Sorry; nothing's mine but the original stuff.

You don't have to, for its not REALLY important, but I do suggest that you read the other story, "No one Ever Stays the Same" simply because it introduces the original characters as well as the basic plotline. Now, on with the story!


(Sleep…Actually, it's a wonderful thing, at least, when you can get it. However, when your husband sleeps like a chain-saw, it becomes a little tricky. Well, Keiko took care of that problem by carefully administering an elbow to the back of his head, an action that quickly took care of her problem and therefore, shut him up. However, he wasn't too pleased, so he promptly replaced his snoring with a bit of yelling.)

Yusuke: What did I do now!

Keiko: You snore. And anyway, Koenma wants to see you this morning, remember? You have to get up for your meeting.

Yusuke: What happened to gentle shakes, and whispers of "Yusuke, get up?"

Keiko: That got old two years ago. Move it, before you're late. You don't want to do your job like you did school, now do you?

Yusuke: (too innocently) Well…what answer are you looking for?

(Finding himself rubbing the back of his head as he felt the collision of a book up against it, he shook his head and made his way to the bathroom, trying to find some way to wake himself up. He opted for brushing his teeth, all the while wondering why Koenma couldn't possibly have a better time to bug the heck out of him.)

Yusuke: Yeesh, first Koenma, now Keiko…(sigh) I can't take this abuse….


(Hiei, though he had no trouble with early morning, wasn't faring much better, seeing as how he had gotten a visit from one of the last people he wanted to see at all, let alone several hours before dawn. In fact, Kenta was still talking to him about something or another, and doing a very good job of being annoying, just as Hiei thought Kuwabara was at any time. Taking the liberty to doze a few hours, he awoke just as the first bits of blue were appearing to the sky, and sighing, rolled off the branch, landing on the ground where Kenta must have either fallen, or was just laying. Shaking his head and rolling his eyes, Hiei slapped him with the tip of his tail, waking the dragon up, and then teleporting to the portal to the Spirit World. Kenta looked around confused for a bit, but then teleported as well, trying to catch up with Hiei.)


(A loud ringing filled his ears, and he unconsciously hit his alarm clock, rolling over in the process. He thought highly of going back to sleep, but found that he couldn't so he just got up. It wasn't quite dawn yet, but Koenma had stressed that they get there as early as possible, and Kuwabara wasn't really in the mood to either listen to a lecture about being punctual, or rather, ignore it like he and Yusuke usually would. Stretching, he made himself get up, wishing that he was a morning person like Kurama was…)


(In all actuality, Kurama was the only one who didn't wake up in some annoyed or bothersome way, and seeing as how waking up early was no big deal for him, he didn't mind the time of the meeting in the least. He got up rather swiftly, and getting dressed in a pair of white pants and a blue shirt, he tidied up his room and apartment a bit before putting on his shoes and leaving. He wasn't entirely sure what it was that they would be doing so early, but he supposed it was best he got together his seeds, and set off for the portal to the Spirit World.)


Koenma: Well, I'm sure you're wondering why you're here so early. Well, to keep away all the sarcastic remarks, I'll just go ahead and tell you. Today, and possibly for quite some time, you four will either be training for a fight against the dragons or locating the Gemstones; I'm sure you remember them.

Kuwabara: You mean the Legendary Gemstones? What are we looking for them for?

Koenma: I'm very glad you asked. In fact, that reminds me of this tape you are supposed to watch, so to be sure you do watch it, you can do it now.

(Turning their attention to the monitor in the office, they watched as the picture took its place, and on the screen appeared quite the arrangement of beautiful stones. The picture seemed to be something of a documentary, so Yusuke instinctively became bored, just as Kurama began to pay attention. Hiei showed no interest, though watched none-the-less, and Kuwabara and Kenta watched, simply curious as to what was so special about the colored stones.)

The Legendary Gemstones are not stones, but solid masses of energy that resemble jewels of their respected colors. Each 'stone' has its own color, and its own unique personality, as well as a specific holder to its power. The specific 'stones' include the Ruby, Bloodstone, Garnet, Yellow Topaz, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sapphire, Blue Topaz, and Amethyst, which are…

Kenta: We already know that part. What's the point of this?

