Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, it's characters, or anything affiliated with it. I use the characters and locations for my own personal enjoyment and yours. I own Hanako Urameshi. I do use Wikia for information on locations and characters that I may need later. Rating is for language, violence, drug references, and intimacy scenes in future chapters. Please Review! Good and bad are accepted, as I value the opinions of my readers.

A/N: I apologize for the long delay in posting new chapters. I have had several life changes and have not had the time to write. I swear to make more of an effort now that I feel I have the time to write again. Thanks for your patience and loyalty! It's good to see that after 8 months I still get favorites and reviews!

Chapter 3

Hanako woke up in a mess of tangled limbs on the hard hotel floor. She groaned when sunlight hit her eyes but rolling over was impossible. She glanced up to see Keiko and Botan had passed out over her legs and on each other. She lifted herself on her arms and scooted backwards until her legs were free. She watched the other girls collide and bump heads, but stayed asleep in a new tangled mess. Hanako sighed as she rubbed her tired eyes. Her hair had dried in a messy fashion after falling asleep with it soaking wet.

She looked around and noticed that only the females remained in the room. She remembered that Team Urameshi didn't have to fight today, and it made her wonder where the boys had gone.

'Can you hear me?' She tried reaching out to Hiei. Hanako had even tried talking to him last night but he remained silent, just as he was being now. Curiosity got the better of her as she hurried to get dressed, throwing her hair in a messy bun and sliding into a pair of blue jeans and tennis shoes. She glanced around one more time, making sure the girls were asleep before sneaking out of the hotel room.

'Hello! Can anyone hear me!?' Hanako was frustrated already after having been awake for 20 minutes. She felt like she was talking to herself. She exited the hotel, with her hands in her pockets as she kicked tiny rocks along the way.

"Why isn't he firing his Spirit Gun!?" Hanako heard Kuwabara's worried, hushed voice. She looked up and saw Kuwabara behind several tree's and bushes. Suddenly the ground shook.

"Spirit Gun...Wait, my brother?!" Hanako put the pieces together as she rushed over to Kuwabara. "What's going on?" She looked at him. His face was in shock at the sight of her.

"This isn't safe! You need to get out of here!" Kuwabara cautioned.

"Spare me and tell me what's happening!" Hanako watched as her brother was dodging some sort of ball, and a Demon laughing at his futile attempts to run.

"The Demon calls himself Rugby, like the sport or something. His attack is homing in on Urameshi, and for some reason he isn't firing his Spirit Gun!" Kuwabara answered as they watched a tree disintegrate from Rugby's attack.

"Isn't or can't..."Hanako mumbled with worry. She looked down at her hands and back at Yusuke. "Kuwabara..."

"Don't think about it, Urameshi wants us to keep you under wraps. No showing your powers!"

"Yeah, screw that." Hanako pointed her right index finger at Rugby, holding her wrist with her left hand.

"It's crazy how much you two look-alike, but I can't have you acting like Urameshi!" Kuwabara grabbed her arms.

"Why are you just watching this!?" Hanako glared at Kuwabara. "Use your brain, if he COULD he would have fired his Spirit Gun already. He's spent, and he needs help."

Kuwabara glanced back at Yusuke with a glare. Hanako gasped as did Kuwabara when suddenly Rugby was on the ground with an Axe in his back. He had been killed by his team leader.

"I...I don't understand. He just killed his team-mate..." Hanako lowered her arms, putting Kuwabara at ease.

"They're mindless, power-hungry Demons, they have no honor." Kuwabara glared at the sight before them.

"Look, he's leaving." Hanako leaped over the bushes and ran towards Yusuke.

"Hey wait-Oh screw it." Kuwabara followed the younger Urameshi. "Yo, why didn't you fire your Spirit Gun?" Kuwabara helped Yusuke off the ground.

"I...Uh...Couldn't." Yusuke laughed nervously. "I have fired up to 4 of these babies in a day before and I was always fine the next morning. I don't know why it's gone now." He stared at his fingers before looking back at Kuwabara. He glanced down and noticed Hanako. "What are you doing out here!?" He panicked.

"Look, you're not going to cage me because you're over protective. I was going to fire my Spirit Gun to save you, but Kuwabara pitched a fit." Hanako crossed her arms over her chest.

