Love is a Battlefield
Parts 1-5
By Sonya-chan

A dark figure was traveling between worlds, intangible, undetected. He was a shade, all about him was dark, his long hair, his clothes. His name was Kurasu and he was stalking a prey, being very careful not to be seen. His prey was most cunning, but that was to be expected of a fox-spirit. "So you have to be more clever than a fox..." He whispered to himself, even thought no one could hear him where he was. "But even a fox... Can be lead into a trap..."

And so the shadow looked up as his prey got out of a big building, a school. "So fascinating..." he said outloud again. "Even in his ningen form, he outshines all around him..." He looked wistfully as Kurama brushed his fingers through his hair. "I can't decide what I like more, this fiery mane, or the silvery one... He's so beautiful... It's going to be hard to decide which head to keep..." he cackled to himself.

Kurasu looked on Kurama with a mixture of hate and love, loathing and caring. He hated the ningen looking fox-spirit because he had lost against him in the Tournament. But Kurama had made one mistake, one that could prove very dangerous for him. He foolishly thought Kurasu was dead. Kurasu remembered the last moment of their battle. He was so close to victory, Kurama's ningen form falling to his blows and exploding as he sent his magical explosives on him. But Kurama unleashed one last attack, the vampire plant.

That darn plant almost drained him of all his blood. Almost but not quite as he was being dragged away, presumably dead, he was able to explode it. He took his time and made sure he was better and began a serious training to get back at Kurama and at all his little friends who bested them in battle. Especially, Urameshi Yuusuke, that upstart was able to do what they all dreamed of doing. Destroying Big Brother Toguro.

Kurasu remembered well the hatred he had for the man. He had battled him and lost, he thought he would die... But the eldest of the Tugoro clan decided he wasn't going to kill him.

"Grow strong and hang with me, slave... Maybe one day you'll be able to defeat me and by doing so getting back your freedom."

But Kurasu had been cheated of that chance by Yuusuke. He could never be free of Toguro. Damn him! he cursed, we have to serve his brother now...

He let go of thoughts of his past and concentrated his attention back to Kurama, his prey. He smiled as he saw the redhead take a turn into a secluded place. "Perfect..." he whispered. "How so very thoughtful of you..."

He stood ready to break his spell and engage him in battle when he saw a willowy boy running to his prize. "Ku-chan!" called the boy. The dark figure's eyes narrowed. He thought that he was being too familiar with the one who caught his eye.

"Yaten!" So... that was this little upstart's name. The dark figure growled inwardly, jealousy seeping into his veins. He saw Kurama, his Kurama, turn around and embrace the smaller boy. The embrace turned into kisses.

The demon's knuckles turned white. "How dare they?... How dare it?... Kurama is mine... All of him is mine... None shall touch those lips but me... I want his dying breath upon my lips... That small silvery thing, I could very well snap in two... Kill it..."

He looked at Yaten with a vengeful almost maniacal jealousy. "Mine... He's all mine, none shall have him but me... I shall keep his head well preserved so I can look at him at my leisure."

"So how was your day, Yat-chan?" Asked Kurama smiling.

"Again a pet name, oh how much I hate that boy..." fumed the dark figure.

"Same old, same old..." Yaten replied, giving him a quick peck on the lips, which made the one watching them growl. "But, I couldn't wait for the day to be over to be with you again..."

Again the kisses continued, neither one seemed to want to stop them. The figure watched them, noting how close to his prize body the other was held. As he watched them, he shook his head.

"Think!... Kurama is no fool... He wouldn't fall in love with a puny ningen. It doesn't make any sense..." he muttered. He narrowed his eyes and used a spell, not as powerful as the Jagan, but it would confirm his suspicion.

Kurama froze, he felt something, someone was scanning them with magic. Yaten, feeling that Kurama wasn't responding to his kisses anymore, looked up. He saw the caring eyes grow hard, darting from one side to the other, searching for something. Yaten understood, he tiptoed and kept on kissing him, but his eyes also were scanning the area. The hidden man was fascinated by what he found and what he saw.

"Fascinating... that little boy has far more secrets than I first thought. He has power, inside dormant in another form, too bad I can't see what it is... But, I'll watch him closely..." He realized they both had figured out he was watching, he chuckled.

"Aaaah... A challenge, how interesting..." He broke the spell and vanished.

Yaten could feel his long silver hair flitting into the wind. He paused and waited for Kurama to look back at him. When the redhead finally did he asked.

"You felt something didn't you?"

"Hai..." Kurama replied, he shrugged then smiled. "Whatever it was... I don't feel it anymore..."

"In that case we better hurry and go to the Temple... the others are waiting..." Yaten broke into a mirthful chuckle. "Stars... Yuusuke and Kuwabara didn't know what they gotten themselves into when they asked for Ami and Taiki's help in their studies..."

Kurama smirked. "I don't think they did..." He hugged and kissed Yaten one last time and taking the smaller boy's hand they headed for the Hikawa shrine.

Hiei looked at the clock, the small arrow was almost on the four and the other one was nearing the twelve. It neared the time when Makoto went to that shrine to study. He put his black coat on, I'll give them a visit, he thought. He heard a mewing, Yuki rubbed his head against Hiei's leg, purring.

The koorime bent down and took the rapidly growing cat in his arms. Normally, Hiei shunned Ningen pets, but Yuki was different, he was the Christmas gift he had given Makoto. Petting him always gave that wayward child some comfort.

It was a thousand fold with Makoto, Hiei marveled at their relationship. He wondered how this brunette could have twirled him around her finger. He had a slight smile, he loved every second of it, even if sometimes he frowned when she fussed overmuch about him.

He had developed an addiction to her attentions and when he had to go to the Makai for a long time, he missed her. He missed her terribly, so much so, he was afraid at first that she had made him soft.

But it was all the contrary, when he was with Makoto and with her alter-ego, Sailor Jupiter, Hiei felt stronger. This strength was something unexpected for him, like a surge of energy.

He wanted to ask if Kurama felt to same thing when he was with Yaten. But the fond smile that Kurama had when someone talked of his Yaten, told the koorime more than simple words would. Yuki's mew woke Hiei out of his reverie. He smiled warmly at the cat, as if it knew that if he didn't go now, he would be late.

"You want to come with me, Yuki?..." asked Hiei.

"Maaaaw..." answered the black cat, chuckling Hiei put him in a small backpack Makoto had bought for him and the koorime flitted off. There was silence in the apartment when a light shone brightly in the living room. Two figures emerged from the lighted sphere.

"Sooo?... What's your plan for revenge?" asked a rather normal looking Japanese man. Next to him was a walking armor, the man in it shielded from view. "You plan to take his little paramour?..."

"Shut up..." hissed the man in the armor, his voice was grave but also melodious almost as though it didn't belong to such an impressive man. He levitated over the ground, scanning the area. "I won't resort to a low ploy like you would to get back at Hiei and the humiliation he made me suffer..."

"Pity..." replied his companion. "She's pretty, you could have had fun with her first... hehehehe... maybe I..."

The man's head departed from his shoulder as the armored one slapped him forcibly. The head literally took off, the neck stretching to an impossible length.

"Toguro... You leave her out of this... or else... I'll make sure you live long enough to regret it..." said the man.

"All right, all right... feh..." Toguro, the youngest of the Toguro brother made his head come back on his shoulder. His powers were over his own body, he was literally an elastic man, able to move any organ anywhere in his body, he could also regenerate himself and could extend his powers to others. "You're always so pompous, Bui, I should have gone with Kurasu... I'm sure he would have been more fun..."

"No one is holding you here Toguro... Why don't you go collect your own target?..." Bui looked at him through his armored mask. "Or are you too much of a coward?"

Toguro's face contorted into a mask of pure hatred. "I'll show you, Bui... You and Kurasu will tremble once more before me..." And with that he jumped back into the sphere of light.

Oh... I'm trembling... thought Bui, you're of no consequence, Toguro. Kurasu and me hope you will get killed by that Yuusuke or even that incompetent Kuwabara. We also have a score to settle with Urameshi Yuusuke. He cheated us of our own wish to kill your brother, the one who made us slave to his cause. But first, there is Hiei.

Hiei, just thinking of the name of the Jaganshi (one who uses the power of the Jagan: third eye) Bui could feel the hatred seeping in his veins. Not only the Koorime had bested him in battle, but he had refused his request to kill him. Hiei would pay for this double humiliation.

He had started to check on the Koorime's coming and going. He knew of his attachment to this Ningen girl. But Bui had no intention of attacking nor bringing an innocent into the fray. No, his vengeance would be on Hiei and him alone.

He considered himself the most mentally sound of the three, Toguro was a warped person always was, but Kurasu had become obsessed with Kurama in a way that many would consider... sick. Bui didn't care, who was he to deny Kurasu what he really wanted when he desired the death of the Koorime.

Bui scanned the area, Hiei had become careless. He didn't suspect a thing, how could he? He made sure he couldn't have any inkling of his presence on the Ningenkai. Tomorrow, thought Bui, is the day I choose to kill you, so you better enjoy your last day with this girl... And with that, he too vanished.

Setsuna was pacing her room in the house she shared with Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru. Her computer was flashing the screen saver of some new Anime Hotaru was found of. She let out a small cry when she heard a tap on the door. She looked up and saw Michiru there.

"Setsuna?..." asked the aqua haired woman. "Are you okay?... You seem a bit... startled..."

Setsuna regained her composure. "Hai... I am..."

"I made some green tea... Would you like to join me?" asked Michiru with a warming smile. Setsuna nodded, both women headed for the kitchen and sat down.

Setsuna looked at the time, Hotaru would be coming back with Haruka soon. "You want to ask me something..." she said flatly to Michiru.

The elegant woman in front of her was a bit surprised but that feeling went away soon enough. "I knew I couldn't fool you..."she started. "Setsuna... You have been acting strange lately... Is there something you would like to talk about?..."

"It's nothing... The flow of Time is perturbed..." she lied. Setsuna couldn't understand why but she had lost all contact with her memories of the things that are yet to come. It made no sense to her, she felt blind and it worried her. Were there events in the timeline about to change? If so... what would it mean for the future?

Michiru looked at the eternally young woman and held her gaze. "You know... when you don't have control of a situation... You're a very bad liar..."

It was Setsuna's turn to be surprised. "You can't feel what's going to happen... can't you?..." continued the musician. "That's why I made you jump when I came to your door... You are normally so unshakable..."

Setsuna sighed. "Hai... I am blind to the future... for reasons I have not yet discovered..."

Michiru had a teasing smile. "Maybe you are subjected to something or someone that's... making you... distracted?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about..." said Setsuna.

"Maaa... Setsuna-san... I am not a child, you can't always delude yourself... it's about Kuronue... Isn't it?"

Setsuna blushed. "What about him?" she asked a little angry.

