"You wanted to see me, Master Genkai?" Kyoko asked, her eyes snapping over to Kurama by the window. Kurama greeted her with a pleasant smile, one she reluctantly returned. She does hesitate in the doorway; however, her eyes finding Botan as well.

"Yeah," Genkai crossed the length of the room to sit at the small table in the center. "Take a seat, Kyoko. We need to talk about Aurora. Don't mind Kurama, he's here because he would've tried to snoop anyway."

Kurama doesn't appreciate the jab, but it's the truth. He would have without an ounce of guilt. Besides, he knows she means it in the best way, he can tell by the small smirk she sends his way. It was no wonder she and Yusuke worked so well as teacher and student; their attitudes were similar.

Botan sat down on Genkai's right, giving Kurama an apologetic look.

"Besides, I'm glad at least one of them is taking this seriously enough to get prepared." Genkai grumbled, "That dimwit of mine will never change."

Yusuke and Kuwabara were busying themselves with Genkai's expansive arcade collection.

"He's powerful." Kyoko took her seat finally, flashing Botan a brief smile. "It's no wonder he's unconcerned. I've never felt power like his before. It's difficult to even measure."

"Tell me, do you think Aurora has the same potential Yusuke has?" Genkai raised her cup of tea to her lips. "Has she improved any?"

Kurama watched Kyoko's hesitance, watched as she furrowed her brow in concentration. Kurama's expression showed very little, but her look told him much. "I have no idea. She's taken to the training remarkably. Even trying my hardest I can't break her barrier; her spirit energy is infallible. I even used Reigan's scythe at full power, but the barrier rejected it."

Kurama had no clue who this Reigan was, but judging by Genkai's widened eyes, he was quite formidable….

Wait. Reigan was undoubtedly one of Kyoko's spirits. Kurama's eyes noted a bracelet of black beads on Kyoko's left wrist. Yes, that's definitely the case. Kurama could sense a swirling dark energy beneath Kyoko's confining energy. It was human, this energy, like Banriyu's was, but perhaps it once was. It felt slightly malevolent but not quite demonic.

From what Aurora told him, their energy can confine any spirit or apparition—regardless of its power, as long as it was willing. Unable to help himself, Kurama briefly wondered what benefits Kyoko afforded to this malevolent creature.

Kyoko's chuckle snaps Kurama's attention away, "This morning was the last day she needed to master the technique. Her control is…unheard of, especially considering how much she has…how much she has yet to tap into.

"Still," Kyoko continued on, "her barrier is so strong that she can't attack unless she drops it, but as long as she has Banriyu and Nike, that should be no problem. Nike especially, even my Reigan pales in comparison." Kyoko trailed off before speaking again, "Aurora can funnel her energy to her spirits while she maintains the barrier, but given a reasonable enough distraction and it's gone. She lacks focus. Aurora has no drive for this. I doubt she ever will. So no, I don't believe she could come close to Yusuke. That boy's power is…."

"Yeah, I know. One in a million." Genkai nodded, then directed her next question over to Botan. "What does Koenma has to say about all this?"

Botan's shoulders slumped slightly, "He's worried, really worried, although I'm not sure why. He's asked me to check in on her several times already. It's odd considering Hydra isn't even a high priority criminal. He only asked Yusuke to bring him in because Kurama thought he was a threat to Aurora. There's something he's not telling me…something that has to do with Aurora's family, I think."

Botan paused, finger pressed to her lips. "He hasn't been this anxious in a long time, I'm afraid."

Kurama spoke up, "Is it Aurora's relation to Eris that troubles him?"

"I'm not sure." Botan admitted. "he won't say."

Genkai stared hard at her cup. "Somehow I doubt that. No, there's something else here, something we're missing. Does Suzume know anything more?"

Kyoko smiles, "If you're so worried, Master Genkai, perhaps you should contact her yourself."

"Hmph. That girl has always been stubborn. She won't tell me anything."

"Suzume can be reasoned with, I think, if you're nice." Kyoko teased before taking a deep breath. "Admittedly, I'm a little worried for my cousin. I'm thinking of moving in with her…to keep an eye on her."

"I assure you," Kurama cut in, "She is well looked after. Hiei's substantial power is enough to sway even the most mindless demons. He won't let any harm befall her."

"Yes," Botan agreed, "We all care for her. We won't let anything happen to Aurora."

