Welcome to the sequel to The Fourth of July 2! You may not need to read the entire story, but at least get the last 2 chapters in order to understand this one. If you don't want to, here is a quick summary.

Kurama and Kara have just been reunited with Kuronue. Koenma has sent them on a mission to arrest a demon who is after Kara. She must remain protected while acting as bait for the demons.

The Mission Begins-

Kurama awoke the next morning to the buzz of his communicator. He reached to grab it only to find out that it was gone. As he actually opened his eyes, he noticed that Jauna was standing at the foot of his bed with the communicator in hand.

"Good morning, Koenma- sama."

"Good morning, Kara. Is everyone else awake?"

"Yes."

"Good. I need you three ready and gone by eight. You have half an hour." The communicator went blank. Kurama looked over at the clock: 7:31. He quickly got up and ushered Jauna out so he could get dressed. He quickly changed into his yellow Chinese fighting tunic. There was no use hiding it. Shiori already knew about him. He had extra tunics in his bag and a first aid kit. He rushed downstairs to eat breakfast. Shiori and Jauna had made rice cakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast. When he finished, he quickly washed his plate.

Jauna was wearing a light t- shirt and loose drawstring pants. She had packed several fighting tunics as well as some regular ningen clothes (jeans).

Daichi was wearing a black and white tunic similar to Kurama's. He had more in his bag, as well as several pairs of jeans.

The group left at about 7:50. They hadn't even gotten to the portal when the com buzzed. Kurama quickly answered, "Yes, Koenma- sama?"

"Hiei will not be coming. Mukuro needed him in the Makai right away. You three will be on your own. Remember, no transformations until I say otherwise." The com went blank. Jauna and Daichi nodded their understanding before jumping into the portal after Kurama. They landed on their feet silently and surveyed their surroundings. They were in a forest. While Kurama had to process the familiar looking area, Kara recognized it right away, "This is Kitsune Forest, Kurama- I mean, Shuichi," she said, remembering that they had to use their human names here. That immediately sparked a memory for Kurama. This is where he and Kara had grown up. This was where they had met Kuronue. He also recognized the name of the forest. Somewhere in Kitsune Forest was a small area called Bamboo Trap. That was where the demon palace was; where Kuronue had died. Then, another thought sparked. Before he even finished thinking it, Kara said it, "Koenma never told us the name of the demon we are after." Kurama quickly opened the com, "Koenma-sama, we need to know the name of the demon we are after."

"We don't know, Kur- Shuichi. You will find out when you find him." The com went blank and Kurama put it back in his bag. He suddenly felt the presence of a small group of youkai. He could tell that Kara and Kuronue knew because they were both turned around, staring. A tall, human- looking demon stepped out of the shadows, "Hello. You must be the pathetic excuses for Spirit Detectives that the Reikai sent to kill me, right? I also know that the lovely young Jauna holds the Chinea Jewel. I want that jewel."

WITH KOENMA-

I was watching the group on screen. I saw a demon make his statement.

"Who are you?" came Jauna's voice.

"My name is Kichi."

I sat watching the screen whispering, "Run, Kurama! Get her out of there! She is in danger!"

WITH KURAMA, KARA AND KURONUE-

"My name is Kichi." Kurama froze. He hadn't expected to run into him so fast. He wanted to grab Kara and run, but his feet were planted to the ground. He took a moment to think over what to do. He reached for his rose whip, but Kara was faster. Her whip swept through the air with a speed that would put even Hiei to shame. Before it met its target, Kichi dodged and sliced it with a katana. Kara discarded her now destroyed weapon.

"I see that you are more than just human. You have the youki and reiki elemental powers of earth. No doubt you got that from your demon counterparts." The group froze, eyes wide in shock, "Yes, I know who you are. I wouldn't hunt my prey without first getting a little background information. Nice try, though, Jauna," said Kichi, emphasizing her name as though it were sewage, "I would think that Youko and Minakara Kurama would have something better up their sleeves."

"They do!" came a familiar voice. Daichi had managed to sneak up behind Kichi. He threw his scythe at the angry demon with deadly accurate precision. Kichi caught it as though it were a boomerang, "Oh, Kuronue, can't you do better than that?" Daichi rejoined his friends on the ground, "You three disappoint me. Now, I will take the jewel and kill you!" Kurama, Kara and Kuronue quickly found out that Kichi had telekinesis. They were flung backwards into the trees behind them.

Short, I know, but I had to end it there. I wanted the first chapter to end in a cliffy. Please review. I have part of the second chapter written already. If you review, I might not give you another cliffhanger. Bye!