-1Okay so I had a minor brain fart. A year long brain fart. Alright, no excuses! On with the story!

(And of course I do not own any of the characters of Yu Yu Hakusho.)

"Don't mind Kali, she doesn't like getting up in the morning without having a cup of tea. Once we get some caffeine in her, she'll be a bit better." Leora explained. "Now I need to go to my class. Yusuke, Kuwabara, you'll find gaming systems and games in the entertainment center. Kurama, if you want you could accompany me to my class, we're studying bacteria, and we're using this amazing microscope." Kurama nodded. "Hiei, you said that you could make it in whatever realm you're in, so amuse yourself…but with no bloodshed." Leora finished. She grabbed a saddle bag and a laptop and walked towards the door, she turned around, "And if anyone's hungry the fridge is full, but Kali and I will take you guys out to lunch, so don't overeat. Now, I really gotta go, if you want anything in the next three hours, then you'll have to ask Kali. See ya!" And with that she walked out the door, Kurama following.

"Whoa! Uramishi check this out!" Kuwabara said, when he opened the entertainment center's doors. "It looks like they own every fighting game on the planet!"

"I thought college students were supposed to be poor." Yusuke said as he shuffled through some of the games. "Their parents must be loaded."

"No actually. They're not." Kali said, walking towards the kitchen. "You see, my last year of college was totally funded by the college itself. And the museum, who had just lost their art restorator, the person that fixes up the old paintings before they go on display, and since that's what I am majoring in, they hired me right away. The guy who used to work there didn't do much work so they keep me busy. Not only do they pay me, but they pay for this apartment, and it's facilities, so all I need to pay for is food. Mentioning that, I'm making some popcorn, do you guys want any? If you want anything, tell me now, I want to finish the painting I was working on."

"Can we watch?" Kuwabara asked.

"If you really want to. But I never thought making popcorn was ever that interesting." Kali shrugged.

"Umm, Kali I think what Kuwabara meant was could we watch you paint?" Yusuke explained.

Kali, who was now sipping a steaming cup of tea nodded. "Oh yes, of course as long as you're quiet, no fist fights in the room while I'm trying to work. It would be rather distracting. And sorry about my blonde moment, I cannot function normally without caffeine in me."

"So you're majoring in art restoring?" Kuwabara asked.

"Art restoration." Kali corrected. "Yes, and I didn't think either of you would be interested in what I do." She walked towards the only room in the apartment that was shut, and took out a key.

Kuwabara looked offended. " You think that just because we fight a lot, we can't appreciate art?"

"Well, yeah, basically. And don't even try it, I know you're both looking to see if you can find something to give to the gals that you love. Especially you Yusuke since you didn't tell Keiko where you were going."

Yusuke laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Well… you have to understand! You've never been slapped by her!"

Chuckling a little, Kali opened the door. "Don't worry, I think I have just the painting to save you."

Both Kuwabara's and Yusuke's jaws dropped to the floor when they saw the room. It was covered in paintings, in all different sizes, shapes and colors. In the middle of the room was easel holding large canvas. There was a charcoal sketch sitting on it waiting to become a painting, but it looked as though it had been waiting for a while. She started rummaging through a large box, pulling paintings out, looking at them, shaking her head, and putting them back.

"Aha!" She pulled out two paintings. She handed a painting of a cherry tree, standing alone in the sunset, the silhouette of a couple holding hands was surrounded by the fallen cherry tree blossoms. She handed Kuwabara a painting of two children making snow angels together, a sister and a brother, both with brilliant crimson eyes. "These should do the trick."

"Whoa." Yusuke just stared at the painting. "She'll never hit me again."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far. Alright, no more distractions, its time to…to…oh come on!" Both the boys looked at her confused. "Every time I'm just about to start working, a stupid mythological creature pops up." She grumbled as she stalked out of the room.

She walked over to the window where Hiei was sitting and shoved him out of the way. "Watch it, baka onna." Kali just looked at him before opening the window, and jumping out.

Everyone's eyes grew to the size of plates. "Please tell me we're on the first floor." Yusuke said as he looked out the window. "One, two three four five six, oh, ok seventh, the seventh floor.

"She's a kitty; remember? She'll always land on her feet." Kuwabara said grinning.

"Hn, I don't think I've seen a cat do that before." Hiei said, pointing at Kali. Wings had sprouted from her back, and Kali looked both ways before taking off high into the air. She seemed to be trying to fight something off, and something began to plummet towards the ground. Kali kicked what seemed to be a large bird off of her, and brought her wings close to her body, diving towards what ever was falling. She managed to grab it just before both it and she hit the ground. Kali held what she caught to her chest as she, not so gracefully tumbled to the ground. She dusted herself off, cradling the creature in the crook of her arm, and quickly came back to the room.

