Chapter 7: Maze Castle

A/N: So, before I start, I will be skipping the part where Yusuke and Genkai first met along with Kuwabara and Ranumi, as well as the part they fought Rando. Anyways enjoy the next chapter.

Hayami's POV

It was an early morning as the sun rises on the horizon. I was currently meditating on top of the house, closing my eyes as the warm breeze blows through my hair.

After visiting Genkai during the weekends, I was grateful that Yusuke improved a lot in using his spirit energy over the past six months that he had trained with her and me. Not that I'm worried, but the spirit detective will need it when facing off against stronger demons.

"Meditating in the morning I see." I opened my eyes and noticed Hiei standing beside me. "I don't quite see you meditate often."

The past six months of Hiei staying with my family turned out to be all right, quite surprisingly. He was able to adjust to the house quickly. Though we often go out for anything suspicious around the city, which gave us some alone time to talk. Hiei was surprised that Kurama tends to visit to study with Ranumi. Much to me and father's enjoyment, seeing that Ranumi is happy to be with Kurama.

"I meditate sometimes, but not often. It's a way for me to at least control my powers when I'm lost in my emotions." I said looking in the palm of my hand, "My mother's powers are great and powerful, but I'm still nowhere near fully controlling that power."

"Hn and you said that you trained with the old hag in order for you to control it." He said,

"Yes, and I did, though I do have my limits." I said standing up to my feet as I looked at him. "So, what brings you up here?" I asked,

He looked at the horizon and I follow his gaze. "I came here to look at the scenery." He said as he stepped closer to me. "One of the things that soothe me as it reminds me of demon world."

"More like it's the only thing nice about it." I said smirking,

"What I meant was looking at the scenery with you." Hiei said now looking at me.

I looked at his crimson eyes and I could tell he was telling the truth.

I smiled softly before looking back in front of us. "Yeah. It's been years since we've done this." I said blushing a little, "Anyway, I should help father in preparing breakfast." As I was about to go down until he grabbed my arm and pulled me close to his chest.

His left hand was around my waist while his other hand lifted my chin. He leaned his face closer to mine as my hands were on his chest. I felt my whole face heat up at the closeness that we were in.

"Hayami, there's something I want to ask you." He said looking into my eyes as he caresses the side of my cheek. "Mostly because I've been keeping it in for years that we've known each other, and I don't want to lose you to any other boys who dare to look at you in a perverted manner."

Please tell me that this is what I think it is.

"Hiei, what do you mean? I'm not interested in any of the human boys. I'm only interested in one boy in my life." I blushed more at what I said, "And that's you. So, what is it that you want to ask me?"

"Would you be my mate, Onna?" He said making my eyes widen a bit as he gently pressed his forehead against mine. "You don't have to answer now." He grabbed my hand and placed something on it.

I looked at my hand to see that Hiei gave me a black and purple ring.

"Hiei..."

"I'm not rushing you, Hayami. I'm just keeping your options open." Hiei said as he lifted my chin up a little to look at him. "If I see you wearing that ring on your finger, it means that you've accepted me to be yours."

"Hiei, are you sure you want me to be your mate? I'm probably not suitable for you." I said, thinking that there may be other demons that are better than me. "Not to mention that-"

"I don't care if you're a half-demon or not and I don't want anyone else but you." He cut me off as he said it. "I love you, Hayami. I'll be waiting for your answer whenever you're ready." He kissed me on the cheek before jumping away, leaving me still shocked by what just happened.

I looked back at the ring that he gave me and closed my hand with it inside. I touched my cheek to where he kissed me and blushed completely.

"Oh, my..." was all I could say at what happened,

Ranumi's POV

As I was about to go to school, Botan unexpectedly came to the house she said that it was urgent. The four of us let her inside as the four of us gathered by the couch.

"What is it that's so urgent, Botan?" Father asked,

"Koenma received a letter from the land of ghosts and apparitions." Botan said, "The letter was from the Four Saint Beasts who have been imprisoned in maze castle for years now."

"What did the letter say?" Hayami asked,

"It said that the Four Saint Beast wants full control over the living world." Botan said, "As we speak, Makai insects have been roaming around the city."

"But isn't there a barrier around that place? I don't really know much about the saint beasts but from what I know that there's a barrier surrounding that place." I said,

"So far, we don't know how the insects are getting through it, but Koenma has requested that Ryuji and yourself Ranumi will be helping me in stopping these Makai insects." Botan said as she looked at Hayami and Hiei, "As for you two, Koenma requires you both in his office. You'll be helping Yusuke in defeating the saint beasts."

"So Yusuke returned from his training with Genkai then." Hayami said, "Have you told him yet?"

"Actually no." Botan said as me and Hayami sweat dropped, "I was just about to grab Ranumi to go find him. Though I'm sure he's in the city."

"Skipping school, I presume." Hayami said bluntly,

"Probably."

"Alright then." Father said as he got up from the couch, "I'll excuse you from school Ranumi, then go with Botan to the city to stop some of the Makai insects. I'll be looking around the town. Just make sure that you'll be answering your water mirrors at all times."

