Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.

Thanks to all my reviewers:

Dreamstar22- YUM! APPLES! (runs to Juri's apple farm and starts eating all the apples) lol…thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you like it, and here's the update!

purplehairedwonder- Thanks! Suspense is so wonderful! Wait no longer, for here's the next chapter!

Dragon and Sword Master- That's a very interesting thought, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait to see if you're correct. Thanks, glad you like it!

A Life of Rules is No Fun- I didn't put the translation for the Sparian because I wanted you (and the other readers of course) to use your imagination for that segment. I think putting the translation might have ruined the mood, which is suspenseful and obviously tense. You can tell Jerin is upset about something, and his attitude isn't brought on by frustration alone. You also know that Korio took his words seriously instead of trying to jokingly comfort him or brush it off. As for the part about not trusting Jerin…we'll come to that soon enough. For right now, enjoy this chapter!

ToCOrNot 77- A new face! Hello there, I'm Frozen Flame, and thank you so much for reading my story! I'm very glad you like it so far! You're right, I did sort of base Jerin on Hiei without actually meaning to. It just…happened… Anyway, thanks for reviewing! Here's the update!

Hello, and welcome to Chapter 19 of Total Conquest! Please remember that this story is non-yaoi. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. No eating, drinking, or flash photography is allowed. Thank you, enjoy the read, and don't forget to review!

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She stiffened as she felt warm breath hit her neck.

"Ayra, good to see you again," the voice drawled from behind her. "I thought you'd never come. I was beginning to miss your company."

"Nice to be back, sir," she replied, gritting her teeth. His breath became hotter on her neck. She tried to ignore it. "The members of the Clan are growing restless. They crave battle."

"Oh, they'll get it soon enough," he replied. His cheek stroked her ear.

She clenched her fists at her sides. "Each day more and more demons rally to our cause, but they want to taste blood."

"They'll taste it in due time." His hand reached up to her face.

She spun around and grabbed his hand, digging her claws into his skin. "Don't touch me," she hissed. "If you do you'll regret the day you were born."

He smirked at her. "Well, look who's gone and developed an attitude."

Her eyes flashed and she pushed him away from her. "It's an attitude I don't intend to lose, Runae. Just because I serve you doesn't mean I'm willing to do whatever you ask of me."

"And what if it's not a request, dear Ayra?"

"Then you'll have to kill me."

Runae chuckled. "Kill an outstanding officer like yourself? I think not. You're much more efficient alive, Arya."

"My name is poison when spoken with your tongue," she spat. "K'lon r'saita que'n ma-"

Suddenly his hand was at her throat, shoving her against the stone wall of the chamber. She gasped for air.

"Never, never, speak to me with such language," he growled, shaking with fury.

She smiled, though her lungs were bursting with lack of oxygen. "Those words…were meant to be spoken…to you," she choked. "Just…kill me now…I'd rather be dead…than serve you…any longer."

Runae, regaining his composure, smiled and cupped the chain of Ayra's Junik earring in the palm of his hand. "Then I shall give you what tortures you most. I shall spare your pathetic life. After all, we are kin, born of the same Clan, are we not?"

He released his hold, and she collapsed to the ground, her lungs taking in precious air. "Do not forget, Ayra," he continued. "It's useless to resist me. You know the suffering those who dare defy me go through. You have scars to remind you of that. Now go, you're boring me. I have more important work to attend to."

With that, he left the female Junik alone in the chamber.

Ayra crouched on the floor, rubbing her bruised neck and breathing heavily. "You will pay," she whispered.

Her eyes fell to her abdomen. Underneath the Junik uniform, hidden from the outside world, were bandages wound tight, concealing horrible scars. They still pained her and bled at times, reminding her to always obey Runae. There were scars on her heart, as well, scars that would never heal.

"You will pay for the suffering you have caused me."

She clenched her fist so tight blood was drawn.

"I vow that one day you will suffer as I have."

"Ouch!" Yusuke shouted as another thorn slashed his skin.

"This forest has it in for all us," Kuwabara agreed.

Korio smiled and ducked under a low branch. "Don't worry, we should reach the clearing soon. Then we'll rest and wait for Jerin to return…if he hasn't already gotten there, that is."

