A/N: Hello lovelies! I'm glad last chapter was so well received! I was nervous about posting it, as I'm paranoid about Kasumi's power development. I don't want her to turn into some kind of Mary-sue like character. Also, have to comment on a few of the reviews I got. Some people who don't normally review have made it a point to tell me how much they love this fic. I have to say that I'm so very grateful that you guys enjoy it so much and I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me how much you love my writing! I'll do my best to get chapters out as quick as I can, but please be patient with me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho which is extremely unfortunate (for me).

Warnings: This chapter is in Hiei's POV! Profanity, blood/gore, violence, sexual themes, adult themes, etc…

. . .

I couldn't recall the last time I'd willingly slept in a bed. I was used to the outdoors. The habit of resting in trees was born from my will to survive. There were plenty of things in the Makai that could kill you in the sky as well as the ground. But you were far safer hidden from prying eyes.

But now I found myself lying amongst sheets that were not my own. Pillows that were far too soft rested beneath my head. I stared up at a ceiling that had somehow grown familiar, but gave me no peace of mind.

I should be outside, where I belonged. But the stench of the Ningenkai never failed to irritate me.

I wondered what she would say if she was to discover what I was doing in her absence.

If I had it my way she'd never know. I'd snuck in through the window. The apartment was dark and devoid of life.

While Kasumi was away, Yusuke's woman had decided to stay with him at his own home. A week had passed since she'd left.

I'd managed to stay away only nine days before I'd missed her scent.

The thought caused me to sneer in disgust. But even still, I remained surrounded by her things. The scent of her skin still coated the bedding and it had been an unconscious decision to sleep here. There was no true rest forthcoming, however.

I hadn't slept for more than a few hours here and there since the night I'd sunk my teeth into her neck.

It replayed in my mind, over and over, eroding everything else.

I hadn't bitten her out of simple jealousy, though I couldn't deny it was a big part of it. Amano Ren angered me. Not only for the claim he had staked on her, but also for how easily he spoke of his devotion.

He had no qualms admitting he loved her. He was weak…pathetic. He was the lowest type of human. He was the kind of man that allowed the love for another to control their life. Amano was the kind of man I couldn't stand.

And so my hate for him had festered. It had started at first as annoyance and then morphed into something I didn't quite understand.

I had no reason to be jealous of a human.

I had no reason to be jealous at all. I should have handed Kasumi over on a silver platter just to be rid of the nuisance.

Instead, I'd grown so angry that he was constantly around her that I had staked a claim of my own. One that was far more dangerous than Ren's petty words.

A demon marking could kill a human…if given with the wrong intentions. And there was no denying that I had not given it with Kasumi's wellbeing in mind.

The only saving grace was that it hadn't been permanent. It would fade with time. This feeling, like an itch beneath my skin I was unable to scratch, would fade too.

I had no intentions of making her a mate. The thought had never crossed my mind in the decades I'd been alive.

So why I'd acted so foolishly that night…it was beyond me. My reasoning behind it hadn't lessened either.

I didn't want Amano near her. I didn't want any male near her. Seeing another man touch her caused my hackles to rise.

I was becoming more pathetic by the day.

Of course…I'd found a wonderful distraction from all of this.

Since biting her, I'd been linked to Kasumi in a way that wasn't quite normal. Unlike with the Jagan, where I could hear only her thoughts, I now felt her emotions on top of it.

She was far away…underground in the mountains. I shouldn't be able to feel her at all.

Yet late at night, when she is deep within the darkness of sleep, I go to her.

She believes she is dreaming. I planned to have it remain that way. This was just another sickness of mine.

I wanted her body. I wanted to devour her. To take her places she couldn't even comprehend. However…convincing her to allow it would be the hard part.

I should be training…not playing around with a human woman.

But I'd already decided to travel to the Makai and pay a visit to Mukuro before the week was up.

I was sure her anger had not cooled since the last time. But it would be better to face it now than allow her to stew in it.

She was not at all pleased that I'd made the mistake of sinking my teeth into a human's neck.

I believed her exact words had been, 'You are acting just as any other male - thinking with the prick between your legs instead of your head.'

The smartass comment I'd given her afterwards had won me no favors. On the contrary, I'd received a life threatening injury instead.

I'd allowed Kasumi to stitch it back up, much to my current chagrin. She was the cause of the wound in the first place. So it made sense to me at the time that she should be the one to repair the damage.

Out of irritation I'd ripped the damned things out days ago. A scar remained. It might not have, if I hadn't been so hasty to remove the threads.

It was just one more reminder of my own disgusting inability. I was still weak in too many ways. It was downright degrading.

It wasn't helping my case any that I was still lying in her bed either. What the hell was I thinking?

I shifted, my body inching towards the edge of the bed. The brush of sheets against bare skin and the scent that wafted up towards my nose caused me to halt. I sighed. This was…annoying.

So far the only benefit to be found for sleeping indoors was the chance for nudity. To be able to wash my clothes was also a luxury I didn't utilize often. But I had done so tonight. Why I had come here of all places I still wasn't willing to comprehend.

The temple would have been a better choice.

But having Yukina nearby…

I cringed and pushed the subject of my sister from my mind.

