It had been just over a year since Yusuke had been in Demon World. This time, he was glad to have Kuwabara at his side. Kurama wouldn't come until later, but he'd nagged the redhead half to death before he'd finally agreed to participate in the tournament. They weren't fighting for the title, they were fighting to enjoy themselves, to work out the stress from their everyday lives in a violent explosion of energy against suitable opponents.

Hokushin had been less than pleased with his announcement that he was going to visit Hiei at the house of Mukuro. Despite the bald man's pleading, Yusuke and Kuwabara both were headed there now. It was more than a day's trip by foot, but the weird bug transport that ran around Demon World searching for misplaced humans was headed back to Mukuro's anyway, so they'd hitched a ride.

"Hey Urameshi," Kuwabara whispered conspiratorially, "what's with the guy with the huge nose?" Yusuke laughed and smacked his friend on the back.

"We just call him Snout," he answered. "He can smell humans like nobody's business! He and Hiei worked together for a while. Then he wound up with the short end of the stick and ended up getting stuck with patrol duty." (Though, really, he was just good at finding humans.) Kuwabara nodded, but one more look at the demon that was almost all nose, and he shuddered.

"So uh," Kuwabara began again. Yusuke rolled his eyes. "Why're we goin' to see Hiei again? And this creepy lady you told me about- is she really stronger than you and the shrimp?" Yusuke gave him a heavy sigh and a shrug.

"At the last tournament, hell yeah she was," he answered. He looked out at the compound that was slowly growing in size along the horizon. "Last time I came out this way, I could feel her energy from here. This time, I can't. Don't ask me why- I don't have a clue. But we're here to pay a visit to Hiei. We owe him that much, at least."

"I don't get why," Kuwabara grumbled. Yusuke rolled his eyes, yet again, and shuffled away from the larger man to chat up Snout. The huge nostrils were sniffing even now, but Yusuke wasn't sure why. Usually, he reserved the annoying sound for right near the border. This was entirely too far into demon world for a human to be around.

"What's up?" Yusuke asked, sensing Snout's unusual tension.

"I…" the demon faltered, his nasally voice soft for once. "There's a human in Lord Mukuro's territory..." Yusuke's eyebrows shot up on his forehead. Snout looked uncomfortable, like he was regretting having spoken. After all, he was originally loyal only to Mukuro. Yusuke understood that those loyalties weren't easy to give up on.

"I'm sure they have a good reason," Yusuke muttered. They damn well better have a good reason, he thought darkly. He felt anxious suddenly, and turned to go find Kuwabara again.

"Urameshi, I got this weird vibe going on," the carrot-top muttered, his eyes cast to the floor. "I can't explain it." While his own spirit awareness was still lacking- even now as a demon- Yusuke could tell there was something wrong here too. He had no clue what it might be, but it was enough to set his teeth on edge.

"Well, we'll find out soon enough," he answered, looking back out at the horizon. They were already a lot closer to the massive compound.


"Who's that?" Choko asked, leaning over the rail of the balcony. Hiei was standing near her; that creepy third eye on his forehead was glowing again. She glanced up at him, noticing his narrowed eyes and sharp scowl. Taking another long drag from her cigarette, she flicked the remaining butt out into barren yard below.

"A complication," Hiei answered at last, his frown more pronounced. The purple glow stopped, but he did not look away. The creepy bug-type vehicle continued speeding towards them, kicking up a huge trail of dust. She sighed and walked away, heading for the table that held the remainder of her booze. She poured herself a small glass of straight vodka and relaxed against the edge, crossing her arms over her chest.

It had only been just over a day since she'd woken up back in her own room. Mukuro had still not summoned her, but she knew it was only a matter of time. Her wicked bruises made it hard for her to do much more than walk around. She could not sit or stand without intense pain.

Hiei almost never left, and she'd yet to see him sleep. There was a marked change in his behavior, but she might not have noticed it if her servant hadn't mentioned it only a few hours ago during one of the precious moments Hiei was absent. He wasn't as hateful. His tone was softer, somehow, not quite so threatening as before. Whatever the reason, Cho refused to ask him about it.

Her eyes drifted over to the dresser that held what few possessions she'd brought to this world. The sword with the red hilt rested on top. Something in her told her to pick it up, to keep it with her no matter what. She obeyed that instinct, leaving the table and walking across the room. Closing her hand around the black lacquered sheath, she pulled it close to her chest. Fighting to understand the reason why she needed the blade, she closed her eyes. Dansei's paw on her arm shook her away from her swirl of thoughts. She scratched the cat's head and cheeks for a moment before he bounded away, chasing after a bug.

