MERRY CHRISTMAS/KWANZA/HANUKAH OR WHATEVER YOU HAPPEN TO CELEBRATE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

This is my Christmas present to you all, yo. XD Right on time, too.

Guess what? THIS IS THE SECOND TO LAST CHAPTER! XD lol…you can't even guess how happy I am to finally be able to type that…

I'm getting a laptop for Christmas tomorrow! THANK YOU, GOD! Lol.

'Mika'
:Karasu:
#Kurama#
/Hiei/
((Kuronue))

The next morning was brisk, but all Mika felt inside was burning happiness. Her mother and father exchanged wary stares at their daughter, who was humming as she set the table for breakfast.

"Um, honey?" her father began to ask. "Uh, how was last night?"

"GREAT!" exclaimed Mika with a grin. She poured juice out for both of them. "Aki's dead, we got the Amulet back and today I'm getting rid of these freeloaders!" She tugged at the Amulet around her neck for effect.

"Dead?" Mrs. Murasaki asked. She bit her lip. "You…you…?"

"I didn't." Mika sat down. "Hiei did the final blow. Come to think of it, I really didn't do anything to hurt the guy…except for the staple gun, anyway."

Ignoring his wife's horrified expression, Mika's father turned back to his daughter. "You didn't do it? That's a good girl."

Mika nodded, but her face was dead serious. "Yeah…but I kinda wanted to. That jerk stalked me for weeks now, but at least I got to see him burn up—body and soul."

She happily ate her breakfast, ignoring both her parents' stares. The rest of their meal was eaten in silence. Well, it was quiet in reality, anyway.

'OH MY GOD, I'M SO EXCITED!'

((ME TOO!))

/I'm just relieved./

#I am as well.#

Karasu sighed. :Hurry up with that food, brat! I can't stand waiting anymore! I want my body back:

'Me too, but I'm hungry!'

/Hurry up then./

Mika shoved the last of her toast into her mouth and got up so fast that she knocked into the table. "I'm going now!" she said, her voice muffled by the chunks of toast in her mouth.

Mrs. Murasaki frowned after her daughter, who was putting on her jacket. "Going where?"

"Tokyo! That's where Genkai-sama is!"

"WHO?"

"See you guys later!" Mika yelled as she hurried out the front door.

#How are we getting there?#

/Please don't tell me you're planning to use that human car thing again./

'I'm not driving, if you mean that. Ms. Ryoko is. She's meeting us at Ayumi's!'

:Oh, great.:

((Do you think that I'll have to die again?)) Kuronue asked, suddenly.

Mika blinked is reality. 'Uhh…what do you mean?'

((I never had a body when I went into you. I've been dead for a while.))

#I've been wondering about that too…#

((About me being dead?))

#No, the body thing. Where are our bodies?#

Mika stopped walking in mid-stride, her leg sticking out awkwardly. '…wait a minute…are you saying this WON'T work?'

#No! I'm quite sure that you'll be free of us by the end of the day, but I'm a little worried about what will happen to us.#

'Oh,' Mika said softly as she started walking normally again. She pulled her coat closer around herself. She had been so worried about her own mental state that she had forgotten her guests' problem. 'Don't worry, Kurama. I'm sure you guys will be ok. Well, if Karasu dies, that's ok, but I still want to beat up at least ONE of you…'

:Drop dead, brat.:

'No thanks.'

"WAIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

Mika screamed in surprise as Ayumi jumped out of the bushes in front of her house and latched herself onto her unsuspecting shoulders.

:There you go…you can kill an already-dead guy but you can't fend off a psychopathic teenage girl.:

Mika groaned and push Ayumi off her shoulders. "You scared me half to death, Ayumi!"

"I couldn't resist. You had this look of utter hatred on your face," Ayumi said, laughing. She did an imitation of her friend, who glared at her stupid-ness. Ayumi suddenly grew serious. "So, do you have it?"

"You bet I do!" replied Mika loudly. She reached up and pulled at it again. "I haven't left this out of my sight since I got it back!"

Ayumi laughed. "Okay, I was just making sure so we won't have to drive all the way out there and then have to turn back, OR go after another stalker!"

"Heh…wait…where's Ms. Ryoko?" asked Mika.

