Chapter 1
Author's Note: This chapter has several parts from what once was chapter 71. I, unfortunately, lost notes on where I was going with it so kind of had to re-write and re-plan. To those who are actually still following, I apologize for the very long wait. I honestly didn't think much of not continuing until I decided to log in not long ago and saw a pm asking if I could finish the story. I'm not sure I can manage what I could have years ago, but I'll try. I also apologize if I'm butchering Jin and Chu's accents. !_!
The young woman stared down at a small pool of clear liquid with large dove light violet eyes, a small beauty mark adorned her face beneath her right eye. Her long dark purple hair swayed around her gently and she wore a long kimono of pure white printed with silver feathers.
"Anything?"
The question didn't faze the woman who kept her gaze on the liquid but shook her head. "I cannot see them; it seems as if someone has told the White Oracle. She must be shielding their past, their future...and their present."
The other woman, taller than the petite oracle, especially with the black stilettos on her feet, gently placed a hand on the shorter woman's shoulder. The woman's skin was slightly darker, ringed by three golden bracelets on her right arm; her eyes were grey, her hair a magenta pink held back from her face by a hair band. She wore a skirt suit of black under which was a white blouse, none of which hid her ample bosom.
"It is alright, Avdimi,' the taller woman said, an accent that might be french in her voice. "There will always be time; let the other factions fall to them, and when they feel the safest, we shall take everything from them." The taller woman chuckled, starinng at the liquid. Those who protected The Right had not truly faced their enemy, and their spy had already planted the seed necessary. Unlike them; Lilith, Avdimi and those with her knew much about the weapon in human form. The mortals had yet to face true horror.
'Sometimes I don't get that girl,' Botan thought with a sigh. Once the couple had started making plans for their date, Botan had tiptoed away along with Koto. She crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her head to one side. 'I just don't see how she could think Hiei's…fun.' Botan had never thought that of Hiei. Scary, yes. Fun…not very much. 'Well, at least I know now that everything's fine with Fay and Kurama.' Now she just had to-
"Botan?" The blue hair looked over at Yukina, her thoughts interrupted. The girl held a package that by now, Botan knew was meant for Yukio.
"Have you seen Isis? I would like to ask her a favor." Yukina said.
"Well, that I know she went whale watching again." Botan answered.
"Oh,' Yukina's shoulders drooped. "I wanted to ask her if she could deliver this to father."
'That's so sweet,' Botan thought. 'Come to think of it, Yukina hasn't seen Yukio since the Mausoleum. She must miss him.'
"Alright then, I've decided,' Botan said. "Since for the moment it seems I don't have to keep an eye on those two, I'll help you."
"Help me?" Yukina asked.
"Come on, let's go find Yusuke." Botan announced, leading the way. Uncertain of what Botan was planning, Yukina followed nonetheless. The two went from room to room until they finally found Yusuke in the living room with Keiko. "Good, I found you before you left."
"You need something?" Yusuke asked her and Botan nodded cheerfully. "Yes, I need you to call Mary Anne."
Yusuke gave her an incredulous look. "You're kidding right? You've been around to hear her whining whenever we call her. Why would I want to call her up when I don't have too?"
"Because it's important,' Botan said. "And you won't have to deal with her, I will."
Keiko glanced over at Yukina then back at Botan.
"Just do it, Yusuke." Botan said.
'Why do I get the feeling they know something I don't?' He thought.
"Fine, but don't count on me to deal with her if she starts whining about the rules. Mary Anne!" Yusuke called out.
The girl appeared behind them, sitting on one of the living room couches. "Nice place,' Mary Anne said, crossing a leg over the other, her gaze scanning the living room before it landed on the four. "Is there a reason why I'm here?" she asked, eyebrow raised, fingers tapping on her leg.
"Don't look at me,' Yusuke said, heading for the door. "Botan's the one who insisted."
"Bye,' Keiko waved at the girls as she followed Yusuke.
"Have a nice date you two,' Botan said waving until the door closed.
"Ahem!" Mary Anne coughed loudly. "I'm still waiting to hear why I'm here."
"Well, don't you think it's sad for a daughter to be separated from her father just after she met him?" Botan asked Mary Anne, coming closer to the girl.
