Is it too early if I said: HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Well, one thing's for sure, after this break, I wouldn't be able to update stories as much as I want to. So here! A present for every one of my readers!
Proper Disclaimers apply. I do not own YuYu Hakusho and its characters. I also do not own River and Simon (for those of you who don't know them, they're from "Firefly") and Mal who belongs to my friend Ne_Gok_Sa. So do not sue me! But then again, this site is solely for fanfiction ne? Ah sugar and coffee, you never fail to make me go crazy.

I know, my friends would disagree with that.

ANYWAY! Enough of my babbling! On with the story!

Happy readings!

Stacks of books lined the color-splattered walls of the small cozy bedroom. Despite their lack of organization, sprouting up like mushrooms out of nowhere, the books gave the room a homey atmosphere. The rising sun outlined the heavily draped window and the smell of charcoal pencils, oils, paints, resin and aged paper wafted through the air. Along the walls were rows and columns of bookshelves overflowing with numerous books in all different shapes and sizes, as well as miscellaneous stuffed toys that smiled merrily at their owner.

The room didn't have a bed. Instead, a thick mattress layered with warm comforters and crimson colored pillows rested in the far corner of the room, the baby blue carpet cushioning its bottom. The wall right next to the make-shift bed was filled with photographs, stickers and other scattered memories caught in a piece of slick paper. Different faces beamed in the photos, portraying silly moments and warm delights. Post cards were tacked on the wall as well, overlapping on some pictures and paper roses. The door of the walk-in closet stood ajar, lines of clothes peaked through its built in compartments and a lone guitar leaned against the adjacent wall.

The room swelled with art and inspiration, of melodies and tunes. It showed through the walls, the books, decoration and even through the scattered canvas and brushes on the floor. There was no light in the room, except from the gentle light from the sun and the dim light coming from the corner of the room. There, a dark shape lay slumped on a drawing desk, disheveled white hair spilling aimlessly while covering the figure's tear-filled eyes.

No, not tears, but merely salt that were left behind by them. Her tears have dried. And when her cell phone blared angrily, she had a hard time opening her eyes due to the crystallized material.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice horse from the emotional episode she had last night.

"Hey Emi-chan, you awake?" said the bright voice through the line.

"I am now," Emina said groggily, moving her hands in a sweeping motion to clear the desk, balls of paper and tissues fell on the carpeted floor.

"You okay?"

"… I'm okay Sin-chan," Emina answered after a slight pause. Emina looked at her room through hazy ruby colored eyes. "Anyway," her voice changed so quickly that it didn't even seem like the sleepiness was ever there. "How was the family reunion? Early Christmas Party eh? Any hotties?"

There was a slight giggle and ruffling on the other line, "Ya know, 'family reunion' and 'hotties' in the same sentence doesn't quite sound right."

"Whatever. So, the vacation is still on right?" Emina moved away from the desk and picked up the clothes that were littered around the room.

"Hai! You think I'm going to miss our traditional 'Mess-Up-Genkai's-Place' week? Nuh uh. NEVER! In fact! You better get ready…" her best friend was smirking and Emina could just feel it.

"…I'm scared…" Emina said playfully. "Anyway, I gotta go get ready. I'll see you tonight alright?"

"Um! Bye!"

"…goodbye…" and Emina hung up.

Emina made her way towards the window and slowly pulled the string to draw the drapes up. Bright light spilled through the clear glass, illuminating the entire room. Emina placed a hand on the icy window and peered outside. Frost coated the rooftops of the neighboring buildings and, seeing as she was at the very top floor of this building, she had a great view of the city. It's better at night though... she thought absentmindedly.

She was about to open the window when her phone suddenly went off yet again. Twitching, Emina punched the answer button and barked at the phone, "Hello!"

"Yikes! This is what I get for worrying about my friend?" the male voice on the other line chided.

