Author's note:

Greetings everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't updated in quite a time! I was just busy with school. The teachers thought it'd be funny if they gave us abnormal amount of homework and tests right after the holiday. What a hassle!

Anyway, thank you for reviewing, reading, favouriting and following! I got more people following and favouriting now, which makes me extremely happy! Though I can't say the same about the reviews. I seem to get less recently and it makes me disappointed. Does that mean this story is not good enough? I'm not forcing you to review or anything but I would really love it if you will be so kind as to leave some encouraging words, as they give me energy to write. The only things that give me boost to write this are my love for Hiei, my hobby of writing and your reviews after all!

And this chapter is longer than the last too! Yippie! I tried my best writing a long chapter, though I got stuck sometimes. But I promise I'll keep trying my best and complete this story! Though I think this is going to be one long story...

Anyway, I might post some one-shots based on this story. I got bored easily and writing one-shots with my over-flowing inspirations, which don't have any connection with the story sometimes, is a good way to keep me interested. I hope when I post it, all of you will read and like it!

Alright, I'm not going to hold you back from reading anymore! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.

A Key to His Heart

Chapter 6: Friendship and Revelation

Kyoko didn't know how long she had sat there, chained, staring at the cloaked little girl standing before her. The little girl inside seemed to be crying, as there was little drops of saltwater and she was trembling furiously. Her heart broke at the pathetic whimpers and cries.

She didn't really know what to do at that moment. If she was in a normal condition with an equally normal girl, she would have jumped at the first chance she got to comfort her. But when that kid was ordered to kill her, it was beyond normal and it threw her off. She couldn't have the heart to watch her weeping though.

It was awkward to say the least. "U-uh… hey," she called out softly, trying not to scare the child. "Your name is Yui, isn't it?"

The girl stopped trembling slightly and tilted her hidden head a little to the side. Great! She finally got her attention! And it looked like she had stopped crying too.

Smiling kindly, Kyoko straightened her back and said, "I'm Kyoko. Now, why don't you come here, little one?" she relaxed against the wall, being careful of the bruises on her back and arms.

Surprisingly, the girl did. Yui walked slowly, cautious, towards her; her arms wounding tighter around the old teddy in her arms. The girl plopped shyly down beside her, close. Kyoko's smile widened.

Asking her about their condition now would probably make things even more awkward. "So Yui…" she began, "what is your favourite flower?"

"Iris." The girl mumbled in a small voice, nervous. Kyoko smiled reassuringly.

"Iris, huh? I love iris too. They're so pretty, aren't they?"

"Mama likes iris." Yui was more confident now. "She always filled the vase with iris. Her grave is surrounded by irises."

"Grave? O-oh…" Kyoko's eyes widened in realisation and she reeled back in shock slightly. She frowned in guilt, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

Yui shook her head lightly, "'s okay… mama has been gone for a long time." She murmured, more to herself than Kyoko. Then, much to Kyoko's surprise, Yui climbed onto her laps. "I like you Kyoko. You are really pretty… very nice, too."

"Thank you." Kyoko chuckled.

"I don't want to kill you… can we be friends?"

Kyoko didn't like how such a small girl could be so nonchalant about killing and death. What had that violent sister of hers taught her? Could that woman be a serial killer or something? Or maybe this was a kidnapping for ransom. She hoped her family was fine back home.

"…Kyoko?"

Snapping out of the thoughts, Kyoko quickly nodded her head and gave the little girl on her laps an assuring smile, "Of course. I'd love to be friends with you."

The girl giggled.

The mood brightened considerably and Kyoko decided it was the right time to ask. "So Yui…" she approached gently, "who was that woman earlier?"

"My sister. Her name is Kaguya."

"Kaguya… I see. Thank you for telling me."

The girl hugged her teddy tighter and brought it closer to her, sniffing it slightly. "Nee-sama is in love with Master. But he doesn't like her like that… he always orders her around."

'This Master person must be using Kaguya.' Kyoko smartly concluded. It was quite obvious.

"I don't like Master. He is so mean. He kills Rui."

Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "Rui?"

