I ignored Phoenix's pleas to stop for awhile and heal myself, instead trudging through the desert towards my home in the mountains. I raised my head, looking up at the sky and trying to determine if I was still in day one of the tournament or if I was in day two. The wind started to pick up and I found it getting increasingly more difficult to walk against the storm coming in. I squinted my eyes and held back my hair to prevent it from whipping around in my face as I tried to locate something that I could use as a shelter. The storm was coming in fast, and the sand began to shoot at me like thousands of tiny bullets. I dropped to my knees and hunched myself down, getting as low as I could to the ground, bundling myself into a ball. I held my right arm tightly with my left hand and began to use my energy to heal myself. The sand was getting in the way of my healing and I could feel the tiny shards scrape into my arm. Healing myself was proving to be difficult and I felt guilt creep up, making the blood rush to my cheeks. The hole was closing slowly but I was relieved the pain in my arm was receding. I stayed in my position, healing myself while battling the elements of the desert.

The winds abruptly halted after some time had passed and I was able to fully heal my arm, however the pain where the hole had been continued to ache. I lifted my head and looked at my surroundings and the sky. The sun was slowly rising over the horizon, it was very early in the morning. I picked myself up and continued walking towards my mountainous homeland.

"It took a desert storm to get you to heal yourself?" Phoenix was doing her best to contain her anger.

"It wouldn't have been good to have the sand get in me, would it?"

"Natsumi, I'm worried about you. You're acting reckless and making poor choices."

"How long have we been together now, Phoenix? I've always been this way."

"I don't understand the thought process. Before, you wanted something to be strong enough to kill you. Now, you have friends, belong to a team...and you still live the same way even though you cannot die?!"

"It's so much more than that, Phoenix. What good is my life, if I can't protect what I hold dear to me? What good is my power, if I cannot lend my aid when my team needs it? What good am I...if I continue to take your power for granted, instead of getting stronger on my own?!" my emotions flooded my mind as I confessed my deepest thoughts to her. "It's better this way. Let me pay for all the times I took your power for granted. Allow me to learn that I am not as great as everyone thinks I am. Permit me to feel unadulterated pain!" Tears began to fall freely from my eyes as I continued to walk through the desert, not bothering to wipe them away. "I thought I had everything all figured out. I would grow up, be the best rogue that ever lived, find a mate that my parents and brother approved of, have my own family, bury my parents when it was their time to return to the earth and grow old. Instead," I paused, not wanting to say what really happened. If I said what really happened, it meant that I knew the truth and accepted it. Maybe...maybe it was time that I started to accept what really happened. It was time to grow more as a young girl and a demon. I tried to swallow but it felt like I had a lump stuck in my throat that barely allowed any saliva to pass. "Instead, my clan turned against me. Somehow, selecting me to be the one to be the host for the Phoenix instead of Keisuke. Once they heard that Keisuke would more than likely be killed, they opted for me to be the host. It would be better to have a commoner slain than the Chief's son. I ran away for a year, hoping they would forget about me. I decided to return on my brother's birthday. And then...I wasn't strong enough to beat those three and I wasn't smart enough to leave once I woke up. It took me two weeks to bury the dead, and I stayed for two more, in case a hunting party returned. What found me was a group of demon scientists and in the beginning helped teach me things I know now. Humans began to make an appearance and wanted to know more about demons, preferably the female ones. I was taken into a room where I would stay for a year. There were no locks or chains on me, but I heard other girls come in with them on and some of their voices never returned. My body was beyond violated during my stay in that place. My childhood and innocence were snatched away from me, as these monsters that called themselves men continued their assaults on my body. What was taken from me I replaced with anger and hatred. The chains appeared, more "inventions" were being tested on me. The more I protested, threatened and fought resulted in a demand for more chains and sedatives. My year without eating was approaching and I knew I had to escape. I wish I had the idea earlier that if I remained complacent, I would have broken out much sooner. It's...difficult to act out a part of pure enjoyment when a raging desire to eradicate everything burns from the core and all over the body. Anyways, I broke out and wound up working with Hiei, Kurama and that jerk Goukai. Back then, you're right, I just wanted to escape my miserable life through a significantly stronger opponent and be finished with this world. Now...I have found things and people that make my fight worthwhile. Camaraderie. Happiness. Love. Friends like Botan, Yusuke, Kazuma and Shizuru, Kurama, Hiei and Yukina. I've formed special bonds with all of them and there is nothing I wouldn't do, give or sacrifice to ensure they will be okay. This is why I push myself to become stronger. This is why I force myself into dire situations, so that I may work harder and think faster. I sweat and toil in training so that they may never have to bleed in battle." I wasn't paying attention as I was talking to Phoenix and walked into a river. The cold and wet sensation on my feet instantly snapped me out of my conversation. I jumped backwards to get out of the water and look where I had wandered into. This little wooded area with the river was familiar. I looked up to check my "time". The sun in the sky was slowing going down, displaying a beautiful sunset. Straight ahead, in the distance sat Shattered Skull mountain. I took off my soaked boots and held them in my left hand as I began to walk to my mountain home.

