The Child of Destiny
chapter 4
by Karrafear

Author's note: Oh I hope I get to finish this before the year is over. As always Disclaimers on the Yu Yu Hakusho cast are owned by someone or something else, they are not mine. Well, it's up finally. I'm very sorry for those of you who had to wait soooo long for this to come out. Well, you can stop giving me the evil eye and read on in your own time.
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The Child of Destiny
Chapter Four: Tough cookie
By Shella

**************
Genki's temple
**************

With a battle warning, Miyuki charged at Hiei, fist in front waiting to punch him. Hiei merely glanced at her reaction and jumped out of her way in the last millisecond. Miyuki saw the reaction and did a back flip to position herself again for another strike and then performed a quick side kick from the air in Hiei's direction. Hiei's blurred image disappeared again to reappear on the other side of the room. Hiei was literary playing with her, he hasn't even made a move against her yet. The audience watch with keen eyes.

+Damn it! He is just too fast! How can I attack him if he keeps on dodging my kicks and punches?+ Miyuki's heart and mind are racing. More flips, kicks and punches made by Miyuki in an attempt of at least coming close to hitting Hiei. Hiei dodged or moved away from position in every attempt. Miyuki was quickly becoming frustrated. She knows she has to improve her speed if she is ever to beat Hiei. Miyuki learnt a small technique from Kurama, which she thinks, might be able to help. This technique relies on closing your eyes, and using your ears to focus and be able to create an image in your mind of your enemy and their positions by hearing their movement. (This technique was developed by Yomi). She closes her eyes and focused all her attention on hearing Hiei's movements and trying to anticipate his next move. Miyuki did a triple back flip still with her eyes closed and it was followed by kick slide which just miss it's target as Hiei saw the move coming and jumped off the ground.

+She's becoming smarter.+ Hiei grit his teeth. He was still not willing to risk his sister's tears if he hurt Miyuki in any way. +But Mukuro did ask me to try her skills out.+

+It's working! Now, how do I make myself become faster?+ Miyuki thought.

Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Kurama are shocked by the new move of Miyuki. None of them ever taught her how to do flips in the air like that. Mr Fuji explained that Miyuki use to do Gymnastics before her mother's death to improve her health. This would explain the flips but it did not explain how Miyuki knew where Hiei was going to be before he went there. They were starting to be very involved in the fight. Yuusuke and Kuwabara are visibly cheering on Miyuki to beat Hiei. Kurama watched the whole thing
in silent interest.

Yuusuke: Go Miyuki! You're doing great! Remember what we taught you!!

Kuwabara: Come On Miyuki! You can beat that shrimp, come on!

Kurama after debating on who he should be supporting, one his best friend, the other his best student, he finally decided who he should help and support.

Kurama: Miyuki, listen to the wind and follow it. Flow with the speed of the wind!

Hiei was stunned that his friend would chose to cheer Miyuki and not him. In his heart, a sense of jealousy is building but he doesn't understand why. +Fine then, doesn't matter who he cheers for, I'm going to win.+

With the last advice from Kurama in mind, Miyuki concentrated more on listening and her own movement. +I mustn't run or jump in a straight line. The wind doesn't do that, I must follow the wind's movement. Twist and turn. Follow the air.+ With this, Miyuki started moving in a weird direction. Instead of moving straight, her steps twist and turned in many directions. Her running is broken by several jumps and flips for no apparent reason but one thing was definitely clear, she was becoming
faster. Hiei was shocked by the new improvement. +Her movement is like...mine!!!+ Hiei's movement was usually so fast that no one would be able to see the different steps taken for him to go from one destination to the next. Miyuki, after a few minutes of practice, she now understands Hiei's speed and the technique of reaching that speed. +He's still to fast for me because he is experienced, and he has his Jagan. Hiei may have the advantage but I've got determination.+ thought Miyuki as she smiles.

The crowd is shocked at the rate the two fighters are going. They are fighting at full speed now. Hiei's blurry black form blinks now and then in different parts of the room. Miyuki's body has also vanished with her speed following in Hiei's footsteps. Hiei finally decides that he is not going to run anymore. He stops moving for an instant waiting for Miyuki. Miyuki appeared in front of him. With a millisecond to spare and no indication that Hiei moved his hands at all, Miyuki was bashed with a punch so powerful that she was thrown across the room, smashed through the
wooden walls and landed on the concrete floor outside. The fight is over.

Yukina and the others immediately ran to Miyuki's side to see if she was okay. Hiei turned his back towards them and walked to the corner where his belongings are.

Miyuki: Wait..... the fight isn't over yet.

Hiei turns around to face Miyuki. Her face is a bit dirty but except for that she was fine. He didn't use that much force after all. The fight re-commenced. This time, after watching Hiei's fighting techniques, Miyuki is well aware of the extent of Hiei's skills and she is more cautious than before. They each threw several punches and kicks at each other, always being blocked by one or the other. Yuusuke and Kurama are impressed by Miyuki's learning capability. Hiei is starting to find it a hard task to
win Miyuki, +How did she get to be so fast? Damn! She's better than I thought+ Hiei was distracted for a split second when he heard Yukina's yelp and it resulted in Hiei being kicked in the face when Miyuki did a front flip with a jump kick at the same time. Hiei was phased for a moment but got back up. Now, he was in no mood to play around anymore. That kick to the jaw really hurt. He readied his stance and when the chance developed as Miyuki charged at him. He dodged her attack, spun around at performed a flying kick right into Miyuki's neck and face.
Miyuki landed a few meters away, unconscious.

