It didn't take long for me to catch up with the boys. In fact, a part of me felt like they had slowed down. When I reached Kurama's side, I noticed they all exchanged looks. Did they think I was going to bail?

Wow… They have no faith in me.

Okay, so even I thought I was going to bail. But come on!

As we continued down the black tunnel, I quickly asked Kurama a question. I wanted to get all this out now before we had to get all tough and brooding.

"Who were those guys standing guard by the entrance." Or was it an exit?

"They're a military group from Spirit World known as the Special Defense Force."

"Spirit World? What are they doing in Human World? And why stand guard? I thought everyone could pass through freely."

"They can. But humans don't handle change very well. So while demons can, technically, pass through into Human World, the human's safety comes first. The Special Defense Force doesn't usually stand guard but since it's time for the Demon World Tournament, they've made an exception. On a regular day it's only one or two people. Sometimes human, sometimes demon."

I thought about it for a second. "So they're like some kind of border crossing. A place for people to check in, get their passport stamped."

Kurama smirked. "Something like that."

Suddenly the air changed.

I knew right away it was coming from Demon World but I wasn't expecting it to smell so… fresh. But what was I expecting exactly? Some kind of rotten, evil, smell?

The guys suddenly changed now as well. They were no longer the boys that hung out around the house. Guys that always teased each other. Now, they were warriors. Demons. Hell, even Kuwabara looked more sinister… kind of.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when we entered Demon World but it certainly wasn't free falling. It took only a second for Kurama to summon some kind of butterfly plant to help everyone glide down to the ground. Yusuke and Hiei grabbed onto one of the branches calmly while Kuwabara did his best not to panic. While he didn't scream, he did have his teeth clenched together. I had to do my best not to laugh.

As I fell, I had to quickly decide on what to do. While I didn't want to expose myself too much, Kurama did think it would be a good idea to send some kind of message. Yes, I look small and human, but I'm not someone to mess with.

Although… if I seem incapable of taking care of myself, it might be insulting to Mukuro. The others might think of her as an idiot to invite such a weakling to this tournament. God, the temptation.

I decided to take Kurama's advice and use the water in the air to slow down my fall. After adjusting my weapons and bags, I took a deep breath and focused. It wasn't a trick I used often. It took a lot of concentration to summon the water as a weird magic carpet. Because of that, I never used it in battle. There was no way I could use it and defend at the same time. I tried. And I didn't like the results.

As we continued to fall I was able to get a better sense of Demon World. It was kind of weird. In almost every sense this place seemed just like Human World. The only difference was the air was fresher and I could sense a lot of demon energy. Only it wasn't overwhelming or anything. In fact, it just made the place feel so… alive.

I hovered for a bit to let the guys reach me. "Would anyone care to let me know where we are, exactly?"

It was Yusuke that answered. "We should be right outside the main tournament area." He squinted for a second. "Yeah, the main building is right there. That's where we'll be waiting between fights and where we can watch the fights currently going on."

I looked down, and sure enough I could see it a large building below us. "It's huge!"

"Haha, that's what she said."

"Shut up, Kuwabara."

Once Yusuke was finished laughing, he confirmed what I was thinking. "There are also rooms there available for people that need it. Plus special rooms for the elite."

Holy shit! Rooms! Where was I going to sleep?

Kurama saw the look of panic on my face. "Don't worry; we have a special apartment set up for you. We'll all be neighbours actually."

Thank god.

By the time we landed I had to fight off the need to bend over and gasp for breath. Was my sweat obvious? Wait! Perfectly opportunity.

As I saw some kind of weird welcoming community rush towards us, I reached into my bag and pulled out my makeup bag. Once I knew they could see me clearly, I opened up my compact and patted at my face to get rid of the shine.

"Ugh, sweat is so gross," I muttered but knew they could hear me.

When they finally reached us and bowed, I offered them my biggest, girliest, grin.

"We're glad you made it here safely," one of them said as they straightened.