"I hope no one saw that…" She said as she stepped inside. She carefully shifted the small bundle in her arms.

"What is that?" Kuwabara asked.

"Just wait a few seconds. You'll see." Less than a minute later, the creature in Kali's arms burst into flames. Yusuke and Kuwabara yelped and jumped back, and Hiei's eyes widened, while Kali calmly held the flaming creature in her arms, showing no signs of pain whatsoever. The flames died as quickly as they started, and smiled down at the bundle. "This boys is a phoenix." A small beautifully plumed bird hopped up Kali's arm onto her shoulder."

"Did that hurt?" Kuwabara asked as he inched closer to the bird. Kali shook her head. "Wow, what a pretty birdie! Why did it catch on fire?"

"Well, phoenixes are reborn in the flames of their ashes. They are beautiful birds, their tears can heal nearly any wound, and they can carry up to thirty times their own weight. That means that when this little guy is grown up, he could carry up to around 400 pounds." The bird let out a soft coo, and nuzzled Kali's head.

"Tough little fella." Yusuke said. "I guess a bird like that would be useful to have around."

Kali nodded. "And that is exactly why we'll keep him. Sending him back would be a tragic mistake" Kali grinned. "Leora won't be able to resist the little dude. Besides, it's so much harder to separate yourself from a creature you've named."

"Umm, Kali you haven't named him." Yusuke pointed out.

"Yes, I have." Kali held her arm out and the bird hopped down to her outstretched wrists. With one finger she lightly tapped each of his shoulders, "I dub thee Hajari." The bird hopped up and down the stretched his wings and soared around the ceiling, singing a soft song.

"I think he likes it." Kuwabara stated. Kali nodded quietly falling into a trance like state watching the majestic bird circling the room

"Onna, what was that thing that was attack the bird." Hiei asked, making Kali jump out of her reverie.

"That would be a stormwing. They're disgusting creatures that thrive in areas of death, grieving, war, all around dislikable creatures. They're wings a made of extremely sharp feathers, think wings made of swords, and well, basically it's a bad idea to get into a tangle with a storm wing."

"Isn't that what you just did?" Hiei asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well, uh, yes. And it had its repricutions, but actually I'm one of the few people that stormwings respect."

"Why's that?" Yusuke asked.

"Why mess with something that helps create your food source?" Kali answered, suddenly looking uncomfortable with the topic. "Now, Hajari, occupy the boys. I have to finish my painting." The bird let out a small sing-song coo, as he swooped down onto Kuwabara's outstretched arm. "I'll be out in an hour. Then, I'll treat you guys to lunch, for being so patient." Kali walked away from the boys, who were now trying to get Hajari to show them how much weight he could lift. Hiei silently followed her as she walked back towards her studio. "A phoenix isn't interesting enough?" Kali asked not even turning to acknowledge his presence.

"Hn, there is only so much time I can stay in one room with those idiots."

"I'm just going to be doing my painting, but as long as you stay quiet, I guess you can stay in here." Kali said. "If I hear one 'hn' though, you're out, understand?" Though Kali's tone was commanding, her nerves raced. 'no one has ever watched me paint before…not even Leora…I mean she's seen me draw out the paintings, but she's never seen me actually paint them, jeez, I hope I don't mess up…

Hiei smirked, catching Kali's thoughts.

Kali pulled a large piece of cloth from the easel standing in the middle of the room. As it feel it revealed a large charcoal drawing. Sad eyes stared out from the canvas. It was a drawing of a young boy who looked similar to Kali. "He's my baby brother. Though he's not a baby an more."

Kali let out a soft sigh. She picked up black paint and began to set up her palette. Hiei watched curiously as she picked up her paint brush, dipping it into the paint. He felt her mind completely withdraw from the room as the brush touched the canvas. He blinked a few times trying to figure out what had happened. He looked at her eyes as she moved the paint brush across the canvas, and realized that her mind was completely relaxed; she had no thoughts except for the task in front of her. She smiled softly, as her brushstrokes became more confident.

It seemed like Kali was painting herself as much as the canvas, her arms and face getting covered in paint, but the face of a young boy emerged shaded, creating even more emotion. The black and white painting seemed to come alive. Hiei found himself being pulled into the same trance that Kali was in. The sound of the brush hitting the canvas started lulling him to sleep, and he soon found his eyes fluttering shut.

"Hiei." Something softly shook his shoulder. His eyes shot open and he jumped to his feet. Kali smiled at him. "I'm finished." He looked around bewildered. "You feel asleep while I was painting. I finished the painting, then cleaned the room and myself up. I didn't wake you up right away, so I took advantage of you while you were asleep." Hiei's eyes widened slightly. Kali grinned and held up a sketch book. "Silly perv, not like that." Her face looked thoughtful. "You look so different when you're asleep. You know you were smiling for a little while. Where you having a good dream?"

