Thank you all for being so patient with this story. This was supposed to be the final chapter (yes I know I keep saying that) but it was over 30 pages so I decided to break it into two chapters. I'll be posting the second part in a few days since I have to tweak the second part a little. I hope you enjoy it and again THANK YOU so much for reading.

Venusgirl: Thank you very much for all your reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

Awareness came slowly to the fire apparition but something kept tugging at him incessantly, urgently, 'Get up! Keep moving!' He felt weightless, as if he had no substance yet something weighed him down, something of great importance. With strength he didn't know he had, Hiei forced his eyes open to a sea of green, black and red.

Nothing made sense anymore. Hiei didn't know if he was alive or dead, in the present or lost somewhere in the past. All he knew was that Kurama wasn't with him and the pain of that loss was pushing through everything else so that ache radiated through his slowly awakening body. It was worse now because he had been forced to re-live his entire life, from the moment of birth until now, each and every moment, decision and thoughts that had shaped him into who he was, had been…

The red began to twinkle and flash, hypnotizing the disoriented fire apparition. But he was simply too drained to focus, his weariness went beyond physical fatigue; his very soul was wrung dry. His body demanded he give up, his mind had already accepted defeat but the heart he'd long thought dead stilled raged on, his fighting spirit refused to cave into the demands.

"Hiei, it's time for you to go."

If he had anything left in him, the fire apparition might have groaned. Hadn't they taken enough from him? What more could they possibly want? He'd already given everything he was, everything he had been to Koenma, all for a fighting chance to be with his fox. But apparently it hadn't been enough, despite what the Prince had promised, the fire apparition hadn't been enough.

"This is the end Hiei, or rather shall I say the beginning."

Hiei felt a fierce tugging in his heart, his soul? Hell he didn't know what he was anymore but he knew without a doubt that Kurama was waiting for him, somewhere in the darkness that surrounded him, his partner was calling for him. A rush of relief and what he had come to acknowledge as love crashed through his being. His partner was near, his mate was calling for him. Hiei would have hissed if he'd had a body when he felt a searing heat in what he presumed was his hand.

"Take this with you."

Hiei felt a wave of dizziness overtake him. One moment he felt solid and the next he was raw feelings with no substantial body. But his mind was his own and it was assimilating information faster as each second ticked by. He tried to ask Kuronoe, for there was no doubt the voice belonged to the chimera, what was happening, what he wanted but the half koorime found he had no voice. But he didn't need it

"I'm sorry it isn't me that is with him now, that it isn't me who holds his heart like I had centuries past. I've watched over him for such a long time and I'm not ashamed to admit I've wanted to kill you on numerous occasions. Sometimes because you unwittingly hurt him, others 'cause you're a complete bastard…but mostly because I am not you."

Something new entered Hiei's consciousness, wiggling into his, admittedly limited heart. Kuronoe's voice was full of wistful amusement, but even the playfulness couldn't hide the sorrow buried beneath. It made it all the sadder for it.

"Be damned is I didn't wish it was me who he fought for, who he loved…who he would live and kill for. He's yours now Hiei, in a way that he was never mine. But thanks to you a little part of him will always be mine."

Hiei felt a crackling energy on what should have been his hand. The fire apparition recognized the warmth that seeped through that energy, the warmth of a fire burned out after raging fiercely. That flame would have been marvelous and all consuming, shining bright and defiantly, illuminating all darkness. With a start the fire apparition's sluggish mind realized it was Kuronoe' soul he held in his hand.

The chimera's voice pierced his thought as effectively as his katana. "Remember Hiei, regrets are just a way for fools to kill time and you've never been a fool even if you are bound to one. Maybe one day we will meet but until then take care of him and… fuck his brains out at every opportunity!"

If Hiei had a body his jaw would have probably dropped. What the hell kind of advice was that from a former lover? He mentally snorted; of course Kurama would have had to pick the craziest bastard to have loved. But then what did that say about him?

It didn't really matter anymore, not when he could feel Kurama reaching for him. Hiei's world once more plunged into darkness and with it his perspective of reality. But there was only one truth, one purpose, even in the dark and disorienting web that surrounded him; Kurama's call. With an inaudible shout Hiei extended all that he was, every fiber of consciousness toward the glimmer of light.

Hiei cried out in pain as he slammed into his body. There was no gentle melding of soul and body but a fiery inferno as his muscles seized. Beside him he heard an echoing scream and even through the pain he couldn't help but feel his weary spirit soar. Kurama was with him.

