A/N: Hello once again, FanFiction Dot Net Users and Anonymous Readers alike!

I think come chapter 101 I'm going to make a second "story," so this is a heads-up to all of you who are following!

Symbols Guide:

* : Written by CM; She writes for Akari and Hiei
3 : Written by Star (supposed to be the 'heart' symbol, but FF doesn't like the 'less-than' sign, so it's a 3 instead); She writes for Toriko/Shikiyoku and Youko/Kurama
~!**!~ : A universal transition between scenes or characters, sometimes used to indicate a passage of time, but most often used to transition between major scenes that are happening. As the story progresses, this will evolve into mainly separating the (usually two) scenes happening between authors/characters.

As a general rule, anything in italics is thoughts.
Unless it's used in a sentence like this, which merely indicates emphasis.
[Anything written in italics inside square brackets is Youko speaking to Shuichi/Kurama inside their mind and is private conversation, unable to be picked up by telepathy.]
{Anything written in italics inside curly brackets is inner dialogue by Shuichi/Kurama to Youko, and is also private conversation, unable to be picked up by telepathy.}
"Quotations are usually reserved specifically for telepathic dialogue being transmitted from one being to another, but sometimes this can also mean a character isn't being careful about what they're thinking and anyone with telepathy in the nearby vicinity can listen in without taking any effort."

The only exception to that last rule is for the Shiba Inu dog, Nabu. All of his "spoken" dialogue will be in italics and quotations, but is communicated through body language or dog-like noises, so unless a character is able to translate those they are unlikely to pick up on what he is saying any more than the average person might understand his general moods like aggression (bared teeth, ears back) or excitement (wagging tail).
The above rule also applies to Akari's old friend Isamu when he is in his dog-form.

Previously on Yu Yu Hakusho!

Kurama and Akari part ways, Kurama relinquishing control to Youko,
who carries Nabu to Toriko's, or rather, Shikiyoku's home on the First Level.

Akari heads to the Third Layer to meet up with Isamu and a younger sister of hers, Hiyori.
The pack seems indifferent to her presence, though an old friend,
Manami, welcomes her back joyously.

Akari's reunion with her father is quite the opposite,
and the two do not part ways on friendly terms.

A few other members of the pack start to warm up to her,
and Isamu assigns Akari to some scouting duties with Manami.

~!**!~

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that there are eight eligible Consorts
who have disclosed intentions of pursuing said place at Shikiyoku's side.

Nabu and Kitoushi meet, and while the initial introduction is terse,
Kitoushi changes form with the coming of night and the two set to playing a game of Tag.

As this occurs, Taka insists on cooking,
maintaining that Shikiyoku was always terrible at it,
as was Kitoushi, and it had been up to him to keep the three of them fed.

There was light banter passed back and forth between the three in the kitchen with the occasional interjection from the cat upstairs who was apparently still tearing around and keeping the visiting dog entertained.

The conversation was backgrounded by the banging of pots and pans, the boiling of water, and-eventually-the smell of food in the air, which actually was reminiscent of the scent of Demon World cuisine and seemed rather out of place in the very human looking house.

Eventually, there were plates passed around, and even Kit wandered in from the upstairs, his tail held high with a curve at the end of it to indicate his curious interest.

Taka gave him a plate on the counter which he hopped up to and began eating with no further complaints besides the single 'miau' to get the bird's attention in the first place.

Youko and Taka stood leaned up against the counters, talking and laughing with one another as if they had been friends for a long time-while they had not actually met in person, they knew of one another from Kit's on-going correspondences with the fox during the period of time in which Kitoushi was bonded with Shikiyoku-with Kit joining in their conversation intermittently while he also ate his fill.

For her part, once Shikiyoku had a plate she quietly stepped away from the kitchen as she began eating, leaving the other three to themselves, and came to sit down right next to Hiei on the couch, silently holding the plate between them and looking at him questioningly with the unspoken offer to share. 3

Hiei hadn't even so much as moved a muscle, his arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed and feet propped up on the coffee table. The only thing indicating that he was not asleep was the fact that his breaths weren't slow enough to indicate as such, though it was pretty close.

He was aware of the sounds in the house, ranging from Nabu and Kit running around like idiots, to the idle chatter between the patrons in the kitchen.

So when Shikiyoku moved by him, he'd been aware of her approach even before she'd actually come near. When the couch cushion moved with her added weight, he slid an eye open to look over at her calmly. Then down at the silent offer she extended. He raised a brow at her for a moment before he uncrossed his arms and helped himself, eyes closing as he chewed on.. whatever he'd just grabbed.

He sent a silent thanks to her through telepathy.

Nabu came down the stairs slowly, lazily, his paws making no sound against the carpet as he touched the landing and looked about the house. He noted where each person was before turning and moving towards the couch, stopping beside it and taking another look around. When he was satisfied in knowing he would not be in the way of anyone walking about, and could see all around himself, he turned three circles and promptly stretched himself out, completely content.

Now would be a good time for a nap.

~!**!~

Silence stretched on as Akari and Manami meandered around the foliage, ears listening for unusual sounds and eyes searching for anything out of the norm. Oddly, she didn't feel uncomfortable walking along with the other, who occasionally turned a brief glance at Akari before turning forward again. The silence wasn't overbearing. It wasn't awkward. In fact, it was just like old times.

It was almost as if Akari hadn't ever been gone.

"Aka," the female suddenly spoke, tone quiet, "I missed you. I was worried for a long time, you know. You were family." There was a pause. "You are family."

"I know, Manami." Akari lowered her head, her eyes turning to the ground. "For a long time, I thought about this place. The people."

"So what kept you away?"

Akari sighed. "I got mixed in to something dumb. Didn't think anything through. Caused some trouble."

"I feel as if 'some' is an understatement?" The smile aimed at Akari was teasing.

Akari released a breath. "Well, yeah. I'm not proud of it."

Manami turned serious, realizing Akari wasn't kidding, "So why did you do it?"

"I put my loyalties in the wrong place."

"Past tense?"

"Yeah, that was…" she paused. "In the Human World, that ended a year ago." She lifted her head and gave a small smile to her friend. "Here… I'm not sure how long it would have been. Time on the layers is a tricky thing."