Kuronue was a denizen from the Makai who had helped them a few weeks ago. He was a Youkai, a demon, an old friend of Kurama. Kuronue had jet black hair and deep sapphire eyes. She shook her head, why do I think of him?... I thought I drove him out of my head. But try as she would, his grin and sure eyes looked down at her in her mind's eye.

Michiru was watching in earnest Setsuna's internal battle. She perked up and said. "I knew it!... You do have feelings for him!"

Setsuna blushed. "I DO NOT!" "Then why are you blushing?" smirked Michiru, just like the mouse who caught the cat. Setsuna sweatdropped. She thanked her lucky stars when Haruka came in with Hotaru.

"Oi... Setsuna-san... You look like you ate something bad..." said Haruka. Michiru fumed a little at her girlfriend. Darn it, she thought, I was this close to making her confess. She sighed.

"Ah! Setsuna-mama... Guess who we brought back with us?" said cheerfully Hotaru.

Setsuna said. "Usagi-sama?"

"No..." giggled Hotaru as she ran out the door. "Come on... don't be shy..."

"I'm coming, I'm coming... maaa..." said a deep masculine voice.

I know that voice, thought Setsuna. Oh no, please, not him, not now! The door opened and a tall dark haired man was pushed inside by a giggling Hotaru. Setsuna's dark skin was suddenly flushed as she looked into the man's face. He looked a little like Mamoru, but his frame was slimmer and his jet hair longer and tied in a ponytail. He flashed a smile to her, she couldn't control the flushing of her cheeks.

"Why?... Konnichi wa, Setsuna-san... You look as charming as ever..." he said in a suave voice.

"I... I..." blurted Setsuna, to which Haruka facevaulted. Setsuna was out of words?... That was a first. "I... Ihavesomereally importantworktodoonmycomputer... Ihavetogoback..." And with that she stood up and back upstairs like a shy schoolgirl.

Haruka facevaulted again and sweatdroped. "What the?..."

"Don't ask, love..." Michiru told the tall blond as she hugged her. "So, Kuronue-san, how goes your work in Zoicite's and Kunzite's company?..."

"Extenuating..." he smiled. "I'm looking forward for these next few days. I have worked nonstop for them since I got here in the Ningenkai. I'm very grateful you asked me to come stay a few days here Michiru-san..."

"It's a pleasure having you over, Hotaru-chan is very fond of you..." smiled back Michiru.

Kuronue looked up the stairs where Setsuna had disappeared. "Did I come at a wrong moment?" he asked.

"No..." replied Michiru with a teasing smirk. "I'd say you got here just in time..."

"And then that Youkai said... "But... But... I didn't get to say my battlecry." To which Hiei replied. "Tough, now be a good little corpse and die...""

Yaten was laughing so hard. "Stars! Ku-chan... No matter how many time you tell me that... I can't stop laughing..." He facevaulted. "That's actually kinda sick..."

It was Kurama's turn to laugh. "Oh... Yat-chan..."

"MINAMINO!"

Both Yaten and Kurama stopped in their tracks. They both turned around and Yaten saw three boys he never met before. One had the same school uniform as Kurama, glasses and some frizzy hair. The second one had a hairstyle that defied gravity and a sad look on his face. The third one had blond hair, thin, he wore his shirt over his pants. He looked like someone who hadn't slept in a while.

Kurama broke into a smile. "Kaito! Yana! Kido!"

"You know these guys?" asked Yaten.

"That's Yuu Kaito, Mitsunari Yanagisawa and Asato Kido to you, Minamino Shuuichi..." said the blond guy with a cold voice.

Kurama took a step back and eyed the three boys before him. Yaten stood ready to help Kurama, if those guys wanted to jump him. The silver haired bishonen wouldn't let them disturb a single strand of red hair from his beloved head. The silent confrontation lasted a few minutes.

"So?... You guys are so eager to die?..." asked Kurama.

"That's big talk, Fox... You think you can beat me at Game Battler?" replied Kaito.

"Your 100 yens..." added Kurama. To that Yaten fell flat on his face, sweatdropping.

"YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT A VIDEO GAME??????" he yelled exceeded. The other boys started to chuckle and Kurama helped him up.

"Sorry, Yat-c... Yaten..." Kurama replied, catching himself so he wouldn't use Yaten's pet name before his friends.

"So..." Kaito said. "The rumors are true... You are going out with that Idol singer..." He added in a sotto voce. "I didn't think you went for Yaoi..."

Yaten and Kurama facevaulted. "HEY! Who do you think you are??" yelled Yaten, he was so pissed, his face was red. "You have a problem?"

Kaito was surprised, he didn't expect that kind of answer. To all outward appearance, Yaten's slight form wasn't too awe inspiring. But Kaito had to take a step backward when Yaten growled at him.

"That's okay, Yaten... They're friends... They know Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei." The red haired bishonen told his companion. "Although I would appreciate it if they were less blunt..."

Yana came forward and extended his hand to Yaten, who took it without a second thought. "I'm sorry, let me introduce myself..." he started. Kurama gasped he felt Yana using his powers on Yaten.

"YANAAAA! DON'T!!!" called Kurama, but it was too late.

Yaten blinked when he saw Yana's form shift and before he knew it he was staring back at himself. "My name is Yana and my power is to copy someone's appearance and memor..." Yana stopped at Yaten. "Oh my GOD!" he gasped. "You... You're a woman!"

Yaten facevaulted how did he know about that? Yana straightened up and took his hand and kissed it. "And one of the fabled Sailor Senshi..." he whispered with respect. He said it loud enough for his companions to hear but low enough for their conversation to stay private.

"Yana... You're kidding, right?" said Kido. Yaten disturbed that his identity was discovered, instantly sought Kurama for shelter. The redhead took him in his arms, protectively.

"He isn't... I know I can trust you guys... This is Yaten Kou, but also Sailor Star Healer..."

Kido blushed profusely. "Sa... Sailor... Star... Healer?..."

"Oh-oh..." breathed Kaito, Kurama raised an eyebrow and held Yaten even closer to him. I hope fanboy doesn't say a thing about his adoration for this senshi because I don't think Kurama will appreciate, Kaito thought.

"He can't be Her!... Okay he DOES look a little like her... but..." Kido shook his head.

Yaten looked up to Kurama and checked if no one was around. "Well..." he sighted, the others watched his appearance change and his voice become more feminine. "... Since my cover is blown..." She looked back at them with her pale green eyes.

Kido thought he was going to faint right there. There she was, the one he worshipped like a goddess. Gods, he thought, she'd even more beautiful than I first imagined.

Yaten blushed and looked away when she realized Kido was staring at her. He must be surprised, she thought. But she felt Kurama hands holding her tighter, his eyes slanted, he looked ready to pounce on the guy.

Kaito kicked Kido in the shins. "It's a pleasure to meet you... isn't it guys?..." He gave a look to Kido that said: <if you wanna die keep staring at her like that...>

"We were on our way to a study session..." Kurama started his voice turning cold. "Well since they are your friends..." started Yaten as she changed back into a boy. "Maybe they could come with us?... Yuusuke and Kuwabara are there..."

She's sooo lovely... dreamily thought Kido.

"Errr..." started Kaito. "Maybe we shouldn't..."

"WE'D BE HAPPY TO!" said Kido. Yana and Kaito started to worry about their friend's life when they saw Kurama's green eyes turn into embers.

Yaten smiled. "It's settled then..." Kurama nodded but he kept his eyes on Kido. "Follow us..." And the group walked to Hikawa Temple as Kido was talking excitedly at Yaten. Kurama scowled but Kido ignored him, his eyes were on Yaten.

Kaito and Yana followed, praying to any deity that was listening that their companion would stop before Kurama unleashed a Ningen eating plant on him.

Between dimensions, Kurasu cackled. "How... interesting..."

Love is a Battlefield
Part 2
By Sonya-chan

Hiei was jumping from roof top to roof top then he took to the tall trees that surrounded the temple. Yuki was snug as a bug in the backpack and Hiei had been really careful not to jolt him around too much. He stopped his jumps on a tree branch, near the Temple.

As he peered down he could hear the girl talking excitedly about something. Yuusuke and Kuwabara were grumbling.

"How are we supposed to study if all you girls do is cackle about that "Princess Ball" of yours?" said Kuwabara.

"He's right, minna..." started Ami. "Let's study and then we can talk about it..."

"BUT AMI-CHAN!!!!" said Minako. "It's IMPORTANT!!!... We have to find the perfect dress and the perfect costume for our partner!... Imagine... One of us could be crowned Queen of the ball..." Minako eyes started to sparkle and she took a victory position. "I, Aino Minako, future Idols of millions SHALL be Victorious!! With Jadeite, it should be a cinch to win... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Hey, waitaminute..." said Usagi. "I'm a Princess already, if I go as the Princess of the Moon with my darling Mamo-chan. I'm sure I shall win!"

"Yeah right... IF you don't get a klutz attack and fall down during the ball..." sneered Rei. "I on the other hand am so delicate and elegant, I shall have no trouble winning... Huhuhuhuhuhu!"

Usagi started to get steamed.

"That is... " said Makoto. "IF you can get Yuushiro to get a decent haircut..."

"Whoa... Girl... What's wrong with my hair?..." asked Yuushiro as he was sweeping the floor.

"Nothing... nothing darling..." Rei said waving Yuushiro away. She turned to Makoto and grumble "Thanks a lot, Mako-chan..."

"Well you won't win either... if you get my meaning, Mako-chan..." said Kuwabara.

"Weren't you saying a second ago that you couldn't study because they were talking about this?..." mumbled Yuusuke.

"And just what are you implying by that?" replied Makoto, already she was bunching up her sleeve and showing her fist.

"Whoa calm down... I'm sure you're going to be very beautiful and elegant..." sweatdropped Kuwabara.

Makoto dropped her menacing pause and adopted a really kawaii pose. "Ooooh..." she said blushing. "You really think so?..." The girls sweatdropped.

"You're not the problem... Hiei is..."

Makoto blinked. "Ara?..."

"In those kind of contests, the couple must really be well balanced. The guy must be tall, handsome and graceful..." started Kuwabara. "And we all know that Hiei is dark, short and ugl.."

Kuwabara's tirade was cut short as Hiei landed on top of his head sending it waltzing right down on the floor. Hiei looked pissed.

"Ch... Kuwabara..." he said his voice full of venom at the taller boy under his foot.

Not lifting his eyes from his book Yuusuke commented. "I guess everyone saw that coming..."

Kuwabara lifted his finger and mumbled something that sounded like: "Did I fail to mention he's got a really bad temper?..."

"Ara... Hiei-chan..." blinked Makoto, her eyes got all starry and she took his hand. "Ne... Hiei-chan? Will you be my Prince for the Great Princess Ball?..." Kuwabara startled to laugh but he choke on some dirt.

"Huh?..." said Hiei.

