The more I danced with Rumiko, the more natural our dancing became. Eventually we became so engrossed in the music that we hardly noticed eachother. Her movement was fluid and precise. She never missed a beat. I had a hard time believing this was the hyper, bubbly girl I had met earlier, not to mention the cold, morbid woman. But this realization soon became an after-thought as we focused on our movements. People began to form a ring around us, watching us as we danced.

I was so involved in what I was doing though, that I didn't notice Petenshi pat me on the back until he laughed. Whirling around, I glared at him, throwing Rumiko and I off beat. We quickly got back in step, but I could tell she wasn't very pleased. I cursed Petenshi in my mind until the music ended and people gathered around. Grabbing the microphone, Yari looked to us and announced with a grin: "Petenshi and Tanoshii are the winners!"

Angrily, I unsheathed my sword and headed for the youkai with cold blue eyes. It was because of him Rumiko and I hadn't won and I was through with this child's play. Before I had the chance to reach him though, I felt my knees give out from under me. My weapon skidded across the dance floor, stopping at Petenshi's feet. Looking up, I glared at the Headmaster. He glared back just as fiercely before pulling me to my feet.

"You're through. Get out of here," He hissed.

"What?" I demanded through gritted teeth.

"You heard me. If you want to take out the competition by force, you are not worthy to compete. Take your sword and get out of my sight," Yari ordered darkly.

"You can't tell me what to do. I'm the same as any other student, and if you haven't noticed, Petenshi purposely threw Rumiko and me off so he could win. He's nothing more than lowly scum," I pointed out. Eyes flashing, Yari grabbed me by my wrist and twisted. I flinched, but did not move, making sure to keep eye contact.

"This is my school and unless you want to be severely punished, you'll do as I say. Now… get out of here," Yari snapped.

"Come on Hiei," I heard someone behind me say. Turning, I saw Mugen staring at me with his steady gaze. Giving Yari one last look, I picked up my sword and followed the Detention Master out of the hall. Kurama joined me in silence. The students watched us till we left and then the hall erupted with noise. Too angry to speak, I followed Mugen without question.

"You blew it," He said simply.

"Hn," Was all I could say. I felt like protesting, but how could I? I had been rash and jumped in without thinking like an amateur fighter. Petenshi had won- I had let him win.

"Don't worry though. You'll get another chance to defeat him in a few days," Mugen assured us with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Kurama questioned before I could.

"Every year, three days after the School Dance, Koenma cuts the power to the school due to cost related reasons… basically, there's no lights and no air conditioning," Mugen began.

"So, it'll be extremely hot?" Kurama assumed. Mugen nodded.

"That's right… and the heat causes a lot of demons to get fidgety. To cool the students down, Yari holds a Water Fight inside the school. Its' girls vs. boys in a battle of water balloons and giant super soakers," Mugen explained. I looked at the Detention Master in disbelief. A battle of… water? I cringed. Water was not my favorite element, but if this competition meant I could show up that bastard Petenshi, I was in.

"But if its' girls vs. boys, how do we get back at Petenshi?" Kurama wondered. Mugen grinned widely.

"This is where it gets interesting. The two groups are divided into smaller divisions. Each division gets to make their own choices concerning sides… so basically, you can rebel and try and conquer everyone, or join the other side and vice versa. When the targets attached to your head, chest, and legs have been hit with water, you're out of the Water War. Whatever division or side is left standing is declared the winners and they are exempt from two classes of their choice… You've already gotten rid of two of your classes Hiei, and Kurama, I believe you've mastered three. Get two more and you'll be closer to the exit," Mugen finished.

Kurama and I looked to eachother silently. We had never participated in a Water War before, but it sounded like something we could accomplish. "Oh, just one thing," Mugen said as we made it back to the dungeons.

"What's that?" Kurama and I asked in unison.

"Make sure Petenshi's team goes down in shame," Mugen declared, his eyes burning with passion. It was then both Kurama and I agreed to fight.

"Don't worry Mugen. It'll be hot in here before you know it," I exclaimed evilly.

* * * * *

I never realized Mugen was so influential until he got us out of all our classes. He simply told the teachers we were being punished for our behavior at the dance and we'd be too sore to concentrate. And so, for the next three days, we would train in the dungeons. The training we went through mostly involved accuracy with water guns, dodging, and stealth. Mugen told us that the key to winning was paying attention to what was around us and acting as if we were using real guns instead of super soakers. And then finally, the day came…

* * * * *

"Will all students please report to the auditorium for information on the Water Wars," Yari's voice boomed over the intercom. Kurama and I both stirred from our places on the floor and looked to each other. Although it was still early, sweat poured down our face. During the last few days, the temperature had risen to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Because I was accustomed to the heat, it didn't affect me as much, but it appeared Kurama was having a hard time with it.