Kyoko chuckled, giving them both a genuine smile. "I see that."

Kyoko glanced back to Kurama, "I hope you guys find him soon. I hate seeing her like this, worried like this."

"She seems to be handling it rather well," Botan said.

"In a way, I guess she is, but I'm an empath, I see what's beneath the surface. From the moment I saw her at the train station I knew. She…doesn't handle loss very well. Instead of addressing it, she layers other feelings on top of it to suppress it." Then Kyoko tilted her head, "Although, there is a bit of a block in Aurora's mind and so the feelings I get from her aren't all there, only whispers, so I could be misinterpreting it. My power is subtle, to get anymore, I'd have to try harder, but she wouldn't like that."

"Perhaps she'll surprise you," Kurama murmured, "she allowed Hiei to traverse through her memories recently. There was very little hesitation."

Kyoko paused at that, her brows drawing together. "Maybe…"

"Don't worry over it too much, Kyoko. If she's anything like Suzume, she'll be just fine." Genkai said, easing the passing look of worry on Kyoko's face.

Kyoko nodded, "I know. There's one thing that still bothers me though."

"What is that?" Kurama asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"I said all of that stuff before to get to this: I assume you all know why she's going to such lengths, even training to become a more competent fighter. You know as well as I do, what she's thinking. She plans to come along with you to Demon World. I bet she hasn't said anything about it, but that's her intention." Kyoko's eyes zeroed in on Kurama's expression, but she would find nothing of use there. "What do you plan on doing about that?"

"I've considered that possibility."

"And?"

"I'm working on a fitting solution; however, I am certain she will not be very cooperative."

Kyoko shrugged her shoulders, and looked to Genkai, "He has a habit of making understatements, doesn't he?"

()()()

Break time couldn't come fast enough for me. After nearly two hours of the torture, Hiei considered training, I was beginning to think Darkness was a bit of a sadist.

I fell on my butt for the twentieth time. My head jerked up like a frightened rabbit. I saw Hiei standing some distance away, all smug…and I panicked, scrambling to my feet. That didn't work out though, he blurred before my eyes. Hiei pinned me to the grass in the next moment, taking a page out of the freaking Lion King. His hands restrained mine high above my head. His iron thighs clamped down on my flailing legs with ease. I threw my head from side to side until I was certain I looked like a complete moron. I wiggled my torso around to no avail. Finally, I allowed my head to slump back, and my eyes to meet his.

"You're slow," He told me, pure unadulterated amusement blazing up his eyes.

"No shit, Sherlock," I frowned at him, trying to understand why he'd make such an obvious statement, especially given this heat. Hell, wasn't it supposed to be autumn? "I've got two grown men strapped to each of my limbs."

Hiei scoffed, "That would be true, only if each man weighed ten pounds."

I only had eighty pounds of weight on me? Why did it feel like I was carting around a whole basketball team? Oh, yeah, probably because I was running for my life. "Same difference."

His grip on my arms tightened, "Where did all of your knowledge go? Don't pretend you don't know even the most elementary of fighting techniques." He bit out, frustrated, for whatever reason. You can hardly tell with him. "I've seen the way you move. You have some training. Why are you running around like you've gotten your head cut off?"

I see. It's almost funny; he expected more from me. Don't know where he got that idea.

I try to slow my breathing as I speak, taking this as a secret rest period, "Well, for one, I'm out of practice. Two: I haven't worn weights since I was a kid and not being able to move freely makes me panic—"

"Pathetic excuses. I have you pinned, it's impossible for you to escape, and you haven't so much as whined." As if to reinforce this, he leans into me, his face so close to mine, his bangs brush my forehead.

"Yeah, that's because I trust you and I don't really mind so much." I say, nonchalantly. "Being this close to you feels pretty normal to me, you're the one with the contact issues."

I raise my left eyebrow, waiting for him to give me some snappy reply, but he doesn't. We stay like that for longer than is necessary, his piercing gaze intent on mine. I don't mind really. If anyone else had me pinned liked this, I'd be losing my mind. That's true. He's Hiei though, I never feel too weird when it comes to him.

I just offer him a smile. Confusion circles his irises, causing his brow to draw together. Finally, he pulls away, standing to his feet. "I don't know why you must always be so…"

"Honest?" I offer, trying to stand on my feet, but deciding to stay on the ground. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me struggle. "Oh, I'm not, not really. I hide things all the time. It's the truth though. You sleep in my house, Hiei. Of course, I trust you."

