e. 1-1-07

Wind Master Jin of the Northern Breeze

Chapter Five

With amazing talent, once again, the fighters managed to get completely off the subject.

"I told you already, I'm nowt goin' to do it!" Jin leaned over a little, looking down at Yusuke with a determined scowl.

"You're no fun." Yusuke crossed his arms and glowered. Hiei sweat-dropped, Kuwabara stared on in confusion, and Rico waited.

"What are they talking about?" Kuwabara mumbled softly. Yusuke gave Jin a rare expression; he looked up at him with glossy eyes.

"Nowt goin' to work Urameshi, you 'alf to be cute to pull that trick off..." Jin said, referring to Yusuke's attempt at puppy dog eyes. Obviously Jin's idea of 'cute' was more of a furry and fluffy kind... not saying that all furry creatures were capable of living in harmony with him...

"How about we make a deal?" Yusuke offered, flashing back to his usual self.

"Oh," Jin's ears perked up at the challenge, "What kind o' deal?"

"Whoever loses has to do it."

"What if nowt a one o' us can win, then what?" Jin tilted his head, blinking.

"I doubt that will happen." Yusuke walked out to face Rico.

"Strange," Rico cocked her head to one side, "You think this will be easy?"

"Look what happened to the rest of your group!" Yusuke shouted out his point.

"I'll have you know," Rico never moved from her spot, "When you met my daughter Kuyai, she was acting. Truthfully, she was very kind and considerate, but I had her put on a convincing act for your arrival. Don't you think she played it so very well?"

"So," Hiei cut in, "This was all a game, your side never fought for real."

"Not completely, you see, I could not tell Rex, Jhun, or Leon of my plans, they would never have cooperated. Rex would have risen up and tried to kill me himself, Jhun and Leon would have aided him, but I needed more fighters in order to test your little group here."

"They sacrificed themselves for your plan. What exactly is your plan? Are you going to exterminate all humans?" Hiei questioned.

"No, I haven't any motivation for that." Rico explained, "But I can see you're still wondering about one of your earlier battles Hiei. The fight with Ven - you saw his setback, and you figured it to be Jin who was behind it. Ven was responsible for the delay; he did it himself, ended his own life and allowed you to pass."

"Thas' what he was a talkin' abouwt!" Jin figured it out; Hiei had accused him of pushing Ven backward in mid air.

"Why," Yusuke asked, "Didn't you care about them, I thought she was your daughter, aren't mothers supposed to care?"

"You're talking to a cold hearted demon, Yusuke." Hiei scoffed, "What were you expecting?"

"I do care, that is exactly the reason why I've done this. Do you think an eternity imprisoned here is what they deserved? They had done nothing. It is my fault we were all trapped here, all because I was too sightless to see what my powers were doing. Kuyai's father and I fought against one another and our strength, spirit energy, and my Wind energy combined and formed a seal. Although others can enter and leave freely, we cannot escape. Only my death would not do, it may break the barrier, but I still have too many enemies out there. Kuyai had no desire to live only to fight them, and I don't blame her."

"Is that why you down't 'ave any spirit energy?" Jin pondered one of her earlier statements, the one that had caught his interest the most.

"Yes, all the strength I contained from spirit power is locked into the seal here. It is too strong, and not even I can remove it." Rico lowered her eyelids, regretting the day she accepted the challenge from her once lover.

"How do you know, have you ever tried?" Kuwabara blurted out.

"Yes, I tried thousands of times, the last and final time I attempted I summoned all my strength and paid a price." Rico brought her arms forth from the forest green cloak, her hands emerging from the shadows beneath and rising to brush aside hair. She revealed her right eye, the dull brown of a broken doorway to her soul.

"I am blind in this eye due to the backlash of power." Rico bowed her head, letting the hair fall back into place, "So now you know a piece of the Wind Warrior's past, and I ... would like to know the future of Wind Masters. How have my techniques been passed down over these thousands of years? Once I defeat you, spirit detective, I shall discover that for myself."

"Don't get all high and mighty, you haven't won yet." Yusuke stepped closer to her.

"Hm, keep in mind, Rex was weak, Kuyai and Ven played. As for Jhun and Leon... well... they are at rest now. I only hope they find happiness beyond this point." The warrior had withdrawn her arms back into the shadows of the cape, as if she were modest.

"Rex was a piece of cake, no problem." Yusuke bragged.

"Rex had nothing on me, he was nothing, not even a wisp of his power could compare to mine. Remember that when you fight me, remember I've been alive and training for thousands of years, and only increasing in strength. That is your warning, be prepared... My intentions are not to kill, so don't worry about dieing again." Rico never smirked, she had forgotten how about five hundred years ago. Yusuke blinked, perplexed as to how she knew he had previously been dead. This situation wasn't sounding too good after all.

