Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long to get this out. I have not been able to sign in for the past 3 days. I don't know why. So, in order to make up for it, here is a double chapter. I combined 11 and 12. Hope you all like it!


A small child, no more then two, with blonde pigtails atop her head runs across the lawn of her home, laughing at an unseen thing. Her mother, a strikingly beautiful woman with hair like her daughters and the same sparkling emerald eyes, watches from the back porch. The girls father was not home, he was out working. The child stops in the middle of the yard and falls onto the ground, clutching her side from running so much. Elizabeth looks admirably at her daughter once more, a smile on her lips, before turning and walking back into the home. Riley lays down and watches the clouds over head, making out animals in them. A shadow falls onto her and she squints her eyes. Noticing that it was only her imaginary friend, she grabs his hand and pulls him down next to her.

"Roku-kun, you sad?" she asks in her childish voice.

The small person beside her sighs, his black-gray hair falling into his face, shading his slate eyes. Pointed ears twitch slightly, along with massive onyx bat wings. Looking at her, he places a hand on his head and smiles slightly.

"Yes, Ri Ri-Chan. I am sad." He stands up again and walks towards the back fence.

Riley jumps up and runs after him, latching onto his arm. He only stood a few inches taller then her and she was rather small, being only two years old. He came to her on her first birthday, making her ever so happy to have a friend. Hanging onto his arm, she began crying.

"Roku-kun gonna weave (leave) me?" she asks as her lip trembles.

"No, I am not going to leave you little one." He picks her up, easily supporting her in his arms despite him meager size. "How about a story, but which one?"

"Youko-kun and Kuronue-kun, please!"

A smile forms on both their faces as he puts her down and they walk hand in hand to the house.

-

Riley sat on the steps of her home, the wind's fingers playing with her mid-back length hair. Her emerald eyes showed great sadness. Damian and Dante sat beside her, watching as their father loaded their belongings into the back of the family van. They were moving to England where their mother's family lived. Riley was especially sad because she was leaving her two best friends, her cousin Kurama and Roku. Gazing to the side of the steps, she saw Roku standing around the corner of the house. Saying she wanted to look at the backyard one last time, she went over to him. Tears came to her eyes and she threw her arms around his neck.

"Roku-kun, I don't want to go! I'll miss you so much."

"I will miss you do, but expect me to pay you a visit every now and then, alright?"

"Of course."

"I have a present for you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of jewelery. It was a red, spherical gem wrapped in silver and hung from a silver chain. Riley took it into her hands and looked at in awe.

"Arigato-gozaimasu, Roku-kun."

"It is my most prized possession. This was how Kuronue died, attempting to get it back. That is how I died."

"You...You're Kuronue?" she asked in disbelief.

"Take care Riley-chan. Be safe and know that I care for you deeply."

He kissed her on her forehead and began to fade away.

"Kuronue! No! Don't leave me. I don't want to be alone."

Riley shot up in bed and blinked. Everything was dark and she began to panic, until memories of the past 2 days passed by in her head. Last night was bright, the fight she had with Hiei and the death of Kinar. Rubbing her blind eyes, she threw her feet over the edge of the bed and reached around on her nightstand. Being without sight will surely be the death of her. Finding her glasses, she reached under her pillow and pulled out a dagger. Remembering a spell she read about in her father's library, she drew the blade against her palm, drawing blood to the surface. A chant echoed in her mind and reverberated in her mouth.

'Blood of mine,

Power held within,

Spirit of my kindred,

Aid me in my trial.

Blindness hath taken me,

Darkness shrouded over mine eyes,

With the claret, power, and life of me,

Help me grant me feeble sight within this glass

Aid me

Help me

Guide me

Allow me to see

Until mine own eyes be healed.'

Running the blood over the interior part of the glasses, she released energy into it. The power gathered the blood and spider-webbed over the surface, causing the glasses to glow slightly. She could feel the spell taking effect. Looking down at the glasses, she could make out the skin of her legs. The spell had worked. Placing the glasses onto her face, she smiled as she gazed around her room, happy to see, though it is only with the glasses.

Standing up, she walked over to her closet and opened the door, flipping a switch to turn on the light. Digging into the back, a box was her end result, old with age and a back angel on the top. Inside of it was the necklace that Kuronue gave her before she moved to England. It was not dusty one bit, having been in the box for many years. There was also a few drawings of the two of them and a journal she started the year before she moved. Taking the necklace into her hands, she closed the box and returned it to its spot. She gathered some clothes she wanted to wear and changed into them.

