Ruri had finally fluttered her eyes.

It seemed like, weeks, months, even years. Her sleep was so deep, so peaceful. Her mind linked with her mates; that world seemed eternal. That world seemed wonderful. Yet as her blue eyes panned across the dark cave she had realized that this was her world, her nightmare. Within the first few moments of her awakening she had realized she was still in a fight for her life, a fight for friends lives, a fight for all humanities lives. Tossing her blanket from her legs, her eyes searched for Yusuke, Tavik, and her mate Hiei; they were missing. Though she could still feel the heat of his body at her side, his spot in their shared sleeping area was empty.

Quickly gathering her bag and bearings she exited the cave where her three comrades were waiting for her.

"Have a nice nap, sleepyhead?" Yusuke asked with a lackluster enthusiasm.

Ruri gave a yawn and a nod before a gust of cold wind rattled her already weak bones. Not only in her sleep did she forget time in general, but also the severe, ravaging demon winter she was surrounded in, "Wh-why are we out here anyways?"

The teen quickly shuffled off his green winter jacket before tossing it over to the blonde haired girl, "Fox boy is trying to call his teacher-girlfriend, our guide is trying to pick up a pulse, and Hiei? …Well he's just being HIei."

In truth, Yusuke was right. Kurama stood a few feet away from the group in an attempt to get a clear signal on his mobile device. Tavik was scouting ahead to clear a path through the mounted snow. And Hiei…well he as off brooding while leaning against a nearby rock.

Ruri stared at her mate before the pair made eye contact. His deep ruby eyes pulsed a moment before turning off into the distant snow.

Damn…you could never get anything past Hiei, even when he was sleeping.

Her eyes once again shifted back to Kurama who was now re approaching the group, worry crossing over his face.

"What does life on the other side have to say?" Yusuke asked with a curious expression.

"Nothing." Kurama answered with a click of his device, "The line is quiet…"

"Well no point in dwelling on it," Yusuke commented, "we kind of have a war to fight out here."

"Found them!" Tavik called towards the group, "They are camped at the bottom of the mountain!"

"Lets keep going." Ruri added while taking a deep step into the snow. Yusuke and the others quickly followed.

Slowly, but eagerly the group made their way through the deep snow. Ruri stared at the seemingly beautiful scenery around her. Crossing over the mountains she saw the peak of the large boulders kiss the sky. The snow feel like crystals around them, padding the ground in gentle kisses. If they weren't walking into the pit of death, the world around them felt like a winter paradise.

The half of the day was spent crawling down from the mountain, Ruri was surprised that hadn't tripped or stumbled yet. However her feet did feel heavy as they were pushing through pounds and pounds of snow as if they were rocks. And Hiei's deep eyes staring at the back of her brains too felt very grounding.

Finally, the summit was reached, and the ground had flattened out in front of the team into a wide clearing. Though the ground, sky, trees and mountains were completely covered in white freckled snow. Ruri barely had any depth perception with the landscape in front of her, and it felt much, much colder than at the top of the mountain.

"The army should be just through this clearing." Tavik spoke.

"You mean those misfit exiles with weapons that you call an army." Hiei commented with dry sarcasm.

Tavik turned abruptly and gave a snarl. "Hey! Those brave men and woman are-"

"fools." Hiei finished with a flare of his energy, "Ill equipped, fools."

"Come on guys, now isn't the time to be flexing our muscles here." Yusuke added as the duo stared each other down.

"If my team didn't help you out of the tournament to safety you wouldn't even be alive!" The young warrior shouted while balling his fist towards Hiei.

"Oh really, perhaps if your spoiled, whore of a princess didn't get exiled-"

"Hiei," Ruri growled while grabbing her mate by the shoulder, "there's no point in fighting!"

After all, Hiei was insulting her inner demonic soul…of sorts.

Yusuke too had to jump into the near brawl as well, shoving Tavik into the snow before his now clawed hands could scratch at Hiei.

"Hey Kurama, are you going to jump in here too?!" Yusuke shouted admits the insults and demonic grunting, "Well are you…hey! What's wrong."

The fighting seemed to have paused as Kurama stood in the snow, his body still yet shaking. His ashen white hair flowed over his eyes, yet all could feel the glowing range from within his orbs.

"Kurama," Yusuke asked with caution, "what's…what's wrong?"

Placed inside his clawed hands was his mobile device, flipped open and pulsing a red light.

"They took her." Came the stoic demon's reply.

Ruri slowly approached the fox, "took who?"

The fox in question pressed his index finger on the telephone, relaying a message from the machine. The line was silent however it soon filled with a seductive, dangerous, and evil voice.

