Kozue held a small hand mirror, gazing at the glass. Instead of her reflection, it showed her an image of her half-sister and her new friends dashing through the forest in Makai towards her little hiding place. She gave a sad smile and turned around in her chair so that she was straddling it backwards. She folded her arms across the back of it, holding the mirror loosely in her left hand. She leaned her head on her arms and smiled to the man behind her. "Vered, you must do something for me."
He blinked his unnatural red eyes and nodded, causing his shoulder-length red-gold hair to flop cutely. He gave her a little smile. "Of course."
Kozue tilted her head to one side. "Do you promise?"
"Anything within my power, megami."
She laughed. "Thank you." She held out her right hand and a dagger slipped down her sleeve into her outstretched palm. She caught it and gestured for Vered to take it.
Vered gave her a confused look and accepted the dagger. "What is this for?"
Tears slid down Kozue's smiling face. "I need you to do this... for me."

End Chapter Forty One

Kairai knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the clearing. Nevertheless, she went with her friends to the other side and approached the large stone house. Kuwabara and Yusuke kicked the door in, Kuwabara with his Spirit Sword at the ready, Yusuke with his Spirit Gun already charged up. Kairai stood behind the two boys with her hand on the hilt of her dagger, ignoring the fact that Damian's blood had stained it. Kurama and Hiei were right behind her, guarding the rear. Nothing happened, so they went on inside, searching for any signs of life. Whoever was here knew how to mask their energy.
Suddenly part of the roof caved in. And since the roof was made of stone, that was a problem. The men easily dodged the debris, pressing themselves against the walls. Kairai reached for Hiei and he grabbed her hand, pulling her to him. She managed to get away with only a few scrapes. Everyone was silent, waiting for signs of another cave-in. After what felt like forever, Yusuke signaled to keep moving. So they all kept going through this bizarre, booby-trapped hell.
Yusuke took the lead with Kuwabara slightly behind and beside him, both still holding their weapons ready. Kairai had decided to stick closer to Hiei. She looked around, trying to find any sign of her sister. There were paintings on the wall, most of them paintings of a small girl with jet black hair and blue eyes. Kairai immediately recognized her as her daughter, but didn't say anything. She guessed it was Kozue's way of taunting her.
:Who is that in the picture:
Kairai jumped and almost squealed when Hiei's voice intruded on her thoughts. :Huh:
:The girl in the picture. Do you know her:
She began thinking quickly, trying to think of a decent cover-up. : I-I think so, but I can't remember her name... She looks familiar...:
:Hn.:
Kairai exhaled. She had survived. She would have to fess up sooner or later, though... She could only hope the Imiko wouldn't hate her...

End Chapter Forty Two