"PLEEEEEEEEEASE!!! It would mean the world to me!!!" implored Makoto, Hiei actually gulped when he saw her get all kawaii and teary eyed.

There was only one answer Hiei could possibly give her. "... ... Well... okay..."

"ARIGATO HIEI!!! I'M SO HAPPY!!!" She said hugging him tightly. Unfortunately, Hiei was still balancing himself on Kuwabara's head and when Makoto tackled him, he lost his balance. They both went crashing down on Kuwabara. Yuki barely made it out of the bag in time before they both fell. Makoto was so happy she was snuggling to Hiei who was blushing, feeling everyone's eyes on him.

"WOULD YOU PLEASE GET OFF????!" yelled Kuwabara.

Just at that moment, Yaten, Kurama and three other boys the Senshi never saw before arrived. Yaten smiled when he heard them talk about the ball.

"I'd like to go to the Ball too... I could..."

"NO YATEN! YOU ARE NOT GOING AS A GIRL!!!" yelled in unison Taiki and Seiya.

"Party Poopers..." pouted Yaten.

"Ne?..." asked Kurama. "A Ball?..."

"Hai..." sighed Yaten holding the redhead arm. "The Princess Ball... You have to go dressed as either a made-up Prince and Princess, real live royalty or fairy tales one..." He gave a big sigh.

Seiya slapped him behind the head. "Don't try to sigh you way into this, squirt!... It won't work..."

"This isn't fair..." spat back Yaten. "You're going with Yuukana-san, Seiya and you Taiki with Ami-chan!"

"Well we can go as guys..." replied Seiya.

"Ano.. Koibito... Would you like to go?" asked Kurama. Taiki looked at him, thinking he must have had an idea.

"Well, hai... Ku-chan..." pouted Yaten. "Demo... One of us has to be a girl..."

"Well..." smiled the redhead. "We could go as No actors..."

"HUH?..." everyone looked at them incredulous.

"You all know that in No... There are no women actresses... Only males and guys do dress up as women..." plainly said Kurama.

"No way... we can't possibly let Yaten dress as a woman it would be too risky..." started Seiya.

"I never said Yaten should dress as a woman... I'll do it..."

...

"Huh... Kurama..." started Kuwabara in a small voice. "Did you say that you would go at that Ball dressed as a woman?..."

"Hai!" replied Kurama with a smile.

...

"OH! That's soooo romantic!" cooed the girls.

"R... Romantic???" squealed Yuusuke.

"Hai..." said Usagi. "Go dressed as a woman so the one he's in love with can participate at the Ball..."

"Hai..." sighed Rei. "It would be a first to see you guys do that..."

Yuushiro took a step forward. "I think I talk to all the guys present, we would NEVER wear a dress no matter the circumstance..."

Yuusuke, Kuwabara, Yuushiro and Seiya nodded energitically.

"Ne... Seiya!" said Usagi. "You're like Taiki and Yaten..."

"I will NEVER wear a dress..." Seiya said stomping his foot on the ground.

Taiki chuckled nervously. "Seiya always was a tomboy..."

"HIEI!" cried out Kuwabara. "You'd wear a dress..."

Hiei turned to look at him with slanted eyes. "You wanna die?..." Kuwabara eeped and walked away.

"Okay... I vote we go look for dresses!" announced Minako.

"HAI!" replied the girls as one.

"But... Minna... our study lesson!" interjected Ami. Before she could utter another word, the girls dragged her away.

"This is important, Ami-chan! We'll study tomorrow!" said Minako as she pushed the blue haired girl forward.

"But... You guys always say that!..." whined Ami.

The guys looked at them run down the flight of stairs and sweatdropped. They could hear the Senshi talk to Botan, Keiko and Yukina and drag them in their shopping also.

"Man..." sighed Yuusuke. "Now Keiko is going to bother me until I take her to that stupid Ball..." Kuwabara put a supporting hand on Yuusuke's shoulder.

Hiei took a step forward and asked. "What's a Ball?..."

All the boys fell down flat on their face except Yaten and Kurama who had huge sweatdrops.

"You could see that coming..." said Yaten, trembling.

"Bingo..." replied Kurama.

"You mean you DON'T KNOW and you agreed to it???" yelled Kuwabara. Yaten, Kurama and Yuusuke winced thinking that Hiei would start beating Kuwabara to a bloody pulp. But when nothing happened, they all opened an eye to see Hiei's fist just inches from the tall man's cringing face. They facevaulted when Hiei retracted his fist.

"Because... It was obvious Mako-chan wanted to go..." replied the Koorime flatly.

Yuusuke smiled. "Hai... Sometimes guys do stupid things like that when they're in love... I think Kurama is a good example of that..."

"Hey!" said Kurama.

Hiei chuckled. "Hai... He is a baka Kitsune, where Yaten is concerned..." Kurama was about to yell again but he blushed.

"I was going to tell you what a Ball was but since I'm a Baka Kitsune... Come Yaten..."

"MATTE!" Hiei ran after them as Yaten and Kurama chuckled.

Kuwabara facevaulted. "You know... Love really makes people do weird things..."

"Man... Are things always like this here?..." Yuusuke and Kuwabara turned around and were surprised to see their old friends. The remaining Three Lights asked.

"Who are you?"

Setsuna was pacing her spacious room, fuming. Oooooh!, she thought, that Michiru! I bet she invited him here on purpose. Why did she do that?... She knows I just can't stand him!

She finally sat down on her bed and sighed. What am I going to do now?... I can't 'see' anything that will happen. I can't possibly stay in my room for a week, I'm no schoolgirl, I'm a Senshi. She sweatdropped well a powerless Senshi in any case, I can't even transform.

Setsuna stood up and yelled "PLUTO ETERNAL POWER MAKE UP!"

Nothing.

Setsuna coughed. "PLUTO STAR POWER MAKE UP!"

... Still nothing.

Setsuna growled. "PLUTO PLANET POWER MAKE UP!"

Nothing, not the faintest glimmer of a transformation. She sunk back in her bed, sighing. "What is wrong with me?..." she asked to herself.

There was a knock on the door. "Setsuna-san... Are you all right?"

When she recognized his voice, Setsuna took her pillow and threw it at the door. "GO AWAY!!! Go bother Haruka..."

"Errrr..." Kuronue mumbled behind the door. "I can't, she's gone. In fact, they are all gone..."

"What?..." Setsuna got up and looked in the driveway. Kuronue was telling the truth, Haruka's car was gone.

"They took Hotaru-chan to her favorite restaurant..." said Kuronue, still behind her door.

Setsuna grumbled, they knew she hated that restaurant, that's why they didn't bother to tell her. Kaioh Michiru, you sneaky little... thought Setsuna.

"Anyway... Maybe we could go and have some dinner at a restaurant of your licking?..." tried Kuronue.

Maybe if I ask him to take me to an expensive restaurant... He'll leave me alone... On the other hand, she thought looking at herself in the mirror, when was the last time a man took me out... Centuries... she smiled.

She blinked, what am I thinking? This isn't the time for fun, I lost my Senshi Power! I have to find it again, or at least find out how I lost it!

"Setsuna?..."

She sighed, well she lost her powers a few times before and the power always came back to her. Staying in her room mopping wouldn't make it come back and she was hungry.

"Hai..." she finally said. "Dinner might be nice..."

Kuronue smiled even though she couldn't see his reactions. "I'll go make reservations... How does sushi sound?..."

"It would be... perfect..." she replied. Sushi... So he is taking me to an expensive restaurant, she mused as she looked in her wardrobe. "Give me fifteen minutes to be ready..."

"Hai Madam..." replied Kuronue, but he had a reply that burned his lips that he didn't utter. Even if you were dressed in rags, Setsuna, you would still be beautiful...

"YANA?... KAITO!... KIDO?" said Yuusuke. "When did you guys arrived here?"

"We arrived with Kurama and Yaten..." replied Kaito.

"You know these guys?..." asked Seiya.

"Hai, this is Yuu Kaito, Mitsunari Yanagisawa and Asato Kido. They helped us in a case. We had to battle people who wanted to open a portal to the Makai. A portal that would allow Class-S Youkai to cross freely into the world..."

Taiki gasped. "What kind of madman?..."

Yuusuke shuddered. "You better not ask... anyway we were able to beat them with their help..."

"Yuusuke-kun exaggerates... At the end, it was all because of the Reikai Tantei if the battle was won..." said Yana.

"You guys have powers?" asked Seiya.

Yana chuckled and as he put an arm around Seiya's shoulder he shifted his form. "You could say that... Seiya-kun..."

Seiya stared wide eyed at himself. It was almost like looking in a mirror, the resemblance was uncanny.

"Yana can take the appearrance of anyone and he also takes..." started Kuwabara.

"I also reproduce their memory and thought patterns..." said Yana as he shifted form to be Taiki. "Hmmm... Fascinating, so all the Three Lights are Sailor Senshi..." He facevaulted. "And all those girls were also..."

Taiki stared. "You mean... you have access to our memories too?..."

"Hai... But don't worry... I just graze the top of your psyche..." replied Yana. "Except when we're on a mission, then I would have to go deeper..." He smiled. "You're too late, Kaito..."

"Huh?... What do you mean?..." replied his friend.

"Mercury is a lost game..." Yana replied, then he made a face. "So's Venus... " He sighed.

"What are you guys talking about?" asked Seiya.

"But there's still that new Senshi I heard about, Sailor Gaia."

"I would try that if I were you..." said Yuusuke.

"Are these guys talking about our Girlf..." Seiya bit his lips.

"As always Seiya... You talk too much..." Taiki grumbled. "What other powers do you have?..."

"Well I have the Taboo power..." said Kaito.

Seiya sweatdropped. "I hope this isn't too Hentai..."

"Baka!" said Taiki. "Taboo means something you can't talk about, it's not necessarally meant in a sexual connotation..."

"Well... EXCUUUUUSE <.>" Seiya froze as energy seemed to come out of him. It formed into a ball of cold red fire in Kaito's hand.

"YOU DIDN'T USE YOUR POWER DID YOU???" said Kuwabara.

"Err..." mumbled Kaido. "I didn't think someone would use the word... well you know I can't use it now..."

"What? Excuse m..?" Kuwabara's soul immediately went into Kaido's hand.

"KAWABARA YOU MORON!!!!" yelled Yuusuke.

"So... You say the Taboo word and you automatically collect their soul. Hmmm... Have you ever been subjected to your own power?" asked Taiki.

"Err... Hai... But the sound of the word can be used too. I've fallen prey to my powers twice, the first time as an experiment and the second one... well... I lost to Kurama..." replied Kaito.

"I see... that must have been a rather interesting match..."

"Hai, you see, we had imposed a time limit taboo. All the syllables of the alphabet (1) were used but every 30 seconds we would take away one syllable, until one of us would use the taboo..."