"Shut up already! I'm sick of your stupid speeches! Just shut up about how strong you are and prove it!" Yusuke yelled, thrashing the air with an arm.

"No patience..." Rico's eyes narrowed and she moved in front of him in a flash. Yusuke jumped back, realizing he hadn't been able to trace her.

She reached out, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled his body close. Her nose was mere inches from his.

"I said I wouldn't be playing, and I'm not... so sleep, boy." She blew a whisper of breath against his forehead, brushing his bangs back to float in the air. The black haired teen's expression was shocked and confused, not understanding how she had literally moved as the Wind.

Soon, his eyes rolled up, and closed, his body slumped down as she held his shirt in her grip. He was out, sleeping near soundlessly.

Impressive... Hiei thought to himself. Rico straightened her stance, and looked to Jin. He received the message in her expression and cautiously walked over to her. For someone that sounded like they should have been cold hearted and evil, she was kind and set Yusuke gently into Jin's arms as if she were afraid he would break.

Yusuke grumbled for a moment before he sleepily asked, "Did I win?" One of Rico's brown eyebrows quirked for a moment, she wasn't expecting that.

The boy should have been out for hours... hm... what a gifted young male...

"Nope, sorry Urameshi, looks like it's my turn." Jin informed him, taking the sleepy spirit detective over to a wall and setting him down.

"Oh..." Yusuke spoke as he yawned, "I feel like I've been asleep for... ahh... days..."

"You're a lookin' tha' way, too." Jin commented, not worried in the least about his upcoming battle.

"Go kick some butt... Jin..." Yusuke fell back asleep, head falling backwards against the wall.

"Tha' I will do, Urameshi, down't worry abowt it." Jin rose to his feet once more, stepping out in front of Hiei and Kuwabara.

"Let's play..." Rico said, and disappeared from sight. Jin blinked suddenly, eyes flashing around the room, trying to lock onto her wind energy. Wind energy was much different from spirit energy, by most life forms it could not be sensed. Each individual had to have experience with it to recognize what the feel of unnaturally shifted air currents were. Even the slightest change in normal Wind movements could be a mistake. However, it seemed Rico was the Wind, she was part of it, and could not be picked out from the rest.

"Boo," Rico appeared behind him, placing him in a tight choke hold, "You are skilled for one so young. You're the strongest Wind Master by far, excluding me."

"Aye," Jin grunted, trying to pry her arms away from his neck, "It 'as taken years to get this far!" He slammed his elbow into her rib cage, not managing to snap any bones, but she did set him free quickly. She drifted back, stepping down on her toes lightly.

"Perhaps you could start off by showing me a Beast Wind." Rico offered. Jin gasped softly to himself; Beast Winds were used for a quick battle, and could tear an enemy into shreds if powerful enough.

"Don't look so surprised, after all, you will kill me before you leave, and if not you, then someone will." Rico approached him, "I'll use the Wolf Winds, since I am rather fond of them, and you may use what you wish." She brought forth a hand, holding it up in front of Jin. Now being able to compare their height, Rico was a few inches taller then him, and looked approximately 10 years older.

Jin's expression became determined, hiding his now nervously beating heart. He held his hand up an inch from hers, summoning his attack.

A sharp and high pitched howl broke the air. The cause was the Wind howling like a wolf in the dead of night. If Jin failed to rival her power, chances were good he would be killed.

"Ready?" Rico asked, her cape floating slightly.

"Aye..." Jin said, although not really sure if that was the truth or not. He chose to use the wolf for his beasts as well. This way he was sure both would have the same capabilities - the only difference would be the strength of the attack. Two howl aligned, crying out with the same forsaken plea.

"Don't you go and die on me Jin..." Yusuke mumbled the command in his sleep. Jin heard his demand, and his ears perked up as he smirked, having more confidence now. Rico launched her assault mere moments before Jin, and the battle was on. Jin found it to be harder than expected, he had to hold his right arm steady with his left, but still, it did not completely halt the quaking. The Winds clashed, howling and snarling as they fought. The figures of wolves danced above them while other winds around them clashed.

Rico stood in her normal pose and held out only one hand.

"Don't use your bodies' strength; it will only wear you down faster. The Wind is your weapon for a reason." Rico lectured. If Jin wasn't supposed to use the strength of his body for power, then... what?

It suddenly hit him, he wasn't helping the Wind--- he was restricting it. By moving his own spirit energy into the attack, the Wind couldn't use all of its strength, and therefore relied on his power as its guide. Its... weaker guide. True, his spirit energy was what controlled the Wind, but he had already summoned a Beast Wind, and once done, it wouldn't stop until ordered, or destroyed. It was much like the Dark Dragon in such respect.

"Draw back your spirit energy." Rico ordered, and Jin soon complied. He discovered it worked, the Wolf Wind of his lashed out much more wildly.

