Well this one took a little more time then I thought it would. Many apologizes for taking so long to get it out.

Did you know that getting sick can relieve even the worst writer's block? I do now

Back to the story...In this chapter we finally get to see how Jin's doing. Just incase any of you were worried This chapter has a little angst not a lot but enought to suit my fancy.

Read on my friends, read on...

Chapter 14: Against All Odds

Jin sat in silence inside the small cabin Nomino and his men occupied. They'd placed him in a small room at the back that had one small window letting in a little light. Nomino had instructed them to lock him up securely enough so he could not escape. The tiny square of light illuminated him and the small area of wall he leaned against.

His skinny arms were held up by rusted chains as the rest of him dangled just above the dirt floor. His white outfit was in tatters and covered in dirt and blood. Bruises and cuts littered his soft tanned skin. The shoulder length red hair that used to blow about freely was cut short allowing the wounds on his face to show. Dried blood was caked in his inch long hair and around his dry mouth.

Nomino's men found their only source of entertainment in beating him regularly. When his wounds healed they came in to adorn him with new ones. Their excuse for doing so was to get answers about Osina. No matter what they did to him he wouldn't say a word. They did feed him, but it was only a piece of bread and a glass of water, twice a day. He'd been locked up for over a month and he'd lost his ability to use his wind powers two weeks before. They'd drained him of his demonic powers until he could barely move around let alone fly.

A small dry cough escaped his chapped lips as he did his best to stay awake. He forced his heavily bruised eyelids to open revealing bright indigo eyes. He was so tired and the constant pain in his side was almost unbearable. He stretched his legs down slowly just enough to relieve some of the pressure on his arms. The metal cuffs dug painfully into his wrist causing him great discomfort. He winced as the metal left his raw flesh leaving it vulnerable to the chilly air.

Jin knew they were keeping him alive for the soul purpose of baiting Osina into doing their bidding. He was also aware that Osina would do anything if it meant keeping him alive. A soft look played on his rough features as he thought of his adoptive sister. There was no doubt in his mind that she had made it to that mansion in the forest. He'd made a promise a long time ago to keep her safe and he would so long as there was life in his body.

The door to his room screeched open and Jin's eyes glanced over at the entrance. He could sense Nomino's aura as he got closer. He preferred the beatings to that wretched man's lectures. He always came in and explained to him exactly what he would do when he got a hold of Osina. He couldn't stop the low growl that came from his throat when he finally stepped into the dimly lit room.

Nomino walked in with a slight smirk on his face. He glanced over at Jin casually, his sinister blue eyes taunting him. The sound of his thick black boots was lost in the nearly sound proof room. His towering form moved in front of Jin's light source.

Jin glared up at Nomino's smirking form defiantly. If only he could reach him he'd wipe that smug look on his face. There was no way he was going to let this monster anywhere near Osina.

The fire apparition chuckled lightly as he watch the wind demon's features change. He loved invoking fear and hatred, it was his nature after all. His green cloak waved about him as he moved next to Jin's ear.

"Would you care to tell me where you sent her?" He whispered softly.

Jin stared straight a head ignoring Nomino's question.

"Well then would you care to hear about what I'll do to her after I take her freedom?"

Jin grimaced, as he knew he was in for a lengthy detailed description of what he planned to do. He prepared himself for what Nomino would say when he said something unexpected.

"Would you like to go to her?"

Jin's indigo eyes brightened at the prospect then dimmed again. He couldn't make it through the forest even if he tried. The ice apparitions forbid anyone but their own kind from the forest.

"It is possible to enter the forest under...certain circumstances." said Nomino as if reading Jin's thoughts.

Jin looked up revealing more life then he had in weeks. "Why should I be trustin' you?" he spat out.

"I'm your only means of getting there for starters. Also it's been said that anyone who truly cares for someone of the ice demon line can enter the forest unharmed." Nomino glanced over watching Jin digest his words. If he took the bait Osina would be his in a weeks time.

Jin looked down at the floor, deep in thought.

"There be no way your using Jin to do yer dirty work!" he yelled menacingly.

Smiling curtly Nomino brushed back a few strands of rich brown hair from his face. The wind master had reacted just as he had planned.

Jin glared back at him in disgust, his brow shaking tensely.

The fire demon sent him one last chilling smile before walking out the door with his green cloak trailing behind him.

As soon as the old wooden door closed Jin looked over at the sole window. He needed to escape, or Nomino would find some other more diabolical scheme to get his way.

After finally getting over the shock of having a new roomy the mansion occupants, one by one fell back into their original routines. This time however a peaceful feeling hung in the air filling up all the nooks and crannies. It wasn't perfect but for the first time the mansion felt more like a home rather then a soul binding prison.

Botan had always taken it upon herself to keep the main rooms clean and add a woman's touch here and there. Occasionally Osina gave her a hand cleaning when she had nothing better to do. Now the hyper pink-eyed woman could be seen flitting from room to room, her duster in one hand and a broom in the other. A bright smile forever plastered on her girlish face.