"Oh?... well at the end if you stayed silent, it would have been stalemate..." remarked Taiki.

"Hai... well Kurama had hidden and well he... he made me laugh..." blurted Kaito.

Taiki started to laugh. "Ah... but of course, the A sound..."

Kaito let go of his power and Kuwabara and Seiya's soul returned home. Seiya was a little disoriented. Yuusuke was beating the crap out of Kuwabara.

"BAKAAAA! You should know better than to use the taboo word!!!"

"HEY STOP IT!..."

Seiya turned to Kido suspiciously. "What about you?... What is your power?

"It's better to show you..."said Kido as he advanced toward Seiya. At a safe distance, he stopped and smirked. "Gotcha..."

Seiya facevaulted. "What do you mean you..." Seiya tried to move towards him, but try as he might, he couldn't. He looked at Taiki and the tall man looked at what might be causing Seiya's paralysis. All he could see was Kido stepping on Seiya's shadow.

Comprehension dawned on Taiki. "You control people through their shadows?..."

"What?... That's impossible..." said Seiya.

"So does people shooting lasers from their hands but you do it..." pointed out Yuusuke.

"Granted..." said Seiya as he felt he could move again.

"What brings you guys around?..." asked Yuusuke.

"Yuusuke..." said Kaito. "We saw Toguro... the young Toguro..."

"So... That's a Ball... People dance how?" asked Hiei.

"Like this..." Kurama took Yaten by the waist and started to do a small waltz with him. "You see Hiei but in a waltz, there must be someone who leads and someone who follows..."

"Right now..." explained Yaten. "I'm following... guys are usually the one that leads into a dance..."

"How... How can I do that???" asked Hiei. "Couldn't Makoto lead?..."

Yaten chuckled. "No... it would be cool if it were the case but no... " Yaten shifted to female and took Hiei's hand. "Okay now, you put your hand on my waist... Stars Hiei, relax... Okay... Ku-chan, tell him what to do..."

Kurama started to give Hiei the instruction and at first Hiei got mixed up in the steps. "*&$*%) Why must ningen complicate things?"

"Come on Hiei, if a ningen can do it... You certainly can manage it... Just think how happy Makoto will be when she'll dance with you..."

Hiei concentrated and finally after a few hours, he started to get the hang of it.

"I think it's enough for tonight..." said Kurama. "I'll bring you back home Yaten... Ja Hiei..."

Hiei nodded, but when he saw Yaten and Kurama disappeared. He lifted his arms and started to shadow dance. Hey, this looks a lot like a kata, he mused. But a kata with someone... I have to practice, I'll make Kuwabara swallow his words, I'll be the best cavalier I can be... I'll make Makoto a Queen.

He blushed, then sighed. Yeah right, who am I kidding? I'm too short, people will maybe laugh, maybe some will find us cute... but. He stopped dancing and sat down.

He reached for his backpack and realized that Yuki wasn't there. Oh no... he thought, I lost Yuki... Hiei got up hurriedly and started to run in the meadows that surrounded the Temple. He looked on the trees, but he couldn't find Yuki.

"Maybe Rei-chan fed him something..." Hiei ran all the way to the Temple. He sighed with relief when he saw Yuki there lapping a saucer of milk. But Hiei frowned, that wasn't Yuushiro nor Rei's grandfather who was next to Yuki, petting him gently. It was a monk Hiei never saw before.

The monk looked up, smiled at him. Hiei tried to peer at his face but it was hidden by a strange conical hat. "Is that cat yours?" he asked.

"huh... Hai... His name is Yuki... I lost track of him..." Hiei replied. "Thanks for taking care of him..."

"No problem, no d..." the monk stopped. "Here, I think he drank enough..."

As if on cue, Yuki lifted his head and mewed at Hiei, ran up to him and jumped in his arms purring.

"He likes you a lot... he's a friendly cat..." said the monk, getting up he waved to Hiei. "Well I better get to bed... A traveling monk needs his sleep... Good-bye..." And with that the strange monk turned around and got into the small house where visiting monk stayed for the night.

"What a strange fellow... well... come Yuki..." Hiei walked away carrying Yuki in his arms.

Inside the small house, the monk looked at him go. Someone moved in the darkness behind him.

"So... Is he one of those we seek?..."

"I'm not sure, no da... The man in my vision was different...something is missing..." The monk replied.

"Great!" grumbled his companion with a curse. "Now what are we supposed to do..."

The monk smiled. "Now... we watch and we observe..."

"Man I hate those monks clothes..." grumbled his companion. "Was it really necessary?..."

The monk smiled again and sat next to his companion and hugged. "You know it couldn't be help no da... now... Try and get some sleep..."

"You dance extremely well..." said Kuronue as he twirled Setsuna around.

"You're not bad yourself..." replied Setsuna. The sushi had been nothing less than divine. Kuronue took her to one of the most respected and expensive sushi restaurant and their pride was Fugu.

Fugu, that word stuck fear in foreigners, this delicate fish was as delicious as it could be mortally dangerous. But this restaurant's reputation was impeccable and Setsuna ate with confidence.

Dinner had been scrumptious and now they were dancing in a ballroom like bar. Setsuna smiled then her face lost her mirth. She disengaged from Kuronue and headed for their table to get her things.

"It was a very lovely evening, Kuronue... but I think we better head back..."

"Why?... I thought you were enjoying yourself..." said the tall man as he helped her with her coat.

"I was... but..." Setsuna started hesitant.

"But nothing... You work too much... Look at me in the eyes." He turned her slightly and held her gaze. "And tell me frankly when was the last time you thought about yourself?..."

Setsuna looked deeply into his purplish eyes, she felt trapped by his gaze and yet she didn't feel treatened. When was the last time I thought of myself... Well... A long time, she had to admit to herself. She sighed.

"I... I haven't... in a while... but my powers..." she started.

"Michiru told me... Relax, maybe that's just what you needed, to take a load off... A vacation of sorts... it can't hurt..." he replied softly as he took her hand and gently kissed it.

Setsuna blushed again, no one has done that to me in a while...she remembered. "But... But what if the others need me?..."

She stopped talking when she felt his finger on her lips. "Shhh... I'm sure if you are needed, your powers will come back... You shouldn't worry needlessly... There's a nice lake near here. Would you like to take a walk?..."

Well she thought, why not?... After all, it was nice out and he was right, it was maybe time for her to take a break. "Hai..." she replied softly.

He extended his arm and took her outside...

End of part 2

(1) In Japanese, there are no alphabets but a collections of syllables to make up words.

Love is a Battlefield
Part 3
By Sonya-chan

Kuronue smiled, finally he was alone with Setsuna. Setsuna, it made his Youkai heart soar to see her. She was ageless, wise and brave, a warrior-woman like he never met the like before. He knew he was hopelessly in love with her.

He shook his head, now ,he could understand Kurama's infatuation with his own Sailor Senshi. Hiei was quite a surprise too. But oh... when he saw her, he knew, he knew she had stolen his heart with one mysterious look.

For him she was all women as well as unique, a pearl among women. He couldn't help but fall in love with this fierce yet refined woman, a paradox in herself.

"Penny for your thoughts?..." She asked when he didn't speak for a while.

He felt a blush creep on his cheeks. If Kurama could see me now, he would probably snicker at my shyness, me an old Youkai like myself...

"I was thinking how much this evening was wonderful..." he finally said.

Setsuna nodded, almost surprised at her own behavior. I wanted to go back home not so long ago... Now I don't want this evening to ever end. I... I actually like his company...

"Hai... it was... wonderful..." She just said.

Kuronue stopped and looked at her. "Setsuna..." he whispered.

She could feel her heart hammering in her chest. "Hai?..."

Kuronue held her gaze then without even wanting to, he got closer to her. Setsuna reacted by stepping closer to him. They both closed their eyes and shared their first kiss.

Suddenly, Setsuna's eyes flew open. What am I doing? She closed her eyes, oh shut up... She told herself. It was way to long since someone had kissed her. Tears started to flow from her eyes.

Kuronue realized she was crying, he broke the kiss with her. "Setsuna?..."

"I CAN'T!" She turned around and ran, crying. He tried to stop her but she hailed a cab and stormed into it.

Kuronue looked on as the wind blew in his hair. "Oh Setsuna...Why do you deny yourself?... My love, it aches to see you so distraught..." He closed his eyes remembering the velvet touch of her lips. "It's been so long... Why don't you let yourself feel emotions?... What is it that scares you so?..."

Setsuna slammed the door as she got in. Making Haruka yip when she heard the sound. Michiru giggled but when she heard the sob and Setsuna running up the stairs, she worried.

The elegant Senshi rose and went up the stairs. When she reached Setsuna's room, she could hear the swallowed sobs. She gently knocked on the door when she didn't have an answer she got in.

"Setsuna?... Are you all right?" She asked concerned.

"I'm all right..." replied Setsuna, rapidly regaining her composure.

"That might work with Hotaru-chan... but it won't work with me... Something is troubling you... or else you wouldn't cry..."

Setsuna held her face in her hands. "Oh Michiru... It's horrible... I think I may have fallen in love with someone..."

Michiru raised an eyebrow, someone using the word horrible and love in the same breath seemed weird. But then again, this was Setsuna. She sat down next to the older woman.

"Why do you say that?..." she asked gently.

"I can't... fall in love... Not while I am a Sailor Senshi..." Setsuna started.

Michiru facevaulted. "That's the most stupid thing I have ever heard in my life!... Tell me one good reason why you can't fall in love?..."

"Because... I can't... I am needed to supervise the time. Ever since Queen Serenity has given me this sacred duty... I cannot fall in love..."

Michiru was stunned. "She actually told you that?"

"Hai..." replied the eldest Senshi. "She told me that my ability to control time was tied with my emotions. That I must remain calm and in control in all time if I want to keep a tight reign on time... I cannot allow myself to be distracted..."

Michiru blinked. This was so... horrible for poor Setsuna. To help everyone find their true love, yet be denied of it? How tragic, how incredibly stupid and unfair.

"Kuronue..." started Michiru. "You love him?..."

"I... I don't... know... I..." Setsuna replied confused.

Michiru closed her eyes, she does love him. She has denied herself her true feelings. She even tried to hate him so he would be driven away. But I saw it in his eyes too, he loves her. What a waste, for Setsuna, fate is not so beautiful.

Setsuna felt her eyes well up again. I can't cry, not now, she scolded herself. But she felt Michiru take her in her arms and the feelings exploded inside her. Years, no centuries of self-denial were flowing down in tears. Michiru held her gently, like a mother comforting a child.

"You were very young, weren't you... When Queen Serenity gave you the Gate of Time to guard?" asked Michiru.

Setsuna's sobs prevented her from replying so she just nodded. Michiru felt like crying herself, she could almost see Setsuna at Hotaru's age being ask such a heavy burden. Not yet a woman and with such a responsibility, too young to have known love, too young to have had a real kiss.