Both demons lay panting, their bodies locked in waves of pain, unable to so much as open their eyes. A cool soft hand touches first one then the other and flash of warmth spears through the pain. The soothing warmth begins to spread through their pain racked bodies, easing their throbbing muscles. Minutes ticked by slowly and their breathing got easier as their lungs stopped struggling, the crushing weight in their chest slowly began to dissipate. As their breathing stabilized their senses began to come back and they were able to focus beyond the pain.

With a muted groan Hiei slowly opened his eyes, the world spinning in nauseating circles of colors. With a silent moan he quickly squeezed his eyes closed and took deep even breaths before cautiously opening his eyes once again, willing the queasiness down. This time he didn't bother to muffle his groan.

"It figures my hell would have to have you in it."

Yusuke's laughter was more of blatant relief than amusement, the tense lines around his young face relaxed but it only transformed them into fatigue. Yet his brown eyes glowed with barely contained excitement and relief. It might have been due to the fact that he was still horribly disoriented but Hiei could almost swear there was an alarming wet sheen in the detectives eyes.

A warm trembling hand brushed against his own and Hiei felt his heart skip a beat. Slowly he turned his head, ignoring the pain of stiff, almost numb, muscles awakening. His breath caught slightly in the back of his throat and the world around him faded away. He blinked once slowly, he would have rubbed his eyes to make sure they were working if it was physically possible but instead he could only blink again.

Kurama's eyes were eerily beautiful with thick starburst of whiskey rings near the pupil that made the emerald stand out all the more. When his partner gave him a weary but triumphant smile, Hiei saw a peek of what he intimately knew were fangs. If his body hadn't been more than half dead the fire apparition knew it would be responding very enthusiastically to the minute but wholly arousing changes in his mate. He vaguely wondered what other physical changes Kurama had gone through.

The thought disappeared almost as quickly as it had formed. It didn't matter, only the fact that they were both alive, that they had survived the odds against them. Before either of them could say anything their vision was filled with messy black hair and brown eyes alight with happiness and excitement.

"I know this is like a sickly romantic moment just for you two lovebirds and trust me I'm leaving but I figured this will be my one and only chance to do this without getting killed so..."

Kurama's eyes widened in shock before they narrowed to slits in mock anger, though truly a bolt of amusement went through his throbbing body. A croaking chuckle escaped his burning throat though in truth it sounded more like a raspy wheeze as he watched Hiei's cat eye's reach the shape and size of an owls.

Yusuke had Hiei's chin grasped firmly in one hand while his other was planted beside the fire apparitions head, effectively keeping the half koorime pinned as he kissed him full on the mouth. Hiei's body had gone rigid the instant the detectives lips hand landed on his, but Yusuke ignored it prolonging the unexpected kiss. Hiei wriggled lightly, his efforts to escape hampered by his weakened body but there was no real anger in the ruby eyes that bore into laughing brown. Yusuke could swear there was a glimmer of amusements behind the exasperated annoyance. With a cheeky wink the demon lord bit Hiei's lower lip playfully in retaliation for the long ago injury to his ear before quickly swiping his tongue along the slight pain in apology… or simply to piss off the fire apparition. Either way Yusuke most definitely enjoyed it.

"I'll send you to hell, bastard!"

Yusuke laughed and scooted back away from Hiei but not in fear. "And I ain't done yet!" he informed the glowering half koorime cheerily as he leaned over the slightly panicked Youko.

With absolutely no shame he pressed his lips firmly and quite enthusiastically against his immobile friend. Kurama inhaled sharply but like Hiei refused to close his eyes, instead reading the chocolate eyes. Because it was Kurama, Yusuke allowed more than merriment and relief to shine through, he expressed the fear and the helpless rage that had consumed him throughout the long days and nights he had kept vigil over his two comatose friends.

In one smooth move Yusuke released Kurama but not before running the back of his hand along Kurama's smooth, cool cheek in an uncharacteristically tender move. A move nobody missed but neither did they point it out. Without another word or backwards glance the tall demon lord stood and walked quietly out of the softly light room, allowing the demons a glimpse of radiant faces lining the hall.

The room was once again silent except for the deep even breathing of the two demons, candles casting soft reflections against the walls creating an almost surreal world to cocoon them. Kurama opened his mouth his eyes gleaming with life and love as he squeezed Hiei's hand gently. His eyes clouded in confusion for a brief second before disbelief and sadness filled them. Kurama took a deep breath before lowering his eyes, already knowing what he would see nestled in his partners hand.

