A/N: Hiya, people! Sorry for not updating sooner, but I just found a trove of HarryDraco slash fics that requires my immediate attention. (oh, glory to slash and shounen ai) Right, I'd like to thank the following reviewers:

FluffysBijin05-Of course Hiei can sing! I've heard his Tasogare Ni Se Wo Mukete, Kuchibue Ga Kikoeru, Ryuusei No Solitude and some of his duets with Kurama and some group songs. His voice is sooo sexy (drools) Thanks for the review!

Asilin Kheldarson-Thanks for the review and you kick ass! : )

Izanami-fire-Yeah, at first there were like ten songs or so, but I cut it down. It's too tedious having to type so many bloody songs. I love anime songs, they're the best! My current favourites are Sen no Kotoba, Kimi He and Come With Me from FF X-2 and there's too much to name from anime, but I absolutely love Hayashibara Megumi. She sang lotsa my favs. Nani?! There's a Dance Mix for Wild Wind?! I WANT!!! It's my favourite Kurama Hiei duet, they sound so cool! I can't download Nightmare. I like the lyrics but I can't hear the song. (pouts) Well, thanks for your review!

Ooh, Mizuko has told no one about her feelings (except the ceiling in her room, but that's not a person, hehe) and we'll suffer from the characters' stubbornness (albeit stupidly) and risk dying of anticipation and/or frustration, but I assure you I won't drag it too long. (sly grin) Though, I won't know if my hands will obey. Well, on with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own YYH. Uu.

"…" talk

[…] thoughts

{…} telepathy

= = = = = = changes in scene/time

Chapter 12: Shuugyo no Kekka: Results of Training

Mizuko's POV

I woke up early, or rather, I didn't sleep much. Hiei was up early as well, though that was no surprise. As he passed me in the hallway, I couldn't help throwing a glance at Hiei. Pushing down a sigh, I walked away before he noticed anything. At least now that I knew what I was feeling around the fire demon, I could push the confusion away. [I can't tell him, not yet.] The fear of rejection that loomed so threateningly overhead was holding me back. [Hiei wouldn't as much as like a ningen like me.] I smiled bitterly to myself, [What a bloody coward I am. But, I won't be able to face the pain, I'm not that strong.] I knew I was acting very negatively and it was rather foolish to make assumptions. [But I'd rather be a hopeful fool.] I changed course and headed to the training grounds instead.

= = = = = =

3rd Person's POV

Kou stood alone on the tower's roof, arms crossed as he surveyed the rotting land before him. News had reached Tai, the brothers had failed and died. Instead of being angry, he smiled when the informant told him what happened. Kou didn't understand why that man was happy, but he did not care. He knew though, Tai was planning to try again. Ignoring Tai's warning, he decided to go to Ningenkai. Closing his eyes, he sank into his shadows.

= = = = = =

Plucking the shurikens out of the tree, Mizuko sat down to rest a while. Leaning her back against a tree trunk, she gazed at the clouds gliding along slowly. The slight breeze felt good against her hot skin. She relaxed, letting her mind wander. It eventually chose to settle on Hiei. Mizuko sighed. [Of all people, why do I have to fall for him? Why can't it be someone like Kurama-nisan?] Another voice in her head suddenly interjected, [Ah, but you love him, not Kurama.] [He doesn't like ningens.] [You can never be too sure, girl.] [I don't want to face rejection.] [How can you be so sure of rejection when you haven't even tried to tell him?] [I'm too afraid, and who the hell are you?] [Your inner self.] [Oh great, now I've lost it. I'm talking to myself.] "Why can't things be less complicated?" wondered Mizuko aloud. Suddenly, she sensed a presence near by. Immediately, she got to her feet, senses alert.  

A figure stepped out of the shadows and made her freeze. Hiei was smirking at her, "You've got fast reflexes. I give you credit for that." "What're you doing out here?" blurted Mizuko. "Betsumi." Hiei said plainly. If Mizuko was more obvious in her reactions, her jaw would've dropped open. There was none of the usual cold tone in his voice. But she held herself and nodded lightly. For a moment, an uncomfortable silence descended upon them. Both said nothing, entertaining their own thoughts.

Mizuko's thoughts

I don't know what to do. My voice couldn't, wouldn't work for the fear of the truth slipping out. I wanted to say something, anything to break the silence. The silence is unnerving me. But I can't. My courage is failing me. I can't tell him. He'll know; he'll reject me. He'll hate me. Of all the risks I'm running, this is one I couldn't face the most. I can't bear for him to hate me. Not Hiei. Not the one I had come to love. But he's so close. So threateningly close that he's suffocating me. How long will I be able to hold back? How long before I break completely? Oh, Kami-sama, please help me!

