A/N: Hello again! Not much response on the last chapter, big surprise. It was terrible, in my honest opinion. Though I have to once again thank ObsidianPhantom for leaving me a wonderful review I did not deserve! I wait patiently (not so much) for your reviews on each chapter because I love seeing what your thoughts on it were! Of course I also want to thank each and every one of you that takes time out of your busy lives to read my fic and leave such kind words on it! Without further ado, here is chapter 27, back in Kasumi's POV.

Also, for those that might not have noticed, I am disregarding most of the final volume of the Manga. For those that haven't read it, I won't give away anything, but it pertains to the SDF storyline I've thrown in here.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho; I am not making money by writing this.

Warnings: Profanity, violence, blood/gore, drama, sexual themes, adult themes, etc. It is M rated for a reason.

Important: I have posted a poll on my profile. I received my first sort of bad review to this story from someone through DeviantArt. I was slightly offended, I will admit. Mostly because they decided to judge the entire story off the first chapter, so guys, should I rewrite the first few chapters? I know this fic started off rough…and boring, but I feel like it turned into something awesome. I don't know, maybe not. Also, have I stayed fairly canon with my writing? They accused me of not knowing the YYH universe and that's what truly offended me the most. Let me know, I could really use the help!

. . .

I was holding my grandmother's hand, my tiny grip clutched as tight as it would get. I was six and my parents had just been laid to rest. I cried that day, harder than I've ever cried before. It was the last time I would cry for over a decade. The tears flowed freely and my grandparents spoke not a word.

At my other side, holding my hand just as tight was Hitomi. She cried louder than me, snot traveling down her face in streams. I ceased my tears, an abrupt change my grandmother noticed in an instant. I let go of her hand, turned to my sister, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. She continued to cry, but I held her in a tight embrace and let her tears soak through my black kimono.

There was a flash. A different scene appeared.

Hitomi and I were sixteen now, standing hand in hand. We had just laid Ojichan and Obachan to rest, their graves beside my mother and father's. It was summer and the stale air helped keep my eyes dry. Hitomi cried, she wailed and wallowed. I bit back my pain. I bottled it up all for her. She said not a word about my stoicism. She only wrapped her arms around me and cried against my shoulder.

I let her cry until her voice was hoarse and her tears had dried up. She pulled away from me, turned back to the graves and laid flowers against their headstones. Neither of us spoke. We chose not to whisper words of longing and loss. We'd lost another set of parents, but it was not the end for us.

Tomorrow would be a new day. Perhaps even the dawning of a new adventure.

We would face whatever came…hand in hand.

I awoke from the dream slowly, with care. I had a splitting headache. The memories of the night before rushing back to me did nothing to help the situation.

While I had far more pressing matters to occupy my mind the only thing that stuck out was the fact I'd attempted to seduce Hiei.

Fucking Hiei of all people!

And what had I done? Stuck my fucking hand down his pants! What kind of seduction tactic was that? No wonder he didn't go for it.

I groaned the sound loud in the empty bedroom. It made my head hurt even worse.

I'd passed out a short time after Hiei had returned me to my room. He'd scampered off somewhere afterwards, more than likely to get as far away from me as he could. I was disgusted with myself. He'd kissed me a total of three times yesterday, two out of three I hadn't wanted a part of. Though I would be lying to myself if I didn't say I'd enjoyed them.

The third kiss, thanks to the alcohol (there was no other explanation) I had reciprocated a hundred fold. I was still confused with my behavior and even more confused with the fire demon's.

He'd told me he desired me, which I had figured meant he wanted to sleep with me. I had not put it in such eloquent words last night, much to my misfortune.

Now I wasn't so sure that was what he wanted. He didn't seem the type to want a relationship with anyone, let alone me. So what the hell was his end game? Did I even want to find out? I wasn't sure I did. I couldn't deny that I was curious…but why? I had gone over this several times during the tournament, after he'd kissed me the first time in the locker room. I was no closer to an answer now than I was then.

I was lying in an unfamiliar bed, my head pounding beneath my eyes and all I could think of was Hiei. I repressed the fact I could be dead by next year. I withdrew from the notion that soon I would become nothing but a slave to my training. I hid from the daunting task of keeping the gate to Purgatory sealed. Instead, I filled my thoughts with the fire demon.

It was probably a mistake of the worst kind. But I needed to wrap my head around my emotions. In normal circumstances I was the type of person who just bottled things up. I shied away from things pertaining to love, or sadness, or heartbreak. I hid those feelings and I hid them well…behind an infinitely tall wall of anger. No one in history had managed to break past that wall. I'd been called cold hearted, the blood in my veins made more for a viper instead of a woman. That was never true. I felt just like everyone else…I just wasn't open about it. Was that really so bad?

Perhaps this viper should spend some time basking in the sun. And that sun might just be the man my brain had decided is more imperative to think about than my impending doom.

I had asked Hiei if he had feelings for me. But if he'd said yes…how would I have replied?

Right before he'd kissed me during the tournament I'd come to a revelation about him. A revelation I wasn't so ready to admit.

I thought of Hiei often, in many different ways. Sometimes I despised him. Sometimes I found him brave and strong and everything I wasn't. There were still other times I thought him to be cold, distant, and uncaring. He'd saved my life too many times for me to continue that line of thinking. His outer shell spoke nothing of the true man beneath. He had only shown me tiny pieces and those little bits I had begun to crave.

He had a silver tongue when he did speak and could entrance me with his voice alone. The way he said my name drove me to madness…but in a good way, if that made sense.

What truly brought me to feel a kinship with him, however, was the fact he hid behind a wall of his own. I would even say the wall was bigger than mine. It made me want to pick his brain, to see all his dark, dirty little secrets. What was Hiei like before I met him? He'd called himself a murderer…was that the truth?