Despite knowing what he would find he couldn't stop the sharp intake of breath as a fleeting arrow of pain pierced his heart. He watched a little numbly as Hiei slowly uncurled his fingers from the precious object and gently tipped it into his own shaky hand and a single tear rolled down the fox spirits face.

Flickering in the candlelight was Kuronoe's pendant, the ruby winking up innocently at him from his palm.

Hiei watched his partner carefully, unsure even now how Kurama would react. He wasn't worried, not exactly, but then he wasn't even fully conscious at the moment. It was getting harder and harder to maintain his eyes open and focused on his red headed mate, his silent trembling mate.

The fire apparitions breath caught in his throat for a moment before the last vise around his heart disappeared. Kurama was smiling at him, his fangs gleaming in the darkened room and eyes alight with love and relief. His long fingers closed slowly over the pendant and Hiei knew it would be all right. No matter what happened next everything would be ok because not even death could tear them apart.

~.o.0.o.~

Yusuke threw one last fuming look at the door before dropping unceremoniously to the floor in a haphazard style only he could ever achieve. The demon lord could see Yukina buzzing around the kitchen across the room through the open doorway. The ice maiden had a cheerful bounce in every step as she hummed happily to herself and prepared a giant feast.

Koenma and Botan were laughing and talking animatedly with grand hand gestures and wide smiles. Despite everything Yusuke couldn't help but smile a little. He'd always suspected there was something between the brat and Botan but to the day he could never quite confirm it. His smile widened as he saw a shadow dip down and send a flurry of leaves swirling around the shinigami and godling.

Jin's infectious laughter rang clearly through the small clearing as he zoomed by the open doorway. His red hair streaming behind him and small fangs gleaming merrily in the sunlight, he twisted and dipped in impressive feats of acrobatics, entertaining the two on the porch as much as he was enjoying himself. Yusuke laughed softly as he watched his friends' antics, a burst of something fierce racing through his chest, threatening to erupt.

He couldn't quite place the feeling but he knew that he wanted to jump up and rush the shinobi, he wanted to join the wind master in his joy and play. He sat up to watch more closely but once again Jin took to the air his laugh trailing behind him. Hiei would be calling him an idiot while Kurama would probably smile and shrug an elegant shoulder, murmuring something only his small partner could hear.

Yusuke's smile dimmed and faded his eyes wandering back to the closed door on the furthest corner of the small bungalow. They had been holed up in the small lodging at the edge of Genkai's territory where they had first passed through from the Makai a week ago, with Hiei and Kurama unconscious, their wounds extensive and more dead than alive.

As the memory of those agonizing days rose, the demon lord couldn't help glaring at Koenma. The immortal teen had set up a barrier and disappeared from sight along with his bleeding friends for days with only a cryptic message as an explanation. Five days later he had stumbled out of the room exhausted and with a tear streaked face. He had whispered to Yukina to heal them quickly before they passed on before collapsing on a frantic Botan. The godling had risen only hours before, after a few days of a deep sleep and assured them all that Hiei and Kurama where going to recover fine and not to disturb them.

The demon lord had caught the godling sneaking guiltily glances at the closed door on more than one occasion. Koenma's usually laughing eyes had been shadowed with a sadness Yusuke couldn't understand; and at times the eternal youth looked very…old. And yet he had stoically refused to respond to any of Yusuke's questions, demands or threats, stating that when the time came and if Kurama and Hiei chose to, it would all be explained.

He could almost hate Koenma for that…almost.

Now here he was again sitting on his ass watching the door and fussing around like a mother hen. This war had been intense with both Hiei and Kurama too close to death one too many times in the last few months. Hell, Hiei had died and if Yusuke wasn't mistaken, so had Kurama. And even though the spirit detective had a few experiences with death, it never got any easier. Especially when it was he who had to watch as they left him behind, bloody, in pain and still fighting even as their life force trickled away.

Hiei and Kurama had finally regained consciousness last night but they hadn't heard a single sound from the room. The only sign that they were alive and recovering was the steady increase in their demonic energy. Yusuke wasn't the best at sensing it or anything to do with it really, that was Kuwabara's talent, but even he could sense the subtle difference in their power...well if he concentrated hard enough anyway. It wasn't something he could identify but there was definitely something different and yet oddly familiar.