Me and Hayami nodded as we all prepared to go. I quickly changed from my school uniform to a more suitable outfit.

Hayami and Hiei went through a portal to spirit world. Father stayed near the area of town while me and Botan went to the city.

We ended up seeing a demon spy from the Makai and tried to chase it. When we were about to corner him, I kicked him over the head. In this, we ended up meeting with Yusuke and his school friend Kuwabara.

Hayami's POV

When we got to spirit world, we noticed that Kurama was there as well.

"Okay, now that you three are here, I'm sure that Botan has told you of what's come." Koenma said, "Of course, by helping Yusuke I'll be cleaning your criminal records in return."

"Very well." Kurama said as a portal appeared and we three arrived just in time to see Yusuke and another human.

"Spirit detective, Yusuke Urameshi!" I called out to him,

"It seems you could use some help." Kurama said as the three of us stands on the same branch.

"If those nothings are too much for you, then we're going to have some serious trouble." Hiei said as we all jumped down in front of the two humans.

"Well, well, well, the thieves." Yusuke said,

I only gave him a nod.

"Hello." Kurama greeted,

"Well, what are you doing here?" Yusuke asked,

"Even that fool Koenma knows that it'll take more than human power to take down the saint beasts." Hiei explained,

"By aiding in this mission, Koenma has assured us that he will clean our slate in spirit world." Kurama explained,

Yusuke laughed, "I guess Koenma heard me complaining. Kuwabara, let me introduce you to these guys. This is Hiei, that's Kurama and she's Hayami." Yusuke said,

"It's a pleasure." Kurama said,

Kuwabara then came in front of me with a flirtatious look on his face.

"Hayami, what a beautiful name you have there. My name is Kuwabara." Kuwabara said as I sweat dropped when he grabs my hand. "Your mighty shining armor will be here to protect you baby."

Hiei growled at this as I pulled away my hand and punched his face, knocking him down to the ground.

"I am not interested in guys like you, carrot head!" I said, "And I certainly don't appreciate being flirted or being stared at pervertedly."

"You gotta forgive the bastard." Yusuke said as he placed a hand on the back of his head, "He'll probably be like this all week."

"Well, I don't have a clue what's going on, but it's sure is nice to have a helping hand." Kuwabara said as he got up, nursing his cheek,

"Helping is not the right word." Hiei said, making the two get a bit offended. "Koenma may regard us as equals but I do not. Once inside the castle, I suggest you let us do the work. As far as I'm concerned, we're babysitting."

Kurama just chuckled lightly while I rolled my eyes playfully at this.

'Still think you can deal with these two? Especially the idiot?'

'Hn. If he tries to flirt with you again, I will kill him.'

'You always result in violence, don't you.'

'You're one to talk.'

'Whatever. He's not worth fighting anyway.'

"Listen you puny jerk face! I'm gonna have to beat you up if your gonna keep talking to us that way!" Kuwabara said to Hiei,

"Let's avoid fighting. You're not worth it." Hiei said.

"Oh, that's it!" In an attempt to punch him, Hiei stepped forward, making Kuwabara miss and fall to the ground.

"But you detective are a different story. I plan to take my revenge on you, so consider this fair warning." Hiei said to Yusuke,

"Oh, you're gonna ignore me, huh!" Kuwabara stood up again in an attempt to punch him, but Hiei simply stepped back right beside me.

"Hiei, we must face this current situation before starting your own." Kurama said,

"Don't worry three-eyes, if we survive this, I'll be glad to take you on." Yusuke said as Kuwabara stared at Hiei in annoyance. "Now is this a perfect team or what?"

'Two demons and two humans. We might be able to stand a chance.' I thought as we all walked towards the Castle.

As the walk comes, Kuwabara and Hiei kept bickering at each other. Much to my amusement and annoyance. We already reached the entrance. A stoned mouth entrance to be exact.

"This place looks homey." Yusuke said with sarcasm,

"So, are we just gonna walk right in?" Kuwabara asked,

"Any prize that's usually worth having requires a risk." Kurama said,

"I say we make them come out up front and make them look like they're not a bunch of sissy's." Kuwabara said,

"Hah, your sense of strategy is amazing." Hiei said sarcastically,

"Are you talking to me right now?!" Kuwabara yelled

"Will both of you shut up?!" I yelled making them both shut up. This is really starting to get on my nerves.

"Let's just go." Yusuke said as we all walked inside the tunnel.

"Stupid dwarf." Kuwabara muttered,

We walked down a long narrow tunnel and the only light what at the very end of it. Eventually, we almost reached the end of the tunnel until an eyeball with bat wings stopped us.

"Welcome to Maze Castle." The eyeball spoke, "To those who enter maze castle, must tried the Gate of Betrayal."

"I'm not liking this already." I said, carefully watching the eye as it pulled a switch from the wall. Just hearing the word 'betrayal' make me feel stupid.

"What do you mean 'tried'?" Yusuke asked as everything around us started to shake.

"Urameshi, why do you have to ask?" Kuwabara said,

"The ceiling!" Kurama said as all of us put our arms up, focusing our strength on the weight of the ceiling as it pushes us to the ground.