Hiei's POV

I woke before the sun came up and prepared to train for the day. After yesterday's fight, my right arm felt fine, with the exception of a few twists of an unpleasant feeling. I decided to explore the island and found a good spot where where a natural rock formation was next to the ocean. I did some stretches before unsheathing my sword that was strapped to my back. My left hand held the sword as I shakily raised my right arm and turned my right hand to grip the hilt of my sword and pain overwhelmed my arm. I couldn't move it at all. I gritted my teeth and narrowed my eyes. Why did it not feel this way after the fight? Surely I would have felt this after my adrenaline dissipated.

"The answer isn't obvious?" Dragon taunted me.

"Enlighten me."

"A very curious girl, currently away in another world played a part."

"Hn. Tell me, how can she heal me when I am a world away from her?"

"There is a couple pieces of the Phoenix present in you. The Phoenix was able to shoot off two pieces, you might remember, one in your right hand and one in your heart."

"You were too slow so you were able to only get one on her."

"I was not slow. My attack takes more time to-"

"The Phoenix beat you. You lost."

"WHY YOU!" Dragon roared in anger and began to thrash about in my right arm. I gripped my forearm tightly with my left hand and began to use my energy to sate Dragon's hunger tantrum. I watched as a couple of waves crashed against the rock, spraying salt water in the air. It looked as if I wasn't going to get anything accomplished today. Dragon was relentless, stretching and tearing my muscles in my forearm. I fell to my knees and placed my head against the cool rock, straining to control Dragon's violent outburst. I would never admit it, but I was desperately praying for that light to come again. The waves splashed sprinkles of water over me. I refused to return to the hotel until Dragon had settled down in my arm.

Natsumi's POV

I had finally reached where my village was. Healthy green plants and grass grew from the rubble that littered the ground. The air was fresh and crisp, the setting was serene and graceful. I bit my lip as I walked down a forgotten path, covered in grass now, that led to where the houses used to be. I continued to stroll along, seeing the place for what it was now, yet also seeing it how I remembered it to be. I strayed from the path, walking towards a hill that was distanced and halted. I stared at the ground for a good while, creating the image of my home. I finally walked in what would have been inside of the house and where my room was located, to the left of the entrance. I dropped off my boots by where the door would have been and I sat down on where my bed used to be and drew in a long, deep breath. So many memories in this little space alone and there were many more, spread across the land. I could feel the laughter and songs from my childhood in the breeze, the old trees were my practice targets and tangible proof of my training days. The ground knew the thunderous steps of our victorious dances and festivities, and the sky saw that we were all taken care of. Whispered secrets were held in the pools where many of the girls frequented and practice battle cries from the boys fell with the falling leaves. Life had seemed so simple then. Among the ruins, life bloomed and I thought back of what Phoenix had said. I curled up in a fetal position, laying on my right side. I yawned and closed my eyes.

A symbol appeared. What was it called again? An...ankh? Why would I dream about this? This is something that my brother would have been interested in. My...brother... I buried you. I remember that day all too well. I put your beloved symbol with you in your grave.

I had seen the Dragon in my dream. I looked up at the dark creature and he gave a sinister grin.

"There is no need to continue to harm him." I tried to reason.

"He continues to test my patience. He shall know that I answer to no one!" Dragon bellowed.

"You think you're so tough because you cause harm?! Come harm me then, I'll kick your ass!" I spat defiantly.

I was pulled from my conversation with Dragon to a black space. It was freezing. The blackness faded away and snow was falling on the ground. An ice castle in the sky. My getaway bag with my armor inside, lying near the entrance.

I woke up a couple hours later, feeling well rested yet extremely uncomfortable with my dream. I rose and began to walk down to where the graves of the clan were located. I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach as I approached the grave site. I walked to the right, and down a few rows before immediately stopping. The graves that were all open, defiled and looted. Anger was quick to rise as I howled my anger for witnessing this blatant disrespect. All I saw was red as I began to sprint around the village, looking for the possible gravediggers. There was no one in this area but me. My vision was returning to normal as I calmed myself down. I had to be logical. How long has it been since I had been here? Was I really that naïve to think there wouldn't be an encroachment upon my land, especially when I was away? Phoenix did her best to console me as I sprinted back to where my home was, still pretending that I had to walk through a doorway to get to my room. I dropped to my hands and knees and began to shuffle and glide my hands over the dirt and grass covered ground. I know it's still here. I started to dig with my hands in the general area near where my bed used to be. After a few minutes, my nails had scratched the wooden floor that was buried. I spread out the dirt by wiping it away from my dig site. I reached for my boots for one of my daggers as I wedged the edge of my dagger inside the wooden floor. I wiggled the dagger around until I heard a crack in the wood, where I then pulled off the wooden panel with both of my hands. A carefully folded map lie inside of the unsoiled compartment. I reached in and pulled it out, carefully opening up the map. After studying where I needed to go for my next destination, I gently folded the map up and held onto it, storming out of the ruins of my house and heading North, to where the land of snow maidens thrived.