"Good..." Rico turned her head a few degrees to the side, "Let's see how much you can take." She pushed her hand forward, forcing his back slowly until their hands met.

"One... question..." Jin grunted out the words.

"Hm?" Rico's eyes went to his.

"If a creature is needin' spirit energy to call winds, and you down't 'ave any, how does it work?" Jin laughed softly, his body leaning back from the force that was beginning to overpower him.

"Simple..." Rico said, moving closer, her Wind energy obviously much stronger, "I'm bound to the Wind, I am the Wind..." Jin blinked, forgetting he was in the middle of a fierce fight, and was thrown backwards, his body giving into the strength easily. His mistake was realized too late, as he hit a wall, smashing it, and falling into the crater. Several bricks were loosened from the ceiling, and crashed down onto his body, but he appeared unaffected by their impact.

He opened his eyes, fighting back the pain screaming through his body, unsure why he wasn't missing any body parts by now.

Rico was the only person in his line of vision, and she was merely standing above him, looking down with her soft brown eyes. She had called back the Beast Winds, saving his life.

"I'll give you points for lasting as long as you did," She knelt down, reaching a hand out to him, "But at the rate you're going, your power will be gone long before I've decided this fight is over." He gazed up at her with confusion and realization in his bright blue eyes. She wasn't fighting out of hate, but hope. Her strict demeanor was how she kept him going, kept him fighting, and taught him to stand up. He didn't understand why she offered him help. If she wanted him to be strong, and learn on his own, why was she reaching out a hand to assist?

He extended his arm, taking her hand in his own. It wasn't soft, but rough and calloused from years of training. Unexpectedly, her grip was fairly gentle.

"Perhaps something a bit easier this time..." Rico suggested softly, pulling him up.

"Uh..." Jin watched her take a few steps before stopping and looking at him over her shoulder.

"Confused about something?" Rico's eyes never blinked and never left his face as she gracefully pivoted her body to face him. Jin shook his head quickly, taking his thoughts off the matter.

"Never mind it, let's just be gettin' on with all the fightin'." Jin stepped out of the rubble and sighed.

"Alright, grappling..." The Wind Warrior said as if it were all that simple a task, "I would like to see how well you can grapple with me."

"She's nuts!" Kuwabara shouted from the sidelines, "Woman can't grapple! They don't have the arm strength!"

"And who are you to say what I can and cannot do?" Rico glared at him, and lifted an arm, "Or perhaps you would like to try instead...?" The green cloak covered well over half her arm despite the fact she was holding it out.

"Eee!" Kuwabara cringed and hid behind Hiei, "No ma'am!"

"I won't forgive you for the comment, but I'll let you off this time." Rico withdrew her arm and looked at Jin, "After all, his fighting style doesn't interest me in the least."

"I agree, all them sword slashin' he does just isn't all that interestin'." Jin squatted, warming up. Kuwabara sweat-dropped, but made the wise choice and said nothing further.

"Feh," Hiei growled at Kuwabara, "Coward."

Jin laughed merrily; grappling was one of his favorites next to aerial attacks. Soon he rose, and brought his arms up to defend.

"Begin..." Rico voiced the start, and Jin staged the first assault. His moves were indeed fast, but he was a little angry at his capabilities when Rico used one arm to counter every single one of his attempts to strike her. This game went on for about five minutes before Jin finally jumped back and placed his hands on his knees while panting. Sweat dripped from his brow and fell to the floor.

"Finished warming up?" Rico asked. Jin nearly face-faulted at her question.

"I'll be damned if anyone else could call tha' a warm up!" Jin dropped to one knee, resting a fist on the ground, "Neh..." Rico merely raised an eyebrow with interest, but she waited for him to recover his breath and strength.

"Per'aps round two?" Jin asked, getting back up.

"Perhaps..." Rico nodded her head once, "Don't play this time." Jin groaned, she knew. He had been trying to memorize her movements before attacking with real force.

"You're kidding me, all that... was... fake?" Kuwabara gaped.

"Not fake you goon, he was taking precautions." Hiei informed, becoming tired of having to spell all the tactics and plans out to him.

Jin opened the first attack again, yet this time he was faster and steadier on his feet.

"Better..." Rico commented, still getting by with one arm. The brown haired fighter soon lost track of the young demon's actions in the blur, and was decked on the left cheek. The older Wind Master was sent to the floor, plowing through the concrete and sliding to a halt.

"Nice shot Jin..." Yusuke muttered quietly.

"Whoo!" Jin wiped his brow, "I'll be a thankin' you now, because tomorrow my body will be a hatin' all the pain!" Rico shifted, jerking her broad shoulder from the wreckage and rising to a stand.