If it was…would that change how I felt about him?

The answer came to me as soon as the thought crossed my mind. No, it wouldn't change a fucking thing. He could rip my heart from my chest with his bare hands and I'd still go to my grave thinking he was an honorable man.

Perhaps he was right and I was a fool. I shouldn't trust him as much as I do. But I can't help myself and every day it only gets worse.

Then there was Ren to worry about. I couldn't lie and say I didn't have feelings for him, because I did. Did I love him? No. He had lied to me, pretended to be someone that he wasn't. He'd played his part and played it well. The fact his devotion to me was real made no difference to me. Once you have broken my trust it is gone forever. A couple of romantic dates and an apology weren't going to fix that.

He'd told me everything. He was some type of double agent working for the Reikai. That was his connection with Koenma and the prince had even apologized for lying to me. It must have taken a lot for someone as high and mighty as him to do. I could forgive him, because at least he had his reasons. Ren on the other hand…he'd been placed in my life with the sole purpose of watching me. It was kind of funny it had backfired, but it was also creepy and disconcerting.

Ren hadn't planned on falling in love with me. Our argument yesterday had proven that. He'd gotten so angry when I'd brought up Makoto…

He knew she was his soulmate. He fucking knew and didn't care. All he'd said was, "Fate will not decide anything for me."

He didn't want Makoto…he wanted me.

This might make some girls ecstatic, but I sure as hell wasn't one of those girls. When Hiei smashed his face into the wall…I'd felt a split second of satisfaction. I might not like Makoto all that much, but Ren was cruel for ignoring her. Hiei attacking him was justifiable…though I hadn't let it get too far.

I needed to stop thinking about this crap. Today was day one of my three day limit. Takahiro would expect an answer soon.

I'd already chosen to do the training. It was only a matter of getting my affairs in order. He would work out a deal with the police commissioner so I could get time off from work and school. I wouldn't know how much time that was until I spoke to the man myself. I was only sure that it would be months. Uncle Taka knew just as well as I that we were on a time crunch. He would have to teach me whatever he could in as short a time as possible.

I only had until the end of this year…

I rose from the bed, still in nothing but a pair of underwear with bandages wrapped around my chest. I had little time to worry about modesty anymore. I'd gone from keeping myself covered all the time with bulky sweaters to not giving a damn. What did it matter if someone saw me? I'd be dead by December anyway, if not sooner.

I made the bed, stretching the sheets taught over the tiny mattress. I fluffed the single pillow, placed it at the head of the bed, and then just stood there.

I knew I was in Master Genkai's temple…but I had no clue what section. I could easily get lost should I leave the room without an escort.

I suppressed a sigh and then went to rummage around in my duffel bag. Someone had been kind enough to retrieve it from the locker room of the destroyed arena. I'd placed my contacts in their case last night, still having enough sense in my drunken brain to remember to do that at least. Unfortunately, I hadn't had enough sense to keep my hands out of Hiei's pants, damn it all. I would never live that down. I just hoped Hiei wasn't the type of man to gloat about such things.

I circumvented the contacts' case and went straight for my granny like glasses. I placed them over the bridge of my nose and then dug out a clean pair of clothing. I turned up my nose at the thought of putting them on my dirty skin. I knew I was still covered in dried sweat. Ren having healed me, his power had washed away the blood at least. I still felt dirty. I needed a shower. If I hadn't been as blind as a bat the last time I'd been here I might remember how to get there.

What should I do? Stand out in the hallway and scream until someone came running?

"That won't be necessary, onna."

I squeezed my eyes shut, resisting the urge to turn around and yell at him. I covered my face with my hand, feeling the onsets of a bright ass blush spreading over my chest. Soon it would reach my face and then he would know exactly where my thoughts had gone to.

"No need to hide your face either, I already know."

Of course he did, because the bastard was reading my fucking mind again.

"Do you find some sick pleasure in digging through my thoughts constantly?"

I didn't receive a verbal answer, at least not in the normal sense. Instead his voice filtered through my head, so much more intimate than the words slipping from his tongue.

"Perhaps..."

What intrigues me is the fact that I no longer felt his intrusion, not unless I really concentrated. Before, it had felt like an itch I couldn't scratch. Now, he slipped in as easily as it was for him to breathe. What did that mean, exactly?

"It means that you trust me," he said.

I jumped, for his voice had come from behind me, so close to my ear that it caused another blush to flood over my face. He was so close that his body heat warmed my bare back and I whirled around to make him back off. He neither stepped away from me nor looked intimidated. On the contrary, he took a step forward, forcing me to back up until I hit the wall.

I held my arms out, my palms slapping against his thankfully clothed chest to stop him from coming any further.

"Don't come any closer," I said.

He smirked at me, red eyes alighting with some kind of mischief that meant nothing good for me.

"That isn't what you wanted last night," he said. His voice was as close to teasing as I'd ever heard it.

I removed my hands from his chest just so I could cover my face again. God, this was so embarrassing. I should have known he would bring it up. Hiei was the type of man to gloat about other's shortcomings after all.

"You're a real bastard, you know that."

He chuckled, obviously amused by my behavior. I thanked the gods when he stepped away to give me my space. I wasn't afraid of Hiei, not anymore, but that didn't mean he didn't rattle me. It was a different type of nervousness, the kind brought on when you're around someone you have a crush on.

But that was just ridiculous. Even using the word crush to describe what I felt for Hiei seemed like an utter joke.

"Why are you here?" I asked him. I turned back to the duffel bag just so I could avoid his heated stare. I pulled out and carefully folded each article of clothing. I felt his eyes drilling into my back and wanted to scream.

"You asked me for a favor," was his reply.