"No." He says, the smugness freshly returned, "I was going to say irritating."

"Nice, you jackass." I manage to struggle to my feet to shove him in the chest. He catches my wrists, just before I make contact. I try to pull away out of frustration, but the dude is strong. He just smirks.

"Nice try, but you're still too slow." He says as I struggle against his grip. His hot hands were starting to feel like cuffs.

I stopped fighting, "Yeah, yeah. Let me go, alright? It's too hot for this. Can we break now?"

"Your stamina leaves much to be desired."

I roll my eyes at his comment, but I don't address it. Too tired to even catch a little attitude.

His eyes flit over my face before he releases his hold. I blink suddenly and I realize there are no longer all those grown men strapped to my limbs. The last weight dropped to the grass. Hiei inclined his head. "Follow me and try to keep up."

For the sake of argument, I do, rubbing my arms, and pulling my shirt down to hide my bellybutton. He doesn't speak as we pass through the trees. He keeps his pace slow so I can easily keep up, even in my fatigued state. After a little hike, he brings me to small stream. Clear, icy water ran across round grey rocks, cutting a path through the forest floor and disappearing from view. It's so beautiful, I pause before it to admire nature's work.

After I've given it a thorough examination, I plunge my hands into the water and cup it, bringing the water to my mouth. It's cold. Fresh and clear. I drink until I've released every heat from my body, dabbing my neck and collar bone with the water likes it's the finest perfume. It certainly feels that way.

Hiei settles on a large rock near the stream. He stretches out one leg and pulls the other to his chest, settling his arm on top of it. After I stretch a couple times, thankful to have my natural body weight returned to me, I decide to join ole Darkness on his perch.

The rock is cool to the touch as I climb up. I feel Hiei's eyes on me as I ascend, and then return to the stream once I'm settled beside him.

The chirp of birds join the whistling wind, and running water in a quiet sort of lullaby. It's comforting to say the least. I pull my knees up to my chest and turn my head to the side to rest my head on my arms. Hiei's profile greets my gaze. His eyes are close to closing, but I know he isn't tired.

He's faraway somewhere. I know I'll probably regret this, but, whatever. "What are you thinking about?" I ask, watching as his eyes darted over to me.

"Nothing." He replied quickly, "Why do you ask?"

"Because you don't look like you're thinking about nothing."

"Well, I am." Hiei responds, "why do you care?"

I close my eyes, "Hiei, we've talked about this. You don't have to be a dick all the time. It's just a question."

"You have a lot of those."

I snort, "I barely ask you anything. I just felt moved to suddenly. You looked so weird just now. I just wanted to know why."

"Hn."

I shake my head, turning to look to the water. Some days our conversations went easily, others, it was like pulling teeth out of a troll. "Whatever."

"Why are you doing this?" He asked, suddenly, his voice was sharp, but his eyes showed only curiosity. "Why are you trying to get stronger?"

"Isn't that obvious?" I asked, "I need to and…you guys are going to get Hydra. I'm coming with you."

Fiery disbelief flashes across his eyes, and I know his next set of words were going to annoy me.

"Your power is unimpressive. You're paranoid and panic easily. Your temper never allows you to think clearly. You're impulsive and naïve." Hiei shot off these statements like they were facts he had observed and written down for later study. "And you still think it's a good idea for you to come?"

"Yes." I say, straightening out. I feel a fight coming and I won't take it lying down. "That's right. What of it?"

"That is the silliest thing I have ever heard."

"Yes, well, your opinion on the matter won't change my mind." I feel the anger building, my eyes narrow, "If you think it's so stupid stop training me. Hell, it's barely been a day, I can find someone else."

Hiei growled, "Don't tempt me."

"Then don't jump down my throat, whenever you hear something you don't like." I say with exasperation, "Believe it or not, but I don't make good decisions based on whether or not you'll agree."

"You don't make good decisions at all." Hiei lurched toward me, eyes blazing, "what the hell do you think is going to happen when we get to Hydra? They'll just welcome us in with open arms and hand him over? Is that what you think?"

"Of course not!" I'm not stupid, but his condescending tone makes me think he disagrees.

"They're going to want to fight us, Aurora, and you'll be in the way. They won't let him go easily. Don't you understand? They took him because they want you, you silly girl! Why do you think he's still alive?" Hiei snapped, his voice cutting through my anger with ease. His intense gaze is enough to stop me from firing off an automatic reply. "Or did you even think about that?"