'Hello Suichi Minamino, I hope this message finds you well. You know, being Queen can be so lonely these days. And needless to say i could use a little toy, a little friend to play with. i remember growing up i had this most beautiful doll. Porcelain skin, auburn hair, and pretty brown eyes…'

Ruri let out a short gasp as the message continued,

'And my scouts seemed to have found the perfect little human girl for me to play with. I just hope she's going to be strong enough. I do tend to break my toys.'

The message fizzled out to a static blur before Kurama's clawed hands balled into a fist, breaking the phone into pieces.

"So wait, who is this girl?" Yusuke asked aloud.

"It's his female's offspring." Hiei answered with a sense of anger similar to his red haired comrade. He knew Kurama's deepening relationship with his mates neighbor girl. Kurama even cared enough to kill, a human no less. And yes, even in Hiei's own cruel past he had kidnapped loved ones of his foes. However weak and defenseless children; even the three eyed demon was nowhere near as malicious as Dendera.

"Her name is Sylvia." the fox finally spoke, "I have to return to the human world."

"What!" Tavik yelled, almost shaking the snow beneath them, "You can't leave, you are one of our strongest allies and you can't just-"

Tavik's epic speech was broken as a flair of Kurama's energy swirled around the open air, "A human life ,and innocent life is at stake. I will return to the human world and find her. And none of you will stop me."

"How do you know she's still there?" Yusuke questioned.

"Dendera would't move her to the demon world, she wants to break us apart." Ruri added with a sense of logic.

Yusuke snarled while clenching his fist, "Well great! This bitch's got brains as well as a ten thousand man army!"

"Hundred thousand man." Tavik corrected.

"Fox," Hiei turned towards his former partner in crime, "there is a portal at the edge of Mukuro's territory, not too far east from here. If she hid it well enough it will still be operable. You will be within fifteen miles of the human city."

"Yes," Ruri added, "you should go. Make sure the others are okay as well."

Even Yusuke nodded in agreement. After all, if this woman would attack a young child who is to say that she would try to hurt anyone older, or even younger to further divide the team.

"I will." Kurama gave a quick nod before his energy flared once again before he darted off into the distance.

"Did I say damnit before…or can I say it now." declared Yusuke as he kicked at the snow. "It's like this bitch has her eyes and hands everywhere!"

"There's no point in dwelling." Hiei advised while he stepped forward, "if anything this queen owes me more blood on my sword."

XXx

Hiei was right, and Mukuro was stealthy. It wasn't long before Kurama came across the demonic portal to the demon world. Luckly his energy, and the manipulation of the environment around him made his journey a rather quick one. His finger touched at the orb, activating its powers with his energy. And he easily slipped into the sphere before being spun out into the human world. The portal worked faster than Spirit World's. And for once the demon was thankful that Mukuro and her resources was, for now, on their side.

Taking off with great velocity he made his way through the outskirts towards the housing village where Karan and Ruri called home. However when he arrived on the street he could sense a powerful presence. Perhaps the demons were still in the vicinity. Running down the street he reached the Watanabe household. Breaking down the door his eyes laid on the entire inside of the house.

The interior was in shambles.

The wooden floors were littered with claw marks and blood splatters. The furniture was tossed around like it weighed mere pounds. Broken glass and dishes graced every portion of the kitchen. And lying in the center of it all was a lifeless Karen. Her hair in a mixture of knots and blood.

The fox immediately came to her side, grabbing at her shoulders to pull her wounded frame into his lap, "Karen, Karen please wake up."

His gentle strokes and coo's slowly awakened the woman. Her eyelashes feathered slowly before they weakly opened. Only then did they widen like a full moon as she let out a terrified scream.

"Karen wait, please!" Kurama pleaded as he tried to hold his lovers kicks and shoves.

"Get away from me!" She shouted, "You monster!"

Her hand clawed at his scalp, pulling out a chunk of silver hair. It was at that moment he had realized. Karen wouldn't know who he was, not in this form.

"Please Karen its me, Its Suichi."

Her ears seemed to perk at his name, however her eyes were not convinced, "Liar!"

Releasing her, he ran his hand through his hair, shifting his energy and his follicles to a deep crimson color, "It's me, I'm here Karen."

The woman in question was completely dumbstruck by his transformation. Her body which once sparked with anger now quivered in fear, "What are you?"

"Please, Karen." He spoke again, his voice practically begging for her understanding, "I don't want you to be afraid-"

"You're just like them!" she shouted, "Just like the ones who came into my home. They took, they took Sylvia. I tried to stop them, but they came on to me. They-"

The fox cut her story by embracing her deep into his arms. His body curled around her in a protective shield only to have Karen push him away.

