He sighed, watching his companions. They were all in some state of weariness, their mission in Makai taking longer than they thought. How hard should it be to find one demon that specialized in blood? It was a lost art, and rumors and witnesses should have sprung up in abundance. Yet no one, even one of their previous contacts, could give them an allusion as to the whereabouts of this demon.

So they were heading to the meeting point, tired bedraggled and frustrated. Botan greeted them, her usual cheer adding a sour note to their already rancid mood. The chipper babbling almost tempted him to knock her off her oar.

When they arrived it was to a frustrated toddler who promptly started reaming their 'lazy' asses out. "You've been gone for almost two weeks and you never found anything! What kind of detectives are you?"

"Shut up toddler." It was stated so emotionlessly Koenma actually took a good look at his spirit detectives.

Hiei was the only one who looked somewhat unruffled. Kurama the usually clam and collected- looked frazzled and soul weary, and he supposed that Youko was just as frustrated. Kuwabara, usually the gentle if somewhat dense giant, looked ready to murder the next thing that ticked him off. And Yusuke, he looked as if he would gladly eliminate anything that talked above a whisper.

"We need to find this demon. I'm sorry but the most I can give you is a today for a break."

The detectives glanced at him, trying to decide whether or not they should maim him and leave for a vacation or take the break and regroup. Yusuke growled and shook his head. A bit of filth fell from his loose hair, dusting the floor with a feeling of weariness.

"Let us go and make the most of it. I'm getting really pissed at this demon." His sentence growled out as it was, resonated through the room and sent chills down the demi-gods spine.

Botan was called in her cheery mood only being dented at the glares she received at her enthusiastic greeting. It bounced back and she offered to heal them before they went home.

Healed by her white magic and resting in a park, they fell to contemplating their mission. "God this sucks."

"Thanks for stating the obvious idiot."

"Shut up."

"Both of you be quiet, please."

It was quiet for a while before Yusuke sighed. "This sucks,"

No one commented.

"We need to figure out how to catch that Demon."

"Ketsueki is good at hiding. Even with a reputation such as his, he seems to fall through the shadows into obscurity whenever someone even attempts to look for him." Kurama stated, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

Kuwabara groaned. "Isn't there something we can use to find him easier? I mean we were just tromping around working our asses off with no real direction. It's like torture!"

Yusuke grunted his agreement before sprawling out onto the grass. Kurama noticed a strange look overcome Hiei's face and filed it away for future contemplation.

It took another hour of tossing ideas back and forth. The spirit detector from Botan wouldn't work in Makai, the auras surrounding it too many. Kuwabara couldn't sense much, with the same difficulty. An encounter with a chipper Botan for a new device sounded like torture. And Hiei refused to use his Jagan, which probably meant he had run intodifficulties as well,but was unwilling to admit it.

Hiei was finally fed up with the matter and growled as he jumped down form his perch. "Follow me." He sped off.

The rest shrugged and followed running to keep up. Oddly enough he slowed to a normal humans pace before he reached his destination. At their curious looks at him he just 'hmmph'ed and kept his pace.

"Why are you walking shorty? Did you run out of steam?"

Hiei growled. "I am not stupid enough to approach this place at a threatening pace."

Kurama cast a sharp glance his way, but the stoic look had returned to Hiei's face and he could make neither hide nor hair of his thoughts. Sooner than he thought, they stopped at the Torii of a shrine, the many steps ahead looking intimidating even to him.

"Ah shit, we have to climb that?" Yusuke exclaimed.

Kurama glanced at Hiei, this place reeked of power. It didn't feel like normal power though, something about it was soothing and refreshing. Kuwabara was shivering at the intensity.

As they stepped through the torii, a wave of power flowed over them before seeming to recognize Hiei. This disturbed Kurama, the power seemed to have its own personality, power only accomplished this when it was set to a fixed purpose for an extended amount of time. 'If this power was here long enough to acquire a personality how come no one has detected it?'

'The torii seem to have a barrier spell.'

'You're awake?'

'You were thinking too loud.' They both knew that wasn't true. This power was enough to wake a teen on a hangover, and he should know how difficult that was. A veiled glance at Yusuke further embroiled his point to Youko.

They finally made it to the top, making good time despite their sedate pace. Glancing around three things were prominent; one, that was one abnormal tree; two, that shed had unnatural powers coming off of it; and three, this was a very well-kept and powerful shrine.

Hiei glanced around and sniffed the air before beckoning them to follow him towards the tree. As they rounded it they were greeted by a young boy and an elderly gentleman in monk's robes, gathering the herbs growing in a garden hidden slightly behind the tree.

Kurama perked up when he sported the garden, recognizing some demon and some extinct plants. 'That's impossible!'

'Now you know its not.' Youko teased back before he actually looked at the garden. 'Holy shit! That's Taxus Baccata! And that's Brugmansia Solanaceae, and there's Strelitzia reginae! Ooooooh that's Galega officinalis. Look there's even some Convallaria majalis growing in the shade!

'oh good lord…save me.'

