Fame! Once only a dream for Jennifer Reub but now reality as she toured the world. It had only been a month since she signed on with Sung Entertainment, and she was already famous across America as Magic Mistress. Several old songs and a few new ones were in her hands after spending a good amount of money to get the rights; she also had one of her own that was her most famous to the tune of "Skater Boy" since she had rights on it as well.

As Jennifer began her tour, she did enjoy her life. Luxury was enjoyed after hours of working on songs and dancing. She still found time to train, as well as other things that she used to do such as write. School was no longer needed, and Jennifer was loving the weight she was losing, even though she ate decent sized meals.

Jennifer already had one album out; two of the songs on it were made into videos with Jennifer's ideas. They stayed on the top twenty for weeks on end. But the most famous things were her concerts. Not only did Jennifer have amazing outfits that were rich yet still common and a great voice and songs and some of the best dancing moves, she had those great special effects. "Last minute magics" was what the stage hands called them because none of them ever knew about them until they had been set off. The effects did look like magic helping along Jennifer's stage name. No one knew that it was really Jennifer's abilities as a demonic mage—something she hid very well. Her power of persuasion kept down any suspicion amongst her workers, and the audience never knew anything about the fact that they were unexpected for the paparazzi were never aloud to talk to the workers, only Jennifer.

The audience and gossip columns all had a field day with that famous original song of hers. It told of a true experience, that they could tell, but the man spoke of in it was never named. He became dubbed "Master Mystery". The concerts often sold out to loyal fans who hoped that Master Mystery would show up, and the videos were re-shown on TV for the fans who were searching the background of every scene thoroughly for Master Mystery. The song, which had started out titled "Miss Secret" and became officially called "Mystery Man", was even a music video, and Jennifer would create an illusion of Hiei in his prince costume from the Halloween party, though taller. Everyone loved to try to guess if it was the real guy or just an actor.

But this fabulous life was hard. Jennifer counted down the months until the tour ended because that was when she would see her friends again unless they came to one of the other concerts. Then there was after the performances that she so loved. Most of her songs were ones that pertained to her life, fun songs, or about love, most of all love. Every time she sang these love songs, she would picture Hiei nearby, listening, and she would sing just for him. After the concert she would speak to no one, only return to her room for the night and cry herself to sleep, her tears shed upon the tear gem engagement ring. Nightmares also plagued her nights, nightmares of two deaths that would mean the world to her. She could tell that one was supposed to be Hiei, but the other she didn't know; their image was only a shadow in Hiei's arms.

But Jennifer calmed down when she returned to America. One of the stops was Oklahoma City by her request. That would be a concert to remember.

Jennifer was performing her encore, something that had become a habit, and of course the song was "Mystery Man". Jennifer often wore the leather fighting outfit and the whip, draped about her neck, that Hiei had given her. So the music, almost exactly like Skater Boy, started. The first verse was like a slow song…the opening.

"An extended hand,

A rare smile,

That's what began the fairy tale.

Dancing and singing,

In a world all our own.

Neither of us would have known."

The music picked up, and Jennifer sang with all her heart.

"I was Miss Secret.

He was a mystery man.

We never even knew,

That one little dance,

And a good night kiss,

Would lead to love so true.

He picked me up,

And off we flew

On his motorcycle; who knew?

Free we were,

As the sun set.

I'm so glad that I went.

A day of fear,

Me he had shunned,

Leading to a night of passion.

There was a dare,

And jealousy he knew,

But from it my love grew.

I was Miss Secret.

He was a mystery man.

We never even knew,

That one little dance,

And a good night kiss,

Would lead to love so true.

Life grew tough.

We were apart.

All I had of him was his heart.

A year it had been

When he had asked.

Who knew love was so fast?

Trouble grew.

From the law we ran.

But forgiveness was given by the man.

A disguise he took,

And me he did test.

But I proved my love would last.

This was the music only. Jennifer conjured up the illusion of Prince Hiei, dancing with him about the stage andgiving it a dream like entrance and fade out when it was time to sing again.

Now I am here,

Singing to you,

Of a love that I knew.

How I still love

My mystery man.

Wish I could see him again.

I was Miss Secret.

He was a mystery man.

We never even knew,

That one little dance,

And a good night kiss,

Would lead to love so true."

Now Jennifer was supposed to repeat the first verse to wrap up this long song of her love life, but at the time a long-awaited familiar voice began to sing a totally new verse. Jennifer turned to see Hiei rising from the trap door behind her on stage and come beside her to face the crowd. He wore the prince costume with the mask on, but she knew it was him. This was the verse he sang.

"Now I come to her,

Showing the world,

The mystery man that loves this girl.

I just couldn't stand,

Our time apart,

Cause she still has my heart."

The crowd erupted in cheers as one last chorus was sang between the two lovers.

Jennifer: "I was Miss Secret."

Hiei: "I was a mystery man."

Both: "We never even knew,

That one little dance,

And a good night kiss,

Would lead to love so true."

Hiei kissed Jennifer right then and there, and she didn't protest. Once they separated, she moved to the edge of the stage so all could see, bringing Hiei with her. "My loyal fans! Since the middle of October you've known about me! Since November you've come to my concerts wanting to see my 'Master Mystery'! Now, tonight, the night of Christmas Eve, I present to you my fiancé, Master Mystery: Hiei!" She removed Hiei's mask, and the cameras zoomed in on the smirking Hiei. The crowd was roaring in happiness.

Hiei leaned over to whisper in Jennifer's ear, causing her to smile. "Sorry guys! That's all for tonight! Gotta catch up with my fiancé!" With that the two used their speed abilities to make it look like they had disappeared, another "last minute magic" worked.


No stops were made as the two ran from the concert hall and to the hotel in which Jennifer was staying. She figured she'd call Mrs. Sung later and come up with some excuse for her disappearance.

Once at the hotel, they stopped at the front door. Jennifer was about to walk in until Hiei scooped her up in his arms and carried her through the doors. "Hiei! What are you doing?" Jennifer shrieked as they entered the hotel lobby.

"Having fun watching you struggle" was Hiei's reply. Jennifer was struggling in her lover's arms, half-heartedly of course. Hiei was about to pass the service desk, but Jennifer told him to wait.

"Any calls for me are to have a message taken," she told the clerk.

"Of course, Mistress. Anything you wish."

Hiei continued toward the elevator where he finally put Jennifer down only to have her in his arms as he kissed her with longing. When apart, Hiei smiled one of those rare true smiles. "How I've missed our time together."

"But it's only been a few months. We've spent longer apart."

"But still…" He kissed her again, his hands roaming her body, her tongue roaming his mouth. They pulled apart only when the doors opened.

"See you inside." Jennifer ran off, leaving Hiei at the elevators. A smirk crossed his lips as he began walking down the hall. This was the top floor, only a few rooms were up here, all suites. As Hiei sauntered along, he glanced at the rosewood doors. Each had a paper taped to it stating who was within. The first he came across was number 1E indicating that it was the first room on the fifth floor, floor E. The name on this door was Miriam Sung, Jennifer's manager. The next couple rooms had unrecognizable names most likely Jennifer's singing instructor and choreographer. Then the last door on the side of the hall had a strange name: Jareth Sung. 'Now who could that be?.' Hiei's thoughts were interrupted when the door opened and out stepped who Hiei guessed to be Jareth.

This 20 year old was a few inches taller then what Jennifer was. He wore white, tight pajama pants and a white feathered cape that showed his pale but well toned body. His hair was past his shoulders and prematurelywhite; it was quite messy as if he had just awakened. His eyes were a blue that was almost black. His lips were pink with life. In one hand he held a crystal ball, twirling it over his fingers effortlessly.

Jareth looked to Hiei then walked down the hall to the end room; the one Hiei figured was Jennifer's. Hiei suppressed his rising anger as he followed after the male. They reached Jennifer's door at the same time.

Jareth glared at Hiei. "What do you think you're doing? Only authorized associates are allowed within the Mistress's chambers." His voice was cold but silky. It would most likely charm any woman.

"I am authorized by Jennifer." Hiei growled back as he knocked on the door. Both men quieted as footsteps were heard within.

The door opened with Jennifer's voice chiming in greeting, "So you finally made it did you? Took long enough." Jennifer stopped dead. She had opened the door enough so that her full body was seen. She was wearing a red bra-panty set and a sheer red robe lined with white cotton—Christmas lingerie. A Santa hat sat upon her head, hiding most of herauburn roots. Her cheeks flushed as Jennifer saw that Hiei was not alone. "Eh…he he…Jareth. I wasn't expecting you. Won't you both come in?" She opened the door wider for the boys to enter.

The suite was very large. The living room itself was as big as the one back at Koenma's. It was furnished in black leather, scarlet carpeting, and mahogany tables. The walls were black as was the ceiling. The windows were closed but the red lace curtains were opened letting the starlight in. To the left was the doorway that led to the kitchen, a basic style kitchen that continued the mahogany wood theme. To the right was a hallway with two doors on either side and one at the end. One door led to a study, the other the bathroom, and the end door Jennifer's bedroom.

"I'll forever be jealous, Jen, of how you always get the better rooms," Jareth said as he plopped down on one of the couches that sat in a half circle around the big screen TV. He gave a yawn and stretched out.

"Hn." Hiei took a seat on the couch across from this newcomer. Jennifer sat down on the middle couch, looking nervously between the two boys.

"So, Jareth, what brings you here?" she asked.

Jareth sat up and smiled. "Came to see if you needed cheering up tonight. I guess not. Also, mom wanted to know if you were here since you disappeared from the concert with some man. Is this him? Is this the great 'Hiei'?" Jennifer blushed and nodded. "So this is the oh-so-fabulous fighter who hasn't been to see you since you became a singer. He is the one that you have wonderful dreams and horrible nightmares about. He is the one you cry over in my arms after every concert."

"What do you mean 'in you arms'?" Hiei's rising anger was apparent in his voice. His crimson eyes flashed with jealousy.

"Hiei, calm," Jennifer warned.

"I mean that ever since this tour began, I have come to your fiancé's room and held her in my arms as she cried. I have listened to her stories of her memories, her dreams, her nightmares, and how she wished you would come to her, and how she regretted taking the job because she didn't have you. I have let my heart break more and more each time as she speaks of you for I have come to love her!"

"Jareth, this isn't the time."

"No, Jennifer, this is the perfect time. Every time I've offered my heart to you, you have turned it down. There is something you need to know." Jareth stood and sat down beside Jennifer, taking her hands in his and looking into her deep eyes of brown. "You thought you were hiding information from me those nights, but you weren't. I knew already about Spirit World, about Koenma and the detectives, I knew who Hiei was, and I knew who you were. I am a mage as well, an ultimate like yourself." Jennifer was about to speak, but Jareth silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Shh...Have you ever wondered why Koenma never punished you, why he merely asked you back when you had left? He can't punish you or force you to do anything. Though we mages are classified by Koenma like demons, we are ruled by another ruler: me."

"So you're that Jareth," Hiei said in bitterness. Jennifer recognized the name now. Koenma had told her about one of the other rulers in Spirit World, a powerful one named Jareth. He wouldn't tell her who he ruled but said he ruled the whole of the lowest level of Spirit World, the area where the mages mainly resided. He was known for wooing human females until tired of them. It was said that he was waiting for a female of his kind to make her his queen.

"You know of the legend, I know you do. I love you, Jennifer. I want you for my queen."

