AUTUMN'S PROMISE
By: Chevalle

CHAPTER 3          

"You don't know who you're dealing with!!" Hiei hollered.

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't!" Came the reply of Hiei's opponent, Kuanja, and gashed Hiei's right shoulder with the large sword. Hiei uttered a cry of pain, but held his own sword in place.

"Remember HER right shoulder, child?" Kuanja twirled his sword like a baton. "She was stubborn, so she had to pay."

"SHUT UP!!" Hiei fired back, and charged again, as blood oozed down his arm, and dripped onto the ground from his elbow.

"Hiei!" Kurama's smile faded. "He's in trouble. We have to help him!"

"Yeah, let's go!" Yusuke and Kuwabara nodded. "Botan, take the others to safety. Looks like this boring day is turning out to be not-so-boring after all." Yusuke grinned mischievously, and walked towards Hiei and the unknown swordsman, along with Kurama and Kuwabara.

"Hiei is in trouble..?" Miko asked worriedly.

Botan placed her hand on Miko's shoulder, and winked. "Don't worry. Hiei-chan can handle it." Miko nodded in reply, but was still doubtful about it. Hiei was no ordinary being. In fact, he didn't seem human. Miko did not care about that. If only there was some way she could help. Her face crumpled when she saw Hiei's right shoulder.

"Kuanja!" Akuna's shrill voice penetrated the air. "I ask you to do a simple thing, and it takes you forever!""Rei gun!!" Yusuke fired at Kuanja. Kuanja shrieked, and dodged out of the way, giving Yusuke a menacing glare. Kuwabara and Kurama stepped forward, ready with their own weapons.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Kurama demanded, holding his rose whip tightly just in case the demon woman before him had decided to attack.

The woman laughed. "I am Akuna, and I have more important things to do! Ciao!" Before she disappeared completely, Kurama lashed at her with his rose whip, but the whip went through her, and she escaped. Akuna's voice sounded above the momiji. "Kuanja, time to go. We shall deal with this later!"

Kuanja stopped short. His sword was only a few inches away from Hiei's nape. Hiei turned just in time to save himself. "This is not over yet, forbidden one," Kuanja said, and passed out of sight, leaving Hiei clutching his bleeding shoulder.Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama rushed to his side, concern on their faces. Kurama tried to have a look at his shoulder, but Hiei pushed him away."Why did you have to interfere?! I didn't need your help! I didn't need anyone's help! ...Let go of my shoulder!" He shouted at them. "I don't want--""SHUT UP, HIEI!!" Yusuke shouted back, and socked him on the cheek, making him stumble back on a tree trunk. They heard the girls gasp from behind them, especially Miko.Blood welled up on Hiei's lower lip. He gave an angry smile, and spat on the ground. He wiped the red color from his mouth with his left arm, and took off.

*~*~*

They pulled her head back, as she cried out in pain. It made him shudder just to hear her being treated that way. He couldn't even do anything, since the cell door blocked his path. Through the small hole on the heavy-framed metal door, the boy could see them holding a knife to her throat. He tried pushing the door, but it didn't budge. His sword had been taken away, and his powers were spent. "No, don't! I'll do as you say!" The boy said, as he banged his fists loudly on the door. "Don't hurt her!"

The two holding the girl nodded to each other, and pushed her against the metal door. They brought the boy out of his cell, proud of his decision. He swallowed guiltily, but felt relieved that they were no longer going to harm her.The girl gathered her strength. "No, don't do it!"

One of the two, struck her. The boy's eyes widened, as he saw the crimson liquid spurt from her right shoulder. When he saw the hand of the one who had struck her, he saw that he was holding the knife. The boy's temper erupted like a volcano. "You BASTARD!!" He didn't care if he didn't have any enegry left. He didn't care if he didn't carry his sword. He swung his fists aimlessly at the male being who wounded the girl. Left, right, left, right... All useless efforts. The male being kneed him in the gut, and slashed his temple. The boy collapsed on the ground, his blood mixing with the girl's. "NO!!" She cried, and cradled his head, the pain on her right shoulder forgotten.