Hiei's POV

I never did make it back to the hotel like I had planned. I ended up getting restless sleep up on a tree that was somewhat close the the water. Why did I dream of Natsumi threatening Dragon? My right arm was severely injured from Dragon attempting to rip my arm open from the inside. I was weary, still gripping my forearm with my left hand as I walked back through the wooded area to reach the arena.

"She threatened me." Dragon was in disbelief.

"She doesn't need to fight my battles."

"I'm still a battle to you? I'm declaring war."

Dragon began to slither and wriggle inside of my forearm, purposefully bumping into my tendons, muscles and bones. I audibly gasped and tightened my grip on my forearm before taking a knee and kneeling on the ground.

"Damn you, I will be your master!" I swore, raising my right arm with my left and glaring where Dragon had stopped moving.

"Is this wise, Hiei?" I heard Kurama ask from up on a tree.

"What do you mean?" I quickly rose, not wanting to display my true pain.

"It won't be easy to keep winning without the use of your dominant hand. Perhaps you should withdraw."

I shot a baleful glance at him and scoffed, "You heard what Toguro said. We don't have a choice."

"Hm. If only a certain left handed demon were here to help out." Kurama jumped down from the tree he was in.

"If we don't make it through this tournament, he will kill us all. Fighting is our only way out." I stated, emphasizing that our job was to stay and fight, no matter the cost. Although, it would be nice if said certain demon would show up, considering her opponent is here as well.

Natsumi's POV

I could feel my energy regenerating as I continued to sprint over the rugged terrain of the mountain. The air was thinner and I knew I was getting closer to my destination. The land subtlety began change until I was wading knee deep in snow. I trudged on, determined to get my clothes, and also to meet my next challenge. The castle in the sky wasn't really in the sky, it was just placed on a very steep mountain. I began at the base of the mountain, using the path that was provided.

"Maybe I can swing by and find Yukina after I finish up?"

"Perhaps. I believe this is where she said she resided."

The trail I followed ended, as the path was blocked by rocks. Someone, or something had created a barricade that wouldn't allow passage. I looked up the wall to my right and saw that, although difficult, I could climb it. I tucked the map in the middle of my chest wrappings so I wouldn't lose it and hopefully not damage it. I walked backward and sprinted forwards with all my demon energy and jumped onto the right wall. The rocks I was holding onto were frozen, freezing my hands and shaking from my weight so I pushed off the wall and upwards with my feet, barely grabbing a new frozen rock with my right hand. That little stunt had me staring down at a 4,000 drop, maybe more. I found another frozen rock that my left hand could hold and I steadied myself. "Don't think about falling. Don't look down."

"Thanks Phoenix, but that's not helping. I'd feel better if we could glide or something."

Again, I pushed off and up, scaling the right side of the mountain.

I had finally pulled myself up and over the ledge of the castle. I rolled on my back and allowed myself the time to recover from almost slipping several times, seeing the drop increase at least two more times and one very close call of me falling off of the cliff. My legs were bruised and a little bloody from the scratches the frozen rocks delivered, my hands were freezing and bloody and I was shivering from having little clothing on in a very frigid setting. I rolled up and on my feet and began making my way to the castle entrance. There was my getaway bag, just like how the dream had shown me.

"Oh finally! My clothes!" I exclaimed aloud as I ran to my bag, grinning as I would finally have some dagger sheaths and pockets. I picked up my bag and headed to the great doors of the castle, where they had opened up for me when I got closer.

I entered the castle and hugged the left wall, hoping that I could change in the corner. I dropped my bag on the ground, knelt down and opened it up, selecting my black and red armor. Finally, I had some decent clothes that would help protect me against the elements and attacks. I slung the bag over my shoulders, pulled the cowl over my head and drew my daggers, going into stealth. I started exploring the left part of the castle first and discovered it was empty. Walking back to the center of the castle, I continued straight to the right part of the castle. Again, all the rooms were empty. I backtracked to the center and noticed a stairway that was partially hidden behind an abstract painting. I took the stairway, it leading me up to what looked like servants quarters. There, a striking woman with purple hair, dressed in green clothes decorated in leaves was sitting at a desk, furiously writing.

"Hello Natsumi. I've heard so much about you." the woman turned around in her chair and looked at a corner of the room I wasn't in.

"I'm afraid I can't say the same." I said softly, appearing behind her left shoulder, my right dagger on the nape of her neck.

"Everyone has heard of me. I'm Pestilence."

"If you are, what are you doing in a place where you have to work harder to thrive? The desert seemed more...hospitable to your needs."

"Excellent observation." she smiled and pushed her neck into the blade of my dagger and gasped. "Oh!" she began to smile and laugh while my poison worked through her. "Very creative. To use Beet petals, snap weed, lion's tail and..." she opened her mouth and began flicking her tongue on the roof of her mouth, "...your blood."