He tried to kiss Jennifer, but she struggled against him, finally knocking him back off the couch with an air blast. "No. I don't mind being around you, Jareth. You're a good friend to me. But I love Hiei. Now go and tell Miriam that I'm fine."

"As you wish, Mistress." Jareth stood and bowed deeply, his white hair falling about his face, before he left the suite. Jennifer stood and locked the door after him. Slowly, her movements tempting, she walked to Hiei and sat beside him. He was staring at the door, anger and jealousy visible in his face.

"Hiei…." Jennifer's sensual tone pulled Hiei's attention to her as he smirked. "Don't worry about him. I want you and only you." She kissed him lightly on the lips, holding it for a minute or two to make sure the feeling lingered. "Do you know what I want this Christmas?" Hiei shook his head but continued to smirk. "You…" She pushed him back on the couch and began kissing his body as she had done many times before.


"Jennifer! Jennifer! Let me in!" Mrs. Sung's voice rang through Jennifer's peaceful dreams. Slowly the mage awoke and slipped out of bed. As she pulled on a hotel bath robe over her bare body, she looked at her sleeping groom-to-be tangled in the black sheets of the bed, obviously enjoying his dreams by the happy and peaceful look on his face. Seeing that he was adequately covered, she went to open the bedroom door.

Miriam stepped in quickly. She had a key for the suite door but not one for the bedroom door; truly there was none, only the inner lock. She paid no attention to Jennifer's attire or the fact that there was a naked man in her bed; actually she didn't even notice this later fact. She threw down a newspaper on Jennifer's vanity table as the singer sat down to brush out her tangled hair. "Look at this!"

Jennifer couldn't tell if Miriam was happy or angry so she casually glanced at the front page of the paper as she ran the purple brush with its stiff teeth threw her thick hair.

The Mistress has a Master

Last night the Oklahoma City concert was a blast. The crowd went crazy for Magic Mistress's costumes, songs, and special effects. But apparently even the Mistress was surprised when singing her number one hit, "Mystery Man". During her performance, near the end, a second singer came up and sang a new verse that claimed he was Master Mystery. He was dressed in the same outfit as the one from Magic's video, but he was shorter then the actor in the video. He was shorter than the Mistress!

Nevertheless, Magic acted as though this was unexpected and then received a kiss from the new singer. She ended up removing the porcelain mask to reveal the face of the newcomer and declared that he was Master Mystery. His name is Hiei, and apparently he is also her fiancé...Continued on page 2

Above this article was a picture of Jennifer and Hiei when she had removed his mask and showed the world Master Mystery.

Jennifer quickly put down the brush and opened the paper to page two. Her eyes glanced over the rest of the article. It told of how the crowd reacted, how Jennifer and Hiei had disappeared after the concert only to have somehow returned to her hotel room without any knowledge of it known to other staff members until they had reached the hotel, and of how the paper would be trying to get interviews from Magic Mistress, Miriamand JarethSung, and Hiei.

As Jennifer read, she felt two familiar arms wrap about her shoulders and a chin rest on her right shoulder. "Morning, Hiei," she said. "Are you wearing something?"

"Yes. What's this?"

"Newspaper article on last night. We get to avoid reporters for a few days."

"What fun."

"So you're the famous Master Mystery?" Both Jennifer and Hiei turned to look at Miriam. Hiei nodded as Jennifer went back to reading.

"Mir, where are the reporters now?"

"Downstairs. Jareth is holding them back."

"What!"

"Hiei, besides being my friend and my manager's son, Jareth is also my bodyguard."

"Hn."

Jennifer smiled then folded the newspaper and tossed it to Miriam. "Make sure Mr. Minamino and Miss Dean, Miss Yukimura, Mr. Urameshi, and Mr. Kuwabara all have copies of this. That way they know where Hiei is."

"Your friends in Japan? All right." Miriam shuffled off leaving Hiei and Jennifer to get dressed. Jennifer had sent things off to the others before along with letters so they know how she's doing. They would always send letters back to reassure her and tell her about the latest missions. She had always loved Hiei's the best, but now Hiei was here with her.


Hiei and Jennifer walked down the stairsJennifer saying she wanted the exerciseside-by-side with no physical contact. Jennifer was wearing an everyday outfit: black jeans, black tee, leather bikerjacket, andbiker boots. Hiei was wearing a similar outfit: black jeans, biker boots, leather duster. Both had their weapons at their sides. Miriam walked in front of the couple in her usual business outfit.

As they reached the last flight of stairs, they could see the reporters of various papers and magazines trying to get through the line of guards; they tried even harder upon seeing the singer, her fiancé, and her manager. Jareth stood out in the line of black suited body guards in his white slacks, white button-up shirt, and silver cape. His white hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail.

Camera's flashed as pictures were taken. Jennifer justsmirked amusedlyas she always did. Hiei kept his serious face, his hands in his pockets. Miriam kept out of shot of the pictures; she was camera shy. Jareth left the line of guards to guard over Jennifer, as he was her personal body guard. Questions were shot from all directions pertaining to last night's disappearance, Hiei and the Mistress's relationship, and Hiei's hairstyle. Hiei was definitely to be quoted when he called the reporters bakas. Jennifer's reprimanding "Hiei!" would be quoted as well.

When the camera's finally stopped thanks to Jennifer's request, Miriam stepped out and announced a press conference set in one of the hotel conference rooms at noon. Jareth then, with the help of a few more guards, cleared a path for the celebrity couple.


The four were having an early lunch at a quiet bistro in town. Ring, ring, ring…ring, ring, ring… "Uh, Jen, your cell's ringing."

"Couldn't be my cell, Jareth. It's turned off."

"Whatever it is, it's yours, Jennifer dear."

"Fine, I'll check." Jennifer dug through her coat pockets until she found what was ringing. Her hands clasped over a round object. "Uh…I got to go to the bathroom." Jennifer stood and rushed off towards the bathrooms.

"Hn. I better go play guard." Hiei sauntered off after her, glaring at Jareth who was about to follow her.

Hiei found Jennifer at a booth by the bathrooms, talking into a pink compact. Hiei smirked and joined her.

"Jennifer! We haven't talked to you in so long! Every time I call you won't answer."

"That's because I leave this at the hotel room so I don't get in trouble, Botan! I don't know how it got into my pocket this morning."

"You can blame me for that." Hiei took his seat beside Jennifer. "Found it on you dresser and slipped it into your pocket."

"Hiei! You little…."

"Good going, Hiei!"

"Hn."

"Well, I was calling to see if you knew where Hiei was, but apparently you do. Hiei, you're needed for a mission. Departure date is tomorrow. Shall I come get you this evening?"

"Hn."

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Merry Christmas Jennifer and Hiei!"

"Merry Christmas everyone! How did you like the presents?"

The screen changed to show everyone in Koenma's office, the boxes that contained gifts from Jennifer about them. Apparently they were using Koenma's video screen instead of one of the compacts.

"They're great, Jen-jinn! Thank you!"

"Liz, don't call me that."

"Hey shrimp! Having fun?"

"More fun than you, bakka. I know for a fact that Yukina is in the Makai this year."

"Jennifer, we have your gifts here."

"Thanks, Kayko. I'll have a Christmas in July since that's when my tour ends."

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Spirit Detectives." Jareth had come over. He slid in to sit on Jennifer's other side, ignoring Hiei's glares. "I was wondering why Jennifer would run off for a call. Hello, Koenma."

"Jareth! What are you doing there?"

"I'm pleased you remember me, Koenma. I'm watching over my favorite subject. I'm Jennifer's bodyguard and 'adopted' son of her manager."

"Who's this guy?"

"Jareth is the king of the mages, Yusuke."

"Correct, Kurama."

"You mean Jennifer and myself serve under different rulers?"

"Wrong, weakling! I only accept the natural borns. Not rub-offs like yourself!"

"Enough Jareth! What do you want?"

"It's time to go to the press conference, Jennifer."

"Fine. Bye guys."

"Bye."


The press conference was easy. All questions were for Jennifer and Hiei. They told edited stories of how they met, their first kiss, and their engagement. Jennifer shocked all by admitting that she was not a virgin but making it clear that Hiei was the only one she had ever been with.

Later that night, Jennifer wished Hieifarewell and watched from the hotel roof as Botan and Hiei flew off for Spirit World.

The articles from the conference came out later that week. Their story was called the greatest love story since Romeo and Juliet. As Jennifer read article after article her mind whispered,"If only they knew the whole story."

Time passed and changes began to affect Jennifer. These changes were linked to a secret that she confided in only one other: Jareth. She began to depend on the bodyguard who treated her as if she was the queen he wanted her to be. He never left her side anymore, even slept in the same room. Miriam did not question Jennifer's request of this, thinking that Jennifer had fallen for her boy.

But all this extra time spent with Jareth and the closeness that they showed meant more sightings by the papers and untrue stories to be printed. In February, all hell broke loose in the form of a fire apparition.


Hiei was walking around Koenma's, thinking of Jennifer, when he stopped outside Koenma's office upon hearing his name. Following the suit of the others, he began eavesdropping.

"We can't hide it from him forever."

"But this is Jennifer. None of this can be true."

"Jareth has been known as 'The True Prince Charming.' He can take any woman from her man with the slightest effort."

"But was their love true?"

"Nevertheless, Hiei will not think of that when he finds out. He'll try to kill Jareth…"

"…and get killed himself."

Hiei had heard enough, time for an explanation. He burst through the doors to find all staring at him. "What is this about?" he demanded.

"Uh…Hiei…nothing," Koenma said nervously.

Kurama stood from where he sat beside Elizabeth and approached Hiei, a magazine rolled up in his hand. "Now don't go off the handle, but…stories like these have been printed since the beginning of this year." He handed Hiei the magazine. There on the cover was a picture of Jennifer and Jareth eating together at a restaurant in France looking quite cozy. The headline read "Is She the Mistress of Another?"

Anger filled Hiei at the sight of this, and he ripped the magazine to shreds. He glanced about the room and saw stacks of similar papers and magazines all saying the same story. "Magic is an Illusion to her Fiancé", "The Mistress of Cheating", "Is the Wedding Called Off?", "An End to the Fantasy Romance", "Was it all a Lie?"….All hinted to Jennifer having an affair or another love in her life.

It was all Hiei could handle. The stacks burst into flame at his gaze. Before anyone could stop him he had run from the room.


Hiei walked the streets of Italy, where Jennifer was now. Every place he passed that had those treacherous papers found their copies in flames. It wasn't long until he found what he was looking for. There was Jennifer walking the streets with Jareth, his arms about her. She looked weak and tired, even sickly, but Hiei made no note of it.

Hiei ran to them, jerking Jareth away from his love. He watched as Jennifer fell to the stone streets without the support Jareth had been giving. As if by instinct her hands went to her stomach as though protecting it as she hit the ground hard.

Jennifer stared up at her lover in surprise. "Hiei! What is the meaning of this?"

"What is the meaning of that!" Hiei pointed to a nearby newsstand which brandished the magazine that Hiei had first seen. Jennifer looked over at it nervously then back to Hiei. Jareth moved to her side and went to help her up, whispering to her so Hiei couldn't hear. Once she was up Hiei grabbed her by the arm and pulled her harshly to his side. "I'm taking you back to Spirit World where I don't have to worry about this…this….KETSUNOANA seducing you away from me!" His voice came in beastly growls, his eyes flared with an inner fire of anger.