"We need to have a team meeting or something don't we?" Kuwabara changed the subject. "We need to discuss strategies for our next fight."

"Have a meeting with yourself." Yusuke waved him off and started walking away.

"Wait! Yusuke!" Hanako had an idea. This would be the chance to ask, if any. "In your down time, I think you need to train me."

Kuwabara and Yusuke both looked at her with wide eyes. "You have to be kidding me. Why the hell would I train you?" Yusuke's eyes were serious, but curious as well.

"Think about it. I am obviously not going to listen to you and stay put. I already know how to fight, and there's a good chance a great deal of Demon's know about me already. Would you rather me be defenseless against those Demons or stand a fighting chance?"

Yusuke stared at his sister in silence. Kuwabara was yammering on in the background about how "this was a stupid plan", "don't listen to her Urameshi", and "oh come on she's a girl" non-sense. Suddenly, Yusuke had the biggest grin. "Welcome to Team Urameshi!"

"What!? Urameshi we already have 5 members! And you said Koenma was the substitute, so she can't be on the team! It's too dangerous!" Kuwabara was ranting.

"Oh shut up, would ya? She's perfectly capable of being the substitute, Koenma would shit his diaper if he actually had to step in, and besides I don't see our 5 fighting members going down any time soon!" Yusuke smirked with pride and cockiness.

Hanako looked at the two in shock! She hadn't really expected Yusuke to agree to her demands, but then he added her to the team!? Her heart swelled with excitement as she spoke, "When do we start!?"

"Hell, start with Kuwabara!" Yusuke laughed. "He wanted a Team meeting, this is as good a one as any!"

"Urameshi, no way! She's a-" He was slammed in the face with a right hook that made him see stars. He stumbled backward but didn't fall over. He looked over to see Hanako glaring with her arm extended and her fist balled.

"Enough with the feminist bull shit! Christ, Kuwabara, isn't your girlfriend an Ice Apparition? She can handle herself, can't she!? Fight me!" Hanako stood back up.

"How do you know about Yukina!?" Kuwabara was side tracked.

"Same way I know about everything else! Botan! Now do I have to hit you again or are you going to fight me?" Hanako stood in a defensive stance. Having watched Kuwabara fight Rinku, she knew a little of his fighting style.

"No way, I'm out! I'm headed back to the hotel!" Kuwabara shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered off. "Nice punch though." He mumbled as he walked on.

Yusuke grinned at Hanako. "Well we'd better follow him, I think you hurt his pride."

"Wha-!? What about-" Hanako started.

"We have all day. Don't be too eager. Let's go." Yusuke turned and began following Kuwabara.

Hanako glared as she followed her brother and his stupid friend.

Hanako sat bored on the bed, watching Botan and Shizuru drink beer and Keiko her little can of apple juice. All the girl talk and gossip had her bored. She was really hoping to take her mind off of Hiei by training with Yusuke and Kuwabara but that plan failed. She hadn't seen or heard from him all day and the thought really made her heart ache.

'It's only to keep you safe.' His voice ran through her head clear as if he was in the room with her. She was startled so bad she dropper her own can of juice.

"Oh goodness! Are you sure you didn't give her any alcohol, Shizuru?" Botan fussed as she ran to grab a towel from the bathroom.

"No, she has apple juice like me." Keiko examined the spilled beverage can. "Are you okay, Hanako?"

"Uh...Yeah. Be right back." Hanako rushed out of the room and shut the door. She looked back and forth down the long empty hall. 'Are you there?'

'Where else would I be?'

'Well I tried talking to you all day-'

'Busy training.' She could almost feel his wince through the telepathy.

'Your arm?'

'It's nothing I can't handle.'

There was a brief silence between the two, until Hanako opened her mouth. 'Did Yusuke tell you? He made me the new alternate on the team?'

"HE DID WHAT!?" She heard him yell from a few doors down. Hanako was stunned and wondered if he knew he was talking out of telepathy. Everyone was probably giving him weird looks. Hanako tried to continue talking hoping it would calm him down.

'H-He said Koenma didn't want to be the alternate. He said that the 5 members on the team now would make it and wouldn't need the alternate anyway. I asked him to help me, so I can be prepared if someone does...you know, try to kill me, kid nap me, or whatever everyone else is worried about. I want to know how to use...Spirit energy.' She swallowed hard and waited for his response. Silence was all that came. 'Hiei, please...'