"Uhh…" 'Not really,' Mary Anne thought, but before she could voice her opinion Botan was talking once more. "So pretty please take us to see Yukio, just for a little while. Yukina hasn't seen him since that night." The blue hair girl brought her hands up before her, eyes large and glittery. "Pretty pleaseee."
Mary Anne leaned away, feeling a little nauseated. "Please stop that,' she found it a little sickening.
"It's alright if you can't,' the two girls turned to Yukina who smiled gently. "You have already done so much for us, Mary Anne but,' she held up the package. "Could you give this to father the next time you see him?"
Botan glared down at Mary Anne, a 'shame on you', look on her face.
Mary Anne's eye twitched. 'It's like kicking a puppy when it's down.' The short girl sighted, getting to her feet. "Fine I'll take you, but just for an hour."
Botan smiled, giving Yukina a thumps up. "I knew you wouldn't refuse."
"If you're going somewhere then so am I,' Koto walked in, yawning. "I have no idea where all the boys scattered too and I doubt anyone's getting punched in this place anytime soon."
Mary Anne had half a mind to recant her decision, but before she could give it anymore thought the three girls were ready to go; so Mary Anne found herself with no choice but to teleport them.
Botan had heard that the last time Mary Anne had teleported the boys; it hadn't been a pleasant ride, so she'd braced herself closing her eyes tightly, but besides the increase in heat she didn't feel anything else.
"We're here,' Mary Anne announced.
'A park?' Botan thought as she looked around. It was a small park with a train stop nearby and a water fountain at its center.
"Is this where we'll find my father?" Yukina asked to which Mary Anne gave a nod and gestured.
People around them seemed oblivious to the figure that appeared near the fountain and headed their way, but Yukina's face brightened and she ran his way. "Father!" She wrapped an arm around the startled Yukio who after a moment of hesitation, returned the hug. "It's not that I'm not happy to see you, Yukina, but if Hiei finds out you're missing…"
"No need to worry about that,' Botan said cheerfully. "We'll think of an excuse."
"Here,' Yukina pulled back, handing Yukio her package. "I made you lunch and a new cloak, I hope you like it."
"I have a great idea,' Botan said, inching closer. "Why not have a nice picnic in the park, meanwhile,' Botan grabbed Koto's arm and headed after an already departing Mary Anne. "We'll make ourselves scarce. See you in an hour,' Botan cheerfully waved goodbye to the two and caught up to Mary Anne.
"I'm on duty,' Mary Anne told Botan. "And no I can't take you along; I'll meet you three back in an hour."
"So what are we supposed to do until then?" Koto asked. 'If I'd known it was going to be this boring I would have stayed.' She thought.
"Hmm…there is something I'm curious about; do you know where Fay lives?" Botan asked the petite girl who paused, let out a long sigh then wrote down an address and a small map on a piece of paper. "It's not that far from here actually,' Mary Anne held it up to the grim reaper. "There, go make yourselves scarce."
Botan smiled, grabbing Koto once more. "Will do, bye."
'What am I? A sack of potatoes?' Koto thought in annoyance.
The two headed out of the park and down the street, Botan searching for the street until something else caught her eye. "Quick, over there!"
"Wha-" Before Koto could finish, Botan had ducked behind the corner of a building, peeking out cautiously.
"What are we doing?" Koto asked. Botan pointed to the young girl with the slow pace.
"Huh? Who's that?" Koto asked, spotting the young girl in a green skirt uniform.
"Her name is Mjrn,' Botan explained. "We met her not long after meeting Fay. She's the one who can manipulate sound and music."
'So that's her,' Koto did remember hearing about the little Magus.
"Come on, we're going to follow her." Botan said, slipping out and heading after the girl at a distance. With little choice left to her, Koto followed along, really wishing she'd stayed behind now.
The small Magus walked for several minutes until she reached a café where she joined two men that looked to be in their mid twenties. One had long golden blond hair that almost seemed to sparkle in the light and pure green eyes, while the other was the opposite with short black hair that was almost blue, pale orange eyes and dark clothing. It was him who stood, pulling back a chair so that Mjrn could sit.
"The blond one is really good looking,' Koto said, though even she had to admit Orpheus still beat him by a mile in looks. "But for some reason I'm getting goosebumps."
