Kuwabara makes quick work of the barrier that keeps us from Hydra's captors. He gives it two swings and makes a hole big enough for all of us to walk through. Directly before us stands a black cathedral, at least, that's what it looks like. Upon closer examination, even the pillars are made up of black rock and there are no windows to speak of. As we walk closer to it and it hovers before us, I feel a violent hiss of energy not far from the entrance.

Hiei chuckles, his voice dripping with a strange malicious joy I know I've heard before, "I'll take that one. You all run along."

Yusuke sucks his teeth, "Damn it, Hiei. We're not even in the freakin' place and you're already hogging everything."

"You'll get your turn," Hiei retorted, picking up his pace, "Practice patience."

Yusuke rolled his eyes, "Practice my ass."

I laugh and their jests. There's no tension or anything. There's this murderous aura nearby, but Hiei's always murderous so that's no big deal. Why does this feel so…easy?

We finally enter and Hiei scoots off to meet that crazy energy without a glance back. Yusuke whistles as another powerhouse starts making his angry presence clear. The rest of us watch Yusuke take off down a corridor and Kurama closes his eyes. "I smell Hydra."

Kurama turned behind to the others, "I'll take Kuwabara and Aurora after Hydra. I have no doubt the others will make themselves known soon enough."

He isn't wrong. As soon as Kurama leads us down a dimly lit corridor demons just start popping up like roaches.

Chu is the last to leave us as he and this heavyset demon break through the black, rocky walls, slamming into other rooms.

Kurama reaches back to pull me forward, away from the fray just as the white spotted marble floors begin to crack.

I'm not really thinking of anything as Kurama leads us. Kuwabara and Kurama are talking, chatting. I can't really hear them. My heart is beating weirdly in my chest. I know Hydra is near. I feel it.

I only half notice Kurama's steps slow as we come upon a hulking doorway. The doors are flung open and the light is surprisingly bright inside. The room is elegantly decorated with patterned fabrics with golden tassels and chairs with clawed feet. It would have been a neat study if not for the obvious problem in the middle of the room. The chains, thick and tight, came from the high ceiling. Hydra's wrists were secured with manacles, his head tucked down into his chest. Hydra's hair was matted and long, he was on his knees and I suspected that his ankles were also cuffed. Another thing that stood out was that, save for the scrap of fabric around his waist, he was almost completely naked.

I saw this in all in half second increments.

His captor stood leisurely from his comfortable chair. His hair was smoky grey and elegantly styled, but he had a pinched face—spoiled. I remembered all that later. In truth, in that moment, all I saw was this sickeningly bright smile of his before I managed to speak through my teeth. "Nike."

Nike flashed forward in a streak of gold. The captor's laugh was cut off abruptly as Nike rammed her arm through his neck and ripped it away, making his head tumble to the floor. Nike's energy flared and every drop of dark blood burned away from her skin. Her hair rose around her as if suspended, and then the captor's remains were completely vaporized.

"Rhito!" A woman yelled from somewhere in the room. Her scream was haggard, starved for air—distressed. I hadn't noticed her in the slightest. In all honesty, I was surprised I noticed this Rhito. I probably wouldn't have, if he hadn't made himself so obvious. Part of me debates feeling pity for her, but I can't. They knew exactly what they were doing. They chose to capture him. they chose to torture. They chose to strip my Hydra of decency and I'm choosing to feel nothing for them.

In life, all you have are choices. It's up to you to choose wisely.

I heard a rush of footsteps near, but I knew they wouldn't reach me. I felt Kurama's energy spike and the difference between him and this woman was laughable.

I floated through this comatose world as I neared Hydra. I pulled the bag from my shoulders in this slow haze although I knew I was moving normally, in fact, I probably moved fairly quickly. But it all seemed artificial to me. I think Kuwabara said something to me. I think I feel him touch my face, ask me questions, but I don't count them as real.

"Hydra." I say, reaching out to run the back of my fingers across his cheeks. He's in his third form, his teen form. His jaw is sharper, his eyes not nearly as large as I'm used to, but I'm glad he doesn't look like a child. If he did, I'd probably vomit all over the floor. "Can…"my voice cracks as I fight a slick lump in my throat. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't believe someone could do this to him. My Hydra. "Can you hear me?"