"It's such an honour to be here!" I said a little too excitedly as I bowed. Okay, I need to calm it down a bit.

They exchanged looks before continuing. "Right, well. We've been instructed to show you all to your rooms before escorting you all to the main area."

When they turned and headed back to the largest building, I turned my head to the guys to see if I was doing this all right.

Yusuke looked hopeless, Kuwabara looked confused, Kurama looked like he was trying not to laugh, and Hiei didn't look like anything. I'm so fucked.

Following the other demons was done in silence. I couldn't help but noticed how we automatically got into a formation. Yusuke in the lead; Kuwabara and Kurama side-by-side; me behind them, and Hiei behind me.

The closer we got to the housing building the more crowded it became. It seemed like everyone was checking in or settling in to watch the tournament or participate. By the time we reached the main doors I realized it was much more then that. I looked around to see all the demons eyeing us. They did this on purpose.

They had given everyone an opportunity to size us up. Figure out if we were a threat at all. Or maybe me specifically? That would make more sense considering the others had already proven themselves. Aside of Kuwabara that is.

Speaking of, I could hear him rambling as he usually did when he was nervous but I was too nervous myself to pay attention. I could tell my face was expressionless but I tried my best not to do that. I wanted everyone to think I was girly so they could underestimate me. I wanted to be throwing smiles like I didn't really understand what was going on but I just couldn't bring myself to do. Oh god, did my expressionless face make the others think I was scared? Maybe scared was a good thing?

Stop thinking so much!

A wall appeared right in front of me resulting in me walking right into it. What the fu-? Oh, it was Kurama who had just stopped walking.

"This is your room, AJ" Kurama said as he opened the door for me.

"Thanks," I said as I entered.

"We don't have much time to settle in. Meet us downstairs in five minutes."

I nodded and went to throw my bags on the couch. Holy, this place was nice. And I also go the impression that the designs had a lot of Human World inspiration. There was the living area that was actually quite spacious. The opened door to the right showed a bedroom and a quick glance inside showed another open door that lead to the ensuite. Very nice.

Not wanting to be late, I quickly checked my hair and make up and headed back down to meet the boys.

When I first caught site of the guys, I had to stop myself from bouncing over to them like I usually did. I was basically the little sister of the group and totally accepted my role. However, they were all different here. We were obviously a team and friends, but this is also Demon World during a tournament.

I offered a small smile as I reached them. There was no time to waste. I followed them out and into an open area with a small stage and a very large viewing screen. As I got closer to the center, I saw that there were a few observation decks with the perfect view of the screens. Huh, it kind of reminded me of a hockey rink… kind of.

I had to stop myself from smacking myself in the forehead. How very Canadian of me.

"Hello and welcome every human and demon!"

I jumped at the sudden sound ringing through the whole area.

I looked over at the stage and saw a fox demon winking at a floating eyeball. Judging by the screen behind her I realized that the eyeball was some kind of camera.

"It is my greatest honour to return to all of you as your host for the Demon World Tournament! I, Koto, will do my very best not to disappoint any of you! Now, who is excited for some bloodshed?"

All the demons around me cheered. I almost had to cover my ears.

"This way," said Yusuke. "We have to check in and get our numbers."

"Numbers?" I asked as I fell into step.

"Yeah, it basically just a way to maintain order when we figure out which group we're in for the first fight."

I wasn't sure what that all meant but I fell in line at the table. It felt like forever before I finally reached the demons all sitting in a line.

They asked for my name and I remembered to stay in character. Trying not to overdo it, I lifted my shoulders a bit, tilted my head, and grinned at them. The ones closest to me exchanged looks as I said my name. Their confusion grew when they found my number.

"You're the special guest?"

"Yeah! Isn't it great?" I yanked the number out of their hands and walked away before my face froze in this grin.

I looked down at it and frowned.

I went over to Yusuke when he finally got his.

"I'm number one?"

Yusuke looked at my number and nodded. "Since you're the special guest you automatically get number one. Since I'm the tournaments creator I get number two. The previous winner will get number three and the rest is pretty random."

