AN: Thank you lobalunallena for favoriting me. I truly appreciate it! :)

UniversalGoddess

"Iku!" Iku barked, moving back and forth. "Iku! Iku!"

Tsuki glanced down at him, giving her best reassuring smile. "I know you're worried, bu-aahhh!" She instinctively gripped the vines tightly when a gust of wind blew in her face. Tsuki steadied herself before speaking. "B-but I'll be okay. I promise."

Tsuki and Iku decided to go on a nice early morning hike and pick herbs by the Saito Shrine. They were heading back until Tsuki spotted a very rare senju herb that only grew in a tight area of the mountain. She climbed and climbed thinking it would be a piece of cake. However, her chest tightened when she realized how high she was. The powerful wind didn't make the situation any better either.

Slowly and carefully, Tsuki moved her feet through the narrow foothold. "Almost there. Just a few more steps." The rosy flower was at the edge of a steep cliff. Once the wind finally calmed down for a bit, she made it to the end.

"Iku." Iku lay down and covered his eyes with his paws.

Tsuki got on her tippy toes and reached with all of her might. "Got it." She beamed when she finally grabbed hold of the flower, snatching it off the cliff with the roots still intact. The wind whipped up, making her wobble. Terror clouded Tsuki's eyes as she slipped off the mountain. "Ahhhhh!"

"Ikuuuu!"

Tsuki shut her eyes. Hopefully her barrier will make it less painful. However, the impact never happened. Strong arms wrapped around her. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Hiei."

Iku barked a welcome, his whole body wagging. "Iku."

Hiei gave her a peculiar look, placing her down. "What on earth were you doing up there?"

Tsuki showed the flower in her hand, giving him her most innocent look. "Getting this."

"Why would you risk yourself getting hurt for a mere flower?"

"It's not just any flower," Tsuki explained. "It's a senju herb that can heal wounds and illnesses quickly. I read it in a herbal book that Kurama loaned me. I wanted to test it out."

"I see."

Tsuki grabbed her basket and put the flower in it. "What are you doing out here? I'm surprised you found me."

Hiei shrugged. "It's not that difficult to find you." Hiei granted her that smile that unleashed butterflies in her belly. "Besides I thought you would be happy to see me."

Tsuki felt her face heat. "Of course I am." You have no idea. "How've you been?"

"Alright. Just taking it day by day."

"You're not getting into any trouble, are you?"

A devilish glint appeared in his eyes. "When you say trouble, what's your definition?"

Tsuki rolled her eyes. "As long as Koenma isn't on your radar then I'm not worried about it."

"That child has other things to worry about. How are you?"

"Fine, just enjoying my simple life. I feel so much better now since we don't have to deal with the Dark Tournament anymore."

While enjoying each other's presence, they strolled back to the shrine. Tsuki led Hiei and Iku to the shed next to the open fields.

Hiei watched her closely as she brought a fork garden out. "What are you doing now?"

"I'm preparing planting holes for my herbal garden," Tsuki explained, placing her basket down. "It'll be easy to make my own recipes for my herbal shop."

"Herbal shop?"

"Yes, eventually I want to open one. My great-grandma had one when she was alive. Everyone loved her remedies." Tsuki sighed, gazing up at him. "But that's not going to happen for a while. I have a lot of things to do."

"Like what?"

"School. I have to catch up and study for my exams so I can still graduate on time. Thankfully Kurama is helping me with that. I'm training with Grandpa this weekend and then I'm visiting Genkai next weekend for training." Tsuki let her eyes focus on the clear blue sky. "I can't procrastinate on that. I have a feeling more enemies are coming our way."

Tsuki sensed Hiei's excitement. "Good, let them come. It'll be way more entertaining than just simply allowing the days to go by." His face turned serious. "Don't put too much on your plate."

"I know. Grandpa advised that too." Tsuki began digging into the soil. "One step at a time. Slow progress is better than no progress."