"How could you lie, how could you lie to me! I don't know who you are, I don't know what you are. You let them take away my baby!"

"Ill find her." Kurama attempted to reason with her. "I promise i will get her back. I will keep her safe, and i will keep you safe. From now on."

"You," She waved a finger in his direction, "You find my daughter. You bring her back. And then you," her eyes narrowed,

"you…get out of our lives."

Xx

It felt like daggers. Each step in the deep snow felt like a knife stabbing her feet. Stabbing each toe, each tendon. And that pain jolted through her veins up her entire body. Almost keeping her tired figure awake, and in pain. And for some reason, this ground seemed incredibly cold.

"We are only a few miles away." Tavik reassured the group, "soon we will meet with the army. We can think of a plan, and by that time Kurama will be back."

"Yeah, hopefully we will be alive by the time he gets back to us." Yusuke joked with a false sense of humor.

While the two chatted Ruri and Hiei remained a few steps back from the group. Ruri went to take another step towards the two walking ahead, yet as her feet slammed into the cold ground another wave of pain shocked up through her body, nearly knocking her off balance. Her teeth shattered like glass, her body tingling with a frozen pulse. However her pain was short lived as HIei placed an arm around her clothed abdomen, warming her fabric and skin.

"Don't waist your energy." Ruri ordered softly, "We need all the strength we can muster. And you cant use yours just to be my personal furnace."

"Same for you." HIei countered, "If you die that will put a dent in our already dwindling counter attack."

"Hiei." Ruri spoke out to her mate. The young demon directed his glare towards her, only to meet her defeated pose. "Do you think we'll make it out alive?"

His stare still continued, before his large lashes blinked once as he tossed his traditional white scarf further over his shoulders ,"Hn. Don't waste your thoughts with such foolish inquiries."

She knew that was his 'Hiei answer' for yes. However she was not as naive as he pegged her to be.

She could tell he was lying.

Deciding however to take his advice Ruri attempted to ignore the burning question as she continued to walk along the snowy terrain. Quickening her pace she met up with Yusuke and Tavik only to pause as the young soldier jetting out his hand, "Wait."

"What's the hold up?" Yusuke asked with anticipation as a soft gust of wind swept across the open clearing.

"Something," Tavik paused while clenching his jaw, "something isn't right."

As if on cue a soft grumbling sound swirled around the open air. Though it was faint it bounced from mountain to mountain, slowly gaining sound, and velocity.

"Do you hear that?" Ruri asked, "Why does that sound like,"

"Soldiers." HIei finished. Instinctually he took a forward step in front of Ruri, his hand clutching the hilt of his Katana.

Yusuke followed suit, "So that's…the good guys, right?"

The howling and screaming grew louder, almost to a peak as the fog of the snow began to clear. Figures in the distant grew from dark specks to full bodies. With each inch of fog that evaporated through the clearing they grew from dozens, to hundreds, thousands. They were all dressed in black clawed armor. Their faces covered in dark steel covered helmets. And from what they could see, they held the flag of Olufimi.

Yusuke spoke aloud everyones worst fears, "Damnit."

Though they were a few hundred yards apart, the small team could see a white clad figure break from the crowd. A soldier dressed in ivory leg armor and a silver chest plate casually walked a few feet out from the group before letting out a sinister, yet familiar laugh.

"Well Well," Dendera shouted with a purr of delight, "It seems I've found you. You few, you weak."

"How did she…" Tavik muttered. They were outnumbered. Precisely 25,000 to 1.

"Oh," Dendera added as she waved a few of her soldiers forward. Each member holding black wicker basket in their hands, "I found something else too. Take a look!"

The solders launched the basket in the air towards Ruri and the others. As they rolled in the sky they landed right on the snow, sliding across the frozen ground before the contents finally emptied close to the teams feet.

It was the resistance army…what was left of them at least.

"N-no." Tavik muttered as he dropped to his knees. The entire army in mere shreds lay before him. Fingers, limbs, heads. His scared eyes panned across the carnage before laying on the heads of both Letna and Kadaj. Both their eyes were open, their final face frozen in death were that of pure fear. He could tell the army was outnumbered by Dendera's. They must have been ambushed, and slaughtered.

Ruri too held the eyes of fear as she stared at the corpses that littered around her feet. This was hopeless. All sign of hope was just destroyed, and dismembered. There was no way they could win, none.

Dendera's laughter only grew louder as she watched the small group reel in horror to her surprise, "I did want them to join you and give you an actual chance to defeat me, however they wanted to play, and I do love a good game."

The queen waved her hand in the air, signaling her army to draw their weapons, "Now you four fools are the only thing standing in my way to my conquering of the human world. How sad, to know your entire families and loved ones will die at the hands of my men."