Yukina and the others immediately ran to her aid again. Kurama studied Miyuki for a while and signed in relief.

Kurama: She is okay. She just got the wind knocked out of her, that's all.

Kuwabara: Hiei! You didn't have to hit her that hard! She's only a GIRL!!

Yuusuke: Yeah Hiei! Did you really have to knock her out.

Hiei: Hn! +Why does every one always favour _her_?+

*************
Fuji Mansion
*************

It has been several hours since the fight between Hiei and Miyuki inside Genkai's temple. Since then, the entire group have returned to the Fuji mansion to let the still unconscious Miyuki rest. After a long period of time with only silence in the room, Kurama finally decided to liven up the atmosphere in the room.

Kurama: So, Hiei, what did you come back for? I mean you've been gone for so long, we weren't sure what are Enki's plans for the future.

Hiei still in a hot tempered mood, chose his words carefully in
describing the events which happened. He didn't want Yukina to get upset again twice in the he same day. He has already felt really bad to make her worry during the fight. After Miyuki regained consciousness, she convinced everyone that she was okay, and that Hiei didn't really hurt her at all. No one bought the story since Miyuki wasn't a very good liar.

Yuusuke: What?! They want to bring her back to the Makai again? Is
that such a good idea?

Kuwabara: Yeah? What if the same thing happened again? Should we take the risk?

Kurama: It can't be helped. It's the only way to be sure she is on our side.

Koenma: I agree. But we can't bring her back until she is truly ready.

Albert: This time around, I'm coming as well.

Hiei: Oh no you're not!

Albert: Just watch me!

Keiko: But the Makai is so dangerous, will Miyuki be safe?

Yukina: Indeed, can we trust Mukuro, Enki and Yomi?

Miyuki: GUYS!!!!!! (everyone stopped talking) Let me decide......

Everyone agreed to listen to Miyuki's point of view.

Miyuki: I'll go.....but can I have 3 days to prepare myself this time round? (looking at Hiei, Koenma, Kurama, Yuusuke and Kuwabara)

The boys all nodded. They know this isn't going to be easy on her. Especially after what she has been through.

************
The next day
************

Miyuki: LET'S GO SHOPPING!!!!

Miyuki is in an incredibly good mood today. She dragged everyone out of bed early in the morning. By 7 o'clock, the entire Urameshi group and the girls were ready to go on a shopping spree, with Mr Fuji providing the finances. His excuse was that they all deserved some financial privileges since everyone have worked so hard to protect his daughter. So, they all went off in a huge limousine to the biggest mall in all of Japan. Even poor Hiei was dragged for the ride.

Once at the mall, they all split up to smaller groups to look for
what ever they want. They were all given a credit card holding about 100 000 yen for credit. Keiko and Shizuru went off looking for clothes. Yuusuke and Kuwabara went to play some video games at the video arcade. Kurama went to a massive bookshop to look for some interesting books. Miyuki, Yukina and Boton walked around the place and spent some time at the pet store playing with the animals. Hiei stood outside the biggest ice-cream shop in the entire mall and bought almost every variety of ice-cream they sell.

For lunch, everyone hopped on the limousine, drove to one of Japan's most famous restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal. Yuusuke and Kuwabara were stuffing their face full of food. Keiko and Shizuru were incredibly embarrassed by their rude table manners that they had to knock the boys out several time through out the course of the meal. Hiei ate in quiet contemplation. His favourite was the magnificent Chocolate choc chip cake with cream and other nice lollies on it as decoration. Overall, the meal was utterly delightful. The best lunch they every ate. Even Hiei had to admit the talent of Ningen's cooking.

After lunch, they decided to do more shopping. Of course, Hiei was
not very impressed as he was 'literary' dragged away by the group
to a fashionable clothes shop. He was forced to try some of the
ningen's clothes on. Hiei looked really good in almost all the out
fit. There was a huge crowd of girls standing outside the shop drooling over the gorgeous little fire demon. First, the red and white sport jacket with black T-shirt and blue jeans. Next, a red leather jacket also with a black T-shirt, and grey jeans. Linen, white pants with a dark purple 'Kelvin Cline' shirt. A white sleeve-less shirt with white pants. A green jacket, blue jacket and the list go on and on. This was actually Miyuki's idea. She has never seen Hiei in any other colour except black, so she decided that it was high time he tried to wear something else. Hiei complained but was no match as all the boys grabbed both his arms and legs and carried him into the store. After hours of trying different clothes on, Hiei was finally released from the torture as it was the other boys' turn to try clothes out.

Hiei: Ridiculous! Stupid Ningens and their stupid *&^% *&%$##*^%$&F$@#$3!(Hiei is FUMMING!!!!)

Miyuki: Here! Have one! (cheery voice, gleaming eyes)

Miyuki handed Hiei a cone filled to the top by multicoloured ice creams. Miyuki snuck out a few minutes earlier because she was becoming bored. Hiei eyed the ice cream hungrily but would not accept it due to his pride.

Hiei: I don't want one. (and resumed his cool complexion)

Miyuki shrugs her shoulders and walked over to two children sitting on a bench.

Miyuki: Hey, would you like this? (handing them 2 ice cream cones with ice cream)

Children1: Yes, please....... (eying it hungrily)
Children 2: Could we really? (drooling)

Child's mother: Oh no, that wouldn't be fair. You bought it so you should have it.

Miyuki: Oh no, it's no trouble. I kinda bought too much, so if they want it, they can have it as a present.

Child's mother: Okay then, if you insist. Thank the miss.