Why, she wondered, why had Queen Serenity given her such a cruel fate? She probably didn't have any choice. Serenity was a kind and benevolent ruler. If she sent Setsuna on such a journey, it was because it couldn't be helped.

Michiru tried to console the elder woman as best she could. But how could she ever understand what Setsuna had to sacrifice and endure in the name of her sacred duty...

Kuronue wondered if he should go back into the mansion. He didn't want Setsuna to cry and yet... He couldn't stay apart from her.

Ever since he met her, he's been haunted with her face, stern yet loving. A fierceness in her gaze he craved so much, it tugged at a place in his heart he didn't know he had. He was a Youkai, used to the harshness of the Makai, yet there was something in this Senshi that made him think of it...

Haruka and Michiru were expecting him to come back. The guestroom had been prepared for him, he couldn't just walk away. It wouldn't be fair to Setsuna, it wouldn't be fair to him.

He was about to knock on the backdoor when it swung open. Kuronue was slammed into the shed and he was held by the throat. He was about to reply to his aggressor when he caught a glimpse of who it was.

It was Haruka and she was pissed.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER?" She asked shaking him. She was strong and quite capable of dealing with Kuronue, even in her untransformed state. The shock of the assault made Kuronue return to his Youkai form.

"Haruka... I..."

"She came back here, crying... You better not have done anything to harm her, Youkai or else..." spat Haruka.

"HARUKA! THAT'S ENOUGH!" A gentle but firm voice said. "Setsuna-san is asleep... please do not wake her..."

"But Michiru..." started the blond.

"But nothing... Setsuna didn't cry because Kuronue mishandled her..." Haruka let go of Kuronue who sprang to Michiru.

"Michiru-san... How is she?... Is she all right?..."

"She's asleep..." replied the aqua haired woman. "Kuronue... I don't know what to tell you... She's under a lot of stress..."

The Youkai let his head fall. "I know... I though I made her forget a bit.... She seemed happy... and then I did something foolish..."

Haruka frowned again but Michiru smiled. "You kissed... I think it's sweet..."

Kuronue's head snapped back up. "Did... Did she tell you?..."

"No... But a woman can feel these things..." Michiru replied soothingly. "Kuronue... If you love her... You might want to approach her slowly... Give he time to adjust... She has led a really solitary life..."

Kuronue nodded, thanked Michiru and excused himself for the night. As soon as he was in his room, Haruka turned to Michiru.

"What was that all about?... What if he's not for her?"

"Shush, my love..." replied Michiru. "It's not for us to decide and I think Setsuna is old enough to know what she wants."

"But still..."

"No buts..." said Michiru taping playfully Haruka's nose. "It's late... Let's go to bed..."

Hiei brushed the lock that had fallen over Makoto's eyes. He sighed, sometimes, like now, he couldn't sleep at night. So he watched Makoto sleep peacefully, trusting and without a care.

She probably has lots of happy dreams, he mused, smiling slightly. He wished he could sleep as peacefully, but for some odd reason he couldn't place, he was on edge. He felt something was amiss but what?... The koorime had no idea.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, must be that Ball thing. Indeed, in a week, he and Makoto would be dancing at that event. Hiei sighed, Makoto was sure they would win, but he had heard Kuwabara, the big oaf was right, he was the one that would make them look foolish.

Feh! At least I won't look as foolish as Kurama. He's going as a Geisha, he's going to paint his face. He wasn't too surprised, Kurama always came up with crazy ideas...

Crazy Kitsune...

"Mreow?..."

"Shhh... Yuki... Don't wake Mako..." whispered Hiei as the cat nimbly jumped on his lap. Hiei stroke Yuki's fur and the cat started to purr. He always was a friendly cat, he would always curl up to Hiei or Makoto whomever was home. But Yuki had adopted Hiei, as if he remembered that it was Hiei that saved him of a cold death.

Yuki also loved Makoto and he tolerated all their visitors, but he disliked being picked up or petted. As Botan and Kuwabara soon learned as Yuki had given them a taste of his claws.

Hiei got up and soundlessly walked to the window. He looked down at the city, Tokyo, a city that never truly ever went to sleep. He watched the neon lights in the horizon. He looked at them with foreboding... As if... He would never see them again...

"It's stupid... Ne, Yuki?" asked softly Hiei. "I'm not going back to the Makai, unless I have a mission or Mukuro really needs me..." He stroke the cat who looked up at him with unblinking eyes. "It's not like... tomorrow things won't be there..."

He sighed, of course, Yuki couldn't reply... he was a cat. What else did he expect?...

"Hiei-chan?..."

Hiei turned around to see Makoto, rubbing her eyes and loosely tying her robe. He smiled, she was so beautiful, even thought she had just woken up.

"I'm sorry, Mako... Did I wake you up?" He asked as she put her arms around his shoulders.

"Iya... I woke up because I couldn't feel your warmth..." she replied, planting a small kiss in the back of his neck. "Are you all right?..."

He smiled. "Hai... Just couldn't sleep... I'm restless..."

Makoto paused and hugged him tighter. "Am I putting too much pressure on you because of that Ball?... Are you only going to make me happy?... If you don't want to go..."

He silenced her by turning around and kissing her tenderly. "Iya... Kino Makoto, it would be a pleasure for me to take you to that Ball and make you dance..." He smiled to her.

She smiled back and held him closer, Yuki knew that was his cue to check his milk saucer. She snuggled to him and kissed him. "Arigato Hiei-chan... I wouldn't dream of going with anyone but you, my love..."

It was Hiei's turn to hold her tightly, he was almost trembling as he held her close. "Mako..." He whispered. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather go with someone who is taller?..."

She silenced him with a kiss. "No Hiei... I don't want anybody else but you... If you can't go... then I won't dance. I want my only love to lead me to dance and no one else."

He closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder, holding her close. They stood a while like that, just happy to be in each other's arms.

He looked back up at her and the moonlight made his eyes glow like the purest of rubies.

"You need to sleep, Itooshii..." He kissed her and together they went back to bed.

Yaten yawned, his alarm clock surely didn't ring it was Saturday. But he had hear a ring nevertheless.

Nine thirty... he mumbled and turned around in his bed to snuggle back into the warm covers.

Nine thirty, he repeated softly in his head, almost falling back asleep. His eyes opened and grew wide.

NINE THIRTY????

He shot out of bed. Oh Stars! Ku-chan is coming at nine thirty to pick me up and I didn't take a shower yet! Yaten stormed inside the shower, passing an half-awoken Seiya.

"Hnnn... ...hayo to you too Yaten..." He mumbled.

Of all the Three Lights, the only one up and operational was Taiki. He had woken earlier and had started breakfast knowing all too well his brothers were lazybones in the weekend.

"Yaten beat you to the showers again, ne?" chuckled Taiki before he took a sip of his coffee, reading the morning paper. He peered over it when Seiya didn't answer and facevaulted. Seiya's head was on his place and he was still asleep. Taiki had a huge sweatdrop on the side of his head.

"SEIYA!"

Seiya snapped his eyes opened then blinked. "Ano?..."

"You fell asleep on your plate..." he said. Then they heard the bathroom door slam then Yaten's door slam. "Yaten's done... go take a shower..."

Seiya nodded and walked like a sleepwalker to the bathroom.

"I swear..." sweatdropped Taiki. "I really don't understand how they manage to be like that every week end..."

Yaten arrived in the kitchen hopping on one foot, he was still slipping on his jeans. He zipped it and then sat down.

"Bravo..." said sarcastically Taiki. "You actually made in clothed before Kurama could ring the door."

As if on cue, the doorbell chimed. "I'll get it!" said Yaten as he sprinted to the door.

"HI KU-C..."

"Huh... Delivery for Yaten Kou..." a delivery man said.

"Oh... err... I'm Yaten... thanks..." Yaten took the package and sighed the receipt. He thanked the delivery man and went back to the kitchen.

"It wasn't Kurama?..." asked Taiki as the silver haired boy tore at the package. He let out a gasp.

"Oh Stars! It's so kawaii!..."

Taiki put down the newspaper as Yaten pulled out what was in the package. It was a big fox plushie it looked very realistic.

"Oh isn't it kawaii?" asked Yaten. Taiki nodded and they heard the doorbell again. "That must be Ku-chan... that was so sweet of him!..." Yaten ran back to the door with his new plush toy.

"KU-CHAN! ARIGATO!" laughed Yaten as he grabbed the redhead in a bearhug as soon as the door was open. "I love it! Thank you so much!!!"

"Ano... Thanks for what?... Not that I mind when I get a welcome like that..." chuckled Kurama.

"Nani?... Why that kawaii plush fox you sent me..." said Yaten showing Kurama the said fox.

"Koibito... I didn't send you any plush fox..." replied the redhead. "Although you make me wish I had..."

Yaten frowned. "Then who?..." He looked on a small tag. "Matte, there's something written here..."

"Oh..." said Yaten. "It's for an admirer..."

Kurama frowned, that better not be who he thought that might be.

"Ne... Ku-chan... What's wrong?..." asked Yaten.

"Nothing..." smiled Kurama.

"I hope you didn't have breakfast, Kurama..." Started Taiki. "Because I made food an army..." Kurama chuckled and shook his head as the doorbell rang yet again. Seiya, who was getting out of the bathroom, yipped and ran to his room to get dressed.

"That must be Yuukana-san..." said Taiki. "I'll go get the door..."

Kurama sat down and the phone rang.

Yaten sighed. "Not a moment of peace in the Kou household..." He picked up the receiver. "Moshi moshi..."

"Ha! Yaten-kun, it's Makoto... Listen are you guys ready?"

Yaten shook his head. "Iya... We're having breakfast... But why? I thought you wanted to go to the Celtic Music festival..."

"Hai... But looking in the newspaper this morning I saw that the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra was doing the Soundtrack of "The Phantom Menace" And you know how much Hiei loved that movie..." replied the brunette.

"Hai... He especially liked the battle with Dark Maul and the two Jedis, although he said he would have liked it to be longer..." said Yaten.

"Hai, well the second piece is 'Duel of the Fates' the music for the battle and Hiei really wants to listen to it... If you're not ready, we'll go ahead and we'll meet you over there..."

"Okay, Mako-chan... We'll see you there then... Ja!" After Makoto said good-bye to him, he hung up. "Mako-chan and Hiei are going ahead, they want to listen to something that will pass earlier but they'll be at the Celtic Festival at the appointed time..."

"That's good..." replied Taiki as he was coming back with Yuukana.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Yaten-kun, Kurama-san..." said Yuukana.

"Ohayo!" replied Yaten and Kurama.

"OHAYO!" said Seiya as he took her in his arms. When she turned around he surprised her with a kiss, that she accepted but not without a blush.

"Aaaaaaw... Aren't they just so kawaii..." said Yaten.