With that her hand fell forward, and the solders were on the move. Slowly they moved in unison. Thousands of feet walking slowly towards the small group.

Without hesitation Ruri and the group started to walk backwards. Perhaps they could run, and hide. They would gather their hopes and forces and mount another attack. If they could make it out of this attack alive. However as they took further steps backwards Ruri's bad balance once again caught the best of her as her foot slipped forwards, causing her to fall flat on her rear.

"Augh!" She shouted aloud, "Its pretty damn hard to run for your life when you're basically walking on ice…ICE!"

She jumped to her feet with both gusto and caution as she grabbed at Yusuke and Tavik. "Its Ice its Ice!"

"What about it!" Yusuke shouted nervously as he tried to keep a few hundred yards ahead of the advancing army.

In her excitement Ruri tried to gather her words, "Tavik you said we would meet the resistance once we crossed Lake Endra right? I think we're here. We're on the lake!"

All four pairs of eyes glanced down to the snow before kicking at the frost. it was true, the clearing in the mountains wasn't a land mass, it was the frozen lake.

"We can use this to our advantage, we can still fight and win this!"

"How?" Yusuke questioned, "What does ice have to do with making miracles here?"

"No," Hiei finally chimed in, "She's right." His clawed hand pointed towards the advancing warriors. "They are on the ice as well. If we can muster enough strength to blast a hole in the water, we can drown them all."

"But we would be at risk too," Tavik added, "we are at the center of the lake."

"In case you forgot we've been at risk ever since this bitch won the tournament." With his comment Yusuke withdrew his green winter sweater to revel a long sleeved white shirt. Stretching his arms forward he flexed his muscles before a familiar blue orb of energy buzzed at his fingertips.

"Yusuke no-"

Before Ruri could finish her warning the twenty one year old darted out on to the frozen lake towards his enemies. His finger pulsed with more energy at each step. From across the plain Dendera watched as the black haired boy ran towards her advancing army.

"What a fool." She snarled, unaware of his plan.

When he was within mere yards of the army his hand flex forward, balling into a fist. One last step on the ice catapulted him into the air. He snarled at his enemies before he threw his fist downward, releasing his power, "Shot Gun!"

The blue aura, mixed with red licks of demon energy unload down upon the demonic soldiers. Some even evaporated both the men and their armor. Each blast pummeled into the ground, scratching and pressing down on the ice until finally the miracle sound was heard,

'Crack'

The ice beneath them crackled like broken glass as Yusuke landed on the frozen sheet. Immediately he withdrew back towards his group as the icy cuts darted around the demonic army before shattering as the water began to surface. It was as if a hole beneath the thousand man army appeared, sucking their heavy armor into the icy waves.

Ruri could see Yusuke running back towards the group as the ripples of ice followed him.

"Stand together!" Tavik called as the trio formed into a triangle.

Ruri however was inching out towards her friend, "What if he doesn't make it?!"

As if on cue yet again the ice beneath Yusuke's feet began to buckle. His left foot slipped backwards as a sheet of ice toppled over him, sending him crashing into the waters below.

XXx

An icy feeling was seeming to cross over to both demon and human world as Kurama could not remove the harsh words spoken by his former lover. Yet she had every right. He betrayed her, he lied, and once again his demonic past was hurting the people that he loved. Now an innocent girl, the one whom he had shared his secret path with was now in the hands of Denderas men. Yet he could sense Sylvia's energy, she did not leave the human world. Yet he felt her life force in severe danger.

He followed that scent for a few miles to an abandoned city within the center of the city. Climbing up each step he advanced from floor to floor until he burst down a door to see two soldiers and a frightened Sylvia. Her hands were tied at her back and her ankles bound. Once she had laid eyes on Kurama's red hair, she let out a scream for help. The soldiers quickly turned toward the intruder and braced for a fight. The one soldier in particular grabbed at Sylvia and dragged her towards the edge of the uncompleted building.

"Don't come any closer or she dies." He warned.

"If you so much as scratch the fabric from her clothing you will be dead before your skin feels the fibers." The fox hissed in return.

"Suichi!" The young girl cried, "I'm scared!"

"And you have every right to be," The adjacent soldier snickered, "Because you are going to see your friend die!"

The auburn haired girl closed her eyes in fear. Within that darkness she could hear the screams of men, clashing of swords, and a whipping noise before a sudden drop overcame her. As she opened her eyes she screamed as the soldier released her, and she was now falling towards the ground. As she braced herself she suddenly felt a jerk at her leg, and she was now suspended into the air by a green rope. Looking above her she saw Kurama's face from the edge of the building. Slowly she was lifted up toward the red haired boy.