"Same here,' Botan said. "Not to mention…' she frowned looking him over. "I'm not sure, but I know I don't like him. Noticing a passerby, Botan finally realized that they were being way too conspicuous and headed for the café's entrance. "Come on, looks like it's our turn to do a little detective work."
"Better than doing nothing,' Koto said, once more following. The two purchased drinks then made their way to a table until Botan realized something. "Oh no, they'll notice us. Especially since you,' the grim reaper turned to Koto, blinking in surprise now that she finally noticed.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Koto asked.
"Your tail and ears are gone,' Botan pointed.
"What are you talking about? They're right here,' Koto touched one of her ears, feeling it twitch. She could also feel her tail but when she looked for it, realized she couldn't see it.
"Mary Anne must've cast an illusion over you,' Botan reasoned. "I should have asked her about my hair." She pulled at a strand of it, only to realize it had gone brown. "Looks like our problem's solved. Now try to look inconspicuous, we need to find out what's going on." Because if Mjrn was there then it meant those two must be from a faction, which Botan was sure meant trouble for their group.
They sat at a table with what Botan judged to be just enough distance from them, not too far away that they couldn't hear what was going on.
"Let's make this quick,' the golden hair one said. "I don't like it when I have to make myself not draw too much attention."
Both girls sweat dropped.
"Thou art rude,' Mjrn scolded. "One must introduce thine self before speaking of business matters."
"Fine, fine,' the golden hair man said with an impatient gesture. "The name's Orion. I am here representing the Dragon Faction on behalf of my leader, Astor."
Botan almost looked directly at them when the name was mentioned but managed to stop herself. 'I've heard that name mentioned before.'
"Have you noticed,' Koto whispered to Botan. "That we're the only ones that seem to notice what those three are really talking about?"
Botan covertly glanced around. "No doubt they're using some sort of spell. Maybe it's because we know about them that we can hear them." At least that was her theory, and it made as much sense as anything else right now. Botan returned her attention to the conversation between the three.
"I am Mjrn,' the small Magus tilted her head in a bow. "I represent my Faction of the Magus and mine leader; Iva."
"My name is Lyall. I'm here representing the Werewolf Faction and my leader, Bardulf. On his behalf, I am also here to propose to you an alliance between all three of our Factions."
Botan clapped a hand over her mouth before her gasp could escape. 'An alliance?' This was worse than she thought. While they already knew how many members there were in the Magus Faction, they still didn't know how many there were in both the werewolf and dragon Factions. 'Either way I think they'll outnumber all the boys.'
There was audible silence from the table where the three sat, until Mjrn spoke. "You must excuse me, but I believe I shall purchase a drink."
"It can wait until we're done,' Lyall said, sounding a little annoyed.
"No, it cannot,' Mjrn replied politely. "Thoust see, I wish to do as my cousin Isis; take a drink, then spit it out to show my surprise."
Orion burst out laughing, head falling back, while Lyall let out a drawn out sigh and rubbed his forehead. "Yes, I know it sounds incredulous. Even I told Bardulf that, but he insisted. The point of the matter is that the group protecting Fay outnumber us. They have even defeated Azrael. We may like to think we're as strong as they are but…' he shrugged. "I'm sure that's what others thought."
Orion had stopped laughing and both he and Mjrn looked pensive. "How long would the alliance last?" Orion asked, sounding curious despite himself.
"Until we've gained The Right. After which our three leaders will fight; the winner will not only take The Right, but the leadership of all three Factions."
'None of them would agree to that…would they?' Botan thought worriedly, she bit her lip, glancing at Koto who actually looked exited.
'Of course she would,' Botan thought. 'It'll mean battle after battle.' She worried over the thought so much she almost missed Mjrn's next, careful words. "Tis…certainly true…that…we would be twenty, perhaps more, to…their eleven." While Mjrn knew that a Shaman had been spotted with the group, she did not believe the girl would be involved if such a battle came about.
"Having so many would also help when that faction, The Fears, made their move." Orion thought out loud.
"Tis…true,' Mjrn acknowledged. No one knew anything whatsoever about The Fears, except that death followed where they had stepped. T'was not pleasant to think of facing them in battle.
