DISCLAIMER: honestly, must I continue these? The answer is no, I do not own anything at all that has to do with Yu Yu Hakusho...

Hiei: what about the story?

Oh yeah... that I DO own. Anywho, thanks for all who reviewed. I loves you all so much! (huggles)

Chapter XVIII

NO! Don't you dare do it! NO! I said to stop this at once!

Youko Kurama grinned as his 'other self' chastised him. He wasn't doing anything wrong… to him at least. This temple he was currently in was certainly interesting, especially so after he found that hidden doorway behind the vase…

"Oh, stuff it human. Learn to live and be spontaneous." He said as he pocketed the small elemental orb he had been admiring on a shelf.

Ah yes, this hidden room was indeed quite the magnificent little room. It held many treasures – useful treasures to say the least, but treasures none the less. There were, of course, elemental orbs of various strengths, amulets of protection, pendants of regeneration and power, weapons…yes; it was quite a sight to behold - for a thief that is.

Stealthily, he made his way over to the pendants he had been eyeing. Truthfully he had no reason to use any stealth - it was merely by way of habit that he walked as such. It was when he finally decided which ones to take that he wondered if he had enough room left in his kimono.

Ha, looks like you won't be able to steal anything else now will you?

At hearing this remark he slightly grimaced. There were so many good things here, why should they be left all alone? He grinned. "Don't be so pessimistic my friend; I'm sure I'll think up something! Oh, what the hell, I'll just put some in my shoes!"

In his head he felt Kurama do the equivalent of slapping himself on the forehead.

Incorrigible…

"Youko! Youko! Where the hell are you?"

Said Kitsune grinned like a child playing hide-and-go-seek who had not yet been found. He almost forgot about the lovely, yet self wallowing Kitsune he had left upstairs. His initial intention was to get her out of her cloud of self pity she had barricaded herself in. It seemed as though his 'plan' had worked. With the same cashire cat grin he quietly made his way to the entrance of the hidden room and pressed his ear against the smooth wood, listening to his love interest's desperate attempt to find him.

"Ugh, Youko I KNOW you're in here SOMEWHERE! I can smell you!" he heard her shout. He only wished he could see her face.

Well, I suppose you DID get her up and about. The human in his head commented dryly. He smirked.

Of course I did, and I did it without her crying her eyes out too.

Yes, I suppose you did… but.

But?

But you made her extremely mad by the…uh…sound of things.

Youko slightly grimaced at the thought of what would actually happen if she caught him. He flinched. He saw what she had done to Hiei, but, then again, HE wouldn't be so delusional and distraught like Hiei had been. Surely he'd be able to elude her wrath… right?

Hell hath no fury like a women scorned…

Have I ever mentioned that I HATE that saying? I should've killed the human who made that up…

Kurama simply laughed. If you wish I could always take your place.

Are you kidding? The only way you're coming back is if I'm unconscious.

I thought you were afraid of what she might do to you?

Youko smirked suggestively though there was no one to see it. Actually I'm beginning to think that she may be hot when she's mad… Hm, remember how she fought with her sister? I wonder if Aya'll be rough in bed…

YOUKO! I will NOT have your lecherous hands all over her!

I'm sorry to inform you human, but she is my… Hm... What do you kids call them now and days, 'girlfriend'? Yes, I do believe she is mine as well - and soon my mate.

What? You haven't even been near her except for those times when we were fighting!

That's what you believe…

He smiled as he heard, or rather felt, Kurama sputter at the unknown news. Yes, he HAD been with Aya on more than one occasion when the human was off in never never land… Of course he had told Aya not to tell anyone, basically not to say anything about him being out of his makeshift cage to Kurama. It seemed as though she had kept her promise rather well.

"Aren't you happy Kurama? We both finally have someone special!" he teased, letting out a low chuckle of mirth. That's when the rustling movements on the other side of the door suddenly stopped.

Shit. Did I just say that out loud? He asked Kurama.

Yes, yes you did.

Youko inwardly groaned as he pressed his ear to the door once more in order to hear if she had heard or not. Hopefully it was merely a coincidence that she happened to stop – hopefully she tripped and knocked herself out! Youko could only wish as much. Even though he fancied her, he didn't fancy entertaining the idea of her wrath even if he was doing this for her own good.

Of course this led to other thoughts about her being 'rough in bed' that aren't fit for the Teen rating given for this fiction…

Suddenly, the door opened and he stumbled out into the open, his hand automatically rising in order to block out the sun's intrusive rays radiating from a nearby window. Immediately, he froze as he realized someone was standing behind him.

