Ticking Timebomb

by SuperNova90

Morimoto Kasumi is a highly trained, socially challenged martial artist who meets Keiko and Kuwabara at the end of their Sophomore year of high school. Her identical twin sister Hitomi has disappeared and now Kasumi has made it her life's mission to get her back, going as far as joining the Tokyo police force. But who's behind Hitomi's disappearance and what do they want? Hiei/OC

22. Fate is Calling

A/N: So I know I was really mean with where I ended the last chapter *gets on hands and knees* forgive me! I know it's real confusing right now and I promise everything will be explained…eventually. Just hang in there guys. Thanks so much for all the reviews and support! Last month alone my views and hits tripled! I was so happy! Anyway, here is chapter 22, happy reading!

P.S. chapters might be slower these coming months; I'm in the process of moving. Sorry!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho nor am I making any money by writing this.

Warnings: Overuse of profanity, blood/gore, sexual themes, adult themes, violence, etc.

. . .

I got pulled back into strong arms. The piercing scream I had just released getting abruptly cut off in the process. Hiei slapped a hand over my mouth and dragged me backwards into the trees. Further and further he took me until we were back where we had started. Still his hand remained.

He leaned over my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "Keep silent."

How did he expect me to do that? Didn't he fucking realize what I had just seen? This must be some kind of sick joke. I was going to fucking murder Chronos. I didn't care if I would have to take myself out to do it. That was the biggest bunch of bullshit I'd ever laid my eyes on. It was sickening and twisted. There was no way that person was my sister.

As soon as Hiei removed his hand I rounded on him. I grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and leaned up to get in his face. I was wild, crazed – this was fucking insanity.

"Tell me that wasn't real! Tell me!" I shouted at him.

He ripped my hands from his shirt and held them in a vice like grip. He spoke not a single word but his eyes were enough. What I had seen was truth and he knew that. His Jagan eye did not lie and I was positive he'd picked apart the entire scene.

My lower lip twitched and my eyes narrowed. With a cry I tore away from his grasp and got one good punch in. It hit him in the jaw but I was only successful in getting him to turn his head. It did little else.

This incensed my anger further and I punched him again…and again…and again. Each punch hit him in the chest, the gut, or the face. Not a single one made a difference. All I managed to do was tire myself out. It was like smashing my fists into steel. His body was rock hard. I supposed that was why he had let me continue to abuse him. I was so upset…so confused. None of this made sense to me.

Significantly weakened, I fell to my knees before him. He stood over me like a statue, his face impassive and his eyes dark. My face screwed up and I slammed my lids closed. My hands came up to bury themselves into my hair. I grabbed great fistfuls and tugged. No amount of physical pain would take away this agony.

A subtle shift in the air had me stiffening on instinct. I heard Hiei breathe out his version of a gasp. A strangled sound you didn't often get to hear come out of his mouth. It had me removing my hands so I could see what had changed.

"Stand up," she said.

She didn't have to tell me twice. I was on my feet as soon as the first syllable had left her mouth. I whirled around to confront her, to do as I had promised and end her miserable existence. I stopped in my tracks before I could spit a single word.

I had never seen Chronos, not in any form other than a pair of gigantic eyeballs. Now, she stood before me just as I had always imagined she would look.

Her hair hung to the backs of her knees, a pure white in color. She wore white robes draped over one shoulder. It came down to brush the tops of her sandaled feet. A sword made of crystal and without a sheath hung at her hip. She was tall, I'd put her at eight feet, maybe even taller. Her face and body were neither feminine nor masculine, but at a place between the two. Around her form was a soft golden glow, a testament to her power. And then of course there were the eyes. That same fathomless black with their little white specks making them look like the night sky. Her gaze alone had me rooted to the ground, unable to take even a single step forward.

With wide eyes and fear clear as day in my voice I asked, "Why do you look like that?"

She cocked her head to the side, the specks swirling in her eyes, "I look however you wish, give or take a few things."

I eyed the sword and the hair and the eyes…those didn't add up to what I had imagined. Those were purely Chronos. I swallowed hard and let my eyes bore into her. I would not be afraid, not now. I'd lived with her for months…there was nothing to fear. If she were going to hurt me, she would have done so already.

"What you saw was truth," she said, "However; it was not supposed to happen."

"What do you mean?" I asked and then, "You told me Hideki killed my uncle!"

The god pursed her lips, "I only assumed he had and that was what should have happened."

"What?"

"Your uncle was meant to die by Hideki's hand…something your sister saw changed that."

"And what did she see?" asked Hiei. He came to stand at my side, his eyes set in a harsh glare.

I gasped softly. I understood what Chronos was saying, "She was clairvoyant…the visions only got worse after her fifteenth birthday."

"Yes…because that was when she gained the key."

"…She killed my uncle because of the key," I said.

It always came back to that, didn't it? Hitomi must have known something about it, one of her visions having shown her. The only thing I didn't understand is why she had wanted it so bad. She had even been willing to kill a man in cold blood. Never mind the fact that man also happened to be our father's estranged brother. It made no sense for her to do that.

"Let me explain something to you," said Chronos, "You spent too much time involved with yourself."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!" I snapped at her. Though I could recall a time Hiei had said something like that to me as well.

"You did not pay enough attention to her, for being her twin you were truly blind."

"How dare you! You know nothing!" I screamed in outrage.

"I know more than you child," she said, not at all fazed by my outburst.

"What did she see?!" I heard Hiei demand again from behind me.

The god's eyes flicked to him and she cocked her head, "I can't tell you that."

I heard him growl low in his throat but I held up a hand to silence him. Something had dawned on me, something I should have noticed years ago.

"Hitomi was jealous," I said.

Chronos smiled at me, a wicked grin that sent shivers down my spine, "You are not as stupid as you look."