Overcome with emotion she collapsed into her saviors arms, floods of tears escaping her eyes.

"It's alright." Kurama hushed the hysterical girl. Gingerly he pet her soft hair and buried her further into her chest.

"I was really scared." She muffled between cries.

"You don't have to fear anymore." He reassured her, "I've got you. And I will protect you, forever."

XXx

Ruri watched, as if it was in slow motion as the chuck of ice Yusuke once stood atop on now tumbled over, throwing the boy into the now raging waters. As If on instinct Ruri ran towards the open hole, jumping and dodging as the terrain broke around her. When she approached the freezing waters she paused before taking a leap, letting the freezing water surround her while dove head first.

It bitter cold; the ice above her almost seemed warmer than the freezing waters. The air still left in her lungs caught in her throat, stinging her esophagus. Her skin felt like a thousand daggers were prickling at her sides, from her scalp all the way down to the tip of her toes. She could barely open her eyes, yet she forced her blue orbs awake to take a peek at her surroundings. She could see the dead bodies of Dendera's solders in the far distance, some still struggling in the sub zero temperature. After a few brief moments she finally met with Yusuke's frame as his body floated lifelessly in the water. Pushing her tired muscles forward she swam towards his broken frame, latching on to his shoulders in an attempt to pull him towards the surface. However both their bodies drifted, and the hole she dove into was now closed as a sheet of ice blocked an open passage. Ruri placed her hand on the icy ceiling, attempting to punch her way towards safety and oxygen. Though it seemed future as she was running out of warmth, energy, and most importantly air.

Suddenly she felt an enormous wave of heat as the ice over her melted and shattered, and a familiar hand grabbed at her hair, pulling the two towards the surface. Ruri gasped as the freezing air hit her lungs. Now that she was bobbing at the surface she pushed up Yusuke's limp body towards Hiei and Tavik before pulling her wet form onto of the floating iceberg. Her once dark skin was now a shaking lavender, her lips a frosty blue, and her hair was a slick mess, and slowly freezing over. Flopping onto her back she gasped for air as her eyes panned across the lake. The ice was still breaking across the water, yet the mass of army that approached them was dwindling down. It seemed their plan had worked, for now. Though she could not see Dendera from her laid state. She could feel her energy flaring with anger.

Her thoughts broke as she felt warm hands touch her temples as she stared up at Hiei who hovered above her.

"You idiot." He chastised her.

Ruri attempted to studder a response only to have her silenced by a flush of heat that waved over her body. It felt so warm, so comforting. Yet she pushed off her mates aid when she had enough energy to move. And she quickly crawled over to Yusuke who was still lifeless from the freezing waters.

"You have to help him." Ruri begged as she pressed her hands over his heart, "His heart is slowing, he's going to freeze to death!" Turning back towards Hiei she barked, "Heal him."

Hiei touched his hand at Yusuke's temple only to realize that his body was dead cold. His insides were freezing over, not only his skin.

"Hurry!" Ruri yelled, only further adding pressure to the already frazzled demon.

Hiei stared down at his former nemeses lips before taking a deep breath. Luckily the boy was in a near coma, and there were only two witness to this life saving act. With great speed and gusto he dove down to Yusuke's face, pressing his lips against his own.

Ruri stood in shock and disbelief. Was her mate…kissing someone, a boy, in front of her?! And why was this slightly pleasing?

Before she could question or even gawk at the duo her blue eyes traced over towards Yusuke's skin, fresh steam slowly rising from his clothing. His skin slowly began to transform back to a light pink and his body began to warm from Hiei's mouth to mouth. The breath from Hiei's mouth acted like a furnace, warming the boys body through the heat of their kiss. Suddenly Yusuke's eyes slowly blinked open, only widen as he realized who, and what was warming him up.

"GAHHH!' He shouted as he threw his body to a sitting position, "What the hell!"

Immediately he began hacking and spitting out any sort of demon saliva that may have entered his mouth before giving his life savior a deathly glare.

"Yusuke!" Ruri snarled while smacking her friend on the back of the head, "he saved your life!"

"He made out with me!" Yusuke wailed much like a blushing girl, "And you are NOT my type!"

"Tch, you have worse balance than her, and next time you go on a suicide run try to be more graceful!"

Yusuke leaped to his feet while brushing off any excess icicles and invisible HIei cooties, "Well if thats the only way to save me in the future I'd rather have the suicide aspect."

"Not to interrupt but," Tavik spoke meagerly to the group as his eyes stared out into the distance, "we have company."