And then his eyes widened as he cursed, realizing exactly WHO was standing behind him…

"Oh Youko…I found you!"

Jase stood in the corner of the room staring daggers at a harmless speck upon the floor. Not too long ago he had received news from one of his minion demons that Yumi was dead. Needless to say said demon had been killed on the spot. His brother had also felt the heat of his wrath, however, not as much as any tangible object within his vicinity at the time. He did not want nor need to kill his brother, though he did feel as if he should at the moment for some odd reason. Jealousy must be the cause of such feelings he deduced as he pushed himself from the wall so that he may, instead, find something to glare at through the open window.

He sighed. It was no use brooding about it any longer. The fact of the matter was, was that Yumi was gone, dead, deceased, no longer among the living… and there was still one other princess left.

As much as he disliked his brother's wench, he knew he'd still have to come along for the ride. He may even have to watch as his brother… ugh, no. He would definitely leave if it came to that. He only had eyes for one person: Yumi.

Yes, he did torture her, but that was only when he had to – his queen had ordered it. Well, ordered it in a sense. The facts of the matter was, was that he and his brother were originally dispatched to find the two long lost royal heirs and try to gain their trust. Needless to say they had succeeded and, as cliché as it sounded to even him, he had fallen in love with her.

He knew it shouldn't have happened – he shouldn't have LET it happen - but… she was too irresistible. That was why, when the time came to take them, they had to weaken them somehow, thus the first spells were cast. And the angel – his angel – hadn't suspected a thing. It was not until his idiotic brother had gone too far by whipping his girl that Yumi became skeptical.

Then he was forced to… torture her as well. If he had to go through with it – and he DID – then she may as well hate him, right? But then, he found himself actually enjoying it. It sickened him, even now looking back upon the events, that he actually enjoyed taunting and abusing her. Somehow, he felt…stronger, more powerful than she when he did it. He had always been annoyed when she beat him when sparring. HE was the male, HE was supposed to be the stronger one, but…it wasn't so.

Even after he gave her the 'work of art' on her back and suppressed the memory of it from her and Aya, she still ended up overcoming the spell. He knew it had something to do with that stupid pendant she always wore, so he and his brother attempted to steal the annoying objects, but they caught them and, in the end, forced them out.

He suspected that later on in the month they were forced to leave, the girls remembered everything. He was surprised Yumi hadn't much earlier on – he thought for sure he was busted when she had his sword strapped to her side; however, he swiftly conjured up a lie in order to dispel any suspicion.

He ended up simply telling her that he had given it to her as a gift, he even acted as though it pained him that she couldn't remember…

Yeah. Like he wanted her to remember what actually happened.

He softly chuckled at the memory and traced the scar that sliced over his left eye. He knew he should be mad about it, but he wasn't. For one, the scar made him look more attractive – or so he'd been told by numerous women at the kingdom - , and two, he couldn't help but admire her elusiveness, spunk, and strength.

It was during one of the last beatings that she got him…

Flashback

"So, Yumi, tell me: how do you feel when I do this?" he asked as he ran the scalding hot sword, the dragon sword, from her belly button to just under the middle of breasts. The only response he got was a sharp intake of breath as blood started to run from the new gash, a new crimson stream joining the river that was formed from previous wounds. Almost immediately, however, it was healed without a scar to show his effort.

She sneered at him and smiled mockingly sweet. "Love taps honey; they just tickle me to death." He grimaced somewhat then smiled evilly, renewing his façade.

"Glad to hear it. I guess I'll just have to try to please you harder?" She frowned and he could see the hurt she tried to hide behind slightly glassy eyes. The look didn't last long though as she snarled and yanked at the chains once more. "Feisty! So very feisty!"

He grinned sadistically as he turned around. As quickly as he had mustered it, the sickening smile was gone and replaced, instead, with a somber expression. How much longer could he do this? If it lasted much longer he'd go crazy and turn into some kind of murderer.

Little did he know, behind him Yumi had finally succeeded in her plan. She had quietly broken the abhorrent bindings that bound her to the wall and resided to act as though she were still bound. Knowing him, she mused, he wouldn't even notice.

And he didn't.

"Well, darling, I'm ready for another round, are you?" he jested as he turned back around with his sword held nonchalantly before him. He raised the deadly steal to her collarbone and was about ready to draw a couple of designs – flowers would be a nice touch, he pondered morbidly – when a sharp pain emitted from between his legs. Immediately he fell to the floor, holding himself as he cursed in every language he possibly knew – and that was a lot.

