Lunesca: okay so the first part of this is a bit of a filler/recap, but it's necessary for the story. The rest will be a continuation.

Legend:

"Talking"

'Telepathic Speak'

Thinking to oneself

Dream/Memories

YYH = Pagebreak/Scene Change/Etc

Chapter 4: Welcome to the Team!

YYH *Kurama's P.O.V*

I had smelled blood coming from Hiei when he went to put his finished plate in the sink. Concerned with the extent of the damage, and curious to find out what had happened out there, I waited for the others to leave before going up to the rooms. I knocked on his door, again catching the faint scent of blood, and waited for him to answer.

"What do you want fox?" he asked and I could tell he was grumpy. He rarely wanted to be around anyone when he was in these moods and they usually indicated something being wrong.

"I merely wanted to speak to you." I told him, being cautious with my words. I really did not enjoy being on the receiving end of his temper, even if I was one of the few people he considered his friend. "I doubt you want to have this conversation in the hallway."

Hiei just grumbled a little and moved aside so I could enter his room. I closed the door behind me and turn towards him, leaning against the wall by the door. I took a moment to decide my best course of action since Hiei didn't like it when others pried into his business. He must have gotten impatient with my presence because he spoke up. "You wanted to talk so speak or get out."

I watched as he sat in the windowsill, looking outside as he always does. Sometimes I wondered if he really was observing the land or lost in his own thoughts when he did this. Shaking away my musings I decided to be blunt. "I would like to know what happened in the forest."

"Hn, it's nothing of importance." He said plainly. I watched as he clenched his hand a little, as if it was hurting or he was remembering something. I couldn't let important information go. Something had happened and we needed to know if it was a random thing or if we needed to prepare for more trouble.

"Hiei, you know I would not pry if it wasn't important." I told him calmly. "Obviously you two got into a fight with someone. We need to know details if we are to properly prepare for an attack. You don't have to protect Raven on your own. Let us help."

Hiei bowed his head for a moment. I was positive I had gotten through to him when he spoke. "I went into the forest, found Raven and started back with her. Before we got out of the trees we were attacked by a couple dozen demons, ranking from high B class to mid A class. I took care of them before they could get far with Raven. She was knocked out and I brought her back here. The fools managed to get a few scratches in during the battle, but nothing serious. Now if that's all…"

I could tell he had left some information out but trusted that it wasn't of any major importance. With a nod I let myself out of the his room and entered mine. I had a few things to ponder before bed.

YYH *Hiei's P.O.V*

I sighed in relief as the fox left. I hated that he came in here but it was understandable and he was right, though I hate to admit it. After he was gone I went and locked my door against any unwanted visitors. I was surprised when I got back to my room. Raven's scent still lingered even though the window had been left open for some time when she had jumped out of it.

Taking in a deep breath, I closed my eyes, and smelled her scent. It was smelled like a storm on a hot summer night. There was an essence of warmth to it that intrigued me. Shifting my position, the scent of copper intruded on my relaxation. The wound on my arm hadn't healed properly and had caused itself to reopen.

With a growl I climbed of my seat and retrieved the large first aid kit that the old hag and Kurama had insisted on being in every room and restocked often. There have been many times I have been grateful for this, not that I would ever say anything to them about it.

Finding what I needed, I once again went through the process of cleaning the wound with antiseptic. Cleaning that up I went about stitching it closed with the needle and sterile thread that was in the kit. Needless to say I've needed this kit my fair share of times. It took some time but I had the cuts closed and re-wrapped.

Putting the supplies away and using my Jagan to check on Raven one more time, I fell asleep leaning my head against the cool window.

YYH *the next morning, Normal P.O.V.*

The following morning, the girls woke up just after the sun rose and the sky was still beautiful shades of pink, orange and gold. They got dressed and readied themselves for the day. Opening their doors they gave each other amused looks to see that both were perfectly synced with the other.