"Hiei! Please, you're hurting me!" Jennifer pleaded. Tears were forming in her eyes. "Trust me for once! I love you and only you!" But her pleas fell to deaf ears as Hiei pulled her along, heading for the portal with which he had gotten here, leaving Jareth alone in the barren streets.


Hiei released Jennifer once in the detective wing of Koenma's palace. He stood in the sitting room doorway, ignoring the gazes of the team as they turned to see what had happened. He just watched as Jennifer fell to her knees before him, her face in her hands as she wept from fear of Hiei's anger. Only now did Hiei notice the pale blue winter dress she wore with it's white fleece about the hems and the matching snow boots though there had been no snow in Italy. Her whip still hung from her side as it often did, held there by a white sash. Only now did he note the paleness of her skin; not the lightly sun-kissed peach she used to have but a sickly white as if she had been having rough days. She had lost weight which caused her curves to stand out even more. But she looked so frail right now, like some porcelain doll that would be destroyed if Hiei touched its smooth face or stroked its soft hair. Hiei was already regretting his actions though he didn't show it outwardly.

Elizabeth finally got up from the couch and came to help Jennifer up. With help from Kayko and Yukina, they led the mage to the room she shared with Hiei and closed the door, hiding the beauty from the eyes of the world. The guys watched this then turned to Hiei, their eyes questioning. Hiei just glared at them then went to his window.

For the next few hours he sat in silence, replaying what had happened. His mind pondered on what was causing Jennifer to look so frail, so weak. During that time he could hear the occasional sobs from his shared room where the girls still tended to Jennifer. It broke his heart as he remembered what he saw. He couldn't believe he had let his anger take over like that. 'How? I hurt Jennifer and didn't care at the time! I don't deserve her. If she ever forgives me.'

Kurama ended up making dinner that night. Hiei didn't eat but offered to take Jennifer hers. He needed to talk to her. Slowly he walked to the door, running possible conversations through his mind. When he knocked on the locked door, it was Kayko who answered. When she spoke, her voice was like acid though it didn't effect Hiei. "What do YOU want?"

"Dinner is ready, and I have Jennifer's. I also need to speak to her."

"Thank you!" she took the plate from Hiei and closed the door in his face though not before he got a glimpse of Jennifer crying on the bed with Yukina and Elizabeth trying to cheer her up.

The image of Jennifer's tears haunted Hiei's dreams that night as he slept in a guest room. The other girls had returned to their boys, but Jennifer refused to see Hiei. He wanted her to forgive him but thought he had probably lost her forever this time. His nightmares included her walking out on him. His sleep was restless that night.


A week went by in which Hiei never saw Jennifer. Every time she left her room, she wore her black cloak and moved like a lost ghost, never speaking or making eye contact with anyone. It was asif she had gone into true depression.

It grew too much for Hiei to bear. One day, after more regret and silent tears, Hiei scribbled a note on a sheet of paper then went to Jennifer's room. He knocked softly on the door and listened as the bed creaked with Jennifer's shifting weight. At least she hadn't been crying since that first day showing her strength. "Who is it?" Her voice was melancholy but still that enchanting voice Hiei loved.

"It's me. Listen, I only want to speak with you. Sumimasen, waga tenshi, sumimasen." Maybe the Japanese would work.

"Iya, Hiei. I will not see you. Not yet."

"If that is your decision, then here is mine." He slipped the note under the door then left. He left Koenma's completely, heading for the forest, never planning a return.


Jennifer sighed as she listened to Hiei's steps fade. She had already forgiven him, but she wasn't ready to see him. No…she still had her secret; she needed to tell him cause it involved him, but she was too afraid. If Hiei had acted like that when he thought she was with another man, how would he act if he knew. Though the two things didn't have anything to do with each other, she still worried. She would have to quit singing soon and live at Koenma's. Kurama's wasn't an option; she didn't want to burden Mrs. Minamino.

Another sigh escaped her lips as her left hand rested over her stomach. How would she get through this? She wasn't even sure if she was ready for this; she knew Hiei wasn't.

Slowly, carefully, Jennifer picked up the note and read the tear smeared ink. She gasped, and the letter fell from her numb hand. She had to act quickly. Jennifer threw on her cloak over the Roman style ice-blue silk gown she wore. She slipped on a pair of black slippers and ran from the room, following the path the demon had taken just moments before. Her speed powers were needed, but she couldn't use them, couldn't risk it.

The white paper lay alone on the carpeted floor of the lovers' room, the black ink speaking clearly of the great apparition's intentions.

Jennifer, I love you with all my heart. I'm sorry. I wish you would forgive me, but I understand why you haven't. I was wrong and am a danger to us all. Do not follow me. I leave today without looking back. Have Botan come get me later. Good-bye forever, my love. Hiei


Hiei sat under the largest tree of the forest. His katana was drawn, the blade shining in the afternoon sun. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I will bother her no more." Slowly he brought the blade to his exposed neck; carefully he pressed it into his soft skin. A single drop of blood slid down his neck and bare chest from the blade's first cut of the warrior's veins. A tear rolled down his cheeks freely as he readied himself. "One…two…"

"Hiei! Stop!" Jennifer's voice rang through the forest as she ran from the trees to her love.

"No," Hiei whispered, "she can't see this." He brought the blade from his neck and made a run for it, Jennifer falling behind as he used his speed. 'Why doesn't she use her powers,' he thought. But no time for such trivial things. He must do this.

Snap, crunch… there was Jennifer's steps but heavier as if she had changed to an animal form to keep up. A black wolf with blood-red tinted fur emerged from the brush and ran at Hiei's side. Jennifer's voice rang in his head. 'Hiei, don't do this! I forgave you long ago! I'm just…scared. I've never seen you like that.'

'Really? You want me back?'

'Yes! HIEI LOOK OUT!' But it was too late. Hiei had been looking at Jennifer as he ran and did not notice that his path ended at a cliff. He tried to stop but skidded over the edge. His hands sought out the rock ledge and hung tight, but his strength failed him as he tried to pull himself up.

A hand shot out and held tight to Hiei's arm. Jennifer tugged and pulled in her human form, but her own strength failed her. Tears flowed from those brown orbs as she tried to hang onto Hiei and mind-called for help. But Hiei slipped from her grasp and fell.

"NO!" Jennifer screamed. Her mind yelled for her to sprout her wings, but she was too scared. But within seconds her instincts took over, her black and red feathered wings sprouted from her back and spread as she leapt from the cliff. As she dove down after Hiei, her cloak billowed out like a second pair of wings. Just mere feet from the tree tops below did she catch Hiei who had gone unconscious. Seeing as the risks were already taken, she went ahead and flew Hiei back to the palace.


Jennifer kissed the lips of her sleeping prince one last time before pulling her new trench coat about her tighter. After having brought Hiei back and placing him on their bed, she had been searching out bandages and came across a wrapped package in one of Hiei's drawers. The card was a birthday card addressed to Jennifer; her birthday had been January 19. She had opened the package to discover a brand new leather trench coat with a symbol of a mage's staff with an elemental dragon attack wrapping about it stitched on the back in silver and gold. Jennifer loved this new item.

Hiei had awoken only once since she had tended to his cuts and bruises from the fall. That's when she told him, with much disappointment, that she would be returning to Italy to rejoin the tour. Hiei had begged to go in a puppy dog way which Jennifer couldn't resist, so she agreed to take him. After all he wasn't so badly injured that he wouldn't survive the travel, and he need Jennifer's watchful eye since he had tried to kill himself, not to mention Jennifer needed him.

"Ready?" Kurama entered the room, a gentle smile upon his lips as always.

"Yeah. Um…Kurama…thanks. I really don't want to have to wake him, but I must leave as soon as possible. Miriam is probably worried sick, and knowing Jareth, he probably said I'd been kidnapped."

"Any time." Kurama bent over the bed and wrapped the single black sheet about Hiei's deeply sleeping form before picking him up gently in his arms. Hiei didn't even stir, all his energy having been spent with the afternoon's events.

Jennifer smiled at this sight and was grateful that Kuwabara and Yusuke were out training with Genkai, so they wouldn't see this. She reached down and picked up the dark blue backpack that held all the birthday and Christmas gifts from the others. One of the gifts, a katana with a blade made of a special element crystal that could be charged with and deflect any element, was tucked in it's silver sheath and tucked in the black sash that served as a sword belt; her whip hung on the same side, in front of the sword. The katana would have been Hiei's Christmas gift to her but, considering his current condition, Kurama had made sure she got it.

Kurama lead the way out of the wing to the portal, Jennifer following, lost in her thoughts.


After returning to the tour, Jennifer was ushered to modern Egypt. The tour was there for a couple of weeks then moved on along the world trek.

All was well. Jareth was off somewhere on personal business so there were no fights between him and Hiei, though Jennifer half wished he was still there for he was the only one who knew her secret; she kept telling herself that she would be fine, she could take care of everything herself.

Hiei was up and around in no time and was even performing alongside Jennifer which the audience loved. He kept the name Mystery but was sometimes referred to as the Shadow of the Mistress. Some of the new songs gave chances for Hiei to show of his swordsmanship skills, sometimes against Jennifer herself. Of course Jennifer was learning quickly under Hiei's teaching as she grew accustomed to her new weapon. Eventually, by the middle of March, Hiei had his own songs: The Reason and, to everyone's surprise, I Like It I Love It. Of course the two had gained shared rights with Disney for Whole New World, and it was now their most famous duet.

As guys fawned over Jennifer for her looks and special grace, girls took to Hiei for he was their 'tall, dark, and handsome' or, as Jennifer would joke with him about, 'short, dark, and sexy'.

Unfortunately, Jennifer's changes became more apparent. It was hard not to notice her morning disappearances; she would appear at the first rehearsal each day looking somewhat sickly but acting as if she felt better. She was also gaining a slight stomach and a strange appetite. But it was all ignored for she was fine otherwise.

But this life was not to last. It wasn't long until Jareth's "personal business" was discovered by Koenma. The mage king had been training an army and was now heading to fight Koenma. All spirit detectives were called to arms. But after a talk, Jennifer was excused, though no one else knew why. As the weeks went by, Jennifer worried over the others. She had returned to the palace so she could stay informed. The rest of her tour was canceled. She was supposed to be on a "song writing" break.

During one night, Jennifer had a very disturbing dream. There was a fight upon blood soaked battlefields. A war had come between two leaders: a dark speed warrior and a white haired magician. The battle raged until both sides were weakened. The speed warrior struck a final blow with a single blade to the heart. But with the last bit of energy, the magician caused a deep cut with a blade that held a black aura. The warrior fell to his knees, clutching the bleeding slash as suddenly visible blood-red eyes widened in fear.

Jennifer awoke screaming the name of her lover. Sweat covered her body causing her nightgown and the silk sheets to cling to her. The rest of the night she paced the room, trying to decipher the meaning of this death filled dream.


At the sun's first light the next morning, Botan came in looking very tired and depressed. "Um…Jennifer, the boys are back but…."

Jennifer shivered as a wave of cold fear passed over her. "He's not already….is he?" Botan shook her head. Jennifer nodded and hurried to dress into a black skirt and shirt. She grabbed her cloak as she left their wing of the palace and followed Botan to another, unknown area of the palace. They walked through a long white hall with doors on either side. It reminded Jennifer of a hospital. Apparently it was from the sight of the ogres dressed as doctors running around and the moans of pain coming from behind the doors.