I appeared in front of her. "How did you guess that?!"

"Sweetie." Pestilence said, "I've got to know all sorts of things, dealing with fatal diseases is just one of my many hobbies. I enjoy working on gathering herbs, alchemy, and chemistry to name a few."

"What do you have to do with Keisuke?"

"Oh, I need favor from him later." Pestilence stood up and adjusted her clothing. "I'm not much of a fighter, so I'll tell you what. If you can correctly tell me what are in these five bottles after imbibing them, I'll make it worth your while."

"You're telling me to ingest what may be unknown to me, assuming I don't die, five times? I'd rather kill you now." I grinned at her.

"Oh, those teeth! Famine got you pretty good." Pestilence made a face before giving me a pitied look.

I pursed my lips and readied for my attack.

"You drive a hard bargain." Pestilence sighed. "Fine. Out of three, drink one of your choosing."

"Only if you prepare them fresh before my eyes. You needn't tell me what you are putting in, but I require it freshly prepared."

Pestilence thought for a minute before smirking, "Deal."

"I don't trust her."

"I don't either but false information or not, at least I'm obtaining something."

I watched as Pestilence washed three clear cylinders and placed it on the table in front of me. Quickly chopping some ingredients that were both familiar and unfamiliar to me, she separated the chopped pieces in three different piles. One she placed in a bowl and poured some liquid on it, the second one she used her energy to liquify it and the last one she mashed the ingredients together into a paste-like substance. She then poured the three drinks into the cylinders and placed them before me, with a sadistic grin plastered on her face. "Now this is something that I live to see when someone falls down the rabbit hole."

I picked up the substance to my left and wafted its scent. It was odorless. I placed it back down and did the same for the other two. The right one had a slight sweet smell, the middle one was almost sour. I reached for the left one again and paused. One lone drop of water was falling along the inside of the cylinder. As soon as it hit the substance, a fizzing sound was heard and I bolted out to the right and out of the way, grabbing the middle substance to be saved. There was a mini-explosion and the new chemical that was formed from the water and other substance forced a reaction out of the right cylinder.

"Looks like I chose correctly." I declared and chugged down the sour potion.

Pestilence just smiled as she watched me down the drink. I walked over to the table and placed her cylinder down carefully.

"Allow me to go now. I've beaten your game."

Her smile cracked and her eyebrows furrowed together. "You...You don't feel anything?"

"I'm feeling a lot of things but mainly how you were too careless with the swamp mushroom, negating your eel oil to paralyze me."

"How are you able to still stand?!" she yelled.

"I'm a humane demon. I always test on myself before others." I flashed her my fanged smile before turning to exit the room. "Oh, Pestilence?" I stopped to face her, "It's a sin to waste devil's fruit like that. Such a sweet nectar should be used for a death, not paralysis."

I triumphantly walked out of the castle and determining by the sky, it was maybe a late afternoon. I sprinted down the mountain until I couldn't pass the rock blockage.

"Natsumi, I feel amazing." Phoenix breathed.

"I feel your power is more than what I'm used to...I'm not complaining though!" I laughed as I took my position to climb down the mountain.

"That mixture has great power."

"Great! I can make some and we will always be ready to fight!"

"I don't know if it works like that.."

I dismounted my hold and landed on the powdery ground. I turned and saw a village not too far from the mountain. I took a step forward and sunk hip-deep in the snow. I sighed and prepared for the trudge ahead.

I had finally shuffled my way through the hip deep snow to the village entrance. I pulled my cowl down, allowing my red hair to fly free. I spotted a middle aged and an older woman that were hurrying to get inside a hut.

I used my speed to warp to them. "Excuse me ladies. I'm looking for a friend that I think lives here. Her name is Yukina. She's about my height, has cute minty hair and gorgeous crimson eyes. Do you know her?"

"She would never associate with the likes of you." the older woman spat.

"Well, contrary to your belief, which you are entitled to and completely wrong, by the way, she did. Still does."

"I allowed her to go search for her brother." the middle aged woman admitted.

I stiffened and turned my gaze to her. "Please, tell me what you know."

The middle aged woman nodded to the older woman to go inside of the hut. "Walk with me." she ordered.

The woman led me to a gravestone, where I could read the name, "Hina."

She walked behind the gravestone and placed her right hand on its center. "My name is Rui. Hina was my best friend." she started. "I always supported her in anything that she wanted to do." Rui inhaled a breath before continuing. "Hina was always so vibrant, cheerful and brave. She wanted to go outside and see the parts of the world, instead of keeping safe and secluded here. I helped her sneak out of the village. She pleaded me to go experience life outside of my comfort area but I chose to stay behind. It was stressful for me, there were no letters that could be sent to see if she was doing well or not. I worried every night if I had made the wrong decision in letting her leave. One day before the end of October, a very pregnant Hina returned home. That night, I assisted her in delivering two beautiful baby twins. However, one was a male and later we found out part fire demon and the Elders would not stand for it. They had already deemed him to be a danger to our society and declared he must be destroyed. Hina had begged them to reconsider, that he was only an infant and that he could learn the way of our matriarchal values. The Elders refused to listen to her pleas and instructed me to be the one to rid the village of the infant Hina named "Hiei", by throwing him off of the cliff of Glacial Village and into the depths of demon world."