Children together: Thank you, miss! (both received their prize)

Mother and her twins walked slowly away with Miyuki watching them. She has forgotten what having a mother felt like. It was good to see others who have mothers to care for them. She turned around to face the rest of the group.

Hiei was not happy. +That ice cream was suppose to be MINE!!!!+ Hiei may be a very proud Youkai, but he is also hungry. +If I knew she was going to give it away, I would of grabbed it instantly!+ Hiei started to regret the moment when he had his chance. Suddenly, an out stretched hand holding another ice cream cone with ice cream appeared in front of him.

Hiei: Uh?

Yukina: Here Hiei-san, have one. Miyuki and I bought too much.

Hiei thanked his little sister and started eating his ice cream with glee. Then he noticed that they really did buy way too much ice cream. His eyes bulged when he saw dozens of cones with ice cream on them placed in holed boxes to hold them up. It seemed that the girls ordered the wrong number and the ice cream assistant thought they said 30 instead of 13.

With a full stomach filled with ice cream, the group reluctantly decided to go home. It was reluctant because the girls still wanted to shop some more while the boys were so fat and full that they literary couldn't move. They had to be carried out of the shopping centre by many strong men employed by Mr Fuji. Once home (Fuji Mansion), they rested waiting for the ice cream to digest. Kuwabara and Yuusuke both ate 10 cones of ice-cream each, leaving Kurama and Hiei to share 10 other cones, while the rest just had one each.

******************
The day after that
******************

The next day was just as fun. Miyuki wanted to go to the beach! This meant that everyone was dragged for the ride. Once, they reached the beach, they discovered that there was a fun fair held near by. Yuusuke decided that they will stay at the beach in the morning, and move on to the fun fair after lunch. Yukina, Miyuki, Boton and Keiko quickly jumped in the water to have a nice morning's swim. The sky was blue and the waves were not too high, it was the perfect scenery. Kurama played beach volleyball with Koenma, they were against another team of two. Kuwabara wanted to be wild and tried water skiing. It was all good except for the fact that because he wanted to show off to Yukina, he kept loosing his grip and constantly fell into the water. Shizuru and
Albert went scuba diving while Yuusuke was high and dry, strapped to a parachute, toed by a high speed boat, flying through the air. It was exhilarating, having the wind go against your face, feeling the breeze, as high or even higher than the sea gulls. Shouting rude comments on his friends under neath, Yuusuke had the perfect view of the entire beach and Tokyo city. He was not afraid of heights so he was having a great time up there in the air. It's the closest thing to actually flying.

All was well for the others, however, Hiei was having an absolutely miserable time at the beach. For a fire demon, he was _baking_ under all his black robes - Miyuki tried to convince him to wear something else like a T-shirt and shorts, but he refused. Not to mention, all the others were having such a good time, that they totally forgot about him, ignoring him as if he doesn't exist. +Fine! If that's the way they want to play it, who needs them any way!+ Hiei's temper was higher than usual, or it could be due to the high temperature. Hiei also noticed that his skin is becoming increasingly red in colour for some odd reason. He was feeling hot but refused to take his clothes off, instead he stood in the shade under a (not very big) tree. Hiei is considerably dehydrated from being under the sun too long but he didn't understand nor care about his condition. That didn't mean that other people didn't. Hiei didn't notice the two figures coming towards him.

Miyuki: You okay, Hiei? You look sick.

Hiei: Go away and leave me alone, woman! (snapping back)

Yukina: Hiei-san! Your face is all red! (worried)

Miyuki put her hand on the forehead of Hiei (who is trying to shove her off).

Miyuki: You've got a fever.

Hiei: I'm a FIRE DEMON! I'm suppose to be hot!

Suddenly, a bucket of water was thrown at Hiei, which soaked him totally. Hiei was ready to slash the person to pieces until he found out that it was Yukina who has thrown it in the first place.

Yukina: I thought it might help cool you down a bit. (innocently)

Hiei was torn from being nice to his little sister and wanting to scream at the top of his lungs out of frustration. Miyuki searched through her beach bag looking for something.

Miyuki: Ah! Found it!

She threw a small container over to Hiei, whom Hiei caught easily. He eyed the plastic container suspiciously.

Miyuki: It's sun cream. It helps block out the harmful U.V. rays from the sun on your skin so you won't be sun burnt!

Hiei didn't understand anything she was talking about, but he was not willing to owe Miyuki for any help. He refused to use it of course.

Yukina: Hiei-san, it really is very good. It lets you feel cool under the hot sun. Please Hiei-san, just put it on and it'll stop your skin from becoming red! Please use it, Hiei-san!

Under the pleading eyes of his beloved sister, how could Hiei say no. He didn't. Miyuki and Yukina left Hiei under the tree after watching him carefully applying the sun cream onto his skin. Satisfied that they have made him take care of himself, they skipped happily back into the water. Once again, Hiei was alone. He longed to be with others but he will never admit it to others, or even himself. He watched jealously how the others were having fun, how they laughed and cheered with happiness. His jealousy turns to anger. +Stupid ningens and their stupid customs, idiots,
how ridiculous and futile, utterly useless.....+ And he continue to curse.

Finally lunch time, the group walked to a local ramen shop and ordered several large bowls of ramen. Everyone had enjoyed the first half of the day with the exception of Hiei. He was eating his noodles slowly and really didn't have any appetite what so ever. So deep in thought, he didn't even notice Kurama's worried gaze over him.

Kurama: You okay, Hiei?