I pull back, still glaring.

"You come, and we'll be playing straight into their hands, or do you not value your own life?" He's angry. I hate to admit it, but I see he's not just being mean. He's concerned in his own yelly, edgy way. I know that…but I can't help that. One thing I can't do is control how other people feel, if I could though?

"Look. I like living, a lot, okay?" I calm my voice down, trying to sound reasonable after my mini-rant. "I do. But he's my friend, Hiei. He's family."

"He's a traitor." Hiei said through his teeth.

"You don't know that—" I catch myself about to go into another yell, but I bring it back down. I pull myself away. "He's still family. And, I think you can agree, people do weird things for family."

Hiei's eyes flicker with recognition before narrowing, "Who told you?"

"About Yukina being your sister? No one. It's just obvious. I had a suspicion at first…until I saw how you are with her when we had that picnic. Plus, you have the same beautiful eyes." The fire in his eyes shifts slightly so I continue on, "I prefer yours, of course, but they're almost the same. Why you're hiding it? I don't know and I don't care."

Hiei manages to calm those frightening eyes of his.

I throw my hand up, "That's your business, just like this is mine. I thought you of all people would understand. Hydra is…"

I pull a hand through my hair, glaring at the canopy of leaves above me. "I found him when he was wounded and alone. He had no one. He barely could say his own name when I asked," I could feel my eyes beginning to prick, so I blinked the warmth away. "Now, he has me. Sure, he failed me, but I failed him too by being too weak. But—" clear my throat, "that doesn't matter. What matters is that I do all I can now to get stronger, to protect him the way I should have. I brought him into this world. He's my responsibility. Do you get that?"

And I do, I want him to get that.

I dare to finally look at him, finding his eyes watching my face. The irritation and anger is gone, and I think I see some mutual understanding. I hope that's what it is. "Because, even though I can't stand you, right now, I want you to get that."

He turns his gaze from me, saying nothing for what felt like minutes until, "You are extremely irritating."

There's a slight curve to his lips as he speaks and I know that's his way of saying, 'fine. If you must'.

I laugh a little breathlessly, and try to shove his shoulder, but he reaches out, quick as quick, and catches my wrist. "You're just as bad as me, if not worse."

Hiei stands to his feet. "Let's go, you've had enough rest."

I can't help the squealing whine that escapes my throat, "What? That was barely a rest. How about this, five more minutes?"

"You can rest while we walk."

"Carry me?"

"Carry yourself."

"That's impossible, Hiei, and you know it."

"Absurd questions get absurd answers."

"I can't stand you."

()()()

For some reason, I get a second wind. When Hiei flies toward me to trip me up, I have the presence of mind to leap over the leg. But…I take too long to celebrate this accomplishment, because he manages to get me the next time he tries it.

We continue on for another hour before Hiei announces he's had his fill of beating on me for one day. I fall back on the grass just as I feel four energy signatures approaching. Hiei appears before me and begins to remove the weights.

I make myself lean forward just as he removes the last leg weight. "I could have done that, you know?"

"Somehow I doubt it." Hiei said, his fingers flitting across my wrists to remove those weights as well. "Tell me who's approaching," I move to turn around and Hiei grabs my shoulder. "Without looking."

I sigh, looking him in the eyes. I feel Kurama right away, I guess because I know his so well, Yusuke comes next followed by Kuwabara and then….I frown. It's similar to, "Kyoko, Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara."

Hiei gives me a nod. And I know my face is almost bursting with my smile. "Admit it, I'm good."

"You're adequate." His smirk should be criminal.

"How's the training going?" Kurama asked, eyes slipping over the two of us with a twist of glee that's unmistakable, "Well, I assume?"

Hiei shoots Kurama a warning look which he seems to love so much he actually chuckles. These two are weird.

"Tch. Aurora, you okay?" Kuwabara asks me, looks like he's torn between running to pick me up and calling for a doctor. "I'm so used to you looking so nice…" he winces.

I just deadpan, "Gee, thanks, Kuwabara. I always feel so special talking to you. Jesus."

"I thought you hated being in the grass," Kyoko says as the four of them close in. "You did nothing but complain when I wanted to train there."

I shot Kyoko a look, "I never asked you to train me. You're doing it for money."