I shuffled around as I absorbed the information Rui was giving me. All that I could think of was my conversation with Hiei about being a forbidden child. He was seeking to find someone to bond with, to relate to.

Rui's voice began to shake and tears welled up in her eyes. "As they handed me this innocent boy to discard, I gave him a necklace that held his mother's teardrop, a gem known as the Hiruseki stone. I tucked it inside his swaddle and I told him, 'I want you to grow up strong and one day, take revenge upon the Elders.'" Rui paused, inhaling a shaky breath, "And then, I cast him down, dropping him into an unknown world. Hina...committed suicide shortly after. There was nothing I could do...What could I do? I was the one that was tasked with ending her infants life!" Rui lost her cool composure and broke down crying.

So many things clicked into place in my mind. I stood in the snow, wide-eyed with my mouth slightly open.

Rui composed herself, clearing her throat and wiping her eyes. "He came back. He told me that everyone was too pitiful to kill, since they had shied away from the rest of the world for so long. I begged him to kill me but I was ignored. You, stranger, you know who he is, don't you?"

"I have a connection to him, yes." I replied awkwardly.

"You also wield fire, correct?"

"I do."

"Then, as his accomplice, kill me for what I have done. I don't want to live with this guilt and misery anymore!" Rui threw herself on the ground, begging me.

"I cannot do that, for many reasons." I said softly. "My deepest apologies are sincere, but your blood on my blade doesn't make anything right. What has happened has transpired and all we can do is learn and move forward." I took a knee beside her. "Find the strength to overcome the sadness that this place is saturated in. Overthrow the Elders. Develop a new way to run the society so it doesn't die out. I don't care what you do, just don't give up." I got up and looked at the sky. "I'm sorry to be rude, but where did you say Yukina went off to?"

I was racing down another hill and into a busy city that had chickens, children and other obstacles in the streets. I was skidding around corners and warping out of the way if I was about to run into someone. I turned another corner and saw the docks and a boat that was already several feet out. I took in a deep breath and sprinted as fast as I could, jumping off of the harbor dock and running towards the boat setting sail. 5. I'm not there yet. 4. Still not there... 3. Almost there. 2. I'm so close! 1. I jumped, pushing off of the water and diving toward the boat. 0. I landed face first on the top of the main deck. I breathed a sigh of relief and stayed on the floor.

"Hey! No free rides!"

I looked up at who was yelling at me. A portly old pirate with a black beard was standing over me. I exhaled an irritated breath and got to my hands and knees before standing tall of my four-foot, ten inch height. I looked him straight in the eye and began releasing my demon energy.

"I'm the alternate for Team Urameshi." I handed him a ticket that I had pickpocketed from him.

"Natsumi?" a feminine voice asked.

I turned to face the voice, my eyes landing on Yukina. "Hey Yukina!" I smiled and walked to her.

"You look...different." Yukina said, trying to be polite.

"It's the teeth, isn't it?" I laughed when Yukina nodded.

"May I ask what happened?"

"Sure, let's go find somewhere to sit and chat, I don't like being on the water."

We arrived at Hanging Neck island just as I finished recalling my fight against the white haired man (who remained nameless for obvious reasons). Yukina and I made our way to the fighting arena, where the announcer girl was on a huge televised screen, and crowds of demons gathered to hear what she was saying.

"Team Urameshi and Team Masho have one remaining person in condition to fight. By default, the winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals!"

I had informed Yukina that I would be in stealth, because I wanted to surprise everyone that was there. Yukina and I walked together when a demon with dirty yellow hair and his friend, who was wearing a red bandana turned around and blocked our path.

"Hey Kee, look what we have here. What's your name, princess? The punk wearing the red headband asked Yukina.

"I am Yukina of the ice world. It's very nice to meet you." Yukina bowed gracefully, emitting a burst of cold air to the demons. "Do you know where I could find a ticket booth to the tournament?"

The demon in the red bandana spoke. "Oh sure sister! As if it hasn't been sold out for a week! And all the scalpers went home!"

"I see. So I came all this way for nothing." Yukina turned to me.

"That's not true, Yukina. Stay here and I'll go look for some tickets. Okay?"

Yukina nodded. "Thank you very much Natsumi."

I moved easily through the crowd of people, searching for a ticket booth. That's when I heard the announcement that Yusuke has been disqualified for a technicality. I halted my search for the ticket booth and back tracked my way to where I had left Yukina. So this is how the Dark Tournament is, huh? A bunch of crooks that change the tide in their favor with money. I needed to get to Yukina so I could help her get inside.

I pushed through the crowds of demons, evading and dodging as I moved through them with Yukina in mind.