With the chain around her neck, Riley went downstairs to cook up some food because her stomach was yelling at her. The kitchen was cleaned up and a new door was put on, most likely the work of her father. While gathering ingredients for a sandwich, she recalled what happened between her and Hiei last night. She ran a finger over her lips, a small smile on them. They had kissed and she enjoyed it, but he didn't. A lone tear came to her eye but she brushed it away. Picking up her sandwich, after putting away everything, she went out to the living room for some well earned rest in front of the TV.

After an hour, the door opened and someone pounded up the stairs, stopping at her door, and throwing it open. A grunt was heard and Riley turned around to rest her head on her arms on the back of the couch. The person ran back down the stairs and stopped at the entrance to the Living room. Jade eyes widened upon seeing Riley there with a smile on her face.

"Hello Kurama-kun. How are you this fine day?"

"Huh? You know it is me?"

"No shit Sherlock. Notice the glasses?" he nodded. "I can see with them...a simple spell. It lasts about a month so I will have to rekindle it at that time or until we find a way to fix my little dilemma. So, how are you?"

"Fine, surprised but fine. I am fine, but we were worried. Where's Hiei?"

He sat on the couch with her and she leaned into him.

"He is gone. He left last night after we had a fight. I don't know where he is, though, and I am worried. Just can't help it."

"You love him, don't you?"

"I don't know. There is something there, I just cannot identify it. I do know that he feels nothing for me, maybe pity, possibly a bit of attachment, but nothing more. He proved it."

He kissed her on the forehead and stood up. She hopped up as well and jumped on to his back. Waving a hand in the air, she summoned a portal to her office and they went through. Koenma was on the other side, along with Liz, Damian, Dante, and Richard, and was startled when they came through.

"Riley, are you alright?" Koenma asked.

"Oh, I am fine so wipe those looks of worry off your face and get your damn feet off my desk Damian!" she yelled, hopping off of Kurama's back.

"You.."

"Yes, I can see, but only with these glasses and my peripheral vision is totally out."

"Damn Riley, what the hell was digging into my back?" Kurama asked as he rubbed a sore spot.

Gazing around her neck, he saw the ever familiar pendant there. Shock registered on his face as hurried over to her, taking it into is hands. In the blink of an eye, Youko took his place, still holding the pendant.

"Where did you get this?" he demanded.

"It was gift, from a childhood friend." Riley told him, not fearing him one bit. "Youko, I did not steal this or anything. It was given to me by Kuronue himself, as a memory of him."

"But...he's dead?"

"Kind of.." Koenma stuttered.

"What do you mean?" Youko slammed his hands on the desk, causing a stack of papers to fall over. "What do you mean he is kind of alive? Where is Kuronue?"

"Not here. Youko, my father sent him to me when I was a child so that he might protect me. I was in danger and Kuronue could be trusted. He was restored for that time, but his soul is still here in Reikai, that much I know. I have not seen him since I was six and for you I know it was longer. Please stop this anger," she wrapped her arms around his middle. "We will summon him and maybe we can restore him to a corporal body, held up by magic and Reiki. Please, just stop."

Youko sighed and removed his fist from the desk. Turning around, he gave Riley a small hug before letting Kurama take control. They separated and Riley scooted them all out of her office, saying how work has piled up. Making a promise to Kurama that she will look into Kuronue's case, she closed the door and sat in her chair. There were many Judgment papers before her and, with a sigh, she dived into her work.

Riley was still working when Jorge came into the office with her dinner. Most of the papers were finished and she stood up to stretch. The food was a simple lay out of shrimp, salmon, rice, pork, and vegetables.

"Thank you Jorge."

"It is not a problem, Riley-sama. You should rest."

"I will, I will, not now though. I have more left to do. Don't worry. I will turn in before long. Oh, have you talked with my father about Kuronue?"

"Yes, that is another reason I came. Come in." He called behind him.

The door opened and a tall man with black hair up in a similar colored hat and pointed ears walked in. Riley smiled largely at him and ran around her desk, into his arms. A smile was on both of their faces as they hugged each other tightly.

"Kuronue. I have missed you so much. Why did you return to Reikai after I moved?"

"I had to. Your father had me there to keep you safe, but when you moved, I had to came back here."