From across the now icy waters Dendera watched in horror and malice as her army was slowly engulfed in the lake. Each man falling like dominos into the water as the ice broke up from beneath them. How could a four man army take down 2/3rd's of her well trained soldiers, with mere ice and water! It was an embarrassment, and she would not let this charade last any longer. Turning towards her group of surviving men she latched at the nearest officer before throwing him into the air like a rag doll, "The next fool who doesn't bring me their heads, you'll be dead before you hit the water."

To further emphasize her point she jetted her fingers forward, sending a blast into the air to sever his body into pieces, "Now move!"

Taking their masters orderers with fear the remaining soldiers jumped onto the floating ice sheets as they made their way through the glaciers, swords drawn.

From across the terrain Ruri could see the group advancing. Immediately Tavik jumped in front of the group, "We can use this glacier as an advantage. Everyone take a corner, we can form a shield and kill them before they reach us."

"As long as Hiei's in front of me!" Yusuke shouted while taking the back corner position.

The demon in question snarled as he withdrew his katana. The group was in position, mimicking a shape of a diamond on the floating ice. Tavik was positioned in front while Ruri and Hiei flanked the left and right side, and Yusuke safely positioned himself in the back.

"Ready!" Tavik shouted as the army grew so close they could see their own reflection in the soldiers armor. No one knew who struck first, but within moments, their real battle had begun.

Ruri had felt as if she watched the entire battle proceed in slow motion. Turning her eyes she watched Tavik withdraw his thick Chinese sword, gutting his enemy with a single swipe. Hiei took a leap off the glacier with his superior speed, cutting and slicing limbs and torsos. Sheathing his sword his hands grew hot with licking flames. Sending out a fiery wall, eliminating a large group of men. Yusuke however took a back to basics approach. Using the combination of his spirit and sacred energy he punched and kicked the advancing army from their glacier. Ruri watch the once deep blue waters turn red with blood. Perhaps they did have a fighting chance.

"Ruri! Watch out!" Ruri distraction almost cost her throat before Yusuke blasted his spirit gun, knocking a group of advancing soldiers who were near inches from Ruri's face.

Ruri stepped back, blindsided before turning towards her black haired savior, "Thank you."

"Get your head in the game!" Yusuke yelled, "Just, kick! And punch! Your way through!"

Ruri shook the nervousness from her mind as she finally gave a flair of her energy. She hadn't been in a fight since she stepped into Dendera's fight against her mate weeks ago. It felt like months. However when her skin warmed with the burning energy that escaped her core she felt different. She could feel a new power resurfacing through her body. It was Princess Nathifa.

Pressing onwards she fought alongside her teammates, her blasts of energy punching holes both in her enemies and the ice. Her fear and timidness soon turned to anger and rage. She was going to claw, fight, and murder her way towards the demoness who started it all. She killed her way to the top, rigged the tournament, caused her friends pain, but most importantly, she pissed her off. And Ruri vowed at that moment, she would land the killing blow on Dendera.

The woman in question however grew more and more irritated as the odds of this grand battle slowly began to turn into her enemies favor. Her blood boiled from beneath her white armor, and her energy was crackling against the steel plates.

"Its time," Dendera spoke as she narrowed her eyes on Ruri's energy, " I take matters into my own hands."

Clasping at her armor she removed her silver breastplate, revealing a white linen shirt. Holding out her hands she focused her energy at her core. Her abdomen began to rupture, as suddenly two more arms grew from her body. Gingerly she flexed all four of her wrists before slightly levitating in the air. In an instant she was gone, headed straight for Ruri's direction.

Hiei could sense Dendera's approaching energy; it felt as if the energy of a train was forcing its way across the icy waters. A dangerous growl escaped from his lips. His Jagan began to emit a dark aura as he broke from the pack a second time. Jumping from ice block to ice block his clawed fingers pulled at his bandaged arm. With a forceful thrush he released the infamous black dragon. The dragon let out an ear piercing snarl as it tore through a flank of soldiers, making a clear path for his sword to pierce the evil queen.

Ruri, who had her hands full at the moment thrust her enemy into the water only to realize her mate was M.I.A.

"Where'd he…oh no, HIei!" Ruri too abandoned her post in an attempt to stop her revenge driven mate. Not only would he get himself killed, but revenge was to be saved just for her.

"Hey where are you going?!" Yusuke shouted, "Why's everyone jumping ship here?"

"They're going for Dendera." Tavik answered with a grunt as he kicked a severed demon off his sword, "Perhaps if she is defeated her army will step down."

"Yeah well if they don't kill us first!" Yusuke growled, "Damn what I would do for some back up right now!"

"No need Uramashi!" A thick accent filled voice filled the frozen waters, "The calvary is here."