I stopped, feeling a powerful, familiar energy rise up from the stadium. I was torn, I wanted to know why Hiei's energy was so high but I wanted to get Yukina so she can see what's going on too. Ultimately, head won over heart as I hastened my pace to get Yukina.

I skidded to a halt as I looked around for Yukina. This was the spot where I had told her to stay put. I exhaled a frustrated breath as I sprinted around the stadium, looking for Hiei's sister. There was no way that I was going to allow anything to harm her. I continued my search through the crowds of demons that were inching to the entrance gates and not seeing any sign of her. I wondered if perhaps Shizuru or Keiko spotted Yukina and took her in. I decided that I would go inside of of the stadium and see if the girls were in there.

I broke my stealth as soon as I got to the circular part where one could go down to sit in the seats below. I still didn't see any sign of the girls, not even Botan. I continued to run around the circle as I scanned the crowd. I wasn't looking where I was going and I ran into someone's back, causing me to fall on my bottom.

"Ow! What the hell!" I yelled at the person I collided with. A tall man. Green trench coat. My jaw fell open as I realized I had bumped into the younger Toguro brother.

"Oh my, our fire bird is here?" a well dressed man in a suit turned to face me.

"Damn it!" I cursed. I got up and warped the opposite way from Toguro. I gave him a glare before turning and sprinting the back the way I had come. I wasn't looking for a fight, I was on a mission to find my friends.

I heard the announcer say that Kuwabara was the one making the first move. Kuwabara, no, you idiot. I stopped to watch as he summoned his spirit sword, only for it to disappear before he struck his opponent. I tsk'd and decided it would be best for me to get as close as I can so I could yell at him. I began to make my way down the steep steps to the ringside level. I, of course, was on the wrong side of the ring but I could see a makeshift tent with Hiei and the masked fighter inside. Kurama was using the outside ring wall for support and Yusuke was standing next to him. I had traveled across deserts and mountains but navigating the stadium of the Dark Tournament was far more difficult. I made my way back up the stairs and began to run to the other side of the ring.

I was almost to the other side of the ring. The count just hit 9 for Kuwabara. I stopped to watch, holding my breath. Kuwabara got up on the 9th count. I exhaled my breath and started sprinting again. I fell down as the earth began to quake under me. I heard the announcer saying something about Risho using the outside rocks to put them on his body. I struggled to get to my feet as the earth repeatedly quaked with Risho's power. The earth stopped shaking and I jumped to my feet. The announcement for another count for Kuwabara. I couldn't run any faster than what I was. I was determined to get to the ringside. I heard Kazuma's thoughts as he was saying his goodbyes.

"Hiei, you're a little punk and you always say mean stuff to me. But I know underneath all that junk, you're a good guy. Kurama, you taught me a lot with the things you said. There's nobody more caring than you. Mummy fighter person, you saved those guys from Dr, Ichigaki and that means a lot. You didn't say much, but somehow I really feel like I know you. Natsumi, wherever you are, you're a skilled fighter and I know you're a good thing for Hiei. Keep him out of trouble. And Urameshi, well...uh...just take care of the rest of this, okay?" Kuwabara said the last part aloud, giving his signature smile.

I just needed to get down the stairs. I ran down the first flight, stopping myself from colliding with the girls.

"Oh thank god! You're all okay!" I exclaimed as I saw Yukina with the group.

"Let's go!" Botan commanded as the four of us ran down the rest of the stairs to the ringside level.

"KUWABARA!" Yusuke yelled.

Kuwabara caught Risho's attack, preventing any damage. He skidded back with Risho's force but held tightly.

"Kazuma!" Yukina yelled out my friend's name.

"You got this Kuwabara, kick his ass!" I cheered alongside Yukina.

Kuwabara looked in the crowd and spotted Yukina and me, along with Keiko and Shizuru. I gave a small peace sign and closed my left eye.

"She's here!" Kuwabara exclaimed. Kuwabara smacked Risho out of the ring and ran over to talk with Yukina. I took the distraction to head over to see what the tent was about.

"Do I even want to know what happened here?" I asked the red headed enchantress that had a barrier surrounding the tent. I began to raise my energy in preparation to kill the cheater.

"Kuwabara is the winner! And with five wins in a round, Urameshi team advances!"

The red headed enchantress dropped her barrier and fell to the ground. I jumped down on the grassy area in front of her with my blades drawn.

"She's...really here." Hiei said softly, with widened eyes.

"I've a good mind to end your life, here and now." I said, as I placed my daggers in an X position on her neck. "But I'm in a good mood because my team mate won. Run and hide, like the coward you are. If I see your face around here again, I will not hesitate to kill you." I withdrew my daggers and put them in their sheaths, turning on my heel to walk over to my team and congratulate them on all of their wins.

"Well, look who it is!" Yusuke spotted me and began to walk towards me to meet me halfway.

"I know! Crazy turn of events but I wouldn't miss this for the world." I came in for a hug and smiled after.

