~Chapter 9~
~Entering the Mercenary's Castle~

The four had chosen to go with Corana, not believing that any demons were really strong enough to take on the four of them. They were approaching the castle from the North when Corana halted them. Her eyes went completely black and they saw a curtain of shadow engulf the castle. Screams could be heard from the lower levels, but a defiant, maniacal laughter broke through the gloom to reach Corana's ears. Her eyes returned to their normal bright blue and she growled at the laugh.

"Corana?" Yusuke started.

She snapped out of it and turned to him. "We should have less resistance now." That was all she said and she continued on towards the castle. The others had no choice but to follow her.

Upon entering the front gate, they saw two guards lying in pools of their own blood, their wrists slit.

"What happened?" Kuwabara shuddered.

"They committed suicide." Corana replied emotionally. "With the aid of a nightmare or two that encouraged them."

This was not the usually happy but somewhat temperamental Corana they'd all come to know. She had become a ruthless killer with a single goal and no one would stop her from attaining it.

"Yusuke, Kuwabara." Corana turned to the two. "Take this map and follow it to the dungeons. Release anyone kept there. Kill the doctors and the guards." Corana ordered. "If you find anyone wearing this device..." Corana displayed a collar radiating a peculiar energy. "Lock them in the dungeon. I will take care of it when I finish with Odei. That device is controlling their actions. Do not harm them if you can avoid it. Kurama, go with them. I do not need much help getting to the top, but they may need you." Corana went to move ahead.

"But Corana.." Yusuke started.

"Go. You can at least help those held hostage here. Hiei will be with me. I have need of him. Do not argue with me. We don't have the time." Corana then moved ahead without waiting for a response from the others. Hiei followed her, curious as to what part she wished him to play.

"What do you need me for?" Hiei asked.

"I will need you to read Deikazan's mind to see how to release the collars. I do not know their secret, but I accidentally killed someone by taking one off." Corana replied. "That way at least if I die, someone knows how to release them."

"You are not so certain you will succeed?"

"Not entirely. Like Kurama said, I have no knowledge of Odei's present power." Corana admitted.

They continued their advance in silence. "Someone's coming." Hiei announced.

Corana nodded and made ready to fight.

"Well hello there Corana. It's been awhile." A cold female voice greeted them from the shadows. The demon materialized to reveal a slightly built female with long, luxuriant red hair to her waist and striking green eyes.

"Hizeme." Corana nodded curtly. "You seem to be doing well. Too bad it's not for much longer." She drew two daggers.

Hizeme plucked a single strand of hair from her head and it transformed into a flaming whip. She immediately started attacking. She followed Corana into the air with a burst of wind energy and the two of them fought relentlessly, both demonesses baring their fangs and snarling at each other.

"You could never stand being shunted to the side could you Hizeme?" Corana snarled. "You never stood a chance with Deikazan. You knew that. Kami took up all his time."

"Ah. But you took care of that problem for me Corana." She snarled back. "Now with Kami out of the way and soon I shall kill you and Deikazan shall be all mine."

"You always were a stubborn one." Corana chuckled as she landed a blow with the hilt of her dagger to the back of Hizeme's head. The demon fell to the ground with a thud. She lifted her head weakly and started to rise again.

"I will defeat you." Hizeme snarled at Corana.

"Not today." Corana replied and slit the girl's throat.

A/N: OK thank you A Random Passing Gerudo for the demoness Hizeme. For those of you who were curious, Hizeme means torture by fire. Thanks for all those who've reviewed and keep sending in those demons! Ja!