Hydra lifts his head and puts his swirling violet eyes on me and smiles. His mouth is bloody, his lip cut, and his face is bruised and battered. "Hey, Princess…you look good."

My heart pulses once loudly in my brain and the world wakes up around me. I can breathe.

"Kuwabara." I say, reaching over to give his arm a squeeze. His eyes are wide with their worry, sweat speckles his forehead. His mouth is pulled into a tight, soured line and his lips are chapped. Moments before, I couldn't even pick up the hue of his hair. "I'm fine. Just help me, okay?"

He nods his head; happy I've gotten myself together. I can't blame him. I can barely remember how we got here. "What do you need?"

I activate my barrier, enclosing the three of us inside of it. The chains snap, falling from the ceiling. The barrier digs into the ground, snapping the chains on his legs as well. We're lifted slightly off the ground, but our movements aren't hindered. Kuwabara forms his bright yellow sword and slices open the manacles. Hydra slumps forward into my arms. I have half a mind to run my fingers through his hair, but he smells horrible, so horrible I try to hold my breath. It's putrid—vile. It makes my eyes sting, but he can't help it and I immediately hide all revulsion from my expression.

My eyes fly to Kurama who is no longer moving. He has the woman trapped in array of vines and weird flowers that seem to bud with every passing second. I take in the bright orange color of her hair, the single black horn sticking out of her left temple, and the wild amethyst color of her eyes. They're almost pretty. Would be pretty if she didn't look so scared shitless. I can't see Kurama's expression, but I know it's purposely done. Whatever he's telling her is making her hyperventilate. She finds me, probably because of my staring and her eyes widen as if to beg for mercy. Kurama steps forward menacingly and she closes her eyes, a single tear slips down her cheeks and onto the vines that cover her mouth.

I pull my gaze away. The doorway is completely blocked by some weird white wood tree. There's this strange, dark energy floating around it. I hear loud crashes in the distance—battle cries. I hope those are all good sounds.

"Nike, please!" I disperse my barrier and all three of us lightly drop to the floor. "I want him completely restored. Don't hold back for my sake. Use every drop of my power you need."

She doesn't need to be told twice. She shoots over like a rocket in her second form, her energy and mine radiating warmth and spilling from her skin. Nike cups Hydra's cheeks in her hands, and leans forward, kissing him in the center of his forehead. Her energy slips into him, brightening his entire body for a moment, his eyes flinch closed as he heals. Kuwabara watches opened mouthed, "Woah. That's incredible."

Woah is right. Every bruise and cut lifts from his skin, burned away. He still clings to me, but after a while his grip tightens, and I know he has his strength back. Even the hallows in his cheeks are completely erased, he fills out, and even smiles.

Finally, Nike releases him, and pulls back. She looks at me. "How are you feeling? Can you walk?"

I give myself a thorough check-up, under normal circumstances, I probably would have been drained. But I was fine. It was like she barely scratched the surface. "I can do more than that." I say, and she kisses me to, just because.

"Are you sure?" Kuwabara asks, his brows knitting together, "You lost a ton of energy just now. Any normal person wouldn't be able to move a finger."

"I know, but I'm good." I tell him with a smile, "Let's just get him dressed. Hydra, I'll need you to transform."

Hydra threw his arms around me suddenly, pulling me into him and gave me a bone crushing squeeze. Good thing he didn't smell like decay anymore, otherwise I probably would have fainted. "I've missed you so much, Princess. Every moment of every day. I'll never leave you again."

His words sting for some reason, bite me right in the chest.

I don't reply, finding it difficult. Instead I just wiggle out of his grasp and pull the clothes, shoes, socks, and underwear out of the backpack. When we get home, he can spend a day in my arms. Right now, we need to focus. "Put these on."

He shrugs sheepishly and stands to his feet; I avert my gaze. His little cloth doesn't really hide anything, but he doesn't seem to care. When I turn back, he's my little boy again and he's shoved his legs into his boxers.

"That…is freaky." Kuwabara told us with not even a hint of a smile.

I laugh and help Hydra into the rest of his clothes. I've brought a brush, a pair of scissors and a comb for his hair, but I figure it can wait.

Nike decides to keep watch by the door, her hands on her hips. I ignore the gaze of the woman. I know she's looking this way again. I can't help her.