It was best I didn't think of her now. What good would it do me?

I folded my arms behind my head and stared up at the ceiling. Was it late enough yet? Would she be asleep now?

I let my eyes dip closed. I took in a deep breath.

There was only one way to find out…

. . .

A strip of light falling across my closed lids had them snapping open. I kept my breaths even and my energy calm as if I'd remained asleep. She'd notice in time either way.

Steps, uneven in their gait thanks to her prosthetic leg, ventured further into the room. She did nothing to hide her presence. She didn't work that way. I was in her domain now. She'd do whatever she pleased.

"Get up," she snapped.

I glared at her, tempted to roll over and go back to sleep just to piss her off.

"Need I remind you that you came to me," she said.

She tore the sheet from the bed, tossing it aside and away from me. I rolled my eyes to the ceiling.

Since arriving back at Mukuro's she'd not given me any reprieve. She allowed me to sleep a few hours late in the evening and then woke me to continue training.

I couldn't let Kasumi go off and get stronger while I remained behind complacent.

But Mukuro's attitude was grating on my last nerve.

I rose from the bed, my actions slow and deliberate. She was unamused but I continued to take my time. I dressed at a leisurely pace. I saw out of the corner of my eye as she crossed her arms and glowered at me.

I was careful to hide the smirk that stretched my lips.

"Perhaps you're only mad I interrupted your…play time," I said, my tone scathing.

I was quick to dodge the kick she aimed for my head.

She didn't like when I mentioned the gift I'd given her several years ago. She'd become obsessed with it for a time. Now, I brought it up whenever she most angered me.

And it was unfortunate for her that she'd just interrupted a very good dream.

"You have changed, Hiei."

I had remained Mukuro's second in command for four years. I had returned to the Ningenkai a year ago after Yusuke had required assistance on a case.

At first Mukuro hadn't minded. She respected the detective. But when my visits back to her became less frequent…she'd turned sour.

She now equated my constant absence with my "human lover" as she called her.

And I couldn't say it wasn't the truth. But not for the reasons Mukuro had come up with. I'd remained behind to assist in the Purgatory issue. Yusuke would need all the help he could get.

It wasn't my fault Kasumi was at the center of the entire mess.

"And you haven't, Mukuro?" I said.

She pursed her lips and closed her good eye. She couldn't deny it after all.

Since the fall of Raizen and the start of the Makai tournament Mukuro had become apathetic. She still ruled over Alaric and had participated in the second tournament with the rest of us. But she had no will to win.

I hated feeling as if I was losing respect for her.

I'd freed her from her bonds…only to have her let go of that fire as well.

She should have been king of Makai. Instead, Enki's wife Kokou had won last year. While she was a bit stricter in her rulings, most things had remained unchanged. She kept up Enki's and Yusuke's ideals. The portal between worlds remained open for all to use.

Demons and humans mingled now. It was all quite revolting.

I'd spent three years on border patrol, rescuing human idiots from the noxious Makai air. It hadn't made my feelings for them any less hateful.

It was a god send when the next tournament came around and I no longer had to perform that duty. New losers arose to take my place.

I thought I would return to old habits. I would work for Mukuro until I became strong enough to beat her.

Being pulled into another mission to save the worlds hadn't been in the agenda. I was never cut out to be a hero, yet here I was, saving the world again.

The promise I had made to Kasumi still burned in the back of my throat as well.

I wouldn't let her throw her life away. Not when she hadn't even had the chance to truly live.

I shouldn't care. What was she to me? She was a human child, nothing more, nothing less. At least, that is what I told myself.

Lost in thought, I reached down absentmindedly to retrieve Kasumi's sword. I'd started carrying both mine and the masterpiece she'd given me. But when my hand hit the hilt of only my own I paused.

My eyes snapped to the bedside to find the lacquered scabbard missing. The sword was gone and I growled deep in my throat. When had she taken it the sneaky bitch?

I rounded on Mukuro, my energy flaring in anger. She stood behind me, her face smug. She pulled the sword from behind her back and held it out towards me.

"Looking for this?" she asked.

My eyes narrowed and I sneered at her. There was no point in answering. She already knew.

Her eyes roamed over the scabbard, pausing at the name painted elegantly near the hilt. She raised one refined eyebrow and I watched her lips mouth her name.

"Morimoto, hmm?" she said.

"Give it here," I snapped, crooking my fingers at her.

She acted as if she hadn't heard me. "Was it a gift? I didn't take you for a man that accepted presents. She must be special."

She was heckling me, trying to rile me up. It wouldn't work. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

"I stole it," I lied, face impassive.

Mukuro smiled her lips quirking upwards. It was faked. She hadn't believed a word of what I'd said.

"It's an impressive weapon," she said, running a hand down the sheath, "I might like to have it."

My jaw clenched and I bit my tongue to keep from saying something I'd regret. It would be a cold day in hell when I allowed Mukuro to have that blade.

"Unless…," she said, "It means something to you?"

I stared her in the eye, defiant and cold. I would take it back if I had to. But she didn't need to know its significance.

With my silence Mukuro released a brief laugh before sticking the blade through the tie around her waist.

"You'll train with Kirin today," she said.