Yusuke snapped his head around to receive a quick gust of wind in his face. As the snow covered air cleared his brown eyes met with both Chu and Jin who were speeding across the lake on a sheet of ice.

"What the hell are you guys doing here!" Yusuke asked with curiosity and surprise.

"Oh come on now Urameshi you didn't think we'd just sit there in the human world watching the telly and changing diapers now would ya?" Jin sputtered while he pulled at Yusuke's cheeks gingerly.

"Yeah and turns out that one eyed sheila Hiei runs with is the master of dimensions. She cut us a portal directly into the demon world." Chu added.

"You mean you left my wife and godchildren in the hands of a former demon lord?"

"No," Mukuro answered Yusuke question while slowly approaching the group, "you underestimate how powerful your friends are Yusuke. Besides, you look like you have your hands quite full."

The demoness panned her eyes over to Tavik, watching him as he slain yet another demon before turning towards her, his eyes smiling at her presence.

"Well enough gushing! Are you guys here to help or not!" Yusuke called as the gap closed from Hiei's dragon attack, replacing it with another wave of soldiers.

"Right."

Meanwhile Hiei finally landed on the last block of ice that separated him from the queen herself. His snarl only further hissed from his lips as Dendera locked eyes with the black haired demon. Her golden orbs rolled as she crossed all four arms over her chest.

"Well, well, well. if it isn't my favorite little demon come back to avenge his dear little girlfriend. "You are standing however, in the way of my real prize."

"I wont let you put a hand on her again." Hiei threatened as he one again pulsed his Jagan eye.

Dendera positioned her body in a fighting pose as Hiei darted towards her, his energy growing into its second wind. The queen dodged his attack as the two advanced to a hand to hand combat. After all, this was personal. His bandaged hands flickered with his signature mortal flame move as each punch was thrown in Dendera's direction.

They battled from ice block to block, shattering the fragile glaciers they were standing on. Soon their options were limited as they both landed on one of the last blocks of ice in the surrounding sea.

"You know this bores me." Dendera pouted, "But then again I've already defeated your dragon, and i doubt you've gotten stronger since."

"I don't need to grow a second set of arms to look menacing. My strength is fearsome enough!"

Ruri on the other hand had finally made it towards Hiei and Dendera only to watch helplessly as the two squared off against each other on a distant ice block. But they were too far out to reach. And Ruri wasn't quite sure if she could jump, let alone swim that far.

"You know, you should have thanked me for killing off your people." Dendera chuckled, "After all they were so cruel to you. You know, when I found the last one hiding in the forest she had asked me if I was sent here by you. Oh what was her name…" The queen softly paced her ivory finger to her lips. "Oh! Thats right! Ree!"

Hiei seemed shocked by her words.

"Ree told me everything everything about your people and your mother…and then she told me about your dear little sister Yukina. That's right. As soon as I kill you and your friends, and I'm going invade my forces into human world, and slit her throat."

By this time Hiei had let out a demonic growl as his skin began to transform from his pale complexion to a lush green. His multiple Jagan's began to peel across this body, and his energy tripled in strength. Now that he had something to live for, no one, and nothing would ever take them away from him. Not while he was still alive to fight. On instinct he launched towards her, baring both his teeth and sword. Dodging her attack he sliced his sword in the open air, the blade licking with his demonic energy. Dendera jumped back for the first time in the fight only to brace herself as Hiei attacked again, stabbing his sword through one her hands. The queen let out a muffled groan as she slowly clawed her hands over the blade, ripping it out of Hiei's arm. With just as quick speed she pulled out Hiei's katana from her palm before plunging it through Hiei's thigh, and down into the ice block, effectively pinning him down by his own sword.

"Hiei!" Ruri shouted from across the waters. She had to find a way to get to her mate, and now.

Dendera saw Hiei's cry of pain as music to her ears, "You know," She spoke with a tired breath as she stared down Hiei's seemingly defenseless position, "My extra limbs are natural. The trait runs in the family. But i just hate body modifications. I think its cheating." Her spare arm dug into the pocket of her leg armor, pulling out a small dagger. "So lets, even the playing field. And after all, its only fitting you get the same treatment as your dear old family."

Ruri let out an ear piercing scream as she watched Dendera tower over her mate with a knife, only to slice it directly over his forehead, piercing his Jagan eye. She could see the wave of blood that escaped her mates face, even the eyes that covered his body began to seep a crimson liquid. She couldn't bare to see his pain. His body fell towards the ground, lifeless, yet shaking as more blood drew from his wound. It was in that moment that Ruri's eyes began to glow a bright white color, she could feel something stirring within her body. A new type of energy felt like it was ripping at her skin. It didn't matter whatever it was, as long as it could kill Dendera.

