Hi guys! I would have had this up yesterday but...complications enused, such is life. Forgive me?

Della's POV:

I didn't know what time it was, I didn't care. I was beyond exhausted, dirty from hiking, and strangely numb to everything around me. I think Kurama half carried me the last bit of the way until a temple came into view. Once we reached the open court yard Yusuke began yelling.

"Hey grandma! Where are you, you old fossil?"

"Stop yelling, dimwit, I'm right here." I looked up and met the eyes of a small old woman with faded pink hair. Despite her size and age she seemed to exude power and as I stared into her ancient eyes they seemed to assess me; down to my very soul. I let go of Kurama and stood shakily on my own feet, chin raised defiantly. She smiled.

"Come inside, I assume you freeloaders are staying the night?"

"Yeah, but there might be some unwanted company." The woman who must be Genkai looked at Yusuke.

"You're already here."

"Shut up old lady!" She kicked his legs out from under him, dropping his ass on the ground.

"Learn some respect slacker!"

"Lay off me hag!" I laughed at them as Yusuke picked himself up; finding them just as amusing as Hiei and Kuwabara. Instantly I knew that I liked Genkai.

Once inside the temple Yusuke went directly to a room muttering good night. Kuwabara, Kurama, and I were shown to our rooms; mine was next to Kurama's. Genkai stopped me before I could enter.

"I know we haven't been introduced but I can feel the power in you, it is untapped but very strong, come have some tea with me before you go to bed. You probably have a lot of questions; I'll answer what I can." I was exhausted and sleep sounded like heaven but I nodded. If I was going to be a part of this thing, and it looked like I was, I was going to have some answers.

Akira's POV:

I slid from shadow to shadow using rooftops, back alleys, and fire escapes to maneuver about the quiet city. I was little more than a puff of wind, a slight disturbance of the air as I moved silently. My prey had eluded me all thanks to Hiei. He was a legendary assassin and a master thief, what was he doing protecting a human girl? I kept my heart beat slow and steady, I had managed to escape him once but he was hunting again. The hunter had now become the hunted, it made me uneasy fore I had no doubt that he would find me. I was good, but he was better. Once upon a time my father had told me bedtime stories about him; they had always been my favorite. Even now a strange thrill passed over my skin at being his prey.

I knelt on a fire escape to catch my breath and get my bearings. A shadow fell over me. I looked up into Hiei's red eyes, or into his two red eyes and his purple Jagan eye. He smirked down at me, "I see you."

I took off again, using my speed to escape him but to no avail. The Jagan eye could see every move I made, I could never escape him. I followed the scent of my prey to a park where I decided to make my stand against him, however unwise that decision was. My robes swirled around me as I stood still, listening to the wind in the trees. He came from behind me and I barely managed to parry his sword with my own.

He disengaged lightening quick only to attack once more. I was pushed back, constantly losing ground as I was forced to defend myself from his vicious blows again and again. He was much stronger than I and soon my arms weakened from the punishment of his hammering blows, this was not the way I had learned to fight. If this continued I would surely lose, not that I had any hope of beating him in the first place. My fist shot out and connected with his cheek buying me a little time but not enough. He rose licking the blood from the side of his mouth and spat upon the ground. "You aren't strong enough to defeat me assassin."

I smiled behind my veil, "Don't be so cocky Hiei, I might get lucky." He laughed before he was on me again, his Jagan eye glowing as he saw the moves I would make before I made them. I lasted only seconds before my sword was knocked from my grasp but it was longer than I had thought possible. Hiei's blade pressed against my neck as he forced me to my knees in the damp grass. My eyes widened before hardening in resolved acceptance. "Kill me quickly."

Hiei quirked an eyebrow in seeming interest before smiling cruelly, "No."

I gaped at him, his eyes became more amused. "You have to kill me, I've been defeated. You would shame the assassin's code?"

His eyes darkened threateningly, "I have been ordered to capture and detain you for questioning in Spirit World. Honor has nothing to do with it."

Pure terror replaced the ice flowing through my veins, "No! I beg of you Hiei please kill me now." I looked into this pitiless eyes, searching for mercy that wasn't there. I knew he thought less of me for begging but I wanted to die. If he was the one holding the blade it would be a good death. "Please, I'm tired of living." I closed my eyes as I felt a single tear slide down my cheek, I couldn't bear looking into his eyes any longer.

"You are pathetic. I've never met a demon so spineless they needed another to do their dirty work." His tone dripped venom and hate.

My eyes snapped open as anger tore through me, "If I could kill myself I would have long ago. My master has forbidden any attempts at suicide." His lip curled in disgust.

"A Summon Demon, hn, I should have known. It's too bad you are so unworthy of my time, you were mildly amusing prey." I didn't see his blow coming but pain burst through my skull and black enveloped my sight before I had taken another breath.

Yeah, I know it's short. But the next chapter will be better, I promise. Please review!