Kuwabara and I stand, and Hydra throws himself into my arms. I hug him tightly, bending down to kiss his hair. It's been so long since we've touched like this. It felt like I'd been missing out on something. I felt the tears fall from my eyes as I held tighter to him.

Kurama turned, his dark gaze lightening when we met eyes. "Thank you." I mouth the words, and he gives me his world moving smile. Hydra slips from my grip and frowns in his direction.

"Let me guess. He's your boyfriend, right?" Hydra sneers, childishly. "You and these damn foxes."

I grab Hydra by the shoulders and hold him so we can look each other in the eyes. "What?"

Kurama stepped nearer, amusement clear as a bright ass day on his face.

Hydra continued, "Your boyfriend. You always have one around this time. What is it? November? Yeah, this is usually how your schedule works, right? You start in September or August and by November Banriyu starts getting all menopausal because you can't keep your hands to yourself."

My mouth is open, but not one word has escaped it.

Hydra looks around, and then glares at Kurama, before pushing himself into me again. "I don't like you, but I appreciate you helping my Aurora. I hate you actually, but I guess since you've saved me, I won't try and kill you…today."

Kurama looked to me, endless amusement in his eyes. "I was unaware that you worked on a schedule."

I closed my eyes and looked away, "Hydra…Kurama isn't my boyfriend. We're just friends."

Hydra backed away, eyed the both of us hard. "You're joking?"

"Nope."

"But…" Hydra looked at me like I was a fool, "He's so very clearly into you. And you know how you are. That type of stuff is like cocaine to you—"

I hold my hand up, partially mortified, partially happy he's back to my Hydra. I'm happy this hasn't changed him. "Okay, alright. I think that's enough exposing Aurora for one day—"

"I mean honestly…it's obvious." Hydra paused and then looked at Kurama, "It was obvious the day at that dude's apartment. Unless of course…you just haven't said anything."

Kurama was unmoved by Hydra's words, his expression remained intact.

"Hydra. Leave Kurama alone. He doesn't like me like that. This has been established as fact." I told him, "Now, come on, into my pendant."

He rushed back into my arms, trying to make himself all cute again, but…no dice. "But—"

"No. It'll be easier this way." I hold it out and shake it. "Come on. I'll let you out when it's safe."

"Wait, answer this first. So, these guys just showed up…" He gestured to Kurama and Kuwabara, "with no incentive and you're not necking one of them? Someone is lying."

Mortified, I focused my energy and forced Hydra into the pendant. He didn't struggle but he managed to give Kurama a grin before he was no longer causing trouble.

I nodded my head and tapped my foot.

Nike said, "You can't really blame him, Aurora. It is what you do."

"Okay, let's just…let's go." I refuse to look anyone in the eye as I cross my arms.

"You guys have a weird relationship." Kuwabara commented randomly, eyes staring at the pendant.

I sighed, "I know." I then smiled at him, "Thank you. Thank you for him. Thank you for me."

Kuwabara laughed, "Don't thank us yet, we still have to get out of here. Kurama, did she tell you anything good?"

Kurama shot me a smirk before he turned his attention to Kuwabara. "Fortunately, she was most excited to talk. Today, was the day Enyo set aside to come and speak to Hydra herself. If we'd like to avoid further conflict, we should move immediately. Judging by the quiet, the rest of the team's battles are drawing to a close. I've managed to get in contact with Hiei. He and Yusuke are not without minor bruises but are well. I can't say for the others. Both of them are rounding them up as we speak. We'll head to the exit and wait for them. The moment we're together, we'll head for Mukuro's fortress and get to the portal near there."

"Okay cool. Lead the way." I then turn to the woman, "And what about her?"

Kurama nodded to her, "Can you contain her? Even if she isn't willing?"

"I can, especially since she's weakened. But a willing spirit is much easier to contain." I walked toward her and closed my eyes. My energy grew out of me, reaching out to hers. Her energy was weakened, dark, and flickering. My energy consumed hers easily. I opened my eyes and held out my wrist. "I accept you. Do you accept me?"

Kurama only had to glance at her and she nodded eagerly, seeming to try to move away from him and his cold gaze. Which was odd because most women tried to move toward him. Some people, am I right?