Raven wore ankle length black leather pants, with nearly invisible slots for daggers and any other items she found necessary, a purple tank top and her black elegant but sexy lace up, heeled boots that had only an inch and a half heel so she wouldn't fall over during training or a life threatening battle. Her sword was hanging at her side, tucked out of sight by her light jacket. It was black with designs that were in shades of blue, red, and purple that were so dark they were almost invisible and its hem barely brushed the ground anytime Raven wore it without her boots on.

Hawk on the other hand favored lighter colors. She wore a silvery-blue light long sleeve shirt that flowed out at the wrists a little and the neckline spread out to expose her collarbone. A light grey ankle length skirt that matched it, with slits going nearly up to her waist on either side to give her mobility but leaving little to the imagination. Instead of a jacket, she wore a shimmery cloak that shifted between blue, silver, white and lilac. Her shoes were a lilac version of Raven's only with stylish buckles on the side.

Raven could never understand how she could wear lavender shoes and never get any scuffs or dirt on them. Hawk just replied that she had a spell crystal that protected any cloth she touched with it from dirt or minor harm. She never even had a loose thread.

Hawk gave Raven a gentle hug and the older sister returned it with a small smile. "I don't know about you but I'm hungry and it smells like someone is cooking breakfast." She told her little sister.

Hawk gave a small chuckle. "That would be Yukina, though Kurama might be helping her in the kitchen. He'll do that sometimes if he manages to get up early. From what I gather that girl gets up at some psycho crazy hour and even the household's early risers have trouble keeping up with her."

The girls started down the hall, back-tracking the route that Botan had taken them down the night before. "We better hurry or there will be nothing left. It sounds like Yusuke and Kuwabara are already up. Hopefully they're slower eaters in the morning than at night." Hawk said with a shake of her head. "it was a battle on Kurama's part to save the two plates for you and Hiei last night. The boys were ready to battle it out until Yukina piped in, then Kuwabara argued with Yusuke until he gave in."

Raven laughed. "It's nice to see that someone was taking consideration of me." The girls talked a bit as they went down to the kitchen area. When they arrived the room was in total chaos already. The boys had already wiped out half the food set out on the table, Hiei was looking at the two idiots in disgust, Yukina was embarrassed at their display but was valiantly trying to make enough food to satif everyone, Kurama just ignored them and went about eating.

The girls sat down as far away from the bottomless pits as they could manage, placing food on their plates before the two could make it that far and steal it from them. There was a mountain of food in front of them including bacon, sausage, eggs, toast and pancakes. It didn't take long for the girls to eat their fair share of it.

Kurama had been nearly done when they entered and waited patiently for them to finish. Just as they had put their eating utensils down and finished off their drinks, Botan arrived. "Kurama, have you said anything yet? Koenma is being extremely impatient this morning and wants to speak to Raven and Hawk right away." The fairy girl prattled on and on.

Raven decided it was best that she interrupt though a glance at Hawk told her that she knew what it could be about but Raven didn't have time to ask. Before she knew what was going on she and Hawk were dragged from the table, through a portal and into an office where they were to wait for 'Lord' Koenma.

'Hawk, what can you tell me about Koenma? You've met him while I was out right?' Raven asked quickly. She didn't want to get caught unprepared but the two of them hadn't had much chance to talk as of yet. Hawk gave her a nod.

'Well he's not exactly what you would think. His appearance has been a bit exaggerated, so don't be shocked…' Her comment was cut off by a door opening from behind the desk.

Raven looked to see who had come through the door but all she saw was a blue ogre closing it behind him. She thought he appeared as more of a slave or assistant with nothing but a loincloth for clothes. "Thank you for coming," A high pitched voice was heard and Raven was shocked to see the ogre lift what appeared to be a baby onto the desk, and it was talking! "I know my appearance may be of some surprise to you but please bear with me."

