Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. I DO however own the delicious tasty cake that I am currently chewing within my mouth, savoring the flavor of the sweet and heavenly morsel.

A/N: Yea, I decided to take on a multi-chapter project. It looks good in my head, so we'll just have to see if I can get it down on paper. Here it is.

GHOST

Chapter 1

"How long?"

It was a simple question, though the horned doctor found himself choking on his tongue and unable to answer right away. He closed his eyes briefly, both in order to focus and also in an attempt to avoid the fierce crimson gaze that had been fixed on him throughout the entire appointment.

"A year. Maybe a few months more. We can't be certain." The demon answered, his jaw tightening as his hands balled slowly into fists, nails scratching along his desk and eventually drawing blood from his own palms. He mentally berated himself for ever agreeing to give annual physicals to Makai military personnel, specifically the Makai Wolves, a special tactical operations unit founded by King Enki himself in order to "maintain stability" between this and the other worlds. Had he refused, he would not be giving a death sentence to a notorious thief and murderer, one who would likely decapitate him for sharing such unpleasant news. Swallowing the large lump that was lodged within his throat, he continued when the fire demon did not interrupt.

"What we d-do know is that it is a result of your Jagan implant." The doctor stammered, gesturing to the fire demon's forehead which was covered by a white bandana, "Somehow it has started to create additional spirit energy at an alarming rate, not giving your body the necessary time to adapt."

"If you mean to tell me that I'm growing stronger, then I have no complaints." The short swordsman answered, his gaze cold and his expression stoic.

"It's not that simple. Yes, you are gaining tremendous amounts of spirit energy, but it is slowly beginning to rip your body apart from the inside out. Muscles, tissues, organs… every cell in your body is going to tear itself to shreds, resulting in..." The doctor paused, trembling slightly before forcing himself to finish, "…an extremely painful death."

Hiei's expression did not falter, nor did his position. His black cloak remained hanging still from about his broad shoulders, tucked beneath the white scarf that was tossed about his neck. Despite his short stature, the sight of the officer made the other demon's legs shake.

"So every day that I come closer to death… I become stronger." He stated, his crimson orbs remaining fixed on the doctor's.

"Y-Yes, but you're missing the point…"

"Hn." The soldier snorted, turning on his heel and heading for the door of the office.

"S-Sir, you're not fit for duty!" The medic shouted after him, causing Hiei to pause and glance over his shoulder, the look in his eyes sending a chill into the doctor's very core.

"Hold your tongue." He ordered dryly, looking forward and stepping through the door, "Or I'll cut it out." He finished, allowing it to slam shut behind him. Halting for a moment, he cast a bored look to his right, meeting the gaze of a half mechanical woman leaning with her back against the wall and her arms crossed over her chest. The light of a nearby flame reflected off of her mechanical blue eye, annoying Hiei and causing him to frown.

"And what was the good doctor's diagnosis? I assume you don't have chicken pox." She asked sarcastically, giving a small smirk. Hiei snorted, walking at a casual pace down the narrow hall before them, not glancing at her as she fell in step beside him.

"Nothing but good news." He answered in a flat tone, his expression remaining the same. Mukuro chuckled softly from beside him.

"Enki will be glad. He needs us for a mission."

--

"No. I'm done." Yusuke Urameshi spoke, an annoyed frown on his face as his teeth clenched together around the cigarette in his mouth. He sat reclined in a chair that was now teetering on its back legs, his hands folded behind his head as his feet sat propped up and crossed comfortably upon the desk in front of him.

"Yusuke, think of it as a last favor…" the prince of spirit world answered, sucking hard on the binky that stuck out from between his pursed lips, his small toddler frame leaning forward over his desk with his arms propping him up a tad.

"I've done you and Rekai enough favors, diaper-breath." The ex-spirit cut him off, inhaling some smoke before letting it escape through his nostrils, "Let me enjoy my retirement in peace. I got my own business, I got Keiko, there's a kid on the way…."

