* * *

In a house in the Ningenkai, two lithe figures lay entwined in bed. Located just outside of Tokyo, the dwelling boasted more plant life and less noise; the sounds of traffic were considerably more muted here.

Kurama's eyes snapped open as he was jolted awake. Carefully disentangling himself from Hiei, the redhead sat up, swinging long legs over the side of the bed. The moonlight shining through the balcony doors gave his sweat- slicked skin an unearthly sheen as the kitsune struggled to regain his composure.

Beside him, his lover's form stirred sleepily. "Kitsune?" Hiei asked, his deep voice husky with sleep. The fire demon reached out and placed a bandaged hand at the small of his lover's back; feeling the tension there, Hiei kneaded the spot soothingly.

"Iya, betsu ni." Kurama gave his lover a slightly shaky smile; to anyone who didn't know him as Hiei did, the kitsune would have appeared fine. The shadows in the usually clear emerald eyes made the fire demon frown. "Kurama…"

The youko shook his head, long red hair spilling over his shoulders. "Daijoubu, Hiei. Go back to sleep." His tone told the other youkai that he wanted some space; honoring his request, Hiei let it drop. The fire demon watched silently as Kurama pulled on a robe of forest green, belting the garment loosely around his slim waist before making his way downstairs to the kitchen.

Hiei waited until the slender form was out of earshot before thumping his fist against the mattress in a rare show of frustration; sometimes, Kurama couldn't seem to remember that he wasn't alone anymore. He scowled at the door. He'd give the kitsune a few minutes before following; Kurama would just have to learn to live with the fact that his problems weren't only his own now; he didn't have to face them alone.

Kurama flicked on the kitchen light, setting tea to brew. Wearily, he settled into a chair at the table with a sigh, running long fingers through his unruly hair. He considered the accusing blue eyes he saw in his sleep; though he knew that Sumireina didn't hold him responsible for her brother's death, he still felt…guilty about it. The kitsune resisted the urge to groan; it seemed that after a lifetime of hiding, his conscience was unearthing itself with a vengeance. The longer he lived as a ningen, the stronger it got.

Kurama stared absently at a spot on the wall, replaying Suren's death over in his mind; this latest adventure with Sumi had brought back all the old memories. The youko wasn't blind; he had seen the shadows in Sumireina's eyes after she had emerged from the mountain cave in Hawaii, and had suspicions as to what had put them there. Those shadows were gone now, thank Inari, but that they had been there in the first place…

Lost in his quagmire of guilt and memory, Kurama was at first unaware of Hiei's presence in the room.

"Hn." The fire demon regarded him through narrowed eyes, his hands on his slender hips. Despite himself, Kurama couldn't help but notice how delectably rumpled and sexy his lover looked, and he felt the corners of his mouth quirk upward.

"Doushita, Hiei?" Kurama asked, keeping his tone light, his mask of careless unconcern slipping into place with unconscious ease, concealing the inner turmoil he had been wrestling with not five minutes ago.

"I could ask you the same thing," Hiei replied laconically, moving past the kitsune to pour them both some tea. He handed a mug to his lover and seated himself across from him, holding the emerald gaze with his ruby one.

Kurama felt his smile freeze as he denied the accusation once more. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine, Hiei, really." The spasmodic clenching of his fingers around his teacup, however, belied his words.

"Hn." Hiei gave his all-purpose answer and gently pried the cup out of Kurama's hands, setting it aside. Rising, he moved around to rub the slim shoulders, feeling the underlying strength and tension in them. "Uso," he growled, his tone almost affectionate. "Talk to me, fox." Hiei's patient response to Kurama's reticence surprised himself; preferring action to words, the fire demon was discovering as of yet unplumbed resources of the stuff. Especially when it came to dealing with this particular youko.

Kurama had almost as many walls and emotional barriers as he did, and getting him to open up was not always easy. Hiei snorted mentally; he was a fine one to talk There were times when even the ever-patient youko admitted that he felt like strangling him.