Before he could follow the train of thought a tunnel of fierce wind tore through the inside sending the small sofa and low table sailing through the small space to crash against the wall. Yusuke yelled out several colorful and creative curses as his body tumbled like a windmill in mid air only to get dumped forcefully and quite painfully in the middle of the field with Botan and Koenma laughing uproariously behind him. Jin was doubled over in the air gasping for breath as his body shook with laughter.

"Shut the hell up, you hyena! How can you act like this when Hiei and Kurama"

"Are standing right behind you, hale and hearty."

Yusuke spun around so fast his legs got tangled and he found himself on the ground once again. The clearing was suddenly completely silent as Jin slowly lowered himself until he was standing next to the stunned detective but his smile was as wide as ever, blue eyes twinkling merrily at the couple near the open door. Koenma had unconsciously gripped Botan's hand and was currently squeezing it but the shinigami said nothing about it, merely squealing out the demons name.

Hiei and Kurama stood at the entrance looking exhausted and their complexion whiter than normal. It was glaringly obvious that they were not ready to be up, their bodies trembling faintly from the effort to stand upright on their own. But their eyes were bright and clear and Yukina stood between the two, a faint blue halo surrounding her as she tried to subtlety heal them both. The small ice maiden had firmly attached herself to Hiei's arm, her eyes fixed adoringly on her twins face with the beginning of tears making them sparkle. Kurama stood tall and proud, his beautiful mane of red hair brilliant in the afternoon light, but as he moved slightly it almost shimmered flashing silver so quickly, Yusuke wasn't sure he saw right.

There was something definitely more …predatory about the tall youth, as if his demon heritage had risen close to the surface, rippling underneath the human gloss the fox spirit had carefully cultivated. His eyes were definitely the most glaring change with a mix of color and slanted shape that broadcasted his demon blood. Hiei on the other hand looked completely unchanged, his face was set in his usual scowl, but if Yusuke wasn't mistaken the fire apparition now stood a few inches taller than his twin.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?" the demon lord shouted as he stomped his way to the cabin. As he gained the stairs he caught sight of Fumio walking out of the woods to his right and a white blur at his feet. 'Well isn't that bloody great? The whole gang is back together' he thought dourly.

Kurama raised a single eyebrow, his gaze trained on Yusuke but the demon lord knew he had taken in his surroundings, from their location in Genkai's territory to the position of every member. Hiei was trying hard to conceal his discomfort, but the silent war he waged on himself was clear. His body was tense, ready to bolt but he was making an obvious effort to relax in his sisters grip. He'd never been an affectionate demon and most likely never would be although it was a well known fact to Koenma and Kurama that Hiei was capable of great tenderness… if far and few in-between but that only made the gestures that much sweeter.

"Yusuke, if we had to recite a speech every time one of us escaped death, it would become quite tedious and repetitive. Wouldn't want to bore anyone with long winding speeches, would we Hiei?"

Hiei snorted and rolled his eyes, his shoulders jerking minutely as his habitual crossing of arms was impended by his twins death grip on his arm. "At this point it's more of a joke."

Kurama chuckled lightly and leaned against the wall, watching the motley group begin to fill up the tousled room. Jin flew in to land next to Yusuke, his shocking bright hair an almost laughable combination with the detectives dark looks. Botan and Koenma had crowded closer but still kept their distance while Fumio walked slowly up the steps his eyes trained on Hiei and Yukina with an intensity no one missed. But neither did anyone find it threatening.

"Indeed, we can make it a competition. So far Yusuke is leading with two official deaths and two resurrections, while you and I have only died once and for a very brief time might I add. Shall we rank the most dramatic or should we just count the near deaths?"

Silence followed the attempt at light heartedness before Jin's boisterous laughter broke through it as effectively as a one ton hammer with Yusuke's equally loud and brash laughter playing chorus to it. Yukina's smile was brilliant although she was either too dignified to actually laugh out loud or her gentle healers heart did not find it as amusing as a warrior might for even the reserved Fumio was openly chuckling. The tension, fear, and guilt that had plagued the team was slowly dissipating with the admittedly dark and familiar humor that was more reassuring than any emotional speech.

Koenma was laughing right along with the rest when a sudden fierce pain ran up his body making him cry out and drop to his knees. Startled the group turned to see the godling prince curled up on the floor, writhing in pain. Before anyone could move a pained scream was torn from the prince's throat and he was suddenly suspended in the air and flung across the room and through the wall next to the door by an invisible hand.