"Right here, Mika!" Ms. Ryoko called from the porch as the screen door slammed shut behind her. She stepped down and hugged the girl. "I'm really happy I can help out today."

"You've already helped out a lot!" Mika said with a laugh. She hugged back. "You are the coolest adult ever!"

"I'm flattered," replied Ms. Ryoko as she patted Mika on the head, then started over to her car. "Well, I think we should get moving. I have an appointment at two, but that should give us more than enough time."

Mika smiled happily. "Thanks!"

'See? I told you things would be ok.'

/No, you didn't./

'Shut up. I am now.'

:Suuuurrrreee…:

((Yay!))

#…#

"WAIT!" came a distant, out of breath voice.

Turning around, Mika saw Ralph sprinting up the road like a decapitated chicken. She bit back a burst of laughter. "What are you doing here?" she asked when he straggled up closer.

"Last night…you got that guy! Ayumi told me!" Ralph proclaimed, grinning sheepishly. "I couldn't help you guys then, but can I now?"

"AWWW, I LOVE YOU KIDDO!" Mika cried, hugging the younger boy, who struggled to get out of her grip.

Ayumi grinned and said, "Man, that's creepy."

"Let's go," Ms. Ryoko said, trying not to smirk as she opened the passenger side door.

"Right," Mika agreed as she let go of Ralph. She grinned widely at her enthusiasm. "Let's go!"

---------an hour later-------

"…I think these steps got higher…"

"You're just lazy!"

"Both of you help this old timer get up…!"

After reaching the temple where Genkai lived, Mika could barely contain her excitement: she was literally jumping up two steps at a time. Ayumi and Ms. Ryoko had more difficulty expressing her enthusiasm. Ralph was having fun counting the steps and was oblivious to the others.

Ayumi stopped and leaned against one of the giant trees that were close to the stairs. "I gotta take a breath! How can you be jumping, Mika?"

Mika stopped, several feet ahead of her companions, and glared down at Ayumi. "Besides the fact that I'm getting my BRAIN back?"

"No, besides that."

"I'm happy, dumb ass!"

"OK, JUST STOP ACTING SO HAPPY!"

"MAKE ME!"

"IF I COULD SPARE THE ENERGY, I WOULD!"

Ms. Ryoko brushed her hair back and sighed. "We're wasting time and breath screaming here. Why don't we just get up there, one step at a time, and handle everything then?"

"Hmm…" muttered Mika. "I have a better idea."

She raised her right hand and cried out, "Righty!"

One of her Hands appeared next to them. Mika climbed on with the help of the translucent thumb, looking around contentedly and then motioned for the two others to come up as well.

Ms. Ryoko stared in shock at the Hand. Ayumi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You named it Righty? How creative was that?"

"Shut up," said Mika, frowning. "I needed some kind of name to keep the two identifiably separate."

/How ingenious./

'LEAVE ME ALONE!'

"COOL!" exclaimed Ralph, looking up. He touched the thumb and gazed up at Mika in awe. "How'd you do that?"

"Magic," Mika said with a grin.

"Wicked!" Ralph whistled as he climbed up onto the Hand.

"W-well…let's go then," said Ms. Ryoko, smiling nervously. She cautiously got up on the Hand. She tapped her knuckle against the giant palm. "Um, Mika? Uh…is this safe?"

"Uh huh," replied Mika with a nod.

:No, don't believe her! It's all lies:

'Would you care to shut up?'

:No, in fact, I don't.:

'I hate you.'

:Likewise.:

"Ok…" said Ms. Ryoko softly.

"It better be," muttered Ayumi as she climbed on as well.

"Onward!" shouted Mika dramatically, pointing forward.

The Hand reacted instantly; all four riders were nearly sent flying backwards as the hand zoomed forward in the direction Mika had pointed. They blasted over the stairs reached the top in record time. It slowed down and spun slowly in a circle.

Mika was the first to sit up. "Wicked awesome!"

"Mika…!" growled Ayumi, leaning against the fingers.

"YOU'VE GOT TO TAKE ME TO SCHOOL LIKE THIS SOMEDAY!" exclaimed Ralph. He leaped off the Hand and fell over. "So cool," they heard him say softly.