Yumi pushed herself from the wall, having been forced backwards again by the force of her blow, and crouched down to look him in the eyes. She grinned, though the crusted blood on her face and dark circles beneath her eyes formed from pain made the small gesture utterly morbid and ghastly.

"So, dearest," she spat the words like venom, "how does it feel when I do that?"

He growled as he lunged himself at her, but she swiftly dodged the intended blow and kicked him in the back. He turned from the blow slightly and, digging his heel into the concrete floor, gained enough momentum to skillfully raise his sword and thrust it at her.

She caught the blade mere inches from her face, clasping the steel in between her hands as she gave him a mocking glare. "Aw, honey, you're losing your edge… I thought you were supposed to try harder!"

The last remark was followed by a hiss and, before he knew it, she had flipped the sword into the air and punched him squarely in the chest, breaking a few ribs. He was instantly thrown backwards and met the floor once more, cracking it. He shook off some of the concrete crumbs that decided to embed themselves into his skin and watched as she gracefully flipped and caught the sword mid-air, landing in a fighting pose.

"So you want to fight?" he yelled, grabbing a gory scythe he had used earlier. He melded into his familiar fighting stance and regarded her somewhat timidly. He knew deep down that this wasn't going to turn out very well – for him at least.

"Bring it on you son of a bitch"

He inwardly smiled at her profanity and charged at her. A loud clang resulted as the deadly weapons met. He pushed his lean frame against hers and succeeded in pushing her back slightly, throwing her off balance. He brought the makeshift weapon down agilely, but then slipped on something making him lose the upper hand. Yumi slashed at him and the sword gave an unearthly roar as it tasted its former master's blood.

"AHH! BITCH! THAT FUCKING HURT!" he yelled as he grabbed at his eye. Difficulty he opened the aforementioned eye and found much to his relief that it was still intact and worked properly. There was no doubt that there would be a scar left, a reminder of this event.

Glancing down, he noticed the cause of his fatal slip up: ice covered the ground he was standing on moments before. He glared daggers at her making her merely smile with self satisfaction.

"I love you too. Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll go now – with my new favorite weapon, of course." She said her words lightly though he could tell they were, indeed, traced with malice.

"What?" he sputtered as he spit out some blood that had managed to worm its way into his mouth. "Are you going to just let me go? Let me get away?" She stopped in her tracks and turned her head slightly. One violet eye regarded him wearily, as if calculating whether his life was worth anything to her at all. He was startled when the same eye unanticipatingly changed to a feline slit amidst an ocean of eerily glowing blue opal.

"Don't take me too lightly, Jase Verrieana." She said darkly as she turned around once more. "I WILL kill you… and your brother as well if my assumptions are correct." With that she started to walk away, but before she could exit the dungeon-like room she felt fire dance along her spine and throughout her insides. It felt as though someone had stabbed her in the back and then took molten lava, shoving it inside of her while ripping out her intestines.

Yes, it wasn't a very pleasant feeling.

Jase grimaced at the amount of power and energy it took to conjure up such a spell – it was well out of his range to even attempt such sorcery, but it had to be done. He could not afford to disappoint his queen. He bit back any curse that tried to escape his lips as he attempted to stand and walked, with difficulty, to Yumi.

"Don't take me too lightly, Yumi Nekorianna Silverpphire." He whispered as he watched her convulse.

End Flashback

"Jase?" a familiar male voice timidly asked behind his closed door. "Jase, are you alright now?"

Jase snapped out of his thoughts and turned his attention to his brother who, by now, had already opened the door instead of waiting for an invitation.

"What is it?" he sighed as he turned and allowed his attention to be lured out the window once again. Adrian sighed as well and walked up next to his brother. He stared out the window for a moment before placing a tentative hand on his brother's shoulder, ignoring the death glare he received for his actions.

"It is time." He simply said.

Jase nodded. "Then let's go."

Bright orange light crept its way inside the lip of a cave, inching its way towards the two inhabitants that currently resided inside.

Hiei rolled over trying to escape the intrusive rays, but found that he couldn't do so. He opened one crimson eye out of annoyance, but couldn't see anything except for auburn. He also found that one of his arms was draped around whatever was in front of him, holding it protectively against his form. Exactly what in the world was going on?

