Chapter 3

A little girl's eyes poke out curiously from behind her father's legs. Her black wolf-like ears are laid back against her head, and black wolf pup tail is dragging behind her. She has her bright yellow eyes fixed on the man addressing her father.

"Wow, she is already so beautiful." He says to himself, crossing his arms approvingly on his chest. The little girl furrows her brow, clutching onto the back of her father's legs. "She will make some man very happy." He has a sickening smile, it makes the little girl hide her face in her father's pants leg. Her black locks surround her body with a small swoosh, the strange man's hair tremors slightly. "And she seems to have taken after you, quite nicely. She's going to be perfect."

The father bends slightly, and tugs on his daughter's hand, pulling him from behind him. The little girl clings to the black material of her father's pants, and looks up at him with a defiant expression, pouting. He narrows his eyes and the little gusts of wind, that were seemingly coming from the girl, come to a sudden halt. The little girl bites her lip, and looks at her feet.

"Almost perfect. She has a rather tedious streak of defiance. She doesn't like to follow her father's orders." The little youkai wolf pup seems to fold in on herself, rubbing her arm and bowing her head as far as she can without bending over, refusing to look at either man.

The strange man bends over, his long golden hair almost skims the ground, the silky strands catching the little girls attention. She peaks up and gently reaches out in awe of the luscious strands. He lets her touch, her fingers gently running through. "We have ways of gaining complete obedience, don't we Endox?"

A couple weeks pass by that are filled with paranoia. I refuse to even look at Shuichi, although I can feel his eyes boring into me from time to time. I guiltily ignore his small gestures to get my attention.

There is no way I can allow myself to get any closer to him. Despite our having some weird connection that I really can't fucking explain. Especially when he is all buddy buddy with that Urameshi. Does this mean he is also a Spirit Detective? I scowl at the thought and slowly make my way out of the school. I feel like a real vampire when the sunlight outside causes my head to pang.

The gravity of my situation, is that I'm real fucked. I left home in quite the rush. Grabbing many priceless things in order to keep myself afloat wherever I ended up. Many expensive trinkets, gold, gems... I sold them all before I made the escape to this world. I paid my way into solitude, and still had some left over to get me started here. All that effort. And, in two days, it feels like it was all for nothing. My father will stop at nothing to get me back, especially now that he must feel like he is zeroing in on me. I was probably his most expensive and precious gem.

I greet my coworkers with a small smile, and dress down into my work clothes- a pair of gray capri leggings and a black tank. I took on this job as a way to further assimilate myself into the culture of this world's humans. I was rather rough around the edges upon arriving here, and I knew it. Akia accepted me with open arms, and had no problem teaching me, taking on a seemingly young and disgruntled teen. She never asked questions, and gleefully taught me how to get around in a kitchen. Well, I can bake at least. To be honest, I've always been good with my hands- but, I burn water.

"Amay, sweety!" Akia bursts into the back and gives me a big hug, her short brown hair tickling my cheeks. I'm a good six inches or so taller than her. "You haven't seemed yourself this week, dear." I feel guilty as I take in her worried expression. She offers me a piece of chocolate fudge, smiling.

I take it and quickly scarf it done, smiling.

"Nothing like a sugar rush to start a shift." I comment, tightening my apron around my waist.

"The way you eat the sweets around here, I'm surprised you're able to keep that figure of yours." She pouts playfully, "But really, do you need anything? You know I'm here for you."

Flora tries to pipe in by sticking her head through the push doors, Akia quickly pushes her head back out and looks at me, still worried. "I have never tried to pry, sweety, but you're really worrying me."

I hear the bells from the front go off and Flora greets them with a sweet hello. It's my job to man the counter today. "I really appreciate your concern, Akia. However, this is going to have to be something I drag myself out of. I'll be fine." I feel horrible for telling her that, when I know very well that I'm far from it. However, I can't let anyone else get involved. The amount of blood my father will shed if anyone gets in his way. I'm surprised he so openly involved the spirit realm.

"You shouldn't try to bottle up like this, Amay." She reaches up and kisses me on the cheek, causing a small blush and shy smile to spread across my cheeks. "You're like a daughter to me. Please don't be afraid to talk to me." She points to the front, "You're up."

I sigh and put on my cap, and slink out into the front, being careful not to hit Flora with the doors. "Hey, Flora, I got it now." To my surprise, she is flirting it up with Shuichi and his mother. Shuichi looks over to me, and I catch a small smile appear on his lips, and disappear just as quickly, covered by a nod of acknowledgment. He still has his school uniform on, his mom hanging on to his arm.

"Oh! Amaryllis! How nice to see you again!" She chimes, gently letting go of Shuichi, leaving him alone with the completely infatuated Flora. "Those cookies were so good! I had to come back for more!"