"Can I get off?" asked Ms. Ryoko warily. She slid off without waiting for an answered. Ayumi followed her in suit.

Giggling, Mika jumped off the Hand, which disappeared, and said, "Thank you for riding Murasaki Air! We were happy to have you aboard!"

"What the hell is this—the circus?" an angry and demanding voice exclaimed.

Mika turned and saw several people waiting on the porch of the main temple: Yusuke, Kuwabara, Genkai, Botan and the teenage Koenma, who had been the one who had spoken. There was another girl, one with light blue hair and a blue kimono. She was smiling warmly.

'Who is that?' Mika asked.

/…my sister, Yukina/ Hiei admitted.

Mika frowned. 'She looks nothing like you.'

/Your point being/

"Ahh, it's the talking baby!" screamed Ayumi, breaking up their conversation.

"Talking baby?" asked Ms. Ryoko, incredulously.

"Who's that?" demanded Yusuke, pointing at the doctor.

Kuwabara pointed accusingly at the newcomers. "What was that black thing?"

"Hello?" asked Ralph, sitting up.

"Why is the sky blue?" asked Mika, shrugging.

"ALL OF YOU SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!" Koenma screamed angrily.

Everyone became silent. Mika raised her hand.

"But you weren't saying anything."

"You are one step away from being sentenced to time in the Reikai prison!" shouted the prince. He stamped his foot. "I'm not in the mood to fool around!"

Ayumi sneered. "You'd think you'd love to play games, Binkie. How old are you—three?"

Koenma was about to retort, but Botan stepped forward just in time. "Do you have the Amulet?" she asked.

"You bet, lady," said Mika, grinning. She poked the necklace around her neck. "You guys ready to give me back my body now?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah…" muttered Koenma. He brushed back his red cape with a royal air and marched over to where Mika was. "Last night, the Gates of Limbo opened up for a late soul. I would take it that was Aki?"

"Unless he found another way to stay alive, that damn cock roach…" shuddered Mika. Then, she frowned. "Don't you check these people before they go off to their final resting places?"

"Hey, I do my job fine," said Koenma defensively, stopping short several feet away from her. "Aki Karyuudo had already been checked in and even had a file on his soul in the archives."

"So, it was like he already made reservations at a hotel?" asked Ayumi.

Koenma nodded and replied, "Yes, in a way. When he returned to the Spirit World, he would have instant access to where ever he was condemned to…in his case Limbo."

"Then return her body!" demanded Ms. Ryoko. She crossed her arms aggressively. "She's been put through enough hell already!"

"And you are?" asked Koenma, glaring suspiciously.

"My psychiatrist," Mika replied calmly.

Both Yusuke and Kuwabara started to snicker. Mika sent them a glare. "Ms. Ryoko could kick your asses!" she shouted.

"I medicate both the mind and the criminally evil," said Ms. Ryoko, cracking her knuckles, smiling innocently.

"I take back what I said to you all these years," said Genkai, turning to Yusuke. "Murasaki's the biggest idiot I've ever seen."

Mika gave her a mock bow. "I am happy to serve, Sensei."

"Mika, are you getting your body back now?" asked Ralph.

"Who's he?" shouted Koenma.

"Our eleven year old psychopathic neighbor and good friend," Ayumi said simply with a shrug.

Ralph grinned. "Remember me?"

"Oh, yes! You're the boy we visited when we went looking for Mika!" Botan exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

"Oh my God! Mika, her hair is blue!" Ralph suddenly shouted, tugging on Mika's jacket enthusiastically.

Mika gave him an odd stare. "You are seriously creeping me out, kid."

"I wish I could dye my hair…" Ralph sighed.

"It's not dyed!" Botan protested.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever!" Ayumi snapped. She pointed at Mika. "Fix 'er!"

"What am I a dog?" Mika demanded hotly.

"Close enough."

"Shut up!"

"Both of you shut it before I decide not to help you!" shouted Genkai, jumping down from the porch with great ease. Mika and Ayumi quieted down immediately. Sensing her chance to speak, Genkai continued. "Alright. Now, you know how to channel energy?"

"Since I was twelve."

"Good. Let those other bird brains out."