The two beings laughed out loud, and turned on their heels, leaving the boy and the girl in a bloody mess. The boy opened his eyes, blinking at the hot,immense sensation bolting through his head. He inhaled sharply through his teeth, and sat up, turning his eyes to the girl's concerned face.

"Are you alright?" They asked in unison. Much to their surprise, they laughed. It hurt to move, but it felt good to know that they were there for each other. The boy's expression turned serious and surly. "I'm going to make them pay! You just watch! I'll make sure they rot in hell!"The girl put her finger to his lips. "Sshhh... calm down before you hurt yourself again. You always let your temper get the better of you." She smiled sadly at him, then ripped a small part from the material on the pants she wore, exposing her thigh. With sure and able hands, she wrapped the cloth around his forehead and temple, soothing the cut. The boy was at a loss for words, when she gazed at him with those eyes the color of sky.

"Eisila..." He breathed her name, and touched the fabric tied around his head. He knew he would wear it for the rest of his life.

Blackness surrounded every corner; every corridor, like a bat's den. She heard a faint rustle, as she awoke from her sleep. Miko had tossed and turned that night. The extraordinary events that took place earlier left her bewildered as ever. Somehow, she managed to fall asleep, and dream. Another odd dream. It wasn't one of the recurring ones, but it definitely was weird. Miko eyed the small clock radio on the night table, beside her bed. It was only 2:30 AM! She grumbled, and pulled the blanket up to her chin, snuggling against the big, fluffy, pink pillows. The sound of rustling didn't stop. It was mixed with the scent of the dewey evening breeze... and something else. There was a hint of blood in the air. The smell stung her nostrils. She grimaced, and tried to hold in her breath. ...but stopped. Why was the window open?

Several minutes had gone by before he noticed that she had moved. As still as a tiger in the night, Hiei watched the sleeping human girl from atop a leguminous tree branch. She kindled his curiosity, sparked his interest. He had pushed open the window to satisfy his eagerness to learn about this strange girl. He eyed her carefully, in her natural-suspension-of-consciousness state. He clenched his jaw, and winced as a slapping sensation burned his cheek. His cheek was still swollen from Yusuke's slug. Even his right shoulder still ached from the blow he had from Kuanja earlier. He inhaled sharply through his teeth, and focused his attention back to Miko, who suddenly spoke.

"What are you doing here at this hour of the morning?" She asked, but kept her back to him, the blanket wrapped around her small-framed body. "It's cold tonight, so please, either come in and close the window, or leave, but close the window also."Hiei almost fell off the branch. She had surprised him yet again with another one of her unusual remarks. He had no idea on how she knew about his presence. He continued to eye her. She didn't seem like she had any intention of turning around to face him. He felt insulted. He didn't know what other way to describe it. He decided to enter the human girl's room, leaping from the branch, and landing onto the window sill with one booted foot first, then the other. He stepped into Miko's dimly-lit quarters, and was startled at the unfamiliar feel of the floor. It had a soft and cushiony coating. Rather odd. It reminded him of a rabbit's fur. He went no further. "Are you going to have your back to me all night??"

Miko slowly raised her copper-colored head to face him. Her hair somehow glistened, but there was no trace of light anywhere, except for the moon and the stars. "How are you?" She asked softly. Hiei was startled at her simple question. Was she up to something, he wondered. He eyed her suspiciously this time.

"Hn. That's not your concern!" He bit back. She pulled the blanket away from her body, and swung her legs off the bed. "If it's not mine, then whose is it?" Hiei's eyes narrowed. "I don't need to hear this!" He turned around to leave."Hiei?" Hiei stopped, and looked back at her from the corner of his eye.