About that time the rest of the team entered the room with Botan, who had left to escort them and tell Koenma that his guests had arrived. Each of them took up a place in the room. Hiei went to the windowseat, Kurama leaned against the wall near him, Yusuke lounged on the couch and Kuwabara sat in one of the two chairs next to the couch. Hawk was already sitting in the chair opposite of Kuwabara, with Raven standing guard next to her. Botan took a seat on the corner of the desk and the ogre stood at attention next to the desk chair.

Raven had done well about keeping her mouth shut and not making any comments about Koenma's appearance. She wasn't sure if he would take offense and punish them worse for their crimes. "Now that we're all here…" he began but was interrupted by Yusuke and a small argument erupted until Koenma decided to ignore the detective's comments.

"Anyways what I was saying is you two have committed a terrible crime. Yet in doing so you've not only shown a weakness in our defenses but you also allowed us to disrupt a slave trade operation revolving around stray humans that would wander into the portal." He began pacing the length of his desk. "I've decided to put you and your sister on my team in form of probation."

This caused a small flicker of interest in Raven. That didn't seem like such a bad punishment. They had already been staying with the team so there wouldn't be much of a difference. At least that's what she thought until Koenma continued. "You are to train with the team for the upcoming tournament next year. Genkai decided that she would rather play the part of the extra this year and as the guest team is required to have six members instead of five this year we would need both of you on the team anyways."

Raven was not happy about being dragged into the next tournament, especially if Hawk was supposed to be part of it. It was her duty to protect her sister and she couldn't do that if she has to let her battle solo, not that Hawk was a pushover but she was the only family Raven had left. She wasn't going to give in that easily.

"Furthermore," Koenma continued. "You are to join the boys in their college courses during your time with them. Kurama can help tutor you so you won't be so far behind but I deem it important that you attend. Hawk has already agreed to my terms under the agreement that it was both of you or neither of you. So the decision is yours Miss Raven."

Raven shoved down her fury and irritation at Koenma's high demand of the tournament but she knew the price many demons pay for crossing through portals illegally. She didn't want that for Hawk so she decided to agree to his terms, but she was going to do it her way. 'Raven don't do anything stupid.' Hawk whispered in her mind. She knew Raven hated ultimatums.

"Do you know what I think of your proposal?" Raven smiled sweetly and sashayed up to Koenma, letting her ankles roll in the boots so her whole body seemed to sway sexily with every movement. Her body spoke of interest and dark things only done in a dark room between couples. Hawk groaned, getting the others to look at her except for Kuwabara and Koenma. They were too transfixed on her movements to look away.

"Not again Raven, this always gets you in trouble." She muttered so quietly that only the fox and the fire demon could hear her. They spared her a second long glance before watching the show Raven was putting on. Hiei couldn't help but notice that the child he had sworn to protect now how some curves to her. He instantly shook the thought out of his head as Raven continued speaking.

"What do you think of it?" Koenma choked out. He couldn't help falling under the spell that she was weaving with her voice and body. Hiei and Kurama quickly saw why she had been labeled as a very dangerous shadow demon.

"I think you can shove it up your tiny little diapered ass." She told him sweetly, honeyed venom dripping on every word she spoke. Koenma was so entranced by her act that it took him a moment to realize what she had told him. At least until the others attempted to control their laughter. She walked just as smoothly as she had arrived and with every step, Koenma's face turned a darker shade of red.

Before the prince could say anything Raven had strutted out the door, leaving the boys with amused looks, Hawk with an embarrassment leaving traces of pink on her face, Botan and the ogre were left to worry about Koenma's lack of breathing.

Before she had gotten far a voice spoke from the shadows. "Impressive display on'na, sure you are not an actor?" She looked to see Hiei had snuck out behind her and had waited for her down the hall. His face held no expression, but his eyes held some emotion that he struggled to keep hidden. Raven ignored the look, not wanting to deal with difficult thoughts right now.

