"Outta my way! Rah!" Yusuke sped down the road on his stolen bicycle, passing by speeding cars but still unable to catch up with the truck. The two-lane street wound around a mountainside and Yusuke used the downhills to his advantage. He pedaled as fast as he could, pushing faster than the thing was designed to go. "Raaagh! I'm gonna catch ya!"

Yusuke was gradually gaining on the truck when he heard an engine rev behind him. When he turned to look, he saw Sniper on a red motorcycle. He was riding without a helmet and he was aiming to flick a rock at Yusuke with both of his hands. Yusuke gasped when he realized what was about to happen. Sniper fired the pebble and hit the bike, successfully breaking off the back tire.

"Eh?!" Yusuke jolted when he felt the impact and his bike crashed into the road. "Aagh!" Yusuke was sent flying into the road and he skidded across the pavement. His shirt was shredded and he was covered in burns from his fall. He sat up and cringed in pain. "Ow! That hurt!"

"Yusuke!" Sayomi manifested from the bike's shadow and ran to her charge. When she reached him, she saw his skin was red and hot from the crash.

Yusuke's eyes widened when he saw Sniper closing in on them.

Sniper aimed his finger at Yusuke and fired four simultaneous shots of chi. He shifted his aim and fired again at Sayomi. Yusuke looked down in confusion when he didn't feel any pain. Then he turned to glare at Sniper who screeched to a stop to face them.

Sayomi patted herself down. What was that? I know I felt something, but I don't see or feel any wounds.

Sniper stared down at Yusuke with his bike idle. Yusuke glared up at Sniper, his burns already starting to heal. He groped the points where he felt Sniper's chi, trying to figure out his opponent. After a moment of silence, Sniper said, "You're both marked now." He pointed at Yusuke and Sayomi and focused his aura. "The Death Cross! I've placed targets on you... Targets I never miss."

"Whoa!" Yusuke looked down to see the small black dots. There was one on each arm, one on his chest and one on his abdomen. "What're these weird marks?!" Small black rings began to appear around every mark. "What?! They are little targets! Four of 'em!"

Sayomi looked down at her arms. She saw the same targets forming on her skin beneath her curse markings. So he marked us? Why does that sound so wrong?!

Sniper tossed up four rocks and shot them at Yusuke. He tossed four more rocks at Sayomi.

"Ah!" Sayomi quickly reached for her sickle and cut through each rock. She glared at Sniper and spilled the chain from its chamber.

"Yikes!" Yusuke quickly swiped every rock out of the air before they could hit the targets. He glared at Sniper and crushed the rocks in his fists. "Aargh!"

"Nice moves," Sniper complimented. "And you'll need them. I can strike anytime, from anywhere." Then he turned and sped off down the road.

"Hey!" Yusuke yelled angrily. "Come back here!" He chased after him, pumping his legs to keep the motorcycle in sight. Sweat trickled down his body in streams and stung his eyes.

Sayomi did her best to keep up with him and focused on her breathing. She gripped her kusarigama and shifted her eyes to watch out for surprise attacks. "Well this sucks! So now we're moving targets for his shooting practice?!"

"Seems that way!" Yusuke growled. "I thought I told you to go with Genkai and Koenma!"

"Genkai told me to stay with you so you won't do anything stupid!" Sayomi argued.

"Ha! That's impossible and she knows it!"

"I wasn't gonna argue with her! Just look at the mess you got us into!"

"Good job stopping it from happening!"

"Just shut up and watch where you're going!"

They kept running until they found Sniper's motorcycle parked off the side of the road on a patch of grass. Sayomi scanned the trees while Yusuke looked up and down the road. Out of breath and drenched in sweat, Yusuke asked, "Where is he?! Where'll the next shots come from?!"

Sayomi expanded her senses until she felt tiny pricks of aura closing in on them fast. She pointed behind Yusuke and yelled, "Over there!"

Yusuke turned and saw a wave of small rocks flying towards them. "A whole salvo!"

