The others are here as well, I presume?

The fire demon nodded. Kurama thought a moment, canting his head to the side.

How did you know I was here?

Hiei stared back at him.

Koenma. I think the real question is how did you get here?

Please, don't ask.



A little snort attracted their attention to Eris who slapped a hand over her mouth and reddened.

What's the matter? Kurama's eyebrows furrowed together.

She shook her head, hand slowly falling back to her side.

He really does say ! That's awesome!!

Biting her lip to keep from grinning, Eris felt a pair of red eyes burning into her head.

Damnit, I forgot that he's a mind reader

Where are the others? Kurama's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Guarding the portal. Was the gruff reply and in an instant he disappeared.

Kurama started towards the stairs, Eris in tow, biting at a nail and staring at the floor. He stopped a moment and touched her arm.

Are you alright?

her cloudy eyes came back into focus. Oh, sure. I'm fine fine, it's just that everything's kinda just

Springing up out of now where? he smiled and led her down the stairs to the first floor and out the door. I can only imagine how odd this must be for you.

Something tells me it's going to get even weirder since nothing normal ever happens to you people. At least not in anything I've ever seen.

Stepping outside, Eris took in a welcome breath of fresh air to clear her head and followed behind Kurama. How he knew where he was going was a notion lost to her.

Probably Hiei. She thought and bit her lip. What am I doing? I should be in Biology, messing around with Walshie and prank calling Chops!

Meanwhile, Kurama was having his own doubts. Only he wasn't exactly alone in his thoughts.

What is thathuman girl following you for?

Looking back over his shoulder at Eris, he frowned and kept walking towards the back of the school.

She has some troubling information that I think we all should discuss.

Hn. And you feel affection for her.

Maybe I do, and maybe I don't. he answered back coolly, rounding a brick corner and seeing three familiar figures. Two were talking and looking around at everything curiously, another stood apart from the former and met eyes with him.

Your thoughts don't lie, Kurama.

Breaking the connection himself with a hint of annoyment, Kurama motioned for Eris to come forward next to him. Doing so a little hesitantly, he watched her eyes form into two large pools of silver.

They're really here she breathed.

Kurama grinned. Of course, did you think you were dreaming?

I think I still am

Call their names. See if they answer you.

Eris shook her head like a shy little kid. Kurama tried not to laugh.

She's cute when she's shy.

Yusuke! Kuwabara! he cut his own thoughts off and regained his calm exterior.

The shorter of the two figures with smoothed back black hair spotted Kurama first, grinning when he noticed the suddenly quiet and shy Eris. Hey Kurama! Who's the girl?

Kuwabara nearly broke his neck as the female detector in his head went off. As it located Eris, his eyes lit up and a strange smile appeared on his face. Streaking past Yusuke and Kurama, he snatched up Eris' hand.

I usually lean towards blondes, but in your case I'll make an exception sweet cheeks. I am the great Kazuma Kuwabara-

WHAM.

I'm not sure what you said, Eris said, wiping off her hand and glaring at the whimpering Kuwabara with a twitchy eye. But I'm sure you deserved that you lecher! What's the matter with you? Always flirting shamelessly with any girl you find! What, is Yukina not good enough for you or something?!

Kuwabara paled and screamed. AH! How does she know about Yukina?!

In the corner, Hiei's eyes widened, his shoulders going rigid for a moment.

Yusuke had a similar look of astonishment. That's a pretty good question! Who are you, little girl? he said, switching from his previous Japanese to English.

Eris' eye twitched again, but took a deep breath before opening her mouth. Little girl? It's a good thing I know you could kick my ass otherwise I'd hurt you. I'm 16 years old for your information!

Hey put his hands up in defense. Hey, sorry! I didn't know, but you can't blame us for freaking out just a little! That's not exactly something we go screaming at the top of our lungs.

Eris snorted again. Otherwise you'd have no lungs after Hiei was done with you.

Kurama laughed a little. I think I better explain before any more of this gets out of hand.

And so he did, with a reluctant Eris putting her in her input here and there, explaining about a cartoon starring them and their beginning years as the Reikai Tantei.

Kuwabara puffed out his chest. Heh, guess I'm pretty well known then!

No, not really, Eris said nonchalantly, chewing on her nails again.