"So Isamu says."

Another pause.

"You were gone." The girl's face became guarded, eyes turned away. "It was brief, but…"

"Yeah. That's when I got out of that mess and into another mess."

"I couldn't track you either. After that, I couldn't find you anymore."

"That's probably because Spirit World wouldn't let you."

"...The Spirit Detective?" When Akari didn't answer, Manami sighed. "You are in cahoots with the Spirit Detective?"

"Well, only on occasion."

Disbelief colored Manami's irises. "Is he your priority?"

This time, Akari's laugh was loud and she tossed her head back. "No, no. Not Yusuke." She gave another laugh. "Don't look at me like that!"

"He's dangerous from what I hear."

"You don't know him," Akari pointed out. "He's nothing but a teddy bear with a mask."

"But he kills demons."

"Well… only those that attacked first without relenting. Self defense."

"...So he isn't a ruthless killer?"

"Where exactly are you getting your information? The underground?"

"Isa."

"So, yes, the underground."

No reply.

"I can assure you, Manami, that I am not going to let my loyalties be to anyone who would do needless harm. Not again."

"...I trust your judgement…" Another pause. "You look good, you know. For not having ears and all that. For dying."

"Technically, I didn't actually die. Just had a close call."

"That's very reassuring." Manami rolled her eyes.

"I appreciate the compliments, Manami." Akari reached out and grabbed the girl's sleeve of her robes, tugging her in one direction. "Let's go this way, hm?"

"What for?"

"I want to visit that old cave."

"You mean the one that we used to hide in when we got into trouble?"

Akari grinned. "That's the one."

"It's party central now. It's used for stories and bonfires and general celebrations"

"Even better." *

~!**!~

"You're welcome." Shikiyoku murmured, reaching with her free hand to grab for more of the food, silently turning her eyes to watch the television screen as it flashed pictures she did not care to make any sense of, instead only looking in that direction and quite enjoying the general atmosphere: the murmurings from the kitchen and being here, next to Hiei.

She found herself without exactly meaning to, looking over at him, watching him, a small smile on her face. 3

Hiei silently moved to pluck something else from the plate, calmly lifting it to his lips and pausing just shy of dropping it in his waiting mouth. After the moment of pause, he resumed what he was doing, not opening his eyes to look over at Shikiyoku, no matter how tempted he was to do so.

"Something amuse you?"

~!**!~

Akari and Manami stepped into the small cave, eyes adjusting to the abrupt darkness that was only deterred by a small campfire that a ring of demons sat around, laughing and talking in low tones. The pair slid silently into the circle, Manami sitting on the ground and Akari on a rather large boulder beside her.

"And the rat- get this- tried to strike a deal!" The demons in the circle laughed at whatever story was being told. "Needless to say, we get to learn if he grows another tail!"

Akari lifted a knee, propping that foot against the side of the boulder so she could rest her elbow on her kneecap, arm hanging lazily over it. She only looked up from her closed hand when a demon next to her nudged at her.

"Hey Hanase, you going to join the crew again?"

Akari's lips twitched. "You mean the tradesmen?"

"Obviously. You pulled your weight enough! We still don't know how you sweet talked that snake on the second level so long ago!"

"Sweet talk has nothing to do with it." Her grin was wicked at the recollection.

"No, but I bet you could master it just as well. How about it? We need to pay him a visit tomorrow."

"Why isn't Isamu taking care of it?"

"He has other things on another layer tomorrow."

Akari sighed and turned her eyes down to the rose in her hand. "I have a feeling you're not going to let me out of it."

A few chuckles from the listening demons. "You're right! And while you're at it, we should visit the wolves on the fourth tomorrow! They've got something of ours."

"I bet it helps having someone who can move through shadows, huh?"

"You've finally mastered it?"

Akari's grin widened and she looked up at the group. "Of course. I didn't sit around and twiddle my thumbs for a decade."

"Who knew you'd left to better yourself!"

Akari made a small sound. "Sure, let's go with that one." *

~!**!~

"Maybe." She replied, still looking at him for a moment longer before settling back into the couch, pulling her legs to curl up behind her and reaching for more food. "Though I don't know if amused is the right word for it." 3

"Hn." Hiei lowered his feet from her coffee table, letting them rest on the floor and sending the oddest sensation up his left leg that he could only describe as white noise. He leaned back further into the couch, ignoring the sensation as he rested an elbow on the armrest, propping his chin on the knuckles of his hand lazily.

~!**!~

"Now you're just messin' with us!"

Akari's lips turned upwards just a little at the edges. "Me?"

"Manami, make her stop!"

"I have no control over another."

"I thought I was just joining a calm conversation." Akari piped, tone even. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

"You joined up with a human? And we're supposed to believe that?"

"Well, I mean, you might have approved at the time. He was rather cunning. Charming." Her lips pulled up even more, her irises sparking to life. "Stronger than the entire pack combined."

"Now she's admitting to being power hungry! Complete and utter Alpha blood shining through!"

"As if a human could do all that."

"You're forgetting about the Detective of Spirit World." Akari piped. "If he can become bedtime stories, why can't another?"

Silence.

"You know, I don't think I get the joke."

Manami gave a laugh from beside Akari. "That's what I said!"

"Where's the human? I want to see this for myself!"

"Dead," Akari replied calmly, raised brows.

"Killed the master, did you?"

"Nope. I didn't have to."

"You should know Akari has never had to do the killing," the demon across from her spoke, eyeing her warily. "She's always found ways to have another do it for her."

"One of my many talents, I must say."

"So, technically, she's innocent," Manami spoke, head high and smile wide.

"Now, that is a lie." Akari pointed out. "I've killed just like any other demon."

Manami pouted at her, lip jutting out. "I haven't."

"There's a reason you were named Manami," Akari pointed out. "Very much signifies who you are."

"So, the deal maker has tossed away her normal guidelines and a few lives! What a change!"

Akari turned to the one who'd spoken, whose name she couldn't remember. Her lips spread into a wide, mischievous grin. "What guidelines? I don't recall having any of those."

"Right, it was just a personal preference!"