Emina sighed and opened the window. A blast of crisp frozen air greeted her face, "Yeah yeah what do you want Mal?"

"You're too mean you know that? I just wanna confirm things, is all," Mal's dog barked in the background.

"Confirm things at… what," looking at the cat-faced wall clock, Emina's eyes widened, "8 in the morning?"

"Don't be a lazy cat. Get up and stretch! C'mon! Anyway, I wanted to know if we're still on. Nothing changed right?"

"Nothing. Everything's the same. In fact, I'm about to get some stuff straightened out and-"

"You don't have to come if you don't want to," Mal interjected, silencing Emina instantly.

The silence stretched on and Emina just let the wind twirl her snow-white hair. "…what are you talking a…?"

Her failed attempt to lie was cut off by Mal's sharp tone, "Don't play innocent. I know what happened. You got dumped by him last night right? Emi! This needs to stop! How many times do you want to get hur-"

"How's River?" Emina turned away from the window and started cleaning up her room.

"Oh she's fine. She's off with her brother for one of those monthly therapy. I'm telling you that girl's a handful but she's worth it. Every single day I…" and she let him talk. Just the mention of Mal's beloved girlfriend and he's off to Cloud Nine. Emina smiled. She wouldn't say this but secretly, she's jealous of Mal's relationship with River. Heck she was even jealous of Sin's relationship!

But the pride that dominated her personality didn't let her admit it.

"Anyway, she's supposed to be back on Christmas Eve. I hope she does. Gosh, I miss her already."

"I bet you do. You sound like a love struck-"

"Insult me and I will hunt you down cat demon," he was half joking. His voice held a smirk and a challenge.

"Bring it on," she met his challenge. After a whole minute of sizing each other through the phone, however silly that may be, the two laughed.

The Holidays should be fun-filled.
It should feel warm and cozy, especially when it's deathly cold outside.
To snuggle up against that special someone in front of the fireplace was the ideal 'thing' that everybody associates the winter days for.

Looking around, Sin didn't see any trace of that notion. For one, there wasn't a fire place. The family room had comfortable couches and a central heating system. Second, it wasn't deathly cold outside…yet. Still, it was manageable. And last but not least, she didn't have that "Special someone".

Sin sighed, taking in her surroundings.

After calling Emina, Sin had already finished packing up her bag. She's been staying with her family for about a week for the Christmas Holidays. Truth is she didn't really want to come. In fact, Sin would rather be in the city, hunting down rogue demons and kicking villains' sorry buts. But being in the city and doing those things reminded her too much of him, and she couldn't take that.

Not after what happened.

Not after what he's done.

A soft knock on the door broke her from her trance. Turning away from her luggage, Sin looked at the beautiful face of her stepmom.

"G'morning dear, are you ready?" Shiori's gentle voice always calms Sin down.

Sin nodded and stood up. She picked up her duffel bag and walked towards the door. "I take it there's no asking you and Shuichi to stay a bit longer?" Despite her melancholic tone, Shiori still had a smile on.

"I'm sorry mo-…er…Shiori-san," don't slip up Sin! She yelled in her head. "But you know the tradition." Sin gave her a goofy smile.

Disappointment flashed through Shiori's countenance but Sin didn't seem to notice it.

It's only been a year since her father, Jomei, married Kurama's mother. Although she thinks of Kurama as a brother already, Sin still couldn't get used to Shiori being her "mother". No, it wasn't that she disliked Kurama's mother. The woman was very nice, gentle, sweet and beautiful. No wonder Jomei, a powerful demon, fell in love with her and Kurama loved her so dearly. It was that feeling. Sin felt that she didn't deserve this woman as her mother. That's why she's restricting herself. Shiori deserved more than a wild little girl for her "daughter".

"Alright, since there's no stopping you two," Shiori shook her head but gave Sin a warm hug. "Shuichi's waiting downstairs. Have a safe trip and say hi to your friends for me." Shiori's chocolate-colored eyes radiated of warmth. Sin gave her a bright smile, leaned up and kissed her cheek. "Arigato!" Sin called out as she dashed down the stairs.

