tHe [HUNTERS'] :m:O:o:n

[Ambrie]

Darkness had laid out it’s throne like a monstrous, wicked black fog. The canopy above was thick, blocking out the sunlight that would soon be fading anyhow since the day was growing old. Only a few, well defined rays had made it through the leaves and they pierced the blackness like lasers, occasionally disappearing or reappearing somewhere else as the wind traveled over the treetops. These parts were really more like a jungle than a forest. The trees themselves were massive, the bushes were abundant and vines of all sizes draped down in places, threatening to grab her.

Creepy, was the one word that came to her mind as the blue-eyed psychic followed Hiei through the dark. They’d been going non-stop since she’d convinced him to come along the previous afternoon. And…even though she’d never admit it…Ambrie was pretty much exhausted. They’d only recently slowed to a walk again from a mad tree-jumping dash through the thinner, less horrifying part of the forest. Hiei’d mentioned it was because there were more dangerous demons through these parts and they didn’t need to attract a lot of attention. - a group of them together could be “an annoyance”. That and because, apparently, they were close to their first destination and needed to be on the lookout.

Of course the task wasn’t as simple as finding the moonstone’s village. And the slight complication was the only reason she had dared involve an S class demon in the first place - Ambrie had to have her ace in the hole, man. Its not like she was just going to tell this infamous outlaw where to find infamous power so he could be all, “Thanks for the tip!“ and scurry his happy self off to go find it himself. You had to unlock the moonstone with a key before you could take in its power. There were two keys out there that worked, one of which was in tact (and God knows where the moment), the other was in two different pieces that you had to find. Ambrie had one of those pieces on her person, stuffed safe and sound in her bra as a matter of fact. She hadn’t told Hiei that in her explanation of course, but if he’d extracted that little factoid when he read her mind earlier, and he had the gall to go digging for it, then maybe he deserved to go running off to find the moonstone without her sheerly because he was so brave. Neither one of them knew what they were looking for with the other key, which meant neither of them could get too far without the other - unless Hiei wanted to go boobie-diving and lose a few limbs.

Luckily though she’d gotten a picture of what the other half of the key looked like from the same person she‘d gotten hers, showed it to Hiei, and like a bloodhound who’d been given an article of clothing off they went….and off they went….and they went. And went and went and went…right on up to the scariest place she’d ever been in her life.

Ambrie carried herself nobley nevertheless, big blue eyes watchful and footsteps making hardly a sound. She’d forced herself to stop thinking about how hungry she was a long time ago. And had been doing pretty well until a sudden scent hit her nose.

She stopped, nose twitching cutely as she looked around. ”Hey…you smell that?” It smelled like heaven was what it smelled like. Someone was cooking nearby. And the scent was peculiarly delicious, intoxicating to a human psychic who hadn’t eaten in over three days. Her supplies had run out in her search for Hiei, but she’d been too absorbed in what she was doing to notice her hunger.

It was hard to ignore now though. Especially with that scent so thick in the air. Ambrie turned and started off course. Her eyes were pools of intensity, like a lioness on the prowl.

Somebody…was about to lose their dinner.

OOC:// Not 100% sure that's how Hiei's Jagan works, but meh, just roll with it.

[Hiei]

For three days he was stuck with the human. He could sense the exaustion that seemed to reek in the air around her. He of course didn’t say anything about it. He didn’t really care with that. He had to go through so much with this human. How she even heard of him he didn’t know, to add to that. Nor did he care. It was sort of pathetic on how he was often dragged into this stupidity. But he figured, he’d rather have that object, then some mad man. Hiei had agreed to this long ago.

Hiei remember in her over-view on this mission. One would call it. That there were two keys. She had half of one, which she implied had been hidden well deep with in her breast. He could take it whenever he wanted too. He just didn’t really want the head ache of her constant nagging on their trip. They had to go to the middle of the demon world to talk to her friend. He didn’t have enough time for her tactics, so he just scared the information out of the fool. It was rather easy, all he had to do was say who he was, he didn’t have to say the rest of his threat.