I scoffed at her, "I'm stronger than he is."

"That may be so, but I've grown tired of your insolence."

I glared at her and she turned her back on me. Before she could make it to the door I blocked her path, using my speed to beat her there.

I held out a hand, "The sword."

She smiled again, folding her arms across her chest, "You want it back?"

I nodded once, my glare deepening.

"Then you will have to take it from me."

I took a step towards her, planning to do just that, but her red energy stopped me. It flared around her, hostile and dangerous. She wouldn't give it back without a fight.

I knew what she was doing now. She had given me a goal – a reason to get stronger.

The blade would not come to be in my possession again until I could physically remove it from her person. I couldn't return to Kasumi without it in hand either.

"Come to me when you've trained enough to be a challenge for me."

She breezed by me, her arrogance doing nothing but angering me further. How dare she do this?! It didn't matter how strong she was, no one played games with me!

I was foolish, my own pride affecting my judgement. I swung a heavy fist towards her face, flames of anger engulfing my knuckles.

She was prepared for it.

She hit me hard enough to send me crashing through several stone walls. She broke ribs and seared my skin with her energy.

Even though she wasn't as strong as she once was, she still out ranked me by miles.

She stood in the wake of the wreckage, staring at me from the opening in the third wall. I'd landed outside of the compound. I could taste copper and dirt clouded my vision.

She called to me, "Forget about the girl. Concentrate on yourself. You'll never beat me otherwise."

And then she was gone and I was left with only my rage.

I'd have the blade back before the day was out. She would not win so easily.

. . .

Two whole weeks passed before I was able to even place a finger on the sword. Mukuro protected it with absolute determination. Even while she slept I'd been unable to take it from her.

I grew more frustrated by the day.

It didn't help when I felt my mark on Kasumi's neck begin to fade. Her feelings were not as strong anymore.

It was the only way I knew she was safe. At this rate the mark would be gone by the end of the month. It caused trepidation to sink to pit of my stomach.

For now, I was forced to ignore that issue in favor of another.

I had challenged Mukuro once a day, every day. Not once had I even gotten near the blade. Not until today that was.

I had done as she'd told me and trained with Kirin. He didn't like the situation any more than I did. But he continued to assist me, although begrudgingly.

He was strong. But I'd surpassed him some time ago. The only people who presented a challenge to me now were few and far between.

Yusuke was one of them…as was Mukuro. I was an S class, but I only held a fraction of the power the lord of Alaric had. Mukuro could have killed me by now if she'd wanted to.

Yet here I was, in the middle of battle with her once more. I knew now she had taken the sword merely to test me. It hadn't been out of malice or jealousy. But it didn't make me want it back any less.

If anything, I enjoyed the challenge more than I should have.

I flitted around her; using the trees of the woodland we were in to hide my presence. It didn't work for long, as she merely sliced the trees down with her energy.

I dodged the third dimensional cutter she threw my way with a wave of her hand. I stopped behind her and waited.

She'd leave an opening eventually…

I dodged again as red energy shot towards my torso, jumping high into the air. I dived back down, using every ounce of my speed.

After that last blast she hadn't found where I'd dodged quick enough. She'd expected me to move to the side, back amongst the trees.

I reached forward, my eyes trained on the sword at her waist.

I felt my fingertips brush the hilt just before her first slammed into my stomach.

I was sent flying, crashing through one of the few remaining trees. I pained gasp left my throat without my permission. I was left in a crumpled heap, covered in bits of debris and blood.

Mukuro appeared before me a moment later as I labored to sit up. She'd broken my ribs again. I coughed up blood, seeing it splatter across the dirt.

Seemed she'd punctured a lung this time too.

She grinned at me, "You've gotten faster."

I spat more blood to the ground and rose to my feet. I took a stance, prepared to engage her again.

She laughed, but obliged all the same. The fight continued well into the evening.

I fell asleep in the woods, exhausted by the time we were through. Mukuro left me there. I preferred the outdoors anyway, so it mattered little.

I dreamt of Kasumi.

Unlike when I traveled to her consciously, this time was different. She walked in front of me. Her hair swung behind her back, held in a long tail.

She was staring up at the sky. It was not the night sky of the Ningenkai, however. But the night sky of the Makai. Its color was a dark purple, littered with dark clouds. Two moons hung above, one larger than the other. The bigger of the two was a pale blue in color, whereas the smaller one was a deep red.

This must be a dream. A true dream, not one of my creation.

She stopped and hummed thoughtfully, still staring up at that sky.

"It's weird, huh?"

I went along with her, wanting to see where the dream was taking me.

"What is?" I walked to stand beside her and she lifted her arms to fold behind her head.

She rolled her neck so she could look over at me. She jerked her head towards the sky.

"It's so different from home," she explained.

I shrugged, "Not for me."

"That's true…" she mumbled.

She dropped to the ground suddenly, splaying her legs out in front of her. She stretched and then turned to me with a grin, "Well, join me!"

I raised an eyebrow at her but sunk to the grass below us anyway. We sat in silence for a while. Kasumi continued to stare at the two moons in fascination.

Then, ever so quiet, she asked: "Where do you go when you die?"