"Have you ever had a real friend?" She asked, averting her eyes to her feet, while she twidled her toes.

His kept his brows lowered, but gave her a half smile. "And what if I did?" He faced her fully, and placed his hands in the pockets of his dark cloak.

"Is it Kurama?" She smiled curiously.

"Kurama?" Hiei quirked an eyebrow, and gave a chuckle. "I've told you once, and I'll tell you again. It's none of your damn business! And if you ask one more question, I'll kill you!!"Her forehead furrowed. "But--"

Hiei, with the speed of a bullet, threw his cloak across the room, and grabbed Miko's shirtfront, placing the edge of his sword on her neck. A tiny gasp escaped Miko's lips, as she felt the cold steel burning her skin.

Miko was close to tears. "Hiei..."

Hiei smirked cruelly. "You play by my rules, noone gets hurt, understand?" He pushed her back on the bed, her Chinese pajamas torn at the shoulder and neck from the brutal action.

Still she didn't cry, but got up instead, clutching her pained shoulder. She tooks short breaths, and walked towards Hiei. "Are you done? Can I look at your shoulder and cheek now?"

"Damn you, woman!! Get off my case!" Hiei raised his voice, loud enough for the neighbors to hear. "I spared your life, now leave me alone, or I'll surely kill you!!"

Miko put her index finger on his lips. "Sshhh... quiet. You'll wake everybody up."

Hiei's voice stuck in his throat. Somehow, he couldn't get it out of his mouth. It was as if something was blocking its path. Why couldn't she just have said "Shut up", like everybody did? He gazed into her hazel eyes, and blinked, as he saw a hint of blue in those courageous depths. He blinked again, and this time saw that they were back to their original hazel color.

"Now," She said, moving her hand from his lips to his arm. "Please, let me take a look at your shoulder." Hiei complied by not saying anything. He let her examine his shoulder, her hands grazing it inch by inch with such tenderness and care. Miko saw the cut. It wasn't very deep, but it needed to be cleaned. There were still blotches of dried blood all over his arm, even red stains on the bandages he wore. She left him for awhile, and came back carrying a small kit. Hiei didn't know why he stayed. He could have just left when she went to get whatever it is she was going to get, but he felt rooted to the floor, as if something was telling him to stay.

Miko, after gently swabbing and cleaning the wound, reached to untie the bandages on Hiei's arm. Hiei abruptly pulled his arm away. "You touch that, and you won't live till your next birthday!!"

Miko ignored him, and attempted to unwrap them again. "I've already had a wonderful birthday, thanks to you. I wouldn't mind dying today." She smiled sadly at him.

Hiei froze. That smile...

*~*~*

After that most enjoyable and exciting picnic at the park, it was time to return to the Spirit World. However, when Botan did get back, Koenma was about to entrust Yusuke with yet another mission.

"There has been word that there are two most wanted demons loose on the Human World right now," Koenma said, as he placed a dozen or so leaflets on his brass desk. Botan looked down at them, and gasped, as she saw the familiar faces of the two demons who had attacked Hiei earlier that day.

"Koenma-sama, these are--"

Koenma nodded. "Yes, I know. These are Kuanja and Akuna. They are two of the most wanted criminals in the Spirit World." He sucked thoughtfully on his pacifier, and crossed his arms. After taking a deep breath, the little Koenma jumped off his nylon-coated chair, and paced the room.

"If I am not mistaken, these thieves should be after the valuable treasures of the Spirit World," Koenma continued, as he stopped pacing, and looked seriously at Botan through his slitted eyes. "...And are after Hiei."

The cute, blue-haired messenger blinked. "Koenma-sama, do you know something about these two criminal demons?"

"Well..."

Koenma patiently waited, as he drummed his fingers vigorously on the table's polished surface. His father, King Enma Daioh was busy attending to business in the other dimension, so Koenma, being his son and the prince, had to take over the office and the paperwork. He was even left in charge of the judgement of souls. It wasn't such a bad position, but the next spirit to be judged was going to be no easy task.