Hiei: I'm FINE! (snapped back)

Hiei stood up and left the rest of the group without finishing his ramen. Kurama stood up and started following him. Hiei stopped under a palm tree near by and sat down waiting. His eyes slowly closing and he concentrated on the sound of the wind and the air flow.

Kurama: What's wrong? (worried expression)

Hiei:......nothing.

Kurama: It's doesn't look like nothing to me. Come on, I'm your friend. You can tell me.

Hiei:......I don't know what's wrong.

Kurama: What do you mean you don't know what's wrong?

Hiei: It's just that .... I feel nervous and agitated by so much noise, so much heat, so many people. It's very irritating being around so many ningens.

Kurama: You never complained before?~!

Hiei: Well, I've never felt so insecure before.....(serious tone)

Kurama: _Insecure_? What do you mean, Hiei?

Hiei: Ah! You'll never understand! Just forget about it.

Hiei looked in another direction, facing away from his friend's worried look. Kurama: +What's wrong with him? I've never seen him like this before.I wonder if it has something to do with the latest attacks, or is it Mukuro ordering him to become a bodyguard? He's never shut me out like this before, it must be serious, what ever it is that is bugging him so.+

Hiei: +What is wrong with me? How am I suppose to find a cure if I keep on pushing my friends away like this? Why am I so moody all of a sudden? Ahh! I can't take this any more! Why do I feel so suspicious of everyone? Why am I so angry at them? Why?????+
Voice: Because you _hate_ them, you _hate_ all of them.
+Who's that? Who said that? Who is in my mind driving me insane??? They are my friends! I don't hate them!+
Voice: Is that so? Well, they _hate_ you.
FLASH BACK
Kuwabara: Shrimp! Dieeeeeee!!!!!!

Hiei covered his ears, and clutched his burning head, he shut his eyes tightly, and almost collapsed from the burning mental image.

Hiei: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?

Kurama violently shook Hiei back into reality. Finally, Hiei even though dazed a bit emerged out of his sudden abyss.

Kurama: Hiei! Are you okay? Hiei! Snap out of it!

Hiei: Kurama?.....I'm fine....now.

Kurama loosen his grip: What just happened to you?

Hiei was silent for a long time trying to gather some words of explanation.
FLASHBACK
Voice: Well, they _hate_ you.
Hiei's lips tightened and said: Nothing. It was nothing.

The whole commotion was over. Every one left the ramen shop and was walking towards the fun fair. Hiei tried to hide most of his insecurity by keeping quiet and out of attention. Yukina gave him worried looks now and again but overall, everyone have either forgotten about the whole incident or simply ignored the fact that it happened in the first place.

Finally they all reached the fun fair by walking all the way. Once again, they split up into smaller groups to ride different rides. Keiko and Yuusuke went off in one direction, Shizuru and Albert in another direction, Yukina and Kuwabara went in another direction and Boton and Koenma went in another direction. This then left only 3 people: Hiei, Kurama and Miyuki.

Miyuki wanted to go on as many rides as possible and there fore she is always accompanied by her 'teacher' Kurama. And since Hiei was the only one left, he gets tagged along for the ride as well. First they went on the pirate ship which swung from one side to the next. They all sat at the end row of the ship, when the ship swung to the top, they lift their hands up while it swung down. Hiei was actually starting to enjoy himself. It was rather thrilling and exhilarating being pulled through the air like that.
The sensation was similar but different to the way he feels when he jumps from place to place in high speeds. Next they played bumper cars, Hiei really enjoyed bumping _hard_ into his opponent's cars, while Kurama prefers to ride around and try not to bump into people. Poor Miyuki was continuously bumped by everyone because her car was the slowest of them all and Hiei
literary always bumps her intentionally -- probably as revenge for all the times she slapped him. After that, They went on the roller coaster ride, which Hiei found was even better than the pirate ship. He liked the speed and the pulsing sensation when your face and hands are pushed through the air at high speeds. Hiei also enjoyed the falling sensation where by the heart skips a few bits due to fear and excitement in combination. However,
he didn't expect Miyuki would all of a sudden grab onto his shirt and scream half way through the ride. Miyuki didn't feel very good after that, she felt sick.

Miyuki: I shouldn't of eaten so much ramen.......

Her face was pale. Hiei tried very hard not to snicker but he couldn't help but feel that she finally got what she disserved. +It was her choice to want to go on that ride in the first place.+ Kurama watched his pupil closely and decided that she will not go on any more of those high speed rides.

Later on, the threesome went to experience a simulation ride. The simulation was based on the theme of aliens invading this fun fair and the people watching the simulation is in one of the spaceships trying to protect the fair. Basically, everyone watched with great interest, even Hiei who had never been in a simulation ride before. After the space ship have been blasted to tiny pieces, the ride ended and everyone had to get out. Hiei
was rather disappointed that his ship was shot out of the sky and exploded when it hit the ground. Kurama, Miyuki and Hiei enjoyed the simulation ride so much so, that they decided to go on the second simulation ride. This time, the theme is on space travel. Once again, the audience in on a space ship travelling through space and blasting other alien space crafts to bits. The ride ended when the ship docked on a larger spaceship. They then wanted
to go on the third and last simulation ride which is based on a small craft travelling through a human body. After this ride, everyone's appetite was very low.

By now, it was time to leave, so everyone gathered together, hopped on to the limousine and went home. After such a tiresome day, all of them are exhausted and went straight to bed, even the boys. Miyuki stayed up however, she had plans for tomorrow. She snuck into the kitchen and stayed there all night long. Hiei however could not sleep very well. He had forgotten about the 'voice' when he went on all those rides but now, it has returned to haunt him again.

