Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Enter Ceridwen ❯ Having a Killer Time ( Chapter 16 )

Ceridwen opened her eyes and sat up. The cover fell from her shoulders and her eyes opened wide. Using telepathy she made sure Hiei, who was lying next to her, stayed asleep for another hour at least. As she got up and put clothes on she examined the scratches on her body. Had Hiei made those?

She shuddered with the realization of what she had done. How could she not only betray Bane's memory but how could she have done that to her friend? Hoping against hope that Hiei knew she had only slept with him for comfort she slipped out of the room in black jeans, black tank, and her boots. She now had all seven daggers on her and her three swords.

She ran down the hall and glanced at her glow in the dark digital watch. It was three a.m. and the first match was at nine. Would six hours be enough time to do what she needed to do? She was outside the hotel and continued running into the forest. She soon found a stream and felt the current. It should have a waterfall at one point, she thought. She ran up along side the stream and finally she did come to a beautiful waterfall.

She dropped her swords and took out her daggers. Then she waded into the stream and stood beneath the waterfall. She meditated for an hour, cleansing her spirit for today's fight. She had never killed before and today she would. Either he would die by her hand or she would die trying to kill him. When her hour of meditating was over the sun had risen a few inches. She braided her now soaked hair and put her boots on. She then loaded up with her daggers and swords before slowly walking back to the hotel.

Along the way she saw edible flowers that relaxed the mind, body, and spirit. Starving, she ate them. It was half past seven and she knew that if she walked then she had at least another hour before she was out of the forest. The sun had fully risen now and she looked up, letting the rays replenish her strength to it's maximum. She prayed that Spirit would take pity upon Vall's soul after she killed him and let it cross over safely to rebirth. The same to his sister and the Perils.

Back at the hotel Hiei woke and reached over for Ceridwen. He felt nothing but empty space. He shot up in the bed and looked all over the room for her. She was gone. He sighed loudly and got dressed. Something was different today. Something was new. He looked down at himself and it took him a few minutes to realize that his hand wasn't scarred, burnt, or in any pain whatsoever. It was fully functional.

He left the room and nearly plowed into Kurama. "Finally awake Hiei? I hope you are rested enough to fight."

"What does that mean Kurama?"

"Nothing. By the way where is Ceridwen? Nobody has seen her this morning."

Hiei's eyes opened wide. "She wasn't in her room. Do you think she left for the arena early?"

Kurama thought for a moment. "She might have. Let's go and see." The Yurameshi team walked towards the arena. Only four members of their team had assembled while all five of Scythe's team was there. The announcer walked over to them.

"You know that you need all five to fight right? Or at least to begin."

"Our fifth will be here soon," said Hiei defensively.

"She has ten minutes."

Ceridwen stepped out of the forest much later than she had expected to. In ten minutes the fight would start but her team would forfeit if she wasn't there. She had to hoof it now! Running at top speed she made it to the arena with two minutes to spare. "Sorry I'm late everyone," she said innocently, smiling at everyone. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and caught her breath.

"Team leaders to the center please," said the announcer. Vall stepped forward and Ceridwen glared daggers at him. He and Yuske agreed on one on one battles with material weapons allowed. First up was some wimpy looking guy who beat Kuwabara up pretty badly. Soon Kuwabara was able to get inside the guy's attacks and use his spirit sword to defeat him. There were more definite cheers this time. However you could barely hear them over the loud booing. She flashed a grin at him as he stepped from the ring.

Vall walked slowly into the ring. Ceridwen took a step forward when a hand shot out in front of her. "Hiei?"

"You can't fight him Ceri. You could get killed. I'll handle him."

Ceridwen said very loudly, "We had a deal Hiei. The only reason I'm here is for this opportunity. Let me pass!'

"Yurameshi team we need someone to fight!"

Kurama placed his hand on Hiei's shoulder. "Let her fight Hiei."

"But she could..."