As the sleep amnesia slowly crept away, he widened his eyes in realization. It was Yumi. There was no mistaking the familiar cinnamon scent that always hung loosely about her. He inwardly smiled as he remembered the previous night. Needless to say they had both been… overjoyed about the fact that she was, indeed, alive and back.

Which led to a kiss…

Which then led to heated kissing…

Which led to other, more INTIMATE, things…

Yeah, it was a marvelous night. He didn't really expect to officially make her his mate under such conditions, but what could he say? It was in the heat of the moment, and it was certainly very, very enjoyable. Well, except for the fact they were in a cave…

…And perhaps the scratches on his back…

He took a moment longer to simply stare at her at her soft, smooth, porcelain skin before absentmindedly tracing patterns along her bare shoulder. It didn't bother him in the least, her scar on her back; even though he knew she was ashamed of it at first. The only thing it reminded him of, was that now she was his and he would succeed in killing Jase once and for all… eventually.

He continued his actions, silently running his finger down her arm and back up, until he was suddenly staring into a set of slightly aggravated violet eyes.

"Must you do that?" Yumi asked, trying to stifle a yawn. "I'm kinda ticklish, and besides: I was enjoying the comfort." She slightly pouted before snuggling closer to him trying to gain more warmth. Being inside a cave in the morning was more or less cold, and her lack of clothing with only a cloak as a makeshift blanket didn't help matters much. "Geez Hiei. Why did you have to choose a cave?" she asked, stating her annoyance.

He merely snorted at the comment while pulling her closer to his body. "Fine, next time you die for a brief amount of time, I'll let them incinerate your body and scatter your ashes in the wind."

Yumi grunted, and instead simply snuggled a little closer, relishing the way her body felt against his. She only hoped she wasn't cold or anything, her being an ice demon, though Hiei's unnatural warmth probably wouldn't be faltered in the least.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're really, really hot?" she asked in all seriousness, tilting her head so that she could look him in the eye. He smirked.

"Well, I don't really think I need anyone to tell me exactly how hott I am…" he jested. "It speaks for itself." Yumi glared mockingly and punched him in the shoulder.

"That is NOT what I meant and you know it!"

The teasing smirk never left his face as he propped his head up on one hand. "I know."

She scowled slightly, trying her best to look mad even though she was sure he could see right through it. When she didn't succeed in altering his mocking, patronizing facial expression that screamed 'you can't resist me', she resided to turn over before she was caught smirking.

She heard him chuckle as he ran his hand through her hair then across her back, skillfully caressing the length of her body until he received a shudder of anticipation from her. He leaned in toward her ear and huskily whispered, "See? I knew you wouldn't be able to resist me." With that said he suddenly grabbed her shoulder and rolled her over, beneath him. He grinned wolfishly seeing her pleased, yet shocked expression.

She grinned. "Well I'm caught. What're planning now?" Her only response was him kissing her passionately. She was enjoying his loving caresses and kissing until a sudden though struck her: she had to get to her sister and let her know she was alright.

"Hiei, we—"she was interrupted with another, long kiss. When he finally released her mouth to, instead, trail kisses along her collarbone she tried again ignoring the fact that the kiss was probably meant to shut her up. "Hiei, my sister, Genkai, Kurama, we have to let them know – heck, I still have to explain everything to YOU. We have to go back to the temple as soon as possible!" She finally finished in between moans and instead, embarrassing as it was, still managed to purr.

He pulled away from kissing the nape of her neck and did nothing to hide the look of disappointment that played across his features. He sighed, realizing that he wouldn't be able to sway her when it came to this situation. Besides, it was about time they finished matters with the lowlife, miserable, son of a b……Jase. THEN he would have time for… well, what he wanted to do to her now. Somewhat dejected, he slid off of her releasing her from his passion-induced grasp.

"Fine…" he sighed as he stood up. He went to retrieve his clothes that had been haphazardly thrown across the cave. "But we continue this later…" Yumi smiled as she too started to pull on her clothing.

"Don't worry Sunshine, we will."

"Now, now Aya," Youko Kurama began as he held up his hands in a surrendering gesture. "You know you don't want to kill me." He backed up a little more, trying to subtly inch his way toward the door without her noticing. He didn't like the look in her eye.

"Youko, Youko, Youko," she said, wagging her finger back and forth like a mother scolding her child. "You can't just taunt me and then get away with it. You know better than that." She replied sweetly.

"I'm sorry?" he tried.

She laughed mockingly. "You really don't think that'll help do you? Besides, I can't have you steal all these treasures in Genkai's temple! She helped us!"