"Keeping her own hands clean, I suppose." *

~!**!~

Shikiyoku quietly nibbled at more of the food on the plate, knowing the instant a pair of arms appeared on either side of her that she had been apparently entirely too content at the moment.

One of the hands hung down the front of her, the other reaching for her plate which she held out further away to prevent it.

"Nn, come on, seductress. Why won't you share?" Youko put his head on her left shoulder, on the side away from Hiei, the arm not reaching for the plate moving up to cross over her collarbone in a sort of hug that ended with his hand resting on her opposite shoulder. He was pouting gloriously at her, even as he reached again.

"I don't share, Yo-chan. You know this." She butted the side of her face into his.

"I do." He purred into her ear, taking the top of it in his teeth and getting no reaction from her as she only reached for more food herself and put it in her mouth. "I think that's why we worked so well together. We're much too selfish to share."

"I remember several demons left disappointed because of that."

"Hm." 3

Hiei's eyes slid over to stare blankly at Youko for a mere moment before he turned them forward again, his eyelids coming closed once more. He remained where he was, only moving to pick something from the plate again, expression giving way none of the smugness he felt at the thought of it.

Because she seemed to only share with him.

Perfect.

~!**!~

"How about those illusions of yours? Anything new?"

Akari raised a brow. "I don't exactly remember what they were like before, Seiji. I don't keep track of it much anymore."

"Can you affect an entire room now?"

Akari's brows settled into place again, watching as the eyes of the demon a few feet away glossed over, along with the others in the room. She herself didn't let her mind become consumed with her own made up vision, only watching as expressions lit up with wonder and cheer.

"What is this?"

A few huffed at her, rubbing their hands together as if cold. "Snow."

Manami released a breath. "It's wonderful."

"We don't see this on this layer…"

Akari shook her head, then remembered they could not see her do so. "No, you don't. This layer is too warm for it. Like a constant Summer."

"Okay, I've had enough," another piped, hands rubbing at his face. "I can't feel my nose."

Akari laughed, her energy dissolving around the cave and leaving many pairs of eyes on her.

"So, now you can make them feel the sensations in the illusions too. And even smell it." Seiji turned his head at her curiously. "What about pain?"

"Would you like to find out?"

"...I suppose not."

Akari grinned. "Smart. Maybe you'll see it on the snake."

"I bet he's got a trick or two ready for us, but I'm more than willing to bet my life that he isn't expecting to see you again."

"He's a snake. I'm sure he's been keeping tabs on his targets."

"Akari," Manami mumbled under her breath, earning the hazel eyes of said female, "Isa's back. Looking for you."

Akari rolled her eyes. "He'll find us eventually. Thank you for the forewarning, however."

There was silence in the cave for a moment, and when Akari realized the air had become thick, she turned to look at each demon in turn. She raised a brow.

"A lot's changed since you left, Hanase." the demon across from her spoke, using the same even tone as before. "I'd pay attention."

Akari narrowed her eyes for a moment. "What's your name?"

"That… is not important right now. You have an Alpha to run to."

"He doesn't like it when we gather here," Manami mumbled. "He calls it 'slacking off'."

Akari huffed. "Fine, I'll handle him. Don't bury your heads in the sand in the meantime."

She earned several confused stares as she turned to leave.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think it's a first layer thing." *

~!**!~

Youko had started to murmur something else on a lower register into Shikiyoku's ear, getting her eyes cutting in his direction as the plate started to lower, an impish smile on her lips.

She may not have noticed Hiei deliberately removing more food, but it did not happen without Youko seeing, his own mouth curving into a wicked smile.

So, she shares with you, mm?

His arm around her shoulders shifted slightly.

Amusing little gesture, kid. But that is not what we were referring to. 3

Hiei's eyelids stayed closed even as he felt the air of amusement from the fox, who seemed unphased. Not that the fire demon had expected much of anything. He repeated the gesture, this time not because Youko was nearby, but because he actually was hungry.

He resumed ignoring the other in the room.

~!**!~

Akari stepped into the village, smoothing her hands along her shirt after breaking from the trees, her eyes looking up to see Isamu moving her way. "You called?" she stood upright again and crossed her arms over her chest. "Manami has gotten more skilled with that kind of thing."

"She's grown a lot. Just like you."

"What do you want?"

"Always the keen one."

"You never give compliments without something to follow."

Isamu chuckled. "We're visiting the seventh layer again. Hiyori will be joi-"

"No."

"-ning us."

She gave him a withering look. "I will not be held responsible for her. If something were to happen and we got back, you know-"

"Akari. There's a reason she's coming with us. And a reason I'm requesting you to come along."

"Not if she comes along."

"Riki has already agreed."

"On what terms?"

Isamu's lips twitched into a lopsided grin this time. "No terms."

"No. She's not my responsibility."

"She won't be. Think of it as you're taking the lead, and I'll watch over her."

"...Why the seventh layer?"

"She needs experience."

"Can she even use shadows or illusions?"

"Of course not. She needs to learn the way of striking deals the way you do it."

Akari barked out a laugh. "I will not be teaching a child ways to put herself in danger."

"Is that what you do?"

"Find me when you have something better in mind." Akari turned to leave, not catching the withering glare sent to her back. *

~!**!~

"You left a mess in the kitchen, didn't you, Taka?"

The bird came up next to Youko, arms crossed, with a lithe black cat laying across his shoulders.

He only sent a grin down to Shikiyoku, "I'll clean it. But the party moved in here."

"There is no party." She responded, slightly irked.

"Looks like a party to me." He swung himself over the back of the couch and sat down next to her, Kitoushi climbing off and stepping lightly down to where the small dog had curled up for sleep, giving a yawn himself and curling up next to Nabu.

Youko stared at him for a moment.

"Something on my face, fox?" Taka asked mildly, not bothering to look away from the TV.

"There could be here in a minute."

"Take it outside." Kitoushi said into the air, "Or shut up."

"Mm." Youko smirked, turning back to Shikiyoku and putting his lips up to her ear again. "You want to take it outside?"

"That depends on what you're giving me." 3

~!**!~

Akari lay out under a tree, night having fallen faster than she'd really thought it would. She lay on her side, an arm under her head and her other hand resting on the grass.

Nothing like the sixth layer. Nothing like the meadow.