"She could die in any fight. If she should die at least let it be in one she wants to fight. You did make a deal."

Hiei looked at Kurama and let Ceridwen pass. She smiled at Kurama and stepped into the ring.

"Ceridwen," said Vall. "Your friend Bane thought of you often after we controlled him."

"You don't have the right to use his name Vall."

"Aww, come now Ceri..."

"Don't call me that. You don't know me and all I want to do with you is kill you."

"Well then you came to the wrong ring because I won't die."

"Then this fight will last a long time. I won't stop until you are dead or I am."

"That can be arranged."

She knew what he was doing. Get her mad so she attacks and you can use her anger to beat her. "Provoking doesn't work on me Vall."

"Pity. Then I guess we'll fight now."

In response to that she unsheathed the two swords on her back and twirled them like batons. She crossed them in front of her face and waited for him to charge.

He came at her, fast. She jumped in the air and landed silently behind him. She aimed to kick his back but he turned around and kicked her stomach. She flew out of the ring but caught herself and ran back in. She again waited for his charge.

He summoned spirit energy. Not even her highest shield could block that. She would have to dodge it. He sent it at her and she tried to move away but it was too much. She rolled onto the ground and shot up again. Her side was bleeding now from where one of her own swords had cut her.

"Playtime's over," she shouted and charged him. She raised her swords and aimed them at him. He drew his and prepared to block it when she sent her strength to her right leg and kicked him hard in the chest. He slid out of the ring and came back.

Looking stunned he said, "But you were aiming with your sword."

She smirked. "Just because someone raises a sword doesn't mean they'll use it."

He was angry and shot more energy at her. She jumped as high as she could but it was no use. The energy struck her at full force and her body was slammed against the stadium wall. She fell and felt so much pain. She lost both swords. She snapped her head up and charged at Vall. She unsheathed her final sword and aimed at his gut. She jumped five feet away from him and landed behind him. She stabbed him in the back left calf and when she heard him scream shot away from his reach.

He cursed her several times and said, "I'll see to it you die like Bane did!"

"How many times do I have to tell you not to mention his name?"

She ran at him, her spirit energy leeching out of her like lightning. It was a deep shade of violet and she struck him with it. He slid back again, this time he hit the wall. The announcer was shouting, "Both Vall and Ceridwen are showing amazing strength! Ceridwen's spirit energy is starting to attract a storm!" Thunder sounded in the distance and it began to pour. Vall got up and back into the ring.

Time to mess with his head. She sent out her astral projection and grabbed its hands. They spun around faster and faster until they were nothing but blurs. Then they separated and charged Vall at the same time. He grabbed at one's ankles but his fist closed on air. "Wrong one," she said and kicked him hard in the jaw. At the same time she felt a sharp pain in her gut. When she looked down she saw a sword piercing her fully. Vall retracted it. And grinned evilly at her.

She backed away and dropped her sword. Hiei shouted from behind her. "Just stay down for ten seconds and then we can heal you!"

"No." Lightning flashed and she caught a glimpse of her reflection in a puddle. Her hair had come out of its braid. It was dripping wet and framing her face, sticking to her cheeks. Her dark eye makeup was running, making her pale skin look dead. She looked just like she did the night Bane died. Bane! She thought. I am doing this for Bane! She stood and let herself bleed freely.

She had determination on her side. What had Hiei told her? "Focus all emotion into determination and you will win." This was what he meant. She narrowed her eyes and charged Vall. Flashes of Bane's face, his dead body, their training at Lai were rushing through her head. Twenty feet away. Kurama. Kurama talking to her. Smiling at her. Defending her. She aimed a punch full of energy at Vall's head. Now she saw Hiei. Hiei training her, Hiei screaming at her, Hiei glaring at her and Hiei kissing her. These people were what gave her strength.

She was on him now. Thunder rolled above her head. Lightning flashed from all directions. Then there was pain. Vall had grabbed her neck. Her feet dangled five feet above the ground. Vall lifted her into the air and then brought her down to be eye level with him. "Now you die."

