I guess it's time I told you my updating schedule. On school weeks I'll update every Sunday. This includes three-day weekends. On holiday weeks I'll tell you when I'll update. We only have a few more chapters left. I'd say five at the most. Now on with the fic.

Chapter 89

Countdown to War

Koenma sat back in his seat and let out a sigh. "Are you okay Koenma sir?" George asked. "I don't know, how would you feel if you knew the king of all demons was about to invade the world?" Koenma asked. "I'm sorry sir" George said timidly.

"George, do you know how we came upon the information about the invasion?" Koenma asked. "Well we did already know where he would invade. The portal the rebels are guarding is the only one big enough to allow his army into the human world" George said. "We knew where they would invade but not when. Our spies in Satanos's ranks didn't steal the information. Satanos himself mailed the information to us" Koenma said.

"Is he crazy?" George said. "No, it was meant to intimidate us. He has the largest army in all the three worlds' history. I'm willing to bet that it's gotten larger since the war. He wants us to know when he will invade because he knows we will amass our forces at the wall guarding the portal. He plans to wipe out most resistance in the first attack. Let's face it, his army's unbeatable" Koenma said. "Then there's no hope for us?" George said. "Our only hope is the defenses can hold long enough for Yusuke and the others to destroy Satanos. If he's gone, the army will no longer be a threat" Koenma said. "Do you think they're ready for him?" George asked. "I don't know George" Koenma replied.

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean

It was another average day on the United States destroyer, USS Neptune (made it up). The radar operator was struggling to stay awake while staring at the blank radar screen. A life of excitement they say, go to exotic places they say. I should have joined the Marines he thought.

Just then a blip appeared on the screen. At first he thought it was a malfunction but when it appeared again he sat up. "Captain" he said turning to the captain. "What is it?" the captain asked as he walked to the operator's side. "I'm not sure but something is heading straight for us" the operator replied. "Is it an aircraft?" the captain asked. "No sir, it's on the water's surface" the operator replied.

"Must be an enemy ship," the captain said. "Sir, it's approaching at more than Mach 2" the operator replied. The captain froze, "M-Mach 2?" The operator nodded. "What can travel that fast without flying?" he mumbled to himself. "What should we do sir?" the operator asked. "Sound the alarm, order all hands to their battle stations," the captain ordered. "Yes sir" the operator replied. He pressed a button and the alarms across the ship sounded.

"All hands to your battle stations. Unidentified object approaching fast. This is not a drill, repeat this is not a drill." The crew scrambled to their guns. "How long till it reaches us?" the captain asked. "Less than one minute sir" a sailor replied. The captain wiped the sweat from his face and looked through his binoculars to where the object was approaching.

He could see something on the horizon. He couldn't make it out but whatever it was, it was sending huge waves to the side as it continued on.

The entire crew was so stunned they couldn't move. They'd never seen anything move faster than most jets. The object zoomed past them sending a wave that went crashing down onto the decks. All it did was get the crew wet but they still didn't move from their spots.

"Did you see that" one sailor said when he found his voice again. "It looked like a person," another said. One took the cigarette he was smoking out of his mouth and looked at it. "That's it I'm quitting," he said.

The object continued on not caring what was in its path. After a few more hours it could see Japan on the horizon. It reached the shore and continued running across the landscape. The sheer force of air created by its speed blew anything in its path out of the way.

At the temple

Kurama and Yusuke were walking up the steps to the temple. "One week left" Yusuke said. "Yes, then the big battle" Kurama replied. "Hard to believe the fate of all three worlds depends on us" Yusuke said. "It's happened in the past," Kurama added. The two suddenly froze in place.

"Do you sense that?" Kurama asked. "Whatever it is it's fast," said Yusuke. They looked to the east where the energy was coming from. "It's heading for where Nami's training" Kurama said. Yusuke took off to where Nami had gone to train. Kurama soon followed.

Nami stopped mid-swing when she felt the energy too. Looks like I'll be having company she thought as she turned to the source. Whatever it is, it's got a lot of power behind it. Yusuke and Kurama are on their way but they won't get here in time she thought.  

She readied her scimitars for whatever attacked. The entire forest was deafly silent; the only sound was the rustle of leaves as the wind blew. The silence was broken when the sounds birds made when alarmed echoed through the forest. She could hear trees crashing to the ground as the source plowed its way toward her.

