"Is it just me, or has the stink here gotten worse?" Yusuke asked as we stepped out of the portal.

"The scent is the same to me," I said as I sniffed the air, "Perhaps it's been too long since your last visit."

Yusuke shouldered his backpack and began walking at a leisurely pace. "You know", he grinned, "it's nice to be back without feeling unsure about the future or being on some stupid Spirit World case."

"Indeed." I replied.

The portal we had chosen to come through was the most common one for humans to accidentally pass through. With any luck, we could hopefully run into the border patrol soon and then meet with Hiei.

"So, honestly, Kurama, do you think Hiei will come?" Yusuke asked.

"I'm not sure. Showing affection openly is not something Hiei does, nor does he tolerate others who do." I responded. Although it was difficult to tell in this case. For one thing, Hiei's own perspective on love and relationships has seemed to change drastically since meeting Mukuro. For another, Hiei has great respect for Yusuke, both as a fighter and as a person. Though it was still likely he would refuse and I did not want to get Yusuke's hopes up.

"You know, I could always kick his ass and make him come." Yusuke cracked his knuckles "I need a good workout, it gets tiring punching Kuwabara's face in all the time."

"Hn, I would like to see you try, Detective."

The voice came from right behind Yusuke who turned, revealing our fire demon friend.

"I'm impressed, Hiei. Even with so much power and energy you've managed to completely shield yourself." I smiled. Indeed I could not sense any trace of demon energy from him. Yusuke's was shielded only slightly, mingling with his unique spirit energy. I kept my own hidden enough so none would fight me for a challenge, yet strong enough I would not come across as easy prey.

"I had to have some way to prevent those Spirit World dogs from finding me." He spat angrily.

This was news, "you've been in contact with Koenma?"

"Hardly, they're the foolish drones of Enma's"

"You mean those SDF idiots who tried to kill me before?" Yusuke exclaimed.

"Hn, they think they have the right to persuade Enki to keep his title and call off the next tournament. The fools tried to convince me to side with them." He glowered "I told them if I become the Demon World King, I'll make sure Spirit World noses out of Demon World affairs for good."

Yusuke started to laugh, "Man, I wish I could've seen their faces then. That's great, Hiei!"

I nodded in agreement, this demon form of democracy was working wonders. To suddenly disband the tournaments would ruin everything we worked for.

"So anyways, Hiei..." Yusuke began.

"Enough, Yusuke, I know why you're here." Hiei stated.

Yusuke and I were speechless. Not that he knew the purpose for our visit, bit that he used the former Spirit Detective's name. It showed how much Hiei respected him.

"I must decline, though I'm relieved you and your woman finally stopped dancing around each other, it will no longer give others headaches."

"Aw, come on, Hiei. it won't be the same without you there. Won't you at least think about it?' Yusuke asked.

"No." was the stubborn reply.

"Hiei, it was Yukina's request that you come." I said, bringing out my backup.

Hiei stopped before shaking his head, "You know why I can't, Kurama, she needs to forget me."

I persisted "Even though she doesn't know why, she knows there is some sort of bond between you two. Something I feel that's only growing stronger as she does."

"I felt it, Genkai had been training her," he responded, "unlike those old crones in the ice village, her power is rising past a defensive stage and she'll soon be able to fight her own battles. This is good."

"Yes," I agreed, "and as her awareness increases, I do not doubt she will sense the other hiru stone your mother shed. If you are not careful, Hiei, she will figure it out and it will only-"

"Enough!" Hiei's eyes flashed, "If you are only here to badger me and hand out useless invitations I suggest you both take your leave. I have no time for this!"

And with that he was gone.

"Damn it!" Yusuke threw his bag on the ground "Kurama, could you give him a break? I really wanted him at my wedding!"

"I am sorry, Yusuke, perhaps my timing was off." I smiled weakly "I'm sure we will see Hiei again before we leave. I'll do my best to apologize to him hen."

"Alright, well we've got a long run, better get a move on." He hoisted his bag again.

We were off, it would take two days to reach the city at our pace.