I realize that the past few chapters have been focusing a lot on Sukina and Naoko. I'm just trying to lay the foundation for my next fanfic, which is going to be a crossover. The happenings here will have a large impact on the relationships between Sukina, Naoko, Kurama, Hiei, Shuura and Mukuro. Kuwabara and Yusuke, as entertaining as they are, don't really fit the criteria. Next two chapters will be the last, I promise!

Thanks for staying with me!

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Meanwhile…

Sukina stood at the Gates, uncomprehending of what was going on. To her surprise, she saw several women around the Gates, each of them the size of a mountain. They were perfectly proportioned, but their uniforms were one she could not discern. Their clothing styles seemed to be those of the simplistic 1920s, yet there was an archaic feeling to it. She heard the voice of another girl, seemingly far away, when she identified the clothing styles.

"In the 1920s the styles were simpler, more subtle, less complex. It was just like their singing styles too… That whole era has a sense of simplicity I've known nowhere else," the voice said. Sukina felt that she should know the voice. The voice's owner and her had a long history…

She stood at the feet of one of the statues. The woman had long, flowing hair, nearly to her waist. She was dressed in a long, smooth Grecian gown. Her sleeveless arms were adorned with a pair of armlets. Sukina could not make out any other features, as the light was too dim and the statue too high.

You came. We thought you would have lost the power…

What are you?

We are the Guardians. Once, a long time ago, we were the Guardians of our Kingdoms. However, we lost control of our Kingdoms. We were laid asleep, awakening only when the Necessity arose. It woke us up far earlier than anyone, even Karma, could have foreseen. In order to protect the Universe, my sister, my friends, and I chose to remain here, to be the Guardians of this place.

What do you wish me to do?

The Guardian sensed the compassion and desire to help in Sukina. There was so much this little one did not know; yet she was sincere. She did not know how much she resembled the Guardian.

I am called Camillie, sister to Cara. In times of danger, call upon me, and I will help you. If they tell you that you only have two choices, remember this. There is always a 'good,' and a 'bad' choice. It may seem black and white, but remember that black and white equals grey. There is always room for compromise.

I shall remember.

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Hiei opened his eyes to find Sukina staring out the window at him. He thought that he was merely dreaming, seeing the dreams others had while his jagan was open, but it seemed to be not. Thank you, Hiei. Your protection and devotion overwhelms me. There was a slightly amused tone to the voice… It was Sukina's voice and her eyes… He realised he was staring, and then recalled where he had seen the same look.

It is time for the end game. My sister and I must stop Rumen from carrying out his plans. If he does, we shall all perish, she said.

This was the Sukina of old. Before she had lost her memory.

Remembering the power she had displayed when they shut down the Gates of Hell, Hiei didn't know whether to be afraid or glad that she seemed to be on their side.

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Karen was standing at the feet of the statue. She looked up at it in awe and wonder. She had heard of wonders like these, statues that were taller than anything else she knew. The Sphinx, the Pyramids… Yet they were all ruins compared to these magnificent creations!

Yes, we are creations. But we are not inanimate objects. We have a soul and a mind, someone said to her.

Telepathy! You can communicate through telepathy!

The statue laughed. This one reminded her so much of herself. She would not shy away from anything new, but rather, choose to confront them, to understand and make sense of them. She had an analytical mind. However, it was not one that was bound by reason and logic, but by intuitiveness.

Yes, we can. But to marvel is not why you were brought here. Or should I say, lured here.

Lured here? You mean this isn't a dream? Inspired by overwork?

Again she laughed. In another time and place she probably would have given the same response. It was delightful how this little child could be so entertaining.

No. We have come to you in a dream, yet this is no dream. Do you understand the paradox? The girl's nod gave her the answer she knew this girl had, and she continued before the girl could ask another question.

The choices we make will haunt us forever. Hindsight is always perfect compared to foresight. Remember that if the road forks into two, there is always a third road. Carve out your own path.*

I shall remember.

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Well, this is the last one I completed over a period of four days. Wow! I've never worked so fast before. And so disappointed. No one's reading me! Waa!!!

Well, leave a review for me. I may have something for you if you can guess who's the mysterious woman who saved Sukina's life. I'm still split into two minds for that.

*Too much Gensoumaden Saiyuki. I keep thinking of Vanities of Vanities:

Kill the Father as you meet Him. Kill the son as you meet him.  Kill the Buddha as you meet him. Live life your own way, don't be captivated by anyone.

Until then. Ja!