Kurama's head had started to droop; the long waterfall of red hair parted to reveal a white expanse of the kitsune's neck, and Hiei was hard pressed not to lean in and nuzzle the elegant arch. Sex would not solve this problem, no matter how pleasant a distraction it afforded.

"It's Suren." The confession was so quiet, Hiei had to strain to hear it. "It was a dream bout Suren." Even without the use of his Jagan, Hiei could feel the waves of almost tangible guilt rolling off of the youko. "He was my friend…and I killed him."

"But that wasn't really Suren," Hiei pointed out reasonably. "The youko you knew was already erased by the ocarina's power." The Suren that Kurama and Sumireina spoke of was nothing like the mad, obsessive ghost that Hiei and the other Tantei had met.

Sensing that guilt over Suren was not the only thing weighing down Kurama's mind, he prodded, "What else is bothering you?"

Kurama gave a self-mocking laugh. "I can't seem to keep anything from you anymore, ne, itoshii?" The shoulders beneath Hiei's hands slumped farther. "Something happened to Sumi when she was helping us, Hiei. Something that hurt her." Kurama's voice was laden with self-reproach. "I promised myself that nothing would hurt her again…not after the pain of losing her brother. Not if I could help it." /My promise to you, Suren…/

Hiei stoked the fall of red, running the silken locks between his fingers. "Sumi isn't a child, Kurama. She's only a few years younger that you - she can make her own decisions. You're treating her like you used to treat 'Kemi - as if you're responsible for everything that happens to them. She's already said that she doesn't blame you for anything. Leave it at that, fox." Hiei blinked, startled at his own volubility. Kurama must be rubbing off on him.

The kitsune made a noise of assent, becoming aware of the caressing strokes of Hiei's hand. Eager to banish his dark thoughts, Kurama leaned into them, arching his neck and purring sensually. He smiled as he heard Hiei's exasperated snort, emerald eyes closing with pleasure.

They were finally getting to spend time together; their time in Hawaii had been anything *but* relaxing, with volcano goddesses chasing after them and native youkai playing mind games.

Kurama gave a startled gasp as Hiei bit his neck softly, shuddering as a callused hand slipped into his robe to brush over a sensitive nipple. Reaching up, he dragged Hiei's head down to his for a heated kiss Hiei's hand slipped lower still, undoing the loose knot that held his robe together; the slender body writhed and the forest green material parted, sliding half-off a pale muscled shoulder.

Kurama tore his mouth away from Hiei's with a gasp. "Bedroom," he got out breathlessly, getting shakily to his feet and allowing his lover to lead him back to their room.

Disrobing, Kurama lay back and watched with eyes heavy-lidded with arousal as his lover divested himself of his own black robe. Hiei had a beautiful body, and he had exclusive rights to it. The kitsune clutched his lover possessively, hiding the fear that rose in him as he recalled how close he had come to losing the hot form in his arms. He needed this; he needed the reassurance of his lover's touch.

He bit Hiei's collarbone, leaving teethmarks and eliciting a growl in response. Kurama loved that sound; Hiei was *his* and he was going to stay that way, even if he had to go through omniscient goddesses to keep it like that. Then, Hiei's hand encircled him and Kurama lost all coherent thought.



Kurama stroked Hiei's slick hip languorously, on the brink of sleep. The fire demon's deep, steady breaths sent chills down his spine as it tickled flesh sensitized by their recent lovemaking. Emerald green eyes stared lovingly down at the beloved features before him; it was becoming increasingly rare, these intimate moments, and the kitsune treasured every one he and Hiei managed to steal.

Snagging the blanket, Kurama drew it over the two of them, pulling Hiei close. As his eyes fluttered shut, a nagging thought voiced itself; hana ni arashi…flowers before the storm. The youko couldn't help but wonder when the axe was going to fall.