Shiori stood there, stunned in place. She touched her cheek.

A chuckle from behind was heard and strong arms wrapped around her waist. Shiori smiled lovingly at her husband as he gave her a sweet kiss.

"I think we're getting closer," Shiori stated with utter joy.

"Take your time," Jomei said. "She'll warm up to you eventually."

Shiori nodded, "So how's bonding with Shuichi?"

Jomei made a face, his indigo eyes filled with defeat, "That boy's hard to crack."

Shiori laughed melodically and hugged her husband as they retreated to their room.

~O~

The white wall looked plain if it wasn't for the huge gold-trimmed picture frame that hung on it. What its purpose was, Kurama didn't know. He sat at the plush couch, waiting patiently for Sin to finish packing.

A whole week in this house wasn't so bad.

The pleasant smell of sweets seemed to permanently stain the house and the calm colors of the furniture made it a perfect relaxing place. But despite the sea of peace that the place offered, Kurama could never feel at eased here.

It was too far away from home and that wasn't a good thing.

Even if going home means having to deal with college, it still meant that he would be near her.

Kurama sighed as he gazed longingly at the window. "Tonight…I'll be able to see her again…" His insides bubbled with excitement but the composed fox demon didn't let his emotions be noticed.

Just the thought of her took his breath away.

But of course, it wasn't only his breath that she took. The sad truth was, despite everything they've been through, Kurama still couldn't claim her as his. It seemed perfectly clear that the two of them would end up together, considering the fact that they practically grown up together and, not to mention, all the adventures they've been through.

Kurama was sure that he made his love seen and felt. His feelings were obvious! But Emina still didn't see it.

Kurama's chest constricted at the thought of that day; that day five years ago when she introduced her new boyfriend to the group. It broke his heart, but it didn't keep him from hoping.

At last, Kurama heard Sin's footsteps descending on the stairs. He composed himself, stood up, and picked up his bag. With a steady gaze he looked at his stepsister and gave her his reserved smile. "Ready?"

Sin halted on the last step and cocked her head, "You okay in there Kurama?"

Kurama's expression didn't change. He walked up to Sin and took her bag, "Why do you ask?"

Sin was silent for a moment but took the last step and followed her stepbrother, "I dunno. It's just…you looks…weird."

"Family reunions take a lot of effort. I'm simply tired." He headed to the door.

"Uh huh…" then a mischievous grin stretched Sin's lips. "I bet seeing Emi-chan would change that eh?"

Sin watched as a flicker of emotion passed Kurama's face, but it was gone in a fraction of a second. "I'm looking forward on seeing her, yes."

"Aw c'mon! You're so not cool!" they exited the residence and stepped into the quiet street. It was early, and everyone's still asleep. This was good, considering that if their relatives were awake, it would take a miracle to get out of the house. "Admit it! You miss her!" Sin elbowed Kurama jokingly and Kurama just sighed.

"I'm in no mood join you in your games Sin. Let's just hurry up. The faster we walk, the faster we'll get to Genkai's place."

Sin pouted. He could be such an ass if he wanted to.

Kurama kept his pace even. No matter how much he wanted to say it out loud, admitting it through words would just be painful. He knew that she'll be there, no doubt, with her new boyfriend.

Annoyance coursed through the Kitsune. Just the thought of another man with Emina was enough to make him loose his composure.

"You know, your face is funny."

Kurama snapped out of his reverie and looked down at Sin, "I beg your pardon?"

Sin grinned, "Don't deny it, you were thinking of her."