She still wasn't looking at me, her face nonchalant. She was putting on a show. This was rather odd for me to be dreaming about…wasn't it?

I answered seriously, "A ferry girl like Botan will come collect you. Then you will go to Reikai."

"And from there?" she asked.

"It depends. But you will see Koenma and travel through the judgement gate."

She nodded and hummed again. I saw her bite her lip, her eyes clouding over with some kind of emotion.

Her lips parted, to say something more, but then they snapped shut again. She contemplated her question for a while, before she finally voiced it.

"Do you…believe in reincarnation?"

This dream was getting stranger by the second.

"Hn," I grunted. I didn't need to believe in it. It was a very real possibility, but only if the Reikai deemed you worthy.

She turned to me then. Her eyes pierced me, the grey which should be so cold, shone bright in the dark. They swam with some kind of knowledge I couldn't comprehend.

My breath caught in my throat. Why was she looking at me like that?! Stop! Don't look at me that way!

"I'll find you again," she said with conviction.

But underneath those words, was something left unspoken. It was as if she'd said them to me before…in some distant past. But that wasn't possible. Kasumi was only twenty and I'd lived for well over fifty years. I'd lost count sometime around then, anyway,

So why…why the fuck was my gut screaming otherwise?!

Kasumi wouldn't look away and I felt myself begin to drown. The grey swallowed me whole. It sapped me of all my strength. It left me weak.

A rush washed over me and I awoke on the forest floor covered in a cold sweat. I could hear the rush of blood in my ears and it took a moment to reorient myself.

It was dark out. I'd been a fool and fallen asleep in the middle of the woods. I was surprised I hadn't been eaten.

My energy was beginning to return, but not enough to placate me. I wished to get the dream out of my head. The only way I knew how was to challenge Mukuro again. I needed to concentrate on something that wouldn't remind me of the girl.

But then I remembered why there was a need to fight Mukuro at all.

How wouldn't I be reminded of Kasumi when even the fucking blade had her name on it?

I snarled, frustrated with myself. It was just a dream, nothing more. There was no need to dwell on it.

Keep telling yourself that, fool. Just like when I dreamt of being thrown from the island or Yukina over and over. But those weren't the same, were they? They were memories…

So what had this dream meant then?

I wasn't able to think on it, for a pronounced rustling in the woods drew my attention. Kirin stepped from the underbrush, his face a mask of smug satisfaction.

I waited for the obnoxious remark that was sure to come and wasn't disappointed.

"You're lucky Lord Mukuro wants you around. You would have been a prime target."

I rolled my eyes and rose to my feet. I made to flit off and leave him there. But his next words did nothing but incite my anger.

"If it weren't for me, you'd surely be dead. You're underserving of your position."

I had him pinned to a tree by his throat faster than he could blink.

I squeezed until I felt his flesh give way, my fingers digging into his neck. I bared my fangs at him, leaning up to invade his personal space.

He'd have to find out the hard way who the dominant one was here. It sure as fuck wasn't him.

"What did you say?" I asked, though I knew he couldn't answer.

I allowed flames to rise up around me. They burned his flesh and caused him to struggle against my hold. His own power rose up to defend against it, but it did him little good.

"I'm not the same man you met four years ago," I snarled. I was stronger now. Kirin was nothing but a grunt in comparison to my true power.

As he began to choke, I smirked and then released him. He fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.

"Don't forget I outrank you," I said.

"Not for long," he ground out, his voice garbled and nearly inaudible.

I went to draw my sword. I had every intention of cutting off his head.

"Enough!" I stiffened at the sound of her voice.

I wished to disobey her, inching the blade from its scabbard just a little further.

"That's an order, Hiei."

I growled deep in my throat and sheathed the blade. I stalked off. I had no desire to speak to her. If I didn't kill something and now, I was going to explode.

Nothing was safe from my wrath that night – nothing.

. . .

A month passed in much the same manner. The only difference was that I'd refused to train with Kirin. Now I trained alone and anyone who got in my way was dealt with instantly.

I'd come no closer to getting the sword back.

I was frustrated, both mentally and physically. My connection to Kasumi was near to severed.

It left me with a sexual desire I had no way to expunge. I became reckless in my fights with Mukuro. She wounded me over and over, but never enough to kill me.

But as the old saying goes – what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I battled with her day in and day out. I allowed her taunts and her perverse satisfaction at putting me in my place.

I used up every bit of youki I had. I pushed myself further and harder. It wasn't so much about the sword anymore.

I needed to prove myself.

If I couldn't get it back, how could I consider myself worthy of it?

It was a blade fit for the hands of a god. What right did I have to use such an item if I couldn't even protect it?

What right would I have to stand at Kasumi's side as the doorway to Purgatory loomed before us? I wouldn't, not as I am now.

I'd told her she wouldn't die. And I'd meant it.

Mukuro beat me senseless. My vision blurred and my blood spilled to the floor. Still I pushed myself.

When I fell to my knees…and then finally flat on my face, she came to stand over me.

"Rest," she said, "And try again tomorrow."

I fell into an uneasy sleep, brought on from exhaustion. I didn't dream of the girl that night.

The next day, as I once again went through this ritual I had started, I realized something. My mark had faded completely. I would not feel her again.