"And Hiei isn't?" Yusuke asked, his eyes on Hiei with this huge grin. "I thought for sure you bribed him or something. Why else would he be so kind and considerate? Hell, he's even taking it easy on you."

"Because we're cool like that." I tell Yusuke, trying to stand on my feet but my legs tremble a bit and I stagger back down. I feel an arm around my waist though. I look to my right and find Hiei's red eyes on me.

"Stop flailing around." Hiei steadies then releases me with a roll of his eyes. "you're too accident prone for your own good."

"Accident prone?" I tried to shove him but he catches my wrist, "Maybe I should kick your ass for four hours and let you tell me how it feels."

Hiei only snickers, "You have such a vivid imagination. You couldn't kick me, even if I stayed completely still."

I am seething as I take my right hand to give him a firm slap to the face, but, as expected, he catches that arm too and tugs me forward with a smirk.

"One of these days," I say, "I'm going to get you."

"Yes," he mocks, "Once my corpse is cold, I'm sure you'll be more than capable."

"That's quite enough," Kurama cut in, but I notice Kyoko's wears a look of confusion. Kuwabara looks about ready to protest, but Yusuke's all grin. I see this from my peripherals, but my focus is all on the fire demon. I'd get him if it killed us.

"You talk way too big," For the first time, I try to kick him. Hiei uses his leg to block the blow, but that leaves that one leg busy while I bring my other leg up. Hiei realizes this too late as he has to pull us both to the ground to avoid my leg making contact. I try to straddle him as the voices swirl around me, but Hiei makes it on top and pins my hands above my head and uses his thighs to pin me down.

I know I'm defeated, but I can't help but curse, "Damnit."

Instead of gloating, his eyes are curious, "Where did that sudden burst of energy come from? You could hardly stand just a moment ago."

"I…" I pause, and blink. My legs and arms felt pretty normal, but they didn't feel as heavy, they felt the way they felt before my training. "I have no idea."

"Kurama," Hiei still kept me pinned down but looked to Kurama, "Did you notice anything strange about her energy?"

"Yes." Kurama said pensively, "It changed suddenly. It also appears that…Aurora, do you perhaps feel tired at all?"

My adrenaline was slowing down, but was I tired? "No, I feel great, actually. Good as new."

"That is impossibly fascinating." Kurama mused, "Tell me, Kyoko, does your energy behave similarly?"

"No." Kyoko's voice was low too. "Not at all."

Kuwabara spoke next, "I think it responded to her mood. Once she got mad at Hiei, her energy spiked like crazy."

"I agree." Kurama said voice trailing off.

I let the silence linger a while before I whispered to Hiei, "As much as I enjoy this quality time with you, do you mind?"

He turned his gaze to me, blinking in that deceptively innocent way of his.

"Are you okay?" I asked wiggling my arms. He released me and shot to his feet. That was a strange expression.

"Yeah man," Yusuke cackled, eyes running over with tears. "Don't look so disappointed. There'll be plenty of time for that later—"

Hiei's eyes flickered over to Yusuke with annoyance. "Careful detective, I may start thinking you have a death wish."

"Oh, yeah?" Yusuke cracked his knuckles, "I've been itching for a fight for days now. How bout it? You and me?"

There's this slightly charged energy between the two of them, and Hiei's eyes blaze in this way that I find….

I bit my lip and take a step back as my pulse shocks me by quickening in this strange way.

"You should stay and watch, Miss America." Yusuke says with a grin. "You'll finally get to see someone kick his ass."

"Tch. Wishful thinking will get you nowhere." Hiei said.

My stomach feels uneasy, and my beating pulse feels awkward for some reason—strained and clumsy. "I think I'm going to head in actually. I don't feel well."

Kurama paces toward me and inspects me with cool, practiced hands. He lifts my chin, examines my gaze before checking my pulse. Kuwabara comes close while Kyoko observes me at a distance. "What does it feel like?"

"What's wrong with her?" Hiei asks sharply, and I can feel his gaze on me.

"There doesn't appear to be anything." Kurama said.

I know what it is, but it's a strange foreign feeling and I don't really want to delve into it. Besides, it didn't last very long. "Sorry, I'm all good now." I say, slipping out of Kurama's grasp. "I am starving though."

"I'm sure I can remedy that." Kurama said, "We best leave them to their sparring. They tend to get a bit overzealous."

