of. If he were to name it, he’d say she looked proud at him.

 “Hiei,” she called, her voice a soft whisper. “Would you care for some tea?” she continued before drifting into unconsciousness and finally releasing her grip on his hand.

 His eyes lingered at the resting reaper in disbelief. What in the world was she talking about? He guessed that the woman never did make much sense to him before this anyhow.

 Silly woman.

No specific prompt was used in the creation of this chapter. It was more of a flow of ideas which (hopefully) links to the upcoming prompt/chapters. I was greatly encouraged by the response and feedback I’d received from chapter 1. And it really got me motivated and excited to continue :) All in all, Happy Reading! 

“Botan!” his sister cried again as she descended to assess the injured ferry girl. Hiei couldn’t comprehend the emotions within him as he digested the sight of the bloodied woman now lying limp at his sister’s feet. Something within him began to stir as he approached the attacker with his rage fueled flame on his right hand. Perhaps it was the idea that he allowed such a threat to come so close to his sister. Or maybe it was the disturbing absence of the reaper’s voice. The vagabond turned, seemingly unsurprised by Hiei’s presence and fired at him. Hiei didn’t even care to dodge as one particular bullet successfully made contact with his left shoulder. Perhaps it was pride, but truthfully he merely seek to instill more fear once his opponent realizes how powerless his prized weapon is against him.

 Hiei raised his arm, ready to unleash the pent up frustration upon the unfortunate vagabond through his demon flames. Sure, perhaps it was a little too much. But honestly, he could do with some overkill right now. Everything was progressing as it should. That is, right before he felt his demon energy silently drain from his body and eventually extinguishing along with his flames. It was like having air being sucked out of your soul. Subtle, yet surely, a part of him was gone. He stared at his empty hand, that mere seconds ago held a fire that would kill his enemies in an instant, but now it had never been so bare. Even more so as the tattoo of his greatest gain began to dissipate into the cold air around him.

 He afforded a quick glance at his sister who has been quick to tend to the injured ferry girl, yet showing more of a struggle than what would be considered normal.

 Something’s wrong. thought Hiei as he peered at the vagabond who was trying hard to contain his amusement.

 “Did you really think I’d come here unprepared?” said the stranger mockingly. “To think the Tarukane clan would be capable of developing such a beauty.” he continued as he reloaded his cursed revolver.

That wretched bastard. They were back for Yukina.  

 “Hiei,” Yukina called, “my powers aren’t working on Botan.”

 “Of course, these bullets were made to nullify your demon powers.” added the vagabond, with his weapon aimed back at Hiei. “None of your healing nonsense is going to work on the girl now. All you can do now is watch her die.” he fired, but only in vain as Hiei dodge and deflected it in an almost effortless manner. His demon energy may be impaired but he had retain enough of his speed and reflex to do this much.  

 “You’re a fool to believe that you’ll be spared from my sword.” said Hiei as he charged towards the man in question, skillfully slicing the dreaded weapon into pieces. The vagabond fled instinctively, also at disbelief that his relatively well thought out plan would backfire and leave him in danger. Hiei ran after him, and was about to strike his finishing blow when he heard, just barely, the ferry girl stir and mutter,

 “Hiei…don’t…”

 Silly ferry girl.

 He thought to himself as he dropped the back of his hilt against the side of the vagabond’s neck, instantly knocking him unconscious. Yet, sparing him his life. The ferry girl must have wanted to stop him from killing this pathetic human. Probably to spare him from the consequences that would befall him from Spirit World. It’s a wonder how she can be so ignorant of her injuries and muster the strength to get that across to him. It’s a greater wonder that Hiei understood it and complied. It must have been all those hours of involuntarily observing her on all those visits. Maybe.

 He returned his sword to his scabbard and proceeded to unceremoniously lug the unconscious stranger into the nearby temple basement. He’d have some serious explaining to do once he wakes up. He’d love to force some answers out of him before knocking him out. But there were more pressing matters to attend to.

 “Hiei,” called Yukina, “help me take Botan inside.”