Yusuke stood, rubbing his chin as he thought and staring at Eris who pretended not to notice.

I think she's going to have to come with us. He said finally and moving towards a dumpster. Kuwabara followed, sulking. Hiei didn't move, only watching the others carefully, particularly Eris and Kurama.

Eris's blood froze. Excuse me? I think you slipped back into Japanese, did you just say I'm coming with you?

Kurama stepped forward, putting a hand on her arm as he tried to get her to come along with him. Yes, you'll have to come with us and discuss this whole thing with Koenma.

She swore her heart stopped beating and she had to tell herself to breath. What?! Are you crazy?? I can't go to the Spirit World, I'm not dead, or a demon, or a Spirit Detective!

You don't have a choice. Hiei speaking shut them all up. Eris couldn't quell the fear in her stomach as he looked at her with narrow red eyes.

She looked at the ground. How long will I be gone?

Yusuke shrugged. No idea. Pacifier boy likes to listen to himself talk plus we've gotta fill Kurama in on the new mission.

She rubbed her forehead with her palm, clenching her eyes shut and pacing a little. They all watched her quietly, even Kuwabara (who was more or less a little scared of her).

All right, she finally said, sighing and dropping her hand. But you're going to at least let me tell someone I'll be gone. Otherwise you'll have to drag me there. I don't want anyone worrying about me and thinking I was kidnapped.

Even if I am. Sorta.

Eh, fair enough. Make it quick though this portal is only open for so long.

So call Botan and make her tell Koenma to keep it open, she snapped and started walking briskly back towards the school entrance.

Kuwabara shuddered. She's creepy when she does that! Hey Kurama! Where ya goin'?

To make sure she comes back! he called over his shoulder and caught up with Eris just as she entered the building.

She slowed her pace a little. They're going to start asking me she muttered.

He blinked. Of course, that's more or less why we have to take you.

She stopped and looked him in the eye. I don't mean it like that. What I mean is that they probably think I'm some fortuneteller or something that can tell them about certain things.

I don't understand.

Eris sighed. Oh come on Kurama! You can't tell me you haven't been dying to ask me if Kuronue lived or not!

He didn't say anything, only tried to ebb away the pang he felt at that statement. he didn't, did he?

This is a very delicate situation I'm in, Kurama, I can't tell you or anyone anything you already don't know the answer to. The truth is that I don't have the answers for some questions.

He nodded. All right. That was unfair of me, I'm sorry.

She waved it away and walked towards the school office. Don't worry about it. Right now we have to find Alex.

Why are we going to the school office then?

Because she uses her study hall period to work as an intern here, and until now I didn't think it would be helpful she stepped into the flurescent lighted office and poked a dozing Alex who had fallen asleep at the front desk.

Oi! Alex, wake up I need your help!

Huh? Wah? Elf? What's up? the girl rubbed her eyes and yawned. You look kinda pale, you alright?

I'm on Code Red Alert, but other than that I can't say.

Alex smirked. I knew it. All those damn mood swings.

Eris rolled her eyes. Would you knock it off? I'm trying to be serious here!

Oh! Yes of course. Seriouse. She stopped smiling and went into mock serious mode. What's the problem Elfy?

I need you to write me an off campus slip saying there was a family emergency.

Alex's mouth went slack. What?! What happened?

Eris covered her friend's mouth with her hand, looking warily at the open door to the secretary's office. Calm down! Nothing happened! I just need you to write it. Shuichi and I have to go somewhere for awhile.

Alex pried her hand away and smirked. You little skank you!

Kurama blushed and rubbed his neck. It's nothing like that!

Well, how long you going to be gone then? Alex pulled out a pad of white slips from a drawer and began filling one out.

I don't know exactly, Eris grumbled, watching her write out the slip and forge the secretary's signature.

What if Aunt Kate calls you at home? Alex peeled off the yellow copy and handed Eris the white one.

Aw crap! I didn't think of that thinking quickly, Eris scratched her head. Her eyes lit up. I got it! You can stay at my house and if mom calls you answer and say I'm in the shower or something!

Well what about my mom? I think she'd find it funny if I was sleeping over at your house with you not home.

That's why you're not going to tell her I'm gone. It'll be between us two, just like old times. Eris grinned.