"No I'm not." She replied sharply. A small flicker of anger flashed across his face at her tone. "And the correct term would be actress. I'm a female therefore I would be an actress, actor would be a male." She said smartly and continued to walk off.

By this time Hiei was both amused and irritated and not sure which one he wanted to be first. He chose to be irritated. "Baka on'na!" He growled at her, his tone slightly threatening. "You'll be back."

Raven stopped at this, curious as to how he could be so sure. Crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against the wall across from him with about ten feet separating them. "Oh, and why is that?" She asked in a demanding tone.

Hiei smirked as if he had just heard an amusing joke. Using his Jagan eye, he had been listening in on the conversation between the others in the office. Hawk had decided to temporarily join with Keonma's detectives until Raven decided to leave or she convinced her to stay. If the first happened, she'd leave right along with her sister. If the second did, the two of them would become official members of the team.

Hiei knew he could use this against Raven. It was his duty to protect her and he couldn't do that if he was constantly running missions or being involved in one problem or another. He needed her to stay with him. "Hawk just agreed to join the team." He said, leaving out the part about it being temporary and depending on Raven's final decision.

"Koenma wants her to start training. Eventually it will become my turn. Would you leave her completely to my mercy?" He asked her. He had no intention of doing any real harm to the girl, partly because of who she was and partly because if he did not only would Kurama fight him but the whole team would. He just didn't want that kind of headache.

"Because I have no mercy Raven. Think about that when you make your decision." He said as he walked past her, his voice dropping low with untold promises. Raven's body went completely still, as if waiting for the danger that had not yet come to pass.

She glared at the fire demon. "You will not harm her." She decreed and before Hiei could continue goading her she added on, "I will protect her with my life if necessary, but I will not stand for being Koenma's slave. If she chooses to serve her sentence that way, it's her choice. I will stay and support her but I will not do so under Koenma's decree." With that said she stormed off with such force the walls seemed to shake. In a moment she was gone.

"Works fine with me." Hiei said. He was confident that the fox would be able to convince Hawk to stay, with or without her sister. It was just a matter of planning and he would be discussing strategy with the fox later that night.

YYH *Raven's Room*

It had been a little over an hour since Raven had given her threat to Hiei. She had spent the time mulling over what he could be planning. Why was he so insistent on her staying at the temple? What was so important that he'd go so far as to threaten her sister to make her stay?

After an hour of thinking and looking at it from all angles, Raven still could not figure his reasoning. She was sure that she had never met him before and there was no way he could be that attracted to her in such a short time. But those red eyes that both he and Yukina shared, there was something about them, so similar yet so different like fire and ice.

Yukina's eyes were kind and gentle yet so full of emotion like a soft snowfall on a cold winter's day. She turned such a dark and dangerous color and showed that everything has a beautiful side to it too. But Hiei's reminded Raven of molten lava, roiling and broiling with untamed emotions and at the same time so calm and collected. They screamed danger and beware the fool who does not heed the warning. What is between the two of them? She wondered to herself. Except for the eyes and height, they don't show any similarities whatsoever. Could they be part of the same tribe then? It would explain why their eyes are so similar and unique.

She was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Not bothering to scan the energy signature she hollered for them to go away, and not in very nice words. She rolled over in a decision to try and get some rest, thinking the person took her hint and left. "Miss Raven?" Came a soft, cool voice on the other side of the door. "It's Yukina, I would like to speak with you if I may. Or I could come back another time."

Raven could almost see the girl bowing in respect on the other side of the door and just shook her head. Why her? It could have been anyone but her. Raven groaned to herself before getting up and opening the door. The girl was too sweet for her own good and Raven was not going to be one to abuse that innocence. "Hello Yukina, please come in." She said so politely one would have thought Raven invited her to a meeting earlier.

"Thank you." Yukina said walking through the door that Raven shut behind her. She took a quick glance around the room before speaking. Raven went back to the bed and sat down, leaving the lone chair for Yukina. As soon as she was settled she began speaking. "I heard that you do not want to join Mr. Yusuke and the others, is this true?"