I give her a toothy grin, and blush at her complement. "I guess those extras that I made weren't really an accident, then. Must have been made just for you!" Ms. Minamino smiles and shakes her head. Akia worked very hard on my customer service skills… I was trained to strike fear and compliance… definitely not trained for retail. I glance over at Flora, who is twirling a piece of her own strawberry hair around her finger, leaning over the counter as she chats up Shuichi, who looks cornered.

"Would you like to sample anything? I think they just made these tarts… although I think the special this weekend are cupcakes…" I point out various things in the case, and she carefully looks at each. She seems to be a sweets connoisseur.

I'm glad that Flora has Shuichi preoccupied. Maybe he'll grow tired of the attention and leave. Or, maybe she'll leave with him. I glance at the clock. She is a tad older than me, having graduated last year. She has a graceful curve to her body, one that she tries her best to flaunt at customers like poor Shuichi. She was working the early shift this morning and could easily leave with him. I steal a glance over at them, and see he is smiling as they speak.

Akia peaks out and looks from me, to Flora, to Shuichi. She calls Flora over, and she begrudgingly walks to the back. I glower at Akia, who smiles innocently. She's back there trying to be some kind of match maker.

I stand silently in front of him, awkwardly avoiding his eyes. His mother seems to have her eyes on the cupcakes. Hearing the word "special" usually does draw people in. I further ignore Shuichi, "Would you like to try a bite?"

"Oh, no. Not again. Please allow me to buy a few."

"Naw, I don't want you to waste your money on something you might not like in the end. Please…" In the end, I'm again able to force a cupcake on her. I cut it in half so she can share it with her Shuichi. She seems to thoroughly enjoy, just like the cookies. Shuichi seems pleased himself.

"Did you make these?" She asks as she finishes it off.

"The cookies, last time, were mine. These were made by the young lady that was here a minute ago."

"Oh, do you all take turns?"

I nod and smile, matching her very infectious smile. She ends up buying six, commenting on how her husband and youngest son will also love them. Shuichi seems to be blessed with a very loving family, despite who he has befriended in that detective.

"Well, I'll leave you two to it. Enjoy your weekend." She bows, giving me another warm smile and nudges Shuichi, who shakes his head as she walks away.

I raise an eyebrow as he approaches the counter. I place a hand on it, leaning in towards him and point behind him at the door. "Door is right there."

He raises an eyebrow in turn and takes out his phone. "I was actually wondering if I could perhaps have your number."

I take my hand off of the counter, and shake my head. We didn't have cellphones in the demon world. So, from time to time, I'm a little taken aback by them.

"I insist, Amaryllis." He says my name with the same amount of honey as the last time. Or, at least, it sounds like it as a shiver runs up and down my spine again. How does he have this effect over me?

"Well, I insist you try out that door." I rub my arm uncomfortably.

"Then at least take mine."

I stare at him, he does seem serious...

"Why would I do that?"

"In case you need help." He continues.

"I don't want nor do I need your help." I growl quietly, folding my arms. I suddenly feel like someone is watching me. I try not to show the concern on my face, and stare Shuichi down. Something is here. I don't know where, but something is watching us. I can't be seen with him.

"Amay." Akia peers out from the back, worry on her face as she glances from me to him, possibly sensing the tension between us. I shake my head at her, "I'll be there in a second." I give her a reassuring smile.

"Fine." I whip out a pen and paper "If it will get you to leave me alone." I feel so uneasy, I just want him to leave. I don't want him to be seen as an associate if I'm being watched by one of my father's loyal minions. I can't put his number directly in my phone. He writes it down and I shove it into the small pocket in my capri. "Now leave."

He hesitates peering at me, he looks concerned for a split second, glancing around the bakery. "If you need any help, anything at all. Please contact me."

"Don't wait up. I hope your mom enjoys her cupcakes."

The shift goes by quickly after Shuichi and his mother left. We made a shit ton of cupcakes of various flavors for the weekend. I close up as per usual, the thought of being off for the weekend keeping me going. And, unfortunately, even after Shuichi left, the odd feeling remained. And being the closer means I'm the last to leave the building. I have to keep a level head about me. I sling my backpack over my shoulder as I leave through the front doors, quickly locking them and making my way towards my apartment. I look around as I go, peering through the darkness. Luckily there are street lamps lining my route, but that doesn't' stop me from being cautious.

The air around me begins to feel thin, my nerves make my tired human head pulse, a migraine forming. A sound, like metal rubbing against metal, causes me to slam my hands over my ears. I whip all around looking for the source, finding nothing. I recognize that sound, though. That dreadful and heart wrenching sound. My stomach twists and churns, making me lurch slightly, suddenly needing to throw up. After four years of not having to hear that dreadful sound, it's overwhelming to hear. I hurry down the road, refusing to further acknowledge the sound. I refuse to let this play out like a horror movie. Fuck that.