As if answering his prayer, the old man looked up suspiciously. In his hand (Youko kept insisting) was Canananga Odorata, a sedative herb used to lower blood pressure. Brushing away the momentary distraction he watched as the young boy helped the old man stand up. As one they turned to their group and glanced them over. There was a resigned determination in their eyes stances shifting silently to defensive positions, the boy slightly behind the elder. Hiei stepped forward, instantly upon spotting his presence, the two relaxed.

"Hiei-san," the young one bowed, "we were not expecting you this day." Hiei glanced at them and gestured to the unusually silent spirit detectives. The boy's face turned inscrutable before he sighed and turned to leave. His elder patted him comfortingly on the back as he left.

"What the hell is going on?" Ah, there. Yusuke's mouth caught up with his brain.

The elder looked affronted, Hiei looked downright pissed. "You will not raise your voice here detective." Yusuke looked ready to protest, and strangely enough Kuwabara stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"Higurashi-san, is all well?" Hiei prompted.

"Hmm, she had a fright just yesterday, and she seems to be taking it hard."

Hiei tilted his head to one side and frowned in thought. Kuwabara went up to Higurashi and knelt with him to gather the herbs. Higurashi glanced at him before nodding his head in satisfaction and showing him what he needed.

Kurama watched in interest. 'They're gathering sedatives.'

'Seems that way…and that's an antiseptic.'

'What do you think…?'

Hiei glanced sharply at the house, his gaze softening for a quick moment. Kurama and Yusuke turned, the power flowing serenely off the figure too much to ignore. The young boy was walking towards them guiding a young woman who had her eyes closed. He led her with ease of long practice; the observation leading him to believe she wasn't just closing her eyes for a spontaneous surprise.

'Do you think…?'

'Just wait.' The irritation present in Youko's voice stopped his line of questioning.

"Souta, what's going on?" A soft voice came from the girl.

Higurashi-san stood up and dusted off his robes; the girl's green miko hakamas contrasting with the blue of both men's. Gently, Souta guided the girl to a bench, conveniently placed by the tree. His gentle mutterings further confirming Kurama's suspicions. "It's right in front of you, sis, the tree slightly to your right." Slowly she sat down. "There you go, you have visitors."

She seemed to tense up, and she nodded her head slowly.

"Miko-sama." Hiei stated plainly.

Youko snapped to attention in Kurama's mind. 'Miko..?'

The miko's face cleared and she relaxed with a small smile. "Souta-chan, Ojii-chan, would you leave us?" Higurashi-san smiled sadly and left.

"Onee-chan! You said we could…"

She paused. "If Hiei thinks it is all right for you to be here…I won't object. That sounds good, ne otouto?" The boy nodded determinedly and seated himself beside the female, carefully avoiding startling her.

Hiei sighed and nodded his head.

Kurama was confused, but he waited for the events to unfold. Souta relaxed at Hiei's silent acceptance and snuggled into the girl's side. She smiledgently and placed her hand lightly on his back.

"Who are your friends?"

Hiei huffed and shook his head. "You dare to question my judgment?"

The girl smiled. "When you just being you are a danger? Of course I question everything you do."

Souta grinned unabashed and stuck his tongue out at the fire demon. He stopped with a surprised yelp when the girl poked him sharply. Grinning sheepishly he glanced at his sister.

Youko watched on with interest. 'They're siblings…but they act like …'

'Like what?'

'It just reminded me of the old ways…a village specializing in certain techniques, like the slayers, had a ranking, this girl appears to be the higher rank in this place. Yet she's blind.'

'Why do you say that?'

'Hero worship. The young Souta admires her, and he loves her like close siblings should. It's a side affect of training together, sharing certain experiences.'

"I'm Kuwabara." Kazuma stated calmly. None of his usual hyperactive personality coming out, it seemed that evenhe was calmed in her presence.

"I'm Minamino Shuichi, please call me Kurama." She turned her head from Kuwabara to him, and seemed to pause and study him before she nodded.

She turned to Yusuke expectantly. He snorted and turned away. "Keh." She looked shocked, even going so far as to shake her head and tilt her head at him. Hiei growled lowly and she raised her hand towards him.

"Yusuke." Their leader finally grumbled out.

"This, detectives, is Kagome-sama. The priest-in-training is her younger brother, Souta." Souta flushed with pride and glanced at his sister out of the corner of his eyes. She slowly smiled as he looked at her and grasped his hand in hers, giving it an affectionate squeeze.

"You seek me out?"

"We have… a problem. It would be useful for your abilities to provide aid." She seemed to sadden at his words.

"Who is it?" Souta asked, glancing warningly at Hiei and worriedly at his sister.

"Ketsueki."

Both siblings glanced sharply at him. "Ketsueki…" Souta trailed off in horror.

"Gather my bag and my weapons Souta. Tell Jii-chan and Okaa-san that I love them. Hiei will take care of me." He nodded curtly and dashed into the house.

Kagome stood up, one hand coming to rest on the tree. "Take care of them, Goshinboku." She stepped onto the walkway and seemed to brace herself as she bowed her head. Originating from her, a soothing power washed over the whole property,falling over them and analyzing them.