Botan stopped at the end of the hall. "This is his room. Come and get me when it's time. I'll be in Koenma's office." Botan hurried back down the hall. Though you would think Hiei was un-liked amongst most, his condition obviously distressed Botan.

Jennifer breathed deeply. She reached a shacking hand from the folds of her cloak to the doorknob. Slowly, she opened the door to see a sight that brought tears to her eyes.

The whole team was there. Yusuke was leaning against the wall near the window; his arms were crossed and his head was bowed. Kayko sat on the floor next to him Indian style; her elbows rested on her knees and her forehead rested in her palms. Kuwabara held a crying Yukina to him near the door. Both had the look of shock; Jennifer deduced that Hiei had revealed the secret of his relationship with Yukina. Kurama sat in a chair beside the bed, slumped over ina depressed manner. Elizabeth stood behind the chair, her hand on Kurama's shoulder to comfort him. Jennifer could see his blood shot eyes through the mass of red hair; Kurama had been crying. Then there was Hiei who lay upon his back in the bed. His eyes were closed as if sleeping. The blankets of the bed had fallen down to his waist showing the blood soaked bandages about his chest. The smell of blood was strong, telling that the wound had yet to close or stop its flow of blood.

No one looked up when Jennifer entered like a mourning spirit. As she approached the bed, opposite side of Kurama, she saw Hiei open his eyes though with difficulty. Jennifer sat down on the edge of the bed and took Hiei's hand in hers. She watched through tear-blurred vision as Hiei smiled weakly.

"Hiei…." She whispered. Jennifer looked to Kurama who had looked up at her. "What happened?"

"He and Jareth fought," Kurama explained. By now everyone was watching Jennifer. "They were fighting for you, for the right to have you as well as for the win of the war. Though Jareth was of higher level, Hiei's love for you revealed abilities which were just as strong as Jareth's. It looked as though Hiei had won when he stabbed Jareth through the chest but…."

"But that trickster of a magician struck out with a shadow charged blade before he died!" Yusuke spat out. "Now Hiei is dieing from loss of blood because that wound will never close!"

"What about if I…?"

"I'm sorry Jennifer. Yukina already tried," Kurama answered. "Even though you can wield shadow items only the wielder of the weapon can heal the wound."

Jennifer sighed and turned back to Hiei. She didn't even notice the others leaving. She did catch Elizabeth's whisper of "See you in Koenma's office."

"Jennifer…." Hiei wheezed. "Don't cry…."

"Hiei, I can't help it. I love you too much not to shed tears for your passing." Tears ran down her cheeks freely, glimmering like precious jewels.

"I love you too…."

"Hiei, please don't leave me. I need you…we need you."

"What?"

"Hiei, I never told you but…." Jennifer placed her free hand on her stomach which could be seen clearly through the semi-tight shirt and skirt. "…I'm pregnant with your child."

Hiei tried to smile but couldn't from the pain. Jennifer brought his hand to her cheek before leaning down and kissing his cold lips. She released his hand and placed both of her hands on his bandaged chest as she cried into it, leaning on her dieing lover. She could feel Hiei's arms manage to wrap about her.

"I love you….both of you…" Hiei released the last of his breath with his fleeing spirit. Jennifer listened as his heart stopped its precious beats. Jennifer's sobs came louder as she mourned for her lost love.

An hour had passed before Jennifer finally slipped out of the corpse's embrace and made her way to Koenma's office. She pulled her hood up to hide her wet face. Jennifer saw her emotions as something the group didn't need to see.


Most of team finished their mourning within the week, but Jennifer was still moping about as expected. No one sought to comfort her; no one did anything for her unless asked. If they tried, they got ignored or snapped at.

Jennifer quit her singing career completely then spent her time in Spirit World as the human realm had nothing to offer. The others kept their eyes on her when they were at Koenma's for they knew of the one within her womb. Yukina stayed at Koenma's and Botan was there whenever she wasn't working. But the others tended to stay away for Jennifer's new attitude was bringing them down.

It wasn't until a month after Hiei's death did Jennifer cheer up and move on. She went out for the first time since the end of March. It was the first day of May. All signs of winter were gone, and many were having the time of their lives.

Kurama and Elizabeth tagged along as Yusuke and Kuwabara took Jennifer out to the circus, which was in town. Kayko and Yukina joined them afterwards, getting to hear how Kuwabara was made a clown. The next stop was a dip in the city pool. All three boys tossed Jennifer into the pool, earning carefully hidden water balls in the face. A picnic lunch and a little friendly training did well to keep Jennifer in spirits so no one thought it wrong to leave Jennifer alone at Koenma's that night. How wrong they were.

Jennifer lay in her bed crying, the radio playing away. Songs of love poured from the speakers bringing more tears from brown eyes. Sweet memories filled the depressed mind of the mage, memories of her love. She tried to remember as far back as before she met Hiei, but it was as if she had no life before then.

She stopped crying and sat up to pull her laptop to her. Her fingers flew over the keyboard once more, adding more to the story she called "Demonic Love". This is what she had been typing that night before she left for the club. This is what she worked on the weekend after every major event in hers and Hiei's relationship. It was a place of memories, re-worded to tell the story of a medieval princess and the demon of a secret organization. This was her only condolence as she worked away, telling of the princess's depression caused by the death of her demon lover.

After finishing that part of her story, Jennifer rolled over from her side to her back gently. Her hands rested upon her slightly swollen stomach. "The princess has only to birth the heir to the throne then the story will end….unless….unless another is found to reign at her side. But the princess will never love again besides the child."

Jennifer eye's were growing heavy. Slowly she began to succumb to the greatest friend of her life: Sleep. But she was forced to be alert as a tapping upon her window rang through the room. Her gaze moved to the widow where sat upon the sill a raven, a roll of parchment tied to its leg. Jennifer let the bird in and took the letter from it when offered before it took flight again.

Carefully did Jennifer unroll the old parchment. She was surprised to find that the writing upon it was new as if written just hours ago. The handwriting was elegant and a wax seal told it was from a royal family or at least their assistant from what Jennifer could make of the name.

Miss Reub,

I am sorry to disturb you during you mourning. We have heard of your husband-to-be's death, and we are sorry for the king's selfish actions. We understand that you are in great grief.

But we must ask of you something. The king knew he may meet his end in the war and left us instruction of who would be the next ruler. He named you as the ruler over the land of the mages. You are to be our queen and your young one the heir after you.

We will come for you tomorrow morning to show you your kingdom before you make your decision. We hope you will accept this offer. If not, it will be your duty to choose who will take the place.

Your humble servant,

Nara Ku, Royal Advisor

Jennifer re-read the letter several times. Her mind couldn't grasp in its state the seriousness of this. She eventually laid the letter on her bedside table with her laptop and entered the precious world of her dreams.


The morning sunlight and the sweet smell of eggs, pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast items were Jennifer's wake-up call. Still wearing the black jeans and white tee from yesterday which she had fell asleep in, she left for the kitchen to find Kurama and Elizabeth. It looked as though one or both had been fixing breakfast, but they got distracted. Both were enjoying the taste of the other's lips, oblivious to anyone.

Jennifer sighed and took over the cooking job. Only then did Kurama pull away from his mistress and notice the stronger mage. "Oh! Jennifer! Let me…I was going to bring it in to you!"

Jennifer just smiled as Kurama came behind her trying to take the job from her. "No. Just take Elizabeth into the living room and enjoy yourselves….while you can." She muttered this last part, remembering back to one enjoyable morning.

"Morning Hiei."

"Morning, my tenshi. Mmmm…what smells so good?"

"Breakfast. Go back to bed, and I'll bring it in."

"I'd rather enjoy you for breakfast…"

"Hiei!"

Jennifer could still feel Hiei coming behind her, wrapping his arms around her as he said those words. She could see herself leaving the bacon to cook and turning in his arms to enjoy the feel of his lips against hers. She remembered sending him back to bed then bringing the food in to him. She remembered how the food had been forgotten as the two just relaxed in each other's arms, watching the sun finish its rising over the forest tree tops. A single tear fell from her eyes.

Jennifer's body stiffened in unease as she felt arms wrap about her waist. She felt lips upon her cheek and heard Kurama's voice whisper in her ear. "I'm here for you, Jennifer, if you ever need me. Liz and I spoke about it, and she would not mind if I were to spend time with you."

Jennifer turned around, causing Kurama to loosen his grip. She placed her hand on his soft cheek and looked into those emerald eyes. Two more tears left her eyes as a gentle smile lied upon her lips. "Kurama…"

"I can not fill the hole in your heart his death has left, but I can help repair it. I care for you, Jennifer, not as much as Elizabeth, but you will always be in my heart."

"I am not your rose, as Elizabeth is, and will not ask you to treat me like one. I am no doll, no child; I am not fragile and defenseless, needing another's care. Just last night I was offered the position of ruler of the mages. Which reminds me, they should be coming soon. I must get ready." Jennifer ran from Kurama's grasp, leaving him surprised and confused. But she quickly returned, placing a friendly kiss against his lips. "Thank you, Kurama. I will always consider you as my friend, nothing more and nothing less." She disappeared out the kitchen door once more.

Jennifer said a hurried hello to Elizabeth as she passed the fellow mage who sat upon the couch, watching early morning anime. Quickly did she reach her room, and search through her closet for her most elegant dress. Her quick hands stopped the pushing aside of clothing as her eyes spotted a dress that brought about a wonderful memory. The black leather and soft silk lining, the mid-thigh length skirt with the long dragging silk tail, the off shoulder belled sleeves and the low neckline. Her gaze went to the knee-high boots with the half-inch heel that sat beneath it.

Jennifer's hand ran along the black and red veil. "I might as well. It is my best dress and…its not like I'll be wearing it anytime soon." Jennifer shook the sad thoughts from her mind as she took the dress from the closet. Moving it revealed Hiei's outfit. Jennifer slammed the door of the closet shut as she remembered her embrace with Hiei that day.

"Jennifer! Are you alright?" Elizabeth's voice called through the door.

"Yeah! Fine!"

"Okay. Someone named Nara is here for you."

"I'll be out in a minute." Jennifer quickly dressed in her gown, minus the veil, and wrapped her cloak about her shoulders to cover the dress. As she stepped out of the hall, she thanked the goddess that the leather gave enough for her stomach.

In the living room, Jennifer discovered a young woman waiting for her, ignoring Kurama's attempt at conversation. She was lovely in a simple way with black hair that reached her ears and tan skin. She wore mage's robes of emerald with red runes on the hems. With her were two young human boys, twins; both had tan skin and died purple hair that reached their shoulders and wore navy blue mage robes. All three bowed before Jennifer.

"Arise. I am not the queen yet."

"Ah, but you are, madam. Upon the second of Sir Jareth's death, you were our ruler." The three rose; the female was the one to speak and continued. "I am Nara Ku, your advisor."

"And these two?"

"Are of no importance. Shall we?"

Jennifer followed Nara and the two boys out the door, wishing a farewell to Kurama and Elizabeth as she passed.


Jennifer didn't remember how they got to the realm of the mages. She didn't remember where anything was or the details of the castle. She did remember that the land had every habitat type imaginable: desert, jungle, forest, tundra, ocean, lake, river…everything. And it had every creature of myth. She did remember that the place was beautiful and peaceful. She did remember wondering how Jareth ever got an army out of these mages who seemed sosereneand content to live their lives withlittle contact with others.And she did remember accepting the position.