"Next step," Rico bowed her head, pulling off her jade cape with a swift stroke of her arm, "I hope you can kick your skills up another notch, because this won't be easy." Her body was in the light now; showing off her strong arms and toned legs. A ripped tank top covered her upper body, white in color, and worn from being used over and over in battle. While her top was fairly baggy, yet tucked in neatly, her black pants were even looser around her form.

"Holy cow!" Kuwabara jumped back again, "She's buff!" He felt more like saying 'Women aren't supposed to be buff', but decided against it.

"Yes, more so then Yusuke and Jin." Hiei added.

"Eh!" Jin blinked with shock, "Well it's a no wonder I'm a loosin'! With power like tha' behind you, anyone would be takin' a dive and eatin' dirt if you tried to hit 'em!"

"I'm flattered," Rico said without any enthusiasm whatsoever, "This is what comes with training I suppose, it wasn't the body I wanted, but it is what I received. My own fault, really. Not feminine in the least, am I?"

Jin waved his arms in defense, "Well I'm now't anyone to be goin' around sayin' whose feminine or now't!"

"Not one of the best with words, sweet though." Rico thought out loud.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"Holy buckets!" Koenma exclaimed, looking over Rico's body, "Now that's what our body guards should be like!"

"Well now that we know the only life to be lost here is hers, I'm sure you feel much safer accepting the responsibility." Kurama smiled.

"Are you saying I'm irresponsible?" Koenma shouted.

"Oh my, was that what it was?" Kurama said innocently.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"Ready?" Rico stooped into a new stance, "Let's go."

"Right!" Jin said with so much eagerness for battle the only one that could compare to his anticipation was Yusuke Urameshi. In a flash of Jin's sharp white fangs, both fighters disappeared.

"Where'd they go!?!" Kuwabara squeaked.

"Can't hide in the wind forever you two..." Yusuke snored lightly, a soft breeze brushing by.

"Hmph," Hiei thought for a moment, eyes traveling from Yusuke, back to the place of the battle, "There's your answer."

Both Wind Masters clashed dozens of times, countering attacks, and lashing out fiercely. Forearm met forearm as Jin strained to hold his ground. Rico's bent knees signified she was actually using some of her strength this time around. She still looked down at him, her good eye flickering across Jin's face, looking for that determined spirit, and finding it everywhere on his features. Those bright blue orbs of eyes he had reflected his character the most; his will, determination, power, and courage to continue. The flame haired demon loved battle, especially a friendly one, and he knew this woman wasn't fighting as his enemy. She treated him more like a pupil, such as the way Genkai treated Yusuke, yet not as harsh with words.

"Bit o' fun, you 'ave to admit." Jin smirked, one eye closed as Wind energy built up around their bodies.

"Battle has always been entertaining..." Rico responded, breaking off from the struggle and drifting back to a safe distance. Jin impulsively dropped back into his stance.

"Ah," Jin relaxed a bit and pushed one of his ears down with a finger, "I be a gettin' wound up now!" He let his ears go, causing it to spring up and batter back and forth before coming to a stop. Once brought to a halt, his ear twitched with enchantment, joined by the other as well. Rico blinked, drawing her head back. Although she had known of his ear trick, she didn't expect to be the cause of it.

She laughed softly, closing her eyes. It was an action she hadn't done in over a thousand years.

"Figures a Wind Master would be the one to make me laugh..." She chuckled lightly, but soon it died away.

"Oh, made you laugh did I?" Jin crossed his arms and smiled warmly with a satisfying hum, "Thas' good."

"Shall we continue?" Rico asked, stretching her hands briefly. Jin nodded energetically in return to her question. Both Wind Masters were engaged in another mind bogglingly fast battle in a blink.

This is amazing; he's getting faster the longer we fight... Rico thought, and sped up her actions to match Jin's.

"Stay with it Jin..." Yusuke said, and promptly... fell over. The fight continued, Rico appearing to have the upper hand, which wasn't surprising in the least. Jin was happier than ever, even laughing softly. Rico growled; she didn't understand why the young Wind Master's strength proceeded to rise. Jin smirked at her, a playful and friendly expression. He seemed to be fine, despite the beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Suddenly the facts fell into line for Rico. Jin was beginning to overwork his body to hold the same pace. The effects would not reach him yet, but soon he would begin to notice them himself. Rico knew from experience that a fighter who overexerted himself might end up feeding off life energy if not careful – possibly even killing themself. In an attempt to stop him, she locked hands with the young demon.

"Slow down, Jin." She ordered. The younger Wind Master didn't hear her voice through the Wind building up. A gust lifted up from the floor and swirled around them, accompanied by Jin's yelling. His once blue, and now maroon eyes were tiny slits, and had almost completely been drowned out by the new red beam shining out from them.

"Listen, Jin!" Rico roared, "Calm down and focus!" When no response was given, Rico took a drastic step. Pulling one arm back to bring Jin's body closer, she whipped her right knee up, and struck him in the rib cage.