"I resent that, woman," came a chilling voice. They looked up and saw Karasu standing a few feet away. Before any of them could react, Kuronue, Kurama and Hiei appeared next to him.

"Say hello to the Parasite Quartet," Mika stated blandly.

"Shut up, brat," Hiei said darkly.

"Make me!"

"Don't make me have to."

"Gee, now I do feel sorry for you, kid," Yusuke said, shaking his head. "Imagine having all those death threats day in and day out."

Yukina nodded and said, "Yes, it must be a very terrible burden."

Mika shrugged. "You get used to it."

'Are you SURE that's your sister? She's so polite!'

/Yes, I'm sure./

'Whatever…'

Ms. Ryoko and Ralph looked at the spot where the four stood and then at each other. They couldn't see anything, yet Mika was obviously talking to someone.

"Hi! My name is Ralph!" said Ralph cheerfully over at the spot.

Karasu frowned. "Wait a second, can he see us?"

"Nah, he's just being nice," Ayumi replied. She yelled over to Ralph, "They say 'hi', Ralph!"

"I'M GONNA MISS YOU!" Kuronue suddenly shouted, hugging Mika fiercely.

"GET OFF ME, STALKER!"

"Ugh, now whenever I hear that word, I think of Karyuudo!" Kurama groaned.

Ayumi made a face. "Yeah, he just kind of ruined one of my favorite insults."

"PLEASE FIX MEEEE!" Mika shouted, trying to throw off Kuronue and reach Genkai at the same time.

"I don't know. It's almost too funny not to," said Genkai, smirking cruelly.

Mika reached up to the necklace, snapped it off, and threw it at the teacher, who caught it easily. Mika looked hard at her. "Please!" she repeated.

"Fine," Genkai sighed, as if her fun had been ruined. She rolled the red stone in her palm, looking thoughtful. Mika watched anxiously, ignoring the half-sobbing Kuronue who was latched onto her shoulders tightly.

"Wait…" said Karasu, interrupting the tense moment. He crossed his arms in defiance. "What exactly does that rock do?"

"Oooh, I know this one!" Kuronue suddenly stopped sobbing and was looking around expectantly. Mika took this time to run over to the safety of Ms. Ryoko and Ayumi. "It creates power, or…well, it expands present powers!"

Karasu and Hiei exchanged looks. The crow demon tilted his head in interest and asked, "Are you telling me that thing magnifies power?"

"Yep!"

"And no one's bothered to use it before?"

"That is because it takes a bizarre union to use it," explained Koenma, stepping up. Everyone looked at him. "Only a demon can activate the stone's potential but—"

"Then why don't demons go after it all the time?" interrupted Yusuke darkly.

Koenma shook his head. "It is activated by demons, but it only magnifies psychic powers."

"Whoa, now I'm getting confused!" cried Ayumi, holding her head. "That stone contradicts itself!"

"Indeed a paradox, but nevertheless a powerful tool," said Genkai. "It would take a willing human and demon partnership to even use the stone."

Mika nodded, slowly understanding. "So…that's why this can work for me. I'm still part human, but I'm also part demon. I can use my demon self to activate it…and I can use it to effect my psychic powers. But how would that help me get rid of the guys?"

Genkai smirked knowingly. "This right now is an example. You can give the idiots physical forms, though weak and not reliably stable. They'll disappear back into your mind, I assume?"

"Yeah, after a time, yes," Kurama answered. He looked worried. "I'm a little concerned about what that would mean. We wouldn't be getting our real bodies back, then?"

"Huh?" Ayumi asked pointedly.

Hiei glared at her and said, "To make it simple for your miniscule brain, the Fox is worried that the extended forms would run out anyway."

"Shut up! I don't need a dictionary response from you, midget!" Ayumi shouted angrily, shaking her fist.

"To answer your question, Fox: no, you would not gain your real bodies," Genkai replied. She then continued to say, "Before you lose all hope, you will still get physical forms that everyone can see. Before only psychics could see you. After this, it would be like having your own bodies again."

"…and they're permanent?" asked Kurama.

"Yes."

All five of them let out a huge sigh of relief. At last their bizarre situation would end! Ayumi laughed happily. Both Yusuke and Kuwabara looked happy for their demon friends. Only getting half of the conversation, Ms. Ryoko and Ralph only smiled.

