"Well, took you long enough." Faith's voice, coming out of the utter darkness about halfway up the stairs succeeded in causing both of them to jump (although Hiei would never admit it later).

Kurama was the first to recover. "And it's nice to see you, too, Faith."

"Is she gone?"

"Hn. That's a stupid question. Would we be here if she weren't?"

"Maybe, if you had decided to give in and work for her." Faith grinned. "Of course, in that case, I'd probably have to kill you both."

"Right. You and what army?"

"Her and us!" came two rather young voices from either side of the stairway. "Prepare to meet your dooms, Demons!"

"Settle down, you two. These two are the good guys and Auntie Missy and Auntie Kiki would have your ears if you harmed one hair on their heads,"

"Aawwwww, but Auntie Faith-"

"We haven't been able to practice-"

"demon slaying in days."

"Plleeeaaasssseeee" The two little voices joined into one on the last word and Kurama and Hiei looked at each other as they saw Faith appear to consider it.

"Sorry, little ones. These two are off limits. At least until the little spiky headed one makes Missy cry. Then you can have him. Or whatever is left after I'm through with him."

"That's so not fair." The two voices continued complaining as they moved off into the darkness surrounding the temple.

"I take it everything has gone well," Kurama asked as they continued up the stairs.

"As well as could be expected." Faith replied. "Kharistahl's goons were around for a while, but they couldn't get in and the kids kept a pretty tight watch to make sure nothing unexpected slipped in. I don't know where Genkai found them, but those two are a pile of trouble I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy." She grinned again. "Until he made my sister cry, of course."

"Of course," Hiei muttered. They were approaching the top of the stairs, and he asked in a slightly louder voice, "How is Missy, anyway?"

Suddenly, the darkness was split by a high-pitched squeal of "Hiiieeeeiiii!!!" which was followed by a small body hurtling from the top of the stairs directly into Hiei. Unfortunately, she managed to slam into him just high enough and with just enough force to send them both rolling back down the steep staircase. Faith and Kurama could see Hiei shifting position as much as he could to take the impact of each step on himself, rather than allow it to land on the small body that seemed intent on burrowing into his.

"Missy's fine. Thanks for asking." Faith said dryly as she watched them tumble to the bottom. Then she turned to Kurama. "You think we should go down and help them up?"

"No, they'll be fine. Hiei is a quick healer." His head snapped up as he heard the sounds of little bare feet running in his direction. In an effort to avoid Hiei's fate, he raced to the top of the stairs just in time to catch his own armful of girl. He managed to stay upright, but only because his forward momentum was sufficient to knock Kiki flat on the ground. Kurama managed to twist around so she landed on him, but even that impact did not shake loose the liplock she had planted on him as soon as he was within reach.

And they all lived happily ever after...Or did they?

The lights in the Great Throne-room of the Nightmare Realm had burned out. No one was there to see as the crystal, left alone in the darkness, sprouted a tiny flame, deep inside. And no one was there to hear the evil laughter that filled the room.