Ebbster - The mill? Well, it's like a child labor camp. Illegal. Very bad place to end up. Especially if you're weak and can't take the pain. Think of Nazi camps and you'll get a pretty good idea.

Icefire2 - Don't worry, it's all good. And I'm glad I caught your interest. Just wait a few more chapters.

Chapt. 7

A Dagger and Presents

"Nanashi, wake up! A man in a red suit has something for you!"

"Who?" I sniff, lazily rolling over.

"Get up!" The covers are torn from me and cool air rushes over my body.

"Fine, I'm up," I growl, sitting up. I rub my eyes and look at Shuuto. His eyes shown brightly, causing his silver eyes to dance.

"The man in the red suit has something to give you!" he cries, pulling at my shirtsleeve. I slide out of bed and trail after him, still being held by my sleeve. He acted more childish than I. We step into the living room. It was decorated with shining lights and littered with colorfully wrapped boxes. Some had ribbons trailing from them and others had small, stick-on bows.

A tall, fat man in a red suit with a big, white beard stepped in front of me.

"Well, well! It seems you've finally awakened!" the old man laughs. Bright green eyes looked down at me, sparkling brightly.

"You have green eyes," I say, staring into his emerald colored eyes.

"That's what they tell me!" he laughs again. It was a very hearty laugh, big and full of happiness. "I've got a little something for you."

"Sou ka."

"It is right." He pulls out a large red, velvet sack. Digging around in it a bit, he finally pulls out a small, rectangular box.

"What is it?"

"Well, open it and find out!" Everything he did was filled with joy; even his motions seemed jolly. I untie the golden ribbon carefully, draping it over my shoulder when it was untied. Slipping off the silver lid, I put the black bottom in it. I pull away the tissue paper with the utmost care, not wanting to rip it.

I gazed upon the sight before me.

"A dagger," I smile, not daring to touch it. This was my first gift. Never had I received such a wonderful thing. It was almost sacred. The hilt was capped with a thin silver plate and the rest was wrapped with real ray skin. It had a simple hand guard and the blade was simple too.

"Aren't you going to see how it feels?" the old man asks.

"I dunno. Maybe later…when there's not so many people around," I whisper in awe. "Thank you very much."

"Well, you're welcome. I must leave now, have a very merry day!" With that, he takes his leave through one of the doors. Kurama appears shortly through the same one.

Three hours and many presents later, I sit alone in the quietness of my room. I stare down at the dagger, it had not moved from its box. I feared touching it, for it might get tarnished. The tanto beckoned me to grasp it, but I did not want to ruin the beautiful ray skin that covered the hilt.

I pick it up out of the box and hold it up to the light. It sparkled wondrously. I notice a note that had fallen from the box. Picking it up, I read it.

"'I have a special case for this, come see me. Your Angel.' That baka still thinks he's an angel. Oh well, I guess I need the scabbard for this beautiful dagger." Why Hiei lived in this house was a mystery to me. Kurama and Yukina, and her husband, Kuwabara, lived in their own houses with their own families. I didn't get it.

I stop in front of the door marked 'Hiei'. It smelled of oak wood, a smell I had almost forgotten. I knocked lightly, but loud enough to hear, and waited for the door to open. Even if Hiei was a lair, he swore he would protect Shuuto and me. I guess, when you need something to believe in you take what you can get.

The door opens and a hand pulls me in.

I growl fiercely as I pull myself from his grasp. I finger the dagger's hilt threateningly.

"What? Going to stab me, are you?" Hiei smirks.

"Or kill you. I don't like being touched."

"Why's that?"

"None of your business. Just give me the scabbard so I can leave," I demand, straightening up.

"And if I don't?" he taunts.

"I'll leave anyway." I step towards the door and wait for Hiei to say something. When he doesn't, I walk out.

"Nanashi, wait."

Sou ka - Is that right

Tanto - Dagger or knife

A/N - Sorry it so short. Hope you liked.