Hiei grabbed the tool from her. Before Tsuki could protest, Hiei gently settled her down on the field, staring deeply into her eyes. "Let me help you. Just relax."

Tsuki's heart pounded as she spoke. "O-okay."

"Besides." Hiei took off his cloak and shirt, revealing his super-hard abs. "It won't take me long."

Tsuki and Iku watched in awe. She still couldn't believe how fast he was. And she really admired his strength and determination.

Hiei didn't even break a sweat after he was done. He placed the tool down. "Good for you?"

"Absolutely. It's perfect." Tsuki rose, amazed by his work. She gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Hiei. I'll start planting the seeds tomorrow."

"No problem." His whole face glowed with affection for her. "You've grown a lot since the first time we met."

Tsuki blushed. "Thank you. I still have a lot to learn though."

Hiei came close, sparks swarmed when he touched a strand of her hair. "Either way, you are still amazing," he told her. And Tsuki could tell that he meant it.

"Good morning, everyone," Grandpa Saito said.

"Oh, grandpa." Tsuki flushed, moving away from Hiei. "Good morning."

Iku barked happily. "Iku!"

Grandpa Saito nodded and stared at the fire demon. "Hiei."

Hiei acknowledged him, putting his shirt and cloak back on. "Saito."

"Breakfast is ready. Will you be joining us?"

"No, just checking in." Hiei smiled at the priestess. "I'll see you later, Tsuki."

Tsuki waved. "Yes, see you soon." He was gone in a matter of seconds.

"You finally told him?" Grandfather Saito asked.

"Yes, we decided to take it slow."

"Wise choice. There's no need to rush. Just be careful."

"Don't worry, grandpa. Hiei may not look like it, but he's the perfect gentleman."

"If you say so. Well come in and eat. We have chores and training to do."

"Iku." Iku barked and wagged his tail expeditiously.

"Of course. I have some training obstacles for you too."

"Man, this is delicious." Kuwabara finished his cup and grinned. "This is some great tea, Tsuki."

Tsuki's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Kuwabara. I made it with the herbs that I collected around my shrine."

"That's amazing. You should definitely sell this. I'm sure people will love it." Kuwabara threw a pork bun at Yusuke's face. "Urameshi, stop staring at the clouds like a moron and come eat and drink Tsuki's delicious tea."

Yusuke scowled, wiping the shiitake mushroom from his cheek. He rose and threw a rock back at Kuwabara's head. "I'm not hungry, dufus." He put his hands in his pockets and looked away. "I have a lot on my mind."

"Like what?" Tsuki asked, chewing her last bits of fried rice.

"After the Dark Tournament, everything just seemed so bland here. School is even more boring and annoying. And I honestly don't know if I'm going to finish. I need to figure out my purpose."

Kuwabara rubbed his head. "Gee, Urameshi. Didn't know you were so deep. Toguro must have really given you a hard beating."

"Shut up. Look, I'm serious. I have an empty void inside of me that needs to be fulfilled. I just need to figure it out for myself."

"You will, Yusuke," Tsuki assured. "It just takes time."

Yusuke didn't seem so sure. "Yeah, it better be soon or I'll go crazy."

"Yusuke! Tsuki! Kuwabara!" A familiar voice called out. "Thank goodness you're here!" Botan flew on her oar and landed in front of them. Panic written all over her face.

"What's wrong, Botan?" Yusuke asked.

"Sorry for the intrusion guys, but we have an emergency in the Spirit World."

Yusuke's voice had an annoyed edge. "Didn't we just get done with the Dark Tournament? If this is an order from Lord Koenma, I don't want it."

Botan shook her head. "It's not. Lord Koenma has been kidnapped. That's why I'm here."

Kuwabara's mouth widened in shock. "What?!"

"When was this?" Tsuki questioned, alert.

"We have to hurry back to the Spirit World. You'll get the details later." Twirling her oar, Botan created a portal. "Come on."