Really, what about me? Ducky appeared in the doorway, arms folded. And where are you going that's so secret?

Ducky! What're you doing here?

He waved a piece of paper in the air and slid it towards Alex. Counselor appointment. They messed up my schedule for next year. Again. Now answer my question.

Eris chewed on the inside of her lip. I can't tell you, you have to trust me. It's really important!

Ducky canted his head to the side and crossed his arms again. Alex also looked at her skeptically. You've never been this vague with something before, not since the accident.

a new voice entered the convorsation and Yusuke stepped into the office, not looking very comfortable being in a school environment.

Who're you? Alex narrowed her eyes. Ducky looked at him with interest.

He ignored her and looked to Kurama. Kurama, we've gotta get going or else Koenma's gonna be pissed.

Ducky and Alex said in puzzlement.

Eris slapped her forehead. Yusuke, how'd you get in here?



Oh. Well that figures.

Elf, you know this guy?

Who's Hiei?

I heard my name. Now Hiei entered the picture, looking with distaste at his surroundings, Kuwabara not close after.

What the hell is this?? Alex looked at the now full room of people, half of which didn't look like the best of company. Especially the short one in black.

Guys! Please! Eris hissed, looking at the secretary's door again. Alex, Ducky, this is Yusuke, Hiei, and Kuwabara. I'll be going with them and that's why you can't tell anyone. Ok?

Like hell I'm gonna let my little cousin leave with three guys I've never seen before! Alex looked at her like she was nuts.

You two are related? Kurama asked, surprised.

This is a hell of a time to ask, but yes. My mom and her mom are sisters.

I'm not letting you leave, Alex crossed her arms, a little peeved. How do I know what you plan on doing isn't dangerous and that you'll come back alive?

Eris' eyes went wide. That's not funny. That's really not funny, Alex.

Again, there was that feeling like something secret was floating in the air.

She'll be perfectly safe, I promise you, Kurama said calmly, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

He had never seen Alex take anything so seriously as she did the well being of Eris as she sized him and the others up.

She let out a hissing breath and uncrossed her arms, instead latching them onto the edge of the desk. Fine. But if she gets hurt in any way I'm holding you personally responsible and I'll come after you myself. Do I make myself clear?

Eris whined and rubbed her temples. Leave him alone, will you? I'll be fine! Trust me, they can take care of any trouble.

Just making sure! she smiled sweetly. Because it's my butt on the grill if your mom finds out.

Don't even think about it. Everyone turned to see Hiei sidestep away from Ducky who giggled.

Ducky? I wouldn't try anything with him Eris said nervously, expecting to see her friend on the ground in pieces any minute.

We should leave, detective. He shot a glare at Ducky who seemed strangely unaffected.

Uh, right then. The toddler's probably chewing his pacifer to bits by now. Yuske laughed and headed out the door. Alex and Ducky looked at him strangley.

Is he Alex muttered to Eris who laughed and gave her cousin a goodbye hug.

Don't worry, I'll be ok- she stopped midsentince.

Alex followed Eris' gaze out the window that led to the parking lot. What the hell is he doing here??

Through the window they could see Eris ex-boyfriend Max suspiciously wandering through the rows of cars. He stopped at a familiar red car. Alex paled.

What the hell is he going to do to my baby?! Eris watched in amazement as Alex jumped over the desk and bolted past everyone to the parking lot.

she yelled. Eris came running up behind her and skidded to a halt.

Max? What're you doing here? she narrowed her eyes and stepped up to him.

his breath smelled like alcohol and she nearly gagged. Heeey wanna ditch with me and go somewhere?

she looked at him in disgust. You never give up do you? Why aren't you in school?

Don't wanna be, you gotta prrroblem with that? he slurred, eyes bleary and bloodshot.

Taking a step back, Eris looked at him warily. You're really messed up, did you know that?

You don't know anythinn. Shuddup!

Don't you tell me what to do! You always were a control freak. No wonder DJ can't stand the sight of you anymore-

The sound of his hand connecting with the side of her face seemed to echo of the cars around them. Red petals from Kurama's rose fluttered to the ground like so many drops of blood.