Her eyes watched the waving ferns a few feet away, the same breeze that moved the plants making her hair fall into her face. She swept it to the side in irritation, only momentarily unaware of the demon who had approached and sat behind her.

"So what made you come back?"

"Isamu."

"I figured. Did he persuade you, or did you just come along?"

Akari gave a sigh. "Persuasion, I suppose." Her eyelids fell shut.

"That's interesting to know."

"Not surprising?"

"No."

Silence fell over the pair, and Akari became aware of the sound of a sharp object on wood. Carving a spear, she knew. Manami's favorite pastime was wood-work, and often made weapons for the hunters. The warriors. She could see the work without having to actually look. "How long will you be here?"

"Equivalent to three days on the first layer." Akari replied calmly.

"Which means…?"

"A little under a week here."

"Just… don't leave without telling me."

Akari's eyelids slid open and she looked over her shoulder, blinking at Manami. "What?"

"I said 'don't leave without telling me'."

The smallest of smile stretched Akari's lips. "Sure." You sound like him. Both of you worry too much.

"That's not very convincing." Manami glanced up from her work and over at Akari for a moment before turning back to her spear again.

"I promise, Manami." Akari settled her cheek on her arm again, eyes staring blankly ahead. "You know, you haven't changed at all."

Manami didn't respond, only carving away at what she'd been working on. Another stroke of the knife, another puff of air to clear the spot, another stroke.

"Why do they gather in the cave, Manami?"

"Because they can."

Akari made a disapproving sound. "You know what I mean."

"...Because Isamu can't get in. Can't hear what's being said."

"Why is it necessary?"

"Because there's rumor of a coming union. Our pack merging with another. And the hunters, the warriors, and a few others don't like it. When Isamu found out they thought it a bad idea, he threw a fit. Said it was the Alpha's decision and that it would benefit us all."

"...and?"

There was a pause, even the breeze halting for a brief moment in time. "I believe he's lying."

Akari sighed. "That's how it goes, Manami."

"It's not how it's supposed to be. He's supposed to consult the pack first, ask for a consensus. Like Riki and the Alpha before him."

"Why did my father give up the title?"

"He's tired, I guess. He's been Alpha for as long as I can remember. That kind of thing is… exhausting." Another pause as the girl inspected her work. "Which is why you didn't want it."

"Yes." Akari sighed.

"Which is why I didn't push you about it. You're smart, you know what is best even if you don't want to admit it."

"Manami, I was only looking out for myself."

"Every time you say that, I begin to think that you're trying to convince yourself of that, not me."

Akari huffed.

"Do yourself a favor. Look into it. Watch the pack, and pay attention to the way they act. It will reveal a lot about the Alpha."

"When did you become the one who looked for conspiracies?"

"...when it took the compassion from the pack."

Akari made a small sound. "Go with me and Isa through the layers tomorrow."

Manami's hand stilled. "What?"

"He's bringing Hiyori. I can't watch both of them on my own."

"Akari, that's not my thing."

"I'm not asking for a fighter. I'm asking for someone to be my eyes. Someone to watch my back. That's all."

"I…"

"I can handle the rest."

"...I'll think about it."

The sound of the knife cutting into wood resumed, that being the only sound in the area for the longest time. *

~!**!~

"Well, I could give it to you right here-"

"-then there's no need to take it outside now is there?"

"-and I suppose I do have to get it inside first anyway-"

"-in front of the children?"

"No, you're right, I don't like an audience."

Taka let out a groan, though it appeared Kitoushi had already fallen asleep.

"Do you two ever shut up?"

They both looked over at him in one accord, unblinking, and then turned back to one another, picking up right where they left off.

"It requires one to share-"

"-which we've already established-"

"-neither of us are willing to do."

"I thought I would at least suggest it."

"You know how we both feel on the matter."

"I wanted to make sure we were still on the same page."

Again, they stopped and turned to the television, Youko's tail swishing once behind him.

Taka had his fingers up to the bridge of his nose and was rubbing there, elbow resting on the arm of the couch.

"Were they always like this?" He leaned over and looked at Kit, who opened one eye.

"I wouldn't know. They never met until after I was out of the picture." 3

~!**!~

Akari had just been falling asleep when a sound caught her attention and she opened her eyes. Sleepily, her eyelids slid closed again, unregistering the demon nearby. She was almost asleep again when something touched her nose, at which point her eyelids flew open and she snarled, reaching out and slamming her hand into Isamu's nose.

The male made a grunt and leaned further away, hand covering his nose. "Where'd you learn that?"

Akari growled and sat up. "You should know better than to sneak up on a dog. We get defensive."

"You looked right at me!"

Akari shifted and stood, looking over at the girl who had fallen asleep with a spear in one hand and knife in the other, leaning against the tree and head bowed. She turned to Isamu again. "Do that again and I won't refrain from breaking that nose. Or the finger that touched me."

"I get it, I get it."

"Akari, you're being loud," came Manami's voice, nothing more than a mumble.

She glared at Isamu, her voice lowering to a whisper. "Don't you have something to do?"

"Well, I was checking to make sure you hadn't run off."

"Now that you've checked, get a move on. I'm not going anywhere today."

"Isa, leave her alone. She's been busy. Let her sleep."

"Manami is even against me!" Isamu's expression shifted to one of mock hurt, his hand moving from his nose to his chest. "Woe be my soul!"

"Isaaa…." Manami shifted, her brown eyes suddenly locked on the male. "If she's going to make deals tomorrow, she will need her brain. Meaning rest."

"Right, right. I'm leaving."

Akari watched the demon disappear into a shadow before lowering herself to the grass again, this time lounging with her shoulder blades against the bark of the tree, her head rested back. "Sorry to wake you."

"I was awake before he even thought about appearing here. So don't worry about it." Her eyelids slid shut again. "I'll go with you in the morning. You need the extra eyes."

"Thanks."

"..Akari?"

The copperheaded female looked over at the other, "Hm?"

"I really missed you…"

"...I missed you too, Manami." *

~!**!~

Taka had made some excuse or another and left the house, leaving Youko to take his place beside Shikiyoku.