Most of Kurama's routine hadn't been changed much except for that he seemed more relaxed. The majority of his time was spent tending to his plants, reading and playing 'mother' whenever the two younger men got out of hand. With Osina around he was no longer the sole chef of the magical kitchen. That small amount of help made life much easier for the kitsune, leaving him time to ponder on anything he wished.

The only one who hadn't reverted to his old ways was Hiei. His presence had never been a common sight in the home but now it seemed like he was everywhere. The skinny image of his shadow could be seen from down the hallway or his lithe silhouette against the vivid colors of the setting sun. Conversation with him was still strained but his usual dangerous vibes had diminished leaving uncertainty in its stead.

Even Osina had fallen back into her own healthy habits. She could be found almost anywhere as she enjoyed just walking about the mansions many long and winding hallways. She helped around whenever she could and loved watching the reckless boy's antics and enjoyed their reprimanding just as much.

A slight smile lit up her soft brown eyes when Hiei casually roamed within her sights. She hadn't spoken to him since that night in front of the fire but that hadn't stopped the warm fluttering sensation from rising up in her gut. She'd caught herself daydreaming and sighing heavily when her thoughts wandered to the mysterious young man. There were so many questions she wanted answered but she wanted to hear them from Hiei's own mouth.

Returning to his or her old ways wasn't good for everyone though. While everyone was cleaning, cooking or just enjoying the view Yusuke and Kuwabara were plotting against them all. From rigging Botan's bedroom door to moving Kurama's furniture to odd places around the mansion, the two were menaces.

As if harassing those two wasn't enough they now had Osina to torture. Unsure of what they should use on her the two set up a field study to find her weaknesses.

"So what do you think we should use Urameshi?" questioned Kuwabara. He sat in a squatting position facing Yusuke who was in a similar stance.

"Well I was thinking we should try luring her with something shiny." Stated Yusuke who sounded like he'd given the matter some thought.

"Like what?"

"I don't know", the black haired youth scratched his head and continued with his thought. "She's a female and they all seem to love shiny stuff. We've gotten Botan with that one a few times."

"Hee I guess we did." said Kuwabara as memories of provoking Botan slowly processed in his small mind.

"Yeah and it worked pretty well, that is untill she caught us and..." Yusuke drifted off into a vivid memory of Botan whacking him and Kuwabara repeatedly over the head with her broom.

Kuwabara watched as Yusuke remenicsed one of many painful moments they'd shared.

"Hey I've got it!" exclaimed Yusuke. He smacked his fist into the palm of his hand, accenting his thought. She likes to read, right? I say we lead her to the library and set up a trap inside the door." A devilish smile creeped across his face as he devised the plan in his head.

While the boys were putting the final touches on their scheme Osina was aimlessly roaming the southern halls. She's decided that this side was her favorite because of all the sunlight that poured in through the massive windows.

Finding aparticular sunny spot she sat down on the floor and stared out at the vast forest. As always, countless groups of birds were outside staring in at her with their beady little eyes. She still hadn't figured out why so many birds were hovering around the windows. One thing she did know was she felt pity for anyone who went outside. Another thing she had noticed was that whenever she stopped moving they would land and wait for her to move again.

As if on cue the birds all stopped flying and landed on tree limbs, rocks or the foot high snow that covered the ground.

Sighing heavily she watched them all get comfortable and snorted. They followed her everywhere she went, like a second shadow.

"Listen here you freaky fowl, I'm not your mommy!" she screamed out the window.

The birds just chirped loudly in their shrill voices.

"No I said I'm NOT your mommy! Don't contradict me and say I am!"

The birds just continued chirping in a content and happy manner.

"You pea-brained fools! Do I look like a bird to you!" She held out her hands showing that she had no wings.

Once again the birds replied with a melodic cry seeming to enjoy her violent reactions.

"I am a hanyou, not a bird! I don't even remotely resemble any of you!" she screamed violently shaking her fist at the offending creatures.

Unbeknownst to the ranting girl she was being watched by a very confused individual. He'd been watching her for sometime and still was puzzled by her strange actions. His head was slightly cocked to the side as if trying to watch the odd conversation from a different perspective. His brow furrowed in agitation, as no reasonable answer would come.

He continued his quiet observation as she walked up to the window and started bashing her head against the hard surface with a little too much force.

"Stop it! You idiots! Just fly away! Don't come back to visit or stop in to say hi. Just go!"

The birds stopped chirping and stared at her with eyes unblinking.

Osina smiled from ear to ear having gotten them to shut up. The sound of soft bird songs wiped the smile off of her face. They were singing, completely unfazed by her harsh words.

"Ahhhhhhhhh" she bellowed in agony. "Why? Why me, don't you have other things to do!"

She fell to her knees and sighed in defeat. They weren't going to leave her alone, ever. As long as she stayed inside she'd be fine; not that she could go outside anyhow. Stupid birds.

Her silent watcher was still unsure of what she was doing. All the screaming had ceased and she seemed to have fallen into a mild state of depression. He found he preferred the violent and wild version to the mealancholy one that sat before him.