* * *

From her place near the doors of the Reikai Library, Yuri watched Koenma and Botan make their way from is office to the gardens; a common sight, these days. Unlike the rest of the Reikai however, the violet-haired ferrygirl did not look upon the couple's budding relationship with favor.

Cornflower blue eyes watched jealously as Botan smiled up at Koenma. Clawlike, her fingers gripped the book clutched to her chest as Botan's tinkling laughter was heard.

Yuri was a quiet girl; despite her looks and coloring, she tended to fade into the woodwork when compared to her more outgoing coworkers. She was good at her job, going about it with a quiet efficiency that, while admired, attracted no real notice…which was why Koenma hardly knew she existed. Her huge blue eyes were filled with pain as the prince and the head ferrygirl walked side by side to lunch. Yuri wanted the prince; had wanted him for a long time. Now, faced with the possibility of 'losing' Koenma to another woman, Yuri hardened her resolve. She loved Koenma…and would do anything to have him. Sending the oblivious couple one last heartbroken glare, Yuri hurried away.

Rounding a corner, the violet-haired Spirit Guide collided with another body, making the other stumble back a few steps.

"Oof!" A feminine voice grunted; Yuri found herself staring up into brown eyes flecked with gold. "Daijoubu?" Takemi asked. Beside her, Kurama knelt to gather the books that had been dropped.

"H-hai. Arigatou," Yuri stammered, taking her book from Kurama. Uneasy, she moved around the siblings and continued on her way, unaware of the puzzled expressions on the other two's faces.

'Kemi shivered slightly, absently rubbing her arms. Concerned, Kurama asked, "'Kemi?" Green eyes observed her actions worriedly, though the youko's posture was relaxed.

Takemi shook herself, shrugging off the feeling of unease that hung over her. "Nan demo. Aniki, did you see the look in that ferrygirl's eyes?" ' Kemi stared thoughtfully in the direction Yuri had taken. She had seen a hint of something in those cornflower blue orbs that was familiar to her from her days as a Reikai Counselor; hurt, and the beginnings of anger.

"Iie, I didn't. Naze?" Kurama asked, curious. He had long since learned to trust his sister and her hunches; emotions *were* here forte.

Takemi shook her head; maybe she had just imagined it; it could be that the ferrygirl had just broken up with a lover. "Nevermind, aniki," she said, taking the book she had dropped from the redhead's hand. "Let's just hurry up and return this." She and Kurama resumed their walk to the Library.

The youko laughed softly, noting the nervous looks some of the oni threw their way; more than once, the redheaded Tantei caught sight of hands surreptitiously moving to protectively cover valuables. He caught his sister's amused eyes and smiled mischievously. "Ah, the wonders of a reputation. Somehow I don't think we'd be believed if we said that you're here to return a book, and I'm merely along for the ride," the kitsune mused, pushing open the Library doors and ushering 'Kemi in. Closing the heavy slabs of wood behind him, he chided, "But really, kit. A book from the Library? We *do* have our names to uphold." He watched as Takemi moved up and down the shelving ladder, trying to find the proper spot.

"So I 'borrowed' it for a little longer than normal. I always intended to return it." She saw Kurama's disbelief. "I'm returning it now, aren't I?" Gold flecks danced laughingly as Takemi threw the kitsune a teasing look. "Aniki, could you push me a little more to the left? I think the spot's over there."

Shaking his head fondly, the slender redhead moved to comply, their encounter with the strange ferrygirl forgotten.



Yuri made her way down to the lowest depths of the Reikai prison, searching for a particular cell. Here in the dank bowels of the imposing facility, the most dangerous criminals were housed in isolation. Halting before a barred and warded door, Yuri swallowed nervously and gathered her courage; this youki was known to be a strong telepath. Peering into the cell through the tiny barred window in the door, Yuri called, "Hokori-san?" Anxiously, her wide blue eyes scanned the tiny room for the shade-youkai.