Once he was told about the other half, he didn’t give a seconds notice before running off. He didn’t care if she followed or stayed there to rest. She would of had to find him eventually, since he would have gotten that part of the key, at least two days ago. He had to be speed walking for the fool to actually keep up. He snorted, to the thought. They had gotten to the base of the mountain, and not even half way he had stopped.

She didn’t seemed to offended by the sudden slow down in his pace, but he figured she wouldn’t. He still how ever explained to her. Running around in a place like this, would cause some of the creatures who live here, to be attracted to the action. Although he didn’t tell her, her scent if she would run would strengthen, and to some demons here, she was their favorite meal. He blinked, and heard her speak, his ears twitching. Yeah he could smell it from the base of the mountain.

He blinked then before he could say anything, she was off in another direction. He growled and ran off so he had been in front of her. His arms crossed.”I will catch your own food once we get to the middle of the mountain.” he hissed, grabbing her by her wrist tightly, before walking off to the main road, if you would call it that. His grip on her wrist was hard, as if two cars had rammed against it, and held it in place, firm but he was unbelievably warm.

[Ambrie]

OOC:// Wait, did he find the other half of the key without her? Or are you saying he WOULD have?

A ring of smoke could just barely be seen far off into the forest through the openings in the branches. Ambrie thought she could see some form of wall for a cottage too. If it was a cottage with smoke, that meant it had a fireplace. And…probably a nice, comfy sleeping couch. Holy crap. Food, a nice warm fire and a coushin to sleep on. All were things Ambrie hadn‘t see in Lord knows how long.

She pounced over a log and started through ferns that were almost up to her waist, brushing lightly past her prowling form with the ever-so-slight sound of rustling movement. She’d gotten just far enough for her mind to indulge in the thought of a nice place to sleep tonight, the scent of that food becoming so prominent to her that she could almost taste it, when the larger of her current headaches popped right back up front of her to block the way. Wonderful.

His words went in one ear, were processed, then went directly out the other. Moron. How sweet of him to offer to catch her something, as if she couldn‘t catch it herself. If he didn‘t stop trying to make her look so darn helpless they were going to have a problem. Ambrie didn’t need him to survive out here! No sir. She just…had no clue what was edible…yeah, that was all. And she sure hadn’t seen any kind of ’animal’ thus far in her stay in this world that she would even think of putting in her mouth. But there was one little thing Hiei seemed to not take into account. Someone was cooking…understand? And she was hungry NOW.

The only acknowledgement he received was the lowering of her brows, his offer failing in comparison to the mental image she had of that cottage up ahead, but she didn’t bother to stop. She was perfectly content to just go around his butt like he were no more significant than another one of these trees in her way but of course, trees don’t grab people by the wrist. And if they did she had the feeling that a lot more of them would get the axe.

Chills ran up her arm at the warmth of his hand…if that makes sense. It almost…felt good, a nice yen for the forest’s chilly yan. Soothing almost. Wow, she must’ve been more tired than she thought. It took a moment for the squeezing force to cancel it out and it felt like he was trying to break something. But even the pain washing up her arm felt good in some strange way. Probably because it was consentrated somewhere OTHER than her feet now.

Ambrie planted those feet and leaned away as he began to drag her back on course, other hand trying to pry herself free. Hiei wasn’t the only one who could be a stubborn brat. ”Would you stop?!” Why did he have to make everything TEN TIMES more difficult than it ought to? Her feet hit a root in the ground, and she used that as a break best she could. Pain seared through her wrist at the tug of war match. And Ambrie sort of snapped. Come on now, the girl had been awake two nights straight people. You would too. Unless you’re Payne, of course. (x3)

A soft, feminine growl grew in her throat just before that "break" root became a launching pad and she she lunged at him full throttle. Probably wasn’t among the better ideas she’d had; you'd think she would've learned by now. Ambrie wasn’t even sure of what she was going to do. Tackle him of course, then…curl up and fall asleep on him, maybe? Awh, well, her brain was only processing at half capacity. All she knew she was that she was suddenly furious. Maybe she'd just eat him instead and save herself the walk.