I ignored the insult and continued to speak. With my eyes staring straight ahead I said, "She was jealous…because I was strong and she wasn't."

I had spent so much time during our childhood jealous of her. I had never thought she would feel the same about me. I put two and two together and came up with a damning conclusion. Because she was able to have visions she must have seen something about the key. Instead of waiting for Hideki to track down and kill our uncle she had taken it into her own hands. She had wanted the power the key would give her…the only question was why? Simple jealousy could not be the only reason. Hitomi did not work that way. She would need a better motivator than that.

"Why?" I asked the god.

She understood what I was asking, but only shook her head, "You will have to ask her yourself."

I paused, my mind racing and then asked, "If Hiei wasn't here…would you show me what she saw?"

Chronos contemplated it, tapping a finger against her chin. She hummed to herself, her eyes flicking between Hiei and I.

"No," was her answer.

I glared at her, my rage overflowing into my eyes, "I won't tell him."

"It matters not; it would change things…important things. Too much has changed as it is."

My anger became too much to contain. Unlike out in the real world, I was merely a spirit here. Except the spirit is where reiki came from and my emotions did nothing but fuel it. It started off like smoke, as I had grown used to, the same bright neon pink. Amongst that same wispy like energy was something new. It crackled around me like electricity and made my hair stand on end.

My lips curled into a snarl and my features turned hard as stone. I had become fed up with getting jerked around.

The energy grew until I had a great flickering mass surrounding me. It sparked and struck out at anything that dared come near. Hiei walked around me to stand by Chronos. He looked impressed, like he hadn't expected this at all. I had managed to surprise him, wasn't that just fucking interesting.

Chronos was far from afraid. In fact, I'd say she even looked bored. I launched myself off the ground, using the energy at my feet to shoot into the air. I'd never jumped that high in my life.

I pulled an arm back, my hand balled into a fist. I prepared to hit her with all I had.

Just before I should have made impact she lifted the crystal sword from her waist and held it in front of her. My knuckles struck the hard, flat edge of the blade. If my body was real I would have crushed every bone in my hand.

She swung out the sword in a great arc and I managed to dodge, just barely. I hopped back, my feet skidding across the earth before I could come to a complete stop. Still my energy raged.

"Leave this place and calm yourself, fighting me will do you no good."

I wanted to lunge at her again but with a wave of her hand the world around us began to crumble. It fell away to reveal nothing but darkness. With nowhere to run Hiei and I fell into it. Much like the trip there, we went flying through a great tunnel. More images flashed before my eyes and made my stomach churn.

Beside me, Hiei reached out and placed a hand to my forehead. His Jagan flared to life in a flash of purple, "Wake up."

With a jolt I shot up from my position leaning against my bedroom wall. Hiei was kneeling in front of me. I was surprised to feel his palm still resting against my forehead. If it wasn't there, I would have head-butted him.

I didn't know how to react, out here in the real world, it felt far less real. I could pretend it was a dream and eventually convince myself that it was true. Except just from the look in his eyes, I knew Hiei wasn't going to let me. He threaded his fingers through my fringe and pushed my head back until it pressed against the glass of the window. He did not hurt me, much gentler than I had expected from him. Though he tried to control his features, I could still tell he was somewhat stricken.

This turn of events had surprised him too.

"You didn't know…?" I whispered.

"How could I?" he answered.

"But…the sword, you knew about that."

"It was the only logical explanation," he said.

I couldn't disagree with him anymore. Not after tonight. The fact the picture was taken, along with the oddity of the theft itself, left no other conclusion. Hideki wouldn't bother to break in through a window. He would have just picked the lock or turned into smoke. And what use would he have for a picture? He'd never seen my sword, not once in the time we were together did I show it to him. In fact, I never even let him step foot into my house. I'd only described it to him after a lengthy story about my grandfather's smithy work. I'd wanted to prove how amazing my grandfather had been.

No...he'd only used it that one time to confuse and torture me. He had no idea about its true significance. There was far more to that blade than mere sentimentality.

Hitomi on the other hand...knew just how important that weapon was and why I hated to part with it. It was my grandfather's finest work, I'd be damned if I let it go to waste. When I found the blade and ultimately my sister, I would never let it out of my sight again. I planned to use it to its full potential and if I didn't, I'd make damn sure someone else did.

The man still crouched in front of me came to mind. Similar height, just more muscle mass. The blade was balanced for me…but he shouldn't have too many issues once he got used to its feel.

His fingers twitched against my scalp. I realized he was still listening into my thoughts.

"Well, do you want it?"

His eyes turned shrewd and I saw his jaw tighten. Of course he wanted it. He knew a good weapon when he saw one. I also knew he was interested in its significance. Sorry Hiei, even I knew little about it.

"No, I do not," he replied.

Liar, I thought. I could see it. I could tell by the barely noticeable crease at the corner of his eyes. By the way one corner of his lip had twitched just a bit. I could sniff out a lie from a fucking mile away if I wanted to. Hiei was no exception.

"I'll give it to you…if you help me find it," I said.

He found this suspicious, "Why?"

"It's a small price to pay to find my sister," I answered.

He contemplated his answer for what felt like an eternity. I knew I had to be patient and even then he could say no. It wouldn't be the first time.

He was still doubtful and wary, but after a time he nodded. Not once had I looked away from him – I wanted him to know how serious I was. He would make far better use of the sword than I ever had. It was almost fitting that he should have it.

"Consider it payment for saving my life so many times," I added. The icing on the cake, you could say.

He went to remove his hand from my hair but before he could completely draw it away I grabbed him.

"Let me make one thing clear," I made sure my tone was deadly, "Hitomi is my responsibility."

"Hn," he smirked at me and I let his hand go.