Tsuki, Yusuke, and Kuwabara followed behind her. They landed in Spirit World on the rocky path.

"Botan, wait up!" Kuwabara stated after the portal closed behind them. "What do you mean Koenma has been kidnapped?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Botan waited until the Gate of Judgment opened. "All I know is that the ogres came back without him. We must speak to Jorge now."

They made it inside and flew upstairs. Everyone was surprised to see Hiei in front of the office.

Tsuki's eyes lit up. "Hiei."

"Hey, Hiei," Yusuke greeted. "What's up?"

"What are you doing here, shrimp?" Kuwabara asked.

"It doesn't concern you, buffoon." Hiei glared at him. "Don't you have a banana to eat?"

Kuwabara balled his fists. "I swear you always find a way to tick me off, dwarf."

"No time to squabble." Botan burst into the office door. "We have a toddler to rescue."

"You mean to tell me the child isn't here?" Hiei asked.

"Yes, from what we know he's been kidnapped," Tsuki explained.

"Great, another nuisance."

Jorge was on the floor, bawling his eyes out. "Koenmaaaa, oh no! Whyyyyy!"

Yusuke cleaned his ear. "Hey, Jorge. I'm glad you're in touch with your feelings but can you stop bawling long enough to tell us what happened?"

Botan touched Jorge's shoulder. "Please, we need your help so we can save him."

"Okay, I'll tell you." Jorge sniffled. "It all began after Lord Koenma planned a trip to the beach. He wanted to take a vacation after the Dark Tournament fiasco."

"Should have known that midget would go where he wouldn't fit in," Yusuke remarked.

"Right," Kuwabara agreed.

"He brought us all with him to a popular spot called Depth Sea Beach and I caught the whole thing on video." Jorge pressed the remote button for the television to turn on.

Koenma lay on a chair while his servants fanned him. "Now this is my idea of heaven. Lots of angels and bikinis."

Jorge fast forward. "After Lord Koenma took his nap, he decided to play a game of watermelon smashing."

"Okay, where is it?" Before Koenma could smash the melon. Something huge maneuvered in the sand and snatched him.

The camera jerked around while everyone screamed and ran. An enormous demon with pointy ears appeared on the screen. "I'm demon Garuga. I'm kidnapping your litter master here. If you want him back, bring the Golden Seal to Magma Valley, or else he'll be thrown into a river of lava. Hahahahaha!"

"Botan, have you seen this demon before?" Tsuki asked.

"No, I haven't. This is my first time seeing his face," Botan replied.

Garuga sank back into the sand with Koenma. "Make sure to bring it by sunset, or Koenma dies! Hahaha!"

Jorge shed some more tears. "There was nothing anyone could do. It happened so fast."

"Golden Seal? What's that all about?" Kuwabara questioned.

"One second. Where's that button?" Botan scattered around Koenma's desk, removing papers. She peeped under the desk and pressed a button. "Ah, wala."

The television went up and a hidden door slid open, revealing a bright shiny gold seal that was placed on a stool.

"That is the Golden Seal of King Emma. It's well known that whoever holds the seal also gains control of the Spirit World," Botan explained.

"Whoa," Kuwabara stated.

Botan's face grew in earnest. "It must never be taken from here. If someone else got their hands on it, order and balance will be disruptive resulting in chaos throughout different dimensions," she explained. "If that happens, King Emma could be exiled from the Spirit world."

"That's a heck of a thing to own. No wonder he took Lord Koenma hostage," Kuwabara stated.

"Well, Koenma is the prince of the Spirit World. The demon knew we had no choice but to bring it to him," Tsuki elucidated.

"How tragic," Hiei deadpanned. "The child shouldn't have been so careless."

"We can't take the seal. Especially while King Emma is away on a business trip. But if we don't, wah ha!" Jorge wailed on the ground. "I don't know what to do! I feel so helpless!"

"Ah that rotten little spoiled brat is a gigantic pain in the ass." Yusuke snatched the seal from the stand.