"Makes sense," I said, as I put number above my left boob. "Will we be fighting today?" I hoped not. We literally just got here.

"Nah," Yusuke shook his head. "This is mostly just ceremonial crap. Once we figure out which group we're in, there will be a large party then the fight begins first thing tomorrow morning."

"Big party? Will there be booze?"

"Oh yeah." I don't think I've seen Yusuke grin so wide before.

"So, what? Will most of the fighters be hung over during the fight? That doesn't sound right."

"Can't be hung over if you don't stop drinking, isn't that right, Urameshi?"

One of the tallest guys I've ever seen stumbled towards us with a group of others behind him.

I could smell the booze coming out of his pores the second he got close. It was so bad that I actually had to take a step back.

Yusuke did the usual tough guy greeting with everyone before the tall guy leaned down towards me. The smell was so bad that the closer he got to me the more drunk I felt myself. My light-weight is showing…

"Who's the short stuff?" He bent down as low as he good to become eye level with me. He had to bend a lot…

"This is Aly-Jay." Yusuke came to my side. "She's our very first special guest."

"She's the special guest?" A demon that looked like a child stepped forward. Was he fighting in this tournament?

I smiled sweetly at them. "Please, call me AJ."

"Are you sure, Urameshi?" The next guy had a thick Irish accent. He sniffed the air around me. "She doesn't smell like a demon. I wonder why Mukuro invited her."

"I am standing right here, you know." I stated. I didn't like how they were all talking about me like I wasn't here.

The next that stepped forward had grey/blue hair with green bangs. "You'll have to excuse these guys. Most of them don't really know how to handle female fighters."

The tall guy laughed. "Speak for yourself, Toya. I have a certain way with the ladies." I seriously doubted it.

Toya just rolled his eyes. "The point is," Toya paused to look me up and down, "I think you're hiding something. You're not to be underestimated. And you're playing the game right."

They all stared at me. I just grinned back.

The drunk threw his head back and laughed again. "I like this one. She's definitely happier then the other shorty."

Speaking of, I looked around for Hiei. Where was he?

I regretted turning around the second I saw him. He was standing next to Mukuro. Her burnt hair and bionic eye were hard to miss. It didn't look like they were talking but at the same time things looked so… intimate between them. They had a bond that I would never have with Hiei. It made my blood boil. It also made me feel like I got slapped in the face. Hiei might as well have made out with her right here and there.

As if sense me watching them, Mukuro looked right at me. I forced myself to keep my expression blank. I crossed my arms behind my back and clenched my hands into fists. It was the only way to stop my demon energy from flaring out. I counted to ten before I lifted my shoulders, tilted my head, and grinned at Mukuro. This was going to be my signature move.

Mukuro just turned her gaze back to Hiei. Again, they never spoke but I couldn't help but think they were talking about me. That bitch was going down.

I turned back to the group and did my best to ignore my anger. It was hard since I was angrier at myself then Mukuro or Hiei. Hiei made his choice and it obviously wasn't me. But this stupid jealously was out of control. I hated it. Why couldn't I just move on and kick ass?

"Alllllright everybody!" The fox demon bounced back on stage. "Who's ready to get sorted for the first fight tomorrow?!"

We all made our way to the stage. Yusuke and I were first and basically got dragged front and center by Koto. Instead of pulling away, because personal space, I wrapped my arm around Koto's back like we've been life long friends. I took a deep breath and grinned at the floating eye. Stay in character. Stay in character.

Koto introduced us then asked Yusuke a bunch of questions about starting the tournament and how he expects this go. She was basically showing a bit of respect and giving him the credit he deserves.

"And nowww," Koto got all in my face. "For the juicy information we're all dying to know. Our very first special guest! So, Aly-Jay is it? How are you feeling? All ready for the fights to begin?" She shoved the microphone in my face.