Souta came out and adopted a glazed look when the power touched him. Smiling goofily, if not resignedly, he gave her a kiss on the cheek and handed her a black duffle bag, after that he handed her an unstrung bow and a case. The case rattled several separate and distinct sounds coming from it.

She hugged him and turned to them as he went into the house. Kurama could see her family watching from the large front window. Hiei went to her and took the bow from her hands guiding her, he wrapped her hands around his neck and she slid onto his back.

Yusuke startled, glancing at Kurama questioningly when Hiei was a further distance down the stairs. "I kind of thought she was blind, but she actually is!"

Kurama smiled slightly. He wasn't the only one to notice it then.

When they arrived at Koenma's office it was to his screeching at George, and yelling about important papers.

He stopped at their entrance and stared in irritated silence, waiting for them to state their business. Silently Hiei put Kagome down. "We need a portal to Makai. We will find Ketsueki this time."

Koenma's eyes widened when he heard this, and seemed to widen further when he spotted the silent miko. Slowly his mouth openedas he tried to form words.

Nothing came out, except unformed breaths and the impression of great shock. Hiei snorted and then snarled at Koenma when he stepped towards the miko. Koenma got an indignant look on his face. "If this is who I think it is she has to stay here for testing! Kami what luck, the Kagome no miko! The divine protection! I'll gain every Lords respect if…"

Hiei's warning growl reverberated through the chamber. "You will not touch Kagome-sama. She is aiding us of her own free will and the Lords and Ladies would kill you if you so much as touched her with such intentions."

Koenma paled and a glare settled on his face, none the less he called Botan in to create a portal. Her smile was beaming as usual and Kagome seemed to cringe away from the force of her personality. Having already hidden behind Hiei from Koenma's outburst the move made her look even more vulnerable.

Koenma muttered as they left and Botan glanced at the girl curiously when they crossed into Makai. Hiei was muttering to himself, or to Kagome, they weren't exactly sure. But the smile tugging at Kagome's lips led them to believe that he was cursing to himself.

Coming to an empty field Hiei guided Kagome to the centre. "Kagome-sama, we're arrived. Ketsueki is in this realm, and he works with Blood."

'Youko, what is he hinting at?'

'Blood magic….'

'…?'

'Blood magic works on fresh blood, anyone who works with it will have a distinct aura on their person and in their works. Mikos are able to sense things such as this.'

Kagome nodded. Relaxing her hands at her sides she took a deep breath, as she exhaled she raised her arms out, drawing her hands in a deceptively gentle move towards the sky. As if pleading with the gods.

A flash of awareness shot through him, a power sparking to life with her motions. Kuwabara gasped in his shock and quickly knelt on the ground, gaping at the miko. Yusuke, startled as well, backed away a few steps unsurely.

Hiei stood guard beside her, impassive in his duty.

They felt a shift in her energies, but didn't realize what had happened until she turned in a circle to survey her surroundings, as if she were gesturing to the Gods that this was her offering.

She had opened her eyes; that was what had caused the energy shift. Her spiritual energies were rolling off her in greater abundance. And her eyes seemed to draw in all the light around her and glow.

They weren't normal blind eyes; unmoving and unseeing, a lighter and paler colour than natural to testify to her lack of sight.

No, her eyes were dark, a complete blanket of midnight hues as the evening sky. And like the night sky they did have the stars in them, seemingly a window to the galaxy if you looked long enough. A depth was present there, in her glowing orbs, one that made a person feel insignificant next to a greater power at work.

She lowered her hand and bowed to nothing. Seating herself on the grass, she folded her limbs into a traditional kneeling pose with her hands in her lap. Her unseeing, yet seeing, eyes stared around her, drinking in the sounds.

Curiously, the normally silent forest was alive. Kurama could hear the animals that were usually silent with fear of predators. He could hear the birds and the small mammals; he even heard the flapping of miniscule insect wings. It was a strange sensation. He heard everything yet it all seemed surreal, like only the silence in the clearing was the reality.

The grass danced in the wind and strained towards the miko. The lights in her eyes seemed to dull before coming back in full force, spinning and merging into a vortex of swirling luminosity.

It was a few tense moments before she closed her eyes and whispered a quick prayer under her breath. Rising herself from her position she dusted off the shins of her hakamas.

Yusuke broke the tense silence. "Well," he faltered when her face turned to him, maybe half-expecting a star-eyed stare, "did you…find him?"

Hiei came up beside her, sheathing his sword and relaxing from his defensive position. Glancing at Kagome out of the corner of his eyes he turned to scan the clearing.

"Yes, I found him."

Yes, these are real plants. Theses are both poisonous and medicinal/edible; don't really think you want to know what they all are just so you know that they are. But inside joke- Brugmansia Solanaceae has the common name 'Bird of Paradise Flower'. I had to put it in. Couldn't resist, it's a poisonous plant you see – makes me want to taunt Kouga…cough cough ahem. Oooh fun. X

Hope you enjoyed it! Oh review! Review1 review!…makes me happy you see and happy me is happy glee…ugh okay happy me more chappie!

If I get no reviews I'm not even going to bother updating this. No feedback means it sux!