Botan gasped. "Yusuke, wait!"

"Don't play with that! Put it back!" Jorge demanded.

Yusuke examined the seal. "So you prefer your precious Lord Koenma to get killed instead? As much as I don't like him, I won't let anyone hurt the royal runt. And I don't plan on giving that demon the seal." He glanced at the grim reaper. "We don't have much time left. You have to guide us right now Botan."

"You bet." Botan nodded. "I'm ready."

"Hey, where the shrimp go?" Kuwabara glanced around. "I swear he always disappears when things don't interest him."

"Hmmm, he was just here," Botan said.

"So he left. It doesn't matter because you're in luck." Kuwabara released his spirit sword, puffing out his chest. "There's another hero on hand for this rescue mission. Hahahaha."

Realization crossed Jorge's face. "That's right, I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier." He dashed away. "I'll ask Kurama."

Kuwabara stood there dumbfounded. "Ah."

"Let's go," Tsuki said. "We can't wait any longer."

"Right." Botan left the office. "Follow me."

They exited the palace and sprinted through the rocky path. They made it to a valley that was covered with sand and gravel.

Botan flew ahead. "It's nearly sundown. We better hurry."

"Gah." Kuwabara slipped and fell facedown.

Yusuke stopped and glared at Kuwabara. "What are you doing? Get up. This is no time to be acting stupid."

"Wait, Yusuke." Tsuki glanced down. "Do you feel the vibrations on the ground?"

"Huh?" Yusuke's mouth agape when demons burst out of the ground with deadly weapons.

Kuwabara got up. "What the heck do you demons want?"

"You're passing through forbidden demon territory," a demon said. They eyed them with open hostility.

"We aren't fond of trespassers around here."

"Look, we don't have time for this. Right now we gotta run," Yusuke said while Botan and Tsuki stuck their tongues out.

Kuwabara waved. "Bye-bye, losers."

More demons block their path, circling them. "Hehehehe, you're not going anywhere."

"Great." Tsuki rolled her eyes. "More trouble."

The demon smirked. "I heard a rumor that you might have the golden seal of King Emma."

"What?" Yusuke and the rest of the gang gasped.

"We intend to keep the seal for ourselves." The demon leaped to attack them. "Now die!"

Yusuke punched him in the face. "That's it. You guys are asking for it."

"Get them! Don't allow them to escape!" The demons lunged towards them.

Yusuke, Tsuki, Botan, and Kuwabara moved with swiftness, striking and dodging the demons' assault.

"You're getting good with your combat skills, Tsuki," Kuwabara complimented.

"Thank you." Tsuki ducked and kicked a demon in the groin while elbowing another one in the stomach. "Genkai advised me not to use my weapon for weaker entities."

A demon flung at Tsuki. "Grr, who are you calling weak?"

Botan hit him across the head with her oar, knocking him out cold. "You, of course. This is such a waste of time. We need to save Lord Koenma."

Yusuke gasped. "Look out!" He pushed Botan and him out of the way as rocks fell from the top of the cliff.

Relief flooded Tsuki. "That was close."

"Urameshi, are you guys alright?" Kuwabara asked.

Yusuke brushed the sand off his shoulders. "Yeah. Now let's get the hell out of here." He and Botan ran towards the exit.

"Wait for me!" Kuwabara said. Another rock fell. He and Tsuki dodged it in time while dashing away.

Rocks continued to fall. Construction pipes and metal bars advance upwards and sideways. Everyone ducked and dodged as if they were players from a video game.

Tsuki huffed and puffed. "I feel like I'm in an obstacle course."

"More rocks coming our way," Botan warned.

Yusuke's arms glowed. "Shotgun!" The blast hit the rock, breaking into tiny pieces.

They finally made it out of the path. Tsuki, Kuwabara, and Yusuke paused to catch their breath.

Kuwabara bent over, breathing heavily. "That was crazy."

"I'm just glad we made it out of there alive," Tsuki stated.