The force snapped two ribs as if they were toothpicks, sending his body backwards, and crashing to the floor. His face was lost in the sea of pain as he rolled along the stone flooring, scraping and cutting his body before he finally stopped. His form was curled up, arms clutched around his nearly shattered left rib cage. His eyes had faded back to normal as soon as the intense pain had hit him.

"Damnit Jin, why'd you leave yourself open?" Yusuke grumbled.

"I think Urameshi has gone insane..." Kuwabara said, scratching the side of his head.

Jin raised his arms, and looked at the damaged, wincing with the terrible pain consuming his body. Wonderful, a compound fracture from the lowest rib...

"Enh," Jin struggled to fight the stabbing in his side, "Feels worse than ...it looks..." He gave a weak laugh, but his capabilities were bound by the sting of pain, and he soon clutched his midsection once more. He bowed his head down, his entire body unable to move.

Rico casually walked over to the arched form, and knelt down.

"Turn over," Rico ordered; putting a hand on his stiff left shoulder, "That blow wasn't meant to be so harsh."

"Can't..." He said hoarsely, and let out a horrible sounding cough. She lifted him up, holding him against her body.

Moving his arms, she took in the sight of the injury. One white, yet blood covered bone, had pushed its way up and broke through the skin. Jin released a cry, lying still was painful enough, but being moved and having to shift body weight on and off the area of injury was too much. Kuwabara cringed with the sight, grabbing his arms and squirming. Hiei was less then impressed with the situation, and gave the notion of being bored.

"Shh..." Rico silenced him, "Don't move, this won't start out as the best feeling in the world, but give it a few minutes." Opening her left hand, her arm tensed, and shaped a beautiful white orb out of Wind.

"I may be a Wind Master, but that doesn't mean it's the only skill I specialize in." The dark eyed female reassured him. Hiei blinked, no longer bored. He had never seen a healing power such as this. The combination of Wind and healing... how well would it work?

With an unwavering hand, Rico pressed the orb up to the broken skin, the power whirling around in a tiny ball. As said, it wasn't a beautiful feeling. Jin arched his back from the pain. He didn't cry out, for his voice was lost somewhere.

"For something so pretty it looks painful!" Kuwabara shuddered; glad he was a sideline observer, and not a fighter.

The orb slowly sunk into Jin's skin smoothly. Rico held the slightly writhing form close to stable him. A shot to the ribs was one of the most painful. A broken leg wasn't much, but a shattered rib cage could bring even the strongest to their knees.

His body soon settled, the remaining pain slowly dieing down to a more tolerable degree. His blue eyes were shut softly, and his body relaxed into the woman holding him. He remained there, waiting for his body to finish the process. The pace at which the wound was being repaired was astounding. The light ovals of blue soon opened slowly, becoming more alert as his body regained control. With a soft and relieved exhale, Jin sighed.

"Kuyai must 'ave been lucky..." Jin smiled up at her.

"Hn?" Rico's eyes met his, "Why do you believe that?"

"Un... 'aving a mother like you to take care o' her, I just figured...must 'ave been nice." Jin laughed, and his body gained more influence over the ache with each word.

"I tried... I wanted to keep her alive, but she was such an outgoing woman, she insisted she die along with the rest." Rico looked away.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"Is it me, or did he just call her nice?" Koenma slouched in his chair.

"It would appear that way." Kurama smiled.

"I don't get it."

"She certainly is a puzzle."

"First she pounds him, and then she heals him..." Koenma thought about it, "Sure, she wants to die, but the longer she fights him, the more his energy is used up, right?" Kurama paused before he answered, unsure of what to say for once.

With an uneasy smile, and sweat-drop, Kurama spoke, "At least she cares."

Koenma face-faulted.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"I can't 'elp but... wonder abouwt your past, the more you fight, the more interested I become. I keep thinkin', how did she get so much power, how 'as she survived so many years bein' locked up? What made her the way she is, and what made her think the way she does. One keeps a comin' to my mind; I can't seem to stop it... per'aps you can answer it for me... How, out of all these years you 'ave lived, and all the sufferin' I sense you 'ave gone through, how... how can you be actin' so soft towards others?" Jin took a few breaths, still recovering.

Rico's eyes lowered, and she gave it thought before answering.

"I am incapable of being something I'm not. This is the way I have been all my life and I'm just too stubborn to change." Rico's deep brown eye, as well as the faded, met Jin's sky colored ones, "I can be merciless and coldhearted, but unlike some other demons, I do not take any pride or satisfaction from it. I must thank you though; no one else except Ven and Kuyai ever bothered to take the time to wonder why I am this way."

"Someone 'as to understand..." Jin laughed in a whisper, "Otherwise no one would... obvious, but it's true..."