Just like that pencil in my dream

 Kurama's voice, laced with shock and anger cut through the air. The lot of them had reached the parking lot at the precise moment max had raised his hand to her.

Oh my goodness Ducky gasped, horrified.

Kuwabara and Yusuke had much the same reaction.

Hey! What's he think he's doing hitting girls like that?! Kuwabara said through clenched teeth.

I don't know, but he's not getting away with it. Yusuke cracked his knuckles and started forward, but Kurama stopped him with a thrown out hand.

His eyes looked like green fire, little flecks of gold accumulating around the iris.

He's mine.

Eris stood shocked, holding her burning cheek.

You little bitch, Max sneered through his drunkenness. You always think everythinns about you! Well isnot! I knew it was a mistake getting involved with a little wench like you.

But you kept with it didn't you? Stay back Kurama! her voice had taken on an edge of razor sharp ice, rooting Kurama's feet to the ground.

It's her problem, not yours. Let her deal with it. Hiei's voice echoed in his head.

Even with the blood of Youko straining in his veins, he stayed where he was.

Eris raised her face up to Max, her right cheek a light shade of blue and red. As she stared him down with dark clouds in her eyes, Max didn't seem so tough anymore.

You followed through with all your promises, Max, her voice was eerily calm and steely. Once you even said you'd follow me to the ends of the earth and here you are. So why not finish what you started?

She tilted the left side of her face up, Hit me again! See if you feel any better! You've done one side, why not the other?

Max didn't move, only looked at her like she had grown another head.



Come on, Max! she took a step forward. He took one back. What's the matter? The booze not rotted your brain enough for you to have a reason? Or is that it's worn off just enough to let your senses come back??

You're crazy! he screamed, and then turned and ran. Eris watched him run like a dog with its tail between its legs.

Taking a breath, she blinked and started walking towards the others like nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Let's get out of here, she sighed. Alex came up and ruffled the younger girl's hair. Ah! What're you doing?!

I love it when you wig out of people like that!

Smirking, Eris laughed and poked her. Knock it off, I gotta leave. Think you'll be ok staying at my house?

Sure, and I'll have plenty of time to root through your candy stash.

Her eye twitched again. Touch it and die.

well, I think this is enough creepy stuff for one day, Yusuke rubbed the back of his neck and took out his compact communicator. Eris looked at it with interest as the blue haired, pink eyed face of Botan appeared on the little screen.

Boton, is the new portal ready yet?

Yup! It should be around the same dumpster as the other one.

He and Kuwabara groaned. Why does it always hafta be by a dumpster?

Because it's fun to watch you two suffer, Eris smirked and crossed her arms in waiting.

Exactly! Hey, who was that?

Uh, no one! We'll be coming through in a minute. And with that he closed it on a protesting Botan and started back towards their dumpster/portal.

After prying Ducky off of her leg one last time, Eris waved goodbye to her best friends and followed after the four Reikai Tantei.

Kurama held back. Why did you tell me to stay back?

Because he didn't hit you, he hit me. You can't fight someone elses battles, no matter how much you want to. She said simply, touching the side of her face and wincing. I do appreciate your concern though.

Eris smiled at him. Kurama couldn't help but smile back. Who could argue with that?

A blue light distracted their attention from each other. It was coming from behind the smelly dumpster and one by one the boys stepped though the portal.

I hate these things! Man! Kuwabara whined before hopping through.

You might want to hold onto me for this. They can be a little-

Terrifying at first? Eris latched herself onto his arm, looking at the portal with big eyes.

I was going to say overwhelming, but that works too. He grimaced and loosened her fingers a little.

I can't believe I'm doing this! she squeaked and shut her eyes as they stepped forward.

Just think of it as a roller coaster, he said, thinking it would help.

It didn't.

Greeat, it's fifth grade at Valley Fair all over again! I passed out on Wild Thing and an ambulance had to come get me!

It's not that bad, Eris, he laughed a little.

Shut up! It's not funny! she glared at him.

Just trust me, please? he looked at her with pleading eyes.

Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she held an intake of breath and nodded. Ok, let's just get this over with.

Traveling through one of Koenma's portals was not an experience Eris wanted to repeat anytime soon. The sound of deafening winds made her head hurt and stopped her breath short, making her panic for air.