"I would but I forgot something," she said calmly, her voice sounding very strangled.

"What are you on about?"

"Bane wanted me to give you something."

"What?"

"It's a gift from Bane."

"You said that already. What do you mean?"

"I can't tell you it'll ruin the..."

"The what girl? The what? It'll ruin the what?"

"Surprise," she shouted. She had reached into her shirt without him seeing and brought out the dagger Bane had given her. She thrust it into his chest and twisted it. She knew it had hit his heart dead on. He released her and stumbled backward. She landed in a kneeling position and he fell to the ground. He was dead.

The announcer counted to ten and pronounced her the victor. She clumsily walked over to Vall's body and pulled out her dagger. She wiped off his blood on his clothes and walked a few steps away. "That was for Bane," she said to herself quietly. She walked out of the ring and as her teammates came to congratulate her she smiled. Then, she collapsed.

"She's coming around," said a familiar voice. She opened her eyes and saw Hiei above her. He smiled at her and said, "Welcome back to the world of the living."

"Only if I get a cake," she said. Hiei laughed and helped her sit up. "Hiei did we win the match?"

"Yes we did. Yuske and Kurama stayed behind in case they both had to fight and Kuwabara helped me take you to get healed."

"I'm fine now. I want to get up."

Hiei helped her out of bed and she stood. Her legs felt wobbly at first but then they felt strong as always. "How long have I been out Hiei?"

"Only a day Ceri. You healed very fast with some of that cut medicine you gave me. Kurama also brewed a stronger remedy from some of the plants you gave him. Then we figured out your proportioned wound and used that tear solution. You are fully cut and scar free!"

"Good. When do we fight again," she asked as she pulled a red tank over her bra.

"We don't. Supposedly we move on to the final two. After what you did yesterday four teams backed out. The one we fight in the finals has been decided and teams are granted a five-day rest before the final fight."

Ceridwen sighed and got dressed. "Where is Lady Elva? Has she left yet?" She was putting on her pants now and reached for her boots.

"No. They're making her stay until the end of the Tournament."

"I need to find her. She has to die before we can leave." She tied off her boots and began braiding her hair.

"Sorry Ceri but I don't know where she is."

"I'll track her then. Did someone pick up my swords?"

"Yes they're in your bag."

Ceridwen quickly tied her braid off and summoned her swords and her daggers. Then, she tried picking up on Elva's essence. Hiei tried to interrupt her but she told him to shush. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she picked up the trail. "She's outside," she said. "Number two here we go."

"Do you mean to tell me that yesterday was your first kill?"

"Yes. The Lai organization encourages brining in people alive. If anyone ever needed to die Bane killed them." Her eyes glazed over as she followed Elva's trail. Hiei followed her in silence. She didn't look at him but instead closed her eyes. In total concentration she left the hotel and walked into the forest. When she opened her eyes she saw that she was on the same path from the morning before the fight. She came to a fork and instead of going right towards the waterfall she veered left.

Elva wasn't that far away now. She should be easier to kill than Vall because she didn't fight. She only used spells and curses to beat her enemies and she could shield those off of herself. She came to a clearing in which a woman was meditating. "Elva get up," Ceridwen said. The woman opened her eyes and looked at Ceridwen.

"I wondered when I would be seeing you," Elva said to her. She stood and wiped off her long flowing robes. "I assume you want to kill me now?"

"So, instead of casting spells you learned ESP?"

"Don't be foolish child. I know you want to kill me, any spiritually aware person can feel it. I won't just let you kill me you know. You have to earn that right by not getting beaten by my spells and curses."

"You have a bigger mouth than your brother did."

"Well I am older than he was. Who is this man with you?"

"My name is Hiei," he said. Ceridwen almost jumped. She had forgotten that Hiei had come with her. It didn't matter as long as he didn't interfere.