The eyeball then started explaining that one of us will be the traitor to be able to escape, leaving the rest of us to die. No wonder it's called 'Gate of Betrayal' and I'm already hating this. And that if none of us moved we're all dead.

"Well, I'd like to get my hands to that bat thing." Kuwabara said, letting us bend down a little from the ceiling's weight.

"Stay focused on the weight or you'll kill us all!" Hiei said to him,

"Oh sure, blame me. I bet I'm holding up a lot more weight than you are!" Kuwabara shot back

"Shut it, Kuwabara!" Yusuke yelled at him.

"Well I'm not about to die for the sake of you worthless humans!" Hiei said,

"Don't you even consider it, Hiei!" Kurama said,

"Damn it, I knew we should've played some trust games." Yusuke mumbled,

The eyeball then began to taunt us with its words, making us use all our strength just to focus it on this stupid ceiling.

"Just don't listen to it, just stick together." Kuwabara said. The ceiling then began to push us lower. "And if anyone tries to run, I swear I'll bring them back here myself."

"Ha! And you think it will be noble if we all died as a team." Hiei said,

"That's right."

I groan a little, feeling my arms about to give up.

"Here's a thought. Let's shut up and find a way out!" Yusuke said,

"Aren't we already doing that?!" I yelled at the detective, "Look. Our only chance to survive this is to reach that switch, but one of us needs to run for it!"

"Are you crazy, Hayami?!" Kuwabara said,

"Do you have any better options than killing ourselves in the process of focusing all our weight on this stupid ceiling?!" I practically yelled at him,

"She has a point!" Kurama said,

"Hiei, you are faster than any of us. You should pull the switch." Yusuke said to him,

"Are you crazy? We can't trust that guy! Look at him, he doesn't even care about us!" Kuwabara complained,

"Your ugly friend has a good point detective." Hiei said as he ignored the carrothead's comment. "Are you sure you wanna trust me? I already vowed my revenge on you. Maybe I'll handle that now."

"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style and Hayami is too important to you is she not?" Yusuke said as he looked at me with a smirk.

I only gave him a glare, since, during his training breaks with Genkai on the weekends, I told him how I come to know of Hiei.

"I'll let out all the spirit power I have left to buy us a little time so you could reach the switch. Just don't trip. I trust you...Now go!" Yusuke said as he let everything he had out.

Yusuke used all his strength as Hiei ran towards the switch, only stopping as he was about to reach it after escaping. He looked back at us.

"What's the deal?! Pull the stupid switch already!" Kuwabara said as the eyeball began to try and convince Hiei. "Don't you dare! If it hadn't been for our help, you wouldn't be screaming here with the rest of us!" Hiei started to chuckle, "What are you laughing at?!"

"Take a guess you fool." Hiei said,

Third POV

"Yes, you find amusement in their pain. Now imagine the satisfaction of their final screams." The eyeball said, laughing hysterically as the ceiling was pushing them lower.

Hiei then suddenly locked eyes with Hayami for a second. Seeing the pain, struggle, and anger in her eyes. Hayami closed her eyes as she struggles to keep the ceiling from pushing them any further.

"HIEI!" Hayami yelled as she is giving every last strength that she has in pushing the ceiling.

"A wise choice. The boulder would've crushed you anyway." The eyeball said as it flies away,

Hiei jumped in front of it, "Thanks for the clue!" He sliced the eye as it screams in pain.

Hiei flips the switch, causing the ceiling to stop. He then saw the boulder falling and quickly avoided it at the last second. Everyone got out of the tunnel, and they saw Hiei on top of the boulder.

"Tell your masters this is their chance to beg for mercy!" Hiei said,

'And if they hurt Hayami again, I will kill them.' Hiei thought,

Yusuke sighed in relief,

"Hey, are you all right?" Kuwabara asked the detective

"Hoo yeah, I just can't feel my arms right now." He said as he taps his arm.

'Onna, are you alright?'

'For now. Thanks, Hiei.'

"I knew you'll pull through, you punk." Yusuke said to Hiei as he approached him, "But you did have me worried. Hell of an actor. You know, not everyone can pretend to laugh at their dying friends."

"Hn. Friends are just a crutch for the weak and I wasn't acting." Hiei said as he began to walk away.

"Say what?!" Kuwabara said

'So, it means that I am weak to you. Hmph, you're always like this.'

'You were never weak, Onna. Not to me.'

"Don't confuse it. The only reason I saved you is because I might need your help." Hiei said before pulling my hand and dragging me to walk with him.

'You don't have to drag me everywhere Hiei!'

'You are staying with me. That way you're not going to get hurt.'

'I can take care of myself.'

Kurama chuckled a little, "It's his way of saying 'you're welcome'. You will learn." Kurama said,

"Right." Yusuke said not believing in what Hiei said as he watched the two walks away.

"Yeah, well he still ticks me off." Kuwabara said, "And what's with him dragging her with him."

"Hiei will never say it out loud, but he cares a lot for Hayami." Kurama explained.

They all caught up with Hiei and Hayami as they walked into Maze Castle.