Hiei's thoughts

What am I doing here? Even I couldn't answer that. I don't know. Just because there is a strong force telling me to. But how could I say that? Why am I feeling so uncomfortable with the silence? I'm usually silent. But we're in close proximity, and I feel strangely comfortable with you here. How ironical. I don't know what disease or curse that has befallen me. But it's making me insane. I have never felt emotion. I am not supposed to feel emotion. This isn't me at all. What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling like this? Naze da?

Back to 3rd Person's POV

As each contemplated on their thoughts, a sudden crack of a twig brought round their attention. They wheeled around to see a black-clad man standing in the shadows, just visibly so. Hiei immediately got ready for battle, [Shit, I must be really lost in thoughts, to be unable to sense him.] Mizuko however, didn't do anything. Kou could always attack them quietly and he could mask his presence very well. If he made his presence known, then he must mean no harm. Or so Mizuko hoped. "What are you doing here?" growled Hiei. He hated this shinobi, who had laid his lips on his Mizuko. Wait! Why did he called Mizuko 'his'? "I'm just here to see that onna." Mizuko backed up involuntarily while Hiei moved in front of her quickly. Kou, however, showed no emotion. "I do not wish to fight now. Perhaps there will be a day where our swords might cross, but it is not today." Still, Hiei refused to let his guard down. Mizuko spoke up, "What do you want?" Kou did not answer immediately. For a while, tension mounted to almost bursting point before he finally spoke, "Tai isn't the kind to give up easily." "Nani?" Mizuko stared hard at Kou. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked. Hiei too was suspicious. Kou turned and began to walk away. Confused, Mizuko cried after him, "Whose side are you on, Kou? Are you an enemy or an ally?" Kou stopped short. Without turning to face them, he simply said, "I am a shadow." With that he was gone.

= = = = = =

Mizuko's POV

Today's just getting weirder and weirder by the minute. First, Hiei acted civil. Then, Kou came and warned me. What next? Sighing irritably, I changed course and went to my room. Falling on the bed, I felt fatigue overtake me and drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, outside the temple

"Hehehe…That girl is going to be a pulp."

= = = = = =

3rd Person's POV

Mizuko overslept and only woke up at noon. Shrugging it off, she headed out after pulling on her clothes. She went to town and headed to the library. It's been quite a long time since she enjoyed a good book quietly. She wandered about town until evening and then headed back. [I haven't done any training today.] She knew she could take this day off but it was a nagging feeling to leave something undone so she grabbed her weapons and headed to the training grounds. The sky was tinted pink and purple as the sun shone low. She started with a lap round the grounds. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash and someone stepped out of the forest. [He's huge.] Bako had a proud smirk on his face. "Heh, getting her will be a piece of cake." Mizuko felt a vein pop on her head. Who the hell was this guy? He just came out of nowhere and started mocking her. He approached her and said, "You're coming with me!" Mizuko just crossed her arms and glared crossly at the huge demon, man, whatever. "Why the hell should I follow a complete stranger?" "I'm not a stranger! I'm Bako, strongest of Tai-sama's right-hand men and I'm bringing you to him!" Mizuko sweatdropped. [He's an idiot. Reveals his name to the enemy and then go blabbing about himself. Idiotic and arrogant.]

"Well, if you think I'm going to come quietly, you've got it all wrong." "Then, I'll just have to make you." He rushed at Mizuko, a fist aimed at her. Mizuko shook her head and simply evaded. Her speed had increased greatly thanks to her training. In fact, if she practiced longer she might even be as fast as Hiei. Bako looked around, "Where's the brat?" "Baka ja nai no ka?" He wheeled around. Mizuko looked completely bored, which enraged him. "How dare you insult me!" Picking up speed, he tried to punch her. Mizuko managed to evade the initial blow but the air pressure created by the force of the blow managed to knock her back. [What crazy power! If I had gotten hit, I'm dead meat!] Finally, she decided to get serious. [Why aren't the others here every time I face this kind of shit?] With Bako roaring and running towards her, Mizuko readied herself. [This isn't going to be easy.]

= = = = = =

Hiei's POV

I distanced myself from the others as the detective held another stupid meeting. Sitting on the windowsill, I looked outside wondering what Mizuko might be doing now. I mentally hit myself. [Why am I even thinking of her?] But lately, that's exactly what I've been doing a lot. Thinking about the onna. [Naze? I've spent long hours just trying to figure that out. Could it be…?] I shook my head. [Kudaran. It's not possible. Or…is it?] Suddenly, I heard Mizuko, {Why aren't the others here every time I face this kind of shit? This isn't going to be easy.} She sounded dead serious. Without losing anymore time, I got up and rushed to help her out. The others automatically followed.