"Un!" Yui nodded her head enthusiastically. She lifted her teddy happily in the air, showing it to her. "This is Rui. He is a very nice bear. But he is dead now. Master kills him when I called him mean." The little girl hugged the doll close to her chest, sniffling, "poor Rui."

That again. Talking about death and killing so easily. Seriously, what had this Master person and Kaguya had been feeding her mind? Did they talk about their crimes in front of her? Did they order her to kill? Such innocent girl didn't deserve that. This was child abuse!

As soon as Kyoko got these chains off of her, she was going to bring Yui to the authority and told them to punish those evil masterminds thoroughly. Wriggling, the chains were still strong and tight around her crossed ankles and wrists. It's starting to become very uncomfortable. Not to mention the bruises she was sure covered her cheek and neck, along with her arms and back. That evil Kaguya…

Suddenly, shocking her, Yui gasped and jumped to her feet. "Oh no!" she cried.

"Y-yui? Is something's wrong?"

"Kyoko, they're here! They come to get you! And me! They're going to kill me!" the darkness around the room seemed to be swirling madly around her. But this must be Kyoko's imagination right? "Let's go Kyoko! I'll protect you! I'll protect you from them!"

"Yui! Yui calm down!" Kyoko raised her voice, scolding the small girl in a stern tone. "What is it Yui? Who's here?" she asked in a gentler tone.

"That half-breed! That cruel half-breed! He killed papa in that tournament!"

"Tournament?" maybe it was an accident in a wrestling match… her father, Mr Yukimura watched wrestling all the time. Or it could be a boxing match. Yusuke watched that. "Who is this… half-breed?"

"Yusuke. His name is Yusuke."

"Yu…suke?"

"Un. He is very mean! Nee-sama and master hate him! They told me to run away when he is near…" Yui placed a small hand on her bruised arm, crouching. "Let's go Kyoko. I'll protect you from him."

Protect her from Yusuke? But Yusuke would never hurt her; he didn't have the courage to anyway. And she never heard about Yusuke participating in any wrestling match. Yusuke wouldn't kill anyone too. He might act tough and juvenile from time to time but he was a very sweet and considerate boy inside. He was a true softie at heart.

So she shook her head no, feeling her heart crumbled at the heart-broken whine which escaped Yui. But she knew Yui would understand. "Yusuke is my family. He comes to save me Yui."

"B-but…"

"Yusuke is not a bad person. He may act mean but he is very kind inside."

"…he killed papa…"

"There might be a misunderstanding here. Yusuke doesn't kill. It must be an accident." Yui shook her head.

"He killed papa. I saw it." She sobbed weakly. "I'm lonely. Nee-sama is always with Master and Rui is dead. I don't have anyone." The girl admitted, teardrops falling, "but he is your family… s-so, I understand."

A weak smiled appeared on Kyoko's face and she leaned closer, kissing Yui's cloaked head. The girl sniffled. "Hey, Yui?"

Rubbing her eyes, Yui hummed weakly, "Hmm?"

"I need you to do something." Tilting her head down slightly, Kyoko let her hair spill over her shoulder to show the back of her neck. "Can you remove my pendant?"

Yui did so obediently, not even asking for a reason for that favour. She fumbled with small silver clasp until she finally understood how to unclasp it.

"Now I want you to put it around your neck," Yui did so, "take care of it, okay? You can come visit me anytime."

"mmhm…" standing up, Yui ran to the darkest corner, far away from the candle which was the only source of light in the windowless room. She raised a hand, the cloak trailing down to her elbow and wriggled her fingers reluctantly. "Bye-bye."

"Bye-bye," replied Kyoko with her famous calm, gentle smile on her face. Yui snapped her fingers and disappeared into the darkness. Kyoko's eyes widened and she moved her hand to rub her eyes, only to notice that it was chained. She settled from blinking in disbelief.

"Is that a magic trick?"

Kyoko haven't the time to ponder on how Yui vanished, however, because the door suddenly burst open and two men ran in wildly, one screaming profanities while the other swinging an odd saber-like, jagged, bright sword.

"Kyo-nee!" the two men yelled – more like squealed – and ran hurriedly towards Kyoko, waving their hands around her like maniac. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Fuck, look at those bruises! Keiko's going to kill me!" they both asked in one breath, the last part being said by a certain gel-haired delinquent.