He rose from his crouch and to my surprise he offered me a hand up. I was still drunk. When he tugged a little harder than I had anticipated I ended up tripping over my own feet. I face planted into his chest but was quick to extract myself. Christ, how fucking embarrassing.

I needed to shut down for a while. I needed time to process what I had just seen. A vengeance unlike any I had felt before was burning in my heart. That wasn't my sister, no way in seven hells. Something had happened to her and I would find out what even if it killed me.

I flopped down onto my bed, smashing my face into the pillows. I was far too warm, so I forwent the blankets and just lay on top of them like some kind of slob. My eyes drooped but the presence of Hiei prevented me from trying to get any rest. I could still feel his fucking eyes boring into me.

"You can stay…if you want," I said.

He grunted, I couldn't tell if it was in agreement or because he abhorred the thought. When he settled into the arm chair again I figured he must not have hated the idea.

I slept poorly, tossing and turning all night stuck in one nightmare or another. I was dreading the next morning. Tomorrow I would be alone, with nothing to distract me. Keiko and Kazuma would both be in class. I assumed Yusuke would have to work. Not that it mattered; I would rather keep this turn of events to myself anyway. Though I supposed Hiei would tell them at some point.

Several times I woke up to find that he hadn't moved. His eyes were closed, but I doubted he was sleeping. It irked me for reasons I couldn't explain. It was like he didn't trust me enough to drop his guard.

I rolled over and ignored him. The next time I opened my eyes it was to be greeted with the sky just starting to lighten. I glanced to the corner of my room to find the fire demon gone. He must have slipped out some time during the night. I was almost disappointed. At this point he was the only one I could confide in, the only one who knew anything. I wished he had stuck around…as awkward as it would have been.

I wandered from my room, my eyesight blurry and eyes stuck together. I'd forgotten to take my contacts out. You didn't understand pain until you let your eyes get glued shut after sleeping in them. I needed eye drops stat.

I made my way downstairs. I was about to enter the bathroom when I realized the shower was running. I paused with the door half open…who the fuck was in my shower? Maybe Yusuke hadn't decided to work today.

Just to scare him I threw the door wide open and shouted, "Oi asshole, go use your own shower!"

I pried my eyes further apart and squinted through the steam. Oh shit…that wasn't Yusuke. My heart began to race, you would think from the heated stare I was receiving, but no. It was racing because I'd just gotten an eyeful of naked fire demon. I think my mouth must have hit the floor.

He was fucking perfect. Right down to every goddamn scar that littered his back and legs. I swallowed hard and forced my eyes to wander back up his body to his face.

He was keeping his cool quite well, considering I'd just barged in on him. If he wasn't naked he would have had me pinned to the wall by now and not in the way I was hoping for. As intimidating as he was acting, it did little to faze me. He wasn't the first naked man I had ever seen. Even if his body happened to be…well, just about the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes on.

"Fuck," I said, "Sorry."

I backed out, giving his ass one last appreciative look. I shook my head, I mean damn. The gods must have molded him after one of them. There was no other explanation for that level of attractiveness.

As I shut the door behind me and leaned my back up against it my stunned mind began to clear. What the hell was he even doing here? And why the fuck was he in my shower? I thought he had left. I never thought he'd just be making himself at home. Goddamn, these guys had boundary issues. Between Yusuke, Kazuma, and Hiei I didn't know who was worse. Kurama was the only one that had any decency.

I was about to go put on a pot of coffee but got interrupted when I heard my cell ring. It was in its usual spot by the front door, tossed inside my poppy bowl. I rushed over to it and put it to my ear without even looking at the number on the screen.

"Moshi, moshi?"

"Hey Kasumi, it's Ren."

Shit, he was the last person I wanted to talk to right now.

"I wanted to wish you a late happy birthday," he continued, "Sorry I didn't call yesterday."

"No big deal," I said.

"Can I come over?" Jeez, he didn't beat around the bush did he?

I eyed the bathroom door uncertainly, "Uh, maybe later."

"Are you okay?"

I lied, though it left a sour taste in my mouth, "Just hungover, ya know twentieth and all."

He released a soft laugh, "Alright, get some rest. I'll see you later."

I sighed in relief, "Yeah…thanks."

"But just so you know, I do have something for you, if that helps."

No, it didn't and it wouldn't make me change my mind. If anything, it made me want to see him less.

"You didn't have to do that," I said.

"I wanted to. See you later."

I opened my mouth to say goodbye but he had already hung up. I suppose it was so I couldn't tell him not to come. What a devious bastard. I flipped the phone shut and went to set it down. I nearly jumped out of my skin when Hiei suddenly spoke from behind me.

"Will you go to him?"

I turned around slowly, fully prepared for the glower I was going to receive. After all, Hiei hated Ren. If he had gotten the chance he would have killed him. But, who I chose to spend time with was also none of his damn business. I really wanted to tell him that. If he wasn't standing in front of me with a towel slung low on his hips and droplets of water running down his toned chest anyway. His hair was still sticking straight up and the water didn't last long. Right before my eyes his body heat alone made them evaporate. He'd only worn the towel because of me; he had no actual need for it.

Two pendants around his neck caught my eye. I had seen the ropes before, but not what was on the end of them. Both ended with tiny circular stones. They sparkled in the sunlight just beginning to stream through the windows. Both were a beautiful greenish blue in color. I frowned thoughtfully; I'd never seen gemstones like those before. How peculiar he should be wearing something like that.

Something in his eyes told me not to ask. I had enough self-preservation to heed the warning. Whatever they were it wasn't something he liked to talk about. I could respect that.

I fought back a blush and gulped, "Do you want breakfast?"

I didn't know what changed to cause him to react the way he did. I thought the question had been innocent enough. But I found myself pinned against the wall. Hiei had moved with such speed I'd only just seen the trail he'd left behind. He had shoved me backwards with one hand until my back hit something solid. There he slammed both his palms down on each side of my head. His eyes bored into me, the red overpowering my senses. My jaw tightened and my anger from the previous night came back full force.