Koenma: If you and Yusuke paid attention, you'd know that.

others include the Onyx, Pearl, Diamond, Black Pearl, and Black Diamond. These are unspecific, and will yield its power to any who possesses it; these are also the most powerful, yet all come in various sizes. Some are quite large, giving them more sensitivity towards its wielder, yet some are smaller, holding much more power, and being less controllable.

(The screen went black for a while, leading Yusuke to believe that it was all the information they were getting, but the picture reappeared, and once again, the voice explained. As it spoke, there seemed to be a battle playing out on the screen before them, and this battle consisted of nothing but dragons, some looking like dinosaurs and others resembling snakes. Some had wings, whereas others did not, but regardless, they were all fighting with the same strength, and none appeared to be winning the fight.)

Long ago, when the earth belonged to the Dragons, there was a battle: its purpose, to decide which dragon of a specific color gained certain areas of the world. However, the dragons were all too evenly matched, leaving none victorious over the other, and so, the Gemstones were created. From the spirit and energy of each dragon, a sphere was formed of that specific color, and as it took form, they all combined, creating one large beast. The Eternal Dragoness, or Dragon of the Opal, caused the energy to take the form of gemstones, and they were scattered across the earth, each taking its place in a different location…

Yusuke: You can't be serious…We're looking for Dragonic Energy?

Koenma: Perceptive, Yusuke. I see you do have the ability to pay attention. (At this, he received a semi-glare)

and even though the stones were scattered, their energies went to the place where the element reigned. Stones such as the Garnet, Bloodstone, and Ruby took their place in volcanic regions, being either on land or underwater, in places such as the Chain of Fire, or volcanic-made islands. The Emerald and Sardonyx took place in forested areas, such as present-day Brazil. The Sapphire and Blue-Topaz were sent to the seas, and the Amethyst, Yellow-Topaz, along with the unspecified stones, were sent either to the mountainous, arctic, or grassy regions of the earth: mountain chains and Mid-Africa are two examples. However, the true locations of these energy-stones is unknown, for they have been subject…

Kuwabara: Well that's not helping much…

Kurama: Wait; there's a bit more to this.

legends state that the dragons that descend from those that created the stones can detect any and all of the energy orbs, just as there is said to be a strange reaction of power from them when one of these dragons is near them; but it is merely speculation, as well as the fact of those certain dragons existing. However, there does seem to be a connection to this and mysterious stone carvings found in the Demon World, but no definite link is known. Philosophers believe…

Koenma: Well, I think that's all you need to know. Any questions?

Kurama: How accurate is this information?

Koenma: Very. It is updated every two years, to provide any and all possible sources to locate these stones.

Hiei: …Suppose there are descendents of those dragons in the Dragon Realm. What are we supposed to do if they reach them before us?

Koenma: A very good question, but it is one that I cannot answer. We've been looking for these stones for a while now, but have found only a few. Apparently, many of the dragons of the Dragon Realm have already found them. The best ting for us to do is to find as many as we can, and retrieve as many from the Dragons as well.

Yusuke: (sarcastically) Great…But where does this training thing come from?

Koenma: Ah, yes; the training. You shall rotate your schedules. Actually, I can tell you where you are to go now. Yusuke and Hiei, you will need to go to the Demon World, and navigate the maze of portals to get to the thirteenth level. There, you should have no problem finding who you are to be looking for.

Yusuke: Who is it exactly?

Koenma: Well, when you get there, you'll meet a girl, but you'll also meet Inuyasha. I've talked him and his brother into training you, seeing as how he had fought Dragons successfully before.

Hiei: Wonderful…

Koenma: Kurama, you and Kuwabara will be on first duty for hunting the Gemstones. You will meet Kyubi there, and she can help you out a bit.

Kuwabara: Isn't that the fox-girl you fought at the tournament?

Kurama: The vixen; yes…quite an interesting coincidence.

Koenma: Isn't it? Now, you best be off; the sooner this starts, the better it should turn out.