"How would you like another chance at life?"

"What do you mean?" He asked, pulling away.

"A corporal body. We can create one for you. The spell with be restored every year, allowing you to live until the flame blows out. If you want to, I can summon the Reiki Manipulators and Sorcerers to set to work on it?"

"That...will make me very happy." He kissed her on the forehead just as the door opened.

They looked over at it and Kuronue froze in place when he saw Youko come into the room. Eyeing each other, a silent greeting passed between the two. Riley ushered Kuronue to the door and, with a goodbye, pushed them out of the office. She had important matters to attend to. The next fire Elemental is out there and she sure as hell doesn't want the demons to find them. Kinar was going to be sent back to his family, just like Hitomi was going back to her grandparents in Ningenkai. Sabuso was still broken up, that much she knew. Curious as to how the earth Elemental is dealing, Riley looked outside and towards a tree in which the Quinque would relax after training. Sabuso sat under it, back against the trunk and head on knees. A wave of sadness rolled off of him and made Riley nauseas. She walked onto the balcony of her office and gingerly leapt down, landing softly on the ground below. Walking over to Sabuso, she sat down before him and rested her head on his.

"Sabuso, I know what it is like to lose someone you greatly care for. It tears you up inside and you feel as though you will never heal, but in due time, you will. It feels as though you will not be able to go one without them by your side, but trust me, all will improve. The hole will exist for ever more, it will feel as though it won't fill. Have trust in yourself and know that Kinar would hate to see you like this."

He lifted up his head and looked at Riley. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her to him, hugging her tightly. Her own arms went around his waist. The rested against the tree, each in their own thoughts.

"It does hurt, Riley."

"I know. It usually does, but it will improve."

"How are you certain?"

"Because we can avenge Kinar's death. I believe the person that killed him works for Reikai. It is logical in the fact that they knew where he was, which room was mine, how close everyone is to him, and the fact that I was blind."

"Was?"

"My glasses enable me to see temporarily. Now, if we can find who it was that gave that information away, we might have our key to finding the Oppressors."

"Any ideas?"

"A few." she replied, looking up at him with a smile on her face.

Hiei entered Mukuro's castle, shoving guards out of his way as he hurried to his room. Some were smart and moved out of his way, knowing fully the wrath of the heir. Mukuro walked out of her library just as Hiei ran by. Not knowing why he returned so early, she followed after him. His room was at the end of a large hall, a balcony wrapping around it with two vast window/doors leaning onto it. He had a wall full of weapons, a large wardrobe, a king-size canopy bed, and a desk littered with books of all kinds. Throwing his katana on to the bed, he walked over to the window and threw open the curtains. Light from the rising sun flooded into the room, casting Hiei in a glow of red and orange fire. He looked out at the forests, lakes, and mountains in distance and didn't hear Mukuro come into the room. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, startling him slightly.

"What bothers you this morning Hiei? I thought you were suppose to be watching Princess Riley and looking for the Quinque?"

"Hn. Not important."

"Of course it is."

"No...it's not."

Mukuro rested her head on his and took him in for a hug. He didn't fight back and just leaned against her. They watched the sun rise up into the sky, not moving, not talking. Mukuro hugged Hiei tightly before letting go.

"Come along. Breakfast must be ready."

She turned away and walked out of the room. Hiei watched her leave before facing the window once more. Koenma will be upset if he stays here to long. He didn't want to end up in prison. Walking over to the weapons wall, he grabbed swords, poles, knives, any weapon that he could use and placed them into a tie-up canvas bag. His wardrobe was full of cloaks and outfits of all types so he took different ones and placed them into another bag. With one last look around the room, he strapped his katana to his waist, gathered up the two bags, and left the room. Mukuro awaited him in the dinning hall and they ate together, silence like a thick fog over them.

Riley jumped up from her seat at her desk with a folder in hand and ran off to find her father with good news. She had located the new fire Elemental in Africa. It was a young woman, around 16 or so, named Jambuea. Jambuea lives in Kenya with her tribe and showed signs of being gifted with higher levels of Reiki. Riley found Koenma in his throne room, sorting through papers on a desk to the side of the large chair.

"Daddy! I found our new Quinque. She's in Africa."

"I'll get the others together."

"No. May I go?"