"Dude! What's up with those teeth?" Yusuke asked as he poked one of my fangs.

"Ew! Get your dirty hands away from my mouth!" I said a bit too loudly, as the rest of the gang turned to look at us.

"Did you guys see her teeth? I don't remember her having fangs." Yusuke pointed a finger at me.

"Ugh, stop making this about me. Let's celebrate Kuwabara's victory!" I changed the subject, going to Kuwabara and hugging his side. Everyone agreed but then split off into pairs; Kuwabara and Yukina, Yusuke and Keiko, Botan and Shizuru and finally Kurama and the masked fighter. Hiei had darted ahead and I followed after him keeping his pace.

We finally stopped on a thick tree branch that hung out over the sea. Hiei sat down with his back pressed against the tree's trunk. I followed his lead, sitting perpendicular to him. A sea breeze passed by, taking salt particles with it. Several moments passed with neither of us saying a word. I noticed a shuffle from Hiei as he scooted over to his right. I smiled without showing my teeth and scooted over next to him.

"He's here."

"What?"

"Your friend that wears a skull."

"I figured since he wasn't at any of the places he sent me off too."

"You arrived with Yukina."

"I did."

"What is she thinking, coming here?"

"She's looking for you."

Hiei stiffened at my truth and looked over at me. His eyes held so much pain at the fact of hiding himself from his sibling.

"I know your reasoning and I don't question it...but perhaps one day things may change." I said, taking my right hand and finding Hiei's left hand to give it a good squeeze. A squeeze to my hand was given to me, an affirmation that this may indeed come to pass.

"Tell me of your travels and how you got those ridiculous teeth."

"They're not that bad, are they?" I pouted.

"No." a smirk was across Hiei's face. "They have a certain appeal to them, although I could be bias."

His voice sounded deeper. It sent all of my senses tingling. I had never heard this tone of his before. Did he just openly flirt with me? I looked up at him, questioning with my eyes if that truly happened or if I was imagining things. He gave me another smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischievousness as he tugged at my hand, trying to pull me closer to him. I followed his lead and ended up straddling him. With both hands he framed my face, then took his right hand and pushed my head down, my lips meeting his. I was in shock and it took me a second to kiss him back. Our kiss was explosive, full of passion and hunger. The word "Famine." resonated in my head and I broke the kiss by lifting my head up to get air.

"This isn't right." I gently put my right hand on Hiei's chest. "This isn't you."

"Are you telling me that I can't appreciate the beauty of my mate?" Hiei's left hand covered my right, entwining his fingers with mine.

I bent my head down and to the right side of his face, my right cheek brushing his. "Listen to yourself." I softly pleaded as I gave him a quick nuzzle.

"You are the most sublime-"

"Hiei!" I gasped as I felt his right hand sliding up my left thigh. I pulled my head away from his and began to tug my hand away from him. He took his left hand to his mouth, giving my hand a quick kiss before releasing me. I fell backwards from the effort of my continued tugging to get my hand away. I quickly got to my feet and stood up.

"I don't know what is happening but I know you don't act like this. This doesn't feel right. I'm sorry. I don't want you to be something you're not. I love you just the way you are." I made my escape by speeding off, into the hotel,where I would stay in the girls' room for the night.

Hiei's POV

She's right. Why am I saying these things? I wondered to myself as I watched Natsumi race off towards the hotel. Something didn't feel right, that was for sure. I ached to give chase to her but refrained from doing so. I wanted to know why my feelings felt not stronger but...amplified. Something had clicked into my head as I remembered hearing about a weapon that had the power to do so. I admittedly, did not know much about the weapon other than that so I decided to look for the fox. I stood up on the tree branch and scanned the area, focusing on Kurama's energy. Luck would have it that Kurama wasn't too far from where I was. I jumped down from my tree branch and began to run in Kurama's direction following his energy.

I used my speed to warp to Kurama's left side.

"It wasn't much longer ago that I felt another person in a rush, although she went to the hotel." Kurama looked over at me with a smile. "I'm surprised you're not with her. Is everything alright?"

"I've only heard whispers of a weapon that has the power to amplify emotions. I was hoping that you could tell me a little more about it." I fixed my gaze on Kurama's eyes, watching as he lifted his eyebrows in surprise.

"I've heard of it but only as a legend." Kurama confessed, closing his eyes and resting his right hand on his chin. "I believe what you are referring to is called the Seed of Desire. It is said that once planted, it would fulfill all of the desires of the user's heart, but at a costly price of death." Kurama opened his eyes and dropped his hand to his side.

"There is nothing else to go off of other than a legend?" I asked in a disappointed tone.

"I'm afraid not. I am, however, curious as to why this would come up."

"Is there anything in the legend about it being able to affect others?"

"Not to my knowledge, no." Kurama gave me a questioning look. "You're speaking as though you have encountered it." Kurama stopped talking and began studying me for a few moments before widening his eyes. "Natsumi is wielding it?!"