"No time for breaks." Botan flew forward. "We have a prince to rescue."

"Says the girl with a flying oar," Kuwabara mumbled as they ran after her.

They made it into a primordial forest. Ancient trees with sprawling limbs guarded the darkness, blocking out any sunlight. The decaying air and stifling atmosphere provided the perfect scene for a horror film.

Tsuki's senses heightened, looking for signs or disturbances in the air. "Is it me or did the sun disappear?"

"It's because we're in the Dark Forest," Botan explained. "Once we get out of here we should be able to reach Magma Valley when the sun sets."

"Hey, Kuwabara," Yusuke began. "I've been trying to figure out something. How do you suppose those idiots back there knew we had the Golden Seal with us?"

"I don't know," Kuwabara answered. "But if everybody knows that we have it, we're going to be moving targets until this mission is over."

Goosebumps tingled Tsuki's skin. She paused and glanced around. "He's right. Someone is watching us right now."

"Watch out!" Yusuke jumped away as vines flew towards them.

Tsuki's hand glowed. She punched the vines away from her. "It's too many of them."

"Geez, what are these things?" Kuwabara continued to slash and slice.

Yusuke struggled to get free from the vines. "What the hell is going on?"

Botan kept dodging. "It's a tree demon. Look over there."

A red skeleton demon emerged from the maple tree as they continued to fight the vines. "Give me the Golden Seal and I'll let you guys live."

"As if." Yusuke pointed at the demon. "Spirit gun."

"Hehehe." The demon swiftly merged into another tree.

Yusuke's eyes widened, stopping his attack. "What?"

"Yusuke, behind you!" Tsuki exclaimed.

"Hehehehe, too late!" A bat demon flew in, striking Yusuke from behind.

"Aack." Yusuke fell facedown. The seal dropped out of his pocket and onto the ground.

"No!" Tsuki flung to it, wrapping the seal tightly around her body.

"Hehehehe." The demon claws grabbed Tsuki's shoulders and flew her up.

"No!" Yusuke yelled.

"Tsuki!" Kuwabara screamed.

Tsuki squirmed. "Let me go! Ah!" She winced while his claws gripped her tighter.

"Hehehehe, I have a virgin meal and the Golden Seal," the bat demon said with delight. "What a lucky day for me!"

"No!" Botan chased after him. "Let her go!"

"Not a chance!" The demon backhanded the grim reaper across the face.

"Ah!" Botan dipped off her oar, heading towards the ground.

"Botan!" Yusuke broke free from the vines. He glared at the demon. "I'll make you pay for that."

More vines surrounded him and Kuwabara like a prison cell. "You can't escape, oh no. The cage will continue to grow." The tree demon flung his vines at Botan. "Now time to taste the flesh of this good-looking girl."

"Ahhh!" Botan screeched.

"Botan!" Yusuke yelled.

Before the vines could make contact with Botan's skin, it was sliced off by a whip. The whip continued to release Kuwabara and Yusuke from the cage.

The tree demon scowled. "Who dares to interrupt my affairs?"

Kurama ran and caught Botan just in time. "I was passing by and noticed you might need a little weed-whacking done," he said with a smile.

Tsuki beamed. "Good timing, Kurama." She glared at the bat demon, her aura glowing all over her body. "Get your filthy claws off of me."

"Ahhhh! It burns!" The bat demon released Tsuki from his grip.

"Tsuki!" Yusuke opened his arms. "Hold on! I got you!"

"Hmph. No need, detective." Hiei jumped and grabbed her in midair.

Tsuki wrapped her arms around his neck, eyes glistening with joy. "Thank you, Hiei."

The bat demon began to fly away. "Uh oh, time to go."

"Don't run away, coward." Hiei glided and sliced the demon multiple times.

"Alright! The shrimp actually came!" Kuwabara cried out in excitement.

More demons race towards them. "Give us the seal!"

"Die, you ugly humans!"