Voice: Who do you think you are? Some hot shot who gains respect from those who fear you? You're so naive. People don't fear you, they _hate_ you, they're just playing around with you, boy! You are nothing, nothing of worth! You useless pile of junk! You are the FORBIDDEN CHILD!!!!

Hiei's eyes snapped wide opened. +What was that dream about? What does it mean? And _who_ is that irritating voice?+ Hiei was breathing hard and he was also sweating. +Why am I sweating? Am I afraid? What should I be afraid of?+ Hiei was so confused, he wanted to talk to someone. He turned to his friends, whom are sleeping soundly in their beds. Hiei eyes them jealously, filled with resentment and a bit of anger. +Why is it I'm the only one going through this? It's not fair! How come they can sleep so
peacefully?+ With a heavy sigh, Hiei returned to sleep only to reawaken again from another horrible dream.

Voice: You think you're so great, don't you? Let me tell you something, you have absolutely nothing! You're a useless piece of inconvenience which others just put up with for the time being. Do you really think Yukina will accept you if she knew you were her brother? Do you really think she wants a murderer like _you_ as her brother? I bet She'd rather _DIE_. Do you really believe your friends actually appreciate you? They only use you for your skills. Once they mastered your techniques, they have no more use for you and you will be left with nothing.....nothing....

Hiei sat up in his bed abruptly. +That is it! I can't stand it any more!+ Hiei got off the bed, opened the window and hopped out. +Maybe a midnight walk will be able to clear my mind.+ With this thought, Hiei slowly relaxed into his normal, cold composure. The 'voice' didn't return. Hiei kept walking around the empty streets all night long watching the surrounding night lights and buildings. After feeling a bit more comfortable, he decided to spend the rest of the night up a tree to get some rest. And so he did until day break.

************
The Next Day
************

The next morning started out late. Everyone slept in. By the time the boys woke up, they could already smell the wonderful scent in the air. The smell of yummy FOOD. Kuwabara was the first to notice it. It smelt like sweet honey cakes, or the freshly baked buns in the morning. Yuusuke soon followed while Kurama was more curious as to the whereabouts of Hiei to notice the smell. Once out of bed and neatly dressed, the boys went to the kitchen to see what the cooks are up to this morning. What they found
was Miyuki hard at work scrapping nicely baked cookies off the pan. The smell was emitting from the cookies. Yuusuke snuck up behind the table, his hand slowly descended upon the cookies ready to grab it, it would have been successful if Miyuki hadn't seen it coming and smashed her spatula right on top of his hand.

Yuusuke: OOOUUUUHHHHHH!!!! WHAT WAS THAT FOR? (holding his swollen hand)

Miyuki: For trying to steal _my_ cookies!

Yuusuke: What! It's going to be eaten anyway, so how come I can't have the first bite.

Miyuki: This is for tomorrow, and I will not have you finishing off all my cookies. Knowing you, you'll probably finish it off in a few seconds.

Kuwabara: We just wanted to test out whether the cookies are edible or not, that's all. (innocently)

Shizuru: Well, that's very thoughtful of you, but you don't have to worry. It is edible because if it weren't; Keiko, Yukina, Boton and I would have already had food poisoning by now.

Yuusuke: What! You've already tested the cookies? That's not fair!

Keiko: Of course, Miyuki asked us to be her taste tester. And the cookies are absolutely delicious.

Kurama: Really? Miyuki, I didn't know you could cook?

Miyuki: This is my mother's recipe, I found her cook book the other day and wanted to try it out. I remembered my mother was a great cook and I especially loved her cookies.

Yuusuke: Hey! Where's Hiei? It's not like him to miss out on breakfast?

Hiei was still resting peacefully on his lonely branch, that is until the 'voice' returned again.

Voice: Wake up! You Baka! It's morning already and I'm sure your _friends_ will not appreciate it if they have to wait for you.

Hiei: +Will you shut UP?!+

Voice: Why should I? Sooner or later, you'll go insane and I'll take over your body.

Hiei: +Is that what you're after? My body?+

Voice: Hell no, I want to drive you insane. I want to hear you scream for agony and pain. I want to watch you loose all your friends and live a lonely existence. I want your mind, body and soul to be torn to pieces before I'm satisfied.

Hiei: +Go away! LEAVE ME ALONE! WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH?+

Voice: I don't hate you! I just want you to suffer!

Hiei's eyes snapped wide open, his breath is very heavy. +That Mongrel!+ His breathing slowly returned to normal and his heart beat relaxed as well. +I've got to talk to some one soon or else I really will go insane.+ He jumped off the branch and headed for the Fuji mansion.

*************
Fuji Mansion
*************

By the time Hiei reached the Fuji mansion, the place was in chaos. Hiei was very confused and had no idea of what the commotion was about. The scene in front of him was chaotic beyond recognition. Yuusuke is running away from Keiko, his mouth stuffed full of food and his hands carried a round cylinder. Yuusuke's facial expression is filled with glee, in contrast to
Keiko's furious expression.

Keiko: Yuusuke! YOU GIVE THAT BACK OR ELSE I'LL KNOCK YOU TO HELL AND BACK!

However, after running around a corner, the cylinder was stolen by Kuwabara, the big dumb mutt. Now it was his turn to be happy.

Kuwabara: I got it! I got it! I got it!

Yuusuke: Hey! That's stealing!

Keiko: And what do you call the action you just did?

Kuwabara was then knocked down by his sister, Shizuru, who seem to have a temper matching that of Keiko's.

Shizuru: That's for trying to steal food, you BAKA!