"I know, I know. But this is extremely important! Your child's very future could depend on what I'm asking you to do!" Koenma pleaded, waving his small arms for emphasis. Yusuke allowed an eye to creak open, casting the miniature prince a threatening glare.

"How's that?" He answered simply, a defensive tone in his voice. Koenma exhaled, pulling open a drawer on his side of the desk and fumbling about for a moment before withdrawing a thick manila folder, sliding it across his desk to Yusuke.

"Your child may not have a world to grow up in." He muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose between a pair of pudgy fingers. Yusuke frowned, sitting up and setting his feet on the floor as he scooted closer, snatching the folder off of the desk and tossing it open. He glared at the documents within, accompanied by several photographs.

"Explain." He instructed, his eyes scanning the papers quickly, picking out several words, none of which were pleasant.

"We received these documents from the Makai, from the desk of King Enki himself. " Koenma started, folding his hands before him, "As you know, after winning control of the Makai in the last Demonic Tournament, King Enki decreed that demons would no longer meddle in human affairs."

"Yea, I was there." Yusuke grumbled impatiently, taking a drag from his cigarette as he flipped over one of the pages.

"Yes, well as you could probably guess, not every demon in the Makai agreed with his decree." The prince continued, his brows furrowing together, "Various terrorist organizations came into being, their common goal being the destruction of King Enki's reign over the Makai and an organized assault on the humans within the Ningenkai. To counter these new regimes, King Enki established the Makai Wolves, a special forces unit similar to our Spirit Defense Force."

"Only not pushovers, I hope." Yusuke chimed in, not looking up. Koenma's frown deepened, a vein becoming visible on his left temple.

"Some of the strongest demons were drafted onto the force. Including Hiei." He stated, ignoring the ex-detective's previous insult.

"Yea? I've been wonderin' what happened to the little guy. No one's heard from him since the tourney." Yusuke smiled, looking up from the papers.

"Yes. He's been quite busy with his new rank as Captain." Koenma explained, giving a nod. Yusuke's grin grew.

"Heh, good for shorty. I'd hate to take orders from him." He laughed, looking back to the folder in his hands, "Now back to how this is my problem…"

"Right. The Makai Wolves have successfully hunted down and eliminated most of the terrorist organizations within Enki's kingdom. However, a small contingent of the Makai Wolves disappeared 

while tracking several fleeing insurgents just beyond the borders of their realm. Only one message from them was received before contact was lost completely." Koenma finished, pulling out what looked like a recording device and setting it down in front of Yusuke.

"Listen to it for yourself." He said, sitting back in his large chair, his hands coming to grip the armrests. Narrowing his gaze, Yusuke leaned forward, pressing the play button on the device. The sound of static escaped from the speaker before a voice could suddenly be heard, speaking in a frantic whisper.

"…it's unbelievable… the structure is huge…" the voice spoke, accompanied by some more static. "found ourselves in a labora…. Tubes everywhere…. Growing something…."

Yusuke looked to Koenma, who sat with his eyes closed as if dreading what was to come. Frowning, the ex-detective leaned in to hear better.

"…good Enma, they're alive! These things are alive! What's…… they're growing soldiers! Our readings say S class… destroy this lab, we have to set charges…. Damn, watch the flank!... They're waking up?! How can….." The sound suddenly went all over, explosions and screams blasting from the recording before it went into dead static.

"If these terrorists can grow S class demons… then both the Makai and Ningenkai are in trouble." Koenma spoke, his expression dark as he talked softly, barely above a whisper. "… and if those worlds fall… there's a good chance that they'll come here too."

"Can't you put the Kekai barrier back up?" Yusuke asked, feeling a bead of cold sweat forming along his hairline. The godling shook his head, placing the sound device back into his desk.

"When the barrier went down, it was permanent. And the only other way to set it back up was wasted during the whole ordeal with Sensui." He answered, tapping on his binky, indicating what he was talking about. Yusuke frowned, inhaling another puff of smoke.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Enki sent this request personally, specifically asking for you. Find and destroy wherever the transmission came from before the terrorists have a chance to mass produce these… things. You'll start your search at the contingent's last known location."