Here goes nothing she thought. The trees in front of her blew to the sides as the intruder zoomed into the scene. It skidded to a halt sending up a cloud of dust. The sheer force of rushing air created by the intruder's speed was enough to blow Nami off her feet. She flipped and landed on a tree branch. The wind died down and the dust began to settle.

She narrowed her eyes and jumped off the branch to avoid the swing of a sword from behind. She blocked a few more and locked swords with the intruder.

The dust settled enough that she could see two crimson eyes staring at her. "H-Hiei?" she said. "Your skills are as sharp as ever. I expected nothing less from you" Hiei replied before drawing back his katana and sheathing it.

"Was that you going that fast?" Nami asked. "Maybe" Hiei replied with a smirk. Nami dropped her scimitars in surprise. "This can't be real," she said. "Oh it's real Nami. And I'll prove to you" Hiei said.

He suddenly grabbed her around the waist, dipped her down, and claimed her lips. Nami's eyes got three times bigger in surprise. Nevertheless, she soon recovered enough to wrap her arms around his neck and return the kiss with equal force. Hiei inwardly smirked as he felt her run her hands though his hair. He finally broke and looked at Nami's dazed expression. "Wow" was all she said before fainting in his arms.   

Yusuke and Kurama ran onto the scene to find Hiei holding an unconscious Nami in a position that made them looks like they'd just done the tango. "Hiei?" Yusuke said. "Hello Urameshi. You to Kurama" Hiei replied as he slid an arm under Nami's legs and lifted her in his arms.

"Man Hiei, you've gotten faster," Yusuke said. "Well what'd you expect?" Hiei asked with a smirk. "Faster than the speed of sound. I guess that would make you the fastest living thing in history," Kurama said.

"Looks like I win again Urameshi" Hiei said looking at Yusuke. "What?" Yusuke questioned. "Remember that bet we made earlier this year?" Hiei asked. "Aw shit I thought you would forget" Yusuke said. "I believe the loser had to be the winner's slave for a month" Hiei replied as his smirk widened into a triumphant smile.

"Don't rub it in Hiei" Yusuke growled. "You will address me as Master Hiei. Now your first job as my slave will be to prepare Nami and myself some sweetsnow" Hiei said. "Yes Master Hiei" Yusuke said through clenched teeth. He walked to the temple mumbling profanities along the way.

"What was that about?" Kurama asked. "The fool and I made a little bet. He said I couldn't make Nami faint and I said I could. I believe the rest is self-explanatory" replied Hiei. "So what was the price for losing?" Kurama asked. "The loser has to be the winner's slave for a month" Hiei replied. "Hiei, you'll never cease to amuse me," Kurama said before walking back toward the temple.

Hiei waited till Kurama was out of site then looked down at his mate. "You can wake up now," he said. Nami smirked and her eyes opened. "Looks like your plan worked perfectly" she said. "Now we have our own mindless slave. This is something the Jagan could never do for me. I guess I owe you a thanks my mate" he said. "No thanks necessary. I know plenty of girls who want the mighty Hiei to kiss them like that," she said.

Hiei chuckled and set her down. "So should we head for the temple?" she asked. "Let's wait and let it melt. Then we can make him prepare some more," he said.  Nami giggled. "I want to check up on Yukina" Hiei said. They started heading for Riku and Yukina's cabin.

"Hiei, why aren't you wearing your bandages?" Nami asked looking at his right arm. "I've no need for them anymore, I have complete control of it now" Hiei replied.  "So I guess Demonus can't use it anymore" Nami said. "Not necessarily. The dragon's power came from the Demon King. Those with royal blood can wield it with or without the dragon's dimension in existence," Hiei said.  

They arrived at the cabin. "I'll wait out here," Nami said. Hiei nodded and walked into the house. Nami took a seat on the deck railing and waited for him to come out.

She heard the door open and looked to see Hiei coming back out. She then noticed a faint blush on his face. "What is it Hiei?" she asked. "Riku's back" Hiei replied. Nami quickly understood why he was blushing. "I bet you want me to welcome you back that way" Nami giggled. "Let's go eat that sweetsnow" Hiei grumbled and started off toward the temple. Nami sighed and followed him.

The next day

"I almost pity him," Kage said as he watched Yusuke balance a few bowls of sweetsnow and drinks for everyone. Hiei had made him wear a French maid's outfit so it was a funny sight.