With that both the woman and the plant began to glow and turned to smoke that swam towards my wrist and flew into it. I waved my hand across the beads. "You are my sword and shield. Now rest for the moment I call upon you again you will be my willing knight—my guide and protector."

"It's done." I say and then drop my wrist to the side. "Let's get out of here."

()()()

Nike stands beside me with her arms folded, at the ready for whatever may come. We had very little resistance escaping. Kurama led, killing grunts with a simple flick of his rose whip. Kuwabara and I leapt over their bodies with ease, neither of us complaining.

We stood in the shadow of a pillar near the exit. I hated being separated from Hiei and Yusuke like this. I hated not knowing where they were.

Aurora.

I started and whipped around, looking into the distance and finding absolutely nothing.

I'm in your head. Hiei told me. You're well.

"Yep. Where are you? You guys are killing me." I say, breathing a huge sigh of relief. Things were still weird, but we would always be friends.

Shishiwakamaru is injured, Yusuke and I had to intervene. We're on the way out. But don't strain yourself worrying about the fool. He brought it upon himself.

I rolled my eyes, Hiei was an ass. "Whatever, just get out here."

At that moment the space around us flickered, the weird, red plains melting into green before righting itself once more. "Kurama—"

"I see it. It appears that the territory is collapsing." Kurama turned toward the entrance as an array of pounding feet thundered toward us. "Are they all—"

"Dead." I heard Hiei say and I ran toward the boys, looking over each face until I realized…he meant the bad guys. Ha!

Shishiwakamaru was out cold. "Nike, here."

"Not now, Aurora." Kurama's voice is urgent, authoritative, he turned to Kuwabara, "You must cut through this territory before it collapses on us."

Kuwabara doesn't hesitate even as I lose my footing as the world sways and the sky itself seems to have a face. What the—

Kuwabara thunders forward, all of us taking the cue to run after him and slices twice through the air. The space cracked like glass and I feel a pair of arms around my waist. The world blurs and the air pushes against me just as I shut my eyes.

The smoky air from before is gone and I blink and squint at the familiar world around me. It's still relatively creepy and dark, but it doesn't feel as artificial as the one we just left, which by the way seemed to have been zapped from existence, not that I'm complaining.

I turn and find that it is Nike who grabbed me. She put me down and I give her a sly smile of thanks. I probably wasn't moving fast enough. She kisses me on my hair.

Chu, who although bruised looked fine, sauntered toward her with a grin. "Where did you come from?"

Nike ignored him, "Go away, Demon. I reside on an entirely separate plain of existence than you."

He looked happy to hear it, "More's the better."

"Sorry, Chu. Nike doesn't date." I tell him before rushing to the ponytail guy balanced between Jin and Toya. "Help him please, Nike."

"Anything you want, Love." She told me and then grabbed Shishi by the face and kissed his forehead.

Next, I looked to the other guys…they seemed fine. I run to where Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, and Kurama stood talking. "Is something wrong?"

And then, I felt it too. A single point of energy, approaching leisurely with obvious confidence. One thing is for sure though, whoever it is, they are powerful.

I run to Kurama's side, smacking his arm in my haste and pointing with my whole arm extended. "Is that Enyo?"

"No, although he is powerful, he doesn't quite measure up." Kurama told me, his gaze hard in the approaching figure's direction. "It's been a while since I've felt his energy, but he is in fact one of Eris' most loyal followers. He's her right-hand man. Her second in command, the commander to her armies."

I'm trying to read between the lines here, but he still looks pinched. "So…that's good?"

"I'm uncertain, but we'll find out soon enough." Kurama placed his right hand on my shoulder, "I'm going to need you to trust me…alright?"

I rolled my eyes. "Do you have to ask?"

He gave me a smile, the tension loosening automatically. "Yes, I suppose that was a bit ridiculous."

"You think?" I tug his shirt sleeve.

"If you're done flirting, maybe we should prepare for the S-Class demon coming our way," The blonde guy said. I forget his name and I'm glad. Not sure if I like him that much. Sazuku or something or another.

"He is powerful, isn't he?" Jin remarked. "Shouldn't she be in her barrier?"

"No," Kurama answered, "If my thoughts are correct, he means her no harm. Allow him to approach her, and no one should stand in his way. I wish to see his response. Aurora. I want you to stand here and greet him. Just be yourself."

