A/N: I know this is short, but I was struck by another writer's block. Anyone have a spare muse? Mine's slacking off. Also, I'm worried that Himeko is turning into a Mary Sue, which I can't stand and would hate to be writing about. Any thoughts?

Chapter Six: The Informing

(Reikai)

"What?"

Koenma cringed at the unexpected outburst. "Yes, well, it seems that…we really…have no…no…choice…" He trailed off as Himeko pinned him with her intense glare. "Sometimes a special guest team is invited, made up of fighters who have earned a reputation for causing trouble. Participation isn't exactly an option."

"But, Koenma…the Dark Tournament?" Kurama asked.

"Do you have any idea what happens there, Koenma? I, for one, don't feel like getting disemboweled, thank you very much!" Himeko exclaimed, still staring at him. "Especially if the Toguro brothers are going to be there!"

"Hn. I figured as much," said Hiei.

"Yusuke undoubtedly has already been contacted. I suggest you locate him immediately and inform him that you three will be fighting on the team," declared Koenma, eager to change the subject and divert Himeko's gaze, which was still fixed on him.

"I agree. Let's go," said Kurama.

The three demons left the Reikai headquarters, and traveled along the River Styx to reach Ningenkai and contact Yusuke. When they arrived in the Human Realm, Hiei did a quick sweep for Yusuke's reiki, and discovered it not too far from where they stood at the moment. Leaping onto the rooftops (Hiei's preferred form of travel in Ningenkai), they slowly made their way to his location. Nearing the parking garage where his energy was emanating from, they were stopped in their tracks as the younger Toguro walked by.

He looked up without surprise. "I assume from your dismal faces that you've been invited to the competition as well. On Urameshi's team, no doubt. Demons who side with humans will get no sympathy."

"Sympathy has never been a part of those fights," Kurama returned.

Toguro smirked. "As you know, the teams are made up of five, as well as one replacement. You must recruit another fighter--for your sake, I hope you find someone useful." Putting his coat on, he turned and walked away.

Himeko stole a glance at Kurama, who turned to Hiei and asked, "What is our chance?"

"Don't ask."

IIIIIIII
(Reikai--Again)

Himeko barged into the office of the Great and Powerful Koenma (according to the sign on the door), hissing, eyes snapping with fury. "Alright, Koenma, who the hell's idea was it to make me the replacement!"

Koenma looked up. "Oh, hello Himeko," he said, unfazed. "As the official sponsor of the Urameshi Team, I believe it would have been…mine!"

"Dammit Koenma, what's your game here? We don't even have a fifth fighter yet!"

"Technically, that's not true…"

"Do you really think I care about the technicalities?" Himeko asked, her voice now dangerously soft.

Koenma cringed a bit. "Well, if you must know, I decided that you needed to learn some patience. This is the perfect opportunity for you to cheer on someone else, but still be there if things go downhill."

"Koenma…" Himeko growled. "Do you honestly think anyone else can take on Toguro but me?"

"Himeko, we cannot afford to have you underestimate the competition! This is precisely why you are the replacement. If you go into battle with an attitude like that, you'll get yourself killed! Lightning won't do much against Reshio or the Windmaster! Even Touya could do you serious harm if you let him!" Koenma exclaimed.

Himeko stepped back and sighed in resignation. "The Shinobi are fighting as well? Fine, then. Let Yusuke get himself killed…"

"Good. By the way, where are Kurama and Hiei?" As Koenma asked this, he looked around his desk and his eyes widened. He dove under the desk, frantically looking for something.

"Training Kuwabara. Though I don't know why they bother, it's not like he's going to be of any help to us," Himeko answered, not having noticed Koenma's antics. "And Yusuke's nowhere to be found, I hope he's training as well."

"Have you seen my stamp?" Koenma asked urgently.

"Your stamp? What…? Oh," said Himeko as Koenma emerged triumphant from under the desk, his red stamp held firmly in hand. "That stamp."

Koenma busied himself with the stack of papers on his desk. "So Kuwabara's training?" he asked absentmindedly. "That's good."

"I suppose," said Himeko doubtfully. "Listen, I have to go. I'll see you at the Tournament, alright?"

"Wait just a minute! You're still on probation!" Koenma stood up on his chair, the paperwork forgotten. "I can't have you running around causing trouble!"

Just as Himeko was getting ready to pounce on the toddler, Botan rushed in the door. "Koenma, sir, I'm terribly sorry, but I need to borrow Himeko for a few hours."

"Hm? What? Oh, yes. Yes, of course, Botan. Himeko, try and stay out of trouble." Putting his head back down, Koenma returned to the task at hand: stamping.

Himeko followed Botan out the door and down the hall, and slowly started to grin as the ferrygirl talked nonstop. "OhHimekoI'msosorrytoleaveyouherelikethisandthencomegetyoubutKuramaandHieiaretrainingKuwabaraandI'mworriedth

eywillnearlykillhimIdon'tknowwhattodo—"

"Botan?"

"andIknowit'sonlytrainingbutIcan'thelpthinkofwhatwouldhappenifheweretogethurtohmywhatwouldYukinasay—"

"Botan!"

"Oh…yes?"

"Slowly. What happened? You're acting like Koenma blew up the Ningenkai, for crying out loud!"

"I'm sorry. Hiei and Kurama are training Kuwabara, and," Botan lowered her voice to a whisper, "I was discreetly watching one of their 'sessions' and it's horrible! He's their teammate, and they're acting as if they want to kill him!"

"Well, knowing Hiei…" Himeko said with a grin.

"It's not for joking around!" Botan exclaimed.

"Alright. So what am I supposed to do about it?"

"I think you should train Kuwabara!"

"Me? Oh, no way. Absolutely not."

"Aw, I think it's a brilliant idea! Don't you?"

"No, Botan I—"

"I knew you'd agree. Come on, we don't have all day!"

And Botan towed the protesting Tigress out the door. Once outside, she reached out her hand and her oar appeared from thin air. She leapt onto it, pulled Himeko up behind her, and flew off.

IIIIIIII

After what seemed like a journey through the three worlds to Himeko, Botan finally came to a stop and swooped down through the trees to hop off. Himeko fairly stumbled off, trying to ignore the nauseous feeling in her stomach. Botan noticed and made a sound of surprise.

"Why, Himeko! I thought cats were supposed to like heights!"

"Shut up," Himeko growled. "Is it much farther? I don't even know what world we're in anymore, let alone sense their energy."

"Just through here—"

Botan was interrupted as Kuwabara came flying through the air to land at their feet.

A/N: I have a question. Now, I've only seen the show on Cartoon Network, so I may have my information mixed up, but I've heard that Hiei and Yukina are half-siblings because they have the same mother, but different fathers. Which is what causes Hiei to be thrown off and become the Forbidden Child, yada yada yada. But during one of the episodes with Yukina, Hiei clearly states that they have different mothers. Was this a mix-up on Funimation's part? Or am I completely missing something? I'm just wondering. Thanks for reading, and please review!