The immortal teen sailed across the small grass clearing only to be slammed into a tree and crumple down the trunk to lay on his side panting, one arm banded tightly across his stomach while the other clutched his heaving chest. His face was unlike anything they had ever seen before. His eyes glittered with anger and determination his jaw clenched tightly even as a small trickle of blood escaped his lip from where he was biting it to keep from crying out. This was not the playful Koenma they were used to, the happy trickster they had all come to care for. Before them was a ruler, a man in his own right.

Panting the prince got to his knees slowly and looking at the sky he began to shout "Couldn't you have waited until I got back, you sadistic bastard?"

An audible crack was heard and Koenma once again fell sideways to the ground. The scarf he was wearing unwound itself from his throat and quickly tied itself around the godlings wrists bringing them together in front of him. In a quick motion the sash was jerked upward forcing Koenma up on his knees with his hands stretched over his head. A dark bruise was already forming on the creamy skin of his cheek and spreading across the entire span of his left side even as a large trail of blood dripped steadily from his mouth down his chin and unto his tunic.

Koenma spared the shocked group a quick glance. "Get out of here. Now!" he ordered in a tone they had never heard. His normally happy chocolate eyes burned with anger and humiliation. His voice was full of power and retribution despite the position he was currently in.

"What the Hell, Koenma?" cried Yusuke as he began to run the few feet between him and his friend. The group followed close behind with Kurama and Hiei leaning on each other.

"Indeed it is Hell, Yusuke. But never mind that. Get out of here now and take Botan with you!"

Before more could be said Koenma's cape was ripped away from his body and his tunic and shirt ripped clean down the back. Koenma pleaded with Yusuke with his eyes for a minute before closing them and physically bracing himself. No sooner had he done that when a sickly snap was heard. Koenma's back arched and a muffled groan left his lips as a thick lash appeared across his upper shoulders, splitting the skin open for a rivulet of blood to trickle down.

Koenma's eyes shot open and he cried out a warning when he heard Botan scream but it was too late. The powder blue spirit guide ran to Koenma only to meet an invisible wall. Her body flew back as sparks shot off the wall and her slight body slammed into Yusuke. The detective felt the incredible heat radiating off Botan's body even as he felt sharp electric currents pass from her body to his.

Rage filled Yusuke's eyes as he gently set the moaning woman down. With a small shout he rushed the wall only to be met with the same fate. He stood his ground and tried to push past the electrical barrier but to no avail. His body flew back and he land with a soft thud, his hands were raw and bleeding.

Koenma shook his head "It's useless" he informed them through gritted teeth. "No one can get through. Just take Botan and go." As the last words left his mouth another crack followed. Unprepared Koenma closed his eyes and screamed as two more rivulets of blood appeared on his back.

"What the hell is this?"

Koenma slit one eye open as more whiplashes rained on his back. With a pained moan he opened his mouth but only a scream emerged. He hung his head, breathing deeply as the assault ended. Panting, his body trembling he slowly raised his head. Pain and defiance shone brightly from his eyes.

"It's forbidden. Broke the law. My punishment." He spoke in short sentences, his breathing ragged and small moans of pain escaped with every broken word.

Kurama stepped forward his eyes cold. "For us. You are being punished by your father for binding Hiei and I?"

Koenma closed his eyes and nodded another scream torn from his lips, this one more agonized than the rest. He had ten lashes horizontally across his back starting from his upper shoulders all the way down his back. The once pristine back was marred with free flowing blood and open skin. In quick succession five more lashes appeared this time overlapping across his already torn back.

The forest was filled with silence only broken by Koenma's muted groans of pain and heavy breathing. The godling hung suspended from his scarf for a few more minutes while the rest could only stare on, unable to cross the invisible barrier. Yukina's sobbing were muffled against Fumios side while the tall demon held her gently, his hands clenched in helpless anger. Yusuke was holding an unconscious Botan in his arms with murder written across his face.

Koenma cried out in startled pain when his hands were released. Unable to react he braced himself for the impact, his back on fire and his pride in pieces around him. Instead of the cold slimy floor he felt a small pair of warm hands. Shocked he opened his eyes to see a sight he never thought he'd see. Hiei had his hands strategically placed on the front if his shoulders, careful of not touching any of the wounds. What stunned him the most was the compassion he saw in the normally lifeless eyes. Gratitude flitted briefly through ruby eyes before it disappeared. Kurama knelt next to Hiei "Koenma…"

The prince shook his head and immediately regretted it as agonizing pain flared throughout his body. His voice was hoarse from the screams he had suppressed and those he had not "I need to go back"

The red head shook his head "You need your wounds taken care of."