Her eyes fell on the patch of room that was slightly darker than the rest of the gloom. "Hokori-san?" she called again.

Two glowing reptilian yellow eyes appeared in the shadows, pinning the ferrygirl with their gaze. Yuri felt a tremor go through her; never in all her years as a Spirit Guide had she seen such evil eyes. For a moment, she was tempted to turn back and not follow through with her plan. An image of Koenma in his adult bishounen form came to mind, and Yuri shook her head; she had waited too long for Koenma to let him go without a fight.

A voice, sluggish from the drain of the wards, echoed in her mind. /What does a Reikai Spirit Guide want with me?/ Hokori asked warily, not moving from it's spot.

"I - I'd like to make a deal." Yuri swallowed. Sensing that she had roused the youkai's interest, she continued. "If you help me in Koenma- sama away from Botan-san, I'll free you." The violet-haired ferrygirl was inwardly shaking with anxiety; a good person at heart, Yuri wondered in a tiny corner of her mind, if this was really the only avenue left to her.

Yuri watched as the shade youkai thought her proposal over and tried to keep calm. After an agonizing wait, Hokori agreed. /Wakatta. You have yourself a deal./ The glowing eyes narrowed, something sly and malicious glowing in their yellow-black depths. /It will take some time, though,/ Hokori warned.

Yuri nodded. "If it means having Koenma's love, I'll wait." From the sleeve of her kimono, Yuri withdrew a book; the same one that she had run into Takemi with. Flipping quickly to the page she had marked earlier, she chanted the binding spell, a slight tremor in her voice. Unskilled as she was in the use of magic, Yuri was unaware that the spell she had cast only prevented Hokori from turning on her and harming her physically; there was nothing to stop it from manipulating her mentally.

Falsely reassured of her safety, Yuri chanted the simple spell that unlocked the cell door and deactivated the wards. As Hokori emerged, the ferrygirl got her first good look at the youkai convict.

Yuri saw that it had no real form; a shade-youkai, Hokori was on with the shadows in the corridor, a dark mass of nothing. It's eyes and the slight darkening of the area it occupied were the only clues to its existence. That, and the powerful youki it exuded. Yuri felt a tendril of fear in her stomach, and Hokori looked at her knowingly, reptilian eyes shot through and rimmed with black. The youkai seemed to swell for a moment, then in a blink of an eye, was back to normal, it's youki muted, leaving Yuri to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing.

/I will need to observe the prince and this…Botan…before I take action,/ Hokori said urbanely.

Yuri nodded in agreement. "Koenma-sama and Botan-san spend a lot of time with the Urameshi Tantei and their families," she offered helpfully.

/Souka…The prince associates with ningen, hmm? I will need to go to the Ningenkai, in that case./ Yellow eyes narrowed on the violet-haired ferrygirl assessingly. /I can blend with your obi while you travel to the Ningenkai,/ it told Yuri. /I will ensure that I am not detected./



A few hours later, a handful of youkai and humans with the Sight noticed a dark puff of - something - in the sky above Tokyo. It was quickly dispersed by an errant breeze, and the Ningenkai inhabitants thought no more of it.

* * *

"Yukimura-san!"

Keiko stopped at the sound of her name, an inquiring smile on her lips. A young man, his face vaguely familiar, ran up to her, a charming smile lighting his face. "Hai?"

"Hisashiburi desu ne? How are you?" The man hugged the shocked girl briefly, then held her at arm's length. "You look wonderful," he observed, eyeing Keiko up and down.

Embarrassed, Keiko slapped his hands away and was about to deliver a blistering retort when she looked closer at the young man. "Hayashibara- kun? Is that you?" Keiko asked, recognizing the still smiling man as a classmate from junior high. "You've changed a lot!" she exclaimed in surprise.