"Hiei no matter what do not get involved understand?"

"But I..."

"Don't get involved!" Hiei nodded and jumped into a tree where he assumed his usual position and stared at the women below him. "Would you like to start Elva?"

"Sure. Jalangrahi!" A bolt of red light came at Ceridwen. She avoided it and cranked up her speed. She ran behind Elva and kicked her in the spine. Elva cried out and fell forward, paralyzed. She rolled herself on her back and pointed at Ceridwen. "Telepahinjuraiha!" This time the light was a shocking white and just barely missed Ceridwen. She raised her sword and put it to Elva's throat.

"Do you have any last words Elva," she asked.

"Yes. I will see you in he..." Ceridwen didn't give her time to finish the sentence. She raised her sword and chopped off Elva's head. Blood splattered on Ceridwen's face. She wiped her sword on Elva's robes and stared at her head. The eyes were full of surprise and understanding but the light they held when she was alive was gone. They had a haunted look to them, as they should because she was dead.

Ceridwen sheathed her cleaned sword and headed out of the forest. Hiei followed closely behind her. Whenever he tried to make conversation her icy silence made him stop. When they got back to the hotel Ceridwen walked straight into her room and closed the door. It stopped about an inch away from Hiei's nose. Hiei looked confused but walked back in to Kurama's and his room.

Kurama looked up from his book as Hiei entered the room. "Where did you two go Hiei?"

"Why do you care?"

"Well because she is still recuperating and you look extremely exasperated."

"She wanted to find Lady Elva, so we went and then Ceridwen chopped off her head and then we came back. I tried to talk to her but she never said anything."

"Sounds like fun."

"It would have been fine if she had spoken to me afterwards but she just kind of was in her own world. She had never killed before you know. That Vall guy was her first kill and Elva was her second. I think it's changed her, a lot."

"I warned you Hiei. I knew something like this would happen."

"What are you on about Kurama?"

"I told you a long time ago that you were turning her into you. You asked me what was wrong with that and here's your answer. She killed and because her mind had already been transformed into one like yours during battle she is becoming what you used to be Hiei. I think that now she has a taste for killing and I don't think she'll stop."

Hiei stared at Kurama. "I still fail to see the problem if she is turning into me Kurama. However I think after she has killed those she vowed to kill then she will never kill anyone again."

"If you honestly feel that way Hiei then you are much thicker than any of us had imagined."

"If you want to remain breathing by the end of the tournament I suggest you stop insulting me."

"And if you want her sane by the end of the tournament I suggest you talk to her." Kurama stood and left the room. I can't take this anymore, he thought. She is going to end up killing mercilessly and probably become an enemy to us all. Hiei is blind to it because of his feelings. Yuske and Kuwabara don't spend enough time with her to know. I am the only one who can help her now. Kurama reached Ceridwen's door and knocked. He got no answer so just opened the door and walked in.

Ceridwen was lying on the bed with her arms crossed behind her head staring. "I thought I would get a visit from you soon Kurama," she said without looking up.

"We need to talk Ceri."

"You can talk all you want but I won't guarantee that I'll listen."

Kurama sat at the foot of her bed and said softly, "You need to stop on this path that you have chosen."

"I need to stop? I need to stop what Kurama?"

"Killing. You need to stop killing."

"And why would I want to do that?"

"Because killing is wrong."

"I can't believe you. How many people have died at your hand Kurama?"

"Far too many but that is very different."

"Please explain how it is different."

"I killed out of necessity. You kill for revenge."

"So you're telling me that I should let Bane's killers get away with his death. You're telling me that what they did should go unpunished?"

"No! I think they should be punished but not this way. Not at the expense of your innocence. You can get away with Vall's death because you were in the ring. Elva's you could mark off as self defense since she attacked you first. However if you kill these Perils then you will have to deal with it on your conscience. Also, I don't think Bane would have wanted you to become a killer because of him."