I almost regretted it then…that I hadn't made the damn thing permanent.

But to complete the cycle…she would have to claim me as well. Hell would have to freeze over before I allowed that to come to pass.

I exchanged punches with Mukuro. My head cleared. I had better things to concentrate on.

I was able to withstand her assault for two days straight before my power gave out. It brought back memories of Yusuke's fight with Yomi. They had gone on for nearly three days during the first Makai tournament.

My power grew daily. When I wasn't fighting Mukuro I completed extensive training of my own. I'd gone back to my old ways. I hadn't trained like this since I'd first met the lord of Alaric.

I would have to goad the detective into a fight upon my return. I was positive he'd spent his time training as well.

Kasumi had taught him more than he'd shown her that was certain. Yusuke was a skilled martial artist to begin with, but with Kasumi's added training he'd be even stronger. He was a fool at the best of times, but he wasn't stupid. He'd utilize that for the coming days.

It would be interesting to see where our powers matched up now. I hadn't sparred with the man in over a year.

There was nothing like the feeling of facing a strong opponent in battle.

"You're distracted again, Hiei!" called out Mukuro.

We were in a clearing behind her compound. It was a safe distance from civilization. A preventive measure to make sure no one was caught in the crossfire.

We took our fights seriously, even if they weren't to the death.

I ignored her, continuing to fight her with my fists alone. I'd picked up a few things from watching Kasumi and I'd been eager to practice with them.

I refused to ever admit that to the girl, however.

"Are you thinking of your human lover?" Mukuro's voice sang out mockingly.

Perhaps it was the fact it was true – that I had been thinking of Kasumi. Although, I wouldn't call her my "lover," as Mukuro put it. But her words irked me too much this time.

I lunged at her, black flames covering my hands. The first fist smashed her in the cheek. The second struck her in the jaw. She was sent flying backwards.

She flipped in midair to land back on her feet, skidding a few feet before coming to a halt.

I didn't give her time to recover.

I hit her with a barrage of punches and kicks. Not all of them landed but excitement bloomed in my chest.

I was faster now. I could get closer before she could prevent it.

I reached for the sword again. My palm wrapped around the scabbard.

My moment of triumph was short lived. An energy blast to my left side sent me careening through the air. I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked from my lungs.

I struggled to my hands and knees.

That same feeling of inadequacy returned tenfold. I was still unable to take it back.

"You're better than this," I heard Mukuro snarl from above me.

I glowered at her, baring my teeth. This was her fault! If she had kept her damn hands off of it…

"Do not place blame on me. Your head is not where it should be."

I looked away from her. I couldn't deny her words. I'd lost a piece of myself somewhere along the lines.

I wished to blame Kasumi for my current predicament. But it wasn't her. I could have prevented all of this. I could have changed my course.

Instead I'd made a vow to her before she'd left. I had assured her I would change her mind. I was a fool. I should have let her go.

What good would any of this do me? If it didn't bring me power it wasn't worth my time.

"We're not done. Get up."

I obeyed, but only because I needed an outlet for my sudden aggression. I was so angry all I could see was red.

For the first time in months I released the dragon. I reveled in the power it gave me, in the eternal black flames that engulfed me body and soul.

I used its strength to continue my fight with Mukuro. The damn thing near swallowed her up – a first, for the both of us.

It would seem it had become stronger as well.

And I could feel it too. It writhed beneath my skin. It wanted to devour the woman before us. It wished to see her blood paint the dust beneath our feet.

I was happy to oblige.

Our fight ended in a draw that day. I had managed to exhaust Mukuro to the point she'd called the fight to a halt.

By then I was barely standing. The dragon had taken its toll on me. I would need at least a day's rest to recuperate.

I'd say it was a good thing I passed out. At least I wouldn't dream of Kasumi that night.

The next time I awoke it was to find myself in my designated chambers. Though I had spent time here over the years, the room was devoid of any personality. It had a large dresser, a vanity, and a bed.

I used only the bed on occasion and the dresser housed all of two outfits.

Most of my clothing remained either at the temple or Kurama's. Though I did not claim what he'd purchased me over the years. Human clothing was constricting, itchy, and hideous. He could burn them for all I cared.

Everything else I'd ever owned was on my person. It was easier that way.

My throat was dry, so I clambered from the bed and walked to the adjoined bathroom.

I let the faucet run until the water was cold and then cupped my hands. I drank from my palms and washed my face while I was at it.

I would bathe properly later, after I'd gone out to train. There would be no point in doing so now. My aching muscles would appreciate it, no doubt.

I dressed in simple, loose clothing and then set off to find Mukuro.

I checked her chambers first, her guards allowing me access without a second glance. She was not in bed, nor was she in her study. That left the throne room or, if it was early enough, the dining hall.

She was not to be found in any of the normal places. Eventually I was forced to bite the bullet and ask Kirin where the hell she'd gone off to.

The only answer that bastard had been willing to give was that, "She'd had pressing matters to attend to."

I'd scoffed at him and left without another word.

Pressing matters my ass. She was avoiding me. The only question was why?