Raven could see the sad look in the girl's eyes and knew that she'd do anything to make this girl happy. Yukina had a dangerous gift. Raven sighed knowing she had been beaten; mentally she was planning her vengeance on whoever had sent the girl up here nearly in tears. She took the girl's cold hands in hers, storing the information for later evaluation. "It was true; I don't want to stay here under someone's rule. But if you truly want me to stay then I will see what I can do to make things work out for both of us."

"Thank you Miss Raven." Yukina said with a gentle smile. "I just know that this will make Yusuke and the others happy as well. Especially Mr. Hiei, I know he wants you to stay. Do you need anything before I leave?"

Raven looked at the innocent girl with the beautiful mint green hair and frowned. "Yukina, please just call me Raven, and do you even know anything about me? How do you know that I'm not some cold-hearted demon that would kill you and not even bat an eyelash over it? And to add to that why would Hiei even want me around? I thought he didn't like anyone, demon or otherwise." Raven couldn't believe how truly innocent and naïve this girl appeared to be.

Yukina gave her that small, knowing smile. "As you wish Raven, and as for me trusting you, I can see your aura. It has some dark edges but the overall appearance is that of someone who is kind and caring. In fact it reminds me a bit of Mr. Hiei." She observed receiving a look of disbelief from Raven.

How could anyone think that Hiei Jaganshi and I are alike? Even in our auras is still a little farfetched. She thought to herself once Yukina had given her observation. Granted they both had something to protect and would do anything to do it, and both had dark pasts but Hiei was known to be a ruthless killer. She had a reputation for being one when needed but never unnecessary killing.

"Also," Yukina continued even though Raven appeared to be in thought. "If you truly wanted to hurt me you would have done so before the others showed up when we took you to the mall. It would have been a perfect opportunity to do so without leaving you or your sister compromised. And then there's the matter of Mr. Hiei…"

Again Raven was surprised at the girl's insight. How could this maiden appear so sweet and childlike but still have the brains to know the best strategic times for kidnapping and/or killing the women of the Reikai Tentai? Though that in and of itself was suicide so most demons had even stopped threating to do it. When it came to Hiei though, she wasn't so sure he was doing it for any reason other than a promise.

It had taken a while but she finally remembered where she had seen those eyes and why his name had been so familiar. It was long ago but she was told that if she ever was in danger and left alone to find Hiei and seek his help. Her father had left a letter when she was just a child that told her the story of finding Hiei and the promise. Well it's just a little too late for that now isn't it? I can handle myself and keep Hawk safe too.

"Mr. Hiei won't say it, but he does care." Yukina told her and went for the door. "He just doesn't know it yet and doesn't know how to show it if he did. Keep that in mind when he seems to be going hard on you for training. Mr. Hiei hates to fail at anything, and not keeping you safe would be a big failure for him." Tears started to appear in the girl's eyes for the fire demon.

"Please don't hurt him Miss Raven. He's been hurt too many times already and every time he just withdraws and turns colder to those around him, waiting to be hurt again. I don't want to see that happen to him anymore, I just want to see him happy. He more than deserves it." With that she bowed and left the room.

Raven sat there in awe. Here mind was working overtime trying to process everything that Yukina had just said and it still didn't seem to make any sense. Finally giving up on figuring out the fire demon, she showered, changed and went to bed. Something told her to sleep while she could because, from the sound of things, her days are going to become long and difficult.

Chapter 4 End!

Lune: Phew that took longer than expected. Though, it didn't help that I had found a Hiei fanfic that kept me up until daybreak reading it. *insert cheesy grin* But I finally got this one done. I actually had to cut the chapter a bit short, but I think it worked out better this way. In the next chapter, Training will begin and hopefully I can improve on the battles that I originally created. Until next time!