He gave a nod of approval, wondering why she wanted to go so bad. Smiling and giving her father a hug, Riley waved her hand down the length of her body, her clothes changing to a white tank top under a khaki vest with khaki short shorts. A gun was hidden under the vest and a 5'3" katana with a foot long hilt was strapped to her back. With a final bow, she created a portal and walked through it.

When she emerged on the other side, she was in a grass field in the middle of Kenya. She had been there before, when she was younger. Liz volunteered around the world in rescue operations and aided countries with their poorer citizens. They had visited Jambuea's village before and her and Riley became fast friends. Riley knew the language and the lands so she walked towards the north where Jambuea's village was.

When she was less then a mile away, she became aware of people in the bushes. Arrows shot at her and she drew her sword, effectively swatting them all away. The soldiers of the village emerged from the brush and Riley instantly recognized Jambuea. The two girls hugged each other, not having talked in many years.

"-Riley, it is so good to see you. What brings you to our village?-" she asked in her own language.

"Jambuea, may we talk in private?"

"Of course." she replied in English, being the only one in the village who can speak it, aside from the leader, her father.

The two friends walked back to the village littered with straw huts. Many people walked around, doing daily chores or gathering needed items. Jambuea led the way to her hut on the far end of the village. Upon entering it, Riley sat down on a pillow made of lion hide and bird feathers.

"What brings you here Riley?"

"A business problem."

Riley delved into everything concerning Reikai, the Quinque, and the Oppressors. Jambuea sat patiently, listening to her friend. Disbelief was evident but she payed attention none the less. When Riley finished, all was silent. Jambuea had her eyes closed, thinking hard.

"So I am the new fire Elemental?"

"Yes, according to my findings, and those have yet to be wrong."

"I need to go with you, correct?"

"Yes."

"Than I must tell my father."

"He already knows."

Jambuea looked up at her, questioningly, but heard a cough from the doorway. Her father stood there, hunched over a walking staff. He walked over to the two girls and sat with them. Jambuea looked at her father.

"Go, my child. Your assistance is of the utmost importance."

"Of course father."

Jambuea rose up and went to her room to gather her belongings. Riley stood as well, securing her sword to her back. The leader looked at her with caring eyes.

"You will make sure my daughter is well taken care for?"

"Yes, I will sir. Do not worry. She will be in fine hands."

Jambuea came out of her room and bid her father a tearful farewell. Riley summoned a portal and reassured her friend that it was safe. They passed through and arrived in Riley's office. Someone sat in her chair, feet up on the desk. Riley frowned as dirt covered her paperwork.

"Get your damn feet off of my desk, Hiei." She yelled at the Kajihenge.

He smirked at her, but did as he was told. Jambuea sat her bags on the ground beside her and looked at Hiei curiously. The Kajihenge noticed and smirked at her. Getting up from the chair, he walked over to the two women. Riley still frowned but hid it from Hiei. He, however, saw it and a wave of regret washed over him. He had hurt her. He had cut her deeply, but he didn't know how to heal it.

"You are back." Riley more or so stated.

"Yes. What may I do to lend my help?"

"Hmm...we are currently searching for the Oppressors. When we locate them, I need you and the others to go in search of them." she faced Jambuea. "This is Jaganshi Hiei, former Reikai Tantei and current bodyguard of yours truly. Hiei, this is Jambuea, a friend of mine and our new fire Elemental."

They were interrupted as Jorge came bursting into the room, a paper in hand. Catching his breath, he handed it to Riley. She skimmed through it, eyes widening as she did. Telling Jorge to contact the others and her father, she sat at her desk and typed something into the computer on it. A screen came down from the ceiling and a map appeared on it. Hiei walked to her side and leaned over her shoulder reading the note briefly before starting up a mental conversation with Riley.

'I'm...sorry...for what I did.' he stuttered telepathically to her.

'Hiei...did you just apologize?'

'Don't rub it in.'

'I'm not, just shocked. You were never one for apologizes.'

'Do you accept or not.'

'Of course I accept.'

They ceased their conversation and, before he walked over to his usual wall spot, Hiei gave Riley a small peck on the cheek, shocking her. Jambuea looked at her friend with a knowing look before making herself comfortable in a chair. The door opened several seconds later and the Reikai Tantei walked in, Koenma in the lead.

"What is it?" he asked his daughter.

"We found them."

Well, what does everyone think? Please, please Review. I miss them and it is good to hear what everyone thinks of my story. Ideas as well as suggestions are accepted.

Jinx-the-Pink-Goddess