Kyoko laughed, "Calm down you two. I'm fine. Just a little bruise won't kill me."

"bruises." Yusuke pointed out.

Kuwabara stopped cutting the chains with his odd sword for a moment and looked up at Kyoko. "You've got a scratch on you cheek too. Nothing my adorable little 'Kina can't fix though!" his eyes lit up and his face brightened at the memory of his beloved Yukina.

Kyoko blinked at the sword in Kuwabara's hands, "Kazuma. What is that?" she pointed to the sword with her now free hand.

"That will be explained later." A new voice joined in. The three looked up at Shuichi standing there with a kind smile on his face. Hiei stood slightly behind him. "After we get you back home and treat your wounds."

"Shuichi." Kyoko greeted warmly. Then she turned to Hiei and flashed him a brilliant smile, "Hiei too. I'm so happy to see you here."

Shuichi gave a light nudge to Hiei with an I-told-you-so look. Hiei glared at him.

Kuwabara cut through the last chain around her ankles and the sword disappeared from his hand. "Can you stand Kyo-nee?" he asked politely, offering a hand. She accepted gratefully and let him pull her up gently to a standing position.

Yusuke quickly rushed to her side when her knees buckled and she would have fallen into a messy heap if not for his hands tenderly around her arms, helping her up. "I-I'm sorry… my legs just feel a bit weak." Hah! Weak should be an understatement to how her legs felt right now! But she wouldn't act weak in front of her 'little brothers'.

"Are you okay?" Shuichi asked, worry in his voice. He hadn't known her for long but he had grown so fond of the young woman. She was so mature, a nice change from the others in the pack, and so agreeable. Botan loves her too.

Much to everyone's shock and disbelief, Hiei stepped forward, on his own accord, and gathered Kyoko into his arms, carrying her bridal-style. Kyoko instantly placed both of her hands on his shoulders, hoping she wouldn't fall. The sudden great difference in height made her gasp, but she kind of enjoyed the few from up there.

"T-thank you."

Hiei ignored her. Instead, he turned to his shocked teammates and sent them a glare, daring them to question his move. They didn't. He turned around and began walking towards the exit. Yusuke and Kuwabara followed in silence, still shocked.

Shuichi stayed behind, chuckling. Hiei was so warming up to her. And it seemed like he finally acknowledged that fact.

The journey back was much easier. Kyoko was safe and there was no enemy lurking around so all they did was call Koenma for a portal. Kyoko almost fainted when the black vortex appeared in front of them and had refused to step through. Only she wasn't the one to decide as she was still in Hiei's arms (I really like the sound of it!) and he bravely went through, ignoring Kyoko's angry complains.

When they stepped out of the portal, they were in the woods in the park near the Yukimura residence. They made their way back home in silence; it made them nervous, especially Yusuke and Kuwabara, when Kyoko remained silent, not asking a single question throughout the quest. They had a bad feeling in their guts.

"Alright," Kyoko finally spoke. She lifted her head to look up at Hiei, "will you put me down, please?"

Hiei did so, knowing she had got the feelings in her legs back. Kyoko walked a few steps and sighed in relieve when she could finally walk again, albeit a bit slow and weak. Don't take it wrong, she liked being carried by Hiei. He was so warm, a nice change from the cold she had been in earlier, and he also smells very nice. Like warm ambers and smouldering fire; very, very nice indeed.

Looking up at the darkened sky, Kyoko inhaled deeply as she halted to a stop in front of her home. Smiling, she whispered to herself, "It's good to be back." Not knowing three out of four people in the group heard her.

Shuichi was about to open the door for her when Kyoko suddenly turned around, her smile now gone. Yusuke and Kuwabara shuddered, knowing the meaning behind the stern look in her eyes and the downward tilt of her lips. Then she smiled sweetly at them.

"I truly appreciate what you have done for me. Thank you." She bowed slightly. Then she straightened, crossed her arms and, once again, her smile was gone, replaced by the cold, stern look in her usually warm chocolate eyes and she spoke, "Unfortunately, you've disappointed me. I thought we were friends, yet you hide such important secrets from me." Her voice made them shudder.

