Chapter Two

Everything is going as planned, Sinamon thought to herself as she tried pulling her jacket tighter around her. If it wasn't for the insistent cold that the icy tendrils of the Makai offered, she would've undoubtedly loved the time she was given with Hiei. However, everyone limits and, after a night of sleeping in the cold, she was just about ready to forget about confronting the past.

Trudging up the hill, she glared at Hiei's back, hating that all he wore was a thin cape and it kept him warm. All she wanted as a warm, soft bed where she would never have to worry about anything. In only her life could be that easy. Clamping her lips together, she tried not to think of how cold it was.

"We should soon be at the cabin."

"How soon?" she yelled from her distance from him.

He stopped, waiting till she caught up with him. She wanted desperately to hit him for looking as if this was a leisure stroll on a cool summer day. Crossing her arms, her gloved hands rubbing against her sides, she tried not to shiver too openly.

"In a day or two," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets to keep from touching her.

Groaning, she fell back, sitting stubbornly on the snow covered ground. It didn't matter that it was cold or would more than likely soak through her pants. All she knew was she was cold and tired of the constant snow clad scenery.

"Sinamon, what's wrong exactly?"

She pouted at him, shivering, "I'm cold, tired and I don't know what I'm doing here!"

He knelt beside her, smirking, "Do you want to go home? Want to leave our past as if they weren't going to haunt us for the rest of our lives?"

Glaring at him, she shrugged, "Right now I don't care as long as I was warm."

He kissed her suddenly, simply pressing his lips while his Jagan worked to check her ki levels. He power over Ice was growing while the Fire that kept her body's warmth stable was slowly disappearing. She could survive perhaps another day before her body would give out because of lack of heat.

Realizing just what he was doing, she pulled back with a glare before she caught the concern that flitted through his eyes before he replaced the shield of disinterest. When he tried to stand, she grabbed his hand.

"What exactly is going on, Hiei? And don't lie to me. We're all we've got," she murmured.

Shrugging, he lifted her into his arms, moving back on the path they had been moving along. The faster he could reach the cabin, the easier it would be for him to save her. Keeping her close to him as he was was a way to keep her ki level from dropping further than it already had and offered her warmth. He just hoped his energy and natural heat could sustain them both.

//

Kurama sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gazed at the books before him. Even though he knew he didn't need to go to college, he had decided it would be good to do so, in case they decided to live in the Ningenkai. Kikiyo was out with Keinomi, hopefully growing even closer so they could trick him into giving them what they wanted. If Keinomi couldn't get him to agree, then Kikiyo could come to rescue. And he'd have it no other way.

They do make the perfect team, he thought as he tried once more to concentrate on the Physics class he was working on. He happily accepted the distraction his wife gave him as he turned towards the window. To him, she was a beauty which none could compare to in the very least. With Keinomi pulling her along, a laughing smile on her face, he wished desperately that he could be out there with them.

Gazing down at her, he found himself studying the woman he had fallen so desperately in love with. Her hair was a strawberry blonde, gently flowing down her back. Even from up above he could see her light purple eyes shining in love at their child. Once more, her leanly muscled figure was lightly tanned.

Her pants weren't quite as tight as they used to be, the black material flowing slightly which only added to her appeal. The black shirt still clung to her, curving suggestively around her torso. The pink cuffs made her seem as if she needed to be punished.

He could only smirk at the idea of what she would say to his thoughts. If only she would see just how bored he was. Now that their daughter was slowly growing, Kikiyo had reverted to her Ningen form.

Almost as if she sensed his gaze, she shifted her eyes to his. A slow smile curved her lips, her eyes suddenly glowing. It was almost as if she were daring him to stay up in the room when he could be down with them. Since he wasn't one to normally resist a dare, he closed his books to go down and be with his family.

//

Alisee sighed, sitting down roughly near her post. Even though she knew she would have been considered too far away, she could still see the gateway that was permanently opened between the two worlds. Without a doubt, she and Draco would be prepared in case anyone decided to try and go through. Unless they had special permission, no one was to be allowed through. It only made her job that much easier.

She knew, even when KoEnma made the suggestion for the mission, that it would be a long and boring one. In fact, it would be nothing like the last mission that had them fighting the god that had been nearly all powerful. Nearly laughing, she couldn't help noticing how low she had sunk since then.