"Let's start, then," Genkai. "Get over here, Murasaki."

Mika rushed over to the dojo owner. She waited expectantly for the next set of directions. The four demons formed behind her, waiting.

"Now…" said Genkai, holding out the Amulet. "Grasp it."

Suddenly feeling wary, Mika stretched her hand out slowly. It all seemed too easy. Would it really work?

Her fingertips touched the cool metal surrounding the jewel. She hesitated when she felt strange energy brush against her own psyche. She relaxed a little when she realized it was Genkai's own power. It was prickly, but comforting in the least. Mika gulped once and then shut down the protective barriers around her mind.

Genkai raised and eye brow and asked, "Defensive, eh?"

"You learn to be when you're mind is taken over by demons," replied Mika.

Mika then grasped the necklace in its whole. Genkai's hand rested lightly on hers, still sending out waves of her own energy.

Oh, boy…what am I doing? Mika asked herself mentally. What if this doesn't work? What if it does? What will happen to the guys? They piss me off all the time but still…

She felt a hand touch her shoulder. Turning slightly, Mika saw it was Kurama. He smiled reassuringly. Beside him, Kuronue smiled happily and naïvely. Karasu and Hiei had masks of indifference, but she knew they were rooting for her.

Just like in the entrance to the Spirit World, she thought.

A warmth filled her. Mika smiled gratefully at her unwilling friends. They had gone through a lot together, and that meant something in the very least.

Turning back to the Amulet and the waiting Genkai, Mika nodded. Genkai made no sign of acknowledgement physically, but Mika hissed in surprise when the energy the dojo master was admitting suddenly flared to impossibly high proportions.

"Now," Genkai shouted as energy picked up around them. "Do what you would normally do to release the fools from your mind!"

"But they're already out!" Mika countered, confused. She felt her heart beat faster as fear and nervousness caught up with her.

Genkai scowled and shouted, "Focus, Murasaki!"

Mika tensed her body and squeezed her eyes shut in concentration. Slowly, she shut out the noise around her and focused directly on the energy that was welling up within her. Then, she started to do what she usually did when giving the guys astral forms. Energy inside her was deposited from her store into theirs.

It was a slow process this time. Mika realized after the first minute that she still had lots of energy to spare—much more than she usually did. The Amulet was doing its job after all. Mika bit her lip and decided to let out more amounts.

She had her eyes closed, so she did not see what was happening to her mind guests. Yusuke and Kuwabara watched cautiously as the dim forms of Kurama, Hiei, Karasu and Kuronue began to glow.

"Whoa…" Ayumi whispered in her amazement.

Karasu looked at his hands warily. They were translucent, but their edges were much clearer. Beside him, Kuronue was looking with the same confusion. Suddenly, the bat demon grinned widely.

"Keep going, Mika! It's working!" he shouted over to the girl.

Not responding, Mika simply keeping releasing energy. The Amulet boosted her power by incredible measures. At the same time, it felt strange. It was…sticky, Mika decided. It clung to her in an uncomfortable way. She knew she needed its magic for the time being, but once she was done, she never wanted to use it again.

Ralph suddenly let out a gasp. He pointed noiselessly over to where Mika was. Ms. Ryoko blinked in confusion for a moment, but then also let out a surprised sound. Behind Mika there were suddenly forms of people. It was very faint, but there were people there none the less. She recognized them—the ones she had met inside Mika's mind.

Way to go kid, she thought with a brightly smile.

It continued on like this for a good few minutes. Every passing second, the entrapped demons grew clearer and clearer. Kurama let out a sharp intake of breath.

"What is it?" Hiei asked.

"I can feel the ground, for real," replied the fox spirit. He smiled thankfully.

Karasu was still staring at his hands. Mika's presence was slowly fading from them. In fact, he couldn't even hear his companion's thoughts anymore. His mouth formed a tiny smile behind his mask, which he could now feel completely on his face.

Kuronue looked over at his friends. They were solid and no longer astral forms. Still, he had some lingering doubt.

"HIIYAA!" the bat demon shouted, punching Karasu directly in the side of the face.

The crow demon flew back a few feet but quickly recovered from the blow. He glared murderously at Kuronue and shouted angrily, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, FOOL?"