"Just where did you get that outfit?" Crystal asked. "I found it in Botan's closet when I slept over once" Nami replied. "Botan," Kurama said looking at her, "why did you have a French maid's outfit in your closet?" "Well…uh…it was almost your birthday and…" she said blushing. Everyone forgot about Yusuke and burst out laughing. Kurama and Botan blushed.

Yugi stuck his foot in Yusuke's path and the spirit detective went crashing to the ground. "Yugi!!!" Kairi said. "What?" Yugi said giving her his most innocent look. Why's he have to be so cute when he looks innocent? Kairi asked herself. She sighed and stroked Mimiru's hair as the kitten slept on her lap. She smiled when she heard a cat-like pure from her adopted daughter.

"I hate cats," Yusuke said as he rubbed his head. "Slave, you've dropped my lunch. Go get some more," Hiei said. "Yes, Master Hiei" Yusuke growled before heading back to the kitchen.

"The only other person I've seen order Urameshi around like that is Keiko," said Kuwabara. "I did say I'd get revenge for my defeat at his hands" Hiei said with a smirk.

Riku and Yukina walked in. "Hey guys" Riku said. "We were wondering when you'd join us," Nami said winking at them. They both blushed.

"Where's Yusuke?" Riku asked. They heard a crash from the kitchen. "Black Fang what are you doing in with that?!" Yusuke yelled. The others headed for the kitchen and saw Yusuke and Black Fang playing tug-of-war with a t-bone steak. Yusuke was losing.

The others sweatdropped and headed back to the living room. Needless to say, Black Fang had a good lunch that day. Yusuke ended up cleaning the mess they made.

Two days later

Riku, Yukina, Kurama, and Botan were having a double date at the park. They decided to relax for the last week before the invasion. Botan and Yukina watched on under the shade of a tree as their boys ran for their lives from their fan clubs.

"When will those fangirls understand those two are taken?" Botan said. "Calm down Botan, since when have they ever been caught?" Yukina asked. "You have a point there," Botan said rubbing her chin.

"Hey you two," said a voice. They turned around and saw Mizu, Lita, Azeri, Naien, and Aurora not to far away. Genso was on Mizu's shoulder. "Hey you guys, what brings you here?" Botan asked. "We've come to enjoy the sights" Mizu replied. "You came alone?" Yukina asked. "Actually we brought Draco, Javik, Touya, Jin, and Cracker with us" Mizu replied. "Who's Cracker?" Yukina asked. "Jin's pet parrot. It's hilarious watching them talk to each other," Naien said.

"What's Touya doing with you?" Botan asked. "To keep Jin and Cracker out of trouble and to keep an eye on Azeri" Mizu said smiling.  "What?" Yukina and Botan said at the same time. "Those two hit it off a few weeks ago," Lita said. "Lita," Azeri hissed trying to keep her blush down. "Aw that's so cute. You're a fire hanyou and he's an ice master. Who says opposites don't attract," Botan said smiling. Azeri glared at her.

"Where are they anyway?" Yukina asked. "Cracker flew off so naturally Jin flew after him. And Touya and Draco went to catch Jin," said Aurora. They giggled.

"There you are," Draco said. They looked over and saw Draco walking toward them. Touya was dragging Jin by the collar with Cracker flying close behind. Cracker was your typical parrot with red and blue feathers. "Ra, you're it you're it, ra" Cracker squawked. "No fair Cracker. You had Touya's help," Jin said pouting. "I swear that's the last time I let you two play tag in public," Touya said.

"So is downtown still in tact?" Mizu asked. "Pretty much," Draco replied rubbing the back of his head. Aurora shook her head. "You're a pretty bird," Yukina said stroking Cracker's back. "Pretty bird pretty bird, ra, "Cracker squawked. Yukina giggled. "He always gets the girl," Jin mumbled. Touya sighed.

Riku and Kurama ran up to them. "Jin, you're single right?" Riku asked. Jin nodded. "There are plenty of girls back there for you to choose from," Kurama said pointing at the mob of fangirls. Jin grinned and went to say hello. "He's gonna get some booty he's gonna get some booty, ra." (Guess who) "My, Jin has taught him well," Kurama said.