She made especially sure to counter any physical advances the fox made on her, most of them subtle and ones she remembered from days gone by. It was almost as if he was intentionally attempting to jog her memory, and she especially felt this to be the case on one such attempt where she gave him a little glare, earning a sly grin back and seeing his eyes flashing at her.

Eventually the fox desisted, though it was in part attributed to the fact that he fell into a mostly asleep state where he leaned into his hand with his elbow propped up against the arm of the couch.

When Shikiyoku silently stood up and started to step over his legs towards the stairs, his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, his eyes coming open to half-mast, glittering yellow at her.

She only gave him a withering stare.

"You owe me." He mumbled after a tense moment, his fingers sliding away from her wrist as his eyes closed again and she went past him, heading up the stairs.

The door to her bedroom had gotten closed earlier that day when she went downstairs with Taka, and she opened it now, stepping inside and moving over to collapse on the bed without bothering to shut it.

She turned over onto her side to stare at the wall for a moment, back facing the door, and her own eyes started to shut, though not in sleep, for her mind whirred endlessly with the events of the day. 3

Hiei had, somehow, become the main possessor of the plate, which he occasionally still ate from as he ignored the people in the room, eyes closed and mind blank. He wasn't tired; he hadn't done a single thing all day. And, even if he was tired, he wasn't comfortable enough for sleep.

He slowly stood, suddenly tired of holding the plate, and moved off to the kitchen, sliding it lazily into the refrigerator, as there was still a little left. He stuck his index finger in his mouth to rid it of the leftover food residue, and proceeded to turn and silently move for the stairs.

She'd either allow him in, or he'd take over another room. Whatever worked.

Either way, he wasn't comfortable on the couch, where he couldn't stretch out as he so desired.

~!**!~

"Seriously, Isamu?"

"I said you, not you and Manami." he hissed back at her. "She's not a fighter, so if something happens, she-"

"Will be in my care. Shut up, get over it. Stop whining." She glared at him from the corners of her eyes. "We're already here anyway."

"Speaking of," Manami piped, suddenly stepping up with Hiyori at her side, who had been silent up to this point, "Where is the person we're meeting?"

Akari looked around the small tavern, crossing one leg over the other as she swiveled her stool around to face the rest of the building. "Not here yet." she deduced, leaning her back into the bar. "He likes being late. Or, did when I was around."

"That's kind of disrespectful, isn't it?"

"Well, when you have something to offer, the person waiting doesn't have much a choice." Akari pointed out, glancing at the girl who stood to her left. "Business. If you aren't patient enough to wait for it, then you don't necessarily need it."

"Right, but still."

Akari smiled. "You have too much faith in people for a demon."

"So I've been told."

"Akari," the small child suddenly spoke, unwavering stare locked on her. "What's the point in this?"

"Ask Isamu. You're here because he wants you to be. I don't matter, remember?"

The girl huffed.

"Why is she asking me, Isamu?"

"Because you're still older than she is. Still the actual 'heir'. She is showing you respect."

Akari looked down at the girl, who merely stared. Then she looked up at Isamu. "Sure. Whatever you say."

"Aka."

Akari turned to face the entrance of the tavern, eyes alighting on a tall, slender demon who immediately locked eyes with her, his thin lips stretching into a sneer. "It'sss my favorite dog." He hissed, eyes gleaming with mischief. "What a pleassssure."

Akari huffed, noting that the other three had moved away, their energies disappearing as they dropped through one of Isamu's shadows. "I'm sorry, I forget. What's your name again?"

"Cute."

"I know." Akari's smile was just as mischievous as the sneer she received. "Tell me, what is it you have for me today?"

"That dependsss on what you have for me."

"Save the game. I'll offer what I can for what you have, and you know that."

"Sssuch impatience."

The demon sat two seats away from her, one arm leaning on the bar, still facing her as she turned to meet him eye to eye. "So, what is it I can do for you?"

"I find myssself in need of sssome… sssuppliess.."

Akari's brows raised. "This is new, you asking me. What kind of supplies?"

"Weaponsss."

"Fighting a war, are we?"

"Indeed…" His eyes glittered, pupils narrowing into smaller slits. "Againssst the neighboring Rumba."

Akari sat back. "And you believe we can supply you of something better than simple venom?"

"Indeed."

"No medicines?"

"I have already found my fill of such."

She let a breath move through her nostrils. "And what, if I may ask so early, do you have to offer me?" *

~!**!~

There was no way she could put up with this for much longer. She remembered the old days when she would find herself constantly around others, basking in the glory of the ballroom splendor and the admiration of many. It seemed then that she thrived in the presence of others, wished to be around them, to interact with them.

Sure she enjoyed the moments alone with Kitoushi, but she felt the most rejuvenated while around the demons of the City and she recalled becoming agitated when left alone for too long.

She felt almost the opposite now. One on one with any of them was perfectly fine-though upon reflection she might eventually come to want time alone as well. But all four of them at once today?

Uuuugh.

Part of the groan sneaked out of her lips at recalling it. She felt wiped out, as if they had been sucking life energy from her body. Or any energy.

Too much. All at once they were way too much. 3

Hiei moved up the stairs, pausing at the open door when he heard the groan, easily guessing what the female inside was thinking. He hesitated only a moment longer before stepping inside, shutting the door and locking it, but not moving closer.

Unsure, as he found it hard to read her when he couldn't see her expression, he decided to ask instead of assuming. "Do you wish to be alone?"

~!**!~

"What is it you need, missss?" the snake retorted, staring at her meaningfully. "I have no limitsss. All you need is asssssk, and it will be yoursss."

Akari raised both brows, taking a moment to think. Weapons for… anything? Anything at all? Several thoughts passed before her mind's eye, and she leaned her chin into her hand, watching the snake demon. "Anything?"

"You need only ask, missss."

Information.

She stared at the snake, giving a very meaningful stare. "Will you deliver as soon as I ask of it?"

"Of coursssse."

"Fine. I will get you…"

"Sssspearsss and arrowssss. Hundred of them."

"I will get you a hundred spears and arrows." His eyes widened. "However, what I need… will wait until our next meeting." He blinked again. "It is a time-sensitive matter, and must be perfectly timed."

"Of courssse."

"Should you fail to deliver, just know… I will hunt you down." The stare Akari gave was even and held a severity that she hadn't ever used on this demon before. "Understand?"