He quickly sent the thought a way with a quick shake of his head. So far he'd done well to keep his feelings hidden, well almost. That stunt he'd pulled the other day had everyone watching him closely, hoping for another slipup. He felt eyes following him constantly but found it much harder to confine himself to his room. Growling irritably he turned from the quiet scene preparing to walk off in the direction that he'd come. Out of habit he stuck his hands in his pockets to kill any thoughts of touching her. There was enough talk about him already. The last thing he needed was to be seen with her again.

The clouds up above chose that moment to cover up the sun, blocking its rays from shining completely. The sudden lighting change caused Osina to look up. Her bright eyes eventually falling on the dark corner Hiei was occupying. His red eyes flashed giving him a ghostly look in the suddenly dim hallway.

The two stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, each hoping that the other had not seen them. Both knowing full well that they could. They couldn't keep avoiding and ignoring each other forever, yet both had seemed to be holding on to that impossible fantasy.

Osina feeling uncomfortable under Hiei's intense gaze slowly stood up from her crouched position. Hiei made no moves to go near or leave. Seeing that small gesture as a sign to continue she advanced carefully towards him. Her eyes never focusing on him completely, she walked till she stood less then a foot away.

The young man silently watched her come closer. His demon instincts told him to run but his heart said, "wait". So, he waited to see what it was she seemed so determined to accomplish. He continued to stare her down as she neared him. She stopped a short distance from him and realized that she was almost eye level with him. He eyed her suspiciously because she kept avoiding looking him in the face.

Osina fidgeted under his gaze again as she fought to keep her sanity in his presence. She needed to talk to him and now that he was here she couldn't seem to get her words untied. Her stomach felt all fluttery and her pulse had increased dramatically. If her skin wasn't so dark she was sure she'd be blushing. Very slowly she looked up at him, his red eyes drawing her in immediately. He blinked cutting off the contact for a second and allowing her to gather the courage she needed.

"I never got to properly thank you for saving me." She spoke quietly, still a little shy in front of him.

Hiei stared for a moment as if thinking only to answer with his trademark response.

"Hn"

Osina's face fell when she heard him make that sound again. Why couldn't he just speak like a normal person for once? Her stupid feelings make it hard enough he didn't need to complicate the matter.

Hiei raised in eyebrow as her mood changed suddenly from shy and quiet to quiet and upset. He'd apparently done something but was unsure of what exactly. Whatever it had been it wasn't good as she fumed over the subject.

"Is it impossible for you to carry a decent conversation?" she questioned, the annoyance very evident in her voice.

"Hn, I have no problems holding any type of conversation I just choose to not waste my breath on mindless onnas." He retorted.

A spark went off in Osina that had lain dormant for almost a month at his sarcastic answer. "What did you just call me?" she questioned, her left eye twitching violently as her temper rose.

He was amused at how fired up she'd gotten so quickly. He was so intrigued by her actions he taunted her further. "Hn, I didn't stutter onna."

Calming down her rage Osina decided to give him one more chance to speak like he wasn't some punk. "I know you don't care but I still appreciate what you did."

Hiei lowered his guard for a moment to really look at her. She seemed

Calming down her rage Osina decided to give him one more chance to speak like he wasn't some punk. "I know you don't care but I still appreciate what you did."

Hiei lowered his guard for a moment to really look at her. She seemed genuinely upset by his actions, almost hurt. He looked away a little unsure of what his next move should be, ignore her or go along with what she wanted.

"If you're going to keep ignoring me at least answer one question. Why did you save me?" she asked. She stared at him pleading for an answer of some kind.

Hiei looked away becoming uncomfortable by the second. "It was, I was obligated to go and find you." he answered finally, choosing to lie hoping she would leave.

There was a long moment of strained silence between the two before Osina spoke up.

"I understand, I'm sorry to have bothered you." she said softly. Her answer had been short and sweet. As soon as the words had left her mouth she scurried off not wanting him to see the small look of disappointment on her face. This was why she'd never opened up to any guys in this manner. She knew they would all reject her because she was a hanyou. She fought back a few tears as she made her way to her room.

Tears? Had shereally grown that attached to him in a month's time? She winced slightly still feeling a twinge of painin her chestfrom his cold rejection. Everything that had happened betweenthem meant nothingto him and the world to her. She entered her room feeling almost as bad as the day she had been separated from Jin.

Hiei watched her run off wondering if he'd done the right thing. He looked down at the floor where she had been standing just a moment before. It was better this way. He knew nothing of human or hanyou feelings. Even other demon feelings had been something he never treaded upon. One onna wasn't going to change that. Not now, not ever.

Tada! I finished! Wow the longer it takes me to write a chapter, the longer it ends up. Strange. Well hope you enjoyed even thought it was a little angsty. I enjoy a little angst now and then so don't be surprized if more comes up Till then. Review Please. Or I'll hunt you down and force you to! (shakes fist)

Next chapter Yusuke and Kuwabara will unleashe they're evil plan (laughs evilly)