"Koenma-sama, she's here," The secretary goblin, Jorju, informed his master. Koenma straightened in his chair, as he awaited the "she" to pass through the office doors.

"Show her in, Jorju," Koenma ordered, as his seat squeeked from his trying to seem taller.The huge doors opened, and a young girl entered. Her long bluish-white hair flowed down her back upto her thighs, and she had the most dazzling blue eyes Koenma had ever seen. She lowered her head when she saw the child-like ruler, afraid she might be judged wrongly or unfairly.

"Eisila, am I right?" Koenma asked.

She nodded meekly, keeping her hands daintily clasped together. Koenma took out a few documents from his drawers. "This is your case, Eisila: You were born among the Koorime because of your mother, however your father was Kuukirime, an air demon, thus you have the power of the air and the wind. But, it also made you an outcast, right?"

Eisila wished he weren't so blunt about it, but she nodded in reply. "The two, Kuanja and Akuna, who held you captive... they ordered you to steal for what purpose?" Koenma persisted.

She wrapped her arms around herself. "A deal." Koenma finally heard her voice. It was melodious, but melancholic. "They said they wouldn't hurt my family, if I stole for them." Her voice shook. "They broke their end of the bargain, so I told them I didn't want to be a part of their wreched plans anymore."

"I see." Koenma said, in a business-like manner. "So they killed you." Time stood suspened for quite sometime. Koenma straightened out
the papers, wacking them on the desk. "Alright, this is my decision." Eisila stiffened.

"I am giving you another chance to come back to life," He stated, moving his finger in a "know-it-all" position. Eisila knew there was a catch to this, but then again, anything was worth trying. "I want you to work for me," The midget of a god continued. "...as a spirit detective."

"Spirit detective?"

"I am assigning you for your first mission to save a Koorime boy from their clutches," Koenma put his hands under his chin. "He is the well-known 'Forbidden Child', and his power shouldn't be under such evil."

"The forbidden child?" Eisila echoed, and thought for ahwile. "Hiei?"

"That's right," Koenma answered. "He is an outcast just like you are, however he was born a fire demon. Kuanja and Akuna seem to take advantage of outcasts like you and Hiei."

Koenma chuckled. "Anyway, goodluck to you, Eisila." And with that, he got out his gavel, and banged it on the shiny, gold-colored brass desk, stamping a neatly typed piece of paper containing Eisila's profile and data.

"Eh? You mean there was another spirit detective before Sensui and Yusuke came along?" A bewildered Botan asked.

"That's right. Eisila." Koenma replied, and returned to his comfortable office chair. "Unfortunately, it wasn't an entirely successful mission."

"But Hiei was saved, right?" "True, but my intention for her next mission was a much bigger step concerning Kuanja and Akuna."

"What happened to Eisila?"

Koenma paused for a moment. "Eisila is gone for the time being." He bowed his head. A half gasp escaped the blue-haired deity's lips. "However," Koenma added. "There is a possibility that her soul fled to the Human World just like what happened to Kurama. I have no record of her name on the judgement list."

"Just like Kurama's situation," Botan said absently.

"Hey, Botan," Koenma broke into her reverie. "Contact Yusuke and the others right away. Kuanja and Akuna must be stopped."

"At this hour?" Botan asked disbelievingly. "Why are Kuanja and Akuna so dangerous?" A paddle materialized in her hand, as she prepared to leave for the Human World.

"If they get the chance to get a hold of those treasures, the Spirit World could be in big trouble," Koenma mumbled to himself.

The child-prince gave a phonemic sound, and stood up. "I'll go with you, Botan," He declared, as his height increased. He had transformed into a young man, but still sucked on the blue pacifier. His hat had gone, and had on his forehead the symbol "Jr." instead. Around his neck, a red, shawl-like cape rested, which trailed behind him majestically as he walked. His hair was the color of shiny varnished bark, similar to rosewood interior. His eyes, like the hazel tree's fruit. Botan looked up at his handsome face, and smiled. "Well, then," The now-big Koenma said. "Shall we go?"