Looking at him as we left the room, I noticed his hair was frizzy and his forehead wet from perspiration. It was hard for him to concentrate in the heat. The sooner the Water Wars began the better. Neither Kurama nor I knew where the auditorium was, so we followed the giant crowd of students that flooded the hallways till we reached the large room with hundreds of seats lined up neatly.

Kurama and I took seats near the front. The smell of sweat was staggering. All the students were in desperate needs of baths. While everyone took their seats, those already sitting began to form pools of liquid with the sweat that dripped from their bodies. I wrinkled my nose in disgust and looked up to the stage where Yari was testing a microphone. Finally, everyone was seated and the room grew quiet.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the long awaited Water Wars," Yari announced cheerily. No one moved, too hot and exhausted to show any emotion. Yari, not letting this get to him, went on. "You know how it goes- guys vs. girls with your choice of super soakers or water balloons. Each person will receive an equal amount of weapons and have magical targets attached to their bodies. Once the game begins you may do as you wish. The object of the game is to be the last one standing and there is no limit to the number of teammates you may have. With this said, will the front row please come forward to receive their gear," Yari instructed.

Instantly, the students up front got to their feet and approached the stage where many boxes were set up. I watched curiously as they grabbed guns and empty balloons from out of the boxes. Each person received five balloons and one super soaker. Then, they went to Yari, who, with a wave of a hand, caused three targets to appear on the student's body- one on the leg, one on the chest, and one on the back of the head. The targets were giant bull's eyes, about the size of one's hand. Row after row of students came up, until Kurama and I did the same. Once everyone had gotten their equipment, we returned to our seats and looked to Yari once more.

"Oh yes, one more things. Bathrooms are sanctuaries. No one can be shot inside of them. They will also serve as refilling stations. Boys will start on the west side of school, and girls on the east. At exactly nine o' clock the battle will begin. Good luck," Yari finished. With that said, all the students got up and left the auditorium, heading to their respective places. Before Kurama and I could get away though, I felt someone grab my arm.

Whirling around, I came face to face with Rumiko. "What do you want?" I demanded as I pulled out of her grasp.

"You promised you'd 'elp me," She pointed out.

"So? We never won," I shot back. Eyes flashing, Rumiko grabbed me once more, digging her nails into my skin as she did so.

"You promised," She pointed out. With a sigh, I knew she had me beat. I was not the type to go back on my word.

"Fine, what is it that you want?" I asked impatiently. Looking left and right Rumiko whispered:

"I want you two to 'elp the girls win… and I don't mean just the water wars, I mean, everything. Also, I want to defeat Petenshi. I know 'e may be your friend, but you 'ave to do as I say." I couldn't help but grin. This girl's agenda perfectly matched our own. Even Kurama smiled.

"Well, it sounds quite demanding, but I believe we will have to bend. After all, Hiei did promise you," Kurama stated gravely.

"Yes. Once the war begins, we'll seek you out," I assured her. Smiling with triumph, Rumiko released me and nodded.

"Wonderful. Ta ta," She bade. With that, we went our separate ways. Kurama and I made sure to go to a deserted part of school where not many students went. Petenshi would be sure to come after us as well knowing him, so I wanted to find a path he wouldn't be very likely to take. Finding an empty broom closest, Kurama and I went inside it and locked the door. Sitting in the darkness, we waited patiently, our guns pumped to the maximum.

The only sound was that of our hearts. And then, I heard screaming and yelling accompanied with footsteps. "It seems it has begun," Kurama declared. Silently, I opened the door a crack.

"Ready Kurama?" I wondered.

"Of course," Kurama agreed. Not waiting any longer, I threw open the door and jumped out of the closest. Without a second to spare, the two of us ran down the nearest hallway towards the opposite side of school. We sprinted at full speed so we wouldn't get caught in the crossfire of battle. And then, we finally spotted girls heading towards us. They cocked their guns ready to fire, but then, Kurama threw his hands up and shouted: "Wait, hold your fire!" Perplexed, the girls stopped and stared at us. I also put my arms up to signify we were not going to attack.

"What do you want?" A girl with long black hair demanded.

"We're on your side. Rumiko recruited us," Kurama explained. At this, the girl's grinned.

