It took me a while to get this chapter out. Too much homework. I sware my teachers are obsessed with it. Anywhos, hope you enjoy this chapter. Only 2 more after this one plus a bonus one after the epilogue.

Enjoy!


Sakura sat on the shoulder of the Stone Troll in front of the Satsu Shibou. A circle of pink, red, and yellow energy floated above the temple, perfectly accessable from the roof of the temple.

"The portal is almost done, a little behind schedule though. Soon, the prophecy will be fulfilled. The others will be able to see Meikai, see it how it once was."

"I know m'lady. I remember."

She stood up and turned around to get a better look at the portal. It hovered 2 feet above the 28 foot tall temple.

"Tomorrow morning it will be finished."

"What will?" she heard behind her.

She looked down at the ground and saw Hiei with Yukina. Diving down, she spun in mid-air and landed in front of them.

"Hiei-san says you have something to show me."

"Of course. It is in the temple's side entrance." Yukina took Sakura's arm.

Said princess gave Hiei a look and led the Koormie to an entrance on the side of the temple. It was a 20 foot by 20 foot square room. In the very center was a large, circular obsidian stone set in the ground measuring 8 feet in diameter. The stone glowed a light grey. The three of them stood at the edge of it.

"This is the holder of souls. It is a portal to a fifth world, unknown to all but Koenma and myself. When one dies, their spirit passes through Reikai where it is judged. Then they are sent here. The world is cut in two. The left side is called Hikai, or light world, and the right is Aneikai, or shadow world. You can guess which souls go where. No living person can enter and souls can't leave unless summoned by a person of substancial power. The obsidian is what keeps them in their respected places. Many powerful spells were laided into it during it's creation."

"It's amazing." Yukina whispered, stroaking the cold, hard stone. "I can feel them."

"One thing you do not want to do," said Sakura, kneeling beside her. "Is touch it for too long. Extended exposure to the stone will cause some of your life energy to be taken from you. It needs it to keep the spells powerful."

"Then how does it get it's energy in the first place?" Hiei asked.

"It takes a little bit from every living thing and, in return, protects them from the malevolent within."

She placed both of her hands on the surface. A light mist gathered around.

"Yukina...I wish to show you something else."

The mist traveled up her arms and her whole body went stiff.

"Sakura?"

Sakura stood in the middle of a vast field where souls drifted amongst the flowers. Two women sat on a log talking. The first woman had silver hair and eyes with brown kitsune ears and tail. The second had flowing aqua hair and eyes. She walked over and embraced the first woman.

"Mother."

"Sakura, how are you?"

"Fine. I am here because Hina requested to see her children."

At this the second woman stood up and hugged her.

"I would like that very much. Does Yukina know about Hiei?"

"I am afraid not."

"Then it is time she does."

Sakura opened her eyes and felt a hand on both her shoulders. Hiei and Yukina sat by her side.

"I thought the living couldn't enter." the Koormie asked.

"She is the guardian so she can."

They looked up to see a spirit in front of them.

"M...mother?" Yukina stuttered.

"Yes dear, it's me. Sakura has granted me permission to talk to you."

Hina walked out of the stone's circle and solidified. Opening her arms, Yukina ran into them. Tears ran down both their faces yet only Yukina's turned into gems. Hiei and Sakura watched a few feet away.

"She looks so happy." he whispered.

"I know what will make her happier." the guardian said, facing the kajihenge.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Would she want a brother like me?"

"Of course she would. Despite your past, you are a kind and caring person, no matter how cold you try to be. She has suspected you, though. The way you give into her so easily and how kind you are to her, she isn't stupid. Do you know what she confided in me?"

"What?"

She gazed over at the mother and daughter.

"She wishes you are her brother."

He followed her gaze and saw them staring at her. Yukina made her way over to him with tears in her eyes.

"Is it true Hiei-kun? Are you really my ani?"

"...Yes."

A smile crossed her face as she threw her arms around his neck.

"I'm so happy. Why did you not tell me?"

"I didn't want to put you in danger."

"I don't care."

He slowly hugged her back. Sakura watched with a smile on her face.

"I will let you have a moment. Meet you back at the village."

The air was still outside as she walked on the path to the village. Her sword tapped against he leg with every step she took. A rustle of branches was heard above her and she stopped, kitsune ears appearing on her head. She drew her sword in a flash, blocking a blow aimed for her head. The attacked lept back until he was a few feet in front of her.

"Hello imoto-chan."

"Zyjion, what do you want?"

"What ever do you mean? I have what I want."

A scaley, green snake demon emerged from the bush with an unconscious Zuki in his arms. Sakura grolwed.

"Bastard."