"Sure," Botan replied, her smile still fixed on her face. It faded after a few seconds. "Umm, are you riding with me on the oar?"

~*~*~

The sound of chirping crickets diminished, as the first crack of dawn became evident along the cloudy horizon. The two juveniles sat, taking glimpses of each other in silence. Hiei kept his eyes on the peculiar flooring of the room, which was as soft as mink. His arm was now tied in fresh bandages, and much of the pain had subsided, due to the swabbing of the wound, and the cold compress Miko had placed on his cheek. He had tried probing Miko's mind with his third sight, but found it especially difficult to do so. The sad smile she flashed at him earlier didn't make matters any easier either. "Miko--"

"Hiei--"

They blurted out at the same time. Tension filled the air. They clamped their mouths shut, and waited. A rooster's crow sounded, as beams of sunlight flowed down from the window, hitting Hiei's nose.Miko broke the deafening inaudibility of thoughts by giggling. "Hiei, you have a shiny nose."

"Huh??"

"You know, Hiei," Miko started, stretching her legs in front of her, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I asked about your having a friend because I've never had any real friends." She rested her chin on her propped up knees, and gazed at the golden streams of morning light on her bedroom rug. "Did you ever have that feeling when you know that this certain person's going to be close to your heart?" Miko asked. She took a brief glance at Hiei, then directed it elsewhere, when she saw that his eyes were fixed intently on her.

"No." Miko didn't know if he was lying or not, but she shrugged it off nonetheless. "This may sound weird, and I know we've only met, but I think... you're my best friend."

Loneliness had engulfed him for more than fifteen years after his partner had died. He didn't mean to be responsible for the tragic death, but fate chose their paths. They were literally partners in crime; notorious thieves of the Demon World. But they were also good friends, and their friendship was one treasure that was beyond compare to any other they've stolen. However, he had lost him. He had lost Kuronue. Only on the day of Kuronue's eternal departure did Kurama know that they were the best of friends, and he never did get to tell him how he felt because it was too late. Kurama travelled in solitude then, a bitter coldness enveloping his heart. He pursued his career as a thief, but had failed at the risky attempt of stealing a priceless spirit ward. It had been a cinch with Kuronue by his side, but times have changed, and he had to fend for himself... alone. Alone. The word echoed through his mind, jarring all other thoughts, and unnerving his inner being. Cowardice, he had called it, but rejected it every now and then. He would not accept it; he didn't want to. The truth pierced his soul. He never wanted to return to the Demon World again. He fled to the Human World to be reborn, to have a new life. ...To forget his past, and to never be alone again. He was taught compassion, kindness, and yes, he was taught to love.

Never would he find those attributes in the Demon World.

Now, his human body was his fortitude, his fortress. He didn't want to be hurt again. As if answering his prayers, Hiei came into the picture. Little did he know that the fiery Koorime would one day be his comrade. 'Thieves till the end' was their motto, and together they stole the valuable treasures of the Spirit World, making an excellent team. However, Kurama no longer wanted to be a part of it, and used the power of a treasure to heal his loving human mother instead. Thinking back was a fairly strenuous task. Kuronoue was gone, and the moment to move on had come. Best of friends, partners in crime... The descriptions matched Hiei and he perfectly, though Hiei never did admit anything. Maybe it was high time Kurama told Hiei about how he felt. To tell him how special he really was. True enough, Kurama stuck to his word, and searched for Hiei that evening. He found Hiei going off into the pit-black darkness of the night. Kurama decided to follow, making sure Hiei was oblivious to his pursuit. Hiei stopped, and sat his weight on a thick tree branch in front of a large, blue-roofed house. Kurama waited among the shrubs and bushes, and watched, as Hiei opened the window, and peered inside.