That was right…and then I remembered my dream. That explained why I'd been thinking of that before waking. I had asked Hiei to take me to Yokohama…I wanted to leave flowers on my family member's graves one last time. I didn't know if I'd ever have the chance to do it again.

I hadn't asked him because I thought the trip would be faster that way. I was just as glad to take the train; though traveling on Hiei's back was always exhilarating. It was a thousand times more exciting than Ren's motorcycle ride that one time.

No, I had asked Hiei because he was the only person I knew who would not ask questions. He could quietly observe, just there in the background. He was a pillar of solace and strength I had somehow grown accustomed to in these past months. I wanted him by my side while I said my final goodbyes.

I loved Kazuma and Keiko dearly and they had taken the trip with me before, but this time it seemed more personal. I wanted to be alone…without really being alone. Hiei was the only man I'd ever met that made me feel that I could accomplish that.

My mood having grown morose, I turned to him with the clothing clutched in my hands. I felt like crying…and might have, considering I'd broken my vow the night previous. What was the point of holding onto such stupid sentiments? Hitomi didn't need me. She'd gotten strong on her own. Stronger than me, it seemed.

I thanked all that was holy that Takahiro had been there to stop me yesterday. If he hadn't been…I might have been forced to lie to rest another person I loved.

There was only so much I could take. And that would have been the straw that broke the camel's back.

I swallowed the thick saliva in my mouth; I had a lump in my throat. Somehow I managed to speak around it, "Can you give me a little time?"

Hiei nodded and I went to step around him, but then I remembered I had no idea how to get to a bathroom.

"Uh…"

He cut me off before I could even ask, "This way."

Hiei led me down a couple of long hallways with many doors. I was curious as to what laid behind them but I resisted the urge to snoop.

The fire demon walked in front of me, dressed once again all in black, his cloak in place. I hid a smile at the sight of my sword at his waist. I didn't regret handing it over. It was a priceless piece of weaponry. I hadn't known how special it was until yesterday, though I had always had an inkling.

A blade forged in the fire of the gods, made of a special metal not from the human realm. The scabbard was warded for the blade had a power all its own. The blade's sheathe was made from the wood of an ancient sacred tree.

I was interested to see it in action, while being held in this man's hands. I had no doubt he would find far more use for the blade than I. While I had excelled at Kendo, I still preferred hand to hand combat.

As I continued to watch him I also enjoyed the fact that my name was written in wonderful hand painted lettering around the top of the blade's sheathe. It was like I had left a mark on Hiei somehow. If only it was as permanent as the mark he'd left on me, I thought. I rubbed at his handprint unconsciously, the skin raised up where the rest was smooth. After months of living with it, I had decided I preferred it over Hideki's hand. He'd already left one scar on me…I would never let him leave another.

I was drawn from my thoughts when Hiei paused in front of a particular door. He flung the rice paper open, making the wooden structure rattle as it slammed into the wall.

Inside was a small entry way, where you were meant to wash at a spigot. There was a sink and a small shelf across from it that held cubbies full of towels. There was another set of doors which must lead to the bath. This bathroom was significantly smaller than the one I had bathed in on my first visit here (technically second). I was kind of glad for that. It reminded me of home.

I stepped onto the tiled floor, the cold stone causing me to shiver. I was barefoot and had next to nothing on. Hiei must think I'm a total freak.

"When you're finished, call for me," he said.

I nodded and he took off in a black blur back down the hallway. My power must have grown again. I almost saw him move that time.

As I slid the door shut, I felt a tingle travel down my spine. My heart rate picked up. Being alone in a bathroom wasn't the best of times for me anymore. Chronos held her tongue while I was in public, for the most part. We'd come to a mutual understanding after months of internal arguments.

She also refused to speak to me when Hiei was around. I was positive he had been the cause of that. He might not think I observed him…but I did, often. He was inside my head far more than I realized, I was not foolish enough to think he wasn't. He just didn't always make his presence known.

I undid the bandages wrapped around my chest, unwinding them as fast as I could. I didn't even make it halfway down when she came forward.

Her voice was angrier than ever before. It was so loud that I covered my ears and fell to the floor in pain. I'd already had a headache…but this was so much worse. If I didn't know better I would think blood would be coming out of my ears. Oh she was so pissed.

"How dare you involve him!

I had no chance to reply, to ask her who the hell she even meant. She was so furious; I knew I would never get a word in edge wise, even if I was able to speak.

"Takahiro is a heathen, an abomination!"

"He will bring ruin upon you!"

"You are a fool, Kasumi!"

"SHUT UP!" I screamed, having finally found my voice.

The sheer volume alone had Hiei running back into the room. I had my eyes squeezed shut but I knew it was him just by the feeling of his hands. Hiei's hands were far warmer than a normal person's and they were calloused, rough to the touch. It was a testament to many years of holding a blade. I would recognize this man's touch…and his voice anywhere.

He rolled me flat and it took him but a brief moment to enter my head. He knew what was happening and he planned to fix it.

Would this man never stop coming to my rescue?

Hiei was drowned out, Chronos' voice having become so loud I couldn't even hear myself think. I didn't understand her words any longer, spoken in a language I did not recognize.

When Hiei screamed in return, a single word also in a tongue I didn't know, I thought my head would split in two. However, whatever he had spoken instantly silenced the god. I choked on dry sobs, the sudden silence so shocking I thought I would be sick.

And then, her voice back to normal, she spoke again, "Speak to me like that again, I will have your head fire demon."

I heard Hiei scoff and he chose to ignore her. Instead, he addressed me, "I can lock her away for a short time."

"Don't you dare!" howled Chronos.

I cringed, knowing the repercussions for such an act would be just as bad as Takahiro's stunt. I shook my head, rising up onto my elbows.

"No, let me deal with it."

He looked incredulous, but I pushed away from him and staggered to my feet.