"Hai... Don't be shy Yuukana-san..." added Kurama as he snuggled to Yaten. "We all know what you feel..." And with that he kissed Yaten.

Maaaaaaa! Thought Taiki, now they are all making me wish I had gotten my Angel earlier... He sighed inwardly as he looked at the two couples kissing tenderly. I think I'll give my Angel a call...

"We have to hurry Hiei... they started..." said Makoto as she broke into a run.

Hiei chuckled and followed her holding her hand. But there was such a rush all of a sudden that their hands let go. Hiei frowned and used his powers to check for the unique ki of his beloved.

He froze.

There was someone else in the crowd.

Someone that was coming towards him.

Someone he never thought he'd see again.

Bui advanced slowly towards him, his armor shed, his battle aura shinning brightly for Hiei's trained eyes. They were lucky the Ningens couldn't feel that because there would have been a panic.

"Hello, Hiei... I'm here to settle a score..."

At that moment, 'Duel of Fates' started to play and the chorus could be heard from where they stood, held in a war of gaze.

"KORAAAAA MATAAAA!.... KORAAAAAAAAAAAA RATALAAAAA!...."

Love is a Battlefield
Part 4
By Sonya-chan

The doorbell rings early this morning, thought Kido. He shuffled to his door, Yana woke up too and wondered who might be at there. Kido waved at his roommate.

"It's probably Kaito." said Kido. "You know how he likes to be early... "

Kido opened the door. it wasn't his friend like he had anticipated but an old woman. She gave him cards.

"Huh... Ohayo gozaimasu Obaasan... What can I do for you?" Kido took the cards and checked them out. They were blank cards. Nothing was written on them. "Ano?... What is it?..." he asked puzzled.

The old woman extended her hand again, asking for the cards. Kido, who didn't see the utility of keeping the blank cards gave them back to her.

"Arigato... arigato..." She croaked, Kido thought her voice was a little low for a woman but he shrugged. The old woman turned around and walked away down the hallway.

Kido blinked. Poor woman, he thought. She must not be all there. Kido closed back the door, if he had just stayed a little while longer he would have seen the woman change appearance. She turned into a raven haired man with an odd mask on his face. The man started to cackle.

"This will be perfect..."

Kuronue woke up the next morning, he hadn't slept much, he kept thinking about Setsuna. What a fool I've been, he thought, maybe I missed all my chances with her now.

He got up from bed, it was still early but he wasn't the one to stay in bed if he couldn't sleep. His years in the Makai always made him alert. Even though he knew it wasn't the same in the Ningenkai, Kuronue had trouble relaxing.

He heard the tv playing so he decided to try his luck at whoever was downstairs. It was Hotaru and she was looking at some anime series.

"Oh... Ohayo... Did I wake you up, Kuronue-san?" asked Hotaru.

"Iya... Don't worry, I was awake for quite some time..." replied Kuronue, he sat down. Having a Ningen form had it's advantages he thought. At least now, I can't fear crumpling my wings.

"Your bed wasn't comfortable enough?..." asked Hotaru worried.

"Iya, iya... I just have trouble sleeping when I'm at a new place." He told her.

"Me too..." She admitted. "But tomorrow night will be okay..."

"Hotaru-chan... Maybe I won't stay tonight..." He told the young woman.

"Ara... Why?..." Hotaru asked.

Kuronue sighed. "Because I think maybe Setsuna-san isn't ready to see me yet..."

Hotaru shook her head. "I know she likes you... She just doesn't show her emotions..."

Kuronue saw her emotions. She was in dispair, wondering what to do next last night. Afraid and sad, she looked back at him with hurt eyes. "I can't..." She had said then and Kuronue thought his Youkai heart would shatter then.

"Daijobu?" asked Hotaru when she saw Kuronue sad.

"I'm all right Hotaru-chan... Arigato." He smiled for her. "I'm hungry, what about some breakfast?"

"Sure... If you don't mind cereal." She told him.

"Cereal?... Psha... Onna-chan, I'll make us... Makai Thief Pancakes..." he winked.

"Makai Thief Pancakes?... What goes into that?" she asked.

"Anything we can steal from the fridge..." He laughed and got up. She hurried behind, laughing merrily.

"That's why I like you so much Kuronue-san... You're so funny."

They left the den not realizing someone was watching them. Setsuna looked at them go, still hidden in the hallway. She had listened in on their conversation.

She hadn't slept a wink too. She kept thinking about him. Kuronue... He thought maybe he wouldn't stay. I can't blame him, the way I just ran like a frightened girl last night. It's a wonder he came back.

But... I have to admit, she thought, I glad he did.

Everyone was having breakfast in the Kou apartment, even Ami had finally arrived to join them. Each couple were snuggled next to their love, eating and talking.

Well Yuukana and Seiya weren't talking very much, nor were they eating very fast. They kept snuggling, kissing and looking into each other's eyes. Yaten gave them some side way glances. Ah... Young love, he thought, isn't it wonderful? And with that he put his head on Kurama's shoulder.

Kurama put his arm around his Koibito while he continued to talk about the latest research he had read about in a scientific magazine to Taiki. Ami listened in with interest, for he talked of new development in medicinal plants.

"Is that the field you want to specialize in Kurama-san?" she asked.

"Hai... Pretty much so..." replied Kurama. "I know a lot about poisonous and healing plants but maybe working in that field, I'll help create a new plant to help cure people..."

"Hai... We need more natural ways of healing..." agreed Ami. "Some doctors too easily prescribe medications to patients and look at the results. We have now viruses that resistant to antibiotics..."

Still Seiya and Yuukana were oblivious to the conversation. Lucky them, thought Yaten as he snuggled to Kurama. But he loved to hear his Koibito talk of his dreams of being a researcher in botanical medicine. Yaten couldn't help but smile, he was sure Kurama would be one of the greatest, with or without his powers.

The doorbell rang again, Yaten sighed and got up. He opened the door only to see a delivery boy with a huge box.

"Delivery for Yaten Kou..." he said.

"Again!..." said Yaten. That caught Kurama's attention. "Arigato..." said Yaten, giving the boy a 500 yens for his trouble.

Kurama frowned as Yaten went back to the table, he tore the card and read it.

"Oh Ku-chan... Of course I love you..." replied Yaten. "That's so romantic of you to send me a package..." He kissed a puzzled Kurama.

"Demo... Yat-chan... I didn't send you any flowers..." replied the redhead.

Yaten frowned as he opened the box. "I guess not. Because you know my favorite roses are yellow, not red... Those are Seiya's favorite..."

Kurama took the card and examined it carefully, then, a familiar scent assailed his nose.

Kido... Kido's scent was on the card, he's the one that had send the flowers.

Kurama fumed, how dare he do something like that? I thought he was a friend, friends don't make passes at other's girlfriend. He crumpled the card in a tight ball.

Seiya, Taiki, Yuukana and Ami blinked, they never saw Kurama so mad before. He's usually so gentle, thought Ami.

I guess he doesn't like other people turning around Yaten, thought Seiya.

Yaten shrugged he didn't see Kurama's reactions. "Oh well... Another fan sending me flowers, won't be the first time this happens..." He put his head on Kurama's shoulder. "I love your roses much more that those, Ku-chan..."

The four people at the table blinked once again. Kurama relaxed, Yaten's word seemed to have calmed him. Kurama's easy smile came back and they all let out a sigh. They all smiled when they saw Kurama take Yaten in his arms and hugging him tightly.

That surprised Yaten and he let go of the roses. "Ano?... What was that for?"

"It's because I love you..." he replied in Yaten's ear and gave him a sweet kiss.

"KORAAAAA MATAAAA!.... KORAAAAAAAAAAAA RATALAAAAA!...."

Hiei couldn't believe it, after all this time, Bui had come back to do battle with him.

"I'm here to settle a score Hiei..." said the tall blond man.

"Hn!" snorted Hiei. "What's your problem?"

"You humiliated me at the Tournament... You wouldn't even grant me my request to be killed..."

"I don't like it when people give me orders..." started Hiei. "I told you to end it yourself..." The Koorime gave a sly smile. "It's not my fault you're a coward..."

Bui looked at Hiei with a look of hatred in his face. "You stinking..."

Hiei looked at him with a superior smile. "Hn! Looks like I struck a nerve..."

"When I'm finished with you Youkai... You won't even be able to twitch a muscle..." spat the tall blond man.

Hiei looked at him unimpressed. "Many have tried to kill me...All of them failed, I really don't see how you can best me..."

"I know your secret Hiei..." chuckled Bui.

"You'll have to tell me which one... I tend to keep a lot..." replied Hiei, slowly he took a defensive position. I can take whatever he can throw at me. I've battled him before, he isn't so tough... It's a good thing Mako and I got separated, I wouldn't want her to become involved in this.

Bui thought, this is it, I have to call in my bluff and hope it works. "Your girlfriend..." he simply said.

Hiei growled inwardly. If that coward just touches one hair on Mako's head, I'll kill him...

"It would be a shame..." continued Bui. "If you call on your Kokuryuu (Black dragon)... I know I can turn it back upon you... But what about her?" Bui said in a cold calculating voice.

"Kuso..." Hiei bit his lip as the curse was uttered. He's right I can't call on the Black Dragon, the destruction around us would be too great, Mako might get caught in the backlash... and there are troubles when I call him in the Ningen World... I need all my concentration, or else I loose my hold on it. No I have to fight Bui the old fashion way...

The few bystanders that were present ran away panicked when Bui started to levitate and Hiei right hand burst into dark flames that elongated into a sword.

"Hai... Now it truly begins..." said Bui...

Makoto was looking everywhere, she was sure even if they got separated that Hiei wouldn't be very far. It's his favorite music piece he wouldn't just leave...

But she couldn't find him anywhere, there was so many people and maybe some of them were hiding Hiei from her view. Damn, she thought, where could he be?

She still was looking around when she heard some people screaming. Some were telling people of two person fighting.

"One of them is levitating I tell you!"

"There is a boy all dressed in black and there was black fire that shot from his hand..."

Makoto blinked that couldn't be anybody else but Hiei.

"Man!... Are you two on crack or something?..."

"It's the truth I tell you!"

"Chotto, sumimasen ga..." said Makoto when she finally was able to go near those people. "Excuse me?... Where did you saw that?..."

"Young lady... You don't want to see that!" one of the man squealed. "It's too dangerous!"

"I..." Makoto started, if Hiei's is being attacked I want to be there for him. "Listen I'm a reporter..." She lied. "Tell me where they are!"

Hiei cursed, Bui had become even better than he once was. He could now use his battle aura to throw things at Hiei. Kuso! He thought if only I could use the Kokuryuu technique, this would be over rapidly.

But that was it, Hiei couldn't if he did he would have killed a lot of Ningens. Hiei couldn't care less but Makoto could be hurt or even worse killed. Hiei couldn't let that happen, not to his Mako.

