Okay, this is Part II of the fanfic "Sleeper."  It sucks right now and I'm
having a splitting headache.  Have fun reading and I hope this thing goes
through the ML.  Constructive C & C are welcome.  Enjoy!

-SilverFox
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SLEEPER
Part II: The Substitute

	Hiei leaped sideways as the ground below him exploded.  He disappeared and
then reappeared behind Karasu, slashing at him with his sword.  

	*Masaka...Can't be...* Kurama watched from a distance, dumbfounded.

	Hiei shot a look at Kurama and then took off in the direction toward the
woods.  Karasu followed.

	*Why is he following Hiei?* Kurama wondered.  He then thought twice and
chased after them.

	Branches exploded around Hiei as Karasu pursued him.  Hiei jumped in time
as he a branch exploded on his right.  He landed on the ground and turned
around to face Karasu.

	Karasu took off his mask, his hair turned from black to blond.  

	"So...you've decided to give up," Karasu said coldly.

	"What do you want?" Hiei snapped.  "You're supposed to be dead."

	"That is not a good way to say something to someone who is about to kill
you." Karasu smiled cruely.

	"Ch!"

	Karasu flew up as he collected his energy.  The air around him shone
brightly as it was heated.  Electricity crackled around Karasu and gradually
transformed into a fire ball of explosives, Karasu gathered the fireball and
aimed. 

	"Die Kurama!" Karasu attacked Hiei.

	*Kurama?!* Hiei started as he leaped away again. *Whatta...?*

	"Kurama?" Kurama repeated the last word.  

	The ground shook as the power of Karasu wiped out the trees around them.
Hiei landed behind Kurama and crossed his arms.

	"Hn!  Not good enough." He said.

	"What's going on here?" Kurama started. "Hie..."

	"Hiei, get out of here now!" Hiei replied.  He then shot Kurama another look.

	:Dammit fox!  Just play along.:

	:Why?:
	
	Hiei didn't respond.  He charged toward Karasu before Karasu decided to
send any more explosives toward their direction.

	:Dammit Kurama!  Get the fuck out of here!: Hiei's mind screamed to him.

	:Why Hiei? Why?:

	:You can't beat him: Hiei shot back at him.  :Just get out of here and let
me take care of the bastard!:

	:Hiei...:

	:Trust me:

	Hiei then took off to another direction with Karasu following him.  Hiei
glanced back and made sure that Kurama didn't follow.  Although Hiei knew
that Kurama have the ability to beat Karasu, he realized that Kurama had
been traumatized by the past battle with Karasu since the kitsune had almost
died in the process of beating Karasu.  No, he wouldn't let Kurama faced
Karasu.  He could take care of this bastard himself.  Suddenly, Hiei
vanished in front of Karasu.

	"What?" Karasu stopped.  "Come on out, it's not going to work Kurama."

	Hiei reappeared behind Karasu and slashed at him.  Unfortunately, he had
underestimated Karasu's ability.  Hiei felt a burning pain on his shoulder
as the dynamite exploded.

	"Shit~~~!" He hissed.  That was his right arm, where he kept the Black
Dragon.  Another explosion caught Hiei off guard as he landed. 

	"Not doing so good now, aren't we?" Karasu walked toward Hiei.

	"Hn!" Hiei sneered.  The pain was unbearable, he had been careless and
hadn't expect the mines.

	Karasu came closer.  Hiei avoided another dynamite as Karasu attacked but
was blasted by a hidden one from the left.  Hiei knew that he was losing
speed and blood.  

	*Shit!  He had gained speed and youki.* Hiei thought.  *Kurama killed him.
What happened?  How come Karasu cannot recognize the real Kurama?*

	Another explosion sent Hiei crashing against a tree.  Hiei could feel the
blood running down the side of his head.

	"Any last word before I kill you, Kurama?" He asked.

	"Hn!" Hiei's Jagan opened. *This better work...I am losing strength...*
Hiei thought with dread.  Then with some difficulty, he managed to look up
and reply, "...Ensatsu...Kokuryuha~~~~!"

-------------Part II The Substitute End (To Be Continued)----------