"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

Farfalla lay in her aunt's bed, enjoying the feeling of the smooth sheets. "Good boy Dante." She stroked the head of her dog, which lay beside her. "This is quite strange, isn't it? This is a very different place for us. Quite different compared to home, huh?" She finally let some of her fear creep into her voice. Dante scooted closer, placing his head on her stomach.

Kurama finally shut his books, stretching out his sore muscles. "I'm going to go check on Farfalla." He stood and shuffled out of the room, stifling a large yawn. He rapped lightly on his cousin's door, then waited for a response. Receiving none he cautiously opened the door, peering around the edge. Farfalla was sound asleep, the covers half on her. Dante raised his head when the door opened, but recognized Kurama and put it back down.

The red-head padded softly in and pulled the blankets up, tucking her in snugly. "Goodnight, Little Italian Butterfly." He headed back to his own room, sliding under the covers and settling in for a good night's rest.

Hiei's P.o.V.

I leaned back against Kurama's porch railing, the wind blowing gently through my black hair. I had to admit, it did feel rather nice right now. I shut my eyes, letting the relaxed feeling settle around me, although my senses were on the alert, as always. Suddenly, I knew something was off. My eyes flew open and I stepped forward, waiting for the demon I could feel in the area, heading this way at a hurried pace.

'Just when I was beginning to relax.' I was annoyed at this disturber of the peace. I'd dispatch them quickly; I might even have time for some of Shiori's breakfast afterwards. The energy signature grew closer and I began to prepare myself for a quick warm-up.

Suddenly the world around me began to melt – literally. 'Crap. An illusionist. This could turn annoying.' I probed for the demon for only a moment before launching myself at them. They had been running towards me, so the collision was more than full force. I, however, was ready for it and had braced myself for the impact. Both of us went tumbling into the street, my hands already securing their arms and grabbing their jaw to break their neck.

"Please don't." A female voice pleaded from behind the mask. "I have a son…I can't leave him alone…"

Unwillingly I found my hand stopping. I didn't want to care, but…. "Why are you here?" I demanded harshly, settling for sounding like I didn't care.

"I was paid to come here."

"Come here and do what?"

"Assassinate..someone."

"Who?" I twisted her arm, causing her to flinch. "Who?!" I demanded when she seemed unwilling.

"Shuiichi Minamino."

I paused, shocked at that revelation. Before she could say another word I shoved my hand over her mouth. The front door to Kurama's home had opened. The illusion around me dropped, revealing Farfalla, her dog, and Kurama.

My red eyes met Kurama's green ones for a long moment.

"Farfalla, would you like to visit the park? If you memorize the path you will be able to go there by yourself whenever you wish." Kurama steered her subtly around us.

My eyes tracked them, wanting to be sure she didn't notice.

Farfalla stopped suddenly, turning around to face us. "I know that smell." She said quietly, her grey eyes seeming to try and search her dark world for the source.

Kurama looked at me, then at my captive questioningly.

I just shrugged. I had no idea what, or who, she could be smelling.

"I don't smell anything Farfalla. Let's just keep going." Kurama tugged at her elbow, leading her away, although she didn't seem satisfied with that response.

I dragged the demoness to her feet, my fingers ripping the mask off her face.

She jerked away, turning her head to the side as if to hide. "Don't!" She cringed as the light fell upon the terrible scars running across her face. I almost felt sick at the extent I could see, but even that was just half her face.

"Come with me." I slung her over my shoulder and leapt up into Kurama's room. I tied her hands and feet before setting her in the closet and shutting the door. I then settled down onto Kurama's bed to wait for his return, and to be sure that his mother didn't go into the closet and discover this intruder.