(Footsteps echoed quietly through the dimly lit corridors as he walked along down the underground passages. With each torch passed, the area beside him lit up with a blue energy that cast an eerie glow along the stone walls, and sent his shadow lurking ahead of his figure. He couldn't count the number of times he had come down these stone corridors, each step descending him down to the dungeons below, but this time was different. This time, he wasn't the prisoner, nor was he to make one. He was here to see what his purpose for being summoned to the place was, and he presumed his "father" was the one doing the calling. Swiftly and silently, he made his way with practiced stealth, and reached his destination, pushing open the metallic doors and walking into the black room. For human and even demon eyes, it would appear to be nothing more than a room of darkness, but he could see differently, and he knew his "father" lurked somewhere in that darkness…he simply never knew where.

He stepped into the darkness, feeling the familiar air behind him as the door swung closed, and a small light appeared with the clash. Looking at the man before him, he sighed inaudibly, and stared into the flaming gaze put on him. It had been a long time since he had looked into those eyes without fear and with confidence, and his blue eyes shone like arctic ice, reflecting the paleness of their owner's skin and yet the darkness of his hair. Hitairu looked at the man with eyes that rivaled the crimson of his hair, and a strange chill passed through him; he refused to shiver or show it at all, and instead, blocked the intrusion to his mind. His "father's" eyes darkened, and he knew frustration had been achieved; he only had to give the final push.)

Hitairu: I assume you summoned me.

Kuro Kasai: You aren't wrong. Though, this meeting is pointless.

Hitairu: I must agree. Tell me what you must so that I can waste my time elsewhere.

Kuro Kasai: Watch your tongue, boy. You clearly forget with whom you toy.

Hitairu: I disagree.

Kuro Kasai: You dare argue with me?

Hitairu: No; I merely give you the disrespect you deserve.

Kuro Kasai: How dare you talk to me in such a way! Do you not remember who I am to you?

Hitairu: I remember very vividly. You are my living nightmare, and I am the being that you force under your control. Am I not correct?

(There is was; the slight flare of anger in the energy pattern and aura that he both loved and loathed to feel. He loved it for the knowledge that he had broken through the emotionless and cool, smug wall that the dragon always erected against others, but he loathed it for the knowledge that he had pressed too far. With the achievement of aggravation, there was always the promise of pain, and almost immediately, Hitairu felt that pain. It was cruel, and fully forced; meant to give him the most pain possible, and that intent never failed to be accomplished. To give in was to submit, but to resist would bring nothing more than more of the searing, burning, tearing feeling to his mind.

He always chose the former, dropping to his knees with an inner smirk as he knew…he knew one day, he would be able to give it all back; to claim his freedom from the vile creature that took every opportunity to throw him from every path of his life, and erect an impenetrable wall where he once stood, blocking all escape until another path was found or formed. He would always ride out the pain and hurt, his life unharmed, and constantly protected. It was the only upset to the entire ordeal; Hitairu could never be disposed of like any other dragon; he was needed too much by the elder man. He knew it, and knew it well.

But with this glimmer of sun, there was ever a looming shadow.

Hitairu craved his freedom, and the power to rule his own life; anyone who ever laid eyes on him could see it, but with that freedom, death would surely follow: the fatal blow dealt by the very hand that would never fail to hurt him in one instant, and save his life the next. It was a cruel, heartless game, and if anything, Hitairu loathed the feeling of being some plaything; a puppet for amusement that as brought out whenever its master wished for entertainment. But it would stop. One day, and one day soon, there would be only one of them left standing. Whether it be the captor or the captive was undecided, but he knew, and he knew well…

Only one of them could survive in the long-run. Each of them in a war against the other, as well as others who wished to oppose them. But one would rise above all, and one would have everything; there was only the question of who.

But it was as things should be. There can be only one victor in a war, and even in a draw, both have lost, leaving no victor. He would endure, and from this grow stronger; it was his way, and always had been, just as it would continue to be; there was only the matter of time, but there was an eternity for this war to rage on. Should they both perish in this war, the battle would continue even in their eternity on the molten grounds of hell; eventually, one would break, and the other would emerge: wounded, tattered, torn…but victorious. He let the pain diminish, and as though it were forgotten, he stood and was given his orders; leaving one more battle behind them, and many more ahead…)

Kuro Kasai: Sesshoumaru, Yusuke, Hiei…all of them threaten me. However, they can be bent to my will. Bring Sesshoumaru to me…it is a task that is difficult, yet not impossible. With him under my control, Hiei can be easily apprehended, and then…then Yusuke can be disposed of and all threats shall be diminished.