He nodded.

"Good. I will meet you in two days. This spot."

"What of my end?"

"It will be passed along." She moved from her seat to stand. "Until then, wait for my instruction." She dropped into a shadow, stopping in the darkened realm to stare at Isamu, lips pulling up. "Done. Manami and I, along with a warrior or two, will be busy today and tomorrow. So, let's get the next over with."

"Actually, he's cancelled." Manami informed. "So we can return now and get started."

"What did he offer?"

"He needs weapons. So I made a deal."

"Sounds fine to me. Let's get back." *

~!**!~

She already knew the answer, but she did lift her head up to look back at him over her shoulder, as if to reassure herself that it was him and him alone before laying it back down on the pillow.

"Not if you're offering to keep my company." 3

Hiei watched Shikiyoku calmly as she looked back at him, then settled again into the mattress and pillow. He waited a moment after she spoke before he moved forward silently, stopping at the edge of the bed and standing there for a moment longer.

"of course."

He glanced at the space between her and the wall, before deciding he'd give her some room, as the fox had just been practically hanging all over her. He retrieved the chair from near the desk and brought it close, sitting perpendicular to the edge of the bed and bringing his feet up to prop up on the mattress as he got comfortable.

"You're tense. I could remedy that."

~!**!~

Akari and Manami, accompanied by two other 'crafters', sat in the cave, knives sliding along wood and the shavings falling to the ground. The two men both leaned forward simultaneously, setting down their newly-carved spears and knives before standing. "We will resume patrol for an hour, then return. Have to keep the Alpha happy."

"Mmmkay," Akari and Manami replied at the same time, not looking up from their individual work.

A few minutes ticked by.

"What are we getting for this work?"

Akari wrapped some string around the tip of the arrow, securing the sharp rock in place easily. "Information."

"Information?"

"M-hm."

"On what?"

Akari didn't reply.

"You… asked for information on Isa?" Manami asked, her knife paused over her work and eyes turning up to stare at Akari.

"Naturally."

There was silence. "Anything yet?" She went back to her work.

"No. But I figured getting information about someone nearby from someone who deals with him away from the place he has power over... "

"It's smart. Isa has no reason to have a facade with simple trade partners."

"Tell me," Akari suddenly said, looking up from her inspection of the arrow. "Who does Isamu trade with on the seventh layer?"

Manami paused, knife poised at the tip of the in-progress spear. "There's a clan on that layer, I know, who often helps us with our valuables. Trading goods for other goods. Nothing too major. Why?"

"...Just curious." Akari flipped the arrow over in her hand and began working on the back end, creating notches for the feathers.

"Aka."

"I'm just trying to figure out why he'd kill someone on that layer. Because I know he does everything for a reason."

"Then, my question to you is: why was he adamant to bring you back here?"

Not even a hesitation. "I don't know."

Both girls sighed.

"But, I do know that I don't like it, whatever it is."

Manami resumed her work, knife sliding along the bark of the small twig. "...will you tell me, when information comes?"

"Naturally."

"How will you be receiving it?"

"The normal way. Shadow messengers."

"What if it's something you don't like?"

"Then… I'll handle it, I suppose."

"...You sure you aren't an Alpha?"

Akari made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a huff. "Shut up."

"I'm not joking this time, Aka. You're acting like an upcoming candidate for Alpha. A good one, might I say."

"Manami, I'm not staying."

"So you've said."

Akari sighed. "I'm just…"

"You're worried. I know." Manami set down her finished spear and grabbed another stick, setting to work on it.

Akari set down her own finished arrow and stretched her arms over her head. "So, I see your hair is still short. No one of interest yet?"

Manami laughed. "You know me. Ever the difficult one."

"Who needs 'em anyway?" *

~!**!~

You're too far away, flame-boy.

Her first instinct fell away when he spoke up next, and though her eyes had closed once more, she found it strange how sly the smile on her lips became, thankful he could not see it. And thankful that none of the others could see it either. Heaven knows they would take it the wrong way...or, rather, the way she meant it.

...and some part of her wanted Hiei to take it that way, but she beat that part away as she formed her response to him.

"Is that another offer?" 3

Hiei made a sound into the quiet room as he considered her for a moment, eyes boring into the back of her head as he thought. He took her answer as means of agreement, or.. consent. He moved his feet off the bed and stood again, sliding the chair away and deciding he'd get over it, as would she.

He reached out and pulled her a little closer to the edge of the bed, then promptly stepped over her and took the space between her and the wall, laying on his side so his back touched the wall, leaving very little space between them.

"Obviously, woman."

~!**!~

A few more hours had passed, and Akari sat back against the boulder, looking at her splintered and tired fingers, the others still working away diligently. "I forgot how much effort went into this stuff."

"That's because you had no reason to use this until now, right?" one of the crafters spoke, glancing up at her. "You're almost forgotten how to hold the blade correctly as well. It's a wonder you didn't cut yourself in the process of making that last spear."

Akari huffed. "No one asked you, furball."

He chuckled at her and turned down to his own spear again, inspecting the sharpened tip. "Quite the mouth you have there."

"I utilize my resources proudly."

Whatever had been said back to her, she didn't hear. A small shadow, in the shape of a mouse skittered from the other side of the boulder and up her arm, resting on her shoulder to relay the message it had gathered. Her eyes turned to stare at it, her mind taking in everything it even so much as uttered with apt attention.

Some of it made no sense to her, as it held words or actions she knew no meaning of. The rest, however, had her frowning.

She whispered something in a very low tone to it before the shadow dissipated, leaving her with eyes closed and thoughts a whirlwind.

"Akari?"

"Hm?"

"I offered," came the voice of the second male, "to bring along a snack. Are you interested?"

Akari's eyes lifted to see the two men standing, staring at her in curiosity. "I'm fine, thank you."

"As you wish." The pair turned and made their leave, tails swishing in amusement as they continued small talk.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Manami spoke. "What did it have to say?"

"Nothing… good, I'm afraid."

"Am I… allowed to know?"

"It wouldn't be wise." Akari carefully kept her eyes on her hands as she picked splinters. "For your safety."