"Miss Choko?" the servant asked timidly from a few feet to her right. She looked over at him, still confused about the blade's purpose. "Is there anything I can get for you?" When she shook her head, the demon retreated. She tied the katana in place around the white belt at her waist. It was an odd accessory, but she didn't mind. If anything, she hoped that it would make her look more intimidating to whomever this "complication" was. They must have arrived already, for the trail of dust was closer than ever and she could no longer see the strange machine that carried them.

"When's the party start?" Cho asked, staring at the back of Hiei's head. He smirked at her over his shoulder.

"About now," he answered. She wasn't surprised when the knock came on the door. The servant rushed over to open it, but it only revealed another servant. She'd learned how to tell them apart. The demons were always wearing soft blue tunics; they did not have weapons or armor.

"Lord Mukuro requests your presence," he informed, staring directly at her. She shrugged and looked to Hiei, for once actually expecting him to truly protect her. "Please, follow me." Hiei leapt down from the balcony and joined Cho just as she crossed the threshold. He wasn't close to her, not by any means, but he wasn't either in front of her or behind her this time. His change in behavior was becoming more obvious by the minute.

"What do you think you are going to need that for?" he asked, more than a little sarcastically. Choko knew he was talking about the sword at her hip without bothering to look at him.

"Makes me look bad ass," she replied with a shrug. It had been fun to tease him for the past day, getting away with snide little remarks that would have earned a severe look and snappy retort before. She was surprised with herself that she hadn't noticed before her servant mentioned it.

Her entire body began to tense as they walked down the first flight of stairs. The smell of the dark room filled her nose, and the entire hall seemed to dim before her eyes. She could feel the sharp pangs of internal cold once more. It took everything in her to stop her body from shaking and to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

When they passed a particular door, Choko felt waves of nausea turn her stomach. The wooden surface looked inoffensive enough, but something in her screamed out at the close proximity. She knew without being told that this was the room she'd been held in for four days. As her feet carried her passed the door, she couldn't help but give a small sigh of relief. Again, her terror had begun to choke her. She couldn't handle being thrown back into that room again.

"Stay focused," Hiei muttered. Choko looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. He was facing forward, deliberately not looking over at her. She relaxed by small degrees as they moved further and further away from the door that frightened her. She focused on her feet, changing up her step to match Hiei's perfectly. It was easy to fit with his long stride, though it made her bruised thighs protest at the extension. She welcomed the slight pains, embraced them as they distracted her from the panic that threatened to rise up and consume her.

The trek was a short one. They stopped in a large open room she recognized from the day she'd been brought to Demon World. Mukuro stood off to the side, arms crossed. Her expression was enough for Choko to remain as far away from her as possible. Another round of despair tried forcing all of the oxygen from her lungs. As subtly as she could, she fought for deeper breaths. Hiei stood at her side, a little in front of her, intentionally blocking her from Mukuro's direct path. She took a few steps back, trying to look calm and collected. She dug for the pack of cigarettes and the lighter she kept tucked into her belt. After fumbling with the lighter for a short moment, she sucked in the tobacco smoke as if it were the air she so desperately craved.

"Your friend will be here momentarily," Mukuro spat in Hiei's direction. She sounded angrier than she looked. "Get this over with quickly. We have work to do." Hiei did not respond, and only the tightening of his posture alerted Choko to his displeasure at her words.

The room was uncomfortably silent. It took everything she had to remain against the wall, planted firmly in place. She wanted nothing more than to bolt from the room, to seek out her small haven of familiarity. Her body tensed up more than she thought possible when the two huge doors on the other side of the room began to swing open.

"Yo!" The young man that entered the room first held up a hand as a friendly wave. "How's it hangin', Hiei?" She noticed the larger man behind the first one. He was human. Her panic-induced nausea returned once more. The carrot-top didn't look as at-ease as his friend.

"Detective," Hiei said by way of greeting. He still had not relaxed.

"Why you got a human here, shorty?" the large one demanded. His voice was loud and reverberated throughout the room. She cringed at the sound. Those beady blue eyes were focused on her and she had to fight to make her next drag from her cigarette appear natural and calm.

"She's here of her own free will," Mukuro stated. Choko almost laughed at the bold-faced lie. She just wanted to go home! How many times did she have to say it? She hated being here, hated these demons that kept her prisoner.

"Chill out, Kuwabara," the dark-haired young man snapped. "We're just here for a friendly visit. Got somewhere we can sit and chat, Hiei?" Cho was surprised when Hiei nodded at the request. He turned around to lead them out of the room, flashing a look at Choko that told her to keep her mouth shut and follow close.

In a few short seconds, she was following Hiei through the halls again, but this time there was no servant and the two newcomers trailed behind her. She wondered about Mukuro's absence, but was also silently grateful she had not come along. They were headed back to her rooms.