Jennifer ran over in her mind all her plans as she sat at the desk in the castle's library. Nara stood at her side, going on about the many books on myths and magic and the possible abilities of every mage. Jennifer made a note in her mind to look over those books to see what she had yet to learn.

Jennifer's hand reached up and straightened the silver and gold tiara on her head. It was made to look as though made of golden vines with silver leaves. The vines twisted about each other and a diamond flower bloomed here and there. It was beautiful she had to admit.

"My queen?" Nara had stopped talking, having noticed that Jennifer was lost in her random thoughts.

"Oh…if you are done, I have some things to sort out. First of all, I will continue living at Koenma's—"

"But your majesty, we do not have a treaty with him! We just went to war against him!"

"Yes, I know. I will speak with Koenma when I return and settle a treaty between the two lands. If there are any circumstances that need to be given, please write them down for me."

"Yes, my queen."

"Don't worry, Nara. I will come back once a month and check on things, settle problems. Any major problems you can inform me about through Ebony; I will come to take care of them."

"Thank you. You have settled my fears."

"Now, I must return. Maybe later on in mine and my child's lives we will come to live here. But not now. I still have an obligation to Koenma."

"I understand. Come, the people wish to see you off."

Nara led Jennifer down to the stables. There they let her choose from the pegasus and alicorns. There were unicorns as well, but they wanted a winged horse for her so she would have less chance of falling off and loosing the heir. She chose a black alicorn with white wings, hooves, eyes, horn, mane, and tail. They said it was called Harmony for its balance of color.

So through the streets of the capital town did Jennifer ride, waving to her new subjects. It felt right to her to be here, amongst other mages. But she missed her life at Koenma's. 'And I miss Hiei.' Jennifer shook the thought from her mind, but a song came to her lips. Her voice rang above the cheers of the crowd which eventually fell silent to hear their queen sing.

"I cry, never gonna kiss the lips of another guy

Too young, then they told me

Waiting for the love of a demon warrior

Our love will never end

Waiting for the demon to come back again

Never more be alone

When the baby's born and the warrior comes home."

The mages took up the song with Jennifer causing her to feel better. 'They honor you, Hiei. I wish you were here.'

A voice yelled above the song causing Jennifer to halt her steed and search for it. "You are not our queen! You are not fit to be anyone's ruler! You loved a demon! Your unborn child is half-demon! It will not rule in this land! Your lover killed our king so you must pay!" A fire ball was thrown and it flew past the alicorn. The stallion reared up and threw Jennifer from its back. The last thing Jennifer remembered was a feeling of sickness and the others' cries of shock as she lay there on the stone street.


"Jennifer! Jennifer wake up!" Elizabeth's voice rang through the blackness, pulling Jennifer to consciousness.

"She's waking!" Kayko exclaimed, seeing Jennifer shift. "Go! Now!"

This last part was a whisper, but Jennifer heard it all the same. She opened her eyes, her vision blurry. Her head was turned to the side and she could see a familiar dark figure by the door. "Hiei?" she whispered before her eyes closed again, and she was lost to sleep.


Jennifer awoke again, but she was in her room. She figured she was in the living room the first time. Jennifer's gaze went to her clothing: an oversized gray shirt. She saw her wedding dress back in the closet where it belonged. With a turn of her head she found her tiara laying upon her bedside table along with the amulet that she was supposed to wear when outside the land of the mages.

Slowly she sat up and reached for the amulet. She put the leather thong about her neck and admired the pendent. It was a large golden circle with a garnet embedded in the middle; Nara had told her that the gem was switched out from ruler to ruler to match the birthstone. Engraved around the gem was a circle of the elements. The top part was a vine for earth, at the bottom were flames for fire, theright edge were spirals with long tails representing wind, and to theleft were waves for water. Jennifer traced the circled, stopping on fire. A smile appeared on her lips, sad though it was. She released the pendent to let it rest upon her chest as she got up completely. She had to steady herself from the wave of dizziness.

Jennifer made her way to the door and carefully headed towards the living room. She ended up stopping at the end of the hall, eavesdropping on the others.

"She was covered in blood, Yukina. There is no way." Yusuke was saying.

"But—" Yukina protested.

"I took the soul back to the place of un-borns myself, Yukina. The child is dead, as dead as an unborn can be." Botan's voice stabbed at Jennifer. So that was why she felt so empty, so sick; her child was lost. She no longer had any link to Hiei. Jennifer held back the tears that threatened as she continued to listen.

"What about?" Kurama asked.

"He knows. Of course he's gone into depression right now," Botan answered.

"You expect him not to!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She was quickly shushed by the rest of the group who didn't want Jennifer to hear. 'Too late,' Jennifer couldn't help but think as Elizabeth continued in a quieter tone. "First, we grant his wish then ban him from seeing her. Next. he finds out that she is the sovereign of the mages which will mean she will have to marry soon to give them a king. Now, he learns that she is attacked, sees the blood of her womb himself, and is given confirmation that his child is dead before ever being born!"

"SHH!" came everyone's voices.

Jennifer did not wish to hear more. She went back to her room and sat down. 'Were they talking about Hiei? Is he still alive? No, he can't be. I was there when he died! But…' Her thoughts continued like this, questioning the possibility of her lover being alive until night finally fell and sleep beckoned her to its world.


Months went by, and Jennifer kept her promise to Nara, tending to her royal duties one week out of every month. The mages were sad to hear that the heir was lost. But that just brought up the subject of the need of Jennifer to marry, a subject Jennifer hated in its entirety.

The treaty was made with Koenma. The two lands were one now. The Makai and the Magkai, as the realm of the mages was known, were open to both types but very few took advantage of this. Mages would be allowed into the human realm but could be imprisoned if caught using their powers for anything other than last minute defense.

Jennifer went back to work for Koenma, becoming a top detective and forever training Elizabeth. She even took Elizabeth to the Magkai. This was where she trained her the most, the world which had a magic of its own.

October rolled around, and Jennifer didn't even notice. Besides the changing of the leaves and the costumes in the store, no sign told her that this was a month she should be sad. She had pushed the memory into the back of her head until….

"Hey, Jennifer!"

"Hello, Liz. Why so happy?"

"It's Kurama's and my anniversary, that's why!"

Jennifer watched her friend bouncing on the balls of her feet before her. They were in Jennifer's room. Jennifer had been reading her cards, tarot cards that is. Death lay in the past position but the Emperor, with the Empress by his side in the present, lay in the future. She hadn't been able to figure it out quite yet. "Is it that time already?" A sigh escaped her lips as she remembered that this would have been hers and Hiei's as well.

"Well, yeah! And we are ALL going clubbing. So leave the tarot cards and get dressed, and let's go!" She pulled Jennifer off the bed and away from the cards. "What did they say anyway?" Jennifer shrugged and went over to her wardrobe. But she found Elizabeth pulling out an outfit. Jennifer looked over the outfit and held back the tears that threatened. The leather top that tied in back, the leather pants, and those fire boots; this was the outfit she had first wore when she met Hiei. Elizabeth also pulled out her trench coat, the one Hiei had given her.

After a moment of memory, Jennifer took the outfit and shooed Elizabeth out so that she could change. As she dressed, also clipping her whip to a belt loop like usual, she remembered the first time she met Hiei. A blush rose to her cheeks as she remembered how they had stared at each other in interest.

Jennifer shook her head of that memory as she put away her tarot cards and put them on one of the bookshelves she had put in the room. She left the room to meet everyone else outside.


It was like taking a trip down memory lane. Everyone was wearing their outfits from that night. Was this planned? But with two differences: everyone was closer to each other now and no Hiei.

Jennifer let her eyes look over the boys. Yusuke was talking away with Kayko; he was wearing the torn sleeved yellow t-shirt and those faded blue jeans with those black tennis shoes. "Punk," Jennifer said getting Yusuke to look at her.

"What?"

"I thought you a punk when I first saw you. Seeing you in this outfit reminds me of that."

"What about me?" piped up Kayko. Everyone had turned to see what the diagnosis was. Jennifer looked over Kayko's outfit: that cherry red overall dress with a skirt to her knees and the long sleeve, white, collared undershirt and those red dress shoes.

Jennifer smiled as she spoke the words. "School Girl"

Next was Botan. Those black tennis shoes, which Jennifer remembered that almost everyone wore that day, those black jeans that had faded over the years, that red tank-top which caught anyone's eye, and that pink jacket. "Happy girl."

Kurama was the forth to be classified. It was a different picture with Elizabeth hanging off him in that familiar outfit; that black mesh long sleeve over the red bikini top, the short red & black plaid skirt, those black fishnet stockings, those knee high boots. Jennifer couldn't help but think that she looked like a whore standing next to the clean cut Kurama. Kurama wore those white jeans, the black button up decorated with red roses, and those black shoes. "Pretty Boy and Whore." Jennifer dodged Elizabeth's fireball. "Sorry, just telling the truth."

"I think you look perfect," said Kurama kissing Elizabeth. Jennifer rolled her eyes and moved on to Kazuma. "Idiot, plain and simple." She didn't even have to look at his black button up, black caprices, and white flip-flops. Yukina was with them this time. She wore her usual ice-blue kimono. "Innocent"

Jennifer sighed as she stepped away from the group. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Yukina. "And my brother? What did you think of him when you first saw him?"

Jennifer shook her head. "I'll tell you later." Yukina nodded then returned to Kuwabara. Jennifer stood facing the group who were all smiling. "What?" she asked, throwing her hands out in defense.

They looked at each other then back at Jennifer saying it at the same time: "Lone biker!" Jennifer smiled and joined them as they left for the club.


"This is too much a trip down memory lane," Jennifer muttered as she sipped on a Pitch Black,³itting on that familiar stool in that familiar club. Everyone was out dancing. Jennifer watched as Kurama dipped Elizabeth, kissing her neck gently. It was a slow song currently. Kayko had her head rested on Yusuke's shoulder as they danced. Kazuma spun Yukina, earning a giggle from her. Botan had found someone to dance with as well; the guy looked a lot like Koenma, in his teen form in blue jeans and a white tee.

Jennifer sighed and turned away. The bartender was cleaning some glasses and watching Jennifer.

"Didn't I see you a few years ago with this same group?"

"Yeah."

"Wasn't there a short guy you were with?"

"Yeah. We met that night. He's dead."

"I'm sorry. But are you sure? That looks like him at the door."

Jennifer turned quickly and sure enough there was Hiei coming towards her. Jennifer rubbed her eyes, but he didn't disappear. She pinched herself but found pain. "How?" she whispered as he stood before her.

"I used my wish from the Dark Tournament….and yours. Koenma knew this is what you wanted, what I wanted. He brought me back but kept me out of sight. They didn't want you to see me until tonight." He offered his hand to her in that familiar gesture and she took it. They danced and sang like before to "Whole New World", but this time they ignored the applause and kissed.

The night was great. With Hiei back, Jennifer was relaxed and happy. Jokes were made, dances had, stories told. It was like old times, just how Jennifer wanted it.

During a break, as the girls were held tightly in their guy's arms, Yukina brought up the old question. "So what did you think of Hiei that night?"

Jennifer thought for a moment as she looked into the crimson eyes of her fiancé. "I was entranced by him. I though of him a dark, mysterious fighter; the type of man I could fall in love with." She kissed him gently, ignoring the comments of the others.

Just to keep the memory part of the night. Jennifer and Elizabeth got a room at the old hotel and had Hiei and Kurama stay with them.