I'm probably not even 400 feet away from the bakery when I hear the same sound again, this time down the alleyway across from me. I take in a deep breath and reel back into the street. I hold my bag tighter on my shoulder, staring down the dark alley. Something shoots out from the darkness, cutting my cheek slightly and causing my hair to fall from its bun. The thick strands fall all around me. I take another step back, unable to decide whether it's a good idea to turn my back on what is hiding in the shadows, although running feels like a good idea. It might be all I can do. A low growl seems to shake the shadows, and then the sound of metal on metal slowly seeps from the alley. I take another step back, my foot hitting the curb on the other side of the road.

"This can't be happening." I whisper, an eerie wind begins. Out of reflex, I hold out my hand and pull on my demonic power, stopping the wind and the unnecessarily loud metal sound. I should never make a pull on my demonic side. I know full well that my wolf form is like a 'here I am father' beacon. But, I don't think want to die just yet.

Slowly, one metallic paw at a time steps out from the shadows. The street lights reflect off of it, causing an eerie yellow glow. A large wolf-like creature emerges, it's skin melded together with thick pieces of metal. Its metal clad tail flicks around, grinding against its backside, causing the metal sound again. Its shiny set of teeth click menacingly as it begins walking towards me. It's one of my father's war hounds. A fearsome foe to have. It's a real bitch to defeat with ordinary means. And, in this form, clad in only a bag filled with books and my school uniform, I am in no position to find the means.

I look around me for an escape route, and spot several trash bags lining the streets. Trash night. At least someone remembers. I look back at the metal-clad wolf. Its stopped on the opposite curb, and is sniffing the air, confirming its target. I concentrate, pulling again at my demonic side, and all at once all the trash bags are jerked towards the dog, slamming into it. It growls as I dart down the side of the road, flinging every trash bag that I can. I run as fast as this frail human body can handle, and make it to my apartment. I don't feel the evil gaze of the wolf on me, and sigh with relief as I lock and deadbolt the door behind me. Because, ya know, that'll definitely keep it out. Totally.

I curse myself loudly. If only I was able to destroy the damn thing. I don't think I can do it without being in my demon form. I angrily kick my couch, and throw a cushion at the opposite wall. He's sending his damn pets to find me. What if someone else had been there? What if someone got in the way? Someone could have been hurt. Those wolves don't care who they take down in the process when they're on the hunt. No normal human could take them out. Is he trying to stir shit up with the Spirit World? I kick the couch again, angrily, and a piece of paper falls out of my pocket. Shuichi's number.

No. Hell no. I will not call him.

I quickly close the curtains on the only window in my apartment. I groan as I sit on the beaten couch. If those dogs are loose in the town, though... Should I at least ask Shuichi to warn Yusuke? Maybe I should just give myself up. I'm not worth the loss of life that might come from my refusal to give in. But, if I allow my father to have control of me again… I feel the familiar angry hot tears threatening to overflow. I stare at Shuichi's number with mirth. Damn it.

I text him my address and tell him to bring Yusuke, unable to come right out and ask for help. I don't need their help, though. I'm only letting them in on the issue. The issue I'm causing. If they happen to take care of business in the process, all the better.

I had dozed off on the couch, suddenly overtaken by my lack of sleep, to heavy bangs on my front door. "Amaryllis? Hey! Open up!"

I stomp over to the door, not wiping the sleep from my face, and jerk it open. Three surprised eyes stare back at me. The third pair, not one I recognize, but seems to ogle me. My hair must look a mess. I turn around without saying anything and stomp back in, leaving the door open behind me. Fucking ruffians.

The door shuts behind me as I pick up the pillow I had thrown earlier. I feel a pair of eyes on me, and accidentally lock eyes with Shuichi as I stand back up. I put a strand of hair behind my ear, and look away, feeling my face redden a tad.

The guy I don't know is suddenly bowing in front of me, "Kazuma Kuwabara. I was with Urameshi when Kura- Shuichi called saying there was a pretty lady in distress." My eyes widen and I look at him with a raised brow. I point at him and look at Yusuke, "See, this is how you treat a lady." Kuwabara stands with a rather triumphant look on his face.

"Ya, well. He's nice to anything with two legs and tits." Yusuke shrugs as Kuwabara shoots him a dirty look.

"He's nice and all. But, I really only needed to speak to Yusuke. You two can leave." I gesture to Shuichi and Kuwabara.

"No, that's not how this works. They are basically part of the team." Yusuke informs me, stretching his arms high above his head. I shoot a dirty look at Shuichi. Part of the team? As if it wasn't bad enough he associates with the Spirit World's lap dog. I'm realizing more and more that he isn't what he seems. Who is he really?