I wouldn't be intimidated like this, not by him, not anymore.

"Move," I said. My voice a deadly whisper and tone promising pain.

"You don't have time to be involved with him," he said.

Ah, that was what had pissed him off. I hadn't answered his question about Ren. I didn't understand this group's dislike of him and if I was being honest, I didn't care. Ren was my partner and my friend, the one thing I had outside all this craziness. He'd done nothing but help me, I had no reason not to trust him. So what if he liked to keep certain things to himself? Could you blame him? I kept plenty of shit to myself; the demon in front of me was a prime example of that.

"You have no right to tell me what to do," I said.

His lips curled into a sneer and his eyes narrowed into a glare. I wasn't about to lose to him. I didn't think he understood how much of a disadvantage he had right now.

I held his gaze and was careful to keep any mischief out of my eyes. He had no time to react.

I whipped the towel off his hips in one fluid motion. I had expected him to dart away. What I couldn't have guessed was that Hiei cared little about modesty. My actions only forced a dark laugh out of him. He leaned forward and put that impossible physique of his even further into my personal space.

Why the fuck hadn't I put any goddamn clothes on? Oh right, because I had no idea he'd stayed. This was terrible, what had I just gotten myself into? Kasumi, you're a fucking idiot.

My cellphone going off again was a god send. It distracted Hiei just long enough for me to slip out from beneath his arms. I snatched the device up and flipped it open.

"Moshi, moshi, this is Morimoto."

There was a long bout of silence on the other end. I thought it was a prank call so I went to hang up but a tiny voice stopped me dead, "…Kasumi Oneesan?"

My heart stopped and then when my brain caught up it began to pound fast and hard in my chest.

"H-Hitomi?"

I felt when Hiei came up behind me and knew that he was listening into the conversation. Why did he have to be here? I wanted this to be private. This was the first time I'd heard her voice outside of my dreams in four fucking years. If he ruined it, I would never forgive him.

"I don't have long," she said, "Have you found uncle Takahiro?"

My eyes narrowed…how had she known I was looking for him? Something didn't feel right. How could I even be sure this was truly my sister I was speaking to?

"Where are you?" I asked.

I strained my ears to try and catch any background noise. Even the smallest hint could lead me straight to her. I heard nothing, not even the sound of the wind. She was smarter than that, after all.

"I've missed you Oneesan."

"Hang up Kasumi," Hiei snapped from behind me.

I heard her chuckle softly, "I see Hiei-san is there. Tell him I say hello."

I couldn't suppress the gasp that came up my throat. She should have no knowledge of him at all. What the hell had Hitomi been doing these past four years? She sounded perfectly fine…exactly the same as the last time I'd seen her. It made my gut twist and my head ache. My heart constricted painfully in my chest.

"Don't miss the tournament, Oneesan," she said.

"Hitomi…what's going on?! Where are you?!"

"I'll see you soon," and then the line went dead.

For a long time I stood there with it still pressed to my ear. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't move. All I could do was stare blankly into space. Even as the operator came on the line and told me to hang up and try again, I stood stock still.

Hiei plucked the phone from my fingers and set it down on the tiny table by my front door.

"Do you believe me now?" he asked.

That was all it took for me to snap. I whirled around and back handed him. He never even saw it coming. Even I surprised myself with my speed. I wouldn't lie that I felt a bit of satisfaction at the dribble of blood leaking from the corner of his lips.

His face was cold as he regarded me as if I were some kind of disgusting insect he couldn't wait to step on.

"You're a fucking smug bastard," I said to him.

I stalked off to my room then and he did nothing to stop me. When I returned downstairs fully clothed Hiei was long gone. Good. Maybe I could get something done without some asshole dogging me every step of the way.

. . .

Three weeks had passed since I'd heard from my sister. In those three weeks I had returned to work and my classes. As I had expected, Hiei had told everyone not only about my sister's call but also what Chronos had shown me. I was fast learning that nothing in my life would stay sacred ever again.

I had hunted tirelessly around the city for Hitomi in the weeks following the call. I'd even brought Ren in on it but neither one of us was successful. I couldn't sense her anywhere, not even as my training became more intense.

With the release of Genkai's seal my energy had done nothing but grow. Thanks to my training with Yusuke I could now use my energy in similar ways as he could. Both he and Kazuma were wary of it though. I easily lost control of it if I didn't keep a cap on my emotions. It was also much like electricity, completely volatile. I'd burned both Yusuke and Kazuma more than once with it in the past couple of weeks.

My physical strength had also grown. It was to the point I could no longer train with Ren without a handy-cap of some sort. Just last week I had managed to break his arm with a single punch. Thank Kami for his healing powers. I would have felt like such a schmuck if it had stayed like that.

Currently we were all gathered in the apartment. The night of the Policemen's Ball had arrived. The whole group had come to see Yusuke get all dressed up. I was in Keiko's bedroom with her, so we could use her vanity table. Botan and Shizuru had decided to join us. We were getting ready and I was already uncomfortable.

Keiko had finished dressing and I was sitting still while she did my makeup. I kept smoothing out the gown I was wearing, over and over. Ren would be here to pick us up within the next fifteen minutes and I was nervous enough to sweat.

"Stop fidgeting," said Keiko.

"You have nothing to be worried about Kasumi-san, you look beautiful!" piped up Botan from Keiko's bed. She was sitting on the edge, just watching.

Shizuru was over by Keiko's window smoking. Keiko hadn't dared tell the other woman she wasn't allowed to light up in her room. So she had compromised by asking she stand by the open window instead. The older woman gave me a thumb up, her special form of encouragement.