"I trust your judgement, Aka. I won't push you about it. Just.. don't do anything stupid."

"No promises, Manami." *

~!**!~

When he didn't answer at first, Shikiyoku couldn't help but find her curiosity piqued, though he did actually move-had he put his feet on the bed?-and she frowned when he started to pull her away from the wall and then suddenly stopped, her eyes coming open.

The bed gave way to more weight and by the time Shikiyoku decided she would look, she could see Hiei's dark form pass over her and, without ceremony, fit himself in the space between her and the wall. Which hadn't been all that much space to begin with.

When he ended up that close, Shikiyoku slammed her eyes shut again while he settled down as her core had taken to faltering-in the good way-and tried to send a shimmer into her eyes.

She wrestled with it for just a moment before getting it under control and opening her eyes to look at him, one eyebrow raising.

"Have anything else in mind?" 3

"Naturally." Hiei replied without pause, though for the moment, he didn't act on anything. He sifted through thoughts, through memories, picking and choosing, trying to decide what was best.

And then his lips twitched in amusement.

The image he sent was of outfits that had been laid out on an extravagant bed, atrocious and in every single way irritating. Outfits he promptly set aflame in disgust before looking through the large closet that had been nearby.

"I never did burn everything in sight. Apologies for the slight upon your person." *

Even as she kept her thoughts free of any predisposed guesses as to what exactly this fire demon could be up to, things would flicker across her awareness and she was unable to entirely keep herself from doing so.

That being said, she found herself surprised and, in truth, delighted with the 'else' Hiei had in mind.

If there had been no one in the house besides them, her laughter would have filled the room. As it was, when she caught the memory from him, she pulled her lips into her mouth and her hand flew up to cover them, eyes closing as she stifled herself, midsection shaking with the barely contained humor.

She cleared her throat and looked him in the eyes again, all semblances of humor gone-except for the fact that her lips kept twitching around.

"You should be sorry. I can't believe you. Not burning everything. Hmph." She lifted her chin a little with a sophisticated air. "Maybe I shouldn't forgive you." 3

"I mean, I could leave if you wish." Hiei stared at Shikiyoku with a calm mask that easily hid his own amusement, his eyes seeing the twitching of her lips. "But then you'd have to be creative in finding me, should you decide you actually enjoyed my company after casting me away." He paused. "Or you could forgive me and I won't move an inch." *

"And why on earth should you leaving and me not forgiving you have anything at all to do with one another? Who decided that?" 3

"Why would one remain around someone incapable of forgiveness?" Here, his lips twitched just slightly. *

"Incapable?" Shikiyoku echoed incredulously, "Do you even know me?" 3

"A little, I like to think." He gave a pause. "Perhaps it isn't that you're incapable… just… refusing to do so." His tone had become thoughtful, his eyes taking on that gleam to reflect his words. *

Shikiyoku let out a dramatic sigh, eyes flickering upwards as if in thought, "Well...I don't want you to leave, certainly. That would be a pity."

She leveled her gaze back to him, "I can see not forgiving you being a grave mistake. But. Next time I ask you to burn things, you really should take better care in remembering the request, flame-boy." 3

"My defense, you were top priority. And Uryo wasn't exactly patient."

Hiei began sifting through other memories, suddenly thinking of another and pulling it forward.

He sat with Shikiyoku between his knees, leaning against him and an arm around her waist, a single leg being directed to the water. She'd fought him a little, to which he'd responded to by jumping in the water himself.

I loathe water…

And holding his arms out for her.

~!**!~

"It's a pleasssssure doing busssinessssss, as alwayssss." The snake demon gathered the last of the spears and arrows on the table, flanked by a few of his own troops, and stuck his free hand out to shake. Akari obliged, smiling a small smile.

"As always, if you need anything, the pack will always be around."

Manami stepped forward to shake as well, nodding once to the snake before the male took his leave. The two girls stayed where they were for a while, side by side in the center of the empty pub. Silence remained for a long while before the pair shifted and moved in sync towards the bar, taking their seats on the stools and turning to face the bartender that had been dutifully wiping down his bar.

"How about the usual," Manami said to the male with a kind smile. "She'll have water."

Akari smiled at Manami. "You know me too well."

The girls sat there for a while, staring at the wall as if it held some sort of significance.

"You go home soon, don't you?" Manami suddenly asked, turning to look at Akari with an ear swiveling back and tail tucked against her thighs. "To the first layer?"

AKari sighed. "Yeah."

"To get back to your Priority."

Akari's smile widened a little at the thought, her hand snaking out to grab the glass that was set in front of her. Oh how she wanted to get back, lay in the sun with Nabu and spend a day with Kurama. I miss them already.

"I'm glad you're happy, Aka. You weren't ever really happy here. Not like this, anyway."

"Maybe you can come visit some day, Manami, when things slow down."

"Or, you know, you could bring that priority of yours with you. I want to know who can bring that smile to your face." The dark haired girl turned in her stool to face Akari, glass to her lips and a smile spreading on her features. A sip, and she lowered the glass to look at the redhead over the rim of the glass. "You look less of a kid than you are when you smile like that, and more like a goofy, happy pup."

Akari let out a breath of amusement, her smile widening as she turned to look at Manami. "I'll remember that. I think you'd like them."

"They must be good friends to have your loyalty."

Akari turned forward again, raising her glass a little higher, but pausing. "As close to me as you are."

"Well then, I look forward to meeting them." *

Shikiyoku's eyes took on that far-away look they adopted when seeing something being shown to her mind, any other response she had for him falling to the way-side.

"I remember it feeling a lot more like you were shoving me in the water, sink-or-swim, than that." Shikiyoku reflected, vision focusing back in on Hiei's face with a small smile.

And with an injured arm and a useless leg, the chances of the 'swim' choice being a valid one were slim. 3

Hiei's lips twitched. "I might have changed that before showing you." He paused, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "I'm the fire-prince, and I have a reputation to uphold as such." *

She narrowed her eyes playfully at him, "You want a reputation for being lame? Because altering memories is lame, flame-boy." 3

"I admit it was for personal amusement." He didn't rebut the statement, instead deciding it made him even more amused. *

Shikiyoku blinked at him, unanswering.