"This is my problem," I said.

He rose to his feet, slow and dangerous in his movements. His eyes had darkened – he wasn't happy.

"That isn't wise," he said.

Chronos began to laugh. I squeezed my eyes shut and took my frustration out on the man in front of me.

"Just back off, stop coming to help me! I don't need you, I don't need anyone!"

It was best I pushed them all away.

Keiko…Kazuma, I didn't want them mixed up in this.

…And Hiei…he was a distraction. He was forbidden fruit. He would be my doom.

Chronos' laughter increased. There was a tinge of madness to it, one that frightened me. It caused me to cringe.

"You don't need me…?" his voice was ice cold. I hadn't heard him speak to me like that in a while.

It made my heart ache in my chest. I swallowed, a heavy lump in my throat.

"No, I don't," I answered.

The sound of the rice paper door being thrown open and then slammed closed was his reply.

I brought a hand up to my mouth. I was shaking. I wanted to believe it was out of anger. But I couldn't help but feel I'd just made a terrible mistake.

He probably figured I was being ungrateful. But they couldn't be involved in this. Not anymore. It was better this way.

I turned to face the mirror over the sink. There I found dark circles, my eyes hollow beneath my glasses. I watched as one bled black, the feeling of Chronos taking control of half my body washing over me.

She lifted her hand and ran it down my face.

"Smart girl," she said.

"Don't think you've won," I snapped.

I didn't recognize the girl looking back at me anymore.

"I haven't lied to you child."

"I know that…but you've withheld things."

"Out of necessity," she hissed.

"I need Takahiro…" I said.

One side of my face contorted hideously, the black eye scrunching up in anger.

"He murdered my kin!" she howled.

"And Hideki murdered mine! Does that not give me the right to revenge?!"

She growled low in her throat, a corner of my mouth turning down into a frown.

"I will allow it under one condition…"

I should have known this was coming.

"What is it?"

"You must find the dragon's heart."

"How do you expect me to do that?!"

"Find Hitomi…and cross between worlds. From there, you must travel back in time."

"Excuse me?! Are you out of your mind?!"

"Hardly, but this can't be accomplished without the key."

"How do I know you're not just trying to kill my sister for the key?"

"You must trust me. It is the only way."

Over my dead body, I thought. I wasn't stupid. There was no chance in seven hells I would ever trust Chronos.

"The key will be mine again, I will not deny that. But not by killing Hitomi."

"Then how?"

She grew silent, her presence fading. My eye began to seep back to grey.

"Answer me!" I snapped.

"I will give you peace for the next two days."

"Chronos!"

But it was too late. She'd already gone. I punched the mirror, the glass shattering. It nicked my fingers, cutting my knuckles. The mess fell into the sink and went skidding across the floor.

I lowered my hand, still clenched in a fist. My blood dripped to the tile. Hiei did not come running this time.

Like a robot, I bathed and dressed. I used the leftover chest bandages to wrap my hand.

It seemed I would be traveling to Yokohama by myself. That was fine. Riding the train would give me time to think. It was rare that I had complete silence in my own head these days.

I returned to the room, after walking down a couple wrong hallways. It took much longer to get back than it did earlier.

I packed up the duffel, stumbling across the pack of cigarettes I'd hidden in it sometime ago. Gym bags stunk in general, so I figured Keiko wouldn't look there. I slipped them into my pants pocket for later.

I searched the desk for paper; I found a few sheets and a stack of pencils. I pulled out what I needed and began to write. I didn't have the courage to face them. I didn't want to scorn them all. I just needed to do this on my own.

The letter was short and sweet. I didn't tell them I was sorry, because I wasn't.

I had no notions that I was a hero. I knew I couldn't win. That didn't mean I wanted them there to see my demise. I didn't want them to be dragged down with me. They didn't deserve that.

I signed the paper and left it on the desk. I picked up my bag and then climbed over the bed to open the window. I threw the bag to the ground first and then jumped out after it.

Yusuke had taught me one other useful technique during our short time of training. He had shown me how to hide my aura, in case I needed to hide.

Now, I drew it all back inside, putting it away in a tight box. I could release it again once I was far enough away.

I ran straight into the forest. I would be caught going through the front gate. I would emerge from the trees near the bottom of the stairs.

I never stopped running. When I burst from the forest, I continued at the same pace. I didn't stop until I'd reached a main road.

From there I hailed a cab. It was a couple hours' drive to the nearest train station. I sat in quiet contemplation; the ride had never felt so long.

. . .

I was sitting amongst a group of students headed to a university. Yokohama was another two stops away.

This trip was far less exciting than the last.

There was no golem attack, no demons, and no bombs. The train ran on schedule, the conductor calling out each stop in a monotonous voice.

I'd shut my phone off an hour ago. I had received call after a call from Keiko and Kazuma. Even Kurama had tried me a few times, though he was not nearly as persistent.

I must have a hundred voicemails by now.

"Mind if I sit here?" a voice knocked me from my reverie.

I'd been so lost in thought I hadn't even recognized the voice, not until she sat next to me.

I stiffened, back going rigid.

"Hello, officer Morimoto," she said.

"What the fuck do you want?" I hissed from between my teeth, eyes darting around the train.

If she started something here, people would be caught in the crossfire. I wouldn't be able to prevent it, not in such cramped quarters.

"Is that anyway to talk to your superior?"

I scoffed at her, "You're a fake. Ren told me everything."

"Of course he did," she sighed, shaking her head.

"How did you find me?" I asked.

"The Reikai sees all within the Ningenkai, its part of our job."

Makoto folded her arms across her chest, crossing her legs. She stared straight ahead, as if she were too good to look at me.

"What do you want?" I asked again.

"You intend to use Ren for your training," it wasn't a question.