Meanwhile, if Hiei was able to pay attention, the missing part of the key was indeed very close by. And on the move - circling around them to that cottage as a matter of fact.

OOC:// If he already did just ignore that last paragraph. Or pretend it was like, a monster instead.

[Hiei]

He had continued to drag her, even though she fought against him. He didn’t really care for her. She could stomp, rant and rave all she wanted to. They were going to have things his way; they’d go in this direction, she would get her food some other time. Him on th other hand? He wasn’t that hungry, He could eat. But years of training had taught him that eating was only neccasary if you were human. It was only a habit if you had been a demon though. He had knew this. He stopped and he turned to her, just in time for him to see her fling her body at him.

Sheer annoyance had filled his mind, as he moved his hand quicker then she flung herself, so she ran right into his hand, it tightly around her neck. He then threw her into a nearby tree. As if he had been a five year old(I mean he might have looked like one too) and she was a simply a rag doll. His eyes narrowed. ”I’ve raided your mind, you are of no use to me. The only reason why I am keeping you alive is beyond my comprehntion. “ he hissed as he stared at her, there would be her indent in the tree, as he took out it’s blade. The sound the blade made when it was against the sheath would cause her heart beat to raise up.

”I don’t know if your understand this human. But here you are not a friend to anyone, in fact your are a meal” he spoke acidly, she felt his blade to her neck. Here she was in a cold dark lonely forest, of demons that would find her a delicious meal, and she had a blade to her neck by a midget. How fun was her life? His red eyes narrowed down to her, and he put the blade away. He would carry her the rest of the way if he had too. But he wanted to get this over with. Besides the two oafs and Kurama where probably wondering where he had been at for a while. He thought.

[Ambrie]

She certainly hadn't seen that coming. But...oh, who was she kidding? Ambrie hadn't thought that far ahead to begin with so she hadn't really expecting anything in particular. Tired, angry little psychic girls. They're rabid I tell you.

"Ack!" And there she went airborne, her head the first to collide with the tree. At least it gave a little, with the indentation and such, but even so her world went black for a few seconds. A part of her wished she hadn't come back around at all. At least she would've had a good excuse to sleep. But of course, her luck had never been so great and her hand moved up to put some pressure on the back of her throbbing head, grimacing as she tried to swallow back a cry

Needless to say, the tell-tale sound of an unsheathing sword brought her attention back to Hiei, as did his words. It was then she began to fully realize the mess she was in. And there was no one to blame but herself. She should've done more research on this stupid little freak before she let her excitement drive her into impulsive action. People were killed for that sort of thing every day - she'd known this. Perhaps that was just her pride, having convinced her that she could have this entire situation under control if she was pushy enough. Then come to find out this demon guide she had chosen was not only more powerful, but just as pushy, if not MORE so, than she was! How...totally messed up was that?

"If you knew so much about me you would know that I don't care." She muttered, brows twitching slightly as she tried to ignore the pain. "I refuse to live my life like some pathetic, mediocre psychic who doesn't have the drive to move forward. I've..." She paused, flinching as a sharp pain suddenly shoot down her spine, but she refixed her glare on him and continued. "I've come too far and it's not going to be in vane. If the only way to change things is to follow you through monster infested woods then so be it. You're trying to scare a girl who doesn't have much to lose." Ambrie had been traumatized...more than once. And it had driven her into a wild, all-or-nothing goose chase to accomplish the superiority that was the only real remedy for her fears. She was terrified of being a victim again, terrified of being helpless to save herself, or save anyone she cared about. If she'd dare to care about someone again...watching one more casket of someone she loved being set in a grave would be the end of her. She just couldn't take any more of that. The only two heroes she'd ever known, who'd swooped in and rescued her from the hurt when she was so little, had vanished in the headlights of cancer and an out of control Semi. They'd...left her. Left her alone in the shadow of that monster; she could still see the rage in his drunken face.