Even with all those bruises and scratch, she still managed to look so scary. No. those bruises and scratch made her look even scarier! Both Yusuke and Kuwabara were ready to wet their pants.

"The four of you," she addressed, eyes narrowing, "you have a lot of explaining to do, misters."

And with that, she turned around, her long hair trailing behind her, and went into the house, leaving four men uncharacteristically fearing for their lives.

When Yusuke, Kuwabara, Shuichi and Hiei walked into the living room, they found Kyoko sitting on the couch, surrounded by the women, with Botan and Yukina fussing over her injuries. They were healing her while Kyoko looked at their glowing hands, amazed.

"That's a very… handy trick." She commented when they were finished with her. Looking at herself in the compact mirror, Kyoko was awed at the sight of her, as good as new. There wasn't even any scar left on her cheek! "Thank you Botan, Yukina." She smiled at the giggling females.

"Anything for you, Kyoko, anything for you~" Botan sang joyfully, hugging her.

"You're welcome. If you injure yourself, please feel free to ask for my help." Yukina responded with a sweet smile, closing her red eyes in happiness at the sight of the young woman whom she had grown fond of.

"Oh, nee-san," Keiko cried, hugging her sister tightly. Kyoko patted her back reassuringly while gently running her fingers through her soft brown hair in a calming way, just like what she always did when Keiko was little. "I was s-so… so, so worried."

"It's okay. Everything's fine now."

"I-I know… B-but please, don't disappear like that ever again. I t-thought my heart was going to burst."

Shizuru, for once not smoking, ruffled the brunette's hair. "She's kidnapped." She pointed out. Then she ruffled Kyoko's hair and offered a small smile. "Good to have you back kiddo."

Kyoko smiled at the older girl. "Thank you Shizuru."

"Oh!" Yukina gasped, "Kazuma! What are you doing lounging there?"

The four men tensed when Kyoko's now cold eyes rolled to them. She huffed and jerked her head to the couch across from her, crossing her arms. Yusuke and Kuwabara instantly went to the couch, praying to God for mercy. The last time Kyoko had been this angry, she had given them each a hundred spankings. And it was because Yusuke had dared Kuwabara to look up Kyoko's skirt. They never tried that ever since.

Shuichi followed suit, looking unsure, and sat down beside Yusuke. Hiei was the last and because there was no more empty spot on the couch, he didn't want to share seats with Kuwabara and Yusuke anyway, he sat alone on the recliner.

Kyoko tapped her pointed finger against the pale skin of her arm impatiently. "Well?"

Yusuke and Kuwabara turned to look at Shuichi with pleading eyes. He sighed and picked the silver briefcase under the coffee table up, placing it on the table. Kyoko expected him to open it but he didn't, choosing to rest his elbows on his knees and laced his fingers together, resting his chin on it.

"Before I start, I want to give you a few instructions. Please don't cut me off or ask question until I'm finished." At Kyoko's nod, he launched into the story. What happened to Yusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei and himself, how they had been employed by the Reikai, what they had been through and everyone who had become their friends and their enemies. All the while, Kyoko merely listened quietly, not a single expression could be seen on her face.

"…and that's it." Shuichi leaned back against the plush couch, mouth dry from talking so much.

"That's a very good story," Kyoko nodded, lowering her eyes and placing a hand on her chest. "All of you have been through so much. And I was never there to support you. I wasn't even aware of anything. I'm so ashamed of myself…"

"You believe us?" Yukina asked in a hopeful tone.

"Yes." Kyoko replied without hesitation. She furrowed her eyebrows, "I mean… you wouldn't lie about such bizarre thing right? And I find it very impossible to be able to come with such unbelievable yet trustable lie."

"W-we won't lie to you nee-san!"

Kyoko smiled at her little sister, "thank you Keiko."

"So… you aren't going to call us crazy or mentally sick or something?"

"Of course not, Kazuma. I know you are far from crazy."