I hadn't told Hiei, for fear of him killing the other man. But I planned to take him with me to Takahiro's. The Reikai would be looking for him, but I knew uncle Taka had the capabilities to hide him.

"What business is it of yours?" I asked.

"It's my business because he's been my partner for over a decade now," she replied.

I kept in a depreciating laugh. Of course he was. He'd been her partner long before he'd been mine. I should have recognized it before. They'd always been close…at least closer than they should have been.

Makoto's hand came to clamp over my wrist. She squeezed and I clenched my jaw at the pain. She kept her face impassive, pretending everything was normal. No one noticed, or they didn't care either way.

"I have no intention of taking him from you," I said.

"Don't you?" she hissed.

"He agreed to help me, that's all."

She gripped harder, almost enough to bruise. Her eyes were set in controlled anger. I was neither afraid nor intimidated by her. Ren had made his choice and I had argued with him. I'd offered to take him with me because he was useful.

I wished to save our friendship at the very least, though I would never fully trust him again.

"Free him, Morimoto. If you will never love him, free him."

"I haven't chained him to me!"

I had raised my voice, the other train's passengers turned with looks of curiosity. I ignored them, tearing my wrist away from her.

Her face was no longer calm. It turned hideous in her anger. She loomed over me, but I didn't shrink from her.

If she wanted to try and dominate me it wouldn't work. I was the bigger bitch here.

My eyes flashed and that was her only warning. I surged up, my hand coming to grasp her chin. I pressed my thumb into her throat, choking her.

I smashed the back of her head into the window behind us, rising up on one knee to reach. The passengers sitting next to us jumped from their seats. Excited whispers broke out around me. I ignored it.

"Don't fuck with me, Makoto. I do not fear you or the Reikai," I snarled.

She had tears in her eyes. There was real fear there. I hadn't seen someone look at me that way in a long, long time. It caused a sick sense of pride to swell up in me.

I leaned over and smirked at her, pressing my thumb in more firmly.

"Ren made his choice, now live with it."

I heard my stop get announced over the intercom. With one last squeeze I released her roughly and got up from my seat. I collected my things and walked off the train without another glance.

She didn't come after me.

I wouldn't have given a shit if she had.

I didn't have time for petty fights with jealous women. I needed Ren out of necessity, not because I wanted to date him.

It wasn't my fault he thought otherwise.

I walked from the station and through the city. The cemetery I wanted was over a half an hour's walk. I decided to take my time.

I stopped to buy four bouquets and some incense to burn at their grave markers. I must have been a sight, carrying all that down the street along with my duffel. I didn't pay attention to anything or anyone. I walked around in a fog.

Though it took me almost an hour to reach my destination, it hadn't felt like it.

I walked through the gate, traversing the many rows. Some were littered with memorials and flowers. Others lay bare and decaying from age. Trees were scattered around the area, some hanging over grave sites. In the winter months, this place was barren. The headstones all covered in snow, it was almost depressing.

After a bit of a hike I found the section I was looking for. I looked to the end where their graves should be.

Of course, what I found there was not what I expected. Not completely anyway.

The presence at my back was also disconcerting.

I felt a rush flood over me, an adrenaline high I shouldn't have at this situation. But I had always been awkward and strange and fucked up. Why would this be any different?

She was knelt at their grave site, incense already lit, the smoke weaving through the air. She sat in silent prayer and I walked up to her with steps that crunched in the snow.

Her eyes opened slowly to look up at me and she smiled. I didn't return the gesture.

"Stand up," I said, voice cold and full of contempt.

She did as she was told, black hair streaming over her shoulder. She brushed the snow from her knees and flicked her hair out of her face. When her eyes once again rose to me, they were hard as stone.

"What happened to you?" I asked.

The presence at my back grew closer. He was getting antsy. He would not keep his patience for long at this rate.

"You might as well come out," said my sister, leaning around me to look down the pathway.

I whirled around to see if he would reveal himself. My eyes widened as Hiei jumped from one of the larger trees, still a distance from us. He knew he'd been found out. Even I had felt him. His wariness at seeing Hitomi had been a dead giveaway. He'd raised his power, just for a second.

I turned back to Hitomi, "How did you know he was there?"

She just smiled again and took two the bouquets out of my hands. Hiei advanced on his, his body language defensive but curious. I tried to ignore him for now. This was far more important.

Hitomi placed the flowers on our parents' graves and I placed mine on our grandparents.' I pulled the incense from my bag and lit another. I settled into prayer, Hiei at my back.

Hitomi would talk when she was ready. She wouldn't fight me here. She had enough respect for our family not to desecrate their resting place.

Besides…Takahiro seemed to trust her. Perhaps it wasn't true that she'd killed our uncle…or maybe she had a good reason. Once again, I shouldn't have been so quick to judge. She was my family, my blood.

She settled next to me, taking my hand into hers. I kept mine slack, not knowing how to react. I hadn't seen her in almost four years. I couldn't just fall back into sisterly habits.

We prayed, a moment of silence washing over us.

For a long while, the only sound was the wind in the air. That was, until Hitomi began to speak.

"Hiei-san, would you care to join us? Mom and dad would surely like to meet you."

I went rigid, shocked that she had addressed him and by his name no less.

"That was you on the phone that day!"

She let go of my hand and turned to stare at me, "Well, of course. Who did you think it was?"

"How do you know Hiei?" I shouted, jerking a thumb in his direction.

I turned to him, accusing him with my eyes. Had he met her before and decided not to tell me?

I was greeted with a glower so cold it made my breath catch. He was still angry with me. I didn't know how he'd found me, I had never told him where I was going. He must have just followed me to Yokohama and when I had stopped hiding my ki he'd discovered me. I should have acted smarter than that.