"You guys go ahead," Kurama stated.

Hiei placed Tsuki down. "We'll handle the weaklings here."

"Thanks. We owe you guys one." Yusuke stated as he, Tsuki, and Kuwabara ran.

They ran and ran, finally making it to Magma Valley. The area became hotter and less humid. The mountain before them was shaped like a cone and so tall that Tsuki knew it would take them a while to reach the top.

Botan gasped, staring at the sun. "Oh my gosh! Look guys! The sun is going down! We just have to go faster!"

"I'm not a cheetah!" Kuwabara panted. "This is my top speed!"

Tsuki pointed, her face burned hotter. "Look up ahead!"

"Ahhh!" Botan screeched. "The demons are back!"

"Great. We can't stop now," Kuwabara stated.

"We're not," Yusuke replied. "Just keep going."

"Spirit sword!" Kuwabara sliced the demons. "Take this and that! Come on! I got enough for all of you!"

Tsuki gripped her divine bells, charging her spiritual energy. "Spirit arrow!" Multiple of them hit the demons straight on.

Yusuke crossed and hooked the demons. "Get out of my way!"

Botan flew up and pointed at the tip of the mountain. "Magma Valley is just beyond this mountain."

"There's too many of them. We're not going to make it. There's only one thing and it's a long shot. Spirit sword, grow!" Kuwabara's sword extended. "Grab on Yusuke!"

"Ah hell." Yusuke jumped on Kuwabara's back.

''Nice, Kuwabara," Tsuki complimented as she continued to fight the demons.

"Slingshot! Go Yusuke! Ugh!" Kuwabara smashed into the mountain.

Yusuke flung and landed on top. "Koenma, I'm coming you little runt!"

"I'm going up ahead. Will you guys be alright?" Botan asked.

"Yes." Tsuki kept dodging and shooting. "Go!"

As Botan flew up, more demons surrounded Tsuki and Kuwabara.

Kuwabara massaged his forehead. "We could be helping Urameshi right now, but these demons are getting in the way."

"Hopefully Yusuke will be fine until we get there," Tsuki stated.

A demon leaped at them. "You're not going anywhere! Di-ugh."

The demon's sliced body flopped to the ground. Hiei and Kurama leapt in front of Tsuki and Kurama.

"Sorry for being late," Kurama stated. "These demons really want the Golden Seal."

"No worries. You guys came just in time. Yusuke and Botan went up ahead," Tsuki explained.

"Then let's go," Hiei said.

They fought and ran higher and higher until they made it to a dead end.

"Aw, man." Kuwabara's shoulders slumped. "I guess we got to climb to the top."

"Tsuki," Hiei stated. "Get on my back."

"Oh okay." Tsuki got on. Once she was secured, Hiei leaped up the mountain.

"Hey! Wait up, shrimp!" Kuwabara climbed.

Kurama used his whip to climb. "Apparently the demons are working with Yasha. Heard of him?"

"No," Tsuki replied. "The one who kidnapped Koenma said his name was Garuga."

"That's strange. The one we interrogated said Yasha was working with a boy named Koashura."

"And I made sure he wasn't lying," Hiei replied.

I have a bad feeling about this. Tsuki had a sinking suspicion. "Yusuke, Botan, I hope you guys are alright."

They made it to the top and gasped at the scene. Yusuke lay motionless on the far end of a small cliff, his face crumbling in pain. Botan appeared knocked out in the middle of the ridge. A huge demon that looked different from the video headed towards Koenma and a demon boy.

Dread settled in Tsuki's bones. "Oh no."

"He's going to kill them." Kuwabara's eyes widened in terror.

Koenma and a demon boy with pink hair were hanging on to dear life. They shivered in fear when they heard Yasha coming.

Tsuki threw a startled glance at Kurama. "I thought Yasha and Koashura were working together?"

"I believe Yasha betrayed him to have the Golden Seal all to himself."