No, Ambrie couldn't be intimidated by a few demons wanting to eat her in these woods. It'd be better than living with these nightmares...All she'd ever wanted was to feel safe. And the only way she knew to do that was to carry a bigger stick. That's why she was here.

Ambrie got to her feet, using the broken tree as leverage and she swayed a bit from the dizziness to her head-blowness. Usually it wouldn't have been such a big deal, an "attack" like that, if she hadn't been starving and exhausted. Ambrie had had just about enough of this. But whatever, he said keep going, and she wasn't about to be the wuss.

"But then, I guess you already knew that." She started to limp on past him, toward where they were headed before, even though every fiber of her being screamed to go back and raid that cottage for everything it was worth. The ground was kind of moving around though, totally not her fault, and everything kept getting darker then brighter again. It felt like she was on a boat in the middle of a thunder storm.

She sort of tripped on...a nonexistent hedgehog or something, and fell right back into him, grabbing his waist to catch herself. No, stay conscious! Fight it, girl!

'You have...a lot of belts..." Perhaps...carrying her was the best option. Haha, Hiei. Your own darn fault.

[Hiei]

Hiei paused as he saw the girl get up. Great he didn’t really care for her speech. He didn’t, honestly. He cared more about the ground below him if anything. He paused, as he saw her stand up. She had clearly been weakened, good. At least then he couldn’t hear her nag. That was a plus side. He stared to her as she seemed to walk past him. He watched her turning around to face her direction. He watched her walk slowly. He could see the unsteadiness in her footing, and he paused, as she turned around to speak to him. He sensed something, ignoring her completely. It had been the other key piece in the direction of the cottage.

He smirked, looked like she would have her wish any ways. He turned to speak to her, but went to jump back as she grabbed onto his hips. He blinked, if sponge head was here he’d make a sexual comment, about this. He looked down to the woman, and sighed. Humans were so pathetic. He grabbed her and placed her so he would be giving her a piggy back ride. Good thing he was strong, although it looked rather ridiculous on how it looked. He darted off towards the cottage, and avoided most of the tree’s that got in his way, a few branches would hit Ambrie, but he didn’t care.

He stopped twenty feet from the cottage, and stared it down, his crimson eyes narrowing. He overall sunk into the darkness, besides the overall weight on his back. He let out a growl and set her down against a bush, of something that looked like blue strawberries. ”You can eat those, they taste like human cherries in banana syrup.” he spoke to her as he stared off to the cottage.

[Ambrie]

"Mmm..." Her own little inner struggle continued and in and out she went. She was holding onto something warm like shoulders or...yeah, oh, Hiei, right. Piggyback ride. What in the world was he being nice for? Maybe she really was knocked out already and this was just a dream of some sort. Maybe she should smack him now to get him back for everything. People in dreams didn't cut your head off or slam you against real life trees. Ambrie was pretty sure she was still awake though, it's just her eyes kept trying to close, and...oh, was that a...steak?

-SMACK-

Tree branch. "Ouch!" That woke her up. And her arms constricted around his neck "accidently" a little tighter than was necessary to keep her balance. It didn't look quite as awkward as one might imagine. Ambrie wasn't all THAT much taller than him, folks. He even weighed more than her. So maybe that evened itself out somehow, didn't look like an ant carrying an apple off at a picnic.

She didn't say anything as he sat her down, a sweet aroma hitting her nose and she glanced around for the source.

”You can eat those--”

That's all she heard. Ambrie started wuffing them down in the most mannerful way that were possible, nearly swallowing them whole in her efforts to get something in her system and not caring much for taste. But then she suddenly sensed what Hiei had before they’d took off here and she perked up, locking her cerulean stare past his leg to the cottage in the same direction he‘d been looking.

