AUTHORS NOTE=

Ok so bcuz I have yet again been in a very dark place I have not done right by you guys and posted, but please don't lose faith in me, here is a chapter, please review Im sorry its short and next chapter I shall post my individual thank yous!

After helping the boys get themselves put back together Ren and Botan went to the kitchen in attempts to help them put the temple back the way it should be. Ren paused for a brief moment as Hiei approached her, he looked to be a cross between pissed and relieved.

'How do you feel?', she opened their link but instantly regretted it when Hiei winced and growled her way. Hangover Hiei was not going to be pleasant.

'I have never experienced something so annoying', his voice was rasped and like gravel in her head and she smiled to her self.

'That's what happens when you drink', she giggled as he growled softly. Stepping into him Ren bumped her forehead against his lightly but stopped when she felt his hand on her hip. Looking to the side she felt a shiver run up her back when he pressed his nose to her neck. As he took in her scent Ren growled softly to warn him about his control.

'I need to go', Ren opened her eyes slowly and wasn't surprised when she didn't see him in the room. Brushing off the sudden need to fall to her knees Ren turned for the kitchen.

"Coffee please", Kurama was rummaging through the cabinets while Botan giggled and picked up the can that sat on the counter. Opening the lid she smiled as Kurama lifted his nose to the air and took in the smell.

Ren stepped in the door way to watch as Kurama circled Botan for a moment, his demeanor completely different from usual as he nuzzled her neck from behind before going to the pantry to get other supplies like the sugar. She enjoyed watching the differences between human and demon behavior, it seemed that demons were more physical creature than humans. As the coffee brewed she picked up a few bottles and turned over chairs, the boys really had done a number last night.

'Ren', she stood at the sound of Hiei's voice in her head, he wasn't in the kitchen but by the sound of his voice she knew he was seeking her out.

'In the kitchen', it was seconds later that Hiei showed in the door way, he looked a bit better but still a little drained from the alcohol.

'Come train with me', she didn't hesitate and followed happily out of the side kitchen door. Botan watched as the two slipped away before her attention was caught by a bewildered Rikter who stood in the kitchen door way.

Ren ran along the path while Hiei took to the tree branches above, as they neared the training grounds her hopes for a fun training session was soon smothered when she felt a familiar spirit energy. She skidded to a halt to turn and look back, Rikter approached at a steady pace behind. Ignoring him she turned for the clearing and continued on, catching up to an awaiting Hiei who looked not pleased in the slightest.

'Let him stay, it'll make him feel important', Ren whispered to Hiei as she passed by him, intentionally rubbing against him as she passed. Rikter entered the clearing as he removed his coat and shirt, Ren gave him credit he was a well built male but that was all.

"Ren we are working on your senses today, reaction and action", Hiei instructed as he rolled up the sleeves on his long sleeve shirt.

"Show me what you got", she taunted as she removed her sweatshirt, leaving her in black cargo pants and a white tang top. She regretted those words the moment they left her lips as Hiei vanished from sight. Just because they were close did not mean Hiei went lightly in their training at all. When she felt the shift around her she reacted accordingly and blocked his first attack, that worked for a moments time but his combination in close corners was stronger then hers and she was sent tumbling back.

Rising to her feet quickly she noticed he was approaching to quickly for a long distance short, putting her arm forward her energy materialized into a small crossbow and she let fly five small arrows. Two nailed Hiei and he went down hard, she learned how to control her distribution of her power so she knew she didn't hurt him bad. When Hiei rolled to his feet he looked down at a black wristwatch and smiled.

"Ten minutes, you have improved", the sound of Rikter moving around caught her attention and Ren recalled her energy.

"A crossbow and long bow, wise choice of weapon', he vanished from sight and Ren growled as she stepped back, but her arms were suddenly restricted behind her and she froze, 'But what if your enemy is at your back?".

Ren watched as Hiei tensed his power surging but she was quick to the situation and she slipped from Rikter's grasp with easy, using her dainty body to twist away from his hold. As she managed behind him she backed away with a growl that made even Hiei back off.

"Don't ever touch me without permission", as she straightened her eyes turned a bright blueish silver. Rikter turned to face her a smile on his face as he walked towards her, almost stalking.

"Ren-"

"Leave him to me", she hissed and Rikter lunged forward at her.

Ren found when she was angered in a fight her attention to her opponents movements was more focused. When he threw punches she was quick to counter and throw a few of her own, but as the movements intensified she felt his power surge. Rikter had better control and knowledge of his power true, but Ren had mastered her powers before, she just forgot. When he came in again she was surprised by a strike to her ribs, trying to catch her breath she rolled away, using the momentum of his attack to her advantage.

Rising to her feet she attacked him, his power was in his staff and punches, she had gathered that much in the few times she had seen him fight. In most situations that meant she was screwed in close and far combat, but Hiei taught her to search for weaknesses, everyone had one. As they threw a few more combinations of punches and kicks, Ren was wise to Hiei circling them and reffing the fight. She needed to figure something out, her batteries were charged but if she pulled away that staff of his would be a problem.

When she felt a knee connect with the same previously attacked spot on her ribs she winced in pain and was struck hard. As she rolled across the ground she cursed, lifting her self onto her knees and cradling her side with one arm she spit out a bit of blood. Rikter was putting her in her place, demon males did not like being shown up by a female, let alone being turned down by one she was sure.

Licking her lips she watched as his staff materialized in his hand, he had a stern but playful smirk on his lips as he approached her. In his head he had already won, but she would be damned if he was going to have this win. She looked down at the ground and curled into her side like it was shattering pain and took her eyes off of Rikter.

Hiei paused as he watched Ren curl in on herself, had Rikter injured her that badly? Keeping himself stationary he growled, watching Rikter toy with her was beginning to wear thin on his patience. But he refused to rush in and save her, she had claimed the fight. He would not embarrass her, even though he wanted to rip Rikter's head off and shred his body into confetti.

Rikter stepped behind her and slid the pole under her chin before bringing it back. Ren was now up on her knees her hands gripping the pole at her throat, he was not strangling her but simply holding her there.

"I thought you had me Ren?", he was mocking her. Ren growled as he lowered his lips to her ear. "Admit you have lost and I will let you go", Ren felt her mind tense as images flashed before her eyes, Hiei watched her eyes glaze just as they had done when they were in the hallway and he tensed.

Ren watched as Tarukane held a remote, as he hit the button her body was filled with pain that blinded her. His laughter filled the air as she screamed for him to stop.

'Admit that you are mine, that I rule you', she had denied him the honor and the collar was shut off. As she tried to stand the man she remembered as Togoro grabbed her and forced her to her feet before striking her down again and again.

'Admit you have lost…'

Something snapped inside her and Ren screamed, the noise shocked Rikter before she snapped the staff in half and used it to knock him back. The pieces evaporated as Rikter's energy returned to him. He had struck a tree and slid to the ground, in utter shock he remained were he was. Ren looked lost, out of control but worst of all was the smell of fear and despair that filled the air.

Hiei moved without warning and was standing before her, Ren struck out but he caught her hands and growled at her.

"Relax", he growled out as she fought him, with no luck Hiei stepped into her and pressed his lips to hers. The sudden movement made her body freeze, but when he pulled away he saw frightened and teary eyes.

"Im so sorry", she whispered, Hiei shook his head and allowed her to hide her face in the crook of his neck. Her body trembled in his arms and Hiei looked over to Rikter, who was just getting to his feet.

"I should go", was all he managed to say.

"I will deal with you later", Hiei growled before he picked Ren up and started for the temple.