"Where'd he go off to, anyway?" Yusuke questioned, violently pushing the same branch out of his path.

"He just…he just needed some space," Korio replied.

The branch Yusuke had pushed away now swung back into place, whacking Jin, who was floating a few feet above the ground, neatly in the stomach. The Wind Master doubled over and fell. "Tha' hur' more than one o' yer punches, Urmeshi," he groaned.

"Sorry, Jin," the Detective said.

Ioe helped the wind youkai straighten up. "If we can't defeat this forest, how are we supposed to defeat Runae?" he chuckled.

Finally, after many more blows from tree branches and scratches from thorns, the tired group emerged into the clearing.

They were greeted by Jerin's annoyed voice. "Where have you been?"

Korio sighed and settled down under a tree. "The forest was unusually hostile today."

The Sparian cocked an eyebrow. "Strange. The trees speak only calm thoughts to me."

"Maybe they like you more than they do us, Jerin," Ioe laughed.

The demon hunter eyed the humans and the Wind Master, who were now sprawled out on the ground, fast asleep. "Or perhaps they're not fond of the newcomers," he muttered.

"I happen to like them!" Kir piped up, but fell silent with a glare from his brother.

"We talk of the trees, not of you," Ioe growled.

Korio smiled at the young water sprite. "I like them as well, Kir." He winked and leaned over to whisper, "Don't mind your brother, he's just upset because he got his share of bruises from the forest. We all know he likes to think he's invincible."

Kir chuckled, while Ioe raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "What are you telling that brother of mine?"

"Nothing," Korio replied, smiling. "Nothing at all."

The sun set and rose again, beginning another day.

"Don't attack me this time," Jerin warned, throwing everyone a red fruit.

"Nijar!" Jin exclaimed happily, digging in immediately.

After they had all eaten, they began their long journey to Runae's fortress with Jerin leading the way and the trees to guide them.

"Is it complete?"

Runae turned at the Bomb Master's voice. "Yes, I just finished."

Karasu's eyes glittered. "Shall I retrieve the Forbidden Child for you?"

The Junik smiled, revealing his fangs. "You've read my mind."

"Hiei?" Kurama moaned.

The fire youkai sighed in relief. "I'm right here," he replied quietly, sitting as close to the bars as he dared. He knew many hours had passed since the fox's wounds were given to him, perhaps even a day or two. He hadn't slept the entire time, for he had been sick with worry. This was the first time Kurama had spoken, which he interpreted as a good sign.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. A pointless question, for he knew how the fox would answer, but he had to ask it.

"I'm fine," Kurama said, but Hiei could hear the pain in his voice.

Both stiffened as boots clanked on the grates. "He's coming for me," Kurama whispered, wild fear evident in his tone. "Hiei…"

"I'm here, I'm right here." The fire demon heard traces of a desperate, whispered prayer.

Karasu appeared, but instead of turning at Kurama's cell, he faced Hiei. The fire demon felt the force field shut down, and Karasu opened the cell door. "You're coming with me," he said, eyes flashing. "I'd rather not have to take you by force, but I will if necessary."

"No…" Kurama breathed. "Not Hiei, please…"

Karasu smirked behind the mask. "Get up," he ordered.

Hiei began to reply to Karasu with a challenge, but he heard Kurama's voice in his head. Do what he says, please…I don't want him to hurt you.

The fire youkai bit his tongue, slowly rose, and walked out of the cell. "I'll be fine, Kurama. You just rest, all right?"

The Bomb Master shoved him ahead, and they both disappeared down the passageway.

…………………

Okay, just a little author's note here to clarify some things.

In the beginning of this chapter, the new character, Ayra, is a Junik. She lived in the same Clan as Runae. He captured her because he knew of her skills in battle, and forced her to serve him by various means of torture, including the death of her family before her eyes. (This is what is meant by "…scars on her heart…")

The language which Ayra begins to use ("K'lon r'saita que'n ma-") is the beginning of a Junik curse (Runae cut her off). It has no translation and is the highest spoken insult in the three worlds, which is why Runae is infuriated by her using it towards him.

Also, the clearing where Korio and the others were headed is not the clearing of Jerin's tribe in the previous chapter. They're in two different places, which are pretty far away from each other.

I hope that made some things a little more clear. Thanks for reading, and again please review!