Kurama and Elizabeth had fallen asleep, but Jennifer and Hiei were still up, talking.

"Hiei, now that you're back…."

"I know, we'll have to marry soon."

"So you know I'm the queen of the mages?" Jennifer felt Hiei nod behind her. "So you'll be my king, won't you?"

"I'll be anything you want." She felt his lips on her shoulder and neck, and she sighed in contentment. Sleep came easily this night for both.


A couple months passed in which the couple enjoyed their time together; dates here, trips there, work at the Magkai twice during that time. The mage population was thrilled to hear that the love of their queen was indeed alive and that the wedding was coming closer. It was set for the next anniversary and would be held, of course, at the castle where they would spend their honeymoon as well. Of course there were the reports of threats towards this union; the purest of magi did not want a demonic king. But the rest of the masses were fine and even celebrated this. The rest of the court, the advisers and such, found Hiei to be a perfect king for Jennifer with his silent nature and warrior skills and the fact that he practically lived only for her.

Anyway, it was a cloud covered day as the demon and his lover walked the paths of the forest behind Koenma's. They were debating on going to the Ningenkai. With it being December, snow covered the ground and marked their path with tracks.

"I don't see why they had to kick us out," Jennifer said as she walked ahead, her cloak billowing out behind her like wings. She always felt more comfortable in her cloak when in the forest. Hiei shrugged behind her ,and she knew it. "What in this world could they be planning?"

"Parties," Hiei muttered.

Jennifer turned and walked backward facing her fiancé. "How do you know?"

"Read the idiots' mind."

"Which one?"

"All of them."

Jennifer smiled. "Separate or one?"

"Separate."

"And…."

"I'm not letting the guys take me out."

"Why not?" Jennifer fell back to walk at Hiei's side. He slipped his arm around her waist as they walked on.

"Elizabeth hired a male stripper for you." Jennifer blushed at the thought. Hiei scowled at her reaction. "You like the idea."

"It's unexpected that's all." Hiei did his trademark 'hn'. "Truth! Besides, I doubt the boys don't have something similar planned for you."

"Another reason I'm not going. You're the only woman for me." Jennifer smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"Come on, let's go for a swim!"

Once at the hotspring, Hiei refused to go in. So he just sat up in a tree and watched Jennifer strip down and dive in. After awhile, she didn't come up. Though he knew she was probably in mermaid form or something along that lines, it was instinct to go check on her. As soon as he reached the edge of the spring, she pulled him in.

When he came up, treading water, he found her swimming near by and laughing. He swam back to shore.

"Aw, come on Hiei. You're already wet. Come in and have some fun." Jennifer pouted, as she rested in the shallow water.

Hiei smirked, his back still to her. Quickly he removed his soaked clothing and jumped in. A childish game of tag was soon played, and Jennifer even got him playing Marco Polo, the ningen water game. The rest of the evening was spent on the snowy shore in silence; her massaging his back like old times. Jennifer had dried their clothing by starting a fire, and the two now sat dressed before the blazing warmth. Both ignored the chill of the air and the coldness of the snow.

"I've missed this," Jennifer whispered as she leaned foreword, placing her chin on his shoulder, her arms wrapping about his waste. They didn't leave the hotspring. Instead, they took to napping in one of the more private trees until it was time to return.


Night had fallen when the two lovers awoke. The chill in the air was much stronger, and it had snowed during the hours of sleep they took. It was still snowing as they walked from the edge of the forest toward Koenma's. They could see the light of the living room of the detective's wing.

"They're waiting," Hiei commented as he walked on, hands in his pockets. Jennifer shrugged and continued to walk in the slow, sluggish style that suited her at the time. But it wasn't long until she found herself in Hiei's arms.

"Couldn't resist could you?" she joked as she clung to him loosely.

Hiei just smirked as he walked on. "How about we do go to the Ningenkai? Forget the others?" Jennifer showed her agreement by a kiss upon the cheek.


It was snowing in the Ningenkai as it was in the Spirit World. Very few were out and about, but no one paid heed to the woman wearing a trench coat and the man in black. Those who did notice the difference in these two dark ones compared to the seemingly regular people of city were in fear and avoided them. But much time wasn't spent in the city. As boredom overtook Jennifer, she dragged Hiei away from the busy world and into a silent and abandoned park. There the two just relaxed, lost in their thoughts.

"Jennifer-san?"

"Hai, Hiei-kun?"

"Your abilities are to control all elements, right?"

"Hai. Naze?"

"Then you can control ice and snow."

"I guess so. I never tried, even in all the winters I've lived with knowledge of these abilities."

"Try it."

Jennifer nodded and stood. She walked away from the swings upon which they had been sitting and into a clear area. Her mind focused upon the snow, the slowly falling flakes, and called them to her. The snow began to fall solely around her.

Hiei smiled as he observed this. It wasn't longµntil Jennifer returned to him. Another hour went by before both noticed a rise in spirit energy around them.

"They found us," Hiei said as he pulled Jennifer closer to him. "Come on." He stood with her still in his arms, but she struggled against him, making him put her down.

"Let's just see what they'll do to get us to come," she said, a sly smile on her face. Hiei nodded but said he wished to observe not participate. So Jennifer watched as he took his place in on of the surrounding trees like usual and turned to greet their comrades.

Elizabeth and Kurama were the ones to approach, both talking as if they did not know Jennifer was there. When Kurama turned to see Jennifer, he smiled and feigned surprised. "Jennifer! Here you are! We've been looking all over for you. Where's Hiei?"

Jennifer shrugged. "I don't know. Thought he was with you." She was surprisingly convincing.

"So Jen, me and the other girls are going to have a sleepover at Kayko's. You have to come." Elizabeth couldn't hide the amusement in her voice very well as she spoke.

"And why do I have to come?" Jennifer inquired, smirking.

"Well…uh…because it wouldn't be the same without you."

"Nice cover," Jennifer commented with sarcasm as she sat down on a swing and looked at her friends.

"I told you she probably knew," Kurama pointed out. Elizabeth just shrugged.

"So you coming or what?" she demanded from Jennifer. Jennifer just shrugged. "You irritate me sometimes, you know!"

"Where is Hiei?" Kurama inquired.

"Behind you," Jennifer said, emotionlessly. Kurama turned to see Hiei leaning against the rusted jungle gym.

"So you know?" Kurama questioned. Hiei nodded.

"You may be a kitsune, but you can't hide your thoughts from me or Hiei," Jennifer said as she stood.

"Kitsune?"

"Fox, my dear," Kurama explained. He turned to the couple who now stood together by the jungle gym. "So are you going to come quietly or…"

Hiei and Jennifer exchanged deciding looks then turned back to their friends with identical smirks. "No," Jennifer said.

"Fine," Kurama sighed.

"Get 'em!" Liz yelled.

The two were ambushed by the rest of the team and dragged through the snow, side-by-side as they struggled against power-binding cuffs and tight-holding arms.

"Damn it! This isn't funny!" Jennifer yelled out as she struggled against Botan and Kayko. She watched helplessly as the two groups split up; the girls going to Kayko's and the guys to Yusuke's.


'Whoo hoo. Par-tay,' Jennifer's sarcastic thoughts told her as the others fussed around her. She sat on the couch in Kayko's house and watch as the others either piled gifts on the table before her or worked in the kitchen on what smelled like a cake.

It wasn't long until they had Jennifer opening her gifts. There were a few decent things here and there, mainly from Kayko, Yukina, Kurama, and Koenma. Yes, even the boys had bought gifts, as did the girls for Hiei. But the rest were different styles of lingerie. After the third set, which was a sexy grim reaper out fit from Botan, Jennifer screamed out, "Do you all think I'm marrying him for the sex or what!" This got the girls in a fit of giggles.

"Guess we'll just have to save my gift," Elizabeth said as she removed a familiar shopping bag from the table.

"Just give it here," Jennifer groaned. Liz handed over the bag, and Jennifer pulled out the first items. An angel lingerie set complete with white fuzzy cuffs. Jennifer rolled her eyes as she set it aside with the rest of the items.

"Well, he's always calling you his angel…that's what tenshi means isn't it?"

"Yes." Jennifer reached into the bag and pulled out a book. Quick looks at the title made her turn her eyes in shock to Elizabeth. "What's the meaning of this?"

"Let me see," Kayko said, so Jennifer let them pass around the book. No one said anything until Botan had it.

"Karma Sutra. Nice." Botan found a bombardment of wrapping paper balls and box halves thrown at her.

Jennifer took the book back from her and set it carefully aside. No matter how much she was irritated at Liz's sense of humor, she couldn't help but think that this was a useful gift.

There was a knock on the door, the back door, which Elizabeth went to answer as the rest of the girls pulled Jennifer into conversation. A knock on the front door roused Kayko from her spot. Kayko opened the door, and in came Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Koenma looking quite exhausted.

"What are you doing here?" Kayko asked. "You should be at Yusuke's with Hiei."

"Shrimp….escaped….chased him…here," Kuwabara panted.

"And his gifts?" Yukina questioned.

"We have most of them here," Kurama said, holding up a few bags.

"The escapee was trying on one of them…Elizabeth's I think…when he jumped out the window and headed here. I think he had it on still." This got the other girls laughing as well as the boys, leaving Jennifer in the dark about the joke.

Speaking of dark. The room went dark as Elizabeth's voice chimed in. "There's been a change of plans! We had ordered a male stripper for you Jen, but he's….unconscious at the moment." More laughter filled the room as everyone realized why. "But I think you'll enjoy this much more!"

Jennifer could sense everyone else moving away from her. She looked to the kitchen and saw Elizabeth by the light of candles on a cake, a cake which was being carried by an unknown person. The person brought the cake and set it on the table. All was quiet until Jennifer caught the sound of footsteps as if the others were leaving. Candles about the room flickered to life revealing that indeed everyone else had left.

Jennifer turned her gaze from the cake which was an ordinary looking chocolate£ake that said "Have Fun" in white chocolate©cing, to the person who had brought it in. Jennifer couldn't help but smirk. "I'd rather have you than the cake," she commented to her demonic lover.

Hiei was there dressed in only what looked like a leather thong, leather chaps, and biker boots. He watched as Jennifer blew out the candles on the cake. "Wish granted," he said before teasing her by stripping down to the thong.

Jennifer wouldn't let him go any further, at least not until she led him down the hall yelling "Kayko, we're gonna borrow your room for an hour or two." One arm was about Hiei's waist as his was hers, the other clutched the new book to her chest.


"Don't forget the mistletoe!"

"I'm not so dumb that I'd forget such a important decoration! Kazuma maybe, but not me."

"Hey!"

"Shut up, baka, that was a compliment."

The group burst into a fit of laughs at Kuwabara's expense. They were decorating for Christmas which was later that day. Yes, it was Christmas Eve. The boys were busy decorating the tree Kurama had got. The girls were busy decorating everywhere else and cooking a meal, Kurama helping on the food. Everything would have been done, if it weren't for the distractions.