Koenma attempted to push away from Hiei's abnormally gentle hold but failed miserably. "It's useless, nothing can heal them but time. I need to go back now."

"Fuck that Koenma. I'm gonna go up there and"

The prince gave a weak laugh. He felt as if he were split in two. He sighed and briefly wondered what he was still doing in Hiei's arms, he would have thought the small abrasive fire apparition would have either dumped him on the floor or passed him to his partner. A wry grin crept unto his lips, no, his Soul Mate.

"And what, you moron?Go up against the King?" he sighed and allowed his body to relax as much as he could, trusting Hiei to hold him up "Forget it. This was actually one of the nicer punishments I could have received."

While Yusuke was spluttering Yukina had moved closer to the half prone prince. She reached out a hand but one quick glance at Kurama and the red head caught the little koormies wrist in a gentle hold "I think it's best if we don't try to heal him like this. If it's part of a punishment there will surely be consequences for attempting to heal him."

Koenma nodded his agreement and sent a small pained smile in thanks to the upset healer. Kurama glanced at Hiei and the small demon shrugged and pointedly looked away.

"Koenma, Hiei and I would be honored if you would remain with us for tonight and whatever time you need to recuperate. I'm afraid none of us are in any shape to make it to my, our apartment tonight but we would like a chance to repay you. "

Koenma instantly shook his head biting back another pained groan as his vision began to swim "Thank you Kurama but I must decline. You and Hiei have much to discuss I am sure and I would not wish to intrude."

'And I'm sure neither of you want to see me for a very long time after this' were the unspoken words between them.

Hiei snorted and motioned to Kurama. With a small conspirator wink at Yusuke the red head took Hiei's place in front of Koenma in a smooth move. With his back to the godling he carefully placed his hands behind the injured prince's knees. With a nod he stood up and Hiei made sure the prince's arms were over Kurama's shoulder. Koenma moaned in pain at the jarring move and his world swam slowly back into focus. He found himself draped across Kurama's back with Hiei in front of them and Yusuke holding Botan in his arms.

"You are part of this team, Koenma, and we take care of our own. Now you will shut up and let us take care of you." Kurama murmured softly. With a small sigh Koenma let go, his blurry eyes focused on Botan's limp form as the darkness that had been pushing at the edge of his vision took over.

~.o.0.o.~

The first thing Koenma became aware of was something soft and warm beneath him smelling faintly of roses. The next was that the inferno on his back was dulled to a light roar. With a moan he opened his eyes slowly and blinked his surroundings into focus.

Directly in front of him were Hiei and Kurama. The red head had his back against the wall while Hiei lay between his legs with his back to Kurama's chest. It would have been a shocking scene if the prince had not already threaded through their memories. Green-gold eyes met his and a small smile formed on Kurama's mouth. "Good, you're awake" he whispered.

Kurama gently lifted Hiei away from him and laid him sideways on the pillow next to him. He tenderly brushed a hand against his mates cheek before rising and walking away from Koenma's line of vision.

"We cleaned you up and I put a salve on your back. It won't heal your injuries but it will numb the pain for you a little."

The red head came back with a glass of water and a straw. The prince drank gratefully, the water feeling like heaven on his parched throat. When he finished he sighed in contentment as his eyes darted between the two demons. "I don't understand. Why…" he trailed off unable to finish.

Kurama sighed and took a seat next to Hiei again, his hand running thoughtfully through his partners black hair in an intimate gesture that spoke of familiarity but the fierce shine in his green-gold eyes reveled that it was not taken for granted.

"I know he would have died. I know you could not have done anything to prevent that. And I know that nothing comes without a price. We understand that it will be hard and we will both need to readjust or lives, he more than I but..."

The fox spirit gazed at Hiei before looking directly at Koenma "Hiei is the most important thing in my life. I have him, thanks to you. We both understand and we are both eternally grateful for the chance and the sacrifice."

Koenma closed his eyes and for the second time in a week, tears stung his eyes. He had seen what these two demons had given up, the trials they had been forced to go through; their memories, strengths and weaknesses. He linked to Kurama and allowed him to see into him, to see what he knew. As a gift he began to unravel the threads that connected him to the memories and knowledge. With a final pull he let the string go and they vanished from his mind.

He looked up to see ruby and green eyes staring directly at him. It was Kurama who spoke for both of them. "Thank you."

Koenma closed his eyes with a soft sight and drifted away again, his heart lighter than it had been in very, very long time.

Ok, so part one is over. I'll be posting the second (gods I hope) and last part in a few days. Please Review!