Hitomi rested a hand against my shoulder, trying to calm me. I slapped it away.

"Tell me!"

"Do you remember…that vision I had when I was young?"

"Which one, you had so many?" I snarled at her.

"The one of the swordsman?"

I paused, my heart freezing in my chest. Of course I remembered. That's where I'd first heard of the dragon's heart.

"What's your point?"

She looked pointedly at Hiei and I couldn't suppress the gasp that rose up my throat. I shot to my feet, ready to fight her on this.

"It's not him!"

"It is, he has the sword and you gave it to him, didn't you?"

I kept hoping the fire demon would jump in, put a stop to this nonsense. He didn't. He just stood there with his arms folded over his chest, his crimson gaze watching in interest.

I began to panic, not wanting to believe it, "That's impossible! It was Hideki, I was sure of it!"

I gave Hiei my sword to change my fate. I gave it to him because Hitomi had a vision of me giving the dragon's heart to Hideki. Had I been wrong this whole time?

But what did that mean? What if Hiei was the swordsman in black and I hadn't changed a damn thing? If that were true…he would end up with the dragon's heart. He would be the one to kill Hideki, not me!

I couldn't allow that!

"I've had other visions since Oneesan…of a man with crimson eyes."

I grabbed her by the lapels of her coat, jerking her towards me. She was unafraid. I turned wild, angry. I shook her.

"You're lying!"

She shook her head, her eyes sad, "No. I'm not."

I reared an arm back, ready to hit her.

My wrist was caught in a strong hand just before the punch would have connected.

Hiei tore me away from her, pushing me back and standing in between us. My rage soon turned to him.

"Get out of my way!"

"No," he snarled.

But a moment later I was left stunned again when Hitomi walked around him, dismissing him and his protection.

"I'm stronger now, Oneesan," she said.

"Is that a threat?" I asked through my teeth.

She shook her head, "Don't misunderstand. I want to help you."

"Help me? Like you did with our uncle and Hideki?"

"The situation is not as it seems, Kasumi," she said, her voice pleading.

"I saw you kill him!" I screamed.

I was practically hysterical by then. I wanted to throttle her. She was a fool to show up here.

"I had to, please Oneesan, there isn't time for this!"

"When will there be then?"

"Soon, but I must leave. If I'm found here…"

I screamed in frustration, "No, you can't leave, not again!"

I couldn't lose her again. I couldn't let her leave. She was right here, right in front of me. She was in my grasp. She couldn't escape, not now, not ever. I needed her.

"I want to make a deal with you," she said.

"Not until you explain what's going on," I replied.

She sighed, irritated with me now. I didn't care. She could get pissed off all she wanted.

"I promise to tell you, just not now. Go; complete your training with uncle Taka. We will talk more after."

"That's going to be months!"

"I know, for now I am offering you my word that I will tell you. Please accept the deal."

I wanted to say no. I wanted to knock her out and drag her home. But Hitomi was right. If Hideki were to find her…or if Chronos were to return, I didn't know what would happen. I would rather go knowing she was alive than leave here with her blood on my hands.

"Fine!" I snarled.

"I'm sure Chronos has told you how to obtain a dragon's heart?"

"What?!" I heard Hiei snap. I didn't have time to deal with him. He'd have to wait.

"Yes," I said.

"I will work with her to send you back in time…but on one condition."

I glared at her, "What is it?"

"Take him with you," she pointed at Hiei, whose eyes widened in shock.

My mouth fell open and I was left gaping for a moment, "Is that even possible?" I asked.

"With my help, yes, it is. I won't let you go alone."

Hiei would have to agree to this too and I began to worry. What if he chose not to, just to spite me? What would I do then? I needed the heart to kill Hideki; its power was the only way. The bastard thought it would be impossible to obtain. I had never thought time travel was even an option. Even still, I didn't know if I believed it. My life became more like a bad sci-fi film every goddamn day.

"You must give me an answer now, Kasumi."

"It's not really up to me," I said, looking to Hiei.

The fire demon kept is face impassive and said, "I will escort her."

Hitomi clapped her hands together and smiled in appreciation, "Thank you! Now I must go."

She leaned towards me and pecked me on the cheek, "I will see you in three months Oneesan. You will need every ounce of training he can give."

"I know that!"

"Not for Hideki, for killing the dragon," she gave me lopsided grin and winked.

A circle of runes appeared beneath her. I took a step back, wary that it was something dangerous.

She held out a hand and snapped her fingers together. She spoke a single word, "Go."

Then she disappeared in a flash of neon green light, so bright I had to cover my eyes. By the time I looked again her and her energy were gone.

It seems my plan to distance myself from my friends had backfired. I wondered if that was Hitomi's whole reason for being here in the first place.

"It seems… that you do need me after all."

I flinched at the sound of his voice. Since meeting him I had wondered how a demon made of fire could be so goddamned cold.

I had no reply for him. He spoke the truth, no point in denying it. I would have no choice but to remain involved with these people. I knew Hitomi would not change her mind. She was just as stubborn as I was.

I was grabbed by my upper arm and whirled around to face him, "You ran like a coward," he snarled.

I wrenched my arm free from his grip, my glare just as fierce as his, "No I didn't! I left to keep all of you from getting involved!"

"We're already involved you fool!"

I couldn't look at him. All I could do was stare down at my feet, my chest hallow. I wasn't sorry and I sure as hell wasn't a coward.

…I just didn't want to see anyone get hurt because of me. I'd lost so many. If I failed to protect the few remaining people that mattered to me, every sacrifice I'd ever made would be in vain.

"Look at me, Kasumi," he said.

I closed my eyes at the sound of my name slipping off his tongue. Even angry his voice managed to turn me on. I hated it.

He reached over and grabbed my chin between his forefinger and thumb, "Look at me!"