"If she is, it's unknown to her. Or the legend has itself backwards and the seed would be used on others." I warped to a tree to lean my back on it and crossed my arms.

Kurama paled slightly. "You believe you were affected by it?"

"I am certain." I narrowed my eyes as my words to Natsumi echoed in my head. It was the truth on how I felt but I would never openly express myself to her. She even knew better than that.

"Perhaps I can go speak with Natsumi and see if I can determine where in her journey she had obtained it."

"Keep your distance."

Natsumi's POV

I had entered into the hotel's lobby and spotted Keiko and Yukina entering the elevators to go up to their room. I warped over to them just before the elevator door closed.

"Hello again Natsumi." Yukina greeted me with a smile.

"Hey there." Keiko said, giving me a little wave.

"I'm so glad I was able to run into you two." I sighed in relief. "I need to have a girl's night." I said as I leaned my right shoulder against the forward right corner of the elevator, next to the buttons.

"You know what? I can use one too!" Keiko agreed.

The elevator stopped and dinged and opened its doors. Two couples entered the elevator and I stood in my spot, refusing to move. Yukina and Keiko shuffled over in my corner to let them in. The elevator doors closed and the elevator began to climb the levels of the hotel. Once again, the elevator stopped and dinged, opening its doors. Keiko motioned for Yukina and I to follow. I gave a wary look back at the people in the elevator before paying attention to where Keiko was leading Yukina and me.

"Here we are!" Keiko said in a singsong voice, stopping in front of a brown wooden door. She slid a key card into a slot provided in the door and a little green light blinked. Keiko pull down on the door handle and swung the door in and to the left, holding it upon for Yukina and me and then shutting the door after we had walked in. The room was a decent size. It had a small sitting area that had a table for two, a "love seat" (Keiko told me that was the name for the strange beige rectangle), a coffee table and a television that was placed on a dresser. In the next room, two beds were placed on opposite sides of the room, with the bathroom being across from the small closet as soon as one entered the next room.

"Where's Botan and Shizuru?" I asked, not seeing the physical presence of my friends or feeling their energies.

"Botan said she would be in a meeting with Koenma and Shizuru is on a hot date." Keiko laughed as she took a seat in one of the chairs by the table.

I made my way over to the love seat and sat down, Yukina following my lead and sitting next to me.

"I thought I saw you and Yusuke take off alone in the woods." I smirked as Keiko's face began to turn red, her pulse speeding up.

"Well, I seen Yukina and Kuwabara walking towards the ocean!" Keiko did her best to change the subject off of her.

"Yes that is correct. Kazuma and me walked to a cliff that had an ocean view. It was very nice but then he started to act strange." Yukina confessed.

"What did he do?" I asked in a harsh tone.

"Oh, nothing like that." Yukina raised both of her hands and waved them in a negative motion. "He just said some strange things and I wondered if he said that to all the girls about the power of love."

"Awww! That's so cute! You two had a date!" Keiko squealed. She regained her composure and stiffened up. "I wish my date would have been that cute."

"Why? What happened?" Yukina asked.

"Well, Yusuke was fine in the beginning," Keiko admitted. "But then he had the audacity to start groping me just because we don't have chaperons on this trip."

"Sounds pretty rough." I said, sympathizing Keiko and Yukina.

"I thought I saw you chasing after Hiei, what's that about?" Keiko asked, turning to face me.

"I just thought to spend some time with him." I said in all honesty.

"Are you fond of him, Natsumi?" Yukina asked.

I faced Yukina. "Would it be a problem if I were?" I asked softly, my eyes searching hers for any hint of anger or jealousy.

"Of course not!" Yukina shook her head no vigorously. "I was just asking because I feel...like Hiei is really fond of you. I can't explain why. But it's just a strong feeling."

"So, are you?" Keiko pressed me, wanting my answer.

I smiled and shrugged. "Perhaps."

The night continued on as Keiko,Yukina and me vented about all the things that had happened with the Dark Tournament, school, home life and searching for a lost brother. Shizuru had entered the room and was immediately questioned on her night out. She refused to say much, other than he too, was a human and they bonded over cigarettes, views on society and what they would ultimately like to see happen before they die.

"Twenty-one questions is over now, it's bedtime. More fights will be fought tomorrow. Let's rest up and get ready to boo, since the committee wants to keep screwing with our team." Shizuru declared.

As the sleeping arrangements were being made and the girls were changing into their pajamas, I sat on the love seat thinking about Keiko's, Yukina's and my experiences with the boys. What would make them act so strange? I wondered to myself, my thought being interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"Natsumi, can you please get that?" Shizuru called from the next room over.

"On it." I called back, warping to the door and opening it all the way. "Kurama!" I greeted him with a smile. "What are you doing here so late?"

"Would you happen to have some time to walk with me?" Kurama asked, keeping his hands in his pockets.

"Of course." I said as I took the door handle and began to close the door. "I'll be back!" I called, shutting the door all the way. I turned around and saw that Kurama was standing quite a ways away from me, almost like he was keeping his distance.