"You never even knew Bane Kurama. How could you possibly know what he would have wanted? Besides. You're wrong Kurama. I never had to get in that ring. I chose to fight him knowing fully well that either he would die or I would die trying to kill him. I could have let Elva go. She was paralyzed and I could have left her there. She would think of a spell to heal herself and live. But no, I killed her, just like I killed her brother, and just like I will kill the Perils."

Kurama stared at her in disbelief. He took her hand and stared into her eyes, willing her to really hear his words. "Ceridwen if you don't stop now you will destroy your life and your future. You will become a rebel and will not be allowed back after this. You will be hunted and killed by your own organization. Is this what you want? Is this what Bane would want?"

She pulled her hand away from Kurama and pointed to the door. "I trust you know how to use a door Kurama. Well use it now and leave my room. If you don't you will regret it."

It's no use, he thought. She is gone and nobody will be able to bring her back to us. If I can't help her I doubt anyone can. Kurama walked out of the room and then left the hotel. He strolled to the beach trying to think of what he could do now. A thought popped into his head but he knew it wouldn't work. Even if he could summon Bane's spirit it would only make Ceridwen more determined to kill the Perils.

He sat down on a rock and put his head in his hands. Was this what he had felt from her? Was this what made her seem inhuman? His subconscious must have known this would happen to her. He stared at his reflection in the water below him. His emerald eyes looking tired and beaten. Underneath his eyes were prominent bags and his skin was slowly losing its healthy glow.

"What are we going to do about her," he asked aloud. "If she succeeds in killing the Perils then she will be lost forever. She may be gone now but if they could just get through to her then all would be fine." Suddenly a familiar shadow was over him. He turned around and said, "Ahh! Mother! What are you doing here? You shouldn't have come here! Oh no this is a disaster!"

"Oops," his mother said. Then she turned into a fourteen-year-old boy. "Sorry," he said. "I really should remember to turn that off!" Kurama looked at the boy very confused. "Oh," said the boy. "That's right you didn't know. My power is to turn into the one person someone wants to see the most. I think one day I gave the girl on your team quite a start when she saw someone named Bane. Anyway I didn't mean to frighten you. Although you look sick. Maybe you should go back in. My cousin Elva can help you. She's good with remedies. Problem is I can't find her!"

Kurama looked down and said, "I am afraid you won't be able to find your cousin unless you go into the woods."

"No she should be in her room now. She only meditates in the woods for an hour and it's an hour walk both ways to her spot so she should be back by now. She left five hours ago."

"I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Lady Elva is dead."

"No she can't be dead! You're pulling my leg," the boy was smiling at Kurama now and he turned, looking around in all directions. "I bet she put you up to this. Elva you got me so come out already!" The boy turned back to Kurama and when he saw Kurama's face he shuddered. "You mean, she really is dead?"

"I'm sorry," said Kurama.

"How do you know this? Did you kill her?"

"No I didn't kill her but I know the person who did." Kurama got an idea in his head. "Do you want me to take you to the person who killed her?"

"Won't they try to kill me?"

"No. They only wanted Elva. I really am sorry by the way. I had no idea that when they left earlier it was to kill Elva."

"It's not your fault. Take me to see them." Kurama nodded and led the boy to Ceridwen's room. Without even knocking he opened it. A glass hit the wall beside his head and shattered. She had completely destroyed the hotel room and was breaking everything in sight.

Finally she looked up and saw them standing in the door. "What is it," she asked, her voice dripping with hatred, anger, and pain.

"This is Elva's cousin Ceri," said Kurama indicating the boy.

"I know who he is Kurama, I met him before. What do you want?"

The boy stepped out from behind Kurama and said, "I want to know why you killed my cousin! I want to know why you killed her and took away the last family member I have!"