"Return to your leaders and tell them to think it over,' Lyall stood. "In three days time we'll have a meeting at city hall, room five. Answer us then." He made a half bow to Mjrn who returned it. "Until then." He left, but the two other representatives continued to sit in place.
"Tis…madness,' Mjrn said, though her tone didn't match the words. "Never has there been such an alliance."
"And there won't,' Orion finally stood. "If you'll excuse me, little Magus, now that I've had a good laugh I'll be going."
"Doth thy hear it?" Mjrn's odd tone had Orion glancing back at her, but before he could ask what she meant, the girl continued.
"The song of our dimension grows discordant, but in its breaking I hear such a sequence which echoes lacrimosa,' the young Magus lightly jumped off her chair, curtsying to Orion before she made to leave. "One cannot help but wonder; who's requiem does it sound?"
The Magus's last words sent chills down Botan's spine; she almost looked over at the girl, but managed to not to at the last second.
"Psst,' Koto recalled Botan's attention. "Should we keep following them?"
Botan shook her head. "I think we've gotten enough information. Come on,' Botan made sure the dragon was gone before she and Koto walked out of the coffee shop.
"Is it time to go tell the others?" Koto asked eagerly. She could just imagine the fights to come, the blood, the delicious pain they were going to experience. 'I can't wait!' Koto was still unsure if she wanted this alliance to happen, after all they would be outnumbered. 'Well, either way I just hope I get to see all the fights.'
"Not yet,' Botan said to Koto's disappointment. "We promised Yukina an hour with her father. We'll keep that promise." While Botan knew that her friends needed to know what she'd overheard, the blue hair girl also knew they needed a break from the fighting. "We'll let them know later." She finally decided, thinking out loud. "Until then,' Botan started down the street back the way they came. "I'm still curious about Fay's family; let's go see what we can find out."
"That sounds really boring." Koto muttered but reluctantly followed Koto.
The two neared the two story house, Botan slowing as she studied it. 'I can't exactly just go knock and tell them the truth.' Mary Anne had made up an excuse for the family, what it was, the guardian hadn't told them, but Botan doubted she'd be able to keep her mouth shut about what was going on with Fay. 'Hmm...' Botan crossed her arms, thinking. 'Maybe I can-'
"Look."
Botan's thought were cut off as Koto pointed and the blue hair girl's gaze drifted to the door as it opened. "Let's hide." Botan said, heading for a thick rosebush.
The two sat under the shade of the tree, Yukina pulling out the bento box and giving it to him. "Here father,' she said with a smile.
"Thank you,' Yukio took the box, taking a bite of the food, letting silence descend as he chewed. Several minutes later, he finally spoke. "You realize I'm not actually your father, right?"
Yukina nodded. "I know, but you are Hiei's father,' she smiled. "And the man my mother loved. To me, that's more than enough." She suddenly hesitated, red eyes looking uncertain. "Does...does it bother you?"
Yukio gave her a small smile of reassurance. "Of course not, it's an honor."
Yukina's smile brightened. "Would it be possible to tell me how you and mother met?" She asked .
Yukio hesitated, keeping silent before he finally began to speak.
"I was a mercenary. I had been contracted to capture one of the females from Ice World so her pearls could be sold."
Yukina's eyes widened in realization that she wasn't the first attempt at kidnapping one of them. 'If it had to be someone, I'm glad it was me.' she thought. After all, it had brought her to brother and her friends.
"I was on my way to the village when I spotted Hina in the distance, miles away from the village. I followed her, observing her for some time and decided the best way to approach her was to claim I was injured. So that's what I did, I injured myself and approached. She was wary at first, but once she saw the blood, helped me without reservation." Yukio paused, violet eyes on a long ago scene. "The moment her eyes met mine, I was lost." He could still recall her gentle crimson eyes, the guileless smile she gave him. "I forgot my mission, instead staying to speak to her late into the night. From that moment on, I sought her company." He closed his eyes smiling to himself. "One day I told her that I loved her, and to my surprise, she returned my feelings." Yukio glanced down at Yukina who eagerly listened, then away. "That night we...proved our love for each other, it wouldn't be the last time, and one day Hina told me she was pregnant and suspected it would be twins. I knew then that we couldn't stay there. I told her to be ready, that I would return for her within a week's time and we would go somewhere where we could be a family." He still remembered that day clearly, Hina's bright smile, her words for him to hurry back to her.