As soon as it had started it was done, and Eris found her legs starting to fail her as she stumbled forward. A hand shot out and caught her around the middle.

Eris breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks, you didn't tell me about the noise!

Kurama set her back on her feet and smiled. I thought it would be a nice surprise.

Rolling her eyes, she poked him and looked around.

The setting was familiar. Oh GodI'm really here

Come on, Kurama's hand on her wrist pulled her forward down a corridor. She nearly screamed as an ogre wearing glasses rushed past them, arms full of papers.

Please tell me that wasn't an ogre

If I said that, then I'd be lying wouldn't I? We're at Koenma's office door. Are you ready? she was touched by the concern in his eyes.

I'm about to meet the Prince of the Spirit World. Do I look like I'm ready? she pulled on her ears for emphasis. And to distract herself from all the craziness that was currently her spinning life.

Good point he murmured and knocked on the door. Almost instantly it flew open with a very distressed teenage Koenma on the other side.

Where have you been?! It took us three days to find y-who's that? His pacifier almost fell out of his mouth.

Well that can't be good Eris thought and edged her way a little more behind Kurama.

Koenma-sama maybe you should sit down? A nervously bubbly voice said. Eris stood on her toes to peek over Kurama's shoulder.

Oh my God, she really does have blue hair! It's Botan!

Oh! Hello! the ferry girl chirped with a big closed eye smile. How did you get here? Oh dear, you not a wandering spirit are you??

Eris poked Kurama in the shoulder blade. Is she talking to me? she whispered in his ear.

he gave her a strange look and she glared back.

Well I love how everyone instantly assumes I speak Japanese! she hissed and crossed her arms.

Yusuke and Kuwabara could be heard snickering in the background.

he had to keep himself from hitting his forehead with his hand. No wonder! Forgive me Koenma-sama and Botan, she only understands English.

Well who is this girl who only understands English?! What's she doing here? he stormed over to his desk and sat down like a moody baby.

Her name is- he stopped and pulled Eris to stand in front of him. Her name is Eris Bueller and she's brought some ratherinteresting things to our attention.

And for the second time in less than an hour they had to retell the story of their exploited lives. Botan was shocked speechless, for once, but Koenma had a most interesting reaction. Instead of yelling at the top of his lungs in outrage, he silently stared at his desktop, chewing on his pacifier furiously and sweating.

Eris narrowed her eyes at this. That's strangehe acts like that when he's does something that'll upset his fatherHEY WAIT A MINUTE!!

Something clicked in the upstairs apartment of Eris' head and she grinned like a feral cat, crossing her arms slowly and rocking back on her heals.

Yusuke grunted. What's so funny? You look like you know something.

I think I do. Tell me if this sounds familiar, she grinned. Kuwabara: So tell me, what's it like living in a constant haze of stupidity?

Yusuke burst out laughing while Kuwabara turned red. Shut up Urameshi!

She just did a perfect impression of Hiei!

Hn. I sound nothing like that.

Yes you do! Do it again!

Eris rubbed her neck. Maybe that wasn't the best quote to pick

maybe later. Anyway that's a direct quote from episode 54: The Beginning of the End where it was the before the final round of the Dark Tournament. You all were standing just on the other side of the gate that opened to the ring when Hiei said it, am I correct?

Kuwabara pouted, glaring at Yusuke who was still snickering. What's your point?

My point is, kitty lover, she grinned as Kuwabara flinched and Yusuke started into another fit of laughter. That for me to know an exact quote word for word-

Is a little obsessive Kurama murmured.

Eris shrugged. True, but I was going to say that for me to know that means someone would have had to be following you around, writing everything you said, word for word, down OR-

Recording it. Hiei muttered and looked at Koenma with his typical glare.

Eris smirked.

Hey! That's my word! Botan protested.

I know, she smiled. So anyway, who do we know that would have recording equipment advanced enough to follow you around everywhere you went and watch you? Or, to put it in simpler words, who has a TV in his office to watch how his Reikai Tantei are doing?!

They all rounded on the cowering prince.