The snapping of foliage could be heard as a creature shoved his way into the small clearing. Ambrie’d never seen anything like it before - but then again, that wasn’t a surprise. It was huge, not humanoid at all, with black scales and an arched back with several jagged spikes sticking out of its shoulders. Its silted eyes had a eerie green glow and long fangs were fully visible; the creature didn’t have lips. But it was what was hanging from its neck that had Ambrie’s attention and her gaze seemed to sharpen as she zeroed in. The other half of the key.

Another one soon followed it out of the bushes and the two of them continued toward the cottage door oblivious to their two guests. Both of them were considerably powerful, upper B class, perhaps. Maybe even A. The second one stopped abruptly, sniffing the air.

It turned its head toward them menacingly slow, horns sticking up like a fighting bulls. A startled, heart-stopping snort came from its nostrils that echoed off the trees and it took a step back, bulking up. Not from fear, but surprise.

The first one came back outside the cottage, fixing its wicked eyes on them. ”Who goes there?” His monstrous voice boomed, tones dripping with bloodlust. The necklace was gone.

Ambrie struggled to her feet, limping the few steps necessary to stand beside Hiei.

”I smell...human…!”

[Hiei]

Hiei had pushed her down to the ground, and took a step out of the brush, pushing it to more cover her as he stood up. His hands on his blade, he however doubted that he needed it though. He was smirking, his red eyes narrowed to them. He looked over the creature. Dragon demons, most of them loved the taste of humans. What his luck? He had something to take all his frustration out on; maybe there will be more strong demons for him to fight, because he already knew, if this girl would be that annoying, he’d have to kill something not to kill her.

”Stay there and eat” she heard hiei’s voice within the compounds of her mind. Hiei’s mouth did not move.One of his many ways of telepathy. He glanced back to her and took a step towards them.

Hiei was anything but suddle about anything. He walked towards them, keyless one looked to him, it snake eyes looking to him, and it seemed to his. As its claws shined purple. Hiei stared at it, and it went to go down on him, he grabbed it’s wrist. The demon’s other arms came swinging down on him, he jumped over it, also jumping behind the demon with ease, grabbing it’s arms and digging its claws that were glowing purple into the spikes, as he tilted the dragon to it’s friend. He smirked. Then brought his feet standing on the demon’s lower back. His red eyes narrowed. ”I have been frustrated for the pass three days, and your life is how i will take it out on.” he hissed darkly as she ran up the dragon’s back jumping, it’s arms went with it. Purple liquid spraying around as hiei stood back where he started.

He hadn’t gotten one drop on him, he looked rather proud to be honest. His cold red eyes having a hint of amusement in them.

[Ambrie]

”RAAAH!”

Blood, er, what we could assume was blood, went flying from the place the demon’s arms once were. It fell to its knees in a screaming mess, destined for a slow, miserable death. Its comrade could only stand there and gawk.

”You…” It turned, opening its lipless mouth with saliva stretching between its fangs, a feral growl rattling from its throat. ”You trash! You’re going to pay for this!”

Cerulean eyes watched through the leaves and thickets, anxiety lining their depths, and ready to jump in the middle of the altercation whether Hiei liked it or not.

The ground shuddered as the heavy beast took a step, spreading its legs as it raised its massive hands. It grunted painfully, though with venom, as numberless spikes began to pierce through its palms from the inside, blood oozing out at the move. ”Haaa…Your blood will make an excellent broth for my soup…” A sickening snap came from his palms as the spikes prickled, reaching their full extent. ”Now die!” The spikes flew from his palms and separated into several others, needle-fine, as they showered toward the three-eyed demon.

Tiny zaps of electricity jumped across her fingers as she squeezed a small branch on the ground, knuckles turning white.

[Hiei]

Hiei watched a smirk on his face as the keyless demon fell to the ground, it would suffer a painful death, of feeling itself bleed out. Hiei snickered, and looked over to the fully healthy demon. He snorted to it, how weak. It appeared that the demon would have no idea for who he was. He blinked then he appeared to disappear. As fast as he ran, it was almost unbelievable to his speed. As he stood next to the demon, he ripped the necklace from the demons neck, the snap could be heard. As Hiei lifted up his leg, and the demon was kicked in the head.