"I'm goin' alone?" Yusuke questioned, which Koenma answered by shaking his head.

"No. You'll have support. Enki is sending his best men to accompany you on this mission. You already know Hiei and Mukuro so hopefully it won't be too hard for you all to work effectively as a unit. I was unable to contact Kurama, but Kuwabara has been informed and is preparing as we speak."

"Kuwabara?!" Yusuke questioned, his eyes widening.

"His fighting skills could come very much in handy. I trust you have no problem with him coming along?" Koenma inquired, raising a brow.

"Nah. I'm just surprised he agreed to go back to the Makai. Last time he was there he couldn't wait to leave." Yusuke answered, smirking. Koenma nodded, pressing a button on his desk and speaking into a microphone beside it.

"Botan, report to my office please."

"Yes, Koenma sir!" A feminine response came over the com, Koenma leaning back in his seat again. Within moments the door to the office flew open, a blue haired ferry woman clad in a pink kimono entering the chamber with a large smile plastered on her face.

"Yusuke!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around her slightly aged friend before suddenly pulling back, noticing the cigarette in his hands. She slapped it onto the ground and stomped it, casting him a quick glare.

"Does Keiko know about this?!" She scolded, pointing down to the ashes as Yusuke shrugged, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.

"Heh, that's the least of my worries. Wait 'til I tell her I just came outta retirement." He answered, giving a small grin as the ferry woman's face took on more of a down-to-business look.

"So he agreed? You didn't force him?" Botan questioned Koenma, who held up his hands defensively.

"I explained the situation and he found it in his best interest to lend a hand." The prince answered, hopping up onto the desk and folding his hands behind his back.

"Oh, this'll be just like old times!" Botan squealed, clapping her hands together and looking back to Yusuke.

"Ah yes, I forgot to mention. Botan will be accompanying you as well. She'll be serving as Rekai's eyes and ears during the mission." Koenma added, giving Botan a nod, to which he received a thumbs up.

"What? Don't trust me any more?" Yusuke asked, raising an eyebrow. Koenma shook his head.

"No, Yusuke, it's nothing like that. I would trust you with my life. But my father insisted, since, technically, you are still a Mazoku. He doesn't forget things very easily, I'm afraid…" he trailed off, rubbing his bottom which was still tender from a recent spanking.

"You have to catch me up on everything!" Botan giggled, giddy with excitement as she began to interrogate Yusuke. "I heard that Keiko's with child! Is it true? That's so adorable, and the first of many, ne?"

"Adorable my ass. Keiko just keeps getting bigger and meaner." Yusuke laughed, reaching into one of his pockets and withdrawing another cigarette before Botan smacked this one down as well, scowling at him.

"What? It helps me relax!"

"It's disgusting!"

"You're just not cultured!"

"YOU'RE calling ME uncultured?!"

"Damn right!"

Koenma managed a small smile, watching as the two reunited teammates shouted back and forth, eventually tearing the room apart as Botan began to pick up whatever she could find and toss it at the ex-detective.

"…just like old times."

--

"Again." Hiei instructed, staring down his extended katana in the direction of his knelt opponent, the other's chest rising and falling in large movements as he breathed heavily.

"Captain, how much longer?" The younger looking soldier asked, his voice raspy as he spoke between large heaves of air. Hiei turned his head upwards a tad, looking down at the young swordsman.

"We will continue until you are no longer tired. On your feet." The fire demon responded, moving his blade slightly in a gesture for the other to rise.

"Captain, perhaps you should call it a day. After all, even the commander has trouble contesting with your speed." Spoke a demon off to their right, referring to Mukuro as he sat with his legs folded, a torn loaf of bread in one hand and a tankard of demonic ale in the other. He was clad head to foot in a light looking sort of leather armor with long sleeves of fabric covering his arms and legs. Over his face he wore a snugly fitting mask that resembled a skull, attached to a black, skin tight hood that formed to the shape of his helm and covered everything that the mask did not down his neck all the way to his armor. He swallowed a large chunk of bread after speaking, looking to Hiei.