"Now I have a question... how did a demon like you, with such humor and brightness, end up being accepted as a Wind Master?"

"Eh, it wasn't a piece o' cake, tha' much I know..."

"I'll give you a few more minutes, after that, I have one more attack I want you to show me..." Rico sighed softly, taking a seat behind him, and holding his still recovering form.

"A few minutes, I'll take a wee nap then." Jin yawned and went out like a light.

"Oh?" Rico blinked with surprise, looking down at the young sleeping Youkai in her arms. She shook her head; he would take any chance he got to rest.

I would have left this place if it were possible... I could have made Kuyai and Ven happy. I could have prevented Jhun and Leon's condition... I was too weak, and always would be if I decided to remain here, but death is my only option... Rico lowered her head as she thought, At least this way, we can be free...

"Hm?" Rico snapped to attention, sensing a weak power.

Perhaps I can make one being happy... Ven, you stubborn demon, you're still alive.

"Why are they just sitting there?" Kuwabara slumped down and heaved a heavy sigh.

"I think they're resting." Hiei spoke in a rounded tone.

"Well no duh!" Yelled the teen.

"Be quiet..." The fire demon ordered.

"Oh, don't want me to disturb their beauty rest?"

No answer.

"Well?" Kuwabara stomped a foot.

"Perhaps you would like me to shut your mouth for you?" Those blood red eyes locked onto Kuwabara in a deadly threat.

IIIIIIIIIIII

With a long yawn, Jin opened his eyes slowly, blinking a few times to focus them. He turned his head, looking up at Rico.

"Welcome back." She greeted him.

"Time to get up and fight?" Jin smiled tiredly.

"Afraid so..." Rico decided to return the smile.

"Eh!" Jin suddenly felt an urge to voice his thoughts, and obeyed it, "I down't know why you're nowt smilin' more! You could knock a man dead with tha' dazzle!"

She coughed lightly; blushing.

"Do I 'ave to move?" Jin nearly pouted, burrowing deeper into her warm body.

"Well I suppose you wouldn't have to, but we wouldn't get anywhere."

"I down't want to kill you..." Jin said out of nowhere.

"I know... and I'm sorry for making you do this." Rico said softly, and with meaning, as well as care.

"But I need you to show me an attack..." Rico paused for a moment, "The Northern Breeze."

"Mh?" Jin let out of peep of surprise, before he crossed his arms, and glared, "I'm nowt goin' to be a hittin' you with tha'!"

"I'm sure you have learned the Northern Breeze, how could you call yourself a Wind Master if you have not?" Rico tilted her head to the side.

"Eh, I 'ave, but tha' down't mean I'll be usin' it any time soon."

"Well then, Jin, I suppose it would be accurate to say, we 'ave a wee bit o' a problem 'ere." Rico raised her eyebrows once as Jin blinked at her.

"Ah!" He laughed at her accent, "And just how are you goin' to fix it?"

"You remember whose holding you?" Rico gave him a slight hug.

"Oh?" Jin smirked playfully, "What if I were to refuse again?"

"You wouldn't be a happy demon." Rico stood, letting Jin fall backwards, "My healing is complete, stand up and get ready."

"How sweet o' you..." He joked, looking at the ceiling. He leaned back on his shoulder blades, and pulled his knees to his chin. His hands rested next to his head, and as he thrust his body up from the ground, he extended his legs to catch himself. He straightened himself out, brushing off his chest and abdomen.

"I would like you to hit me with the Northern Breeze, Jin." Rico pushed her hair back over her shoulders, and turned to face him, "It is alright, it will not kill me, at least... not instantly."

"I'm nowt goin' to be attackin' with it!" Jin glared.

"No?" Rico bowed her head, "If you do not kill me, not only will I never be able to leave here, but neither will you." Jin raised his eyebrows and head, wondering what she was speaking about.

"That's right; you can't leave until my death occurs. I'm sure you know how powerful a wind barrier is, and despite the fact you can control the air and wind, you're strength is not enough to overwhelm my own. I've placed a new seal."

"You- you did wha?" Jin reached a hand out towards her in a bit of disbelief, "Arrh!!" He scratched his fingers through his red hair in frustration. With a swift movement, Jin turned away from her and sat down cross-legged on the floor.

"I down't believe you." He crossed his arms, eyes closed and one eyebrow twitching with annoyance.

"I do not wish to force your power out." Rico walked over and knelt behind him. With gentle actions, she rested her hands on his shoulders. He sat, acting unaffected by her presence.

"I have a gift for you Jin."

"Hm?" Jin turned his upper body around, looking at her with an innocent and questioning face.

"You cannot receive this gift until you strike me with the Northern Breeze." Rico silenced him before he could speak, absently putting a few stray strands of his hair back into place, "Jin, the Northern Breeze is indeed strong, but I assure you, I will not die so easily. It is true no one has ever survived a hit from it, but I shall."