Their reassurances did nothing to stop my hands from continuing their trek up and down the dress. I wasn't worried about Ren. I was worried about everyone else.

The dress was picked out by Keiko, because I had no fashion sense. It was floor length and clung to my body like a sheath. The color of it was a dark blue and the material was rather sparkly. It showed off every curve I had, not to mention the slit up the side of my left leg. The only benefit was its design. It was just right for me to stick my gun around my thigh in a garter holster. I had a bad feeling about tonight and I had refused to go without it.

Kami, I felt so exposed in this thing. The back of the dress was wide open; the thin straps the only covering. You could see my scar…I hoped no one would comment on it. I had kept it hidden in public since the day I had received it. The thought of people staring at it made my stomach twist unpleasantly.

Keiko had a smile filled with kindness on her face. She could sense how nervous I was. Out of everyone that had learned of my sister's betrayal, Keiko was the only one being supportive. The others were all sympathetic or angry on my behalf. But Keiko…she just, well, acted like a friend. She'd heard me talk of Hitomi often enough to know that no matter what anyone said I wasn't going to listen. I needed to come to my own conclusions. And that wouldn't happen until I got to speak with her face to face.

Keiko stood straight and cast a critical eye on her work, "There! It's perfect; Ren isn't going to know what hit him!"

I turned in the little seat by the vanity and stared at myself in the mirror there. Keiko had done a nice job with my makeup. She hadn't put on too much, just enough to accentuate my features. The colors were natural and not over bearing. Even with my bland eye color she had managed to make them pop.

"Thank you, Keiko-chan," I said.

I checked the time and then smiled at the other girls, "Come on, the boys are probably getting antsy."

As a group we exited the bedroom. Shizuru and Botan went on ahead so we could have our 'dramatic' entrance. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and bit my tongue. They'd all been super nice to me and I was trying my best not to be a snarky bitch.

I had thought of every excuse in the book to get out of going tonight. I'd shot them all down. No matter what happened, Keiko would be safe with Yusuke. Though Kazuma ended up disappointed I hadn't picked him, he had agreed that he would have fought with Ren all night. I also had a feeling he would have been stuck up my ass. That wouldn't do me any good.

My gut was telling me something bad was going to happen. I had no idea what and it could be as simple as me tripping in this stupid dress and breaking my nose. Or…it could be something a thousand times worse. I was prepared for anything, my entire body on edge.

I let Keiko descend the stairs first. She was wearing heels and I wanted to make sure she didn't fall. Unlike me though, she actually knew how to walk in them. My friend had tried to convince me to wear a pair of my own, but I had had been adamant in my refusal. I was just fine with the pair of black ballet flats I had on, thank you very much. At least I could run in these if I needed to.

Yusuke was standing at the bottom waiting for his girl. He'd slicked his hair back a little neater than his usual style and you could tell he was nervous. The tux Keiko had gotten him not only fit him nicely, it matched her gown to a T.

Keiko was wearing an emerald green cocktail dress. The top was strapless but she had thrown on a cute little black shawl to cover her shoulders. Beneath the dress was a fluffy layer of tulle that made it fan out around her hips. They would be the best looking couple at the ball tonight, of that I had no doubts.

I watched my feet more than the guy's reactions. Mostly it was because I was afraid of tripping down the stairs and making a fool out of myself. When I finally stepped onto flat ground was when I allowed myself to look up.

It was Yusuke who I saw first, who was trying hard to suppress a shit eating grin, "You clean up pretty well."

"Whatever," I said, not in the mood to get picked on.

"No seriously, Kas, you look great!" said Kazuma from his spot at the table. He and Kurama had a deck of cards spread out in front of them, in the middle of some game.

My friend swore loudly when Kurama laid down a particular card. I chuckled to myself, he must be losing. Big surprise, the kitsune was practically a genius.

The man finished his move. It made Kazuma scramble to figure out what to do next and then Kurama turned to appraise me as well.

The redhead smiled, "You both look lovely."

"More than lovely!" shouted Yusuke. He spun Keiko around for the room to admire, "Gorgeous!"

Keiko blushed, the makeup on her cheeks doing nothing to cover it up. She playfully slapped at Yusuke's arms, embarrassed by his actions. I found it nauseating but cute at the same time, if that made sense. I liked how unabashed Yusuke could be. Keiko deserved to have a guy in her life that truly cared for her. You could tell by the look in his eye just how much he loved her. I would forever wonder why Keiko kept turning him down every time he proposed.

I needed a moment to myself, so I made up an excuse that I had left something in the kitchen. No one paid much attention, too busy gushing over Keiko and Yusuke's adorableness. All I wanted was a strong cup of coffee to help me get through this night.

Ren would be here any minute and my nerves were already shot.

Not that they ended up any better upon entering the other room. Leaning up against one corner of the counter was Hiei. He had my favorite mug in one hand and I was surprised to catch him in the act of consuming…well, anything. So far, the only thing I'd ever seen him put down his gullet was liquor. Who knew he'd like coffee?

"Hi," I said. I avoided looking him in the eye, my main goal the coffee pot and nothing else.

Once I reached it I stopped…because Hiei had my mug. Even something that small and simple was enough to irritate me. Out of all the ones in the cupboard, he had chosen that one…did he do it to piss me off? No, come on Kasumi, don't be stupid. He didn't know it was your favorite mug. Suck it up and use a different one.

So I did, reaching up into the cupboard for one of the far more boring mugs. As I pulled it out I almost dropped it when I felt a tickle run up my side.

Hiei had come to stand beside me and he was lifting a piece of my dress up for closer inspection.

"What are you wearing?"

He looked almost displeased at my choice of attire. He had a frown on his face and his eyebrows had creased over his eyes.

"…A dress?" I answered, unsure what he was getting at.