"If he learns to keep up with me then he can keep up with anyone. Now on your feet." Hiei repeated, causing the lean demon who had spoken up to chuckle deeply. The downed student offered a laugh as well as he straightened himself out, spreading his legs despite how badly they ached.

"Thanks for tryin', Ghash, but there's no sense in arguing with the Boss." He said, looking to the armor clad demon with a tired smile. He was youthful in appearance with smooth skin and sandy brown hair. His body, too, was lean but had definite muscle mass to it as could be seen from his movements, the mentioned muscles rippling visibly thanks to his dark green sleeveless shirt. For leggings he wore a pair of tan, baggy military pants, and on his feet were two black combat boots.

"Toshiro, prepare." Hiei spoke, entering an attack position. The other held his sword extended with both hands, watching the fire demon with a focused gaze. Suddenly Hiei leapt forward, moving like a flash of black and swiping at Toshiro's midsection. The younger swordsman managed to step back, narrowly 

dodging the attack and countered with a vertical slash. Hiei, however, easily maneuvered around the blade and delivered a firm blow with his free hand to Toshiro's stomach, dropping him to his knees.

"As you become more physically exhausted you are becoming more sloppy." The spiky haired warrior stated, looking down at his student. He pressed his katana lightly against the young soldier's neck, forcing him to look up.

"It is when you are tired that your form is the most important. Either you'll learn this or you'll die." He finished, sheathing his blade. "We're done. Apply ice to your legs, they will ache tomorrow."

"You survived!" Ghash spoke up, pushing off of the floor and rising to his feet. Toshiro managed a laugh before almost collapsing on his face, the masked soldier catching him just before impact.

"C'mon, then. Let's get you some rest, eh?" He suggested, helping the tired swordsman up onto his feet and towards the training room's exit.

"Any orders for the night, or shall I hit the sack?" Ghash asked, pausing to look back to Hiei.

"Get rested. We have an assignment in two day's time." The shorter answered, moving towards another door. He had chosen for his chamber to be right next to the training room so that whenever the opportunity arose he would be able to hone his skills.

"An assignment? What's the mission?" Ghash asked, cocking his head slightly to the side. Hiei grunted, disappearing through the other doorway.

"Hn."

The armored fighter laughed, continuing to help Toshiro limp down the hall.

"Secretive bastard, eh?"

"Heh, he's got something on his mind." Toshiro answered.

"How do you figure that?"

"You couldn't tell?"

"Of course not. Hell, you know I never know what he's thinkin'. Think he'll be alright?"

Toshiro looked to Ghash, raising an eyebrow and earning a laugh.

"Good point." The masked warrior answered as they continued to move.

--

Three men stood before a large incubation tube, their figures cloaked in by the surrounding darkness that filled every nook and cranny of the chamber. The humming of a computer could be heard, performing all of the necessary functions that were required in order to grow an organic life form.

"How's it reading?" Questioned one of the men, his face illuminated by the dim light radiating from the tip of his cigar. His face was rough, sporting a short and gray looking goatee over his somewhat wrinkled flesh. The man had but one eye, a haunting teal in color while his left socket was covered by a simple eye patch.

"Environmental stability is at 99.8. Temperature is within proportion, and toxin filters are functioning within their designated parameters." Answered a smooth voice, coming from the lips of the man standing over one of the many consoles, his fingers dancing over several controls. His face was not distinguishable within the darkness, though his hair was long and crimson, hanging down his back a good ways and clashing against his pink suit.

"Good. Continue to monitor him and notify me if there are any changes." The smoker ordered, earning a nod in response. He then turned to the tall man beside him who stood clad in a long and dark trench coat, covering his entire body. His face, too, remained concealed in shadow.

"Come. I think it's time we paid the girl a visit."

--

A/N: And that's chapter one. Hopefully you're not sleeping. Yes, if you thought something during the introduction of the villains…. You're right. I'm not pointing it out though. If you'd like to see more, drop a review and lemme know.

'Til next time

-Zizou