Hitairu: Just how do you expect me t go about this task? Sesshoumaru is a ruthless warlord. He is not one that is subject to capture; such a thing is nearly impossible.

Kuro Kasai: Understand me; he has weaknesses, they must simply be exploited. I would believe that there is a rapidly-growing vulnerability that will soon inconvenience him; just give him the time. His skills of battle and war could help our side immensely in the upcoming wars.

Hitairu: And Hiei?

Kuro Kasai: Must I explain everything to you? One would be led to believe that you are ill in the mind.

(The last comment was made suggestively toward the several attacks to Hitairu's mind he had made, and at such a remark, Hitairu unconsciously snorted, receiving a warning look in his direction. He crossed his arms as he stood before Kuro Kasai, knowing very well that he could be dropped to his knees in a single heartbeat, but also knowing that it would not be anything that was to be considered unbearable. His blue eyes flashed, and Kuro Kasai's red ones darkened. Hitairu left his mouth and mind shut, knowing that even his luck shouldn't be pressed, and continued to stare the dragon down, waiting for his answer.)

Kuro Kasai: Hiei already has one exploited weakness; his sister. Now, should you allow his affections toward that woman grow, he can be easily apprehended with a bit of persuasion.

Hitairu: I should suspect that when Hiei and Kenta, who is already under your thumb, are taken from the team and forced to fight against the remaining three, Yusuke will allow his own feelings to interfere with his critical thinking, and therefore fall as well, with a bit of assistance from his woman, of course…

Kuro Kasai: You catch on well for one so…well, like yourself. With those three on our side, we should be invincible. And don't forget their personalities. There are certain…"soft spots" in their pasts that can be exploited, and that will push them to our side and our advantage.

Hitairu: You are referring to Hiei's past and his coping with betrayal and disloyalty?

Kuro Kasai: Why yes; as well as Sesshoumaru and his little bit of history with Inuyasha. Those two will never have an actual bond, so in all honesty, they can easily be turned against one another. Yusuke's past is of no concern to me, so it can be avoided. I suggest you work on the most difficult target first. Understood?

Hitairu:…Yes, Kuro Kasai. I understand very well.

Kuro Kasai: Good. And I suggest you watch your abilities this time. We wouldn't want to mess things up, would we? Especially when one's freedom can so easily fly out of the opened window, along with all opportunity. (smirks) Am I not correct?

(He didn't even make an attempt to give a response. With a spark of flame glinting in his eyes, he teleported, not really caring where he wound up, but wanting to be anywhere than there. He so hated to do this man's bidding for him, but what choice did he have? He had none, and he knew it well.

To use one's own past…their pain, and their sadness against them was far worse than any hurt that could ever be inflicted on someone. Such things can drive a being to hate, to loathe, and to detest those around them that are both guilty and innocent of that very past. He despised doing that to others…the same way it was done to him, but he had no options, and no other choice…

A flare of rage burned through his icy heart, and he frowned at the thought of the things he would have to do in order to save himself…but if he did not save himself, then there would be the few close to him that would suffer. But, did he honestly want that for any of those surrounding his targets? It would be no different, and he himself would be troubled by doing such things. Manipulation is a most horrid game…and one that bears no victors…

Hitairu let the thoughts pass, and teleported once more from the tree that he had been crouched in, and went to the home that was hidden from others; the place not even his "father" and master knew of. It was his refuge, and home, where there were the people and the three alone that cared for him; he disappeared from sight, leaving his thoughts on the swift breeze that blew through the lands.)

"I don't know when, I don't know how…but I will be victorious over him somehow. It will be merely time…miniscule seconds that pass into minutes, then hours and days. But no matter; in this eternity, there will be only one victor over us, Kuro Kasai; mark my words. And it will be nothing more than a matter of time that separates "now" from that time…"

Time…

nothing more than the Sands through an Hourglass…