The demon would go spiraling in the air, as if it had been a simple frisbee, until it hit the tree across from her. Hiei glanced to her. ”Hurry up and eat girl, because we are leaving again as soon as I finish this pathetic excuse for a dragon off.” he smirked, and fire engulfed his fists, as he ran towards the dragon, who had currently been stuck to a tree(thanks to the spikes on it’s back) as she heard the pounding of Hiei’s fist going hard against the dragon’s body. The snapping sound of the dragon’s bones broke against Hiei’s fist. Hiei how ever, didn’t even notice the small cut on his shoulder that one of the dragon’s spikes had barely hit his shoulder; it did. But barely.

Hiei punched it once more, and the dragon would go limp, hiei smirked, and grabbed the dragon by it’s neck, and held it up, going to punch it’s face once more.

[Ambrie]

That had been…not as bad as she had imagined. Ambrie watched with mesmerized interest as her little guide simply darted around the blunt of the needles and sent that monster reeling. Flattening herself closer to the ground instinctively as it flew past her and into the tree. How…ridiculous! Hiei could’ve been three classes below this fool and it still wouldn’t’ve had a chance with speed like that. Ambrie had been fully expecting to have to jump in at some point, but it was just…not even a fight. An “execution” would be a more appropriate title.

”Hurry up and eat girl, because we are leaving again as soon as I finish this pathetic excuse for a dragon off.”

Ambrie pulled off her little backpack and started throwing berries in, making sure it was a spot they wouldn’t get squished, eating a few in the process. She was envious, though, extremely excited and didn’t know why.

She got up and turned around when she‘d gotten all she wanted, grimacing at the sick cracking noises still coming from Hiei’s long-dead punching bag. ”I think…you got him, tough guy.” She said as she put a calming hand on his shoulder. What? It’s not like he was going to go psycho on her NOW like he did last time…right? Besides, she couldn’t help from feel a little proud of him…that and maybe if she buttered him up enough he might teach her a little bit of that speed, if it were a technique of some sort.

She blinked though as she noticed the gash beside her hand, withdrawing it to gaze at his blood that stained her fingertips. ”Hey, you’re…hurt...” Bwaha! He wasn’t superman after all! Though it sorta...was a strange thing for her to finally see. She knew it were possible for him to get hurt of course but ever since she'd met him he'd been invinsible to her. It made him seem more…mortal…touchable... Less like some higher being that might as well be a fairytale that she were just imagining...if that makes sense. Even Hiei could bleed.

It made her feel better.

Still holding her backpack in the other hand, Ambrie unzipped a different pocket and started digging through. ”Hold on, I have some things that’ll fix you in two seconds.” She shot him a brief glare. ”And don‘t you dare complain.” The last thing he needed was an infection way out here. Why she cared she had no clue. But…well…he did kind of save her…sort of. And…he was her guide..

”I don’t wanna' have to beat you up again.”

[Hiei]

He ignored her, and he ignored the fact that the dragon had died long ago. He punched it’s face and it went flying in the air, then it hit a hard thud, hitting against the cottage’s roof. He stared to her, as he heard the ruffling in the bushes. He shrugged his shoulders not caring as he looked to his small wound. His red eyes glancing to her, then going to his shoulders. The cut had been the size of his arm, going from the top of his shoulder to his shoulder blade. He blinked, hnn. He took off his shirt.

Muscles were finely sculpted into his body, as if the angels had carved this demon from the most purest clay. His body had been pale, as if he had never seen sun light. When she touched his skin, it was oddly soft, and extremely warm. He kept his arms crossed, as if the heat didn’t bother him. He last down, and stared at the other half. His index and thumb held it. ”Give me the other half.” he ordered her. He rather keep it for safe keeping then the girl holding it. She was human.