Kurama took a better look, and saw Miko's sleeping form. Kurama smiled. Was Hiei interested in her? She was a good kid anyway, but what did Hiei find so appealing about this girl, he wondered. Hiei stepped inside Miko's bedroom window, much to Kurama's surprise. Kurama waited, and listened. For several hours straight, he remained hidden, continuing to watch and listen like a spectator. Sleep was the last thing on Kurama's mind, even as the sun peeked through the far off eastern junction of the earth and sky. Kurama heard what Miko had said to Hiei. It was louder and clearer than anything else she had said earlier. "I think... you're my best friend."

Miko had beaten Kurama to it.

*~*~*

Everywhere he went there was food. Glorious food, with a nice, heavenly scent invading his nostrils. Where did these all come from? Yusuke didn't know, and didn't care. He sat down, and prepared to devour every last one of them. He reached out to grab a piece of chicken; its juicy-looking leg tempting him with an "Eat me". Somebody slapped his hand away.

"You can't have that!"

Yusuke looked up into a pair of familiar brown eyes. He scowled. "What was that for, Keiko? I'm starving here!"

"You never even say 'thank you' for what I do for you," Keiko replied. "What makes you think you can eat and run just like that?" She snapped her fingers.

"Keh, you're such a killjoy, Keiko," Yusuke crossed his arms, annoyance fleeting over his features. Again, he reached out to take the chicken drumstick, its flavorable aroma still floating in the air. As soon as he was about to take a bite into the delicious leg, he felt a sharp pain on his finger, making him let go of the piece of chicken.

"What the hell--?!" Yusuke said, as he saw a miscule cut on his thumb.He picked the chicken leg up from the floor, and saw that it had grown eyes and teeth! Yusuke gave a startled yelp, and threw the chicken across the room. The rest of the food started to walk towards him with the same eyes and teeth! Yusuke tried to run, but he was glued to the spot. Run! Move! He ordered himself, but nothing was happening.

"Rei gun!!" Nothing. The food started climbing up his body. Yusuke yelled, hoping someone would hear him. The food nipped at his face. Where was Keiko? He heard Keiko's voice in the distance.

"Yusuke... Yusuke..."

"Yusuke..."

Someone was poking at his face.

Yusuke opened first one eye, then the other. A pair of pinkish eyes looked down at him, her blue tassles of hair tickling his nose. "Botan!" Yusuke sat up. "What are you doing here??"

Botan chuckled. "Yusuke, you were snoring."

"What was that?!" Yusuke demanded.

"We came here to tell you of your new mission," Came the voice of a tall, caped figure silhouetted in the dark corner of the room, leaning on one of the cabinet doors. He told Yusuke of his assignment, and stepped out of the shadows.

"Koenma," Yusuke got out of bed, and nodded. "Alright! I'm ready for it!" He dressed in haste, and prepared to inform Kuwabara and Kurama.

~*~*~

Another day, another try. This time they were going to nail down that forbidden fire child, whether he liked it or not. Akuna stretched lazily on a deserted building rooftop, as humans emerged from their homes to start a new day. Humans, such pathetic creatures, Akuna thought. "Akuna," Kuanja walked towards her. "We had better get to work."

"Aye," Akuna replied. "The forbidden child knows where the treasures of the Spirit World are located. Once we get the useful information out of his system, we dispose of him."

"But what about his allies?" Kuanja asked. "They are not to be underestimated."

Akuna laughed. "The child is all we need. After we get a hold of the treasures, we shall become invincible, and not even the powerful Urameshi Yusuke can stop us."

"I like the idea," Kuanja smiled, and they both leaped off the building to search the city for the Koorime boy.

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Yuyu Hakusho rightfully belongs to the following: Yoshihiro Togashi, Studio Pierrot, Shueisha Fuji TV.