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Come on, it wasn't like she was using them or anything!" She rolled her eyes and stepped up to him, holding her hand out. "Party pooper…" he mumbled, almost looking like a child who had gotten caught doing something wrong.

She decided to ignore the comment and, instead, waited patiently for him to relieve himself of the stolen goods. She grinned when all he gave her were a couple of pendants, an elemental orb, and an elaborately decorated knife. She KNEW he had more stuff than that, but oh well. Revealing a new, toothier grin that was more evil than sweet, she put the items in her pockets.

"See, that wasn't so hard." She said as she leanedforward and quickly kissed his lips teasingly. "Now I can take them back to Genkai!"

This was a complete and utter lie, of course. She had no intentions of giving them back; instead she'd use them to her advantage. She knew the Kitsune standing before her undoubtedly wanted them in his possession again, but… If he wanted to play games, then so could she. Besides, she needed to do something to A) keep her mind of… things… and B) get revenge on him while taking her bottled up emotions – which mostly changed to anger in such conditions – out on him.

"What did I do to deserve that?" he asked with a playful yet lusting gleam in his golden eyes. She smirked.

"Do I need a reason to kiss my man now?" she asked innocently as she did, unknowingly, what he was dong just moments before: inching her way towards the exit. He didn't notice, however, since he was busily thinking of different reasons why she'd change her mind so quickly. He stopped, though, when it struck him that he was acting like Kurama now.

"So," he drawled trying to bring his mind away from such thoughts. "Does this mean that you're all better now, forgiven me –"for what, exactly, he couldn't remember –"and are ready to confess your undying love and affection for me?"

"…"

"Ouch… that hurts," he said, feigning heart-ache as he held his hand above his heart, clutching it. "Right here." She didn't reply though, only continued to stare at him. Then, unexpectedly she grinned and turned around, bolting down the hallway.

Turning slightly she called over her shoulder. "It's alright Youko! Of course I love you too, however, I don't think that you'll be needing these!" with that she pulled out one of the treasures he had given her and waved it back and forth mockingly.

Youko could only stand there in shock, completely not expecting her to do that. Then, as it all settled in, he grimaced, grinned, and then pouted before shouting back and chasing after her.

Dammit, he was planning on stealing those back later...

"Geez, I hope they're still at that stupid temple!" Adrian stated, sarcastically, from atop one of the trees. They'd been waiting for an hour already for someone, anyone, to come out of the temple. Jase could tell, and unfortunately hear, how disappointed and bored Adrian was. Said, and slightly insane, demon pouted and resided to simply plunk down in the nook of the tree and wait…

…and wait…

…and wait…

"DAMMIT! GET YOUR ASSES OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"

Jase slapped himself on the forehead in frustration. Couldn't his brother just shut up for a minute? At this rate their element of surprise will be shot out of the window in a matter of seconds. "Adrian, calm down. You're going to ruin the entire mission."

Adrian huffed and turned around so that he could glare at his brother. "Whatever. You know how sick and tired I get – patience is NOT a virtue."

Jase sighed. "Yes, I do know how you get when bored, as does half of the forest by now, and patience IS a virtue. You, however, seem to elude it rather well."

"Oh, just shut up."

"Gladly," Jase countered as he shifted into a slightly more comfortable position one could hope to get in a tree, and closed his eyes. Unlike his annoying, surprisingly older, brother he could wait all day.

"Hmph," The older demon pouted once more, crossing his arms and maturely sticking his tongue out at his brother.

"…"

"(Sigh)"

"…"

"Hm…"

"…"

"… ugh."

"…"

"…err."

"…"

"UGH! DAMMIT!"

Jase's eyebrow twitched dangerously. Yup, they were gonna get caught…

He watched as the sapphire haired demon resorted to throwing acorns at the temple, aiming for the windows. When that didn't work, he started to set the acorns on fire mid-air, but again it proved to be useless as well. When finally it seemed as though the hyper active idiot would finally settle down, he ended up zapping squirrels and laughing as they fell from the tree.

And, of course, he got bored with that to and commenced the throwing of the Flaming Acorns of Doom again.

Yup, they were going to get noticed really soon.

Me is sorry that you guys had to wait so frickin long for this chappie. I'm also sorry that it leaves off in a kinda bad place...I feel kinda shaky about this chapter, but...I just wanted to get it out for you guys! Anyways, hopefully I'll get the next ones out sooner! Thanks!

Read, review, and most importantly, enjoy!