Yasha's penetrating evil eyes lingered on them. "Hahaha. You boys are in deep trouble. How about a nice trip in the hot magma?"

"Noooo!" Koenma and Koashura screeched.

"Hiei," Kurama stated.

Hiei stepped forward, ready to act. "Hmph."

"Hey!" Yusuke slowly rose to his feet. "Get away from those kids you filthy coward. I'm not done with you yet."

Yasha raised his eyebrows. "What? You're still alive? I'm very impressed with your durability. No one has ever survived my onslaught before. But why sacrifice for a worthless welp?"

Yusuke wiped the blood from his mouth. "It isn't the young boy who I would die for but the king he'll one day be."

"Hahahaha. Loyalty is it? Misguided mortal traits like that are the failure of your life."

"I'm not here for your opinion, dumbass. I came for Koenma, the Golden Seal, and to kick your ass."

"Nice, detective." Hiei smirked. "Come on."

"Let's give Koenma and Koashura a hand," Kurama stated.

Tsuki jumped down. "Me and Kuwabara will check on Botan."

"Right." Kuwabara followed behind her.

"Hahahaha. Your arrogance is very amusing. I like a good joke. But I still have to kill you." Yasha leaped, pointing his long horns at Yusuke. "Ahhh!"

Yusuke fired. "Spirit gun!"

Yasha opened his chest, withholding the spirit gun. "Hahaha! Die!" He reversed the blast back to Yusuke.

Alarm spurted through Tsuki. "No wonder Yusuke had a hard time with him."

"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed. "His chest is like a reflector."

Yusuke dodged the blast in time. It collided with the wall, making the rocks crack open.

"What?!" Lava splurted at Yasha. "Ahhh!" He flew towards Kurama, Hiei, and the boys. They jumped out of the way in time.

"Wow, nice Urameshi." Kuwabara grinned.

Botan's eyes fluttered open. "Hey, what happened?"

"Yusuke tricked Yasha into reversing his spirit gun, causing the lava to hit him," Tsuki explained.

Kurama frowned. "I'm afraid it's not over yet."

"The fool is still alive," Hiei stated.

"Ahhh." Yasha sprung out of the lava. His body sizzled and had multiple blisters, but he was not entirely harmed. His venomous face twisted in fury. "I'm back again. So you want to play dirty with me, eh? I won't be such a nice guy this time."

"No." Realization spread across Yusuke's face. "It didn't work."

Yasha charged. "I'm going to make you suffer!"

"I only have enough spiritual energy for one last shot." Yusuke jumped and pointed.

Yasha's face sparkled with victory. "Ha! You'll pay now!"

"I suggest you take a good look at yourself first!"

"What?!" Yasha glanced at his chest. "No! The magma! It's hardening!"

Yusuke fired. "Take this! Spirit gun!"

"Ahhh!" The direct hit forced Yasha back into the lava. This time, he didn't escape.

"Nice, Yusuke!" Tsuki complimented.

"Right on!" Kuwabara cheered.

Yusuke stood back on the cliff. "Hehehe, I sure kicked his sorry ass." The cliff crumbled. Yusuke headed straight towards the lava.

"Oh no, Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried.

"Yusuke!" Botan flew and grabbed Yusuke's hand just in time.

Yusuke smiled. "Nice save." The Golden Seal appeared in front of him, shining brightly.

Koenma pointed. "Hey, it's the seal."

Yusuke grabbed it before Botan flew him up. They landed safely back with the group.

"Great job, Yusuke," Tsuki stated.

"Not bad, detective. Even though you got lucky," Hiei explained.

Yusuke's body swayed. "That's what he gets for pissing me off."

Before he could collapse, Kurama held him up. "Easy there. We don't need you fainting just yet."

Tsuki's hand glowed. "Place him down, Kurama. I'll heal him."

Yusuke's body instantly relaxed from her touch. "Thanks, Tsuki."

"Lord Koenma, are you alright?" Botan asked.