I trained alone that day and every day there after that she did not return. I grew weary. I'd searched the entire compound for the sword, in the hopes she'd left it behind. But it had been a vain hope at best. She wouldn't be so careless.

Two weeks passed. My agitation mounted by the day. Where the hell could she have gone? I was her second in command, why hadn't she mentioned anything to me?

My fist smashed through a boulder. There was only so much training I could do on my own.

I took my frustrations out on my surroundings. The woods suffered from my anger. I burned down an entire forest before the day was through.

As I stepped out of the flaming wreckage I had created I was greeted with an interesting sight.

Mukuro stood just beyond the tree line, waiting for me. In her hands was a box. At first, it looked just like any other – made of wood, square in shape. But as I drew closer I noticed the intricate design on its lid.

I came up on her and paused before her. I cast a pointed look at the item in her hands.

She ignored that in favor of commenting on my destruction, "I see you've been busy in my absence."

"And where, exactly, have you been?" I snarled.

"I went to collect this very box," she replied.

What the hell could have taken her two weeks to retrieve? Unless she'd been forced to find it on her own…whatever it was.

Mukuro held the wooden object out to me. It wasn't large in size, but the wood was odd. It was dark…almost black in color but I could detect no staining or paint. It was made from a tree in the Makai then.

The design on its lid was also troublesome. It was obviously a ward of some kind – a powerful one at that.

"What is it?" I asked when an explanation was not forthcoming.

"I heard a rumor the other day…" she said.

It seemed I was not going to get a straight answer out of her. I stepped around the woman, making it a point to show how disinterested I was.

I shoved my hands into the pockets of my pants and began to walk off.

Her hand shooting out and grabbing me by the arm forced me to a grinding halt. I turned to her with a snarl, but she was unimpressed.

"I assure you Hiei; you'll want to know what's in this box."

I ripped my arm from her grip, "Then stop beating around the bush!"

She continued to be unperturbed by my attitude. Instead, she merely continued where she'd left off.

"I heard a rumor that you are in search of a dragon's heart."

I tried with all my might not to look surprised. But I couldn't figure out how she could have known.

Unless…

"Kurama," I mumbled under my breath. That bastard, I was sure it had to have been him.

But that lead me to wonder…had Mukuro managed to get her hands on one? And if she had…what price would I have to pay to convince her to give it to me?

"Do not get your hopes up. There is no heart inside this box."

That answered one question, but it still didn't tell me what the hell was in the damned thing!

"It is an item that will aid you in obtaining one, however."

"What do you want?" I asked. Because I knew it came with a catch. There was always a catch. Nothing in life was ever given freely.

"I want you to tell me who the owner of this sword is…and what she's roped you into."

"That's none of your damned business," I snapped.

"Then you shall not know the contents of this chest," she said.

"I'll take my chances," I replied. This time I did walk away from her. And I didn't look back.

I didn't wish to tell her of Kasumi. Mukuro would only try to talk me out of becoming involved.

It was too late for that. I would be risking my life, but the three worlds hung in the balance. Not just the Ningenkai. I'd be protecting Mukuro too…whether she realized that or not.

The less people involved in the coming days, the better.

Kasumi and I would be breaking countless Reikai laws by crossing through time. I imagined that type of thing was strictly forbidden. Only the higher-ups of the spirit world, such as Koenma and Enma, had access to view past and future events.

For us to be tearing the fabric that time was carefully woven into...it could cause all sorts of chaos.

I'd have to be on guard at all times. One misstep…one single mistake…it could change the lives of millions.

It was best just kept amongst our group. Mukuro could become a liability otherwise.

I was about to run, to gain some distance between us, though I had been incensed after she'd left. Now, if I didn't leave, she would do whatever it took to get a proper answer from me.

The flaring of an old, deadly power made a shock travel down my spine.

I whirled around; my gaze on Mukuro as she'd lifted the lid from the box. A dark energy, red on the inside but black as it grew further out, was streaming from the opening.

Mukuro's face was illuminated and cast in shadow all at once. It made her mechanic eye shine wickedly while the other zeroed in on me.

She reached into its depths. The energy twisted, grew angry with her. It wrapped around her in a cloying blanket, spitting like lava from where her hand connected with the box.

It seemed like it took an eternity for her to pull whatever lied within. Her hand moved as if in slow motion. The strength it must be taking…

She gritted her teeth, a fierce yell leaving her throat as she ripped her hand from the box. The energy sucked back in and then with a sound like a bomb going off, it imploded.

I was thrown to the ground, not at all prepared for what had just occurred.

I hadn't been injured and so I shot to my feet, rushing towards where I had last seen Mukuro.

I waved smoke out of my face, debris clouding the air. A hand shot out and grabbed me by the arm. I was dragged into the thick of it.

It took only a short burst of Mukuro's energy to clear the sky. My vision no longer obstructed I was able to see the damage that had been done.

Mukuro remained mostly unharmed, though the flesh on her good arm was burnt to the point it was black. A bit of singing on her clothing was the last of what she'd suffered.

I worried not about the burns. If Mukuro could withstand the flames of my dragon, this would be like child's play.

"Are you interested now?" she asked.

I stared at the item she held in her hand, her prize from the box.