'Come outside. Don't tell anyone where you're going.'

'Outside where?' Her spirits perked up as she headed down the stairs, instantly wishing she had taken the elevator. By the time she had walked outside she was out of breath. 30 flights of stairs would do that to a person. She looked around for Hiei, not seeing him anywhere and he didn't answer her last telepathic question so she felt clueless. 'Hiei-' "Shit!" Her heart jumped into her throat; an instant panic setting in as a sword was at her neck, slicing it open just slightly. She could feel the blood trickle down and she began shaking.

"You were right. You do need training." It was him and his voice. He sheathed his sword and instant relief settled into Hanako's very core as she slumped onto the ground.

"W-Was that necessary?" She swallowed hard as she looked behind her at Hiei. To him she looked completely innocent and vulnerable. More to the point she looked Human and scared half out of her mind. She looked down at his arm and gasped. It wasn't bandaged and he kept it deep inside his pocket. "Your arm!"

"Enough about my arm. For the last time it will heal just fine." Hiei's voice was harsh and caught her off guard. This was not the same Hiei who entered her bedroom just nights ago.

"Are you mad at me?" Hanako accused.

"I'm not mad. I'm furious." Hiei glared. He grabbed her forearm and pulled her to her feet, nearly yanking her arm out of its socket.

"Ow!" Tears stung the corners of her eyes. Hiei didn't release his grip. "Let go!"

"Hn." Hiei removed his hand and crossed his arms over his chest, looking off to the side at the tree's blowing in the night wind.

"What the hell is your problem!?" Hanako glared at him.

Hiei gladly returned the glare. "My problem is you." His words cut deep, causing her to flinch. "You came to an island full of Demons that can kill you in an instant. You knew of the dangers before you came, all thanks to Koenma's lackey, and you still stubbornly show up here to pick a fight with the detective. How stupid can you be?"

Hanako opened her mouth to retaliate but nothing came out. Instead she took a deep breathe and tried to explain her side more calmly. "I was worried about my brother, I didn't come to pick a fight." She sighed. "When Botan was explaining the story to us, she mentioned the tournament. She said he couldn't refuse. It reminded me of what you said in my room that night." She looked into Hiei's crimson red eyes. "I was worried about you. As strange as that is, because I didn't even know you existed outside of my dreams. I was hoping I would get to see you, and I did." She took another deep breathe. "Seeing my brother made me angry. I was happy he was safe, but he had lied to me this whole time. Then I find out you're real? I am the one that should be furious, not you. You lied to me too. If that wasn't bad enough, you attack me just to see what skills I have."

The gusty wind picked up and blew Hanako's hair all over the place. She kept eye contact with her red-eyed lover, wanting to stand her ground. He remained silent before he finally sighed and approached her. Hanako went to flinch away as he brought his hand up, but he gently tilted her chin up so she would look at him. He was so close they were nearly chest to chest. Hanako's heart started beating rapidly as Hiei knelt down and kissed the younger girl on the lips, just barely brushing against them. He inhaled deeply and sighed as his shoulders seemed to relax.

"I missed your smell." He spoke after some time.

"W-What?" Hanako blushed.

"Your smell. It was on all the clothes I had back at Kurama's. I couldn't bring any of them here." Hiei uncharacteristically nuzzled her neck, taking deep even breaths, savoring the moment.

"To protect me..." Hanako spoke quietly, still blushing. He only nodded. "Are you still furious?" She whispered.

"Only at the Detective." Hiei mumbled against her neck.

"For making me the alternate?" Hanako asked as she tilted her head to the side.

"As if we don't already have enough trouble hiding you, he wants to put you on the team. What if The Moron dies tomorrow? That puts you on the team, without any training." Hiei pulled back slowly, a familiar need in his eyes that sent chills down her spine.

"By moron I assume you mean Kuwabara?"

"If that's what you call him, yes." Hiei brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"H-Hiei...did you want to..." She blushed, not being able to bring herself to say 'Make Love'.

"No. Not tonight. I need to keep your smell to a minimum."

"Do I smell bad?" Hanako questioned. What a mood killer that would have been!

