Two hours later, they were miles away from Sariyashiki and there were no more signs of youkai.

"We've gotta rest," moaned Yusuke, slumping down against a tree. They had reached a park. "I can't walk anymore."

"Same goes for me," panted Kuwabara. "I can't feel my legs."

They half-expected Mayumi to scorn even the mere thought of a break, but she smiled instead. "One hour." She walked away from the group and disappeared into the night.

Kurama stared after her. Yusuke grinned. "She's not leveling, even with you, buddy."

"Pardon?"

"I know you two have been checking each other out," the delinquent said, smirking. "My favorite fox-boy, a stud? Who would have believed it?"

"She's hiding something," Kuwabara said, flopping down beside Yusuke. "Why do you think she let us rest? She wants to be alone."

"For once, the lump is right," Hiei said.

"Who are you calling a lump, shrimpy?!"

"Follow her," Yusuke said, leaning back. "She'll tell you."
Mayumi was leaning on a balustrade, looking over at the city. The lights shimmered like stars.

She took a deep breath, taking in the night air and the city limits. She didn't need to look over her shoulder to know that someone was there.

"Suteki da, ne?" she whispered as the redhead stood next to her. He smiled.

"It sure is." Kurama's tone became concerned. "What were you doing out here, all by yourself? One of Daisuke's youkai could have attacked you, and we wouldn't have been able to help."

Mayumi smiled sadly. "To tell you the truth, I wouldn't have cared…"

Kurama looked at her quickly. "Nani?!"

"I wouldn't have cared if I was killed by a youkai, or anything for that matter," she reiterated, staring into the lights. "I've been wishing I was dead for fourteen years now." She shook her head. "It's just not worth it."

"If you're talking about your hand--"

Mayumi faced him. "But I'm not," she whispered. "It happened many years ago…"