He lifted the corner a bit higher. His thumb and forefinger rubbed the material between them. Any higher and he'd have my whole thigh exposed.

I snatched the dress out of his grasp, "Are you trying to get a peek at my underwear?"

He looked at me like I was stupid, "No, what interest have I in undergarments?"

I placed a palm to my forehead in exasperation. So I could avoid answering him I poured a cup of coffee and took a sip. I spat it back out into the sink a second later when it scorched my mouth. In my haste to avoid talking to him I'd forgotten how hot it was.

I heard Hiei's deep chuckle from behind me and felt my eye twitch. I was so glad he found me amusing. I seemed to always lose my head around him. It annoyed me; it was like he held some kind of power over me. I didn't know how I wasn't crazy already.

"Why are you wearing…that?"

He gestured at my gown and I looked down at myself. Did he not like how I looked? Did he think I cared? Because I didn't, not one fucking bit.

"I'm going out," I answered.

He raised an eyebrow and frowned again. Hadn't Yusuke told him? I'm sure he'd known. Yusuke had been gloating for weeks that he was my pseudo date to the ball. There was no way he hadn't heard about it.

As his gaze traveled up my body (slower than was necessary might I add) my skin broke out in goosebumps. My flesh rising with each sweep of his eyes, I felt a hot flush travel across my chest. When his gaze reached my face his eyes narrowed shrewdly. I took a large gulp of my coffee just to so I wouldn't have to look at him too long.

"Be careful," he said.

I almost choked on my drink, my eyes shooting up to stare at him in shock. His eyes were serious, telling me he'd meant what he said. Was he worried for me? How strange, he was such a confusing bastard it drove me to the brink of insanity. I guess I could just be thankful he was no longer angry about what went down the day of Hitomi's call. Neither of us had spoken of it since. It was better that way.

I nodded in answer, my mouth unable to form any words. He picked up his own cup from the counter, drained it of its contents and then handed it to me.

"I won't use this one next time," he said. Then he walked from the room, his hands shoved into his cloak pockets.

That cheeky little fucker! He was getting sneakier about reading my mind! Or I was just getting too used to the feeling to notice it anymore. Either way, it made my skin itch.

As I finished my drink I heard a loud knock at our front door. Ren must be here. I smoothed out the dress one last time, patted my cheeks and took a deep breath to psyche myself up. When I left the kitchen it was to discover him standing amongst the girls. I clamped my mouth shut at the sight of him, afraid I would make a fool of myself.

His tux was sleek and modern. It fit him so well that he must have had it tailored to his exact specifications. His tie, as well as the vest underneath his fancy black jacket, was the same midnight blue as my dress. He looked like the definition of a lady killer. So suave even I could have swooned.

He had noticed me as soon as I had entered the room. As I strode over to him his eyes followed my every move and I had a hard time breathing afterwards. He was fast becoming a top competitor in the heated looks category. With Hiei holding the first place spot. With those icy blue eyes boring into me though, he could take the top spot tonight if he tried hard enough. Especially if he kept staring at me the way he was. Like I was a priceless piece of art he'd had the wonderful opportunity to gaze upon for the first time in his life.

He maneuvered his way out of the group of women to come and stand before me, "Hey," he said.

I stared hard at my feet, "Hi."

With a flourish, he pivoted away from me. He extended his arm towards Keiko, "Well, Yukimura-san, are you ready?"

"Oi, don't you be getting handsy with my girl!"

And that was how the night began: with Ren's heated stare and Yusuke's blatant need to claim his "territory." That feeling of dread in my gut never left. Even as we got into Kurama's car (he'd let us borrow it for the night) and drove to the reception hall.

In fact, it only got worse as we left the car in the hands of a valet and went to enter the building. The venue they had chosen was huge, a veritable palace. It had white pillars and marble staircases. It was far too fancy for me and I was instantly uncomfortable. I hadn't even walked through the giant double doors yet and I already wanted to flee.

Yusuke wasn't about to let that happen. As promised, we strolled up to the building pretending to be each other's date. Keiko and Ren were right behind us. He had one of my arms looped through his and he'd pinned me to his side. He'd seen me begin to panic the second we'd stepped out of the car.

He leaned over so he could whisper in my ear, "Chill, you're gonna be fine."

We handed the man at the door our invitations and Yusuke swept me through the doorway. Inside was another staircase that led up to a ballroom. The two giant double doors at the top of the stairs were wide open. It gave me a perfect view of just how many people I was going to have to deal with tonight.

In the center of the ballroom was a large circle set aside for dancing. The rest of the room was littered with round tables, all decked out for a fancy dinner. I turned to stare at Yusuke. I was completely incredulous and his look was not much different. Neither of us belonged in a place like this.

Not to mention how packed it was and the night had only just begun. We were bound to get into some type of trouble. Either from one of us opening our fat mouths…or for whatever reasons my stomach had tied itself into knots.

A tap on Yusuke's shoulder put a halt to us entering the ballroom. Behind him was Ren and he cast a pointed look towards me. It was a clear sign that he'd like to take over from here.

Yusuke shot him a scathing glare. He did not at all like that he had escorted Keiko in or the idea of him being with me for the rest of the night. After a long moment of both of them glaring at each other I got fed up.

"Why don't you two just whip your dicks out and start comparing," I snapped.

Keiko's mouth fell open, "Kasumi!"

"Well, they're acting like a couple of morons!"

"We are at a nice place, you need to act civilized here!" she said.

I resisted the urge to laugh in her face. I would act as I pleased; I didn't give a damn where I was.

Instead of getting into an argument I said, "Listen, you two just have a good night okay?"

Keiko looked up to Yusuke uncertainly. But with my permission he only grinned and grabbed his girlfriend's hand. Together they walked into the room like they owned the place. They received a curious look or two from the other party goers. I only smiled. They were fucking perfect for each other.