Yukio sighted in regret. "I shouldn't have left at all, I should have brought her with me." He said, tone bitter. "I left to find a way through the barrier, my intention was that we would escape to the human world and live there as a family. Somewhere no one would prohibit our union."
Yukina spoke into the silence that descended once more. "What happened? Why didn't you return?"
Yukio closed his eyes in pain, shook his head. "I tried, I've spent the years since then trying to return. You see, I found a way through the barrier, but not long after I did, I also stumbled through another entrance, this one into a Fae world."
Yukina's gaze turned puzzled. "Fay?"
Yukio chuckled, opening his eyes. "No. F-A-E. They are an old supernatural race that live in a world parallel to us, and are not only connected to our world, but many other Earth dimensions. A day on Earth is a hundred in theirs, no one ages. It's a peaceful and very beautiful place, but all I wanted to do was return to Hina and my children. I spent several hours there, always searching, watching for a way to return. Finally, I came across a human that didn't seem enchanted. She was angry, arguing with one of the fae over several humans they had taken. She won the argument, and as she opened the portal to take the humans back, I slipped through it. She noticed. I told her who I was, where I came from. She opened a portal to my world and I went in search of Hina."
Yukio paused, shaking his head. "It was too late, far too late. So many years had passed. Hina had died, you,' he looked down at her. "We're gone, your brother had been thrown down into demon world not days after his birth. I went in search of both of you,' he had also spent hours at Hina's graveside, begging her for forgiveness and grieving over a death that he was sure would have been prevented if only he'd taken her with him. "I found both of you, grown. By then, Hiei had been pulled into The Dark Tournament and was fighting with team Urameshi, you were there too, searching for a brother that would not tell you who he was. There was nothing I could do. My showing up would only harm both of you. I returned to Midgard and began to work with Mary Anne. She taught me the ability to portal from world to world so I could keep an eye on both of you." He fell silent then, working to swallow grief that he still carried. What had happened to them in years, had only been months for him. It was still hard for him to grasp the reality of it sometimes.
Yukina stayed quiet as well, letting the gentle wind fill the silence. "It wasn't your fault,' she finally said, her tone earnest. "You couldn't have known,' Yukina set her hands on one of his. "You did what you thought was right, I understand, and I'm sure Hiei will too."
Yukio turned the hand she had placed them over, curled it around one of hers gently. "Perhaps you're right,' in her innocence she believed everything would be alright, but Yukio knew better. The moment he showed his face, Hiei would not only blame him, but try to kill him for his absence. Yukio would not blame him. "I don't...feel ready." He finally told her. "Please, until then, keep silent...for me."
Yukina didn't understand but she nodded, placing her head against Yukio's shoulder. "As you wish...father."
"So are we going to tell Fay?" Koto asked. Botan walked in front of Koto, arms crossed, face serious as she thought. "We do need to tell the boys about that meeting between the factions, but I'm just not sure about Fay." Botan knew families fought, but that fight had looked serious. "For now don't say anything." Botan told Koto. "She and Kurama have just made up, we don't want to upset her."
Koto shrugged. 'Not like I care.' There had been no blood to speak off, and that was the only type of fight she was interested in.
"There they are." Botan waved as she spotted Yukina with Mary Anne and hurriedly crossed the street to join the two. "So?" Botan asked curiously. "How was your picnic with your father?" Yukina smiled. "Wonderful,' she turned to Mary Anne, bowing. "Thank you so much for this, it was more than I expected."
Mary Anne shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable with the thanks. "Don't mention it, come on." She snapped her fingers, placing a shield around them before stepping back, hand stretched towards the three. "No mention of this to anyone, got it?"
The three girls nodded. "Good." Mary Anne quickly teleported the girls back to their place of stay before lowering the shield, then glancing over her shoulder. "Happy, I take it?"
She didn't receive an answer, but then again, Mary Anne wasn't expecting one.
They reappeared in the living room to a shout of "Yukina!" from Kuwabara who raced to the ice maiden. "I've been looking all over for you for the last hour; where we're you?"