Hayashibara's eyes flashed yellow for a split second. "Hai, I have," he agreed. Over Keiko's head, he spied Yuusuke approaching and bent his head toward hers. To onlookers, they looked like a couple parting ways. "I'll see you around, ne?" Spinning, Hayashibara walked swiftly away, leaving Keiko staring after him in surprise.

Rounding a corner, the young man slumped against a wall as a dark shadow pulled itself away from his body. Backtracking, Hokori caught up to Yuusuke and deftly merged with his mind.

"Oi! Keiko!" Yuusuke's angry voice immediately rubbed Keiko the wrong way. Hands on her hips, she turned to confront the young man she loved but currently wanted to smack.

"Nani, Yuusuke," she said, telling herself to keep calm. Just because the dark-haired man was using an offensive tone of voice with her didn't mean that she had to stoop to his level, Keiko reminded herself.

Yuusuke came down on her like a ton of bricks. "Just what was that all about?!" he demanded.

"What?" bewildered, Keiko stared at him as if he'd gone crazy.

For some reason, Keiko's question only served to make Yuusuke angrier. Jealousy burned through him, mildly shocking him with the depth of it's ferocity. "Whaddaya mean, what? You and that guy!" The scene he had beheld replayed itself before him; *his* Keiko with some guy - that *wasn't* him!

Keiko was getting angry. No, angry wasn't the right word. Furious was more like it. "What about it? Hayashibara-kun is an old friend that I haven't seen in a long time, and we were just saying hello!" Uncaring of what they looked like standing there shouting at each other, Keiko glared at Yuusuke, hurt and incensed. "I can't believe you're getting mad over something like that. You don't own me, Urameshi Yuusuke, and I'll talk to whoever I want!" Without waiting for a reply, she stormed off, fighting her tears. /How could he be so - so - ! I thought he trusted me more than that!/

Yuusuke watched Keiko leave, then ran a hand through his hair, frustrated and angry, not noticing the shadow that discreetly detached itself from him. /Why did I treat Keiko like that? I know she'd never do anything like what I accused her of…I trust her more than that. So why…?/ Confused, the dark-haired young man went on his way, trying to sort out his thoughts.

* * *

Ice blue eyes stared at him, fully sane and filled with determination. "Stand aside Kurama, and let me have the ocarina." The cold gaze flicked to the vixen behind the silver youko, showing no hesitation or remorse.

"Suren, no! You can't control it's powers!" Kurama tried to reason with the other youko.

"I *will* have the ocarina!" Suren roared, forming a fireball.

The force of the blast knocked Kurama and Sumi off their feet, and sent the ocarina skittering off to the side. Both Suren and Kurama made a mad dash for it; in her panicked haste, Sumi threw shards of ice at them both. Seeing a projectile heading for him, Kurama snapped his wrist, forming his whip. He used it to deflect the wickedly sharp ice and it spun away at a different angle…into Suren's chest.

All three watched with identical expressions of shock and horror as red blossomed on the fire youko's chest, staining his tunic as Suren slumped over, lifeless. Wide ice eyes stared glassily at Kurama, a silent accusation in their depths.

"Oniichan!" It was a cry of loss, torn from the depths of a soul that had lost it's twin, a link irreparably severed. Sobbing, Sumireina stumbled over to her brother's body, cradling him in her arms. Huge emerald eyes met narrow gold as she shot a question at the silver-haired figure standing before the siblings in numb shock. "How could you?"

Suddenly, Takemi was standing there was well. "Why?" she asked, gold- flecked eyes wide and pained.

Shaking his head, Kurama backed away. "Kurama…" The youko turned in horror and trepidation to face Kuronue's burning cobalt gaze. "Why?"

"Why do you always hurt the ones you love?"

Golden eyes closed in anguish; the tiniest flare of youki, and the clearing was filled with pollen. "We will forget…" A tragedy erased; history rewritten.