I felt a hand grasp my own and I gripped it back, "Ready?" he asked me.

No, I wasn't, but it was better to get it over with, "Yeah lets party."

He laughed. His baritone was pleasant to my ears. We wandered off to join Keiko and Yusuke at the table they had claimed. I focused on his warm hand in mine and ignored the curious looks of the other officers. Rumors would spread after tonight, of that I was certain.

. . .

Later that evening, after we'd eaten an extravagant dinner, they were in the middle of giving out service awards. I clapped along with everyone else as officers I did not know or cared about received commendations for their hard work and dedication to their jobs. I yawned as one after another got called, my clapping becoming sloppier and shorter. Sure, I was being rude, but I just couldn't bring myself to care. No one would notice other than the group at our table anyway. Besides Keiko, Yusuke, and Ren only two others had sat with us. After the dinner conversation, where Yusuke and I had sworn enough to make a sailor blush, the other couple had studiously ignored us.

For his credit Ren was not at all embarrassed by my behavior, far too used to it by now to care. He only laughed at the absurd looks they shot us. All the more reason for them to pretend we weren't there.

I hated snobby people anyway.

Plus I had drunk a significant amount of alcohol by then. Soon enough I wouldn't care about much of anything.

I took another sip of my cocktail and clapped as the last guy was finally called. Even with all the liquor I'd consumed I still hadn't loosened up. My entire body was tense and I knew this was instinct screaming at me.

Just a few more hours Kasumi and you can live. Hold out until then.

They announced that the music would begin to play. I was happy for the upbeat song they chose to start it off with. Dancing was good exercise and I did it often, especially while I was drinking. I hadn't been in the mood lately, but what the hell, we were at a party. It's just what you did.

I grabbed Keiko's hand to drag her out on the dance floor; she got up with a giggle and let me. Ren, who had just about as much to drink as I had, followed us. After a moment's hesitation (and also after hastily sucking down the rest of my drink) Yusuke jumped up to join us.

I weaved in and out of the crowded dance floor, bringing Keiko to a more open area. There we stopped and I twirled her around until Yusuke took over. His brand of dancing was far more entertaining than anything I'd ever seen before. He wasn't all that good at it, but damn it, he gave it his best. With a silly and slightly embarrassed grin on his face he got his boogie on with Keiko.

A gentle hand on my arm had me twirling around to find myself in Ren's arms. He didn't say a word and to my utter surprise he was a fairly good dancer. He knew how to move his body to the rhythm and he easily led me through it all.

As the alcohol burned through my system and my heart began to race, the dancing became a little more sensual. I pressed myself against him and let the music take me away.

I was mindful of where I was. I didn't care about my mouth. But getting caught in a compromising position with a coworker wouldn't exactly look good. I was careful not to let the dance become to raunchy.

When a few songs had gone by, the DJ slowed it down. Ren fell right into step with the sudden change in music. He placed one of my palms into his own and the other hand wrapped around my waist.

Like some love sick high school girl, I rested my head against his chest and swayed to the rhythm. From my vantage point against him it gave me a view of the other dancers. Through a gap in the other couples I could see someone at the edge of the dance floor. They were standing almost concealed by the ballroom's doors.

I lifted my head from Ren's chest for a better view, but he ended up turning at that exact moment. I pulled away from him and checked again. He looked at me strangely but without a word I started to walk away. As I got closer to the edge of the dance floor I began to pick up my pace.

"Oi, KasumI!" I heard Yusuke shout behind me but I didn't stop.

I lifted my dress up as high as my thighs would allow it and fell into a full sprint. I had to know. I had to get a better look.

I took the stairs two at a time and by the time I reached the front steps I was flat out running. Across the street, getting into a black sedan was the person I had seen.

She had long, straight black hair and skin as pale as snow. But that wasn't what had caught my attention. It had been her fucking eyes.

I took a chance and screamed, "Hitomi!"

The girl paused halfway through the car's doorway. She didn't turn but that second of hesitation was all I needed.

Considering how drunk I was I never thought to check both ways before dashing out into the street. Thank Kami for friends like Urameshi Yusuke.

I heard the loud honk of a car's horn. Right as it should have made impact a pair of muscular arms snatched me backwards.

"Holy shit, Kas! You almost died!"

I had no brain capacity left to comprehend what had just happened. All I could think about was Hitomi. The fucking car was gone…it was gone! She'd just been right under my nose and I had let her go!

"Oh my god, are you okay?!" came a call from Keiko, I could hear the clacking of her heels as she ran down the steps towards us.

But all I could do was struggle in Yusuke's arms. My sister was right in front of my fucking face and I hadn't reached her in time!

Yusuke gave up on holding me after I started kicking at his legs. He let me go and I swung around to scream at him for stopping me.

The words died in my throat. Something else had caught my eye. Ren was standing at the top of the tall staircase in the front of the building. He was speaking rapidly to Detective Makoto and gesturing towards me furiously. She was yelling right back, all up in his face.

That wasn't so odd…and it wasn't what had drawn my attention. I don't know if it was because I was drunk or because my nerves had been going haywire all night. But from the distance I was at it sure as fuck looked like Makoto had a red string wrapped around her left pinky. And said string was also wrapped around the same hand Ren was using to gesture in my general direction.

I swallowed hard and blinked my eyes closed. When I opened them again the thing was gone. I must have been seeing shit. Maybe I had more to drink than I'd thought.

"Hey, Kas you in there?" Yusuke waved a hand in front of my face and I slapped it away.

"I want to go home," I said.

"But…I thought you were having fun?" asked Keiko, her face crestfallen.

"You guys stay…I'll walk back," and I turned to do just that.

"Kasumi, hey! Don't just leave!" called Yusuke.

"What about Ren?" asked Keiko.

"You deal with him," I said.