"Oh, uh,' Yukina glanced over at Botan and Koto. The cat demon didn't look all that interested, but Botan looked like a deer in headlights, especially when another voice rang out. "Yes, that's a good question." They turned to Hiei who walked into the living room, glaring at Botan. "Where have you been?"
"Ah...' Botan started laughing nervously. "W-well you see, we went-" She was saved when Yukina spoke.
"Those look lovely, Kazuma."
Kuwabara smiled widely offering the flowers to Yukina. "I saw it and thought of you my love."
Yukina took the flowers, smiling up at Kuwabara. "Thank you Kazuma, they're very beautiful. I've never seen this type before."
Kuwabara grinned, pleased. "Kurama said they're called plumerias. Of course,' he was suddenly close in, holding Yukina's hands. "They're only second to your beauty."
Yukina blinked, then smiled brightly. "You're very sweet Kazuma."
The moment was suddenly interrupted as Hiei passed by and Kuwabara found himself tripping to the side. "Hey!" Kuwabara yelled as he stood. "You pushed me, you little punk!"
Hiei didn't pause in his walk. "Ha! As if you needed anyone to make you clumsier."
"Why you little,' Kuwabara grumbled. "Get back here and say that to my face! See if I don't knock your teeth out!"
'I've never noticed this, but…Kazuma and Hiei get along so well,' Yukina couldn't help the smile. 'I'm so glad.'
Botan sighted in relief. 'Looks like I dodged that bullet.' Thunder from outside interrupted her thoughts, followed by the front door opening, Keiko and Yusuke rushing in out of the pouring rain.
"This weather's really messed up,' Yusuke said running hands through his wet hair. "So how'd your talk with Mary Anne go?" he asked, noticing the girls.
"It…went great," Botan said, recovering her smile. "The weather really is unexpected though."
'Yeah, and so was that meeting between the factions.' Koto was never going to look at a little kid the same way again. 'I wonder how much damage Mjrn could cause an opponent in a battle?' Which reminded her- she turned to Botan. "Shouldn't we-"
Botan grabbed her arm, dragging her along as she raced away from the living room. "We'll just go check on the others!"
"Okaaay,' Yusuke said, starring after the two. 'That was weird.'
"I better find a place for the flowers,' Yukina said walking further into the house. They were very pretty, Yukina wanted to keep them alive as long as possible. "Here, I can help with that." Keiko said, joining Yukina but glanced back. "You're not of the hook. As soon as the weather clears we'll try again, Yusuke." Keiko said.
"Greaaat,' Yusuke drawled. "Can't wait." Like he didn't have better things to do than follow Keiko while she shopped.
The sound of thunder, sudden rain falling and the wind rattling the window paused their plan making and Fay raced to the window, looking out in disbelief. "How does the weather change so quickly?" Her eyes widened. "Oh no, you don't think it's going to stick around till tomorrow, do you?" Kurama joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist, settling his chin on her head. "It would be a pity,' he said. "However it won't stop us from going on a date, I'm sure there are indoor places we could visit, or we could simply wait until we return to my world. Perhaps both." Certainly he wasn't planning to only have one or two dates with her.
"Oh, umm...yeah,' Fay knew she had just told Kurama she wasn't going to be running away from him anymore, but with him pressed against her...Fay was having the urge to run for it, maybe just once more. Her cheeks burning, she took a step forward, trying to place some small distance between them, Kurama simply tightened his hold, tilting his head to look down at her with an innocently curious expression. "Is something wrong?"
Fay felt the rest of her body following her cheeks' example. "Co-could you give me some space?"
Kurama chuckled, the sound close to her right cheek. "I thought you said you we're done running from me, Fay,' his voice seemed to blend with that of his demon form Youko, taking on a husky tone.
"I...I am,' she said, voice going squeaky. "But I think I'm going to have to work up to it." Or she might die of embarrassment. He chuckled again, sending shivers down her spine. "Then perhaps I should be of some assistance." There was teasing in his voice and Fay found herself stepping back as he did, pulling her along until they hit the bed.