"Whoo! Confident aren't we?" Jin rolled his eyes sarcastically.

"I promise you, this attack will not end my life." The sincere tone she used made Jin think about it for awhile.

"Heh," He laughed once, "You're makin' it hard to refuse."

IIIIIIIIIIII

"Have you ever heard of this... 'Northern Breeze', Kurama?" Koenma looked up at the fox. There were a few moments of silence and thought, and Kurama finally responded.

"I believe it is a finishing move, a very powerful one at that. From what I can remember, that attack may sound gentle, but its strength is deadly."

"Gee Kurama, you seem smart today, and our entire library has nothing on Rico or her techniques. Strange how you know these things and I don't even have an ounce of information on her that I haven't already told." Koenma's eyelids lowered in a suspicious manner.

The fox coughed and gave a tiny laugh, "Well, I suppose when you've lived as a bandit for as long as I had, you learn many interesting things."

IIIIIIIIIIII

Jin had agreed to carry out the attack, and was currently standing a few yards in front of Hiei and Kazuma. Although his eyes were drawn down to the floor at first, they slowly dragged up to look at the strong demon before him. Inside he was arguing with himself.

"Jin... summon the Northern Winds..." Rico nodded at him, a strangely sad expression upon her features.

Forgive me Jin... Rico's eye softened.

The young Wind Fighter drew in a calm breath, and slowly moved down into a sturdy stance. His hands played with the air; graceful and smooth.

"Northern Winds..." Jin began, whispering the chant; eyes closed and voice echoing as a soft breeze picked up, "Stance of the harsh, strike of the biting, spirit of the gale, and freedom of the air..." The walls began to thunder from the pressure as a tremendous amount of wind swept through the room. Small twisters ran up from the floor, twirling and pulling the air around with grand speed and force.

"Take Yusuke and get out of here." Hiei ordered Kuwabara through the wind, his cold and hard eyes glaring. Kuwabara, who didn't feel like staying around to get blown away, didn't object or ask why. He struggled over towards where Yusuke was on the floor and threw the detective over his shoulder and headed out the barely open doors.

The walls felt like they would crumble in on themselves if this kept up, but the seal held the chambers intact. Rico stood tall; pride had remained with her for the thousands of years she had been imprisoned. With fearless eyes, the first, and Ultimate Wind Master, stepped forward to accept the Wind.

Hiei had no intentions of leaving, but the Wind was becoming so strong, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to remain on his feet.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"Come on Urameshi! Wake up already!" Kuwabara ran full speed down the hallways, running back through Rex's chamber, almost slipping a few times on the water. As he panted from his run, and Yusuke's weight, he froze in Ven's chamber.

"What the heck are you doing still alive?" Kazuma shouted out the question. Ven was leaning against a wall, arm over his wound, and soft face laughing and recoiling slightly at the volume of Kuwabara's voice.

"Well, mother always did tell me I was a stubborn one." He laughed gently. Kuwabara looked around, gritting his teeth. His heart was telling him to save the man.

"Come on." Kuwabara ran over and began to help him up.

"Assisting the enemy? That doesn't sound normal... then again, I haven't met that many humans." Ven coughed, splattering blood along the floor.

"Geeeh! Do me a favor and don't do that!" Kuwabara cringed.

"My apologies..." Yusuke was held limply under Kuwabara's right arm, while Ven was supported by one arm around Kazuma's neck and shoulders.

"You're quite the character." That same soft laugh escaped Ven.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

"I am...Wind Master Jin..." The red haired Wind Master shouted, holding his arms near his abdomen as if protecting the white and gray orb that had formed in his hands. The power swirled, and he growled to contain its strength, hands and arms shaking as the floor trembled and cracked beneath him.

"Of the... Northern Breeze..." He struggled, and his voice remained valiant and strong.

Don't let it overcome you, Jin. If you let it know it's stronger, the Winds will consume and destroy you. If anyone is capable of this technique I created... there is no better demon than you.

The floor began to split everywhere, creating a puzzle out of broken floor and wall tiles.

"Now execute... by my hands... the... Northern Breeze!" Jin roared and threw both his hands forward. The force behind the attack slid him back several yards before he regained his footing. White Wind shot forward, unyielding and determined to cause destruction.

Blood red glowed through the Wind; informing Rico where Jin's blazing eyes were locked. Hiei growled, he didn't have a choice if he wanted to live, and so he evacuated in a blur.

The orb howled through the air as more white wind swirled around its front and broke the barrier to speed up the attack power. Rico bowed her head, smiling softly and thankfully. Her stance was strong, but the Winds were stronger. With a shriek of might, the orb struck Rico, spinning until it broke the surface of her being, tunneled through her abdomen, and shot out her back. With it the orb brought gusts, which, as they passed, slashed and tore at her form mercilessly.