Ceridwen walked over to the boy and grabbed his hair. She bent to be eyelevel and said, "I killed her because she was partially responsible for the man I love's death! I killed her because she put him under a mind control spell that made other people believe he was evil and kill him! I killed Vall because he told her to do it and because he ruined my life! You tell me why they did that to him! Tell me why they did that to me!"

The boy yanked from her grasp and tears came down his cheeks. "My cousins weren't evil," he shouted at her. "They had done some bad things but were reformed!"

"Then explain what happened to Bane!" She slapped the boy across the face and then turned to Kurama. She punched him in the jaw and with her telekinesis forced them out of the room. She then slammed and locked the door.

Hiei walked out of his room at the commotion. He turned to see Kurama and a young boy were slumped on the floor. The boy sat up, wide eyed and ran down the hall. Kurama stood and wiped off his now bleeding lip. "What happened to you Kurama?"

"Ceridwen happened," Kurama said glaring at Ceridwen's door.

Hiei smirked. "Maybe you should have left her alone then."

"I was trying to impress upon her that killing people not only ended their lives but it affected other people as well. It seems that she doesn't care."

"Like I said Kurama. You should have left her alone." Hiei turned back into his room but this time Kurama followed.

"How is it Hiei that you refuse to see what's going on with her? Why are you letting your feelings for her blind you to the truth? It's as if she's turning you into a baka."

Kurama got hit for the second time that day. "I am not a baka, I am not blind, and nothing is wrong with Ceridwen," Hiei shouted as Kurama's body was flung and hit the wall. "Who needs to back off now Kurama? Not me and not Ceridwen so who does that leave? Oh that's right, you!"

Kurama stood and wiped himself off. Hiei is being so dense! She slept with him and now he sees no fault with her. I am beginning to think that she is a sorceress. Kurama charged Hiei and pinned him to the other wall. "WAKE UP HIEI! SHE IS NOT FINE! YOU NEED TO SEE THAT SO WE CAN HELP HER BEFORE SHE KILLS INNOCENT PEOPLE!" Hiei looked shocked at what Kurama had just done to him. Kurama let Hiei go and regained his composure. Much softer than before he said, "If you really care about her you won't let her do this anymore." Kurama turned and left the room. It was now time to alert Yuske and Kuwabara.

Kurama left Yuske's room and sighed. They didn't believe him either. He was in this alone unless Hiei had finally realized what was going on. When he got back to his room Hiei said nothing. It appeared that Hiei was still in denial about the situation. Kurama went to bed whispering to himself, "This day was too long."

Over the next four days Kurama said little to anyone. He avoided Hiei and Ceridwen. Avoiding Ceridwen wasn't hard because she never left her room and never let anyone in. She only left it on the day of the final battle. Only Yuske and Kuwabara were talking to Kurama now. Hiei had been giving everyone the silent treatment but could be heard knocking on Ceridwen's door until midnight each night.

Today Ceridwen had her hair braided into two long braids. She also wore a torn and ragged tank with her camouflage pants and dog tags. She had three swords on her and no doubt all of her daggers. Her eyes had lost their laughter and light. She looked as if she had died and her body was merely unwilling to stop moving.

She didn't greet them with her usual smile and instead followed behind them in silence. Hiei walked next to her but she avoided his eyes. They got to the arena and cheers were heard above boos. They seemed to be shouting for Ceridwen. They probably were hoping she would kill again and put on a similar show that was better than the one she gave them before.

Automatically Yuske walked to the center of the ring and agreed on a five on five match. The team with people still standing and the opposite team all defeated won. Everyone on both teams walked into the ring. They lined up with the people they would take on. Ceridwen was paired up against a somewhat tall guy who had a lot of muscle. Muscle won't save you from me, she thought. The announcer decided to step out of the ring and Ceridwen noticed that today there were two other announcers. Probably to make it easier to count people out.