"Uso!" Kurama slowly realized that he was in bed, shouting his denials. He lay there, clenching his fists in the blankets; Hiei was currently back in the Makai on business for Mukuro, and with Takemi currently back in her own little pocket plane, he was alone in the house. "That wasn't how it happened," he said aloud, pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. "It wasn't like that." Wasn't it?

The redhead threw himself out of bed. "Suren was gone by the time the shard hit him - I saw his eyes!" A cool, mocking voice asked if he was sure. After all, it had happened a *long* time ago…And what of the last question? Was it not painfully true? How long would it be before he hurt Hiei?

Kurama went out onto the balcony, shivering slightly in the early morning air, goosebumps raising on his arms as his body temperature dropped. It was nothing compared to the chill that was settling deep inside of him, though. The first seeds of doubt had been planted in the kitsune's mind, and when the sun rose, it found the slender form outside, brooding.



Hokori watched the reactions of its three victims with amusement. The other two, Urameshi and his woman, had been surprisingly easy to influence. The shade-youkai's yellow-black eyes glittered balefully. The son of Raizen was so pathetically…*human*. A third of the Makai was under his control and the boy was unsure of his relationship with a slip of a ningen girl.

Hokori hid itself in the folds of Yuri's obi; it's work in the Ningenkai was done for the moment. All the non-psychic members of the Reikai Tantei were now under his influence; it was almost too easy. It was time to pay a visit to the Reikai brat and his whore; there was a bargain to be upheld.

* * *

Koenma slept restlessly, rumpling the sheets of the huge bed that occupied his room.

He was back in the gardens again, the penny in his hand. Bronze eyes stared at it in surprise; hadn't he done this before? The prince felt a wondering smile spread across his face as he fingered the small brown coin. He might not be superstitious, but much had happened since he'd made his wish. It was better not to push his luck.

Following a neat path, Koenma soon found himself standing in front of the very fountain he had contemplated not too long ago. The clear water bubbled forth, a light mist rising to cool against his skin. The whole image soothed and calmed the mind and senses, as it was meant to. Gazing down into the crystal depths of the fountain, Koenma toyed with the copper coin.

/Do you really believe that foolish story about a wish?/ a jeering voice asked. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, surrounding Koenma completely.

"Iie," Koenma admitted softly, gazing down at the penny in his hand. "It's good to honor other customs, though." His bronze eyes crinkled, not really seeing what was before him. Instead, Koenma saw wide rose-colored eyes and sky blue hair drawn back into a ponytail, tendrils of the wavy stuff framing an expressive face.

/Oh yes, honoring other customs is a noble thing indeed, especially when the charm works,/ the cool voice agreed. The fountain disappeared; in its place was a wide, yawning abyss.

/Nani?!/ The prince's head snapped up, his bronze eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?" he demanded. "Who are you?"

/Come now, Koenma-*sama*,/ the voice mocked. /You didn't *really* think that Botan could feel something more than friendship for you, did you?/ The prince's stunned silence was answer enough. /You did? What a fool. Botan feels sorry for you; she sees how alone you are and thinks to take care of you. To her you are merely a friend - a friend she feels obligated to look after./ Malicious laughter filled the garden as the brown penny slipped from suddenly cold fingers. /Or maybe…she wants the prestige that comes with associating with a prince, even one as pathetic as you. Maybe…she doesn't even consider you a friend./

As if in slow motion, Koenma watched the coin fall into the black abyss, stirring icy currents of air that made him shudder as they stroked his face. Cruel laughter washed over him, following him into wakefulness.

Haunted bronze eyes opened, taking stock of his darkened surroundings. The voice's words had hit home sharply, playing on Koenma's doubts and insecurities with unerring skill. The prince shuddered, reaching up to touch the spot where 'Jr' was emblazoned on his forehead. How could she love him? he mused sadly. It was foolish of him to have thought so in the first place, now that he stopped to consider it.

Things like love didn't happen to godlings like him; they were never so lucky. But oh, it had felt so good to dream.