Whatever that meant. I nod and turn facing the approaching figure. Of the guys, Hiei's energy is the most hostile, but…that's every day.

It didn't take very long at all for him to reach us. And when he does, it's very apparent that the guy is important. His clothing is pristine, armor and gold lined fabric blowing in the wind. He doesn't mind the guys that part like the red sea when he comes closer. He doesn't so much as spare them a glance. He's all a movie and—as you know—I can't help myself.

I am stunned by his beauty. If I've said it before, I've said it a million times: they shouldn't make men like this anymore. They should just stop and spare us simple folk the torture.

The man gave me a deep bow at the waist and then rose, walked a few steps more until I was with his magnificence up close and personal. His long, elegant hair was the exact shade of the full moon and his eyes the warmest sapphire. He was vampire pale, with an angular face and strong jaw. His hair was parted at the center as long tendrils ran over his shoulder all the way down his chest. He reminded me a little of Sesshomaru from the anime Inuyasha, only he didn't have those pretty markings on his face.

Stepping so close I could touch him, he kneeled before me his windblown locks flying around him like he had a personal wind machine. He bowed his head again, before reaching up, taking my hand into his warm grasp and kissing it with his rose soft lips.

I was stunned….

Again.

I heard a bit of movement around me, but I was a bit too embarrassed to take a look around. "Uh…hey, there…you."

"Finally," he spoke, his deep voice vibrating against my hand as he pulled away, "Finally, we meet in person. I am honored to make your acquaintance my lady. I am Azriel."

Well, Azriel, was too pretty for his own damn good. "Really, uh, Azriel…you don't have to kneel like this. It's making me a little uncomfortable."

He finally raised his beautiful head and nailed me with his beautiful eyes. I felt a grin coming on, but I slapped myself mentally. I grinned anyway, but I just reminded myself to focus. "Forgive me, I'll rise, if only to make you more at ease."

I nod and he rises, looking at least seven feet from down here on earth. "Thanks, Azriel." I wiggle my hand from his grasp, "you…mind telling me what you're doing here?"

"Of course, my lady sent me to ensure your safety. My lady was confident that the combined sum of Yoko Kurama, Hiei the swordsman and Raizen's heir would be sufficient protection, but…she sent me just in case. And…I was more than willing." He tilted his head to the side, suddenly bashful, "You are quite beautiful, my princess."

I giggled before I could stop myself, "Heheheh."

I think I hear Kuwabara mumble, "Figures."

"I wouldn't let it bother ya," Yusuke says cheekily, "It's a girl thing. The hair I think."

"Tell me, Azriel," That was Kurama…somewhere. I didn't quite have my wits about me to track him down. "If Eris knew of Hydra's location, why didn't she act before now? Why wait? Surely, with her expanse of spies, she knew we were coming."

Azriel cut his eyes over to wherever Kurama stood, his voice suddenly cool to the touch. "My lady doesn't have to explain herself to you, Yoko. But…you go by Kurama now, don't you?"

I could feel Kurama's eyes narrow at that, and I look to the left to see both Kuwabara and Yusuke swapping looks. Debating about entering the fray. I guess this up to me. Hiei's energy feels like it's burning down a house somewhere.

I blink through my delirium and reach forward to tap Azriel's arm, "You mind telling me? I'd like to know." I don't think I have to, but I give him a smile anyway. Just to seal the deal.

"Of course, Princess," He says warmly. He's so pleasant to me! "My lady had no intentions of saving Hydra, because he had failed, you see. He left you unprotected and that is not something she could easily forgive. She had not accounted for you to come and get him yourself."

"Oh." I didn't like that.

"You are very brave my lady," he tells me, his brow furrowing, "But this world is very dangerous. Under all circumstances, you must be cautious."

I nod, people loved to tell me that. "So…Azriel, would you mind answering a few questions for me…while you're here? I'm a little out of the loop."

"Whatever you'd like to know, ask away." He still hadn't let go of me, which I didn't really mind because he was just so damn pretty (as you know), but still. It was making it hard to think.

Kurama probably sensed this because he immediately stepped toward us, and the trio followed after them. The other guys hung back, observing. "Where did you come from? Judging by the direction, you weren't traveling from Eris' territory. You were someone else. Where?"