It was a large silver dagger. Stones I did not recognize but black in color were embedded in the hilt. I could feel the ancient aura coming from the weapon…like an entity all its own.

"You could say your new sword and this dagger go hand in hand," she spoke.

"Oh?"

"They were crafted by the same hands, both out of a very special material."

I hadn't realized the sword was made of any special kind of metal. Kasumi had only spoken of it being forged in the flames of the gods. But I supposed it made sense…it would take a certain kind of material that was strong enough to withstand such a heat.

"If that is so, what use is there for a dagger?" I asked.

"The dagger is what you shall kill the dragon with…the sword is what you'll use to cut out its heart," she explained.

"What?!"

"The dagger can cut through the thick skin that protects its jugular," she demonstrated by waving the dagger beneath her own throat.

"And the sword," she continued, "Is able to cut through the scales covering its chest."

I was surprised she was even bothering to explain all of this, especially considering my earlier insolence. But it also meant that I needed to get the sword back now more than ever.

I hadn't even thought of the possibility that I might need special weaponry to cut through a dragon's hide. Now Mukuro was in possession of both such items.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"A full explanation of the shit you've gotten yourself into. Perhaps once I know, I can assist you in some way."

This had all been a ploy to get me to talk about my problems? She couldn't be serious.

I scoffed at her and folded my arms across my chest, "You're unbelievable."

"I would think you'd see my asking price is quite low," she said.

It was, if it got me both the dagger and the sword. But I was angry with her for manipulating me. I shouldn't have to make this kind of choice.

"This is rather underhanded for you, Mukuro."

"If it gets you to talk, I don't give a damn."

"Tell me what they're made of first," I gestured towards the dagger.

She smiled, "A metal called Grey Adamantium. The same metal Chronos used to forge its weaponry."

I bit back a shocked gasp. It was a metal fit only for the gods indeed. I'd never even seen an Adamantium blade. It was a fable, simple folk lore stemming from the gods of old. She couldn't possibly be right.

"That's impossible, no such thing exists," I said, "Besides, Chronos carries a crystal sword now."

"Did you not ever consider that sword could be born from its energy?"

I glared at her. No, I actually hadn't considered that. It was an ability associated with Kuwabara and anything that fool could create wasn't worth consideration. To think something as powerful as Chronos would use a similar ability was ridiculous.

"If what you say is true, prove it," I said.

"Present to me an item that can't be cut and I shall," she replied.

"So you can't prove anything, can you?"

Her good eye narrowed and her stance shifted to one more powerful. Even injured, Mukuro could take me in a fight if she wished.

"Are you calling me a liar, Hiei?"

Her tone was dangerous. She was finished abiding my continued disobedience. I might be Mukuro's second in command, but she still did not see me as an equal.

I didn't trust this hand out she was trying to give me either.

"Why do you want to know so badly?" I asked.

She was still defensive, but her stance shifted to one less aggressive. I waited for her answer, because the outcome would decide if I should tell her or not.

"I suppose you want the truth?" she sighed. "I am worried for you, Hiei."

I had not expected that to be her answer. My shock showed through when I balked and released a rather loud gasp of surprise.

I'd spent plenty of time with Mukuro the past so many years. But emotions other than anger always stayed out it. She'd never said something like that to me before. It made me feel like she'd just one upped me somehow.

"Are you insane, woman? Don't be ridiculous."

"Stubborn as always, I see. Now, will you tell me or not?"

I growled, irritated with the entire situation. I doubted Mukuro was lying, she wasn't known to pull dirty tricks to get her way. She'd rather use brute force before trying a cowardly tactic like that.

So it was safe to assume the sword and dagger were genuine. If that was the case, they would be vital in the coming journey.

I spent a precious few minutes deliberating. Mukuro waited by, far more patient than I thought she would be.

I swallowed my pride and decided to tell her everything.

I told her of meeting Kasumi and her connection to the Reikai. I told her of Chronos and the doorway to Purgatory which may soon be open. I told her of why I came to her when I did, how I was about to travel back in time to find a god's honest dragon.

She listened on without comment, saving them for when I was finished.

In the end, all she'd had to say was, "I'd like to meet this woman, Kasumi."

As she walked off, after handing me both the sword and the dagger, she spoke over her shoulder.

"You'll continue your training until you must return to Ningenkai."

I smirked at her back, threading Kasumi's katana back through my belt. The dagger made its way to the inside of my boot.

As long as I could keep Mukuro's involvement to a minimum this was a win for me. There was only a month and a half left.

Soon I will have in my possession something no other demon in this time ever possibly could. I doubted there was any man alive that could claim ownership over a dragon's heart. I would be the first…and the last.

As long as Kasumi trusted me enough, it would be mine for the taking.

It must be an item of untold power if it was meant to be used against Ryuunosuke. It might just push me up over that gap to upper S class.

That was an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up.

As I stalked off to continue training on my own, a thought occurred to me. How had Mukuro known of Chronos at all?

And what did it mean for me that she had?

. . .

As promised, I spent a second month training with Mukuro. Instead of us trying to kill each other every day, we spent our time doing things more productive. I was able to learn a lot from the lord of Alaric in that short amount of time.