She fell back into his lap, ending up starring into green eyes that flickered gold. "I-" Fay wasn't even sure what she was going to say, but the next moment whatever thoughts were still left in her head disappeared as his lips grazed hers softly, he gave her little pecks before his lips settled firmly over hers, kissing her gently, lips moving, parting hers slowly, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Unlike the first two times this had happened to her, Fay felt no need to push Kurama away.
"Will you stop dragging me around like a sack of potatoes!" Koto complained as Botan pulled her into her room. "Shush!" Botan warned, looking one way then the other before closing the door. "I think we shouldn't tell anyone about what we heard, at least not until we're back at Genkai's temple. They've all earned the right to some time off without worrying too much about the Factions."
"But what about the fights?" Koto whined. "I signed up to watch blood spill, not sit around and talk."
"You'll see fighting soon enough,' Botan said, opening the door. "Just not until we're back at Genkai's temple."
'We'll that's no fun.' Koto grumbled.
Botan followed the sound of voices, discovering the group gathered in a large tatami room at the end of the second floor hallway. "What's going on?" she asked glancing around the room and finally settling on Koenma who looked put out. "It's raining,' he complained. "How am I supposed to work on my tan when all it does is rain!"
Botan sweat dropped. 'Why does he have to act so childish?' It wasn't like he needed anymore tanning, he was already a whole shade darker as far as she could see. "I'm sure the rain will be gone by tomorrow." She said.
"Not according to the weather report,' Shishi said. "Apparently the rain might be gone by tomorrow evening, but not before."
"I could always try blowin it somewhere else, so I could,' Jin said, grinning. "There's no wind I couldn't blow."
Chu laughed. "That's not what I hear from Isis; according to her ye're still an ankle biter in power."
"Hold on now, I'm being no such thing,' the wind stirred inside the room. "And I'll be-"
"Don't try it,' Isis said with a glare at Jin as she stepped through the door. Her hair was damp and the clothes she'd worn in the morning had been replaced by warm pants and a shirt. "You break anything in here and I'll break you." She knew the moment the words spilled out of her mouth it was the wrong thing to say. Jin took them as a challenge.
"How bout we go around then?" Jin said with a grin. "I be wanting to show yeh how well I-"
"Nope." Isis said, shooting him down. The last thing she needed was to waste precious energy in a fight when she needed it for important things...like taking a nap.
"Hold on now!" Jin called out.
Chu burst out laughing along with Rinku.
"Hey, Jin. I don't think it's a good idea to make your teacher mad." Rinku taunted, noticing another of Isis's glares.
"Not like you'd be able to take her,' Jin shot back at the boy.
"Ha! With my super cool move I could bring any of you down, just try me." Rinku retorted yoyos in hand.
"Not in here, Rinku." Touya reminded him.
"Fine, but once we're back at the temple I'll take you on, Jin." The boy smirked.
"I'll be glad to knock ye down anytime." Jin said.
"Enough you three,' Genkai interrupted. "We may no longer have to deal with the vampires, but there are still four Factions we must face. Not to mention that we still have no clue who stole the piece of Destiny's Exchange." The pink hair woman glanced around. "Where's Kurama?"
"Oh, he must still be with Fay,' Botan said. "Probably plan-" She hadn't finished when a flash moved quickly past her. Kuronue made it to the entrance to the hall before wind blasted him back.
'Oh for goodness, sake!' Botan thought. 'Why does he keep trying to mess with my work!'
Kuronue stood from where he'd fallen, glaring at the person who'd caused the wind shield, Isis.
"What do you think you're doing?" He demanded, as if finally taking notice of Isis for the first time.
Isis yawned. "From what I've heard, they deserve some time alone." The last thing Isis needed was a lovey-dovey couple in close quarters to her; the thought almost made her ill.
Kuronue glared. "And what gives you the right to decide what I do?"
Isis raised an eyebrow. "Even with that power inside you,' she narrowed her gaze at him. "I can still wipe the floor with you." If she were to bother.
"Really,' Kuronue's gaze narrowed. "I'd like to see you try."
"Should we do something?" Rinku whispered up at Chu.
"Just let the two work it out, mate." Chu said. Odds were, nothing much would happen.
The tension in the room seemed to grow, Isis closed her eyes, took a deep breath and opened them.