The walk was silent, but as soon as the door closed behind the larger man, the tension in Hiei's shoulders fell away and the room relaxed. Choko headed straight for her glass and chugged the remainder. "Want a drink?" she asked, looking at the other two.

"Sure thing," the dark-haired man said with an easy grin. "Whatcha got?"

"Vodka, gin, tequila, and rum," she answered, looking over at the bottles lining the table. "Oh, and water." She walked over to it, grateful for the extra glasses her servant had provided for her. She glanced over to them, waiting for their answers.

"Rum for me," the smaller one answered, his grin growing.

"Just water," the other replied. He was still scrutinizing her and she felt his eyes burning the bruises that littered her skin. He seemed shocked when he noticed her dragon tattoo. Choko gave each of them their glasses and retreated to her chair on the balcony with her own full glass.

"Who are you?" Choko asked, lighting another cigarette. She repressed her hiss of pain as she sat down, hoping she wouldn't have to stand again any time soon.

"Yusuke Urameshi," the dark-haired one answered. "And that's Kuwabara. Who are you and why are you here?" His attention was focused on her now as well. She squirmed under the pressure.

"She's here to assist Mukuro," Hiei answered for her. She found herself annoyed with him. She could give her own answers!

"My name is Choko," she drawled, making herself appear disinterested. "I know when people are lying to me, and Mukuro found that useful."

"But you're human!" Kuwabara protested. "You shouldn't be here!"

"You're here," Hiei pointed out. The change in his mood was obvious to her now that she'd bothered to pay attention to him. He was not perched in his usual spot on the rail. Instead, he stood close to the center of the room, keeping a long distance between the others and Choko herself. Annoyance rolled off of him in waves.

"Cuz I'm gonna fight in the tournament, half-pint!" Kuwabara argued. His voice was loud and grated on Cho's nerves. She found that she could sympathize with Hiei's annoyance.

"I hope you're prepared to die, fool," Hiei snapped back.

"Chill out you two," Yusuke groaned. He was obviously the peace-keeper in the group, and had a lot of charisma. Cho felt like she'd heard his name somewhere before. He didn't look like a demon, but she could see the respect Hiei had for him. "Look, Hiei, you know how Enki is, and this lady looks like she's been through hell. What did you do to her?"

"He did nothing," Cho snapped, wondering to herself why she was defending the demon who'd captured her. "And I'm fine." Yusuke rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Lady, you can't fool me," he retorted.

"My name is Choko," she hissed.

"Oh whatever," Yusuke grumbled. "Anyway, you aren't supposed to be here. And those bruises look fresh. I'm pretty sure you didn't do that to yourself." Cho rolled her eyes. She sipped her drink and took another drag from her cigarette. "Can I get one of those?"

"What the hell, Urameshi?" Kuwabara shouted. "Drinking and smoking? Keiko's gonna kill you!"

"Only if you tell her, stupid," Yusuke growled back. "This is my time. She gets that. A few cigarettes and a couple of drinks aren't gonna kill me." Kuwabara was still grumbling, but Choko pulled out another cigarette and lit it, holding out for him but refusing to stand. She was surprised that Hiei allowed him to come close to her, but the young man took the cigarette and lounged against the balcony only a couple of feet from her.

"I do not discuss my contracts," Choko told him plainly, staring up at him with narrowed eyes. His dark brown eyes were warm and full of good intentions. She was a little surprised when he froze solid, just like the other demons. Humans did not react the same way; her talents did not affect them as strongly. She dropped her cold gaze and Yusuke gasped for air.

"What the hell did you just do to me?" he demanded, one of his hands balling into a tight fist. Hiei was suddenly much closer.

"That's her talent, Detective," Hiei answered. Cho did not miss the way his arm was bent under his cloak. She knew he was gripping the hilt of his sword. Conflicting emotions washed through her. On the one hand, she was glad that he was now so willing to protect her. On the other, she was confused and irritated. She knew these boys would not harm her.

"What happened, Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked. He'd come closer as well, trying to look after the well-being of his friend. Choko found herself jealous and depressed.

"I totally froze up when she looked me in the eyes," Yusuke answered, glaring at her. She kept her eyes on Hiei, waiting to see how he would react. Assuming her true purpose here was to be kept secret, she looked to Hiei for direction. "How did you do that?"

"Are you deaf?" Hiei snapped. "It's what she does. She's here questioning demons in this way. She can force them to answer and they must speak the truth." Yusuke nodded, looking uncertain.

"She's done it to you, too, hasn't she?" Yusuke asked. Hiei nodded once. "Glad I'm not the only one. What demons? And why?" Hiei did not respond.