Not only was I faster, but I was physically more mighty as well. I taught myself to fight with two swords instead of just one. I did everything I could in that time to improve beyond my current limitations.

I hoped I had succeeded. In the end, my last two weeks with Mukuro were cut short. Kurama arrived one afternoon with what we were told was an urgent matter.

He was brought to the throne room, where he found both I and Mukuro waiting for him.

He greeted the king in polite, clipped tones and then turned serious eyes my way.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your training. But Takahiro-san contacted Genkai two days ago."

He had summoned us early, it would seem. That did not bode well. I felt my stomach drop and my lips pursed in agitation.

If he was calling now, when Kasumi still had two weeks left…something had gone wrong.

From Kurama's eyes and the tone of his voice…I would say it wasn't something simple. She wasn't injured…and if she'd died I knew he'd act more solemn.

No…this had to do with Chronos, just as always.

Mukuro cast a curious gaze between us, but did not ask of who Kurama spoke.

I would have to tell her anyway, or risk her forcing me to remain here in the Makai. I would have to obey, whether it was in my nature to or not. I had chosen this path and I must now tread upon it.

"And what did the halfling have to say?" I asked the fox.

Kurama cast a sidelong glance towards Mukuro. I projected through telepathy that she already knew the whole story. There was no point in trying to keep it from her.

The fox sighed and then nodded, "It seems there's been a hiccup in her training."

"A hiccup?" I snarled.

"No…you're right. I should probably stress the severity of the situation."

I didn't like the sound of that either. It left a bitter taste in my mouth I could not swallow down.

"It appears that Kasumi-san…might not be herself much longer."

I felt my jaw clench and I swallowed hard. I knew the fox would not travel all the way here to dole out some cruel form of mockery. What he spoke was truth.

But I still needed the clarification, "What are you saying?"

"Kasumi-san and Chronos are merging. Soon, they will become one."

I could no longer look at him. My eyes flicked to the floor…and there they remained.

"And Kasumi, what of her?"

"She will cease to exist."

I'd just spent over two months training my body and soul. I'd pushed myself beyond my limits so my promise to her would hold true. I didn't like being made a fool of.

"I would like to see this for myself," I said.

I heard the fox hum his agreement, so I cast my eyes towards my king…and waited.

For just a brief second I could have sworn I saw a hint of sadness swim in her eyes. But it was gone with the blink of an eye. A frown graced her features before she nodded her ascent.

"You may go. But I expect you to return in one piece."

I had nothing to say to that. I could not make that promise.

I had no idea what the coming days held in store for me. If Kasumi lost her battle to Chronos now…it will have ended before it even began.

I travelled back to the human realm in silence. Kurama respected my wish to keep my thoughts unvoiced. I hated the feeling that had settled in my chest.

I didn't understand it. I didn't need it either.

I held onto the vain hope that someone had blown the issue out of proportion. Perhaps Kurama had not heard the news first hand. Perhaps when we made it to Takahiro's compound Kasumi would be just fine.

But I had no way of knowing. Our connection had been severed over a month ago. I could no longer feel her…and I feared that it was my fault she was in danger now.

I'd spent a lot of time since meeting her creating a mental wall to protect her from Chronos. The girl could manage on her own, but she wasn't quite strong enough to keep the god at bay. Not all the time anyway. That was where I had stepped in. I made sure she received the rest she needed on the nights it was most necessary.

I kept Chronos from driving her to insanity. What if my not being there had caused this? Had I put too much faith in Takahiro? Had he been unable to protect her in my stead?

I knew I shouldn't have trusted him. The man might be a half-god, but he was a fool to think constant vigilance wasn't what Kasumi needed. The time god was a true threat. Whether anyone else believed that or not, it did not matter.

I had to hold onto the chance that if I made it there quick enough, I could stop this.

Lost in my own self-doubt I never noticed when we came upon the temple steps. Soon, we would join with the others. Together we would travel to wherever Takahiro's hideout happened to be.

As my eyes stared unseeing up those infinite blocks of stone, I felt a spike of trepidation pierce my heart.

What would we find once we made it there?

Will we have lost her…for good?

. . .

A/N: So Mukuro has made her first appearance into the fic! I planned to have her in here from the start, because I actually like her quite a bit. Not so much as a love interest for Hiei, in this case anyway. This was a mostly Hiei centric chapter, with lots of inner bits of his mind, and I hope it sounds okay. The rest of the gang will return soon…but the next chapter skips back in time a bit. You'll get to see Kasumi's current plight.

Also Adamantium isn't a real metal, obviously lol. It shows up a lot in Greek mythology, sometimes called adamant or adamantine. Grey Adamantium (adamant) is what Chronos (Kronos) used to forge his scythe. In this case, I've made it into a sword.

The "gift" Hiei speaks of, that he gave Mukuro, is a plant from the Makai that Kurama obtained for him. He gave it to her as a birthday gift at the end of the manga. The plant is used to keep a person alive, in a constant state of pain, no matter what you do to them. Hiei uses it to capture Mukuro's surrogate father, the man who abused her and raped her for years. It keeps him alive so Mukuro may torture him to her heart's content.

Anyway, thank you all for reading! Let me hear your thoughts!