"I wanted to check to make sure these were real bodies!" Kuronue was laughing as if it were a funny joke.

Before Karasu could even try to murder the childish demon, Kurama called tem over to Mika, who was still focusing. "Mika! I think you've done it!" the fox demon exclaimed.

One more for good luck, Mika thought. She released a large amount. The demons all staggered when the amount hit them.

"D…" Mika began, letting go of the necklace and Genkai's hand. She turned slowly, wavering slightly. "Did it work?"

Kurama walked over to her, smiling. He touched her shoulder and looked at her kindly. "I believe it has."

"YAHOO!" Kuronue crowed, laughing happily.

Yusuke grinned. "Congrats, guys."

Ayumi out a happy cry of relief. "FINALLY!" She fell back onto the ground, laughing.

"Wow…" whispered Ralph, not really understanding anything. He looked over at the tired Mika and grinned. "Good job, Mika!"

"Thanks," she replied, smiling. She walked over and sat on the edge of the dojo porch. She sighed heavily.

It was finally over. No more demons constantly harassing her. She'd never have to use her powers again. Demon hunters would never come after her. She could just leave with Ayumi and her human friends, go back to Akita and go home.

But she'd go alone.

Mika leaned her head into her hands, thinking. Her thoughts were unanswered. She couldn't hear or feel her guests' presence or thoughts at all. It was very empty inside her mind. Why wasn't she happy? The girl frowned and furrowed her brow trying to come up with a reassuring reason why. She was free. She'd never have to see them again. But why didn't she feel happy like she was supposed to…?

A short distance away, her friends were celebrating, sort of. Kurama and Kuronue were talking with Koenma about Kuronue's death sentence. Karasu had attempted to slip away, but Ms. Ryoko had caught him and was interrogating him about what he was thinking of doing. Ayumi was teasing Hiei, who was threatening death as usual, but was blushing under the giggling of Yukina and Botan. Ralph was talking with Yusuke and Kuwabara about his own adventures with Mika and Ayumi during the past week. None of them seemed to notice Mika sitting alone.

That is, until Ralph turned around to find her. He saw her, hunched over, sitting alone. He immediately looked concerned. "…Mika-chan?" he asked, walking over. "What's wrong?"

Kurama and Kuronue both stopped and looked over to their former host. The fox spirit also looked worried.

"What's wrong, Mika?" he asked, coming over.

Mika furiously wiped at her eyes when their attention turned on her. She looked away and muttered, "Nothing."

"…are you crying?" Ayumi asked in surprise.

"No!" Mika shouted, turning around. Her eyes were red. "I…I'm just so freaking happy!"

She jumped up and pointed at the boys. "You guys are finally out of my hair—literally! I don't have to be a demon anymore!"

Koenma cleared his throat and said, "Actually, I needed to talk to you about that. You're a half-ling, correct?"

"Yeah, I guess," replied Mika, thankful the direction of the conversation changed.

"I'll make this simple: you have two choices," the prince said. "You can continue to use your powers, which will keep your body as that of a demon's, or you can forget your abilities. By not using them, they will fade away." He paused and then said, "You'll never be a full human again, and you'll never get to go back and change your decision."

Mika looked at the ground and thought. If she lost powers…she'd be pretty defenseless. But she wanted to be normal!

"Keep them," Karasu muttered.

She looked over, confused. "Why?"

"You smell like a demon. That will attract other demons, and if you don't have your powers…well, you're screwed," he said bluntly.

"…I guess…you're right," she agreed slowly. "I won't use them for bad intentions, so…I guess its ok to keep them."

Kuronue pouted and crossed his arms. "You sound so sad…we finally got our bodies back! You should be happy!"

"I AM HAPPY, DAMMIT!" Mika screamed at him, causing everyone to jump.

"Admit it…" Ayumi began, grinning. "You're sad that they're leaving."

Mika hesitated and then glared at her friend. "No."

"Yes, you are—tell the truth!"

With everyone watching her, Mika couldn't bring herself to lie. At the same time she was nervous about the truth. "I…" she began, "I…don't know."

"You've got to be kidding me," Yusuke exclaimed.

Mika looked away with a scowl. "I can't explain it. I just…I'm just gonna feel weird with only one voice echoing in my mind, that's all. I…I'm just not used to the silence."