I was determined to get away from that party. I'd put up with enough. I assumed they would follow me after explaining what I had done to Ren. To avoid detection I traversed the darker parts of the city. I took alleys and back streets just to avoid them.

Admittedly, this was not the brightest idea on my part. I was armed, but I was also in a dress and drunk.

I wandered around in haze, stumbling through the dark. This was the most idiotic thing I had done to date.

As I tripped down a darkened alley, I was struck in the back of the head. Someone had just cold clocked me hard enough to make the blunt object they'd used snap. I tripped over the goddamn dress and fell flat on my face. The alcohol had numbed me, so the fall didn't hurt as much as it should have.

"Well, don't we have a pretty 'un here," at the sound of the man's a voice I rolled over onto my back.

There was two of them, greasy looking slobs that reeked of alcohol. They were laughing to themselves; you know that creepy way men do sometimes. I was like prey to them. A fucking midnight snack, I don't think so. These fucks didn't know who they were dealing with.

I swept the one with what appeared to be a chunk of wood in his hand off his feet. He landed on his back with a yelp and it distracted the other guy long enough for me to perform a kip up. The only benefit to the slit in my dress I had found so far was the ability to do that.

On my feet, I tore the slit even higher so I could roundhouse kick the second guy. My foot hit him hard in the side and he went careening into the cement wall beside us. By then the other man had scrambled to his feet and he came charging at me with the wood still in hand.

Wildly, he swung at me. I dodged and then during a desperate downward swing, I used my forearm to shove his arm aside. I disarmed him and slammed him with an uppercut to his gut. He fell to his knees, his breath coming in wheezes. With a right hook to the side of the head I knocked him out.

His accomplice went screaming from the alley. I was almost tempted to chase after him just to teach him a lesson. I decided not to, after realizing it would be a waste of my time.

I spat on the unconscious man at my feet. I felt nothing but contempt for these types of people. The damn wimps hadn't stood a chance.

"I'm shocked," a deep voice rang out from the back of the alley.

It was too dark for me to see much, but his glowing red eyes were a dead giveaway.

I sneered at him, "I'm not completely inept."

He shifted into the cone of light I was standing in. It was being cast by a giant neon sign on top of the building beside me.

"You could have fooled me," he replied.

"Why are you even here?"

He was everywhere I was these days. It was frustrating and rather creepy.

Hiei tapped his forehead, right against his Jagan, "I was following a trail, you just happened to be within it."

I made a show of brushing myself off. I'd gotten covered in alley sludge and had managed to destroy my dress. Keiko was sure to be livid with me.

"And what exactly were you following?" I asked.

"I assume it was your sister," was his answer.

I stiffened and my eyes shot up to his face. He looked serious. Hiei wasn't the type of man to make a joke, but it confused me all the same.

"You asked for my help, didn't you?" he said.

He looked mad that I had forgotten, but I hadn't. I just never thought he'd actually go for it. Especially after the way I had treated him the next morning.

"Seriously?"

"We made a deal."

Ah yes, he wouldn't do it for nothing after all. Fine, he could have the sword, as long as he took care of it.

"And I will honor it, if you keep up your end of the bargain," I said.

I meant to walk over to him but I tripped over my own feet on the way there. Christ, Hiei was going to start thinking I was an alcoholic at this rate. I recovered myself as quick as I could. I used my training to right my body and stop myself from falling.

When I looked back up at him it was to see the usual smug smirk across his face. Just once I'd like to see something else there. Maybe a fucking smile wouldn't be too much to ask?

Just once, goddamn it, doesn't your face change?!

"You're drunk again," it wasn't a question.

That simple statement brought a healthy rage to my chest. I felt my eyes narrow into a scathing glare. So what if I was? It wasn't any of his business.

"Who cares? It takes away the pain," I said.

"There are…other ways to deal with pain," he replied.

His look had changed…finally. Not that what I was getting now made me feel any better. His burning red irises had turned smoldering and they watched my every move. They watched as I shifted uncomfortably beneath his gaze. And they watched when I smoothed out the dress even though I had ruined it. They never wavered, even as I became forced to look away.

"I don't need a lecture from you," I said.

He moved closer to me and reached out a single hand. His palm rested against my collar bone, just above my breasts. Warmth spread through me and made my fingers and toes tingle. It was soothing, like drinking a warm cup of tea or cocoa on a cold winter's morning.

After all, heat could soothe as well as burn. This wasn't the first time he'd used this trick on me.

I suddenly felt like crying. Hiei was being caring…different than I had become used to. I didn't know how to react to it. Not after the night I'd had.

I hung my head, unable to look him in the eye. His hand remained pressed against me and I released a shuddering breath. Of its own volition my own hand came to rest over his. I pressed my scarred palm against the back of his hand. The same palm that bore a mark from sharpening the same sword I had lost.

"Do you hate me, Hiei?" I asked.

He might have answered…and if I had looked up his eyes would have said it all. But I didn't and the sound of voices calling my name had him fleeing from me. With a rush of wind Hiei was gone and I was left feeling cold and empty. Perhaps that was for the best.

I could hear the worried voices of my friends as they came upon the alley and spotted me. I said not a word, just turned my head to the sky to stare up at the smog covered moon.

My heart was calm within my chest, even as my mind raced.

The tournament couldn't come soon enough. Perhaps it would be a means to an end...Finally.

I only hoped that end would not become my undoing.

. . .

A/N: And there is the end of chapter 22! From here on out things are going to get a little crazy, next chapter will be Christmas and possibly the start of the tournament. I plan for the tournament itself to take up a couple of chapters, one in Kas's POV and the other in Hiei's. But, what was Hitomi doing at the party? Hmm, or was it even her at all? Hmmm, muahaha! Thank you for reading, please tell me your thoughts on the chapter, I love hearing from all of you!