Sayomi began to spin the sickle, but Yusuke stepped in front of her. He blocked her view of the ammunition. "Fine! I'll swat 'em all!" He clenched his fists and punched every rock until there was a line of dust around his feet. He shifted his eyes and shouted, "See? Not as easy as you thought!"

"Yusuke!" Sayomi growled. "Let me help you! You're not the only one he marked!"

"No way!" Yusuke argued. "This fight is between me and him! Besides, you can't fight, remember?"

"Oh, right." Sayomi glared and crossed her arms, letting the sickle dangle by her feet. "Since you decided to play hooky last night, you don't know about what we talked about."

"Care to enlighten me?" Yusuke asked, annoyed with her attitude.

"I can fight so long as I don't use my powers for offense. That means I can defend, but not attack. But that doesn't mean I can't use my weapon to attack instead."

"I know what offense means, Sai!" Yusuke glared down at the demoness then looked up curiously. "Second salvo, eh?"

Sayomi turned to see another wave of ammo flying at them. "More rocks?"

"It's futile!" Yusuke glared and pointed at the ammunition. "I'll just fend these off... Hm?"

Sayomi saw a glint and her eyes widened. awww crap... She looked up at Yusuke and saw his worried expression.

"Those... aren't rocks." His body tensed as they drew nearer. "Holy mackerel! He picks some fierce ammo!"

Sayomi saw the glint multiply and get brighter. Her eyes widened and her grip on her weapon tightened. "Knives?! Are you kidding me?! Where did he get so many?"

"Gotta do a – "

Sayomi turned to see Yusuke with his fist covered in his aura.

"- Shotgun!"

Yusuke punched the air and a volley of aura bullets fired from his fist. Each shot hit a blade, shattering them into pieces. A single knife and screwdriver flew through the debris.

Sayomi was about to throw her sickle to intercept them, but she saw Yusuke spring out of the way on his hand. The blades flew passed him, then changed direction to attack him again. Dammit, of course they hone in on the targets! Cheater reminds me of a certain ninja...

At the last second, Yusuke raised his hands to catch the weapons between his fingers. He let out a shaky breath of relief as blood trickled down his hands. Sayomi relaxed her grip on her weapon and could feel how stiff her fingers had become.

Yusuke snapped the weapons in half and dropped them on the ground. He glared and scanned the area for any sign of Sniper. Sayomi followed his example. He's still nearby if his territory is still in effect. How long does he plan to keep hiding? Probably long enough to wear us down before finishing us off. The ammo has to be coming from somewhere, right? So as long as we know where it's coming from, we should be okay.

"A truck..." Sayomi looked down the road where Yusuke was facing. A large work truck was driving down the road. Yusuke clenched his teeth and said, "If we hitched a ride, that might take us beyond his reach for a while."

"Oh good." Sayomi let out a sigh and tucked her weapon away. "You're gonna give me a heart attack if you keep this up."

"Huh?!" Yusuke's eyes widened. "There's no driver!"

"What?!" Sayomi watched as the truck drove closer and she couldn't see any people in the driver's or passenger's seats. "Can trucks do that, Yusuke?"

"Omigosh..." Yusuke began to tremble as his instincts started to kick in. "Don't tell me he's – "

When the truck turned around the last corner without trouble, Yusuke and Sayomi turned and ran downhill through the trees. The truck drove after them, crashing through the trees in its way. As the duo took a sharp left, the truck did the same. Yusuke clenched his teeth as he sprinted through the wilderness. "You gotta be kiddin' me!"

"How can he use a truck as ammo?!" Sayomi shouted as she sprinted beside Yusuke.

"How the hell should I know?!" Yusuke asked. "This is loony! We'll be squashed like bugs! And that tanker's fulla gas, so my Reigun's useless! Gotta get outside his territory – !"

Yusuke stopped mid-sentence when a glint in the distance caught his eye. Sayomi turned to see a figure through the trees. She narrowed her eyes, glaring at their attacker. it's Sniper! What's he pointing at us with?

"So, he means to finish us now!" Yusuke realized when he saw the gun.