They gave the signal to go and Ceridwen jumped right into it. She wasn't going to make small talk today. Just win and then I can go kill the Perils. She kicked her opponent hard in the chest. Someone was coming at her from behind. She unsheathed her first sword and made an aim for the guy who dodged her at the last second and made for Kurama. However his back was turned and he didn't see the guy coming at him. "Kurama," she called. He turned around and saw his assailant. He started to fight with him.

Somehow Kurama found time to yell, "Thanks," and then Ceridwen turned looking for the guy she had been fighting. He was just getting back in the ring but he was still thirty feet from her.

"Screw this," she said and sent her astral projection at him. The astral projection went to kick him in the jaw when she felt a jolt of pain in her left ankle. She returned to her body to find herself on the ground. She forgot to put a shield up and keep both of her selves awake. She looked for the person who made her fall but then she realized her sword was missing. She jumped up and the pain in her ankle was back. Most likely it was twisted. "Great," she mumbled under her breath.

She reached into her right boot and pulled out a dagger. Then she put her weight on her ankle and ran at her first opponent. He was about to stab Kuwabara with his sword but she stabbed his sword arm first. He built up his energy and sent it at her but she was able to dodge it. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw someone else raise a sword. It was her sword! She ran at the guy and at his spine but she missed by an inch. He flung himself around and kicked her hard in the chest. She fell on her right arm dropped her dagger and heard a loud crunch. The guy was laughing now and that got her mad.

She looked around now and only saw three other people in the ring. One was Hiei and the other was the person she fought in the beginning. Hiei glanced at her and nodded. They both jumped high in the air, pushed off of each other, and each aimed at the person they had just been fighting. She sent her energy to her right foot and hit the guy at the base of the neck. She heard it snap but he was still alive. He pushed her and she fell back on her bad ankle. She unsheathed another sword and out it in her left arm. She ran at him and he caught her wrist.

He flung her to one side and wrenched her sword from her hand. Hiei was busy with his guy and didn't notice what she was doing now. If he had noticed then maybe he'd have believed Kurama. She put her last sword in her broken arm and piled her spirit energy on it.

Suddenly it started to hail baseball sized chunks of ice. Her sword now looked like a huge lightning bolt. She charged at her opponent at full speed. Her energy now was surrounding her whole body. Ceridwen was now a lightning bolt like her sword. All anyone saw was a huge purple electric flame. She reached him and stabbed him through the body.

She slowly moved it upward until it was just below his heart. He was still alive but only just. She reached into her back and pulled out a dagger. She pulled the sword from his body and chopped off his head. The cut was so clean that he was still alive. She picked up his head and turned it to face his body.

She then stabbed him in the heart and wrenched it to a side, making his head scream out in agony. She then cut his head in half and all was silent except for clanging metal as Hiei finished off his opponent.

She wiped her dagger clean and retracted her energy from the sword. The hail had stopped and the audience was silent. They had just seen what Ceridwen had done to her opponent and when what they saw was comprehended they all cheered loudly. They had gotten what they wanted.

Each announcer was calling out, "Yurameshi team wins! Yurameshi team wins! Yurameshi team wins!"

Ceridwen started to walk out of the arena when she felt someone grab her left wrist. She turned to see Hiei staring at her. "Where are you going Ceri? We won! Don't you want the prize?"

"You guys can split up my piece of whatever it is because I'm leaving now. I finished the deal and now I'm going."

The others rushed up to them and Yuske said, "Come on let's get our prize people!"

Ceridwen turned to leave and said, "I would appreciate it if none of you ever made contact with me again."

Hiei looked confused and said, "What do you mean?"

She turned back and said, "I mean that after the Perils are dead I am putting all of this behind me."

Hiei glared at the others. Yuske and Kuwabara left them alone. "What about when we..." Hiei now glared at Kurama.

It took a few minutes for what Hiei was talking about to click in his head. When it did he said, "Oh I already know about that. I almost walked in on you."

A little red rose in Hiei's cheeks and he got even more red when Ceridwen started to double up with laughter. "What's so funny," he asked her, sounding a little hurt.