= = = = = =

Mizuko's POV

Landing on both feet, I barely had a moment to breathe when the huge demon launched another attack. "Ch'!" I rolled out of the way. So far I hadn't got hit directly, but there were close calls. His physical strength was so strong it almost seemed absurd! [He's getting faster, and judging his strength, he probably has more stamina than I do.] My shurikens and kunais had done nothing but tickled him. They just bounced off him like rubber balls! I increased my speed and jumped behind him. Lashing out with my daggers, I managed a cut on his back. Bako roared in pain and rage, infuriated that he couldn't even hit me yet I've already done some injury. Suddenly, his eyes went red and he released a huge wave of youki, throwing me into a tree. My body shook as I tried to stand up. I tasted blood. Looking up, I saw Bako in a berserker state. [Shit! His youki is full of killing intent!] I brought my arms up defensively, as Bako, with newfound speed, attacked me.

= = = = = =

Hiei's POV

It was easy to trace Mizuko. Her youki was flaring. I also sensed another demon's youki, much stronger that hers. Suddenly, I felt fear creep into my heart and I hastened my pace. Following the energy signatures, we came to the training grounds. Just in time to see Mizuko kneeling in front of a large demon, coughing up blood. "Mizuko!" "Mizuko-chan!" Our shouts caught the demon's attention, and he turned to face us, his eyes glowing an angry red. He seemed to have lost control. In a flash, we were up against him, weapons out.

3rd Person's POV

Seeing the number of his enemies had increased, Bako roared angrily and swiped at the nearest one, Mizuko. Hiei and the others yelled her name in shock, but Mizuko had disappeared from the spot, where a huge crater had formed. "Suge!" cried a shocked Kuwabara. She stood behind Bako and wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. [I have take those off.] Slowly, she pulled off the arm warmers and leg warmers she had been wearing. "!!" The Tanteis stared at the things under the warmers. "They're-They're weights." Yusuke said. "Nani? But a little weights won't do much difference, he's too strong." Mizuko unclasped the weights on her wrists, and placed them on the ground. Next, she undid the weights on her legs. As she dropped them onto the ground, a loud crash followed. "Just how heavy is that?!" Even Bako stood still to watch her progress. After massaging her wrists, Mizuko held her daggers out and got into a fighting stance. "Koi." She challenged quietly. Her eyes and tone of voice adopted a rare seriousness.

The challenge fanned his anger, and Bako was ready to kill Mizuko. However, before he could even touch her, she disappeared. Bako looked around. "Where are you looking?" Bako lunged towards her. She suddenly reappeared behind him. Bako wheeled around but faltered. A wound opened across his chest and blood spurted out. Kuwabara was both amazed and stunned. "Ha-Hayai! Since when was she that fast?" Hiei silently agreed. [She must've trained with those weights for quite a long and hard time to have this effect. Is this how strong her desire to excel is?] "Get ready." She stood still and crossed her hands together. Whatever the Tanteis saw after that was a darting blur. As suddenly as it started, it stopped and Mizuko was seen standing a little distance from the demon. They looked anxiously. And there was a howl of agony as crimson liquid tainted the grass red, and Bako dropped to his knees, blood still spraying from his new wounds. "Yatta ka?" asked Kuwabara. A coughing fit made them turn their heads to the purple-haired girl. She was coughing up blood violently, and the growing patch of red on her left shoulder told them it was broken. "He still managed to counter!" exclaimed Yusuke. 

To their shock, Bako lifted himself up and slowly turned around. Mizuko stood up shakily, panting heavily. She blocked as he slammed his body into her. She was knocked off her feet and hit the ground, her back skidding on the ground. She bit her lower lip to avoid crying out in pain. She got up, clutching her broken shoulder. The Tanteis were already fighting Bako. Suddenly, Kuwabara's Jigentou cut open a dimension and its strong gravitational force was pulling everything in. Bako was the nearest to the vortex and was soon lifted off his feet. Before he was sucked into the hole, he grabbed Mizuko's ankle and yanked her in. Without thinking, Hiei jumped in after her and the hole closed up. Yusuke and the others clambered to their feet. Kuwabara was beating himself up for letting that happen. "Yamero, Kuwabara. Let's go and find Koenma to get his help." "Aa." Kurama agreed as they hurried to look for the Reikai prince.

Betsumi-Nothing

Naze-Why

Baka ja nai no ka?-Aren't you an idiot?/Aren't you stupid?

Kudaran-A phrase Hiei uses when he wants to say that particular idea/thing is stupid/doesn't make sense/foolish. Not sure what it means. In this case, it means 'This is silly.'

Suge-An exclamation of wonder. In this case, Kuwabara is amazed by Bako's strength

Koi-Come (Please don't mix this up with the 'koi' which means love. They sound different.)

Hayai-Fast

Yatta ka?-Have we done it?/Have we succeeded?

Yamero-Stop

A/N: Whew! Finally updated the story. I don't think I did myself justice but… The part about their thoughts might be a little confusing; you really have to understand their feelings. The next chapter, what will happen to them? We'll get a glimpse in Mizuko's thoughts. Please review ne, minna-san! Arigatou! So until next chapter, ja ne! J