It happened in seconds, but for the two Masters seconds were more like ages. The orb had traveled right through the wall behind her, and showed no signs of yielding. The brown haired and brown eyed fighter was still standing, although cuts now covered well over half her body.

"Good aim..." Rico laughed, looking up from the gap in her being before falling forward and hitting the wrecked floor with a dull thud. Jin drew in deep breaths, trying to recover. His legs were still shaking from the event, and his arms were exhausted. Despite his tiredness, he lifted his arms, examining his scraped, bruised, cut and bleeding hands.

Looking up, he slowly walked over to Rico, and dropped to his knees.

"You said..." Jin rolled her over on her back with great difficulty, "You wouldn't be a... dyin' on me this way, now get up..." He hauled her into a sitting position, weakly holding her heavy body up. Her shirt and pants were barely there, torn in so many places they looked liked scraps.

Rico opened her eyes and acknowledged Jin's presence.

"Funny thouwht I just 'ad... it's such a powerful attack why would one call it a breeze? Always thought o' a breeze as a soft whisperin' caress o' the wind." He whispered a laugh.

"Yes, strange name for an attack with the soul purpose of killing its opponent, but it can certainly dislodge the mental function of an enemy. Ah, before you're friends get too far, I must give you that gift I promised. Help me stand, Jin." Rico sighed.

Without protest, Jin helped her rise. Surprisingly, she didn't need help once she was up.

"I have no use for this any longer. My remaining power, knowledge, and strength...is now yours." Rico placed a hand on his cheek and jaw and smiled reassuringly at him.

"Wh-" His protest was cut off.

"Take care of Ven for me, he's a sweet boy, and a survivor..."

"Eh... tha' he is..." Jin closed his beautiful sky blue eyes and rested his hand on hers.

"Thank you Jin..." Rico bowed.

With a sudden lurch of the room, Rico pushed her power into the young Wind Master. Surprised, Jin staggered backwards once he was released. He looked from his healed hands, to Rico, and back again. His body surged with new power. It didn't feel like him, it felt like Rico. No one would be able to recognize his spirit with her power swirling around inside his body as it was. He flexed his now improved arms to test them; he had gained everything Rico had showed him. From the amazing grappling moves she used, and the speed she possessed, all the way to her strange ability to endure even the worst, all of it was his now.

"It's done, perhaps I can rest easy now knowing I have the right demon to use that power," A shaft of wind formed in her hand as she continued to smile, "I kept my word Jin - your attack didn't kill me. I guess... I should say goodbye... and so... sayonara my friend, and... Ultimate Wind Master... Jin..." With those words completed, the suffering fighter pushed the blade of wind into her chest, and through her heart.

Jin was stunned and reached out to catch her. He swept down in a circle under her form and she fell into his arms.

Resting on one knee, holding her securely to his body, he watched her pained face smooth out.

"Tell Youko that... I'm sorry to hear of Kuronue's death, and tell him... he may have avoided his demise once, but I'll see him eventually."

"I will."

She chuckled tenderly, "You're truly enchanting, Jin." Her eyes slowly closed and with a final wisp of air she was gone. Jin trembled lightly, feeling as though he had lost a part of himself. He swallowed and shook his head, finding the situation to be more of a tragedy than anything else.

"Takin' your own life like tha'... you crazy demon." Jin laughed, but his smile soon faded, "A sad story your life must 'ave been. I'm sorry you 'ad to be the one to suffer for so long... And Youko… what's this abouwt Youko? Such a mystery..." Gently, he set her body down and brushed her hair back away from her pale face. The barrier was gone; it had disappeared with her life force... as she had said it would.

"I feel useless and lame. I wanted to 'elp you." Jin sat and pulled his knees up to his chest, "Heh, I guess thas' just the way things are though... nothin' can be done abouwt it once it 'as 'appened." He remained for a while longer, thinking, and wondering. The chambers hadn't collapsed as of yet. They were old but proved strong.

"Ultimate Wind Master eh..." Jin shook his head slowly, "It doesn't feel right. These powers... it feels too much like you." He rubbed his arms slowly, shivering quietly to himself.

A calm breeze swept past him, caressing his cheek, as if comforting him. He looked up.

"I 'ear you..." He smiled happily for a change of mood, "I know you're there... I'll be takin' care o' Ven. Don't you worry, he'll be alright..." Jin stood, taking a final look at Rico's form.

"You do look peaceful there... per'aps this was the best..." His body turned part way around, but his eyes remained on her, "Enjoy your rest... "

He began to walk away, the Wind brushing along the stone floor behind him. It rustled debris around, stirring dust up around Rico's fallen form.

Soon, the first Wind Master dissolved, scattered into the air and the Wind.

IIIIIIIIIIIII

e. 1-1-07