Sniper fired his weapon and a loud clap echoed in the mountains. Almost immediately after, the truck exploded behind Sayomi and Yusuke.

Sayomi tried to reach for Yusuke, but she felt a jerk and then she felt her body drape over something firm and warm. A familiar scent filled her nose and she instinctively relaxed. Just a moment later, the intense heat was gone and she could feel the open breeze hit her face.

She looked down and saw Yusuke on all fours, his back red from the exposure to the flames. He was otherwise okay. A hand clasped firmly to the back of his neck and she followed the black sleeve to see Hiei. Her cheeks heated and she looked down again to see she was hanging over his shoulder. What the –

"S'long, dude."

Sayomi stiffened when she heard Sniper's voice. Then her mouth hung open and her eyes widened when she heard a slick wet noise. She placed a hand on Hiei's raised arm to twist around and see. It was the same arm that stabbed through Sniper's back with his katana. Blood splattered on Hiei's face and he dropped the body on the ground.

Sayomi shimmied her way off Hiei's shoulder and made her way to Yusuke. She kneeled beside him to check on his burns. They're not too terrible compared to Hiei's arm at the tournament. She raised her hands to his back and began to mend him with her dark aura. When she noticed the targets were gone from Yusuke's skin, she checked herself to confirm. Did he really just kill... He didn't have to go that far, did he?

"Whuh... Hiei?" Yusuke looked up at the former thief as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Sayomi glanced up at him briefly before making her way to the fallen human. She kneeled next to him and checked the severity of his wound. This is amazing... He managed to pierce through without damaging anything vital! She focused her aura and set to healing his wound. I suppose he really has come a long way, but...

"It's not your time to die." Sayomi looked up at Hiei as he smirked, despite the blood on his cheek. "The best is yet to come. This breeze is so pleasant and calming, carrying the scent of rotten blood and flesh from the Demon Plane. Makes me feel nostalgic. See?"

Sayomi and Yusuke followed his gaze over the cliff, towards Swarm City. A massive dome of demonic miasma encased the town and dark clouds rippled in the sky. The ripple's center was right above the dome. Black static connected the two parallel points like an ominous gateway.

"The Underworld is getting ready to erupt!" Hiei declared with pleasure.

No! Sayomi's eyes widened. If they come here, it'll be all over for humanity!

Yusuke furiously punched the ground. Hiei stared down at him while Sayomi watched him with sad eyes. He glared at the sight of the chaos unfolding on the city. "How am I supposed to deal with these guys?! An enemy that doesn't fight head-on is really annoying!" Yusuke got to his feet and started to walk away. "Well, complaining won't help. Gotta go... C'mon, Sai."

Sayomi was about to follow him when Hiei asked, "Go? Where? What for?"

Sayomi arched a brow at Hiei in disbelief. Is he serious right now...?

"To get Kuwabara back! What else?!" Yusuke snapped. "And then kick some enemy butt!"

Hiei disappeared from Sayomi's view and reappeared behind Yusuke. Yusuke's eyes widened when he felt the demon's presence so close and he instinctively jumped out of the way of Hiei's sword. "Hey! Hiei!"

Yusuke's voice cut off when he felt the swordsman's blade at his throat. Sniper's blood stained it red, reminding him of how Hiei handled the psychic. Sayomi watched them from a safe distance. Her hand inching towards her weapon. Hiei... What are you doing?!

Hiei stared down his nose at Yusuke and said, "Second time today you could've died. You're in no shape to tackle these guys." Hiei drew back his sword and wiped it clean with his cloak before sheathing it. "Heh heh..."

"What's your point?" Yusuke glared up at the demon defiantly.

Hiei stared at him. Then his eyes became feral, like a predator about to take down its prey. "Maybe I should take your life." Yusuke glared as Hiei removed his cloak. His aura flared around him as he said, "In fact, I will!'

"Hiei, you creep!" Yusuke yelled. He mimicked Hiei, surrounding himself with aura as they both charged each other. They clashed and sent each other skidding across the ground. They dashed forward again, delivering a barrage of punches that hit punches. Occasionally they hit each other in the face.