 He could feel her light and short wheeze as her body struggles for air. He noticed her eyes gradually dimming, almost fully absent of it’s usual spark. Her organs are probably messed up from the gun shots as well. And simply, she lost a lot of blood. Holding the ferry girl in his arms, he could no longer neglect that twisting feeling from before. Why does she willingly place herself in danger for Yukina’s sake? Why did she call out to him despite being in such a state? Why is she being so foolish.

 “Botan saved me.” he heard his sister whisper. “But… why can’t I do the same for her?” she continued. Something in Hiei died seeing the worry and that faint trace of self hate in Yukina’s words. She’s going to blame herself for everything. But Hiei wasn’t going to let that happen.

This fic is an attempt to well, try writing again. In that attempt, I’ve sort of concocted a rough outline of the story based on a prompt challenge I came across before. Which begins right here with the very first prompt!  So here goes my very first step into the HxB universe :)  Happy reading! 

“Ahh!” exclaimed Botan, her arms stretched as she hovers into human world skies. There’s just something about the air or perhaps it was the snow covered trees that never fails to lift her spirits after a long day at work. Another pleasantry she enjoys dearly is strolling under the trees near Genkai’s temple, which unsurprisingly is her current destination. Though now, her visits to the psychics abode carries a lot more weight. They’ve said their goodbyes to Genkai just before winter came. The old woman had left her temple and the land in its entirety to the ex-spirit detective team to use at their disposal. They have collectedly decided since, for the temple to be used as a place of refuge for any human or demon in need, indiscriminately. And ever since, Yukina had volunteered to look after the place. Taking up the role of host, housekeeper and emergency attendant. You’d be surprised by the number of injured and even malnourished vagabonds who pass the temple along their journey. And the relief in their faces to have sweet Yukina tend to their wounds and their hungry bellies, made Genkai’s passing a little easier to bare. Also ever since, both herself and Kuwabara had been paying the ice maiden frequent visits in the midst of her duties in Spirit World and Kuwabara’s Lectures in University.

 As she approaches the temple, Botan caught glimpse of a familiar dark figure perched on a tree. She drew closer hoping to fly by, greet him and maybe invite him over to the temple for a cup of tea. But it was when she saw the look on his face that held her in her tracks while still at a distance. His eyes were closed as the demon activated his Jagan. But his expression held such, dare she say it, warmth. A  stain of joy, a tinge of longing yet with a stain of peace. It was times like this that made Botan question the man behind the stoicism and indifference. And it made her wonder, what more is there to discover about their favourite fire demon.

 He was probably checking up on Yukina as she had caught him doing so several times before. And yet up till today, she had never manage to successfully invite Hiei for that cup of tea.

 Yukina had decided to stay in the human world and aid its dwellers by herself dwelling in the home of the old psychic. He supposed that it was typical of his sister to be so generous with her help. But it eased his conscious knowing for himself that she is truly safe where she is. Despite his affinity against the human world, he can’t help being drawn to the comfort of seeing his sister’s smiling face. Thus, he found himself hidden up in the snow covered trees time and time again, ever since winter came.

 It was that woman again, smiling and laughing like a fool. He doesn’t understand how a grim reaper who works with the literal dead could afford any reason to smile as much as she does. He noticed her sneakily flying past him earlier as she did countless times before. Grateful he was that she’s sparing him from her never ending talk, but he wondered what it really was that had her avoid him. Yet, he was also grateful for the ferry girls effort in keeping Yukina company. As he observed the two chatting away by the snow dusted veranda, he noticed that Yukina was happy, genuinely happy. And as much as he hate to admit it, the frequent presence of that babbling grim reaper contributed a great deal to it.

 The ferry girl, who’s name was beyond him, was just going on about something regarding human world winter wear when another vagabond interrupted their conversation for a meal. The girls greeted the man and politely invited him inside. But it was at the drop of his coat did he reveal his hidden revolver. Hiei cursed himself for being so distracted by the reaper which had somehow numbed his senses and hurriedly flitted towards the temple.

 He was just a few feet away from them when he heard two shots fired and the sound of flesh hitting wooden floors.