"I bet." I said, allowing Kurama to take my left elbow and lead me up and away from the two eager boys.

The feeling leaves as quickly as it comes and I don't even remember it for the rest of the day.

()()()

I step into the room all showered, and smelling of lavender. Kurama and Kuwabara's been talking about me. I can tell by the way Kuwabara's eyes snap over to me when I step into the room.

I choose to ignore them, finding Botan, Keiko, Shizuru, and Yukina in a corner. Banriyu hovers over Keiko's shoulder, two bracelets in her hands.

I slip down onto a cushion and Banriyu rushes to my side, kisses my forehead, and takes his place near me. "Thanks, Keiko." I take the jewelry, "Nike is sleep, I guess?"

"She talked for a while," Yukina said.

"Yeah, she's really nosey, isn't she?" Shizuru asked with a smirk.

"Who are you telling?" I wave my hand. "She is such a busy-body. I hope she didn't ask you too much."

"No, it was kinda funny actually." Keiko giggled. "It must be nice, having to never be alone like that."

Banriyu runs his fingers through my hair and I smile. "Yeah. Sometimes it feels like you never get a break, but most of the time…I feel like the luckiest person in the world."

Botan gave me a pleasant smile. "That's sweet."

"Do they watch you shower?" Shizuru broke through the sweetness.

Keiko struggled to right her face as Banriyu did his best to look offended. "Why I never!" he muttered, "You vile woman—"

I held up my bracelet, Banriyu crossed his arms and zoomed into it. "Thanks for that, Shizuru. It'll take me all night to straighten that out."

She burst out laughing, followed by Botan and Keiko.

Yukina giggled sweetly. "Poor Mr. Banriyu, I hope he's alright."

"Yeah, well, that's what he gets for putting out all my cigarettes."

Keiko sighed, "Shizuru…"

"Oh," I say, I should have known. He hates the things. "I guess I owe you a pack, don't I?"

"You think?"

"Let me get my wallet." I tell her, the least I can do is give her money. "Apparently, I've finished my training with Kyoko, so she and my grandparents gave me the go ahead to spend the rest of break here. She dropped my stuff off in the room Genkai gave me."

"I'll come with you." Keiko said.

"Yes! Let's make this into a field trip, all aboard!" Botan leapt to her feet, encouraging Shizuru and Yukina to stand as well.

"Aren't we all on the same hall?" Shizuru asked.

Botan pushed her two pointer fingers together. "Of course, but we may as well go together, besides it gives us a chance to snoop."

I didn't hide my look of surprise.

Shizuru shrugged, thinking nothing of it. "Lead the way."

Keiko nodded in agreement, and I looked to Yukina for help, but she just smiled. "Let's go, Aurora." These girls are crazy.

And to think, I didn't even plan on making friends when I first came to Japan.

()()()

Yusuke and Hiei lumbered in a little while later, licking wounds, both figuratively and literally.

"Look who decided to join us." Kurama looked up from his hand of cards.

"Oh," Yukina gasped, taking a look at the bruised duo. Besides the scrapes though, they looked fine. "Would you like me to heal you?"

Kuwabara scoffed, "Don't waste your time on them. They deserve to feel a little pain. We all come out here for a little fun and the first thing these two want to do is knock heads. Tch. Who need 'em."

"Aw, come on, Kuwabara," Yusuke pounced into the room and slung his arm over Kuwabara's shoulder making him almost drop his whole hand. "You know I can't go more than a few days without some head knocking. It's how I survive."

"Yeah, right." Keiko muttered darkly, throwing a card down in the pile on the floor. The table wasn't quite long enough to accommodate all of us, so we moved it off to the side. "Dumb boy."

Yusuke pulled at his collar and leaned into his girlfriend, "Oh, Keiko, don't be that way. If you're giving me the cold shoulder now, what are we supposed to do tonight—"

Keiko slapped him onto his back. "Hmrph!"

Yusuke didn't get up for a while, nursing his cheek.

Kurama and I locked eyes, but held in our laughs.

"The way you two flirt never ceases to amaze me." Botan observed with a chipper smile. Shizuru snorted, "I think they should get a room."

Keiko turned bright red, but Yusuke sat up like a rocket, only to be knocked back down again.

I blinked and turned back to nod at Botan, "I have to agree. It's so aggressive, it's a little scary."

Kurama chuckled.

I twisted to look fully at him on my left. "What?"