Sayomi could only watch the brutality with wide eyes, frozen in place and unaware of anything besides the two fighters. Is this really happening? I know Hiei wanted a rematch, but... He's not actually going to kill Yusuke, right?! The only way I'd be able to help would be to use my aura!

She watched as they pounded into each other. Punching. Blocking. Parrying. Sayomi's eyes followed every move and every time she blinked, she struggled to keep up. I'm glad Hiei saved us, but why is he doing this now? Why save us, then kill us? Do you really hate humans that much, Hiei? You don't even realize who Yusuke really is...

They exchanged blows until they came to a stalemate. Yusuke's arm blocked Hiei's punch while Hiei mirrored the tactic with Yusuke's punch. They glared and their aura's flared around them in sparks.

They jumped back and stared each other down. Yusuke gasped for breath. His body was slick with sweat and covered in scrapes and bruises. Hiei smirked and reached for his arm. His dragon was exposed beneath the torn bandages. "Heh... heh heh..."

Yusuke watched Hiei cautiously. Sayomi bit her lip and her hand clasped tightly around her sickle. Oh no! If he summons the dragon...!

Hiei brought his bleeding arm to his mouth and began to lick the wound. "I'd say your aura's holding up pretty well."

Huh? Sayomi felt the tension leave her body, and confusion filled the void. So this whole time...?

"Hey!" Yusuke yelled. "You fink! You were testing me?!"

Hiei spit the blood from his mouth and glanced sideways at Yusuke. "You were wound up real tight. Lotta unhealthy tension. Feel better now?" Yusuke and Sayomi stared at Hiei curiously. "Their tactics minimize your power while maximizing their advantages. And with your brain in a fever, they'll keep nailing you."

Hiei... Sayomi listened as her chest began to feel tighter. She felt a lump in her throat as she realized the truth behind his rash behavior. You were trying to help us all along?

Hiei turned to pick up his cloak and slipped it back on. "So cool off. Heh heh, you don't have to listen to me..."

"Heh..." Yusuke placed his hands on his hips and he bowed his head. "Heh heh heh! Ha ha ha ha ha!"

"What's so funny?" Hiei asked, annoyed with Yusuke's response.

"This! You... heh heh..." Yusuke shook his head and grinned, trying to control his laughter. "I mean, you telling me to cool off! That's a switch!"

Sayomi sighed, but she couldn't fight off the grin on her face. Way to ruin the moment, Yusuke.

Yusuke caught his breath and let out a happy sigh. "Thanks, Hiei. I do feel better."

"Hmph!" Hiei stared at the city, ignoring Yusuke's praise.

Sayomi felt sad as she stared at Hiei's back. He must still feel torn about what to do. It's good to know that we're on good terms, but... He still wants to go back...

"Hiei..." Yusuke called out seriously. "Help us, okay?"

Hiei glanced back at Yusuke, giving him the chance to speak.

"I know you don't want the same things we do, but can you really let them use Kuwabara?"

Hiei began to walk away. "I won't move against my own interests."

"Like a certain demoness who's been moping since you left?" Yusuke smirked when Hiei stopped walking. "Or maybe something like getting hold of the Black Chapter?"

When Hiei curiously turned to look over his shoulder at Yusuke, Sayomi felt her cheeks burn. What the hell, Yusuke?! You didn't have to use me to get his attention! And I haven't been moping!

Yusuke mimicked one of Botan's Cheshire grins and he rubbed his finger under his nose, playing off his offer like chump change. "Sensui pinched it from the Underworld. Not that I care. I just wanna take Sensui down."

Hiei turned to face Yusuke completely and said, "The Underworld will want that video back."

Yusuke smirked and said, "Yeah, I guess. But, again, what do I care? No one told me to recover it."

"Heh!" Hiei smirked. "Now you're talking."

Hiei slid a glance towards Sayomi and she felt her body heat rise. Why is he staring at me like that? His red eyes stared into her silver ones. She felt like she was in a trance until his eyes shifted upwards.

"Hey," Hiei said, gaining Yusuke's attention.