"Ah, so you're the two. Well, don't just stand there! Come with us!" The girl ordered. I looked to Kurama, who shrugged. Putting our arms back down, we accompanied the group of girls further into the school. The area that we soon entered appeared deserted, and it was exceptionally dark compared to the rest of the building. My hand was never far from my sword, or the water balloons attached to my belt.

And then, we stopped walking and the doors we had previously entered slammed shut. Then, shutters flew open and the room was lit to reveal… the girl's lavatory? Surrounding us was a giant group of female peers, among them were Rumiko and Tanoshii. Forcing myself not to start demanding answers, I calmly asked: "What's the meaning of this?" Instantly, Rumiko stepped forward.

"We're tired of that bastard Petenshi ruling the school. We think it's time for a new leader," Rumiko explained. Kurama and I exchanged looks before turning back to Rumiko.

"And you think that leader should be you?" I assumed.

"No you idiot! Tanoshii!" Rumiko snapped. Both Kurama and my eyes' widened in surprise as we turned to the demoness beside Rumiko. She smiled flirtatiously at Kurama who turned a deep shade of pink.

"Her? You can't be serious," I hissed. At this Tanoshii stuck out her tongue and presented a rude hand gestured. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, it'll be the perfect pay back. Petenshi and Tanoshii broke up long ago. The only reason they danced together was because Petenshi paid 'er," Rumiko explained. Somehow, I wasn't surprised. But Tanoshii as leader? I wasn't sure if that was wise… but who would be worst? Petenshi… or his bitch?

"How does this help us? This deal isn't looking any better than the situation we're already in," I stated boldly.

Rumiko laughed maniacally. "You don't 'ave a choice. If you 'aven't noticed, there are more of us then you. Refuse to 'elp us and we'll take you out right 'ere… besides, you will be rewarded for your assistance. When Tanoshii becomes Queen of the School, we'll make sure to grant you two special privileges," Rumiko vowed.

"We'll do whatever we want bitch, but for now we'll help you. Besides, I did give my word, and even if I despise you, I won't break my promise. Let's get this over with," I said darkly. Many of the girls in the room cast me dirty looks. Kurama just laughed weakly.

"Very well. Here's the plan…"

Kurama and I listened quietly to Rumiko's words. Most of the plan I didn't agree with it, but it seemed we'd have to do as the girls asked. Things were about to get interesting. After everyone was clear on eachother's roles we flooded out of the bathroom and went our separate ways.

"Ready Hiei?" Kurama asked. As he spoke he donned the cloak the girls had given him. Pulling on mine as well, I nodded silently.

"Let's kick some ass," I agreed. Kurama grinned at me as we stealthily made our way back to the boy's side of the school. Our mission was to take out everyone till only Petenshi's group remained. Then the real fun would begin…

* * * * *

Kurama and I clung to the ceiling vent with all our strength and used our power to remain motionless as people passed below us. Thankfully, our cloaks were the same color as the school interior and clung tightly to our bodies. In a way, they helped to camouflage us from people who might notice two bodies hanging above them.

Many large groups of boys passed beneath us, but we remained silent. We were waiting for a smaller, weaker group to prey on first. And then, an opportunity arose to do just that. Three boys, all appearing to be in their early teens, came down the hall with most of their balloons missing and the targets on their heads already soaked. I glanced at Kurama out of the corner of my eye and he nodded. We waited till they were directly below us before we dropped down on top of them.

"Ah!" They all yelped in surprise. It was easy to pin the first two, but the third would be tricky. Before the remaining fighter could react, both Kurama and I pointed our guns at him.

"If you know what's good for you you'll set your weapon down," I declared haughtily. Looking defeated, the boy did as we said and then put his hands up. His other two comrades squirmed beneath us uncomfortably. The one I was currently holding asked:

"What's going on? Aren't you guys on our side?"

"There has been… a change of plans, so to speak," Kurama answered smoothly.

"You're working for the girls?!" The three demanded.

"Heh- working for them? No, we're just helping them out to get our revenge," I spat. "Now, you- go and tell the others what has happened. That Hiei and Kurama have joined the other side… And inform them that we will be waiting in the cafeteria," I ordered the free demon. He just nodded before turning and running away.

"Hey! Come back!" His comrades pleaded. But he never did. Some minutes of silence passed before the demon's friends looked up at us.

"What are you going to do with us?" Kurama's demon wondered. Grinning, I answered:

"Eliminate you of course." Within seconds the boys were drenched.

"Feel free to do as you wish," I laughed coldly. The two looked at us as if we were insane before running in the same direction their peer had gone. Turning to Kurama I nodded. "Show time," I informed him. In agreement, the two of us headed down the hall towards the cafeteria.