Finally, the cylinder was returned to Miyuki, who seemed to be very pleased about getting it back. However, from the corner of Hiei's eyes, he could see Kurama and Koenma hiding behind a tree, stuffing their mouth full of those things that were in those cylinders.

Miyuki: AHHHHHH! Another one of my cylinders are missing! Who stole it?

Shizuru and Keiko eyed Yuusuke and Kuwabara suspiciously.

Yuusuke and Kuwabara: It wasn't us! We didn't take it!

Boton: Koenma-sama, Kurama! You should be ashamed of yourself! Now return those cookies!

Kurama: Not on your life! (talking through a mouth full of cookies)

This time, it was Kurama and Koenma's turn to be chased by the girls. Finally, when the cylinder seem to be taken back by Keiko, out jumped Yuusuke to steal it away from her again. And the entire fiasco continued. Hiei was very confused. +What is so important about that stupid container?+ Miyuki was the only one who noticed Hiei's return.

Miyuki: Oh hey! Hiei! You've returned! Where have you been? Everyone's been worried about you. You shouldn't just leave without leaving any note or anything.

Hiei looked at her and then back at his friends. The words of the 'voice' replayed in his mind. FLASHBACK Voice: You're a piece of inconvenience....they're just using you..... Hiei bit his lower lip.

Hiei: Doesn't look like they're worried about me now.

Miyuki: Huh?

Looking at the scene in front of her, Miyuki could only sweat drop. It did look a little ridiculous. All this fighting over some cookies.

Miyuki: Well, they were very worried until I let them taste test my cookies. They kinda got hooked on it, I guess. Though it is very nice, do you want to have a try of my cooking?

Miyuki offered Hiei two pieces of cookies. They were Hiei's favourite type, choc-chip cookies with choc bottoms that smelt freshly baked. He slowly extended his hands out, took the cookies from Miyuki's hands and held it in his hands for a while longer before he started nibbling at it. +It is pretty good.+ Hiei had to admit. Miyuki smiled her genuine smile as she has finally been able to make Hiei _not_ angry at her for once. She was glad he enjoyed her cookies, however that minute second of satisfaction
quickly disappeared when the cylinder half full of cookies was snatched away by Yuusuke.

Miyuki: HEY! THAT'S MINE!

Miyuki started running after her former teacher now enemy. Hiei stared at them for a long time watching how they enjoyed tricking each other and teasing each other. He wished he was able to experience the same. +DAMN! I only ate two of those cookies! Now Yuusuke's stuffing his mouth full of _my_ cookies! Hn! I'll get my revenge later!+ Hiei decided not to interfere with all the chaos and chose to stand aside watching everyone else instead. He jumped onto a near by branch and watched how Kuwabara was trying desperately to avoid any assault from his hot tempered sister,
Shizuru. +Ha ha ha! Big dumb idiot! He deserved that!+

Miyuki and Yukina realised that there was no way of stopping the boys from stealing more cookies. So instead of running after them and trying to punish them - which is what Keiko, Shizuru and Boton are doing - they decided to make more cookies secretly without telling the others. With that in mind, Miyuki and Yukina returned into the house and ran towards the kitchen to prepare.

The rest of the day continued as normal. Hiei had an afternoon nap listening to Kuwabara's scream of agony and pain from his sister's abuse. It was literary music to his ears. Miyuki and Yukina spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen. By 5 in the afternoon, they decided that they have made enough cookies to last....oh.....an hour if it was given to the boys to consume. Of course they were not going to tell the boys that they made more.
All the cookies that were made the night before had been completely finished by the boys. Which in turn meant that they were pretty full when it came to dinner time.

By 7 at night, Miyuki wanted to go out some where but didn't tell the others where. Since they were her _bodyguards_, they had to come along. She told them all to dress nicely, this included Hiei whom was forced to wear the new red and white jacket with a black shirt and blue jeans that Miyuki had bought for him the other day. The limousine left the mansion and headed for the city centre. By the time the limousine came to a stop, the group started moving out of it, only then did they realise where they were.

Kurama: Miyuki! This is a Disco pub! You're not old enough to go in, are you?

Miyuki: No, but you are!

With that she ran inside pulling Yukina along with one hand and Boton with the other. They quickly disappeared into the crowd. The boys started to panic and ran after them. Kurama was a bit anxious about his student's whereabouts, Albert shares the same concerns. Yuusuke and Kuwabara, even though over age had never entered a real Disco pub before and was rather excited at being there. Hiei found the place to be too crowded with people
and he couldn't stand it being considerably short in comparison to the crowd. After a few minutes of searching, the entire group gathered around a table with a lava lamp in the middle. The atmosphere of the place was starting to have an effect on everyone.

Boton and Miyuki were the first to go to the dance floor and dance. Keiko and Yuusuke followed. Shizuru and Albert followed them soon after. Kuwabara finally found the nerve to ask Yukina whether she wanted to dance and she accepted, leaving Kurama and Hiei still sitting in at the table (Koenma returned to the Rekai world later that afternoon).

Kurama: So do you want to dance?

Hiei eyed him suspiciously: no.

Kurama: Oh come on! It'll be fun!

Hiei (firm): I said no.

Boton and Miyuki noticed that Kurama and Hiei are still sitting at the table and decided to go help them have a bit more fun. They played paper, scissors, rock and Miyuki lost, so she had to ask Hiei while Boton gets to ask Kurama.

Boton: Hey! Kurama! Want to dance? You look kinda bored?

