"Alright, so what's the deal Koenma? If this guy's just one S class, why do you need us? Can't handle it yourself?"

"Yusuke, this isn't so simple. The apparition is a High S-class, with a good deal of B and C class following him. Not to mention bent on conquest, or so we know from our sources. Let's look at it this way. If the apparition takes over the Ice apparition territory, that's a boost in morale. In turn, that could rally other's behind him, seeing as many weaker demons would get behind anyone with power. Now, those may be just C and D class likely, but never doubt the power of weaker demons in large numbers. What if he incites a revolution, and gathers low S class, or maybe A and B class behind him? The results could be devastating if he gathered another High S-class behind his banner, Yusuke, we must prevent this from happening, and quickly."

"Fine. How quickly?"

"Uh…you have a week and a half."

"Until this guy takes over the territory? How'd you get that kind of information?"

"No, a week and a half until my father gets home…"

"…"

That aside, the group was already gone, Yusuke reliving the memory of the incident with distaste as he sighed, "Stupid toddler. I swear he just sends me to cover his ass." The group of them had to change clothing of course, well, mostly, to survive the colder conditions, (as much as it may not appeal to the fangirls). Yusuke was still a bit cold in his dark green winter jacket, clinging to his sides a bit in an overanimated display, likely just hamming it up, while Kuwabara had been sporting a similar sort in a lighter blue. It just suited the male who'd been perfectly quiet on the way over, always looking ahead…Kurama of course was sporting something as well, a toned and defined oriental style jacket over his normal sort of uniform, the cold not looking like it bothered him at all…And…just try getting Hiei to dress up.

"Shut up, Urameshi, Yukina's place is just over the hill!"

Of course, the only thing from Yusuke was a bit of a glare for the moment, the group walking on. Of course, they had a minor addition of a certain female spirit guide, light blue hair flowing behind her in it's near trademark ponytail, a white coat wrapped around her. "At least he's energetic…"

"I think the cold's just made him dumber."

"I wouldn't think that'd be possible of the oaf."

"You can just shut up, Hiei!"

Oh yes, a perfectly pleasant grouping…the forest they were walking through was suitably barren of most plant life on the ground aside from brush, with the trees being mostly pine, carrying the snow that scattered the world present in a blanket of white hanging off the branches in a display just resembling Christmas. But there'd be no present, honestly, nor any heartwarming gifts; instead what awaited them over the hill was the site of a battleground, or what was left of it anyway. Pieces of what looked to once be a dwelling were strewn all about, parts of the ground darkened with what looked like fire, as snow had been melted, leaving mud in it's wake in places, as the rest had been burnt solid. It was a battleground, that was certain…

"Hn."

Raven eyes hunted through the area, other's following suit…there wasn't any sign of anyone left…not a soul around, demon or otherwise.

"Yu…Yukina…"

Not a soul answered, Yukina wasn't around, and likely not here…had she escaped before whatever this was? Or…more likely gotten caught up into it? Was she d-"I doubt it would be wise to remain here…Yusuke, where was the location of the nearby cave? I fear we should be forced to take refuge there to set up camp, before taking a look at the enemy camp."

"Kurama has a point…let's get the oaf moving."

Kuwabara hadn't really budged an inch, trembling a bit slightly…likely worry had overtaken him, but a quick pull on his ear by Yusuke who dragged him along to the cave…this would be a long night, wouldn't it?

"It just keeps coming…dammit."

---

"Yusuke, this apparition is one working in rather forbidden arts…his abilities thrive around the workings of time itself. Slowing things down, and speeding them up through subspace rifts are like child's play to him. I expect you'll be careful and not give him a chance to use these abilities…it would likely mean your death, and I don't want to go having to look for a new Spirit Detective! One that doesn't make stupid mistakes would be nice though…"

---

"Time…but that was fire…hm…"

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Dun dun dunnnn...the plot thickens? Maybe? Iunno. It's kind of a short chapter for my tastes, but I'm writing them by the page in my font size. Verdana 7 for those who care, which is tiiiiiny, and barely legible unless you've got a large resolution, good eyes, or are used to it. I think I fall into the latter.

Sorry for the day break, I'm working on trying to update daily...yeah right...maybe every other day would work, but I'm not making any promises. I write sporadically.

Did I mention I wasn't satisfied with this chapter?