Hiei smirked, a small laugh escaping his throat. It was the sexiest sound she had ever heard him make. "Not in the slightest. Protection, Hana. " He repeated. "Believe me, I want to. I could take you here if I pleased, or in the elevator. I could have you on the arena and no one would be able to stop me."

Hanako blushed, a deep fire and desire was building up inside of her. "Hiei..."

"We'll wait. I have enough self-control to wait until after the tournament."

"Yeah but I don't..." Hanako mumbled, hoping he didn't hear. Naturally he did and he smirked. He seemed distant for a second as his head turned toward the hotel.

"It's been decided. Kurama and I will train you on the days the Detective and his pet can't." Hiei spoke as if he was reading into the Teams hotel room.

"You agree to that?" Hanako looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Protection, Hana. That's all this is. I won't let you fight in this tournament, don't expect to." His glare returned and his voice left no room for argument.

"I can do whatever I want, Hiei. Or whatever is necessary. You don't own me." Hanako glared. The nerve of him! Who did he think he was!?

"Don't challenge me, female. If I wanted to own you, I could." Hiei balled up his fists. "You've been out here too long. Get back to your room and go to bed."

Hanako was appalled, and her face showed it. "No! In fact, I fancy a nice stroll in the woods!" Hanako yelled and turned around, stomping towards the direction of the woods.

"Hana." Hiei's voice warned.

His voice sent chills down her spine, and in a good way. Something in her liked being obedient and submissive to him, and challenging him was part of the fun, she remembered that much of her 'Dreams'."Oh screw you!" Hanako yelled back.

She yelped.

Her back was in a lot of pain as she was slammed up against the nearest tree. Hiei was nose to nose with her, his glare was venomous. She barely had time to notice her hands were pinned above her head, being restrained by his good hand. His other was still in his pocket. His voice was seething in anger, and something else...

It was worry.

"I can restrain you with one hand. I can move faster than you can blink. I am stronger than you'll ever be. . . There are Demons on this island stronger than I am. When I say this isn't safe, I mean it. It has nothing to do with control. I can't let my guard down, not even a little, especially with you here now. This is not the time for games. Take this seriously." He glared down at her.

Hanako hesitated but she nodded. "Okay...Okay, sorry..."

Hiei released her hands and pulled her close to him, inhaling her scent. "Go back to your room. I will watch you until you get there."

"You can't stay with me..." She whispered quietly. She felt him tense up.

"Protection, Hana." Hiei leaned forward and kissed her again, just barely brushing his lips against hers. "Go."

"But-"

"Go." He hissed, as if her presence caused him pain.

Hanako stared at him before running. She ran through the hotel doors, and bypassed the elevators again. She ran until her lungs burned, but at least she didn't feel the sting in her heart or the tears in her eyes. She stared at the room door. Her chest ached and she was trying to catch her breath. She wiped her eyes carefully and entered the room.

Botan and Shizuru were tipsy and getting competitive with cards. Keiko was asleep on the pullout sofa. Shizuru tossed Hanako a beer instead of a juice. "Drink up, kiddo! We're at a Demon Tournament! If our brothers lose, we die anyway! Enjoy life!" Her face was flushed. It looked like they had bought several 24 packs.

"Woo! Full house! I win again!" Botan giggled.

"Damn cards!" Shizuru glared at the stack.

Hanako opened the beer, hoping to get some kind of numbing sensation. It tasted horrible and her face showed it. "Oh...God..."

"It's an acquired taste. You'll learn to love it!" Shizuru laughed as she tossed hers back. She seemed bi-polar when she was hammered.

"Did Keiko drink too?" Hanako asked nervously.

"That goody-goody? Please she couldn't party unless it was on her final exam. " Shizuru looked at Botan. "You deal, reaper."

Hanako looked at her cards, her bored expression returned. 'I'm back, you don't have to worry now.'

'Is that what you think? Hana I will always worry.'

'Then train me until you don't have to worry anymore.'

Hiei's silence was all she needed in order to know he was in serious consideration of her request. She smiled to herself and decided not to waste the open beer. She drank it quickly to get it over with and her head started to spin.

"Have another!" She heard Shizuru say.

Hanako wasn't sure what happened next, but she would be insanely pissed off when she woke up and found out she slept through the entire Team Ichigaki fight.