"Hiei you better start answering our questions!" Kuwabara shouted. "My honor as a man won't allow me to leave a human, especially a girl, here with a bunch of bloodthirsty demons!" Yusuke groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Oh yeah?" Yusuke asked his friend. "And you're just going to take her away? Mukuro would knock your head off faster than you could get her out of this room and you know it! I might have let you tag along this time, but don't start picking fights you can't win! I can't always be there to save your ass!"

"Watch your mouth, Urameshi!" the tall one screamed. Choko wanted to cover her ears at the harsh noise, and Hiei's flinch told her that he felt the same.

"Will you shut up?" Choko demanded, glaring at Kuwabara. He gulped when his eyes met hers, but he did not freeze in place. "Do I look like a damsel in distress to you?"

"N-no," he answered softly. She smirked. At least her ability did still work on humans to some extent.

"Good," she snapped, "then drop it. I'm not leaving until my job is done." At those words, Yusuke's attention focused back on Hiei.

"Start talkin', Hiei," Yusuke clipped. Hiei's shoulders fell and he moved faster than Choko could follow. She felt him as he perched on the balcony behind her. Tension made her stomach tighten. She doubted he'd ever been so close to her; not since he'd brought her here, that is.

"There's a demon who's been trying to assassinate Mukuro," Hiei answered. Yusuke's and Kuwabara's expressions fell into total shock. "He's a psychic. Each demon he's sent posses no memories- only orders to kill."

"Why?" Kuwabara asked. "I mean, yeah, she's super scary, but that doesn't mean she should die."

Hiei grunted at the stupidity of the question. "Mukuro is one of the strongest demons on this plane. She's slaughtered countless demons in her quest for more power. There are many who'd like nothing more than to see her dead."

The room fell silent. Yusuke and Kuwabara both had serious expressions and appeared deep in thought. She wasn't sure that the big one was capable of too much thinking, though. She'd seen into his very soul. He was kind and chivalrous, but simple. He wasn't unintelligent, but he wasn't as cold and calculating as was needed in a place like Demon World. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and didn't conceal a thing. Seeing such an honest person was a small relief, but also an annoyance.

"Why can't you just find him and kill him using your Jagan?" Yusuke asked. Choko was impressed. Apparently, there was a reason Hiei called him "detective".

"He's a powerful psychic," Hiei bit. "I can't locate him." The tone of his voice made it seem like that confession was almost painful.

"I didn't realize there was something that you couldn't do, Hiei," Kuwabara teased. Yusuke's sharp look made him cease his giggles. At least one of them was taking this situation seriously.

"What aren't you telling us?" Yusuke asked. Hiei's eyes narrowed at him.

"Don't worry about the details," Choko supplied. She knew Hiei didn't want to say anything about the demons who'd come here to attack her- or the two demons that were currently imprisoned and waiting on her to interrogate them. Hell, she didn't want to give these two morons another reason to try and take her away from here. It wasn't worth Mukuro's wrath. She couldn't handle that dark room again. "What's this tournament you mentioned?" She needed to change the topic. She wanted nothing more than to go back home, but leaving against Mukuro's will was an exercise in futility.

"The Demon World Tournament decides the next ruler of the entire plane," Hiei answered. She looked up, narrowing her eyes. He sat perfectly behind her so that from this angle, she could look into his burning crimson orbs. He was still, but wasn't trying to fight against her this time.

"Are you stupid?" she snapped.

"It was my idea," Yusuke protested loudly. She jerked her head forward, finding Yusuke and glaring at him.

"Then you're the idiot!" she almost shouted. "Even I can see that whoever is trying to kill Mukuro is only doing is so that the major competition for this tournament is taken out before the damn thing begins!"

"That's so uncool!" Kuwabara whined. "I mean, the whole point of the tournament is to see who is the strongest, right? So why kill someone before they've even had a chance to fight?"

"Because this demon is a coward," Hiei bit. "It's much easier to get rid of major powers without having to face them yourself." Choko nodded.

"And ideas on who this guy might be?" Yusuke asked. Hiei shook his head.

"There's one demon we suspect is working closely with this psychic," Hiei mentioned, "and he's being followed as we speak." The chill that shot down Choko's spine was painful. She stood up, ignoring her body's protests.

"Somethin' big is comin', guys," Kuwabara said, looking the same way she felt. She retreated further into her room, drawing the sword at her side. It shook in her grasp. Her insides tightened painfully.


A/N: Soooo I know this one took forever to post, but shit kinda happened and now I don't get to write as much as I'd like to. I work full time and I'll be going to school starting March 3rd, so you'll just have to be patient with me. I have no plans on abandoning this story. That being said, I'll have the next chapter up as soon as I can manage to get it written.

Hope you guys enjoyed the change-up. :)