Ruri took a step back before leaping into the air, surprising her body levitated over the water before she blasted off towards her enemy. As she drew closer to her she swung her hand out like it was a sword, cutting into Dendera and effectively slicing one of her arms from her body. As the queen cried out in pain Ruri dropped to her knees to feel over her mates chest. Hiei laid there, his eyes closed shut to the world. She could feel his heart pulse slowly through his chest. Her slender hands cupped at his blood stricken face before she whispered, "Hiei please, please don't go."

Not willing to look at his disheveled face any further she slowly set his head back on the ice before rising to her feet to stare down Dendera, "You!"

The queen in question snarled as she staggered towards Ruri, a fight still alive in her eyes. As Ruri flared her energy, the queen paused. That aura, it felt so familiar to her, and it rubbed her the wrong way.

"Who, who are you?" She snarled as Ruri let out a laugh.

"You don't remember. The energy is the same, however I do lack the family resemblance!"

Thrusting her arm forward she let out another wave of energy towards Dendera, knocking her off her feet. The warrior sat up on the ice too meet Ruri's white eyes face to face.

"Its been such a long time. Dearest little DD." Ruri spoke, however her voice was a mixture of her own, and the deep pitted sound of the Princess Nathifa herself.

"No, you cant be!" Dendera managed to sputter out.

Ruri's hand latched at Dendera's shoulder, pulling a second arm out of it socket, "You've been a disgrace to this kingdom, and to the throne. You've killed thousands of innocents," She sneered, "And now, you are going to pay."

"No please, Nathifa no." For the first time in her life Dendera eyes grew a look of fear.

"Oh no," Nathifa's voice spoke to her sibling, "I have no hate for you sister. After all you've done, and all you've killed, I will always love you sister. But its time you join me."

Ruri blinked, replacing her once white eyes with her traditional blue. Her hand grasped Dendera's shaking throat while her free hand formed into a fist with her index and middle finger sticking out.

Ruri's face twisted into a snarl as she moved her hand over Dendera's face, each finger lining up with each eye, "Your sister is kind, but though we share this body…do not confuse her empathy for mine. This is for my mate, you heartless bitch."

With that insult she thrust her fingers forward, piercing through each eye until her fist broke through the back of her skull.

A wave of silence crossed over the icy sea. As Yusuke and the others fought against the rest of the late queens army, the soldiers paused in mid fight, before each one of their bodies began to be crushed by their own armor until what remained of their torn forms fell into the sea. Yusuke blinked before his eyes caught the figure of Ruri and Hiei.

Pulling her arm from Dendera's carcass Ruri fell backwards, only to crawl back over to her mate, "Hiei, Hiei, wake up."

Her weak arms tugged at the black fabric of his shirt, yet her mates body remained limp and lifeless. Ruri blinked, releasing a wave of tears that flushed down her face. Her body fell on top of his as she let out a long awaited cry.

Her tears where short lived as she felt a gasp of air escape from Hiei's lungs. Immediately she lifted her head as her eyes cast on the specter of Nathifa hovering over Hiei's body.

Perhaps Ruri was exhausted and hallucinating, however as Nathifa made eye contact with the young girl she smiled, "Do not worry, he will survive."

"How are you…" Ruri questioned aloud, "I thought you were…inside of me?"

Nathifa laughed, "I will always be apart of you. However its time that I take my spirit, as well as my sister's to the next life."

"I'm not sorry." Ruri sneered in reference to the once living queen.

"I don't expect you to be," Nathifa answered, "she was ruthless, and power hungry. But in the end she wanted what we all want in this world, to be loved. But I must carry that burden now. So, I guess this is our goodbye."

Ruri blinked, her fatigue taking over, "Goodbye? But, you've, you've saved me. How can I, repay you?"

The princess smiled, "Ruri you have a beautiful long life to live, that can be your redemption to me. Be free, live your life, enjoy the world that I was so unable to be apart of. And though I hope you don't but if you ever need me, I will return to you. Take good care of your friends, especially your mate. He will need your strength. But now, you should rest. So long my friend."

With that she puckered her lips before a white steam escaped her lips. As it graced across Ruri's nose her eyelids slowly began to sink down upon her face, and within that moment her eyes shut to the world in a peaceful slumber.

What has it been, a year huh! Do not worry, this is not the end. I actually wrote the ending to this story, of sorts. And now I'm just tying up some loose ends and figuring out what to do with my favorite OC and her mate now that there is no life and death fighting. But, as you finish this text, hopefully the newest chapter will lbe up and running.

Thanks for sticking around

xoxox