"…"

"Aha! I knew it! You should just stop pretending and go for the girl. Be a man damn it! Stop being just a 'friend' and show her what she's missing," Sin was so absorbed in her little speech that she missed the spark in Kurama's eyes. "You know stalking is illegal. And it's bad for your health. It's best to stop following her around when she's on da-"

"At least I am assured that she knows I exist," his tone was sharp and full of implications. The moment those words left his lips, Kurama regretted it. But it was too late to take it back.

Sin held her tongue. The sadness that she was trying to hide from everyone throughout the week came crashing back and the rest of the trip was full of deafening silence.

The dangerous forests of Makai stretched out endlessly. The wind howled and the threat of storm loomed over the horizon. In a distance, Mukuro's mobile fortress could be seen doing its patrol. The overwhelming structure of it was enough to clear a good distance.

As the bug-like fortress passed, a black blur zipped through the foliages and jumped up, clearing an impossible range of distance, and safely entered one of the fortress's doors.

Hiei entered the fortress and headed straight to Mukuro's office, his expression grim. When the tall double doors leading to her office appeared, Hiei didn't hesitate to kick it open, his menacing aura filling the room.

"Good day to you too Hiei," Mukuro said with a light tone, knowing that it irritated the fire youkai.

"I am not leaving," his tone, despite emotionless, was hard and final.

Mukuro chuckled darkly, her eyes focused on the fire demon, "You seem to have misunderstood me Hiei. It is not a request but an Order."

"Being your Second in Command, I have the authority to refuse your order." Hiei eyed Mukuro, standing his ground.

There was a long silence, the atmosphere between the two strong demons thickening.

"And why, may I ask, do you refuse this command?" Mukuro's voice was even but it gave off authority.

"It isn't the right time. The patrol needs guiding. You're going to be one demon less and that can be a huge difference."

"And since when did you start worrying about other demons, Hiei?" Mukuro was trying hard not to grin.

At that, Hiei couldn't come up with an answer.

"Just as I thought," Mukuro stood up and placed her wine glass on the table. "You're running away from her. This isn't like you. I've acknowledged your service for monitoring the barriers and doing a great job at returning humans. However, there is such a thing as doing too much. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to ignore it." Her voice held a challenge and Hiei wasn't the one to ignore. He slammed his fist on the table, rage in his eyes. Even if she was the 'boss', questioning his motives and his strength is crossing the line.

"I am not running away. I'd face it if need be. But I find it irrelevant to take time off and handle such trivial notions."

Mukuro looked at him, "Hm, so if I said that your dear Selene is currently in the arms of another man, you wouldn't do anything about it?"

Hiei was struck momentarily but his passive expression masked his irritation, "Hn. I couldn't care less. It's her decision not mine. Who am I to meddle with such ignorance? If she wants to shack around with worthless scumbags then it doesn't have anything to do with me."

Mukuro shook her head, "You are hopeless. Makes me wonder why she put up with you for five years."

"I wonder too, now, are we all clear?"

Mukuro raised her eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm not taking that 'Vacation Leave' that you're giving me."

"How ungrateful. Humans would've been overjoyed to hear that their boss is insisting for them to take a leave."

"Well," Hiei's irritation was resurfacing, "If you didn't notice. We aren't humans."

"Needless to say," Mukuro crossed her arms. "If you're not going to take my word as a 'Commander', then take it as a word of a 'friend'. Your service is not required for another week. Take the leave and patch things up with the girl."

Hiei was fuming, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to go against Mukuro's words. For one, he knew that going against her would mean fighting her, and to fight Mukuro was foolish. He should know better.

Defeated, Hiei stormed out of the office, his sole intention is to pulverize anything that moved. Thankfully, he didn't meet anyone on his way out. Arriving at the railed balcony of the fortress, Hiei glared at the horizon.

It wasn't his decision to get involved in a 'relationship'. Heck what does a relationship even mean?

He didn't understand that woman's brain at all. For all he knew she could be on acid. Who, in the three Worlds, would want to have a connection with him, an emotionless fire demon whose only goal was to kill? He'd noticed that girls in Ningenkai tend to like a man that's sweet, caring and funny. It made him want to gag. He wasn't sweet. He wasn't caring. Heck he's not even funny!