Azriel was serious about not answering Kurama because he immediately looked instead to me. I looked at Kurama and sighed, slipping my hand out of Azriel's. I didn't want to wear out my welcome, but I had to contribute something, didn't I? "You didn't come from, er, Lady Eris, did you? And judging by your energy…you were in a fight, right?"

He smiled like he was oh, so pleased, "Very perceptive, my princess."

I curled my shoulders into my chest with a weird smile, "I try."

I heard Yusuke burst out laughing, but I was too ashamed to look at him.

Azriel ignored Yusuke in favor of answering me, "That's correct. As a distraction from your rescue, I led a small team against one of Enyo's fortresses. Within it, contained her two heirs."

My eyes widened, and I looked to Kurama. His face showed nothing, but the slight tightness around his eyes told me this was not good news.

"We were able to destroy it without much resistance. The heirs are extremely volatile and used our invasion to escape. My lady had heard that they loathed their mother and longed for freedom. We gave them that. Additionally, after their escape, Enyo altogether ignored your group in favor of following after them."

"A well thought out plan." Kurama commented. Azriel didn't even sniff in his direction.

I told Azriel, "Thank you for that. I really appreciate it."

"I need no thanks my lady, not from you. I live to serve." Azriel took my hand again and kissed it again. I froze up and giggled.

"He's not that good-looking," Kuwabara mumbled irritably.

"I don't know man, as far as guys go, he's pretty hot." Yusuke responded, "He has that whole prince thing going on, chicks love that stuff."

"Are you two imbeciles done?" Hiei snapped.

Officially mortified, I turned away from Azriel and took two steps away from him so I could properly function. "Anyway, she doesn't want you to hurt my Hydra, does she?"

"Not if you don't want me to." Azriel said, "But…if he abandons you again, I will be forced to act."

O…kay. This is beyond bizarre.

"He won't. I think he, uh, learned his lesson." I say for a lack of a better explanation. Everything was so, so super bizarre.

"I'll take your word for it, Princess."

"You don't have to call me Princess or lady, Aurora is fine. Really."

He dropped his head in deference. "I could never be so bold."

"No really, I insist. I want you to call me Aurora." I say.

"Then so be it, your wish is my command." His eyes are actually twinkling when he meets my gaze again.

SOS.

I fold my hands behind my back to keep them from getting me in trouble. "Okay, also could you not with the…wish stuff. It's a little weird."

"What's strange about it?" his brow drew together in concern, looking so sweet in innocent. I want to hug him and shove him down a well at the same time. "I'm just showing you my appreciation."

"I guess… but none of my other friends do that."

His eyes widened. "You consider me your friend, Princess Aurora?"

I covered my face with my hands, pacing away, "Yes. So, you speak to me like you'd speak to them."

He shakes his head firmly, "I cannot do that. If it were up to me, I wouldn't speak to them at all. Especially that ungrateful swordsman and that treacherous fox of yours."

I felt several angry flares of energy just then.

Ouch. Who knew Azriel could be so savage? "Actually uh, he isn't mine—not sure why people keep saying that. None of these guys are 'mine'. I don't own them. These guys here," I gestured to Kuwabara, Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei, "Are my friends. And I just met these guys—no offense. So…yeah. There's no ownership in this here group…situation."

"I see. I'm not sure if your companions agree with your sentiment but I won't argue with you."

I turn back to him unable to help my surprise. "What do you mean by that? Wait! Never mind. It's not important. I'm forgetting something…" I look in Kurama's direction but can't meet his gaze without feeling crazy awkward, "Um, did I miss any of the questions I wanted to ask?"

"You were curious about whatever plans Eris has for you." Kurama supplied, thinking for me, his voice neutral.

"Right!" I smile at Azriel. "That's right."

Azriel chuckled, "If you don't mind my saying so princess, you are very funny. It only adds to your charm and beauty."

"Does it?" I feel like spinning around in a circle, but I don't. I noticed something just then, for the first time in a long time, I felt like me again. No guilt. No wariness. No avoidance. Just me and my boy problem. I want to hold on to the feeling, hit it home just because I could. "you keep talking like that, I may want to keep you around."

Then I remember…we're not alone.