"Please, call me AJ. And I have to say, I'm very honoured to have been invited. I never would have thought that little old me would be in such a position. Who knew I had such a great out there?" I winked at the camera, hoping Mukuro had a good view.

"Do you think you can make it all the way to the finals?"

"I know I'll do my best."

"Wonderful! Now, would you do the honour of drawing the first number?"

She motioned towards a very large bowl.

I walked over and drew the number 56. I showed it off then walked off stage.

Being in the spotlight wasn't too new for me. I practically lived on the stage when I was dancing but something about this whole thing seemed so toxic. I didn't like it one bit.

By the time all the numbers were drawn I found that I wasn't in the same group as anyone I knew. I was relieved.

"You got a bit lucky there," Kurama said as he came to my side. "There is nothing but much lesser demons in your group."

"Are you just as lucky?"

He nodded.

I caught myself fidgeting. The nerves were really settling in. Before I could stop myself, I turned to face Kurama. "Do you think… Do you think I'm going to die?"

"Yes."

I was so surprised that I almost fell over.

"By that, I mean, we're all going to die. Someday."

I shook my head. "That's not what I meant."

"I know. But you shouldn't think like that. All that matters is that you're well prepared and are much stronger then you think."

"But I don't think I am prepared."

"Of course you are."

"Come on, Kurama. Think about it. Even though I've done a lot of training but I've never been put in a life or death situation. At least not one where I've been in control… Plus there's my age."

"What does age have to do with anything? You're the same age as Yusuke and Kuwabara."

"But they're not demons. How old are you really? How old is Hiei? I'm half demon and yet I'm still considered young for human years. Now put my age for a demon? I'm a baby! And if I die when I haven't even…" I couldn't finish. I couldn't bring myself to say it out loud.

"AJ…"

What if I never have the chance to be in a real, long-term, relationship? To have sex? A family?

I shook my head. "Sorry. I'm just panicking."

"It's perfectly normal to be scared. But you need to have faith in yourself as much as I have faith in you."

"Thank you, Kurama. I hope you realize that you're like a big brother to me."

I actually wanted to hug him. He could probably sense it but to be safe he just ruffled my hair.

We both chuckled.

"Ew, Kurama. You're, like, totally ruining my hair!" I said in my girliest voice I could muster.

"You know, you're surprisingly good at that."

I crossed my arms and frowned at him. "How dare you."

With my mood now improving, I decided it was time for me to join the party.

"Shall we?" I asked.

"We shall. Although, if you don't mind me pulling the big brother card, I wouldn't recommend drinking."

I shook my head. "Nah, I've never had a drink before. I'm not going to start when I have a fight tomorrow." God, how weird is that? From dancer to fighter.

"There she is!"

I turned to see the tall drunk guy coming towards us with the others. What was his name again? Right. Chu.

"The party is beginning that I want to get to know our special guest a bit more."

I got an idea. I could be one of the guys. I frowned and placed my hands on my shoulders. "It better not be because I have boobs."

My response was such a shock that it caused Chu to stumble.

The Irish demon, Jin, fell back laughing. "She's a mighty fine one, she is. I like her."

"Now, I might be part demon but I was raised totally human. Who wants to show me how demons party?"

We all laughed as I followed them farther into the crowd.

It was exactly how a typical party was actually. People standing around talking, some were dancing, others were drinking, and a few were really drinking.

I had a water to drink as we all got to know each other. It was kind of weird how close all these guys were when they've done nothing with compete with themselves. I got the impression that they were just a bunch of brothers playing a game together.

While Kurama certainly made me feel better, these guys made me forget that I could possibly die tomorrow.

Everyone was still going hard by the time the sun fell. I, on the other hand, knew it was time for bed. After saying goodnight to everyone, and being called weak for going to bed so early, I started to head back to my room.

I saw Hiei on my way there and he was alone. I wasn't sure what I was going to do or say but I found myself heading his way.

I didn't get far before someone totally unexpected stepped in front of me. What the fuck? Am I still in Demon World?

"Shuya?!"