"Phew! That went better than I thought! Thank God…Oh!" Botan gasped after finished her sentence and she eagerly crouched in front Kyoko, opening the briefcase and turning the screen on, causing buzz to appear, while typing something. "Talking about God… we want to introduce you to someone!"

"We are so happy that you believe us that we almost forgot about him," Yukina giggled.

"Who?"

"Koenma, prince of Reikai. Or the diaper world." Yusuke settled on the floor in front of Keiko. He grinned at Kyoko, "Don't be too surprised now!" he wagged his finger playfully. Kyoko ignored him. She knew he was just happy she was safe. What a good little brother he was…

"Prince of… Reikai?" Kurama had described him as someone very considerate and wise. She couldn't wait to meet him.

Colours came into the screen and Kyoko blinked at the blue ogre standing there stupidly, a high stack of paper in his arms. "Koenma-sama! Here is another!"

"Ack! Get that away from me!" a high-pitched voice, a voice which could only belong to a toddler, squeaked tiredly. "I'm not even finished with these and you dare brought me another one?!"

"Koenma-sama!" Botan yelled, "it's Botan!"

The screen switched to an image of a toddler wearing a big head with a Jr on his forehead. Kyoko couldn't help the giggle that escaped her when the toddler yelped at the sight of her. He was adorable!

"Hello there, little one." She cooed, "How adorable. Are you lost there, sweetie?"

Yusuke sniggered while Kuwabara laughed when Koenma's face turned red from embarrassment. "Don't treat me like a kid! Let me tell you, I'm old enough to be your father!"

"…that's a very obvious lie."

"Hey! I'm not lying! ...Wait!" a poof and the toddler was gone. In his place stood a handsome young man with brown hair, a blue pacifier in his mouth and a Jr on his forehead. "Now you see-"

"Oh my! That's a very amazing trick!"

"Huh? Really?" Koenma asked gleefully, annoyance forgotten. "No one ever gives me credit for this one trick! Thank you, thank you!" he bowed dramatically.

"Uh… ahem!" Botan glared.

"Oops, sorry."

Kyoko chuckled.

"So I take it they have told you the entire story."

"Yes." Kyoko smiled, "It's a very wonderful story."

"Then I guess I don't have to do anything. Welcome to the family Kyoko. Though I guess you're already in it... and no one bothered to even introduce us…" he mumbled the last part sadly, playing with his fingers.

"That's because she didn't know." Shizuru stated. She lighted a cigarette and moved further from Kyoko, knowing the young woman disliked the smell of cigarette smoke.

"Yes, you're correct. Anyway," Koenma switched back to his toddler form and Kyoko chuckled. In her opinion, he looked better that way. He was so cute! "about the kidnapping which occurred to you just this morning. Would you mind telling me the whole story?"

"Of course." She sipped her green tea before continuing, "I was doing laundry when I heard loud knockings from the front door. I quickly finished everything and went to greet the guest. I unlocked the door and opened it and… it was black."

"Black?"

"I don't remember anything else. Only that I was surrounded by black. When I woke up, I was already there, in that old cabin."

"Did you see your kidnapper?"

Kyoko hesitated. She didn't know whether she should tell them about Yui or not. She didn't want her to get into suspicion.

"Tell them the truth, Onna."

Kyoko jumped in surprise and she looked around the place, but everyone was quiet.

"It's Hiei. I'm a telepath."

Glancing at Hiei, she eyed the headband covering his forehead. His crimson eyes, which were focused on the silver briefcase, flicked briefly over to her before going back to the screen.

"I have seen everything that occurred to you. Tell them the truth."

'But Yui-' her thought was cut off when Hiei continued on speaking in her mind, not giving her protest any mind.

"The detective will not hurt her if you tell him not to. That much is obvious."

Kyoko nodded, knowing he was right. She inhaled deeply and told everything which occurred in the time she was kidnapped to Koenma, who listened patiently while she spoke. When she was done, she turned to Yusuke, "Please don't hurt Yui. She is just a child. She doesn't deserve it."

Yusuke was reluctant but he nodded. From what he heard, this girl didn't seem to be a threat. As long as she saw Kyoko as a friend, that is. And he didn't want to kill a child too.

Though the Kaguya woman was in deep shit when he saw her again.

