Disclaimer: Don't own YYH or Osa.

Note: The memory in this one is while Darkfire is still residing in Heaven.

Japanese to Know:

Watashi - I; me
Nani - What
Wakarimasen - I don't understand
Abazureonna - Bitch
Jigoku no otosu - Go to Hell
Rei Gan - Spirit Gun
Ee - Yea (casual)
Nani yo - What! ("yo" is simply there for emphasis)

Chapter 34

You Swore

"It's not what you do with your life that determines who you are," Michael told Darkfire, looking out at Heaven from his balcony. "It's how you do it."

"What would you know about life, Michael? You've never had one," she sneered.

"This is my life."

"Not that you have to do anything. You're a joke."

Michael slapped her, fire stinging her face. "Do not mock me, child! You aren't even a true angel!"

"God pays more attention to me than He does to His own Archangels! He doesn't care about a firefly!"

"Only because He doesn't want you destroying our Order!"

Darkfire smiled deviously. "It's not that I'm going to destroy it…it's how I destroy it, Michael. And you can't stop me."

"Hokage-kun, I trust you, but how are we going to win?" Yuusuke questioned as the group halted before the main door.

"Yea, I've been wondering that too," Kuwabara said, turning to the girl.

"Don't concern yourselves with the details. Simply concentrate on staying alive," she answered, slipping on her mask and fanning out her wings. "Count to one hundred before you step out the door." With a deep breath, Hokage stepped out into the moonless night and glided over to the mass of demons waiting.

"What took you?" Sugisaki said as he met her.

"You try to be quick and quiet, and then you come ask me that," she snapped, avoiding his touch.

"Where's Takashi?"

"He's waiting inside. But he's not to concern you."

"Oh, and what is?"

She grinned under cover of darkness. "Watashi."

"Nani?"

"I'm not who I seem," she said, stepping back. "I'm so much more. Can you not guess?"

"Wakarimasen!"

Hokage laughed. "Must I spell it out for you? Let me give you one last clue!" She removed her mask and tossed it to the demon. "Can you see now?"

Sugisaki looked from the mask in his hands to the winged creature just out of reach. His eyes widened in sudden realization. "Abazureonna!"

"Damn straight! But there's something you should know, Sugisaki!"

"Oh yea?"

"Yea! I only killed him because he was killing innocents! If we had met on any other circumstance, he'd still be alive and well!" As the doors opened behind her, she added, "And, Kato, watch for Hiei on the field!" She shot into the sky and a great, lonesome howl burst from her lungs.

"Hokage!" Sugisaki yelled. "Jigoku no otosu!"

"Haha! You have no idea!" she laughed, landing in front of Yuusuke and the others.

"Ah, I feel a massive soul population moving towards us!" Kuwabara gasped, eyes wide.

"Yes, yes."

"So that's what you were planning?" Kurama said. "An army of souls?"

"Yes! A deathless army!" She leapt once more into the air. "Now, fight without fear!" Diving towards the masses, she formed a sword of fire.

"Darkfire!" Osadyro yelled, starting to run. As she gained speed, her form changed to that of a large white tiger. Her claws ripped through her enemies without mercy.

"Rei Gan!" Yuusuke shouted, firing multiple shots.

Kuwabara's sword burst to life in his hands. With a surge of battle lust, he fought without remorse, using techniques unique to him.

Kurama's rose whip lashed out with sharp accuracy. His hair became tinted with silver and his eyes gleamed with gold. A forgotten thirst for battle reawakened and struck back ten fold.

With deadly speed, Hiei cut down his foes. His searching eyes scanned the masses for Kato, his true opponent. His bloodlust had to be fed.

Angel stood still. He stared at the violent battle before him, only visible by the constant flashing of lightning accompanied by roaring thunder. What reason did he have to fight? If she wanted him to stay alive, couldn't he just sit back and watch? But there was something inside him that begged him to fight for her. Beneath his hate, there was a vast love. But why? Why?

"Show me your wings, Anthony," Darkfire said, fluttering above him, splattered with blood.

"Why should I? They're hideous," the half-breed snarled, glaring up at her.

"Fight for me."

"You never fought for me!"

"Damn it, Anthony! I'm not asking you to die for me! I need your help!"

"And when I needed yours, you laughed in my face!"

"I was jealous! I wanted to be in your position. I'd have given anything to trade places. That's in the past, Anthony; I was messed up then. Please, show me your wings."

"Fight your own battles."

"This is just as much your battle as it is mine. Don't let this girl die in vain. Show her that her first love still cares."

"Die?"

"Yes, this is her last stand. Make her last moments worthwhile."

The boy frowned, closing his eyes. Upon opening them once more, two very different wings burst from his back. The right was an angel's wing, the left that of a demon. "Where will you go?"

"Back to Hell." She smiled and looked back at the battle. "There is where love waits for me."

The thunder clapped once again, sheets of rain falling hard upon the demons. But none stopped.

"Go, Anthony, destiny calls."

The half-breed rose into the air, unhooking his kusari gama. Taking a last look at the girl he hated and loved, he flew off into battle. After he was out of sight, she fell to the mud in pain.

"Damn! I just…need to last a bit longer," Hokage growled, forcing herself to stand. "I just have one last thing to settle." She formed a katana of shadow, the darkness being more abundant therefore less draining.

"You thought you could hide?" a man hissed. "You think you can escape me?"

Hokage smiled solemnly, looking at the mud as the rain washed the blood away. "No, Sugisaki, those thoughts never crossed my mind. I was simply waiting."

"For what?"

"You to come after me, of course. It wouldn't be much fun if we were stuck in that mass." She pulled in her wings and took a stance. "Come at me with all your furry, Sugisaki, Lord of Fire!"

Sugisaki rushed her from behind, drawing a sword. Their blades clashed and they sprung apart. With great speed, they darted together again, only to jump away. He sliced her arm deeply, avoiding her rushed middle cut.

Sugisaki laughed as Hokage stumbled to the ground. "I will triumph!"

"Hiei," she thought, searching for him. "Hiei."

"What?" his voice echoed in her head.

"Remember what you swore to me?"

"Actually, no, because you never told me what I swore to."

"But you swore, yes?"

"Yes."

"Good. Don't stray too far." Hokage stood shakily, holding her wounded arm.

"Pathetic human," Sugisaki sneered.

"See, that's where you're wrong. I'm a demon by heart and spirit. I won't let you say different."

"Try and stop me!" He rushed her again, blade coming down on top of her. She blocked and stood her ground, sinking into the muck. "How long can you last?"

"Just long enough," she hissed through gritted teeth.

He laughed.

"Hiei," she thought again.

"Ee?"

"When I say, I need you to run me through."

"Nani yo?"

"You swore, Hiei! I need you to do this. Please."

"You're crazy!"

"Yes, Hiei, I am. But I'm also dying. Don't worry, you won't be the one to send me to my grave." She laughed in her mind as she strained under Sugisaki's pressure. "I guess this means you didn't read that paper I gave you. I guess I did fool you."

"I won't be the one to quicken your death!"

"You will because you swore! You swore!"