"Today Hiei... I will have my revenge..." said Bui calmly.

"In your dreams..." spat Hiei, he deflected easily the park benches that Bui threw at him. But already Hiei could feel himself getting tired already. What's wrong with me? He wondered, ever since I helped Sailor Gaia, I've felt weaker. Are my powers deserting me? Kuso, it isn't the time!

Hiei suddenly thought about it, Bui kept him at bay. Maybe the tall man was afraid to close him. In that case, I better take the fight to him.

"YAAAAA!" cried out Hiei as he closed with his enemy.

Urameshi Yuusuke woke up and sat straight in his bed. He felt ki flare up, he knew who that ki belonged to. He was out of his bed and literally jumped into his pants and put a T-shirt on at lightning speed.

"KU!... HIEI!"

Kuwabara and his sister Shizuru were talking with Yukina when they felt it too. Hiei's ki flaring up, he was obviously in battle.

"CHE! What the hell is wrong with that twerp!" raged Kuwabara. "He's always putting himself in trouble..."

Shizuru got up. "In any case, we should go and see what the problem is..." Yukina agreed, not without grumbling Kuwabara agreed also.

"Stupid Hiei... We can't even have a decent weekend with that troublemaker..." grumbled under his breath Kuwabara as he locked the door.

Kurama was helping to put away the dishes in the dishwasher when he dropped the plates he had in his hands.

"Oh my god... Hiei... Hiei is fighting... in the Ningenkai..." he said.

"Shimatta!" cursed Seiya, he grabbed his coat. "If he should unleash the Kokuryuu..."

Yuukana paled, she saw first hand the firepower Hiei had at his disposal when he unleashed his powers while he helped creating the new planets. Indeed the combined powers of Hiei and Sailor Jupiter had helped in the creation of life on Gaia, New Healer and New Maker. If indeed Hiei used the Black Dragon... she dared not think of the consequences.

Taiki grabbed their keys. "We better get there right away..."

"Hai..." Added Yaten. "He might need our help."

Kurama nodded. "Whether he likes it or not..."

They all ran out the apartment.

Makoto gasped, she felt Hiei's ki, there could be no mistake. She felt him close by, she didn't need anyone's help. She started to run to the scene of the battle.

"Hang on Hiei-chan... I'm coming!"

Hiei had closed the gap between him and Bui. He tried to take him out with his sword made of black flame. He hated that attack, it was crude but Hiei had no choice. He lunged for his opponent.

Hiei gasped when he saw Bui's smile on his lips when Hiei's sword was deflected by the battle aura of his enemy. Hiei was surprised for a few seconds and that's all Bui needed.

The Koorime felt himself being thrown back like tumbleweed. He cursed and twisted around to fall on his feet. Bui had anticipated that move and sent a telephone booth smash into Hiei's back.

"AAAAAARGH!" cried out the Koorime as glass broke and made scarlet streaks on his skin, tearing the clothes he was wearing. Hiei fell in the broken glass, he got up bloody and panting.

Bui smiled, the phonebooth was enough to cut his wind. "My, my... Where's your bravado Hiei?..."

Hiei cursed, all that he had tried up to now had failed. What could he do? Bui's Battle aura was impregnable by normal means. He couldn't use the Kokuryuu, although it was tempting to do so. He had to find a way to best him, he just had to...

Hiei ran to him, going faster trying to surprise him with a quick attack. Hiei succeeded, he was able to land a couple of good punches before he was thrown back once again. This time he was thrown against a car and he felt a couple of ribs break when he was sent crashing in the windshield.

"KISAMA!" He cursed. I need help, he thought. I can feel my powers waning, but why? Think Hiei... All the others had had their powers go weak, even Kuwabara lost his powers. But they came back, stronger than ever. Damn! This isn't the time!

Hiei struggled to get up but his body was failing him, already he had trouble breathing, coughing blood. Che... My lungs must be punctured he thought, I must finish this quickly or else...

"I think the time has come for you to say Good bye Hiei..." The Koorime gasped when he saw Bui with a car over his head. He tried to scramble to his feet. He had to move. "It's time to die... Hiei..."

Bui smiled he had his opponent cornered. With a mental tug he sent the car flying at full speed to the Koorime. Nothing could stop his death now and if one car wasn't enough... there was plenty to go around in the parking lot.

"HIEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIII!!!!"

Bui turned startled by a woman's scream. Too late he realized that the woman had diverted his concentration enough to send the car flying straight for her instead of his intended target.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" yelled Hiei. He didn't know how he managed but he moved to Makoto. Bui hadn't even time to see him as he blurred to a gasping Makoto. With the strengh born of desperation, Hiei pushed Makoto away a split second before the car crashed.

For Makoto all moved in slow motion, she saw Hiei push her away. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! HIEEEEEEEEEEEIII!!!" As she screamed, she saw the car turned projectile hit her sweetheart dead on. She screamed in anguish as the car traveled a few feet carrying Hiei away from her. She heard him cry out in pain then turn deadly silent.

She cried when she saw his blood marring the car. No... this couldn't be happening... not Hiei. She ran to the mangled car. "HIEI! HIEI! HIEEEEIII!" She cried frantically.

"M...Ma... ko..." a feeble voice came from the wreck. Makoto tried to move the car. Panicked she didn't hesitate and without even checking to see if anyone could see her, she yelled.

"JUPITER ETERNAL... MAKE UP!"

Bui gasped when he saw the girl transform into a being with small wings. He couldn't believe it, she was one of the fabled Sailor Senshi.

Still crying and with strength born of desperation, Jupiter lifted the car off Hiei. She threw the car away as bile rose in her throat. "H... Hiei..." She choked, he was bloody and one of his arms was twisted in a weird angle. "Oh my god..." she breathed. "Hiei..."

Hiei tried to smile to her, to tell her he was okay but he only managed to cough blood. Weak, I feel so weak... Am I dying?... No... No I can't die... not now... not like this!

Jupiter was crying she kneeled beside him. His injuries were so severe she didn't know how to take him in her arms. Afraid to move him, lest he would die in her arms.

Bui Laughed he finally killed the Koorime, there was no way Hiei could live through these injuries. He stopped laughing when he looked to the sky and saw the cloud gather in dark masses in the sky.

"YOU DARE LAUGH!..." Jupiter said, her voice quivering by the sheer rage she couldn't contain anymore.

Bui gasped when he saw the young woman get up, the air ionizing around her. Hiei smiled, give him hell, Mako... He could feel the deadly arcs of lightning around them, but he wasn't afraid. He knew she would never harm him.

Bui knew fear then a fear he thought he had known with Toguro. This Sailor Senshi, she now looked like the Angel of Death. Her wings flaring behind her and the lightning snaking around her.

"YOU DARE LAUGH!" She repeated.

Just then Kuwabara, Shizuru and Yukina arrived. They yelled to Jupiter to calm down but she wouldn't listen to them. He hurt Hiei... her Hiei... that bastard was going to pay!

"ULTIMATE SKY DRAGON.... STRIIIIIIIIIKE!" She yelled full of hatred to the man who had dared to hurt Hiei.

The Three Lights and their loved ones arrived just in time to see a magnificent Dragon of Light streak the darkened sky. It stuck true and hit Bui, who died when his Battle aura couldn't withstand the fury of this attack. There was a blinding light and when everyone could see clearly again, there was nothing left of Bui.

Hiei saw the Dragon streak the sky. Good call Mako... You showed him.

Yukina rushed to Hiei's side and she gasped when she saw the extent of his injuries. She was joined by Kurama and Ami, together they worked frantically to help Hiei. Jupiter took his hand and fell to her knees, crying.

"M... Ma... ko... Don't... cry..." said Hiei weakly.

"Hiei... Hiei-chan... don't talk..." She said worried as she saw Yukina concentrate to heal him. "Everything will be all right..."

"Ma... ko... Ai... shi..teru..." Hiei's eyes rolled back in his sockets and Jupiter could feel his hand go limp.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! HIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIII!"

Love is a Battlefield
Part 5
By Sonya-chan

"Ohayooo!" chirped Hotaru as Haruka and Michiru made their way to the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready!"

Michiru giggled as Haruka stifled a yawn as Hotaru was putting their pancakes on the table.

"Did you do those?" asked Haruka, blinking.

"No... Kuronue-san did..." Hotaru caught herself. She almost called Kuronue oji, uncle. "Where's Setsuna-mama?... I made her favorite tea..."

"I'm here..." said softly Setsuna. She entered the kitchen and quietly sat. Kuronue gulped down, he didn't know what to do. If he should talk to her or not, afraid she might not want to talk to him.

They all felt the tension rise in the room. Michiru shook her head gently. They might both be thousands of years old, she thought, they act like scared children. It's cute but... It won't amount them too much...

She coughed, she would break the ice. "Mmmm... Those pancakes are just scrumptious, Kuronue-san... You should try some Setsuna..."

"Oh... Hai..." replied Setsuna.

"I have a plate for you, Setsuna-mama!" Singsang Hotaru in a cute way. Kuronue couldn't help but smile.

"You know..." said Michiru. "I have two tickets for a Baroque Music concert tonight... Haruka and I won't be able to attend... Maybe you could escort Setsuna, Kuronue-san?"

Setsuna nearly broke her fork in two. Is she setting me on a date with him? Kuronue looked nervous.

"Well... I don't know if Setsuna-san would want to..." he started.

"You have nothing tonight ne, Setsuna?... You told me so, yesterday..." asked Michiru. Setsuna nodded but she couldn't help but feel like Michiru had planned all of this in advance. Michiru turned to Kuronue.

"You have nothing either, ne?"

"Well... No, but..." replied Kuronue a little disoriented.

"Then it's settle!" Smiled Michiru. Both Setsuna and Kuronue looked at each other, wondering how they managed to get trapped. Everyone was getting back to their pancakes when the phone rang.

Hotaru dashed to the phone. "Moshi, moshi? Ha! Yaten-kun! Ara! ... ... No... You don't say... Where are you now?... No... Setsuna-mama didn't know, I think... Oh no... Poor Mako-chan..."

Haruka raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter?"

Hotaru continued on the phone. "Hai... Hai... We'll be right over... Ja..." Hotaru hung up and everyone was looking at her. She turned to face them. "That was Yaten-kun... Usagi-chan wants us to go to the Temple in an hour... Hiei-san... Hiei-san is very hurt, almost dying..."

"Oh my... Mako-chan must be frantic..." Said Michiru.

"What happened?..." asked Kuronue.

"Yaten-kun told me, they would tell us at the Temple... Right now they are trying to make Mako-chan leave his side... for the meeting... She was crying..."

Setsuna got up. "In that case, we better get ready to go to the Temple... Kuronue..." He looked up to her. "I think you should come too."

Kuronue nodded and they all got up to get ready.

"Here Yukina-san... This will help you recuperate..." said Kuwabara as the tall man gave her some tea.