"Hn." Hiei glared at here, then brushed past her, walking out of the room.

Kali walked out into the living room. She almost face vaulted when she saw the room. "What on earth happened to my living room!"

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked up from their video game, their eyes open wide. "Kali! We uhhh," The both looked around at the mess hey had mad. The couch and the seats in the room were all tipped over, as well as the coffee table. Papers and magazines scattered the floor and pieces of popcorn were everywhere. "Well first we were trying to see how much weight Hajari could lift and Kuwabaka here made a beat that he couldn't back up, we had a fight then we played some video games."

"Well boys, you're going to clean up this mess." Kali smiled, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop. "Now!" Kuwabara and Yusuke scrambled to their feet, frantically cleaning up the room. Hajari flew over to Kali's shoulder and nuzzled her check.

Hiei came up beside Kali. "You know, for a genie, you are quite a demanding creature."

Kali didn't even turn to him. "I'm not a genie anymore." Hiei looked at her waiting for her to continue. "I had my powers revoked. By a higher power. They were planning on doing that from the beginning."

Kuwabara and Yusuke ran up to Kali. Kuwabara bowed in front of her. "We've cleaned up our mess. Please forgive us for being so rude!"

Kali laughed. "It's alright. You're forgiven. There is no need to be so polite. It's just the Leora would kill me if she found that mess."

"What mess, Kali?" Leora's voice sounded from behind Kali, causing her to jump.

"No mess , Leora." Kali smiled waving her hand around the room, as if to prove it.

"Kali, what's on your shoulder?" Leora asked, putting her bags down.

"Leora, where's Kurama?" Kali asked quickly changing the subject.

"Uhhh…"

"You lost him!!" Kali shouted.

"No he was right behind me." Leora said peeking her head out the door. She found her neighbor, holding on his arm lecturing him.

"And if you punks come in this building again, I'm going to call the cops." Mrs. Mozino finished.

"Mrs. Mozino." Leora started.

"No!" Mrs. Mozino interrupted her. "I don't care if he's your boyfriend, Leora! I don't want him in the building! He might make this his gang's headquarters or something like that." Leora stared at the woman, blushing and stuttering. Kali who had been peeking out the door stepped out.

"Mrs. Mozino, if you have a problem, don't talk to Leora about it, she's far to polite. I on the other hand, don't have a problem with being rude, so here it goes." Kali took a deep breath. "Keep you fat nose out of our business. If our guests have done anything to bother you, let us know, we'll talk to them about it." Kali took a step forward, and bent forward, so she was inches from the woman's face. She hissed quietly. "If I ever find you assaulting my friends or my guests like this again, you will regret it." She stepped back, turned around and called inside. "Come on guys, time for lunch." She stepped inside, to make sure Hajari would be ok, then stepped out, with Kuwabara, Yusuke and Hiei.

Mrs. Mozino stuttered, about to begin yelling again, when Kali looked over at her, glaring. Her lip trembled, and she ran inside her apartment, slamming the door after her.

"Kali, I appreciate you coming to back me up and all, but you can't keep intimidating our neighbors like that. That's the third time you've made that woman cry." Leora said with a sigh. "And don't think that I've forgotten about the phoenix back in the apartment." Kali flinched as they all piled in the elevator. "I know he's adorable, but we are not allowed to keep mythological creatures!"

"But, he would be a great asset to us! And Leora, Hajari thinks I'm his mother!" Leora looked over to Kali. "Ok, maybe he doesn't think I'm his mother, but I was the person he saw after he was reborn!"

"Hajari?" Leora said, raising her eyebrow. Kali nodded vigorously. "You've named him already." Leora sighed and shook her head. "We can keep him for now. But as soon as we've finished collecting all the mythological creatures, he has to go back to his realm."

"Yes!" Kali threw a victorious fist in the air, nearly hitting Kuwabara. "Oops, sorry, Kuwabara."

"How does pizza sound to everyone?" Leora asked as the group exited the elevator. The boys all agreed. Leora smiled slyly. "Kali, let's go to Mama's. You can show off."

Kali glared. "Fine with me." She began to walk in the opposite direction of everyone else.

"Where ya going Kali?!" Kuwabara called after her.

"We won't all fit in the car. And I have my own mode of transportation." Kali said back.

"I'm not getting in that thing." Hiei stated simply looking at the car.

"Then go with Kali, Hiei." Leora stated simply. Hiei looked over at Leora, the walked off, in the direction that Kali went. "Alright, everyone, hop in!" Leora said, smiling to herself.