Kurama's eyes hooded over as he looked teasingly down at me, "I hardly think you're one to talk, Aurora."

I scoffed and waved my cards at him like I was his grandmother or something, "Dear, sweet, Kurama. You've never seen me flirt."

He tilted his head, and responded ever so sweetly, "I think you and I both know that is quite untrue."

My mouth worked itself into a fury, embarrassment making me shoot my head away. "Shut up, Kurama. No one likes you."

He simply came apart with laughter, and I sat beside him seething.

Botan was giggling too, I saw. And that was the straw that broke the camels back. I threw my cards down and moved to stand up, but Kurama reached out to catch my wrist.

He gave me a gentle tug, "Forgive me, Aurora. It was not my intention to anger you. I was only curious."

"That's your excuse for everything you do," I say, but he nails me with that gaze of his—soft understanding—and I feel a little silly about running away. "Fine, but I get to hit you."

"I'll take whatever punishment you deem appropriate," Kurama's voice is one timber away from sending me to Spirit World. He's teasing me and he knows it, the sly, stupid fox. "Here."

He offers his hand, and I swat it away, sinking down. "If you weren't so pretty, I'd run you over with a vehicle."

Botan's eyes were wide with interest, and I shook my head, deciding to ignore the lot of them. Finally, I catch Hiei by the window. I expected him to have departed, but, no, there he was.

I catch his gaze and I smile. He seems to realize I've noticed and looks away from me.

"Hiei," I call, and he turns his head only a little to acknowledge he'd heard me, "You want to play? It's pretty fun."

"Yes, Hiei, do join us." Kurama and he traded gazes, as Kurama took on this teasing tone I knew all too well. "We're practically a family."

Hiei gritted his teeth, "Keep your thoughts to yourself, Kurama, before you lose the ability to play your little game."

I frown at Kurama, he was no help. "Come on—"

"Don't bother, Aurora." Kuwabara muttered, "I know you think Hiei's cool and all, but he never joins in. He thinks he's too good to play with us."

I get an idea, leaning forward to talk to Kuwabara. "No, I don't think that's it."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hiei shift his head to look in my direction.

"I think he doesn't want to join because he's afraid he won't know how to play." I say with a flip of my hand. "I've spent practically the whole day with him…I know."

I could feel his eyes burn into my back. The others are quiet, watching, but I ignore them, "Am I wrong, Hiei?"

Hiei looks like he's about ready to cook me over a fire when he replies, "Ha! Your silly, human games requires very little skill and brain power. I know that if that oaf can do it—"

"Hey!" Kuwabara shouted.

"I could win without even trying." Hiei finished with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

"Oh?" I asked, and tilted my head with a shrug. "show me."

There's very little more exhilarating than being able to throw someone's words back at them.

The look in Hiei's eyes waver, flipping over possibilities. It's obvious he's hesitant to turn away the challenge. Our eyes battle back and forth, and his gazes narrows.

"I mean…if you're afraid of me…that's cool too." I say, too helpful for my own good. "A lot of people are."

"I fear nothing." He responds tightly.

I shrug, turning away from him. "Sure thing, Hiei. We believe you."

"Tch." There's a brief pause, and Hiei reluctantly moves from the window to sit beside me on the floor. Hiei avoids all eye contact with everyone in the circle. I know from the shushes from Keiko and Yukina, Kuwabara and Yusuke are finding it difficult to control themselves.

Kurama knows what's up, and doesn't so much as grin.

I am through the moon. I want to throw my cards down and do a jig, but I resist the urge to celebrate. "Botan, let's start over and deal Yusuke and Hiei in." Everyone agreed with barely concealed smirks. "Here. I'll explain the rules to Hiei."

I scrambled closer to him, and although I can tell he's annoyed to have been cornered, he stares at me with a deep concentration.

In the end, he wins, of course, but I still can't help but think he cheated somehow, especially since Kurama had been winning since we sat down. But, I'm pretty sure that jagan didn't give him that sort of power…I think.

Author's Note: Guys, for real, this will be the last chapter for a while as I work on other stuff. Next time, we enter the next part of our journey.

Damaged Forest Spirit, I feel bad too, honestly, and I wrote it that way. I do wish I could make that feeling go away, but it will get a little worse before it gets better. When I go back and reread this, I wish I had paired them instead, but I've come so far…and it's too late now *sigh*

Anyway, see you guys next time. Let me know what you think!