"Hm?" Yusuke looked down at his friend curiously.

"We got company."

Sayomi turned to see two large demons flying towards them. Sayomi cringed when they landed not 10 M in front of them. One of them was short with a large underbite and grass skirt. A large eyeball blinked from the very top of his head and thin hair grew around it. The other demon was taller with aquatic fins on his head and shoulders. Their large muscles compensated their small brains.

"What's this? What's this?!" The fishy one asked.

"We follow a human scent and what do we find?" The short one taunted. "Something quite intriguing! A human and two demons being all chummy!"

"With Swarm City now in the third phase, we'll be seeing a lot more of these idiots," Hiei commented.

"Idiots? How very rude!" The fishy demon scolded in offense.

"How 'bout I eat you first, little demon?!" The short one threatened. "Then I can take that female for myself!"

Sayomi glared at them and grabbed her weapon. She let the chain spill free and began to spin the sickle. "Just try it. See what happens..."

Hiei glared at the demons dangerously. "Yusuke... My best interests may need a rethink. Can't see why I'd want to put up with these jerks. How 'bout you?"

"Same here," Yusuke agreed.

"That's enough outta you!" The fish yelled. "Hand over the female and try my Megaton Punch!"

Yusuke, Hiei, and Sayomi moved in swiftly to attack. Yusuke broke the fish demon's neck, killing him instantly. Hiei and Sayomi cut the other demon into pieces.

"Okay!" Yusuke declared. "On to their hideout!"

Hiei wiped the blood from his sword and returned it to its sheath. Sayomi cleaned her blade and tucked it behind her back. When they locked eyes, they smirked and followed Yusuke.

Sayomi couldn't fight off the smile on her lips as she relished in the freedom to be part of the team again. That felt so awesome! I almost forgot what it felt like to fight!

So you're fighting again?

Sayomi flinched when she heard Hiei's voice echo in her head. She snuck a glare at him. He was keeping pace with her behind Yusuke, but he kept his eyes forward. There was the ghost of a smirk on his lips. Yeah, but I still need to be careful. Just using my weapon to attack should be okay, right?

I suppose that's a possibility. Though it's inevitable that an opponent will come along who's too strong to handle otherwise. Hiei scowled when he noticed the marks on her arms. Do you not care if others see them anymore?

Sayomi glanced at Yusuke's back. He was leading the way, determined to save his best friend and close the portal. I'll do what I have to. Besides, everyone knows about them now, anyways...

Hiei smirked and rested his hand on her head. Sayomi felt a warm sensation wash over her from his touch. She let out a content sigh and leaned into his hand. I'm glad you came back, Hiei. I was starting to wonder if you were seriously going to just leave like that. And was it really necessary to fool us into thinking you really wanted to kill Yusuke?

Hiei smirked and slipped his hands in his pockets. He wouldn't have reacted properly otherwise. He needed a good kick in the ass.

Sayomi tried to stifle a laugh, but her attempts were in vain. Yusuke scowled over his shoulder and asked, "What's so funny?" Then he studied their expressions and he smirked. "Ah! I get it. Just keep it down! I don't want to end up over-hearing something I don't want to!"

Sayomi blushed and glared at Yusuke while Hiei rested his hand on his katana.

"Yusuke, don't you dare try to imply something that isn't there!"

"Watch yourself, Detective. Your next words could be your last."

Yusuke smirked and clasped his hands behind his head. "Say what you want, Three-Eyes, but it's obvious what's going on. Just so you know, if you ever hurt her, you'll have to deal with me."

"Feh!" Hiei scoffed. "As if I would lower myself to such tactics. The woman can handle herself just fine, it seems."

Sayomi stared at Hiei in shock. Was that really an honest compliment...? Does he realize what he just said? She blushed when he made eye contact with her. What are you thinking, Hiei?

Hiei turned forward again, refusing to acknowledge her question.

Sayomi mentally shook her head free of the confusing thoughts and she focused on the task at hand. Why am I worrying about him now when the fate of the Human World is at stake?! But still... I'm glad he came back...