I stare at them, sighing as I gesture for the three of them to sit on the couch. Yusuke and Kuwabara plop down, resting their feet on my coffee table. Shuichi leans against the adjacent wall, peering at me down his nose, arms crossed. "Want a drink? I have beer." Yusuke and Kuwabara eagerly accept.

"So, before you say anything, Ama. We spoke with Koenma on the issue." He takes a long sip of the beer, and smacks his lips with a pleased look. He glances at Shuichi before continuing. "Koenma needs some info… Why is a demon warlord and business mongrel asking around about you."

"Maybe he wants to touch my tits." I comment, remembering his comment about it the other day. Kuwabara spits out his beer, throwing himself into a coughing fit.

"Well, that wouldn't be surprising. You've got enough to go around." He smirks and takes another sip of beer.

I chuckle at his friend, and glance over at Shuichi. He's listening in quietly. "Like I said, it's really none of your business. That and if the spirit world is the same as I remember. They have a file on everyone. So stop playing games."

"They couldn't find your file. Amaryllis Kavazya doesn't exist." Shuichi crosses his arms on his chest. Oh, right. I changed my last name upon my arrival. I shift uncomfortably from foot to foot, rubbing my arm. I feel some flour still on my arm and brush at it awkwardly. How could I have forgotten that I changed my last name?

"Alright, let's back it up. Let's ignore my background shall we? I asked to speak with you because I was found after work." I lean against the wall opposite Shuichi.

"One of Endox's pets. A tracking wolf. They're… dangerous. And, where there is one, there are usually more. That being said, I only saw one… so that's probably a good sign. I'm not asking for your help. I just wanted to warn you. They're deadly. They'll kill whatever gets in the way of their hunt." I can feel a flicker of spirit energy from Kuwabara.

"It didn't harm you?" The orange haired boy stands and begins pacing. He suddenly seems very worried, and anxious.

"Do you know if it followed you?" Kuwabara glances outside of my window. His pacing is giving me anxiety.

I shrug, "No idea… You should probably leave now,though." I crack my knuckles. I don't like my business being out in the open like this, but I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if someone got hurt because I didn't warn them. Damned if I do damned if I don't.

"Why does he want you so badly?" Yusuke sounds like he's reading off of a card. I wonder if Koenma drilled questions into his head… or if he is actually hiding cards somewhere.

"I'm not one of your damn cases, detective. Why can't you take the hint that I don't want your help?" I shoot a dangerous look at him, he seems unfazed.

"Listen, I can't stand by knowing that you're being hunted, because of me."

"Oh, so you just want to make yourself feel better? Every detective I've met has been rather selfish, why not you, too?" I'm probably aging myself saying that.

Yusuke stands from the couch and angrily walks up to me, "I'm not selfish. Because of my carelessness, I put you in danger. I'm trying to fix that."

"I'm not trying to put you down, Urameshi. I'm really not. I'm past that now. Like I said, I can't fault you for being blindly loyal and trusting. I just don't want to be added to the list of people that owe their lives to your boss."

I glance around the room, Kuwabara still looks very anxious.

"Then let me help you." Shuichi jumps in, "If you insist on being so stubborn."

"Kurama, no, stay out of this." Yusuke warns.

I angrily turn to Shuichi and point an accusing finger at him. Enough with this. "Who. the. Fuck. are. You."

"Why are you being so stubborn?" Shuichi pushes himself off the wall, throwing an exasperated look at Yusuke. He runs an annoyed hand through his hair, "I'm Kurama."

"Kurama? Youko Kurama? How dare you. The hell you fucking are." There is no way this is Kurama. The Youko Kurama. My Youko Kurama. "Regardless, don't think I've fallen for this human facade you've put on. I can feel the spirit energy rolling off of you."

"You're not exactly hidden, yourself." I can feel my anger rolling off of me in waves, only proving his point.

"Whoa, come on guys." Kuwabara tries to come between us. "This isn't the time for this." As Kuwabara comes between the three of us, goosebumps roll up and down my legs. My eyes grow wide and I look towards the window. A shadow blocks the light that had been shining weakly through the cracks of the curtains.

"Oh, no…no one move." Everyone in the room falls silent, unmoving, listening. The floorboards creak outside my apartment.

"Is it too late to ask how to defeat these things…" Yusuke murmurs. Fuck, I forgot that part. I let out a small swoosh of air in annoyance, and immediately slam my hand over my mouth.

A loud metal on metal sound resounds through my apartment. Everyone slams there hands over their ears. The window of my apartment rattles against the sound. Fuck.

Please review! I'd love some feedback. Tell me what ya like and don't and we can fight it out. Jk. Hope it's somewhat enjoyable so far! Thanks for reading.