Kurama glanced at Hiei just in time to see a glimpse of jealousy. He took Boton's offer: 'Sure! I'll dance with you!' and left Hiei alone.

Miyuki took a deep breath, gathered all her courage and walked towards Hiei. Hiei was really angry though he didn't show it. +Stupid FOX!!+ Some how, he felt a little betrayed for some odd reason.

Miyuki: Hey Hiei! Do you want to dance.......with me?

Hiei looked up to see the brilliant blue tint in Miyuki's shinning blue eyes. Even in the darkness of the room, her sky blue eyes seem to be able to glow and give off a natural aura. Hiei blinked again as her words slowly sinks in.

Hiei: You're asking me? To dance? With you?

Miyuki nodded nervously. She's never asked a boy to dance before. Then again, considering her cold personality before she was released, it's hard to believe that she ever asked for any thing at all. Hiei considered her offer.

Voice (female): Loneliness will devourer your soul if you let it.

Hiei shuddered at the sound of a new voice in his head, and shook that thought away.

Hiei: Okay. (he answered her back with no hint of anger in his voice)

Miyuki almost sigh in relief until she noticed that Hiei had grabbed her hand and was pulling her into the centre of the crowd. Kurama and Boton watched Hiei and Miyuki disappear into the crowd. Both are amazed and confused as to what had just happened. +Miyuki actually had the guts to ask him to dance? And Hiei _actually_ accepted it?+ Boton blinked twice before returning to reality. +Hiei 'grabbing' Miyuki!? And then pulling her away 'with him' into the crowd??? Boy, he's never done that to any girl before, then again, he's never done that to any one before - with the exception of Yukina.+ Kurama was confused by his friend's abnormal behaviour. +Could he be trying to make me jealous or is he actually interested in ........ Hmmmm I wonder. Is he as cold as before or has he soften a bit now?+

Hiei let go of Miyuki's hand after he realised they are now right in the middle of the massive crowd. He couldn't see any of the others who were dancing on the outskirts of the crowd. +Okay, now what do I do?+ Hiei had no experience in dealing with socialising matters. He still had no idea why he accepted Miyuki's proposal in the first place. +Why didn't I just say 'no'? It would have been so much easier.+ He turned to face Miyuki and saw that she was smiling. She leaned closer to him which made Hiei even more nervous and he blushed slightly. Actually, Miyuki was trying to whisper something to him. After realising this, he focused on what she is saying. Due to the loud music and the crowd singing along with it, it was difficult to hear what Miyuki was saying but the words seem to ring in his mind long after it was spoken.

Miyuki: This is what I consider true freedom. Let go of all your worries, your conscious mind, your responsibility, your past and drown yourself in the music. Then, you will start to forget who and what you are, melting and blending with the others in the crowd as if you are only one small part of a whole. Let go of yourself and you will find ultimate freedom. Freedom from pain is what makes happiness.

Hiei understood the meaning of the words which he found 'comforting' some how. After studying some of Miyuki's dancing moves, he started copying them. With a bit more help and advice from Miyuki, Hiei was dancing like a 'pro', combining moves from the people dancing around them and some which he invented on his own, Hiei really started to forget who and what he was. It just didn't matter as much anymore. The more he spent in this trance filled with music and movement that hypnotises like a drug, the more he enjoyed the sensation of having no bounds, no rules and desired to keep on experiencing such freedom. It was very addictive! It felt as if he was drunk and had no control over his body movement and his mind. It just didn't matter anymore what he did or did not do as long as it flowed with the rhythm of the music. Hiei didn't notice how long he and Miyuki had been dancing but the others have.

Keiko: Where are they? Can you see them?

Yuusuke: They've been dancing for over 2 hours flat. Wouldn't they be tired by now?

Kurama: Don't know. They must be in the middle somewhere. Since they're both so short, I don't think we can find them. We'll just have to wait until they come out.

Shizuru: And how long will that take? I'm already exhausted.

Question marks appeared on all their heads. Kurama was right, all they could do now is wait.

All the hard rock, hip-hop and rap music soon gave way to a romantic love song. The crowd all broke up into couples, holding hands and hugging each other like 'lovers' do. Hiei had his hands on Miyuki's waist and she had hers around his neck. Miyuki had her eyes closed as she started singing along with the words of the song (which was her favourite song). Hiei had a sudden urge to lean forward to become closer to her. It felt comfortable. He had no idea as to what he was doing and had no control either. He was memorised by the image of the sky or sea blue tint in Miyuki's eyes which had developed in his mind. It wasn't until his lips were centimetres away, when he realised he was actually trying to kiss her. He could literary feel her breath reflect off his skin. +WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?????+ Hiei backed away just in time when the song end, and Miyuki opened her eyes. Miyuki smiled her sweet, delicate and precious smile - which would probably be able to melt the thickest ice. Hiei couldn't see it, but he felt really hot all of a sudden and knew he was probably blushing like a tomato. They let go of each other and decided to go back to the group.

Kuwabara: Finally! What took you so long? You guys have been dancing for 3 hours! Aren't you tired at all?

Miyuki looked at them inquisitively: Really? Have we been dancing that long?

Keiko: Yes. We were starting to get worried that you guys had gone out of the pub or some thing like that.

Kurama noticed the reddish tint on Hiei's face. Hiei knew his friend was looking at him so he tried to look in another direction. To his dismay, he looked straight at Yuusuke's confused and surprised gaze. This made him blush even more. +DAMN! Now Yuusuke knows something is wrong with me as well. Why couldn't they look somewhere else? Leave me alone!+ Albert let the matter slide, the limousine is already outside waiting for them, so they got on and left the pub at 10 pm at night. Once they arrived home, they were all exhausted and went straight to bed.