You see, everyone was dressed in a festive style, but also a distracting style. Kurama was dressed as an elf: tight green pants, a green button up which remained un-buttoned half way down, and an elf hat. Hiei wore a similar outfit: tight green pants and the elf hat. Kazuma and Yusuke were dressed as reindeer: brown pants with the tails, brown mesh long-sleeves, and the fake antlers; Kuwabara had the novelty light up nose. Kayko was dressed as a reindeer as well: Short brown skirt with tail, tight brown sweater, and the fake antlers. Yukina was dressed as an angel: long white dress, white fake wings, and the golden fake halo. Elizabeth was an elf: Short green skirt with cotton lining the hem, tight green sweater with a low v-neck, and the elf hat. And Jennifer was dressed in a Miss Clause outfit: short red skirt with cotton lining the hem, red corset like top with cotton lining the top, a black sash around the waist, and the Santa hat.

Yusuke checked his watch after he put the last of the garland on the tree. "Hey, we got an hour before we have to go to Koenma's party. So, what are we going to do?"

"I don't know. Why are we going to the toddler's party anyway?" Kuwabara asked as he put the star on the tree.

"Because the girls are making us," Hiei commented from the couch where he lay. He sat up quickly when a snow ball hit him in the face. "She's getting too good at that."

Jennifer laughed from the hall doorway where she stood on a ladder. She went back to hanging the mistletoe.

"Almost done with that ONE sprig of mistletoe?" The sarcasm in Elizabeth's voice was evident.

"Yeah!" As soon as the one mistletoe was up, Jennifer used her abilities to get it to send vine like sprouts along the walls to each of the other doorways; in each doorway, not counting the front door, a sprig of mistletoe sprouted. Jennifer jumped down from her perch and bowed. "Ta da!"

"Show off," Elizabeth muttered from where she stood in the kitchen doorway. She glanced up at the doorway and smirked. "Oh, Kurama."

"Huh?" Kurama turned and smiled as well. "Can't leave such a beauty standing under mistletoe without a kiss." He walked over to her kissed her lightly on the lips. Aw's could be heard from Yukina and Kayko in the kitchen.

"We'll never get them away from each other now," Yusuke commented. He and Kuwabara went into the kitchen to join their girls, pushing past the kissing couple.

"Enough you two." Jennifer was leaning on the back of the couch, watching her friends. "Save some for later tonight."

"What are you planning now?" Hiei asked, leaning his head back to look at his fiancé.

"Nothing…."

"Hn. It's never nothing."

"Is that so?" She kissed him quickly on the lips then vaulted the back of the couch, landing beside him. "You'll just have to wait then."

"Hn."

"Food's ready!" Yusuke called from the kitchen.

After dinner, the group went on to the party. It was held in the same place as the old Halloween party. The room was wonderfully decorated and a large Christmas tree sat in the middle of the room. Children of the employees were already sitting around the tree, eyeing the gifts under it. Koenma was no where to be seen, but Botan was. She had given up her usual pink kimono for a festive red and green one.

"Hey Botan! Where's the host?" Jennifer asked as they joined her by the refreshments.

"Somewhere. Hey, nice outfits."

"Thanks," Kayko accepted.

"Binky Breath made us dress up. We're the kid keepers. Decided to make the best of it," Yusuke explained.

"Well, looks like there's a Mrs. Clause, but where's Santa? Hiei it should have been you." Botan eyed the apparition who was looking as grumpy as usual.

"You know him. He's only going to be at Jennifer's side. He wants nothing to do with this new assignment," Elizabeth laughed.

"We thought Koenma was playing Santa," Kurama pointed out. Botan shrugged.

The group stood there talking for a while as the Christmas music played throughout the room. Soon, the Santa arrived, and indeed it was Koenma. The children cheered and surrounded the Spirit World Ruler in his teen form, and the detectives came to the rescue.

After awhile of passing out gifts, only a few children were left over. Kayko and Yukina were helping Koenma with the gifts as the others stood off to the side, watching. All except Jennifer that is; one of theanthro workers had asked Jennifer to watch over her baby, so now Jennifer was standing beside Koenma's chair, holding a bundled child and tending to it.

"Hey, look at Hiei," Elizabeth whispered to Kurama as she watched the demon. Kurama turned his attention to his friend and smiled. Hiei was watching Jennifer with the child. Though his stance was like his usual self, a small smile laid upon his lips, and his eyes held a light sparkle. It was easy for the trained eye to see that he was thinking about what he saw before him.

"He remembers," Kurama whispered. "If only…"

"Yeah." They watched as a tear escaped the crimson eyes of their friend. "If only…" Elizabeth repeated.

To their surprise, Hiei approached Jennifer, and they saw her smile. She had been singing "Sleigh Ride" to the child along with the current music. Both of the lovers sat down closer to the tree and sang to the young one. Hiei was actually smiling.

"These wonderful things are the things we'll remember all through our lives," Kurama stated, following the song.

The night continued on like that until it was time to go. It was quite a sight to see when the mother of the baby came for it. Jennifer had slipped of to dreamland as she fell asleep on Hiei's shoulder, and Hiei was reaching a point of slumber as well, the snoozing child in his arms. Hiei handed over the baby carefully without a word then woke Jennifer with a kiss. They were the first to leave out of the group, saying their good-nights to Koenma.

The young ruler watched with a knowing smile as the two left. Kurama was at his side, watching as well. "He's changed," Koenma said as they disappeared through the doors. Kurama nodded.

"For the better," He added. Both ended up laughing as Jennifer's voice rang through the halls clearly, singing "Let It Snow". Kurama could hear Hiei's soon joining hers though no one else would have been able to.

"Hey! It's snowing again!" Yusuke's voice called from the windows. The other detectives rushed to the window.

"Snowball fight...tomorrow morning...me and you, Urameshi!" Kuwabara challenged.

"Challenge accepted, Kuwabara."

"Come on, boys, time to get to bed or no gifts." Kayko watched as all four, with Koenma included, groaned at her words. The girls giggled and led their boys away.


Jennifer looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. "Midnight," she whispered. She had awoke about an hour ago and could not get back to sleep. Therefore, she had decided to spend some energy playing with the shadows, but she became easily bored.

A sigh escaped her lips as she moved into the living room. Here there was light, illumination from the lights on the tree. A couple of her cold-fire candles burned beside a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on the coffee table. The gang had agreed to leave stuff out for Santa as tradition; they knew full and well that it would end up in one of the idiots' stomachs. Quickly written "Dear Santa..." letters lay beneath the plate from each person, even Koenma and Botan who would be coming over in the morning. Stockings hung above Hiei's window with everyone's names, already holding gifts for their owners. The whole room had a Christmas feel that Jennifer loved.

She lay down on the couch and glanced at the door. Beside it hung Kurama's coat. His snow boots and a bag of gifts for Mrs. Minamino lay on the floor under it with Elizabeth's boots and her jacket, which had fallen. They would leave at noon to join Kurama's mother for Christmas. Yusuke would go with them so he could pay a visit to his own mother, but he would be returning unlike the happy couple; they would not return until after New Year's Eve. Shizuru was already here, sleeping in one of the extra rooms. Kayko would go with Yusuke, dragging him to visit her parents as well; no one knew if she would be returning.

As Jennifer thought about the other's families, she remembered her own. She had left her mom on such bad terms, with the whole boyfriend incident. She hadn't spoke with either of her parents since, and she missed them. "They would never understand, though. Yet, they need to know. I'll send Botan to get them in the morning. I want them here; I want my family back." A tear slid down her cheek as she smiled sadly, remembering her lost child. This got her thinking about the evenings events, of how Hiei acted around the baby she was watching. "If only…"

Jennifer froze in her thoughts as she heard a noise by the window. She could feel the cold wind blowing in. Carefully, she looked over the back of the couch and saw the window open. "Silly me, the wind just caught the window."

Jennifer stood and situated herself in the window so she could lean out and get the doors. That was the type of window it was; it opened to the outside. It didn't take much to get the widow closed for the wind was light.

As Jennifer left the window and turned to head to bed, she had to keep herself from screaming in surprise. There, with a large bag, bending down to the presents was a large man in a red suit. She could see he was adding presents to what was already there. She couldn't move, she was so shocked. She just stood there and watched until he stood and turned around.

"Oh, well, well, well. What are you doing up?" The man asked in a jolly voice as he saw her. Fat and happy was how to describe him, wearing that red suit and hat with the real white beard and the true sack of gifts. "Well, Mrs. Hiei?"

Jennifer finally snapped out of it. "Mrs. Hiei? I'm not married…"

"Not yet. Shouldn't you be in bed with that fiancé of yours?"

"I couldn't sleep," Jennifer admitted.

"I see. Why don't you tell me about it?" This man, Santa as he seemed to be, sat down on the couch and patted the seat beside him. Jennifer joined him and watched as he began eating the cookies and reading the wish lists. "Well," he urged, not looking to her.

"There's nothing to say. I just couldn't sleep." She turned her gaze away as she saw him pick up her letter. A smile alighted his face upon reading it.

"So that's what's bothering you. I should have known." He turned to look at Jennifer. One of his gloved hands held her chin and turned her gaze back to him. With his other hand, he laid a hand on her stomach. "Your life has just begun. You have the very thing you wished for, for years: true love. Trust me, Jennifer, your new wish will come true in no time, when he is ready." Jennifer smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Santa." She was so thankful to him that she kissed him on the cheek, making his rosy cheeks rosier. She couldn't help but giggle as he laughed that jolly chuckle.

"Jennifer?" Jennifer turned to see a half-asleep Hiei standing in the bedroom hall. She smiled, turned to see Santa one last time, then went to Hiei.

"Yes, Hiei."

"What are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep; I just needed some time. Why are you up?"

"Heard noises in here. Who were you talking to?"

"Sa-" she stopped and turned. Sure enough, the jolly red guy was gone. "No one. Come on, let's go back to bed."

"Are you sure your alright?" Hiei asked once they were back in bed. He was much more awake now.

Jennifer just snuggled closer to him, enjoying his arms about her, and nodded. It wasn't long until both were back to sleep.


It was the next evening. Snow fell lightly on the open grounds behind Koenma's. Yusuke and Kazuma were busy holding their little snow war. Kayko, who had returned, and Shizuru were watching from the sidelines while talking on the boys' idiocy. Koenma had been called back to work shortly after gift opening that morning, and Botan had gone on some unknown mission. Jennifer and Hiei enjoyed the quietness of the detective's wing, watching the snow war from the opened window. He sat behind her, holding her close as she toyed with various snowflakes.

Jennifer was thinking of her parents. She had resolved not to mention her idea of bringing them here to anyone, preferring to enjoy the day without them. Yet her heart longed for a full family for once. This was a war within her that she hid from her love.

Hiei suffered a similar battle. He fought with himself over the idea of a child. He could remember how thrilled he was when he knew of the child Jennifer had once carried; he also remembered his sorrow at its loss. Hiei longed for an heir, someone to carry on his legacy. But he knew of the burden it would bring and of how they didn't need it at this time. He didn't dare voice this to anyone, not even Jennifer.

And so the two remained quite, relaxed in each other's arms as their minds sought answers for their longings. Neither turned their gaze at the sound of the front door opening. They remained in their place while gazing out upon the true winter wonderland.

"Jennifer! If you expect to be a wife, you wouldn't leave a room so trashed as this." Jennifer turned her gaze quickly and jumped up, having forgot that she sat in a window, at the sight of her parents standing with Botan beside the couch. Her head connected with the top of the widow, and the jolt caused her to fall back out the window.

"Jennifer!" the four observers exclaimed as she fell. The mage's parents and Botan rushed to the window to see the results. Botan soon fell to laughter as Hiei smirked; the parents were in total shock.