(OOC: SOrry fer the short post)

[Ambrie]

Her hands hit the little first aid kit and she pulled it out, tossing the backpack to the side. She opened it, and smirked at the pointy objects arranged in one side. No Ambrie, just...no.

She took some cotton balls and alcohol instead and started cleaning his wound. She didn't answer him right away, lost in thought. Her expression was painted in something close to pesimistic misery.

"No."

A breeze swept up, toying with her bangs as it brushed over her flawless skin. You'd think she'd learn by now. You really would. Especially after seeing him cut through two possibly A class demons like wet napkins - and ruthlessly so.

But...still...the word was spoken in a ridged tone and she started wrapping his shoulder. Soft fingertips gluided down his skin with gentle endearment. Pretending...maybe, he was someone else...as her mind wandered back in time. "You'll just leave..." She wouldn't do it. That other half of the key was her only piece in this game, the only thing that kept him from leaving her here to get to the moonstone himself...or worse. And she didn't come all this way and go through all this trouble for it to end like that. And he would do it too; she wasn't stupid...

But she was almost too tired to argue.

"Won't you?"

[Hiei]

He felt her smooth fingers move against his skin. Ha, he hadn’t even broke a sweat while dealing with that trash. He smirked, but it falters. No? He spun around, faster then her eyes can comprehend, his hands gripping her wrists tightly, as he stared to her. His eyes narrowed to her, she could feel his red eyes stare at her like daggers. ”A demon can easily take that from you, give me it. I will not leave you here.” he spoke his voice stern, it was an order to her.

He stood up now, and stared down to her. With such passion, no hate in his eyes. His shoulders squared off and he stared at her, his red eyes seemed to make her freeze in shock. They were so, angry. It would make her wonder what made him so stoic, what so bad to him pushed him this way. But also she should have been happy, if he hadn’t been this way, he would have never been this strong, or fast. He stared her down, his hand out, wrapping the other piece of it around his neck, with his other hand as he stared to her.

Well it appeared they needed each other now.

[Ambrie]

The thought that she was going to get pounded into dirt crossed her mind the second he turned and grabbed her. Ambrie blinked at him in surprise, mind lapsing and the memories she'd been submerged in faded like smoke.

His eyes were piercing, like smoldering red embers straight from a hellish flame. Everything about him was...intense. His fighting, his eyes, his freaking little-dog syndrome. Had not her livelihood been laying with its head on the chopping block right now she might've reveled in that. But as is, a little bit of Ambrie was dying inside. He claimed he wouldn't leave. But what was the word of a demon to her? It's not like he was asking her for a Dorito. This was power that’d been doubling its interest for the past few hundred years.

She looked down solemnly, trying to think. Not too much of that was happening though as her gaze rested on his chest, then wandered down to his abs and, she couldn’t really explain the shiver she felt. Totally unintentional, folks. She was about to try pulling her wrist free, intending to readjust a part of his bandage only as an excuse to touch him again. But he moved to get up with her attention returning to his face and the horrid issue at hand, sitting there in his shadow.

Hiei had a way of putting her into little mental places that she did not like to be. Trust was no more possible for her anymore than an amputee regrowing a limb. And still, here he was, forcing her to, or else face the alternative mindset. She could either look at it as giving the key to the only security she‘d ever have in life to a friend she didn't trust, or an enemy who'd likely take it from her if she refused. Gah, what a bag of douche this situation was.

Looking away, a sigh rose and fell in her chest. Finally she reached beneath her shirt from its bottom, cheeks flushing slightly as her palm slipped beneath her bra with his stupid self just standing there staring. She looked down at the key as she withdrew her hand, watching her tiny reflection in its golden coat and was surprised by the amount of distress in her eyes. Ah...well...whatever. She looked away as she placed it in Hiei’s hand, not wanting to see what his next move would be. And for whatever reason, Ambrie could think of nothing else but how cruel parents were for making their children believe there was such a thing as heroes.