The next day

The boys and Nami were going over what they'd do for the upcoming battle. Kage was going to the wall to help defend the portal. "Yusuke, Riku, Hiei, Nami, and Kurama will head for Satanos's palace," Kage said. "What about me?" Kuwabara said angrily. "You'll come with me to defend the portal," Kage replied. "Do as he says Kuwabara," Yusuke said. In truth he wanted to bring Kuwabara along. But, he'd learned something in the air of the palace caused humans to suffocate. Only those with demon blood could enter and survive.

"I'll handle this," Riku said. He grabbed Kuwabara and pulled him to a corner. "I want to come," Kuwabara said. "That's not happening," Riku replied. "Why not?" Kuwabara asked. "Because Crystal will be at the wall to," Riku said. "What?" Kuwabara said. "Yeah, she wants to help out. You realize the enemy army will outnumber the defenders. I need you to protect her, okay?" Riku asked. Kuwabara thought about it for a moment then made his decision. "I Kazuma Kuwabara shall go to the wall and protect the beautiful Crystal from harm," he said. "Remember, I'm counting on you," Riku said. Yusuke, Kurama, and Kage smirked while Hiei wanted to barf.

The day of reckoning

Everyone was saying his or her final goodbyes before the boys left to fight. Maya, Rogato, Damien, Kovu, Mokudo, and Ricardo would also be defending the wall. Kage had already left since he wanted to make sure Maya would be all right. Crystal and Kuwabara had gone with him.

"Be careful Yusuke," said Keiko. "That's the hundredth time you've said that to me. Relax already," Yusuke said. She hugged him around the waist. "Why do you always have to act like this? Even when you're going into what may be certain death," Keiko said. "I thought you'd b used to this by now," Yusuke said. She smiled and looked up at him. "I just wish you didn't have to go risk your neck like this," she said. "Well I guess it's only fair I should tell you that I'll be retiring after this," Yusuke said. "Really?!" Keiko asked. "Yeah, if I can beat the Demon King then there'll be no one left who can take me on. Besides, I'm tired of getting slapped for running from our dates," he said. "Yusuke, you're impossible" Keiko said before kissing him.

"Botan, I'm having trouble breathing," Kurama said as Botan hugged him. "I wish it didn't have to come to this," she said. "Me to, but it can't be helped," Kurama said. "I just don't want to lose you," she said as tears ran down her cheeks. "You won't Botan. There's to much I have to live for here," he said holding out a rose to her. She smiled and took it in her hand. She then felt something round and metallic and looked more carefully at the rose. She gasped when she saw a gold ring with a diamond cut into the shape of a rose. Kurama kneeled on one knee. "Botan, will you…" "Yes!!!" she said as she pulled him back up and pulled him into a kiss. 'Very sly of you Kurama' Yoko said. 'Shut up, can't you see I'm kissing my fiancé' Kurama replied.

Hiei and Nami watched form a tree. "How come you never gave me a ring?" Nami asked. "I thought I was better than any ring" Hiei replied with a fake hurt voice. "You're hopeless," Nami said. They both chuckled. "At least I'll be there fighting by your side," Nami said. "I wouldn't have it any other way," Hiei replied. She smiled as he pulled her into a kiss.

Riku and Yukina stood in each other's arms. "I never want this moment to end," she said. "Me to," Riku replied. "You'll fight him yourself won't you?" Yukina asked. "Actually Ryu will do the fighting. He just needs my body to do it," Riku said. Yukina broke the hug and untied the ribbon in her hair. "I want you to take this with you. So at least a part of me will be at your side," she said. Riku smiled and took it. He unsheathed his sword and tired the ribbon to the end of its handle. He sheathed it and looked back at her. It wasn't often Yukina let her hair down. He brushed a few strands from her face and wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. "I won't let anything happen to it," he said. He closed the gap between them and caught her lips with his. She sighed as she ran her lips over his bottom lip. He tucked her chin and raised her face so they could deepen it.

"Riku, it's time," Yusuke called to him. Riku sighed and pulled back. "I have to go now," he said. "I love you," she said. "I love you to," Riku replied. He gave her one final kiss on her forehead and ran to where the others were waiting.

"You guys ready? "Yusuke asked. Riku, Kurama, Hiei, and Nami nodded. "Then let's go kick some ass" Yusuke said. They started down the temple steps waving goodbye to there loved ones.

Yukina watched as Riku winked at her before disappearing down the steps. Please come back safely Riku I need you. We need you she thought as she placed a hand over her belly.  

Next chapter, the final battle begins. Review please.