He jerked my head up, forcing my eyes on him. His were wild, a look of betrayal buried deep in their depths. I didn't understand that look. What had I done to cause him to direct that towards me? Surely it wasn't because I had run from them?

"I won't let you go off to die alone!" he yelled.

Out of all the things I thought he would say that hadn't been one. I could almost believe he was afraid to lose me…but that was just nonsense. Hiei didn't need anyone. He was strong and could take care of himself far better than I ever could.

I stared at him in defiance, refusing to listen to what he had just said. I would do what I must. If that meant dying alone, then so be it. It would be better that way.

The last thing I wanted was someone mourning my death. The very thought disturbed me.

His fingers tightened against my jaw. His eyes narrowed, his look turned dangerous. He clenched his jaw – all signs of him being beyond pissed off. He was enraged, furious with me.

I just kept telling myself that it was better this way. It had to be. I couldn't read too much into his words or the emotions behind his crimson eyes. I couldn't allow hope to rise up from a few passionate kisses and let feelings cloud my judgement.

I had cast Ren aside for those reasons too, not just because he had betrayed me. What made Hiei any different? He wasn't special, not in that sense anyway. He was more attractive than Ren but he had the attitude and temperament of a wild beast. He was hot and cold, all wrapped into one.

He would do nothing but cause me problems. Hiei would destroy me if I let him.

When I refused to answer him he let me go and spat on the ground.

"Tch, you will return home and tell the others what went on here."

"I will do no such thing," I said.

For a split second I thought he would hit me. He clenched his fist, his lips a thin line of anger. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, but it did little good.

"If you do not return on your own, I will drag you there," he said through his teeth.

"Oh no, that's not how this is going to work," I said.

I poked him in the chest, leaning forward to get in his face, "We need to have a little chat."

He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes, "I have no need for chatting."

"You can just stand there and listen then," I said.

He looked as if he would retaliate once again but I held up a hand to silence him. He grabbed that hand, his thumb pressed into my palm. He wrenched me forward, until our chests were almost touching. He was so close I could feel his breath ghost across my face. The winter air caused it to turn into smoke and it clouded my vision.

I thought he meant to kiss me again. A part of me wanted it but another much stronger part panicked. I didn't struggle in his hold; I just stood there like an idiot.

His eyes flicked around my face, searching me for something. What he did or didn't find must have irritated him further. His eyes darkened again and he let me go abruptly.

Even though he hadn't planted one on me, I was still left feeling confused and kind of empty. I didn't like it. I didn't like this one bit.

"What is your problem?!" I snapped at him.

He turned his cheek, staring across the graveyard instead of looking me in the eye. I took it as blatant disrespect. He was playing with me, playing with my emotions. This was another Hideki all over again. He would manipulate me until he got what he wanted. Then he would ruin me in the most brutal way possible.

I'd told myself I would never be serious about another man again. I slept with them to fulfill a physical need. I'd decided that Hiei would not be one of those men. I could look passed some of his faults, I could deal with his attitude, but becoming involved was a whole other ball game.

If I ever took this man to bed there would be no turning back.

Hiei still hadn't spoken. He'd only clenched his jaw and folded his arms across his chest again.

I grew more frustrated by the second, "Are you going to answer me?"

"I have no answer," he said.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly as I said, I do not have one."

I was done. If he couldn't even explain his actions, then he could go to hell.

I retrieved my duffel bag, now covered in snow, and threw it over my shoulder. I began to walk away from him. I had nothing else to say to him. If he chose not to help me in the coming months, I didn't care. I would work out another deal with Hitomi. I would find another way.

"Where are you going?" he snapped as I passed him.

I said not a word, I just kept walking. From his tone I knew what was coming and I prepared for it.

He grabbed me, a hand clamping down over my arm. Ironically, it was in the same spot as his scar. The area was still tender, even months later.

I brought my power flaring across my arm. It was strong enough to cause him some pain. My energy acted like electricity and so it managed to fry the skin on his palm. I was sure if his hair didn't already reach for the sky it would have at that moment.

I had expected him to let me go. I should have known it wouldn't be so easy. A little pain didn't bother a man like Hiei.

He kept his grip on my arm and pulled me backwards. I was whipped around, a fist slamming into my gut.

I doubled over, the wind knocked out of me. Shit, he'd hit me fucking hard!

I coughed, choking on nothing. He threw me over his shoulder then and I could do nothing as he took off running.

I wheezed for a while after that, hanging over his back like a sack of flour. His shoulder was jabbing into the same area he'd hit, making the trip even worse.

If this was his idea of wooing a woman he needed a goddamned reality check.

I couldn't see where we were headed, our surroundings nothing but a blur. I held onto my glasses with one hand, the duffel with the other. It was a difficult ride and I was beyond relieved when he came to a stop.

I heard a window get thrown open and then I was deposited onto the floor. It was a rough landing to say the least.

It took me mere seconds to recognize where I was. He'd taken me back to my apartment. Everything was dark and silent, meaning Keiko and the rest hadn't returned. They must still be at Genkai's and for that I was grateful.

I had bigger problems to deal with at the moment.

Hiei, though he was short, managed to tower over me. His feet were on either side of my legs, caging me in. He crouched, until he was almost straddling me and then grabbed me by the collar of my coat.

Hiei pulled me up from the floor slowly, his glare making beads of sweat appear on my forehead.

I didn't know what he planned to do. If he wanted to hurt me or do something far more pleasurable, I never found out.

Hiei stiffened above me. With the apartment being as silent as it was, I was even able to hear when someone broke into my house. The door handle was jiggled repeatedly until they finally managed to disengage the lock. Next came the deadbolt, which seemed so loud in the dead silence as it was clicked home.