"Now, who wants authentic Hawaiian cuisine!?" She shouted cheerfully. There were loud thuds as people hit the ground.
"That's it!?" Koto asked, standing. 'And here I thought I'd finally get to see a good fight.'
Recovering, Rinku raised his hand. "I do!"
"Yah can count me in sheila!" Chu added loudly.
"Great,' Isis pointed. "Food's in the kitchen, I bought it, you guys can serve it." Her job seemingly done, Isis headed out the door waving at Yusuke as he came in. "So what'd I miss?" He asked, looking around.
"Considering Isis,' Shishi said. "Nothing much." He glanced over at Kuronue who leaned against the far side of the room, his gaze hooded. 'At least he let it drop.'
'They're all dimwits,' Genkai thought. An actual serious discussion would have to wait until Kurama was present.
Wind rattled the window, lightning flashed. Kurama slowly pulled back, gazing down at Fay's over bright aquamarine gaze. "Unfortunately, it seems as if our presence is requested." It was just as well, Kurama was uncertain if he could hold back for much longer, yet he knew Fay was not ready...perhaps neither was he, not when they still had so much to deal with. He leaned his forehead against Fay's, calming his breathing as her eyes slowly cleared. He knew what she would do before she did it and held her tighter when Fay would have tried pulling away to fall to the floor.
"Uh...umm..." Fay was sure there was a vocabulary in her head somewhere...she just had to find it. Why was it so hot? He chuckled, sending the heat in her body soaring.
"Let me know when you're ready to go." His words were a husky whisper that seemed to seep into Fay's body, but she nodded, burrowing her head in his shoulder. There were so many feelings Fay had ricocheting through her, most which she'd either just recently started to feel or had just discovered, but one seemed so much stronger than the others. "I love you, Kurama." Fay whispered. He ran a hand through hazel hair, lightly kissing her cheek. "And I love you, very much so Fay." His feelings for her seemed to grow by the hour, and he wondered if there was a far stronger word to use than merely 'love'.
"It does hold some temptation,' Iva sat at her desk, thinking over the proposal Mjrn had brought from the werewolf leader. "To not only rule one, but three of the remaining Factions."
"It has never happened before,' Tijana said. "Perhaps it is because it should not."
"What of being outnumbered?" Saule asked. "Even we have to admit that we are, and if Corentin can be defeated, then so can we."
There was silence while Iva debated what to do. "I have always followed your advice and it has never led me astray, Tijana. I will do the same here, Mjrn."
The young Magus straightened. "Yes?"
"In three days time you will meet with the werewolf; tell him that we will join their alliance. Nevena, Saule, and Isis will fight. I will show myself when it is time for the leaders to battle for The Right. However I have no interest in gaining leadership of dragons or werewolves."
"What of the rest of us?" Mjrn asked.
Iva smiled. "You will continue on with your project Mjrn, and Tijana and I will be there…if this plan of theirs does not succeed."
Mjrn bowed. "As my leader wishes."
"The very thought is inconceivable." Astor replied once Orion had informed him of Bardulf's proposal. "There has never been an alliance between Factions." None had even tried.
"We could always take over their faction and kill them,' Lynx suggested. "That's been done before."
"And the guardian has then killed the other Faction,' Orion reminded him. "I don't know about you, but I'm way too sexy to be killed in the prime of my life by a midget."
"So we're not doing this?" Lynx asked.
"…we are,' Astor finally answered. "I have no interest in taking over the Magus and Werewolf Faction, but,' his eyes narrowed, glinting dangerously. "If it means getting Fay back; I'll even sign a contract with the devil."
"Aaand so we are,' Lynx drawled.
The sound of running footstep echoed to them, and all three could tell who it was, and it was surprising, normally this member of their group never hurried. It wasn't that he was lazy, but he always took his time.
The doors burst open and the tall dark hair man with the sun glasses rushed in.
"That,' Orion said. "Is disgraceful." How could a man be admired if he didn't walk slowly, giving women plenty of time to gaze upon his beauty?
"What would possess you to run like an uneducated child through our halls, Altair?" Lynx demanded with the hint of a sneer on his lips.
"Vela's awake." Stunned silence met his statement before movement followed; the dragons had never moved so quickly.