"Now no name calling or else you lose her."

"Why do you have her?"

"You should know."

"You better not even dare."

"Dare what?"

"You plan to use her, do you not? You want her to summon the rift for you."

"Why of course. With her calling it and me throwing her in, I will gain ultimate power."

"If someone else leaps into the portal, other then the one destined to, the rift will create chaos and then someone with an evil heart can assume the power of it."

"My, my, you are so perceptive in what I plan to do."

"Give her back."

The snake demon drew a blade and held it to Zuki's throat.

"You move and she dies."

Another growl eminated from her throat.

"Farewell, sister dear."

The two flitted from view. Anger pulsed through Sakura's veins and she pulled back her fist, slamming it into the rock beside her. She punched it over and over agin and blood started to stain the grey stone. A scream escaped her mouth as she slammed her right fist harder, shattering the stone and her wrist. Falling to her knees, tears streamed down her face. Dirt caked her bloody hands.

"Over here!" she heard in the distance.

Looking up, she sees Yusuke and the others running towards her. Hiei with Yukina in his arms appeared beside her. Both knelt down.

"What happened onna?" demanded Hiei, taking her hands to look at the damage.

"That...bastard...took her." she panted.

"Who took who?"

"Zyjion...has Zuki. He says...he will kill her...if he...doesn't get...his way."

The kajihenge growled at this. The others reached them.

"Let me heal you." Yukina said, placing her hands above Sakura's.

"I am fine, really."

"It's the least I can do after you helped me find my brother."

A glow appeared under her hands as she healed Sakura's bloody cuts and shattered wrist.

"You found your brother?" Kazuma asked while kneeling beside her.

"Get away from her." growled Hiei.

"All I want is to meet her brother, shrimp."

"How would you like to meet her brother's blade?" he threatened while drawing his katana.

"You...you're her...brother?" he gulped, feeling the cold blade against his skin.

"Yes and I would very much like it if you stayed away from her."

"You..you can threaten all you want," he stuttered, standing up. "but if I want to be with her, I can."

Hiei smirked at the courageous fool.

"Do you love her?"

"Of course."

"But...does she love you?"

They both looked down at Yukina. She was leaning against Sakura who was patting her head, whispering to her.

"Stop it, both of you. Can you not see that you are scaring her?"

The two men looked at each other and stopped their feud.

"My question still stands." he knelt next to his sister. "What do you feel for him, imoto-chan?"

Yukina met her brothers eyes.

"He is brave and caring. Though his humor is, at times, confusing, I know he does it to make me smile. He would do anything for me." she gazed up at Kazuma. "That is why I love him."
He watched the two stare at each other and sighed.

"If that is what you want, so be it."

Standing up, he disappeared into the forest.

"I'll go find him and talk some sense into him."

"Thank you so much." Yukina exclaimed, hugging her.

"Anything for you."

"How I wish we could be sisters. Do you and Hiei still...you know.."

"I love him, if that is what you mean, but I don't think he feels the same."

"You never know."

"Yes...you never do."

Sakura smiled at her after letting go and made after Hiei. Feeling around for his energy, she found him at the spring. He was standing at the top of the tallest tree. She lept up beside him.

"You did the right thing."

"How could she love him?"

"He is sweet, kind, and will protect her. You do not have to worry. He will not let anything happen to her."

She walked on the branch over to him and sat down.

"It is hard to believe it can be peaceful here."

He sat down with her.

"Yeah."

A tear rolled down Sakura's cheek.

"I'm scared Hiei."

"Of what?"

"I am afraid that Zyjion will hurt her. She means a lot to me."

"Don't worry. We will save her. I promise."

She leaned on his shoulder and he got tense.

"Stay with me tonight, Hiei. Please. I do not want to be alone."

"Why?"

"I know he wants me dead."

"You're afraid he will come after you?"

"Kind of. Please?"

He sighed.

"Alright."

"Come on. It is getting late."

Together, they jumped down and landed softly on the ground. The sun was going down. Wanting to make it back before complete darkness, Hiei picked Sakura up bridal style and ran to the village. The others were already in their huts and he went to Sakura's. No one was staying in it, save her and himself. She was starting to nod off in his arms as he went into her parents room. Laying her one the bed, he went and sat on pillowed bench. Unknown to him, Sakura watched him with admiration. Slowly, she got up and walked over to him. He gazed up at her quizzicly. Smiling, she sat in between his legs and laided her head on his chest. After getting over the initial shock, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her. A smile grazed her lips and she nuzzled against him. Happiness coursed through his body and he held her tighter. Soon, both of them fell asleep.

Stay tuned!

-UtsukushiiCho