Ceridwen stopped laughing when she saw the look in Hiei's eyes. "I am sorry," she said. "I hoped that you understood but you don't. God telling someone this sucks. Well Hiei it's like this. Like I said I was overwhelmed at the moment you came in and found me and I didn't know what I was doing. I just was so upset and then when you tried to take care of me it reminded me of how Bane used to take care of me as we grew up. I felt all safe and warm and then one thing led to another and well you know the rest. Anyway, if truth be told, it could have been anyone. If Kurama had..."

"Please leave me out of this," said Kurama, backing away from Hiei as he received the glare of death.

Ceridwen continued. "If Kurama had walked in and not you, I would have let the same thing happen. I really thought you knew I just needed comfort. I guess not though. I'm sorry Hiei but that's the truth. That night pretty much meant nothing to me. I am really sorry if you thought it did. I should have been upfront but I guess I was too focused. Now please. I never want to see any of you again and I am going now."

"But Ceri..."

"Please Hiei don't make this hard on you. I am going and I want you all to stay away."

Hiei looked at her with the light in his eyes fading. Kurama knew this would happen. He only hoped Hiei wouldn't say what he knew was coming. "But I love you Ceri." Damn, thought Kurama. Hiei really said it. Now he's going to be hurt even more by her rejection and I'm going to get the anger because she had to bring my name up in this goodbye. Hiei is going to blame me and then I will die a painful death. Either he will kill me or I will die alone and miserable but be hurt either way. Oh joy. Kurama sighed as he saw Ceridwen try to suppress her laughter.

"Hiei. You have been a wonderful friend and I am thankful for that. I felt like you and Kurama were the only people who remotely understood me but not so much with Kurama lately. If you really do feel that way about me then you will respect my wishes and leave me alone. Goodbye to both of you and tell the others not to look for me either and that I say goodbye to them. Maybe in a next life we will meet but for now it is over. I will remember you all but I have to put you behind me after the Perils are gone. After that then I am going to try to start over." She turned her back and left Hiei staring at her retreating back.

Ceridwen rushed to the hotel as fast as her sprained ankle and broken arm would let her. She clumsily fixed her arm with the right herbs and then her ankle. She rotated the joints and when everything felt fine she packed her things. Then she loaded her usual daggers and swords that had been retrieved and put on her cloak. She left the hotel and ran at top speed. Going as fast as she was she was able to cross the water with only her boots getting wet up to the ankle. She finally made it across after an hour.

Slowing her pace to a walk she strolled through the woods and into the town. From there she walked to the airport and flashed her passport and gave them her return ticket. Everyone stared at her and one guard actually had the guts to approach her and asked her for her permit on the weapons. She flashed it and got on the plane. After take off she sighed. She had spent five weeks with those guys and it would be odd not seeing them all the time. Well that's over, she thought. I am going to kill the Perils and then it's all over. She gazed out the window and part of her crumbled. Bane had been able to fly. They used to fly over scenes like this. The sun just setting below the clouds. The Perils would pay dearly. The plane landed in Italy and she got off. She then bought a ticket to America.

Back in the arena Hiei left before receiving the prize as well. He had seen Ceridwen gliding over the water at an enormous speed and wanted to run after her but what she had said to him brought him down from his illusions. He though Ceridwen had felt the same way about him as he felt for her and was only shaken at killing for the first time. He reflected on the latest events and realized that Kurama had probably been right about her loosing sanity. She was very dangerous. Before leaving the arena Hiei had seen on instant replay what Ceridwen had done to that demon. She had no mercy in her eyes and seemed only to want to kill as painfully as she could.

He remembered the dead bodies of Vall and Elva. She was easier on Vall because she was practically dead herself and she had been easy on Elva because she had done little involving Bane's death. He went into his room and lay down on the bed without even undressing. When Kurama returned from the arena Hiei pretended to be asleep. In the morning Kurama woke to found Hiei gone with no note.