"Neither am I!" Kurama said, laughing. He patted her shoulder affectionately. "And don't worry about missing us too much. I'm sure we'll all end up seeing each other again soon for some reason or another."

"Ha…" Mika laughed weakly, "Yeah, I still need to beat you guys up!"

"Try it, wench." Hiei sneered.

Taking on a fighting stance, Mika grinned. "Bring it, midget!" she cried.

Before they could start their battle, Koenma cleared his throat again. They looked at the prince, expecting another speech.

"Murasaki, there is something you should know," he said. He looked troubled. "I am afraid any plans you have made to meet with these knuckle heads will have to be cancelled."

Kuronue and Mika both stopped smiling and stared at the man. "Why?" asked the bat demon.

"Here comes the catch," muttered Ayumi.

Koenma frowned and continued to say, "As Genkai said before, these forms are permanent and completely tied to this world like normal people's bodies are, but they are still connected with Mika."

"YOU LIAR!" Mika shouted accusingly. She raised her hand threateningly. "YOU SAID THIS MESS WAS OVER WITH!"

"No, I said that they'd get new, physical bodies and you'd get your mind back," retorted Koenma. "What happened to you all will never change. You all lost your real bodies," he said to the shocked demons. "You'll always have some connection to Mika."

"But what does that have to do with not being able to visit each other?" Kurama asked, his green eyes narrowed.

The prince bowed his head. "Think of it as a black hole, sucking you in. If you are around each other for a long period of time, your forms might collapse and you'll be stuck together again. Then, there would be no hope for you."

"…." Mika stared at the teenage boy, her mouth agape. A feeling of dread built up within her.

"You mean…we can't ever see Mika again?" Kuronue asked, fearful.

"It's for the best. If there were an accident, that would be it," said Koenma. "It's a risk that I urge you not to take."

"Then that's it."

They all turned and saw Mika standing up straight, her eyes baring no hint at her feelings.

"Come on, guys, let's go home," she said loudly. She turned and started to walk towards the stairs.

Ayumi and Ms. Ryoko exchanged looks. Ralph looked very surprised. He then ran after Mika. Kurama and Hiei both looked surprised. Kuronue looked close to tears.

"WAIT!" he cried, taking flight and zooming after the departing girl.

Mika stopped and looked at the demon hovering several feet away from her. "What?" she asked.

"You're just leaving?" he asked, wide eyed.

Mika shrugged. "I…hate good-byes," she whispered.

She clasped him on the shoulder, smiled tightly and then let go.

With that, Mika waved weakly to the others in the group and rushed after her human companions.

She was going back to Akita. She was going back to her parents and back to a normal life. She was going home. But as she ran, Mika couldn't help but feeling anguish.

She was going back to her normal friends and normal parents…but she had never felt so alone.

---------Later that Day---------

After Koenma, Botan, Yusuke and the others had left, Kuronue and Karasu stood alone in the courtyard with Genkai.

They stared at her.

She stared back.

"...You can stay, but if any of you steal and/or break anything, I'll blast your balls off."

The two grown demons shared scared looks. Some things could be worse than death.

-Binkie is Ayumi's (and my) new favorite name for Koenma. XD
-I feel kind of bad that Ralph didn't have much to do in this story…but…in the sequel, he's got a BIG part. LOL! I think he's going to be my favorite character in that story, actually…next to the villain. XD lol I have so much planned for these people…mwahaha
-Mika's in denial…lmao!
-drama from Mika once more. Ah well. This chapter brought a tear my eye…(sniff)
-I HAD to add that last part, which totally killed the drama, but damn I had that planned for a loooong time. XD I can so see Genkai saying something like that. Sorry for vulgarity.

I am EXTREMELY annoyed with the world. Wanna know why? AKITA IS NO WHERE NEAR TOKYO! Why didn't anyone tell me? Akita must be at least 200 miles away from Tokyo! I don't know where my brain was when I decided where the girls lived…I swear to God it was right near there…my eyes tricked me! I'm such an idiot…

Ah well…just imagine they're nearby…pretty please? T.T

NEXT: THE LAST CHAPTER! OMG! Lol. Exciting isn't it?