Once again, Hiei couldn't sleep. He wasn't thinking about that annoying voice. He wasn't thinking about tomorrow, which is when they have to take Miyuki back to the Makai. He was wondering why he had a sudden urge to _kiss_ Miyuki during the dance. +What came over me? What was I thinking? Why did I do it? Why didn't I do it? What am I afraid of?...+ The questions kept on flowing with no answers. He didn't notice that he wasn't the only one not asleep yet. Yuusuke and Kurama are watching Hiei curiously. They didn't know what happened but it must have been something big. Because not many things bothered Hiei so much that he couldn't sleep. They both decided they'll ask him tomorrow because they were both very tired and wanted to go to sleep.

************
The next day
************

Hiei didn't sleep at all last night, but he didn't fell tired. He was still puzzling over what _had_ or _hadn't_ 'occurred' the night before. He was certainly not going to ask Miyuki about it, but he didn't really want to tell Kurama or Yuusuke that he almost kissed Miyuki. +They'd probably laugh or tease me into actually doing it. Why oh why is this happening to me?+ Those thoughts were soon pushed aside when Miyuki appeared and was all packed and ready to go. She had this huge backpack on her back which she is very protective over. She didn't let any of the boys come close to it. The rest of the girls were to stay in Ningenkai, only Miyuki and the Urameshi team were allowed to go, this again excludes Albert. They waved goodbye and was on their way.

After reaching the Makai, each of the 5 figures had different thoughts going through their heads all at the same time. Kurama had once again given his word that Miyuki will not be harmed and he is worried about whether he will be able to keep his promise this time around. Kuwabara was already missing his beloved Yukina, but he promised her he would take good care of Miyuki, and not let any harm come to her. Miyuki was debating over whether or not the three lords will like her cookies. Hiei is busy still trying to figure out why he almost kissed Miyuki the night before, this type of behaviour was definitely abnormal in his case. Yuusuke couldn't wait for this trip to be over. Finally, he will be able to know that the three lords have planed for them and miss Miyuki.

They reached the central building and Mukuro was already outside waiting to greet them. Yomi and Enki were no-where to be seen.

Miyuki: Hi! You must be Lord Mukuro. Hiei has told me a lot about you. It is a pleasure to see you again and I hope you forgive me for what happened last time I came.

+Is this girl the same girl as before? Her aura is completely different. This girl is passionate and hot like flames, the other is cold and emotionless like ice. What a change! Hiei told me the girl was different but I didn't expect this different.+ Mukuro snapped out of her thinking and welcomed the young child of destiny. Once inside, Mukuro told them her plan.

Mukuro: In 3 days time, the Netherworld Tournament will be held once again, 3 years have passed since the last tournament and this time, the same rules apply. You three should go and prepare yourselves. (indicating Kurama, Hiei and Yuusuke)

Yuusuke: But what will become of Miyuki?

Mukuro: She will be training under me. I have much to teach her.

Mukuro looked into Miyuki's innocent eyes. +So pure yet I can sense so much power. I hope the things I'll be teaching her will not affect her personality too much.+ Miyuki blinked, and started to blush when she notice Mukuro was looking directly at her.

Kuwabara: Then, what do I do?

Mukuro: Do as you like. As long as you get out of my way.

Mukuro started to guild Miyuki away from the others.

Hiei: Mukuro, will Miyuki be participating in the tournament?

This question shocked the rest of the boys. It did not occur to them that Miyuki might have a chance of entering the tournament. One, because she is a girl. Two, because she is a beginner and three, because she doesn't like fighting any way. After a long silence...

Mukuro: Yes, she will be entering the tournament....if she past a test first.

The boys all sweat drops and became a bit nervous about the entire idea. Hiei knew how Mukuro trains people and he also knows that Miyuki is too nice and too kind to be able to defend herself when the time comes when she is forced to kill or be killed.

Kurama: Hiei! You've been trained under Mukuro before. How did she train you?

Hiei: She locks you up in a room full of monsters and hope you survive.

Kurama's eyes bulged, Yuusuke's jaw dropped open, and Kuwabara's lips starts to quiver.

Kurama, Yuusuke and Kuwabara: BUT SHE IS ONLY A BEGINNER!!!!

************
2 days later
************

Kurama: Tomorrow is the big day. I don't know whether I hope Miyuki passed the test or failed it.

Yuusuke: Personally, I think she'd be able to beat any monster's butt.

Kuwabara: But she's not the kind of people who will hurt anyone or anything.

Hiei: Well, her test begins today so we'll see how much she has improved.

Yuusuke: Didn't you train with her, Hiei?

Hiei: No, I trained myself. Mukuro brought her to a private place and trained her in secrecy. I haven't even seen Miyuki since the day we separated.

Kuwabara: Oh boy. Hey look! There she is! Hey! MIYUKI! (waving frantically)

Even though the boys may seem very calm and concentrated, but their hearts are racing. They have no idea what to expect. They didn't even know what the test was about. They don't even know whether they wanted Miyuki to pass or fail the test. Even Hiei is debating over the issue. He didn't want to see Miyuki get hurt for a combination of reasons - mainly because of her deep friendship with Yukina but there are other reasons which he will never admit.
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Author's note: FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! God This took me ages! I'm sooooo sorry it took so long but I had exams in between so I couldn't touch the computer for about a month. Such a cliff hanger, ain't it? And it's not even half way through the story yet. Stay tuned to the next chapter.

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