"Arigato... Kuzuma-san..." smiled weakly Yukina. She took a few sip from the tea. "I'm worried about Hiei-san... His injuries were too much for me to handle on my own..."

"Don't worry... Kurama and Ami-chan are dressing his wounds. Hiei is such a hot-headed youkai... He'll come back just so he can annoy us again..." chuckled Kuwabara.

Yukina softly giggled. "Hai, I suppose you are right..."

Kurama and Ami got back in the living room. "We've treated most of his wounds..." said Kurama. "The rest is up to him."

"See Yukina-san... Like I said, no sweat..." said Kuwabara, smiling to the blue haired girl.

Ami and Kurama sighed. "I wish I was this confident..."

"What do you mean, Angel?..." asked Taiki as he gathered Ami in his arms.

"Even with these kinds of injuries..." started Kurama. "Hiei should have regained consciousness... He hasn't..."

"You think his injuries are worst than you thought?..." asked Yaten as he took Kurama's hand. The redhead nodded grimly. "Poor Mako-chan..." softly said Yaten.

In the bedroom, both Makoto and Yuki stood vigil by Hiei's bed. Hiei looked so pale, she thought.

"Hiei... Hiei-chan..." said Makoto, her tears slowly falling from her eyes. "I love you... please... don't die..." She took his hand and kissed it, he was much colder than what she remembered as if...

No! She blinked away tears, I won't think of that. "You will live Hiei... If I have to turn back time and prevent this from happening, then I would... Even if it would mean dying... I would go back to protect you..."

She rested her head on his chest carefully, making sure the weight of her head wouldn't impede his respiration. He looked so calm asleep as if he would wake up any seconds now. But even if she prayed his eyes wouldn't flutter open.

Yuki was sitting at his feet, curled up in a ball, looking at him. They all tried to make Yuki go away, Yaten had held him while Kurama and Ami worked on Hiei. But as soon as Yaten released him, he ran straight to Hiei and guarded him.

Makoto looked at Yuki and petted him. He accepted this gesture but she could feel the cat wasn't interested in a belly rub. She wasn't in the brightest of moods either.

Makoto sat back up and brushed the stray strands from his eyes. Hoping his eyes would open if she did. But to no avail, Hiei was silent, as silent as he's never been in his life. Makoto would have given anything to listen to his voice, even if it was a small Hn!

He was beautiful and looked so fragile right now. Like a wounded child, his beautiful face held no indication of how a fearsome Youkai he was. His face was au natural no hints of the hardships he had suffered, of the sacrifices he had made to survive.

She took off his bandana, the Jagan was there looking dully at her. "Hiei-chan... Please hold on..." She took his hand. "I'm here, I won't leave your side... I love you too much... Please... Come back to me... I'm not strong enough to go on alone... Not again..."

She broke down crying softly in the hook of his neck. Holding him tenderly, listening to his labored breaths over her own sobbing. "I don't want to be alone, ever again... Hiei-chan..."

Makoto gasped when she felt soothing hands on her shoulders. "Mako-chan..." Said softly Yaten. "Come... We need to know what happened."

"But... What about Hiei?" asked Makoto unwilling to leave his side.

"Yuki is there to look after him... Ne, Yuki?" asked Yaten.

Yuki didn't reply and kept looking at Hiei. Makoto nodded and got out of her bedroom.

Kuwabara snorted. "Where's Urameshi?... He must have felt Hiei's ki also... Where is he?"

"Beats me..." said Seiya who was standing next to Yuukana.

Kurama got up and gave Makoto his seat. "Mako-chan..." He started as she sat down. "Can you tell us what happened?"

Makoto took a deep breath. "Hiei and I were walking to the Concert when we realized it had started already. So we ran but we lost sight of each other... I lost sight of him... I thought... I thought he was nearby..."

Makoto paused as Yuukana gave her a cup of tea. "Arigato... When there was a commotion... People were running telling that some man was levitating and a young boy's hand had burst into flames... I knew right away they meant Hiei... I was asking people where they were when I felt Hiei's Ki... I ran and then I called out to him and that car..." She started to choke on her tears. "That car... Hiei pushed me away... but... but..." She couldn't continue and broke down crying. "Oh Hiei... It's all my fault..."

Yuukana was holding her. "Shhh... Don't think that... Hiei wanted you to be safe..."

They all nodded, Yuukana continued. "Mako-chan... You have to come with us at the Temple... The more we know..."

"No... I can't leave Hiei like this! I can't!" started Makoto. Yukina got up.

"I can stay and watch over him Makoto-san... Don't worry..."

Inside the bedroom, Yuki started to growl lowly. He hissed and arched his back he was about to pounce when he seemed to calm down. The cat watched then settled back down to keep his vigil.

"I don't know..." started Makoto.

"Please come..." said Kurama. "Hiei will be in good hands with Yukina..."

Makoto reluctantly nodded. "Let me just check him before I leave..." she asked. The others nodded and she went into her bedroom.

"OH MY GOD! HIEI!" she cried as soon as she reached the door. The other sensing the sheer horror of her scream rushed to her, expecting the worst. They didn't expect at all what they saw.

On the bed where Hiei once lay was a cocoon, which Yuki was guarding. It looked like some sort of chrysalis, they could see him still in the clear plastic like material but certain areas were becoming clouded. Kurama gasped when he saw it.

"It's... but it's too early for him..."

Makoto rushed to him and frantically tried to tear the chrysalis off his body. "NO! He's going to choke!" But the stuff covering Hiei was so tough she couldn't dent it.

"No, Makoto-san... Don't break it!" said Yukina, realizing what it was.

"But... But Hiei..." sobbed Makoto.

"Hiei is safe, even if it doesn't seem like it... It's a chrysalis state..." said soothingly Kurama.

"Chrysalis?..." said Taiki. "You mean... Like a butterfly or an insect?..." Kurama nodded.

"But... But... Only my people can do this... When they are ready to mature into adults, they go into a trance and emerge grown..." Yukina frowned. "I don't understand how can Hiei-san can do this too..." She paused, then she came up with the only explanation that made any sense. "That would mean... Hiei has Ice Maiden blood..."

"Whaaaat?..." said Kuwabara. Kurama nodded, Hiei had made him promise as well as Yuusuke and Botan never to reveal his secret. Hiei himself couldn't tell his sister, because that had been the price for this knowledge. But if Yukina could figure it out by herself.

"But... The only Ice Maiden who even had a boy... was my mother." She stopped and her eyes filled with tears. "Ani-san... Hiei... is my brother..."

Makoto looked at Yukina, she was Hiei's sister?... She walked to her and both of them embraced. "I thought I was all alone in the world..." Yukina said. "I finally found my brother..."

Kuwabara whistled, Hiei was Yukina's brother, the one she has been searching for so long? She was told her brother was now in the Ningenkai. But Kuwabara never DREAMED it could be Hiei. Yukina was so gentle and meek, Hiei was taciturn, rude and dark. They were like flip sides of a coin.

Yet as Kuwabara thought back, Hiei always was there for Yukina. Rescuing her when he could not. Kuwabara had thought at first that Hiei was in love with her. It was more like a sibling bound he must have felt for her. At least, he hoped so.

"Wait a minute..." said Yaten. "What's going on with Hiei now?"

"He's going to mature..." said Kurama.

"M... Mature?..." repeated Kuwabara.

"Hai..." added Kurama. "Hiei is still a young Youkai..."

Yukina gasped. "You're right if he's my brother... It's too soon for him to go into small death!"

"Small death?" asked Seiya.

"Hai." responded Yukina. "When my people are about 500 years old, they go into a catatonic state and grow a chrysalis. They actually experience something like a rebirth, when they emerge about one to two weeks later, they have matured into the form they will keep for the rest of their life. They also become fertile..."

"You mean Hiei wasn't fertile up to now?..." asked Yaten.

"Ara... There were no male in my race before Hiei... I don't know..." replied Yukina blushing.

"No males?... Does your race reproduce asexually?" Asked Ami, she was using her mind to access her and Taiki's computer to jot all of this down.

"Pretty much so... Unless there is a male involved, as was the case with my mother..." said Yukina. "Since I was a girl and of pure Ice Maiden Blood, I was kept. While Hiei was abandoned and left to die..." Yukina's head bowed down ashamed of what her people had done to her brother.

"Why did they do such an horrible thing?" asked Yuukana a little outraged.

"Because..." stared the small blue haired girl. "There was a legend that a boy born of an Ice Maiden would bring the destruction of our society. When Hiei was born there was much debate about what to do with him. Many wanted him outright and others opted that an exile would be better..."

"Oi... A slow or quick death... Stars! That's really a BIG choice..." grumbled Seiya.

"I won't judge my people... I guess they did what they could..." said softly Yukina.

"Oi... err... Gomen, gomen... I didn't mean you!" said sheepishly Seiya.

"Daijobu..." smiled Yukina. "So they exiled Hiei. From that day forward, my people started to bicker amongst each other about the choice they had made... It lead to battles and finally to the spread of our people throughout the Makai."

"Hmm..." Added Kurama. "As is the case with prophecy, people tend to take the meaning too literally. They blamed their problem on an innocent child..."

"Hiei? Innocent?" squealed Kuwabara.

"Come on Kuwa-kun!" said Yaten. "How could Hiei possibly be held responsible for his people's folly! He was a child... Who knows how he would have turned out if they had kept him... If he had known his mother and sister's love..."

There was a heavy silence. They all felt sorry for the hardship Hiei might have endured early in his life. Makoto couldn't repress a couple of tears. He always kept silent on his childhood. She asked him but he told her, their wasn't much he could really tell her. The look of sadness and shame he gave her when he told her that was too much for her. She hadn't had the heart to push him further.

Kurama's head hung low also, even though he and Hiei once had been close, the Koorime had always avoided questions about his past. Yaten sensing Kurama's sadness hug him from behind. Holding him tenderly, he rested his head against the redhead's back. Breathing deep the faint smell of roses that hung to him and his hair.

Kuwabara also felt ashamed. Hiei was a pain in the behind but the small Youkai didn't deserve such a harsh treatment. Also, now that he knew that Hiei was his darling Yukina's brother. He felt things would never be the same between him and the Koorime.

Makoto broke the silence. "When will he emerge?" She asked, as she looked she could see Hiei's chrysalis become more cloudy. Hiei I will miss looking at you, she thought.

"I hate to break this melancholic mood... But I'm afraid I do not come with good news..." said a new voice. They all turned around and saw a tall man with brown hair and eyes, a Jr. stamped on his brow and he was sucking on a pacifier. Next to him was a girl with blue hair held in a ponytail.

"Ko... Koenma-sama..." said Kurama.

"Botan..." added Kuwabara.

"I'm afraid he's right guys... The news aren't good..." Yuusuke stepped inside, he obviously just came back from a battle.

End of part 5