Koenma nodded, grabbing the seal from Yusuke's hand. "Yes, thank you guys for rescuing me. And I'm glad the Golden Seal is safe."

"Wahahahahaha!" Koashura kicked his legs and moved his arms frantically up and down. "My revenge is ruined!"

"Oh shut up." Kuwabara hit his head. "You nearly got us killed with your stupid game. What was all that babbling about revenge?"

"Waaaah!" Koashura threw a tantrum. "That hurt!"

Kuwabara pounded his head. "That's enough brat. You're not getting any sympathy from us. Now tell us why you kidnapped Koenma?"

Koashura sniffled. "I never meant to hurt anyone. I only wanted to get back at Koenma for the way he treated me in Spirit World kindergarten. One day in particular I was about to give this girl a birthday present. I sort of had a major crush on her. He blocked me from getting it to her and stole the girl from me."

"Huh?!" Yusuke exclaimed.

"What?!" Botan stated. "I don't believe this!"

Tsuki's eyebrow twitched. "No way."

"Ridiculous," Hiei commented.

Kurama sighed. "Uncalled for."

"Oh yeah." Koenma shrugged. "I forgot about that."

"You did all this for a girl?!" Yusuke questioned.

Koashura hung his head. "Gee, I'm sorry. She was so pretty and popular. And I was really hurt about what he did."

"You're the biggest troublemaker that I've ever seen in my life." Kuwabara pounded him again.

"Wahhh!"

"Anyways, we should head back to the palace. My father will deal with him later," Koenma explained.

"Yes, sir. Jorge was really worried about you," Botan said.

"Hmmm, I doubt that. The ogre probably didn't want to face the wrath of my father." Koenma took his pacifier out while it glowed. "Everyone, come close."

They traveled through the portal, making it safely back to the office.

Jorge's eyes lit up. "Lord Koenma, you're back!" He opened his arms and embraced Koenma. "I'm so happy! How are you?!"

Koenma squirmed. "Get off of me you big oaf. I'm fine."

"Not so fast you little runt." Kuwabara snatched Koashura up before he could run off. "You'll have to pay for what you did."

Koenma placed the Golden Seal back on the stool. "Oh yes, that's right. Guards take him away. My father will give him a nice spanking when he comes back from his trip."

Koashura cried and kicked his legs as a guard dragged him away. "Wahhhh, this isn't fair!"

"Such an annoying little brat," Kuwabara commented.

"Yeah, worse than Koenma," Yusuke remarked. "Since you're safe and sound, can we go now?"

"Of course." Koenma sat back on his chair. "Botan will take you back. See you soon."

"Yeah, whatever. At least school is out. Pooljam Shinsaibashi, here I come."

"I'll text Keiko. She's probably worried." Tsuki's shoulders slumped. "Iwamoto-sensei is going to kill me for skipping his class."

"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to detention," Kuwabara replied. "What about you, Kurama?"

"I'll be fine. Being an honor roll student has its perks."

"Will you be alright, Tsuki?" Hiei asked.

"Yes." Tsuki's eyes showed gratitude. "Thank you for everything, Hiei."

"You don't have to thank me. As long as I'm around, I'll protect you. Trust me. They'll be a fool to lay their hands on you."

"I know," Tsuki said, staring at him for a moment. They were so absorbed in each other that they almost forgot about the rest of the group.

Hiei scowled. "What are you fools looking at?"

Kuwabara scratched his head. "It's weird seeing you soft shrimp. It's borderline creepy."

"It's not creepy. It's called love." Yusuke teased.

"That's going to blossom very well," Botan complimented.

"Ew, no way." Kuwabara made a gagging sound. "Why on earth would Tsuki like this little weirdo?"

"At least I'm attractive," Hiei retorted. "I don't see anyone fawning over you, ugly."

"That's it! I had it up to here with you, mouse!"

Tsuki giggled. Despite all they've been through, she was happy to have friends like this. I wouldn't change my life for the world.