"I'm torn." 3

"Odd. I see a whole person laying right in front of me." *

"See, this is why you're a boy and not a prince." She stuck her tongue out at him. 3

"Wish to lose that tongue? It would easily be detached. I wouldn't even need my sword." *

Shikiyoku opened her mouth as if to answer him aloud before closing it again, giving him an unreadable look.

Only to you.

He'd been half-asleep the last time she gave him that response. She doubted he even remembered asking her the question.

"Should I even ask exactly how that would be possible?" 3

Hiei scoffed and let his eyelids close. He considered her question for a moment before his lips twitched. "Likely not." *

She looked at him a moment longer, and did the only thing she could really think of, which was stick her tongue out at him again while he wasn't looking. 3

"Just because I can't see it, that doesn't mean I can't hear it." *

"And this is the part where I ask you what you're gonna do about it." There was no mistaking her tone. 3

Hiei waited a single beat before reacting.

The same instant his eyes came open, he reached up and grabbed her tongue between his thumb and index finger, staring at her unblinkingly. *

She appeared unimpressed, "That doesn't seemed to have solved anything." 3

He pulled just a little on her tongue, blinking only once at her. "Demon got your tongue?" *

Shikiyoku felt, uh, thankful for probably the first time she'd bothered to note it that they were still talking telepathically. Otherwise this wouldn't have worked.

Otherwise I probably wouldn't have done it in the first place.

"I see no demon." She replied evenly. 3

Hiei narrowed his eyes at her. And then suddenly, he was quite literally pushing her tongue back into her mouth with his index finger.

"Foolish woman." *

Shikiyoku made no attempt to disguise her 'surprise' at his answer, though it was partially in effort to ignore what he was doing, which for some reason set her already seemingly unstable core sending a flurry of energy skating across her skin.

"And why would that be the case this time, Hiei?" 3

Hiei pulled his hand away and let his eyes close, as if he hadn't just jammed his finger in her mouth, along with her tongue. "I suppose I can leave you to wonder." *

"And what fun is there in that?" 3

"For whom are you asking? Because for you, none. Me… That's another story." *

"No fun for me?" She adopted an almost pitiful expression, "Why not?" 3

"And yet another thing to ponder." *

"Should I stop asking questions? Is that the only answer I'm going to get?" She almost stuck her face in his, but given their close proximity it wouldn't really have had much emphasis. 3

"And another." he repeated, his lips twitching with no small amount of amusement. *

"Tch."

Shikiyoku didn't even bother, having to resist rolling her eyes, and started to turn away from him seeing as how she had so many things upon which to 'ponder.'

Ass. 3

The moment Shikiyoku began to move, Hiei's lips turned down and his eyes came open. He hesitated only a moment.

'That. All of that. The not letting me go without a fight. More of that.'

He reached over and grabbed her arm, halting her movement and pulling her closer. *

If she managed somehow to not freeze in place earlier, the ability escaped her now, leading to her giving in to whatever had possessed Hiei in that moment to reach out for her and bring her closer.

Uh...

"...something wrong?" 3

"Hn." Hiei settled with his arm over her and his eyes closed, his body going still again. *

I'll...take that as a no?

She gave a sigh, though contented or resigned, she wasn't quite sure.

"Hiei...y-you..." Another sigh. "You don't have to do this, you know." 3

Hiei's eyes came open again, giving a blank stare. "Do what?" *

"This..." She replied a bit nebulously, eyes looking to the side and cast down. "Any of this." 3

A single dark brow raised just a fraction, and he studied her expression for a moment.

"And if I want to?" *

Why the hell would you want to?

She was fairly certain that was a disparaging comment aimed at herself.

Shikiyoku took a breath in quietly through her mouth as if she intended to answer.

"Just...don't do it if you don't want to, okay?" 3

Hiei stared at Shikiyoku for a moment, thoughts stirring around and trying to think of something to say. Anything, really. Because it was quite clear she still seemed to think he honestly didn't wish to be there. Or, perhaps, that she thought she was not worth having around.

Likely no matter who it was.

He scowled.

"Just so you know…" He began, but paused as he realized he'd spoken without actually planning anything to actually say. Think. "You're one of the very few people I don't think about strangling to death before I go to sleep." *

That certainly brought Shikiyoku's eyes back up to his face, a slightly perplexed expression coloring her features.

"B-but...but what about burning? Or cutting into pieces?" Her eyes were a little larger than normal, perhaps not on the verge of tears, but piteous nonetheless. 3

"Not even." Hiei let his eyelids slide close again. *

"Well, that's a relief. I'm always been afraid of burning to death." 3

Hiei made the barest of sounds in amusement. He shifted a little bit, unconsciously moving a little closer and pausing when his forehead touched hers. But, he didn't move away. *

Shikiyoku's eyes looked up as if she would be able to actually see where his forehead touched her.

Ever since the blasted fire demon had laid down so close her core had been struggling to set a blaze running along her skin, and she felt a blush start to creep up her neck in response to him initiating this new contact, her energy immediately fizzing down her skin.

She stared at him, trying to not be so tense and failing miserably.

How do you do that?! 3

"You're disrupting the peace." Hiei suddenly piped, though his tone did not indicate the taunting he was issuing. "You're tense again." *

"Yeah...well...wasn't relaxing me supposed to be your job? I'm all tense again. What're ya gonna do about it?" 3

Hiei didn't respond. Instead he began rifling through memory after memory again, searching for something calm and quaint and… relaxing.

Not that he didn't enjoy the reason she had become tense.

Yes, he was very aware that he was the reason.

And for a while, he couldn't think of one. So he settled for one that consisted of a campfire and a clearing, where they had simply stopped during a trek in Demon World so long ago for nothing more than rest. Where the only sounds had been that of the crackling fire and the night creatures moving around them. *

Shikiyoku closed her eyes as the warmth of Hiei's mind overtook hers again, receiving another memory.

It...actually...helped.

Tch.

And she could feel the blush settling down, even if her skin still buzzed merrily.

The remembrance became tinged with her melancholy though, which did more to 'relax' her than anything else at that moment.

...after all, they'd still been bonded then. 3

Thanks for reading! Bless your face. If you sneezed during this chapter, bless you. Peace off! -Star