Hiei's demeanor grew even more sinister. He was close enough to me that I felt when his body heat rose to levels that would kill a normal person.

Footsteps on the stairs had him pulling me up from the floor. He flung me behind him, acting as my protector. I listened closely to those steps, the cadence of the person's feet on the wood. It was a man with a heavy gait. Someone wearing boots who hadn't bothered to take them off at the door.

When they reached the landing I knew exactly who it was. I tried to lunge passed Hiei when my door was thrown open but I still wasn't quick enough.

The fire demon tackled the man through the doorway.

I didn't even know why he was here, but he had the worst timing ever. Hiei had already been pissed off.

I ran after them, finding the two men throwing punches on the floor of the landing. I was surprised to see that Hiei had resorted solely to hand to hand.

Of course, Ren's face wasn't fairing too well. The other man wasn't giving up and Hiei was so enraged he only bothered to block the more brutal hits.

Ren kicked the fire demon off him and Hiei was quick to regain his footing. He slid backwards and in that moment of distraction I jumped forward.

I wrapped my arms around the fire demon's waist, pinning him to the spot. I could feel the heat of his skin through his clothing and I broke out in a sweat.

He growled low in his throat and went to break my hold, but I had given Ren his chance.

I watched as the other man's power coalesced in his hands. He held his palms out and I was stunned to see that energy turn into tiny silver threads.

They shot out towards Hiei and I heard the fire demon swear. They traveled through his clothes, connecting to his chest.

"You can let him go now Kasumi, he isn't going anywhere."

At first I didn't even hear him. I just stood there stupidly with my arms wrapped as tight as I could get them around Hiei's waist.

If I let him go, would Ren hurt him?

The idea caused a strange reaction from me. I felt rage rise in my chest and engulf me. It made me so angry.

I let the fire demon go and walked around him so I could inspect the threads. Ren pulled on them and I saw Hiei's body jerk along with them. He growled low his throat, baring his fangs at the other man.

I turned to Ren, "Release him!"

His eyes widened and he stared at me incredulously, "Why?!"

I didn't know what this was or why I wanted to protect Hiei as bad as I did. It made no sense. I just knew that whatever Ren was doing to him was dangerous.

I didn't answer my partner (if I could even call him that). I turned my back on him and stepped into the threads. They passed straight through me, still connected to Hiei. It seemed they would only attach to what their master told them to.

"Damn it, Ren!" I whirled back around and went to advance on him. Knocking him out would stop it and I was angry enough to do it.

I didn't get very far.

Burning hands reached around me. Hiei wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me back. I landed into his chest, his arms tight and unyielding. He buried his face into the crook of my neck.

I couldn't see his face, I couldn't see the look he was giving Ren – but I could feel it. My ex-partner took in a shuddering breath and gulped. I felt teeth much sharper than a human's drag down the side of my neck. I violent shiver traveled down my spine.

Hiei's mouth hovered there at the hollow between shoulder and throat.

"Don't you fucking dare, you bastard," Ren said. His voice shook in anger, his blue eyes sparking.

I was even more confused now than I had been before. What the fuck was going on here? The situation felt serious, but what would it matter if he bit me?

Ren hadn't let him go. I felt as fangs dug in just a little further – a warning. He was using me as a hostage. It was just a rather strange way of doing so.

Ren collected the threads all into one hand and gave a great pull, "I'm warning you, demon!"

I heard Hiei release a strangled gasp at his actions but then I felt a smirk against my skin. His lips brushed against me as he spoke, causing goose flesh to rise up across my skin, "Have it your way."

And then his teeth sunk into me. I bit back a scream, thinking it was going to hurt. On the contrary, the exact opposite happened. A heat, not unlike arousal, spread through me from that spot. I writhed against him, throwing my head back on his shoulder.

I think I might have moaned, as embarrassing as that was.

"Fuck!" Ren screamed and he released his threads. They fell away but Hiei still didn't stop.

His arms held me tighter; he jerked me upwards, biting into my neck harder. His thoughts flooded through my head becoming a jumbled mess among my own. I couldn't pick one from the other, some spoken in tongues I did not understand.

I was so hot; my body felt like it was on fire. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All I could do was feel.

Wetness pooled between my legs and my heart raced in my chest. I moaned again and that was when he finally released me.

I fell to my knees, panting on the floor. Hiei stepped around me and I looked up just in time to see him lick my blood from his lips.

"Leave," he snarled at Ren. His voice was dark, husky…aroused.

"You better pray that isn't permanent," said Ren.

Hiei chuckled, "And if it is?"

Ren's eyes darkened, his lips curled into a snarl, "I'll take your soul and crush it."

We were interrupted again by the sound of the front door being thrown open. I had no doubt that everyone else had returned and they had felt the hostile energy.

I heard Yusuke call Hiei's name, but the fire demon did not answer him. They came barreling up the stairs, Yusuke, Kazuma, and Kurama.

Green eyes landed on me and they widened. Kurama turned to Hiei with a look so stunned I thought his jaw would hit the floor, "What did you do!?"

Hiei didn't look at him. He just brought up a hand, biting at his thumbnail and glaring at Ren through his fringe. I saw that those nails had elongated into claws. He looked more like a monster now than I had ever seen before.

"Hiei, what have you done?!" Kurama screamed at him again.

I reached up a hand. My fingers coming back smeared in red. I felt dizzy…lightheaded. What had he done to me?

What the fuck had he done to me?!

. . .

A/N: So…you can kill me for leaving it there, I will understand haha. I listen to a lot of music while writing this, sometimes it's even one song on repeat. This can heavily influence the mood in the chapters, I've noticed. I was listening to dark, heavy beats while writing the ending to this. I have a slightly different take on the whole "marking" thing. Sorry you won't get to find out what that is until next chapter! I love you all, thank you for reading!