So why did she choose him?

"Idiotic onna," he grumbled to himself.

He was against it, even at the beginning. He didn't want any part of it.

But the question that always bugged him was, "Why did I give in?"

The streets were crowded as the Holiday rush continued.

After a good 15 minutes of fighting through the massive crowd, Emina emerged victorious and continued to the coffee shop where they agreed to meet. Shaking her head and muttering a string of profanities, Emina tried to compose herself.

Once the Café a la Mode came into view, Emina allowed herself to crack a smile. The whole morning she was trying to procrastinate by tidying up her apartment. Too bad it wasn't big enough. Having only a small kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom, cleaning up wasn't too much of a chore. When everything was all squeaky clean, she grudgingly started packing up.

She wanted to go. With all her heart she did. She missed her friends dearly and life as a freshman in college was hell! But she was not at all ready to face Kurama…especially after breaking up with Dylan.

She had a feeling that with no 'other guy' in her life, she would be force to admit her feelings for red-headed kitsune and she wasn't looking forward to it.

"Snap out of it Emina," she whispered to herself sternly. "You can do this. You've gone through worst stuff than this."
She nodded to herself and took in a deep calming breath.

Before she could even open her eyes, a mass rammed into her and a piercing voice rang out, "Emi-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

Emina felt her balance falter but managed to hold herself up as she laughed merrily at the sound of her friend's voice.

"Sin-chan!" Emina turned around and hugged her friend so tightly that Sin started complaining. "Hey, next time you glomp me, be sure you know the consequences." Emina winked at the pouting fox demon.

"Anyway, you're here!" Sin chirped as she tugged Emina by her jacket collar. "And you know what that means," Sin pulled Emina down with a suggestive smirk, making the white haired girl turn red.

"Now now this isn't the place to go all…ahem…allover each other," the familiar voice made Emina's heart leap. She cursed mentally at her heart's betrayal.

"What? I was just teasing!" Sin let go of Emina's collar. "You should be used to it by now Kurama." Moving behind Emina, Sin hugged her best friend, "I wuv her soooo much~!" Emina merely chuckled, she really did miss Sin.

Kurama shook his head but a small smile played on his lips. It's been a while since he's seen Emina and Sin play around like this, it was refreshing. His eyes lingered at the cat demon's beautiful features. Her white hair didn't have any trace of her previous red streaks. In their place, dark violet streaks lined her hair. A thin line of eyeliner accented her ruby eyes. Though she didn't need any make up to make her look gorgeous, Kurama had to admit that it made her look more grown up. He had to remind himself to breath.

Emina was getting attacked by Sin with tickles when another voice came in, "Playing on the middle of the street? Isn't that dangerous?"

Sin stopped at mid-tickle and Emina stopped laughing. Both looked towards the voice and both grinned.

"Mal!" and with that, they tackled the brown-eyed young man.

"I think it's best to leave. We're gathering too much attention," Kurama suggested in his usual composed tone.

But the two girls weren't listening and Kurama felt bad for Mal.

After almost-beating up Mal, the group finally moved on.

"Okay seriously, that hurt," Mal said as he rubbed his sore arm.

"That's a sign of our affection." Sin grinned as jumped on Mal's back. "Piggy-back ride!"

"So I take it your expecting me to carry you all the way to Genkai's?"

"Oh yeah!" Sin pumped her fist in the air as she whooped happily. Mal sighed in defeat and they proceeded to the train station.

Okay if you guys didn't catch it, here's a note. Selene is Sin's real name. To those who haven't read my other stories, you wouldn't know that sooooooo...just clearing things up.

I WOULD encourage you new comers to check out my stories ;) It'll make me very happy!

Alright so here's the Prologue! Hope you guys like it! More of these coming up! Stay tuned!