"Jesus, Aurora." Yusuke tells me, shaking his head. "You just met this guy!"

I turn to him, "I know! I know, but it's not my fault. He's just too damn pretty! I'm not thinking straight."

"I'll say, damn." Yusuke whistles, "Is this normal for you?"

"Yes." I mumble, "I have a problem."

Azriel laughed unperturbed, "You are just like my lady. In face as well as tastes. She also prefers pretty things above all else. I am most grateful for the compliment."

Azriel is a real swell guy, takes everything like a champ. "Yep." I choose to put my hands on my hips and look at the sky, choosing to ignore everyone.

"Unfortunately, I must be going. I hate to leave you this way, but I must report to my lady, your ancestor." Azriel decided to step into my line of sight, "But I will leave you with this."

He slipped a small silver box into my hands. It was warm to the touch.

Azriel's warm sapphire eyes stare directly into mine and I am frozen. "It contains a bell. If you are ever in need, anywhere in the world, I will come for you."

Taking a deep bow, he kissed my hand again and started on his way. "And to answer your question, she wishes for her line to continue with you being her heir…with all that entails."

He flitted away then, disappearing.

I stowed the box in my backpack, still not looking anyone in the eye.

Everyone is quiet until Rinku managed to say, "Can we leave now?"

()()()

Yusuke is snickering loudly as he carries me on his back. Nike is in a miniature form, joining him.

"Yeah, yeah." I say wishing we would just get to the damn portal already.

When we make it there, I'm a little tired, but I'm informed that Botan will have to escort us to Spirit World.

"Not right away? I need a nap."

"Oh? All that flirting tucker you out?" Yusuke sneered at me and Kuwabara barked with laughter.

"What flirting? I wasn't 'flirting'. I was being nice to get information." I say, but even I can hardly believe my words.

"Yeah, you're a regular spy, Aurora." Kuwabara bumps me on the shoulder.

"You know this isn't fair." I sigh.

"Sure it is." Yusuke said, "I didn't even get a look from him. But you got a bunch of kisses. Were they sloppy and wet or were they light and sweet as they looked?"

I took my fist and jammed it in his head, giving him a noogie.

"If I tried to kiss a girl like that she'd probably kill me, but Aurora you—"

"Yeah, I know! I'm weak. It's a problem."

"It's a disease." Nike corrected, pinching my cheek. "Don't be ashamed, it's cute."

I hid my face.

"What are you going to have him do for you?" Yusuke continued, "Come over and fix a light bulb?"

"I can fix my own light bulbs, thank you." I say indignantly.

"Not what I meant." He says suggestively.

I gave him another whack and tried to jump from his back. He lets me flail before he abruptly drops me and I land on my feet. "Asshole."

"I'm just jerking around." Yusuke throws his head back and I forgive him.

"I know. Phew! I need a rest."

"Sure…or you're just excited to give ole silver bells a ring."

I cover my face with my hand, "Yusuke. Tonight, no bells will be wrung, no matter how silver they may be."

Yusuke rubbed his chin, impressed. "Restraint. I like that."

I rolled my eyes, having Yusuke normalize this weirdness felt pretty good. I knew I liked him for a reason. Kurama still hasn't addressed me, for some reason. He is still turning over the events of the day, I imagine. Hiei, I don't think, has bothered to look in my direction, but…whatever. I don't know what more I can tell the guy.

But, with this renewed feeling of mine, I knew we'd get past it…eventually.

One thing was for sure though as I stood there content, my thumb caressing the cool surface of my pendant. I haven't felt more like me in a while. Ever since I lost Hydra, I wasn't quite me. Now? Oh, it was clear from my interaction with the beautiful Azriel. Nothing could keep me down for long. "I'm back bitches."

Kurama blinked rapidly before looking over at me, "I'm sorry?"

I threw my hand up, waving him off with a laugh, "Sorry, talking to myself. Bad habits, am I right?"

Author's Note: Hello all! Since I'd already written this, I thought it no harm to update it now. I can probably end this story in two more chapters (leaving it without a pairing and ambiguous)...or I can soldier on until I end it with a set pairing. I don't think the story needs a pairing anymore, but I almost want one. We'll see.

Anyway, thanks for the follows, favorites and reviews. Always appreciated. Stay safe, stay cool