"Should've known," Hiei commented, looking down upon his love. Jennifer had sprouted her angelic wings, the red lined black feathers slowly frosting with the falling snow, and now hovered over Yusuke and Kuwabara's war. The two turned their fire on her thus pelting her with snowballs. She feigned defeat as she gently floated down to the snow banks.

Glenda, worried, dragged Raymond out of the room. Botan hurried after to show them the way down. Hiei took the quicker method: jumping from the window and landing perfectly in the snow below. He strolled over to where Jennifer lay and smirked down upon her. He soon found his face covered in snow.

Jennifer sat up laughing as she packed snow into her hands once more. However, she had to quickly move before his katana blade made her two halves. "What the hell!" she exclaimed as she stared at him. "Don't make me use this!" She drew her own katana.

"Lovers' quarrel!" Yusuke yelled. Kayko and Shizuru came to see the commotion, and Yukina came from the forest where she had been. Botan soon arrived with Jennifer's parents.

"What the! Jennifer! What are you doing!" Glenda yelled. Jennifer looked to her mother and backed away from Hiei since he had just blocked her attack. She stared at her parents in confusion.

"Uh…" She sheathed her katana and looked to Hiei who sheathed his. She then realized her wings were still out, pulled them in and blushed in embarrassment. "Guess I have some explaining to do."


Jennifer paced the living room as she tried to figure out what to say, where to start. Her parents sat on the couch eyeing her and the others. Yusuke leaned against the wall nearby in his usual punk way while Kuwabara sat on the floor beside him. Yukina, Kayko, and Shizuru took shelter in the kitchen, having claimed to be cooking dinner. Botan sat in one arm chair, and Hiei sat in the other. Out of them all, Hiei was the most worried for Jennifer.

Hiei ended up standing and halting his fiancé's pacing. 'Shh,' he told her telepathically. 'It will be fine. Just tell them the truth.' He was standing behind her, and he wrapped his arms about her waist. She turned in his arms and kissed him; her tension just melted away at the feel of his lips.

Glenda cleared her throat, getting the lovebirds' attention. Yusuke chuckled but shut up to Jennifer's glare. Jennifer sighed and sent Hiei off to sit down. She faced her parents alone.

"Mom, Dad, you know everyone in this room, having been introduced before. There is one other person: Kazuma's sister, Shizuru." At the mention of her name, Shizuru appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. Jennifer's parents acknowledged her then turned back to their daughter. "Now, there is only one way to explain all this. I'm a…"

"Hello all!" Koenma came bursting into the room. "Ah! Botan, I see you did as I asked. Excellent."

"Wait! You told Botan to get my parents?" Jennifer asked, rounding on Koenma.

"Yes, I did. They were in Japan looking for you and, obviously, not finding you. I sent Botan to fetch them. It's about time you told them the truth anyway."

"Oh yeah, real good plan, Koenma! Fetch my human parents, bring them to Spirit World, and have me explain a whole lifetime to them! Really brilliant!"

"I thought so, too," Koenma replied with a huff of pride.

"I was being sarcastic," groaned Jennifer. She fell into pacing again, shaking her head with its pounding headache. She wasn't even paying heed to her parents. "What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to explain that I'm a demon, everyone I care for now is a demon or knows about our world, I am going to marry a demon, I'm going to be queen of a certain region, and I am one of the most powerful demons there are! How do I explain Spirit World, the Makai and the Magkai! How do explain?" Jennifer fell to her knees; the pain in her head was becoming unbearable, and she was too confused to do anything about it.

Hiei ran to her side, kneeling beside her and trying to calm her. The others looked on in horror until Jennifer finally fainted.


Jennifer awoke to see Hiei sitting in a chair near by, polishing his katana. He looked up when he heard her moan in pain as she sat up. He was by her side instantly.

"What happened?" Jennifer asked, sitting up. Her headache was gone, but she was still quite dizzy. She ended up laying back down.

"You passed out. How are you feeling?"

"Dizzy and tired. What about my parents?"

"I…took care of it." Hiei lowered his gaze to his hands which clutched hers. A slight blush rose to his cheeks.

"You didn't!" Jennifer sat up again, regretting it. Hiei's arms were around her, holding her up.

"Easy," he cooed as he eased her back down on the bed.

"You explained everything to them? How long did it take?"

"I did, and a few hours. You've been out for a full day."

"Oh." Jennifer relaxed against her pillows watching Hiei work on his sword. "Hiei, would you mind…?" Hiei nodded and went to the wall opposite the bed. In one corner stood a coat rack from which hung extra sword belts. Jennifer's main sword belt hung there currently complete with sword. Hiei sheathed his own and drew hers. He returned to the chair and began to polish the black crystal that was the blade of her sword.

Jennifer watched until she fell into sleep again.


Time passed as did the year. Jennifer kept experiencing dizziness, headaches, and nausea. It wasn't until the day of her birthday did she discover the truth.

A scream erupted from the bathroom, Jennifer's to be exact. Hiei and Kurama, being the only boys at Koenma's that day, rushed to the door finding it locked. "Jennifer! What's wrong?" Hiei called through the door. They heard the door unlock, and Hiei tested it finding it open.

Jennifer was standing in front of the sink and mirror, pouring a liquid down the sink. She turned when she heard the door open. "Everything is perfect, Hiei, just perfect." She threw her arms around him, dropping the cup in the sink. He held her close as she nuzzled into his neck then kissed it. Hiei just smirked.

Jennifer pulled back to look into his red eyes. "Now let's get to that surprise party."

"What! How did you know?" Kurama said, shocked, from his place in the hall. Both Hiei and Jennifer laughed as they walked past him.


The party at Yusuke's was going great. The cake was half eaten, and everyone was enjoying Elizabeth and Jennifer's mixed drinks. They were celebrating Jennifer's birthday but would be celebrating much more.

Hiei stayed in the kitchen with Jennifer and Elizabeth who were playing bartender. Yusuke and Kayko had disappeared earlier, apparently to his bedroom. Kuwabara was passed out on the couch. Kurama and Yukina were dancing in the living room; they ended up in the kitchen when Yusuke and Kayko showed back up.

"Hey, Jen, how about a refill?" Yusuke asked while swaying on his feet, Kayko's shade of lipstick showing on various places on his neck. Jennifer refilled his glass.

"Refill everyone's, Jennifer. Elizabeth and I have an announcement." Kurama joined Liz as Jennifer did as asked. "I have asked for my rose's hand, and she has accepted." Elizabeth extended her left hand, brandishing a ruby heart ring.

"About time," commented Jennifer. "Now all that's left is Yukina and Kuwabara."

"Don't say that!" growled Hiei. "I don't want to be related to that idiot!"

"Huh?" Kuwabara came stumbling into the room to everyone's laughter. Indeed he would be the last to propose. Yusuke had proposed the night of New Year's with a helpful firework trick of Jennifer's.

"And…" Elizabeth said when everyone had quieted. "I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations!" Yukina and Kayko cheered.

"Kurama, you fox!" Yusuke joked while slapping the red-head on the back.

So much commotion was going on, that it took awhile before anyone noticed that Jennifer had burst into laughter. Soon the room was quiet besides her mirthful expression. "It's too odd!" she said between breaths. "How could it be?"

"Jennifer?" Kayko questioned. "What is it?"

Jennifer stood and calmed herself, a smile upon her lips. "I'm pregnant, too."

Hiei's face fell into surprise. He was barely aware of his companions praises. When his finally snapped out of it, he enjoyed the news along with everyone else.

The rest of the night was spent with plans for weddings and baby showers. It seemed that the detectives had finally decided to settle down and live a true life.


"Where are Jennifer and Hiei?" Elizabeth asked. She lay in a hospital bed, speaking to Yukina and Kayko. In her arms she held her newborn son. Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara had gone to get food.

"They left right when Kurama called. We thought they'd be here," replied Kayko.

"They haven't been here." Elizabeth sighed, disappointed that her best friend hadn't come to see her god-child. It was September, and Jennifer's wedding was a month away, but still…

"So what's his name?" Yukina asked, purposely pulling Elizabeth's mind from Jennifer.

"Huh? Oh. It's Kitsune. Kitsune Rose Minamino." Elizabeth looked down at the young child she held in her arms. He had deep eyes colored light green; what little hair he had was blonde already showing pure gold streaks. His skin was a lovely peach color. He would be a beautiful boy, like his father.

"In here."

"Yes, my queen."

Two figures entered the room. It was Jennifer and Nara. Jennifer was in a wheelchair dressed in a long white gown of elegant design. Nara pushed the chair. Hiei shuffled in after them carrying a bundle carefully in his arms.

"Sorry, we're late, Liz. I had my own problems," Jennifer explained. "So where's this son Kurama was bragging about?" Jennifer slowly stood against Nara's protests and walked over to the bed. She immediately sat in the chair by the bed and smiled at the baby boy. "He's so cute."

"Why were you gone?" Elizabeth questioned deeper. Jennifer gestured to Hiei. The short apparition joined Jennifer and handed her the silver cloth wrapped bundle.

"This." Jennifer uncovered a sleeping baby girl. "Meet Autumn Mabon." The child opened her deep, dark red eyes. A smirk, so like her father's, rested upon blood red lips. Her complexion was moon white and her hair the darkest of black with natural silver highlights. A true dark beauty.

"Wow! Who would have known?" Kayko exclaimed.

"Only the Destiny Weaver, Kayko; only the Great Spider." This Jennifer whispered while smiling down at the child.

Yusuke and the others soon joined. Food was eaten and toasts made. But a solemn air fell upon the room; everyone knew the reason.

"This is our last time…" Kurama whispered to break the silence.

"At least until the weddings," Hiei confirmed. Everyone nodded. The knowledge that Jennifer and Hiei, now with Autumn, would be living in the Magkai hit them all hard. They were required to be there, the royal family. And the detectives had their own lives to start. They were separating, and doing so with reluctance.


The wedding came and went, nothing too special. It was quite a scene in the darker colors and evil like ceremony. It ended up being a big joke in the end after the vows had been exchanged. Hiei and Jennifer had written their own and spoke them from the heart.

"Hiei, through tough times have we lived. We've fought, we've loved. Tears were shed, smiles flashed. We've been together, we've been apart. But through it all, from the first time I laid eyes on you, you've had my heart. Now I place this ring on you finger to prove to the world that love does conquer all, and my love is for you. Today I awoke as Jennifer Reub. Tonight I sleep as Mrs. Hiei." These were the words Jennifer had practically sung as she slipped the gold band on Hiei's finger.

Hiei's own vows were shorter, but they were his. "Jennifer, you've done what was once impossible: gained my love. I was once cold, indifferent. Now I am attentive, happy. I've changed for you. I love you, so declares this ring. I was your demonic lover; now I'm your husband and king."

The reception was beautiful as well, a true party. And of course, what would the party be without karaoke? All the guys had got on stage and sang "I'm a Believer". Jennifer turned her own love on with "Underneath It All". Hiei retaliated with "Amazed". Together they sang "Party for Two". Elizabeth did a "Miss Independent" to honor Jennifer. And to end the night, the whole gang sang "1985".

With all the fun, you wouldn't have thought that two one-month old babies had attended. However, both Kitsune and Autumn were there watched over by their loving parents. The final good-byes were said and departures made.

Now Hiei and Jennifer stood on the balcony of one of the castle towers overlooking the front courtyard filled with cheering citizens of Magkai. This was their home and the end of their adventures. But young Autumn's had yet to begin.