Now I'm stuck on guard duty while Leena and Rain go have some fun, she thought as she leaned her back against the tree's trunk.

It wasn't exactly fun what the other two were doing since they were searching for the person that could be draining the energy extremely slowly from the barriers. Now that it mattered immediately. If the drainage continued at the same rate, it would be close to a year and a half before the barriers broke.

Glancing up when Draco growled, Alisee watched a rider on horseback approach swiftly. She recognized him from the group that had helped defeat Koro but his name slipped her mind.

"What do you want?" she found herself calling as she stood to return to her post.

He smirked, almost hesitantly she noticed along with the fact that his hands were shaking.

"I heard you were working here so I came to help."

Raising an eyebrow when he adverted his gaze, she studied the man offering his services. She could tell he was cute, at least by Ningen standards. She was positive he was Ningen though he held a resemblance to many Youkai. His hair was the black of nothingness, of the abyss that could suck someone's soul from their body. His eyes were a deep garnet that shifted nervously under her gaze. He was pale, a compliment she knew to his Ninja and assassin skills.

He was slightly muscled, much because of the fact he had to use certain weapons in his line of work. He wore black pants that helped hide his many weapons except his long sword which was sheathed across his back in a black dragon-scaled scabbard. He wore a black vest that was closed slightly across the middle. Shifting her eyes slightly, she noticed a tattoo of a snake wrapped around his right forearm, its fangs poised to kill.

"Yoshi; the assassin of the Makai," he seemed hesitant to admit his title.

Patting Draco's head, she nodded, "You can help if you want. There isn't really anything happening so…"

Dismounting, he nodded back, "That's expected. Word's getting around that KoEnma's put guards near the gate. They won't risk it."

Returning to her seat, Alisee shrugged, "I can't say I blame them. After all, the reputation of the Spirit Detectives is getting around."

Hearing the girls approach, Alisee stood once more, grumbling that it was about time the others got back. Rain came into view first, her arms crossed defiantly when she saw Alisee. Once her gaze shifted to Yoshi, a small smile curved her features. Leena finally came into view. Trying not to glare, Alisee shifted her gaze.

"Hey, Ali. Who's your friend?"

Alisee gritted her teeth at the nickname Leena had given her, "A friend."

Nearly smiling when Leena pouted, Alisee contented herself with the knowledge that they would have time to get acquainted while she and Draco went scouting. Whistling lightly, Draco trotted beside her after she changed into a wolf as well.

//

Yusuke sat beside Keiko, smiling whenever she looked at him. They'd been dating since that fateful day because of Koro and would soon be getting married. It just proved to him that they could grow together when they were given the choice. Now, he thought wistfully, all I need to do is finish school.

Yusuke had black hair that was normally sleeked back though at the moment it was left to its own accord. His chocolate brown eyes were so full of life and happiness that it gave him back the youthful vigor he had had originally. His light tan was creamy and stretched taunt over his leanly muscled body.

Keiko was always smiling now, her dream of finding love finally becoming a reality. She had short brown hair that lightly brushed her shoulders. Her eyes were chocolate brown, though gleaming with love for her husband. Her skin was a creamy tan and shined lightly as if it were silk.

"You know, I'm going to have to go to the Reikai soon," he said casually, lightly nuzzling her neck. "What with Hiei and Sinamon gone for the time being I have to help them."

Keiko sighed, "I guess it makes sense, but you're going to retire soon, right?"

Kissing her, he nodded, "If I didn't, I'd lose you. I'm not willing to lose you for a job."

Laughing, she swatted him away easily, laughing even harder when he pouted as if in pain.

"Oh, Yusuke. Behave." Quickly kissing his cheek, she continued, "Is Kuwabara going with you? Or is he staying near Yukina since she's pregnant?"

Shrugging, Yusuke stretched as he headed for the door, "Don't know. I was going to swing by to see before heading on."

Watching him get ready to leave, Keiko settled back quietly. Now she would have to find entertainment until Yusuke returned. She knew for a fact he wasn't going to retire from his work with the Spirit Detectives. It was a miracle she had even convinced him to only go in when it was necessary. It was more than enough for now.

TBC