* * *

Botan curled up in the large comfortable chair placed in a secluded corner of the Reikai Library, a book in hand. For some reason she was restless tonight; after an hour or so of tossing, she had come to the Library in hopes of doing some reading…or at least finding a distraction from the face that was starting to appear more frequently in her dreams. A face that belonged to the one who was the cause of her confusion.

Botan frowned; her feelings for Koenma ran deeper than mere friendship, she knew. But was it love? In any case, it was inappropriate to feel such things towards her boss - who also happened to be the young god of death. Wrinkling her smooth brow, the ferrygirl buried her nose in her book; she wouldn't build her hopes up, she resolved firmly. She would read and forget about her love life for a few hours.

The door to the Library swung open, and Botan looked up from her cozy niche to see a violet-haired figure enter the room. It was another ferrygirl. "Konban wa, Yuri-san," she greeted the other Spirit Guide politely.

Something indecipherable flickered in Yuri's cornflower eyes, gone before Botan could register it. "Konban wa, Botan-san," the other ferrygirl returned. Social niceties over, Botan returned to her book while Yuri put the text she held back in it's proper spot on the shelf.

Botan sensed rather than saw Yuri's approach, and looked up inquiringly. "Hai, Yuri-san?" she asked curiously.

Her manner hesitant, Yuri twisted her clasped hands, to all purposes indecisive of her actions. Concerned, Botan offered a seat, which Yuri readily accepted, sinking down gratefully opposite the head ferrygirl. Trying to reassure, the blue-haired Spirit Guide leaned forward slightly. "Saa, Yuri-san. What's bothering you?"

"Botan-san," Yuri began haltingly, looking uncomfortable and painfully embarrassed, "You…like Koenma-sama, ne?"

Botan's book fell to her lap as she was caught off guard in surprise. Her cheeks flushed as she examined the fine print of her kimono. The very thing she had been trying desperately not to think about was now in the open, forcing her to examine her feelings honestly.

It was more than friendship on her part; what she felt for Koenma gave her a warm glow within. Common interests and dedication to their jobs were only a part of the bigger picture. Botan realized that she welcomed the idea of spending eternity with the prince, working at his side as a friend, partner…and lover. "H-hai, I do. Very much." There. She'd said it, admitted it out loud. There would be no going back on her part.

Still focused on her lap, Botan missed the poisonous look Yuri leveled at her. The time spent in Hokori's company under his influence was changing the violet-haired ferrygirl, bringing out the darker emotions in her personality. The evil expression was quickly covered as Yuri continued her ruse.

Grabbing Botan's hand gently in a gesture of support, Yuri said in a concerned tone, "Botan-san, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, onegai. But please, please don't get too involved with Koenma-sama." Cornflower blue eyes gazed earnestly into startled rose. "He's too busy with is job, and he…he won't be able to spend much time with you. Botan- san, I like you too much to not say anything…please be careful. The prince…I overheard him talking to Saotome-san, telling him what a good friend you are to him." Yuri felt a flash of triumph at the pain that blossomed in the head ferrygirl's rose eyes.

She went in for the killing blow. "And…Koenma-sama *is* the prince. He'll have to marry someday." Unspoken was the fact that whomever Koenma married would undoubtedly be a goddess, something both ferrygirls were keenly aware that Botan was *not*, and therefore unsuitable.

Yuri squeezed Botan's hand, the blue-haired girl having gone quiet and pale during Yuri's 'friendly' warning. The other Spirit Guide pretended not to notice Botan's reaction as she patted her hand comfortingly. "I hope you're not mad at me, Botan-san…I don't want to see you badly hurt, that's all," she said compassionately.

Rising, Yuri bid the ashen, silent figure in the chair goodnight. When she turned away to leave, a malicious smile twisted her lips, and a dark shadow lurked just behind her. If anyone had seen Yuri then, they would have noted that in the dim light of the corridor, her cornflower eyes seemed…yellow.