A/N: Yayy a quickie chapter I pulled entirely outta me arse! lol It's a bit short, but eh. Oh well. You got a quick update, no? To those of you who care (::huggles::) I am doing better since the teachers backed off a bit after we all bit their heads off. Power to the people!! WAHPAH! lol Ok, now I'm gonna go and freak out about having to run in the 4x2 and 200 m. tomorrow at True Team. AHHHH!!!! SOMEONE SAVE MEEEE!! I'm gonna diiiieeeeeee!!! Geesh, now I know how Vash felt before he confronted Legato.

Wow, no footnotes for this one. O.o Usually I just don't shut up.

Review Replys:

Reonari- Yes, yayy Hiei! lol No justice at all! ::steams:: sorry, i didn't answer the question about the mission yet, but it really isn't that important of a mission anyway. Koenma's just freaking out. O.o

starkitty- ::huggles back:: aww thankie!! ==

Firekeeper727- It's a good thing they haven't found out yet. otherwise i'd be dead right now. Eeep! lol Hope you continure to enjoy my little story poo! wow, i just said story poo...
Awww thank you for the hug. it cheered me up. thanks for reviewing my HP story too!

ReiRei-chan- Yup, we're reading that too! I just finished writing a skit for it for some dumb thing we're doing on thursday. :p Stupid english teachers.. :;grumbles:: After reading about all that you have to do, i didnt feel quite so bad. lol!! Hang in there girlie!! Feel free to rant anytime to me. And yes...I'M SUCH A FLUFF WRITER!! ::bangs head on desk:: i really had no control over it either...i swear!

Ookami Aya- Yes. Mr. Happy Sunshine has arrived!! LOL and, in the words of Yusuke: I always said those teachers were out to get me... And never fear! Ducky shall be back!!

EverKitsune- Sorry, cilffies are just too much fun. hehe and you won't regret joing soccer! well, unless it just sucks for you. i've got a couple o' bitchy girls on my team, so that kinda stinks. :p

EverQueen- i LOVE my science teacher. he rocks. today he knocked the tweezers out of the ceiling with the yardstick. i was sad. LOL

Emily- he's just a cutie, isn't he?? ::squee:: and Youko comes off a little cold in the series, so i wanted to reflect that as best i could. he is a demon after all.

Storm Singer- Brilliance, eh? Why thank you! ::bows:: Yeah, I should prolly cool it on the swearing, but it adds a lot of good emphasis on some things.

Kaija Katake- eh, it's ok. I beat the homework off with a stick so im fine now.

Koroga- It's eerie how things work out like that, isn't it?? And it seems you've caught Washu's eye! ::whispers:: whatever happened to Tenchi, eh?
Legato-sama- Actually, I'm only half a fool. ::points to red eyes, white hair, and fangs:: But I suppose fractions aren't friends of fools. Anyway, thank you for giving my humble story such high praise! I'm quite unworthy!
Sesshoumaru-sama- ::grins and bows:: Only the best for Lord Sesshoumaru! I hope this latest update was above to your expectations.
Koroga- I could kiss you right now. ::presses face into pillow and screams in happiness:: How did you get them to review?? As for Kurama, I'm keeping a scoreboard and marking down points on how red I can make him. hehehe. You'd think I really was a demon. ::evil grin::
::A girl with long brown hair with black tips enters room::
Fly: What are you doing?
Nefus: O.O Nothing! Nothing at all! ::hides computer screen from view::
Fly: ::crosses arms:: I hope that's my story you're writing!
Nefus: Depends on what you'd do if it wasn't...
Fly: ::pushes Nefus out of the way and scans page:: O.O You started a new one without finishing mine, and you're already up to that many reviews?! And who the hell is this Sesshoumaru' person you're freaking out about??
Nefus: ::winces:: Yes, yes, and I wouldn't say it in that tone if I were you...why don't you go find Draco? I'm sure he's lonely without you to pester.
Fly: ::glares:: make me!
Nefus: ::stands up and glares back:: Don't make me use your full name, young lady! Don't forget who you're talking to!! ::bares fangs::
Fly: ::cowers:: Ok, ok! I'm leaving!
Nefus: ::sighs and sits back down:: Sorry about her. She's still a bit peeved about me making Draco her one true love in my last Harry Potter fic chapter. ::grumble:: don't know what she's griping about, he's really not that bad looking...

TheFireYoukaiPaige- done and done!!

WoodNypmh- Thank you very much!