"But what did she mean by Yusuke killing her father?" Shu- Kurama looked deep in thought, "A tournament? Is it the Makai tournament? Or perhaps the Dark Tournament?"

Kyoko now knew everything about the tournaments as Kurama had told her everything earlier.

"I don't think Toguro has any kids." The ex-detective mumbled thoughtfully.

Koenma was busy recording their conversations and making scribbles about important bits of the story. He nodded to himself and gave them a smile, "I'll see what I can find out about it."

"Thank you very much for your help, Koenma-sama." Kyoko bowed respectfully.

"No problem. I owe them a favour anyway." The toddler grinned, "and no matter what my father says, I'm also a part of team Urameshi." He received several thumb-ups, "now, I have more pressing matters to attend. Excuse me."

The screen died down. Kurama reached out his hands to close it but stopped short when the screen lit up again and Koenma's chubby face showed up.

"One more thing. I've decided that since it's now dangerous for the women, they shall stay at Genkai's for some time until I can make out our situation."

Kyoko frowned. "But I have to help around the house."

"Yeah, I've got to help out too."

Everyone listed the things they had to do and Koenma's eyebrow twitched. "It'll be okay to take a few weeks off. I'll arrange for some acquaintances to help around the Yukimura Dining. No worries, they'll be perfectly harmless humans." He added when Yusuke, Keiko and Kyoko opened their mouths to protests. Their mouth closed immediately.

"I'll also appoint guard for each woman, since the percentage of them being targeted is high. They're the men in the group, though. Yusuke is with Keiko, Kuwabara with Yukina," Kuwabara grinned happily with a satisfied blush, "Kurama and Botan. Ah, but since Botan will usually here helping me or reaping souls, Kurama will probably have more free time than the rest. Hiei, you will be guarding Kyoko."

Hiei's eyes widened and he growled. He never agreed to it. He loathed babysitting people, no matter who it was. Yukina was an exception.

"As for Shizuru, don't worry. I'll personally look out for her." Koenma gave his girlfriend a look, "from here."

Shizuru took a long drag from her cigarette, rolling her eyes. "I need no man to protect me."

"Yeah. I can take care of myself just fine." Keiko crossed her arms over her chest indignantly.

"C'mon babe, just this once, binky breath's right. You were the actual target in this kidnapping, ya know?" he coaxed. Keiko rolled her eyes but admitted that she did have the highest chance of being the target, being Yusuke's mate and all.

Kyoko also tried to reason with the prince. "I can also take care of myself. I don't want to burden Hiei with babysitting me, anyway."

"Nope. You're already kidnapped once and they know about you. You are probably the second to have the highest chance of being kidnapped." Koenma's voice was stern and hard to budge. Kyoko sighed and turned to Hiei with an apologetic smile. She got a huff in return.

"Well, you better get ready now. All of you shall depart early tomorrow morning so you can arrive at Genkai's by noon. I'll talk to her for you. Now, I really have to go. I'll see you guys later."

And the screen died down for sure this time.

To Be Continued...

And... FINISHED! How do you think this chapter is? I hope it's good because I actually like this chapter, especially around the part when Hiei carried Kyoko back home. Do you share the same opinion as me? or perhaps do you think it's too fast? Oh, and about Yui... I hope you don't think her as weird. I've got plans for her in this story.

By the way, I'm healed now! I rested like crazy, didn't eat anything unhealthy and drank a lot of water and, of course, the medicine. I want to get healthy fast so I can write again. It's torture not being able to type in my laptop. My brain is full of fluffy scenes between Hiei and Kyoko and all I can do with them is list them in my notes. My brain felt like exploding from fullness!

I'll try to type the next chapter faster and update as soon as I can. I really hate to keep you guys waiting. And I really need to relieve all these scenes in my head too.

The next chapter will take place in Genkai's temple. I'm a big fan of Genkai, because she is so cool! Even if she was old, she's still so badass! And she's so pretty when she's so young too. I'll try my best so she isn't OOC! I wonder what kind of relationship she'll have with Kyoko... well, that's for me to know and you to find out!

Let's see each other again in the next chapter! Leave me some love, please!