Hiei found Kali unlocking a garage. She turned to see him there as he walked up. "Somehow I knew you would be coming with me." She said throwing a helmet at him. He looked at it, then looked at Kali. "You don't ride with me without the helmet." She opened the garage door revealing a motorcycle. It was a black Kawasaki Ninja, but it had two fiery purple dragons painted on each side, meeting in the front of the bike circling a blood red rose. Kali ran her fingers along the dragons. "You like? I did it myself." She grinned. "Come on, they're going to beat us there. " She pulled a helmet over her head and pulled the bike out of the garage before sitting. She patted space behind her, her grin hidden by the helmet.

"Crazy onna." Hiei muttered to himself before climbing on the bike behind Kali.

"Hold on." Kali said, before taking off, forcing Hiei to wrap his arms around her in order to stay on.

"So it Kali doesn't drive a car, what does she drive?" Kuwabara asked from the back of the car.

"Probably a moped." Yusuke said snickering, imagining Hiei on a moped. "Artists love mopeds."

"You'll see soon enough." Leora said, pulling into a cute little Italian restaurant. She parked the car, and got out leaning against the car. "Now if she took her shortcut, she should be here any second." As if on cue the sound of the motorcycle could be heard,

As soon as Kali pulled into the spot next to Leora, Hiei leaped off the bike.

"Crazy onna!" He yelled, throwing his helmet on the ground

"Jeez, Hiei, I thought you'd be able to handle a little jump. The ramp wasn't that big. I think you may have broken some of my ribs." Kali looked over to Leora, who was nearly on the ground laughing, and grinned. "He handled it better than anyone. I recall, you actually breaking one of my ribs, and nearly making my ears bleed." Leora stopped laughing.

"I didn't actually break your rib, I bruised it. And I did not scream that loud." Leora said, sticking out her tongue. She turned to Kurama, who was still trying not to laugh at the sight of the traumatized Hiei. "Lets get some food." She opened the door, letting the gang through, tripping Kali as she passed.

"Graceful as ever, artsy chick." A voice said above Kali. She looked up, as she picked herself up off the ground.

"Pizza boy, don't you have errands to run?" She said dusting herself off. She smiled at him. He engulfed her in a hug.

"It's been a long time, artsy chick." He said, then held her out at arms length. "I think this is the first time I've seen your face without paint on it." Kali brushed his arms off of her. Then looked thoughtful.

"Actually, you might be right, this may be the first time that I've come here without being covered in paint…" Kali's eyebrows furrowed, as she thought about it.

"Is that Kali I hear?" A matronly voice sounded from the back of the restaurant. A plump Italian woman rushed out, and grabbed Kali, pulling her into a hug. "Oh my dear, it's been nearly a year! I thought that maybe James here had scared you away with all his bad pick up lines!"

"MOM!" The boy who had hugged Kali turned bright red.

"His pick up lines may be bad, but not bad enough to drive me away from all your delicious food, Mama." Kali smiled at the woman who was still hugging her. Kali broke away, "I brought some of my friends from out of town to taste your food. And of course Leora." Kali nodded in Leora's direction.

"Well, I'll get Lance to get ready for your orders, and I'll go get you menus. Take a seat, my dears."

"Did Kali tell you why she is so famous at this restaurant?" James asked, taking a seat next to Kali, earning a glare from Hiei, who moved around him to sit on her other side. Everyone stayed silent. "I'll take that as a no. Let me tell you." James put an arm around Kali, "This angel here saved this restaurant. You see, my mother is very kind…Too kind. She kept her prices really low so that the local college students could eat here without a problem. Eventually, business became slow, and we were going to have to close down." James let out a sigh, and Kali shrugged his arm off. "Kali, who was a regular customer, wouldn't accept this, so she organized the students of the art department, and made this restaurant into one of her projects." The group looked around, realizing that the walls and ceiling of the building were painted into a huge mural. "She designed everything, and she donates paintings for us to sell, once a month. We became a tourist hot spot, because she also arranged for students to come in once a month and paint the customers faces on the back wall. Basically, without all her hard work, my family would be on the streets. And that's why I think she is my guardian angel." He smiled at Kali.

Kali snorted. "I'm no angel. And he makes it sound like so much of a bigger deal than it really was." As she said this she got hit in the head with a wooden spoon.

"Don't listen to her she really is an angel." Mama stated, whacking James on the head. "Stop flirting with Kali and do you job. Go get this table of some pitchers of drinks James scrambled up avoiding being hit by his mother again.

"Here are your menu's. Let me introduce myself, my name is Patty Benivuto, and my husband and I own this little place. You've met one of my sons, James, the one infatuated with Kali. And then there's Lance, in the back, he's infatuated with Leora." When Mama Patty said this Leora blushed.

"Let me introduce everyone." Leora said, still blushing. "Down at the end of the table, is Yusuke, and across from him is Kuwabara. Next to me is Shuichi, or as we call him, Kurama. Now next to Kali is Hiei. "

"How did you all meet?" Mama Patty, asked smiling at the table. Leora sent a look over to Kali who pitched in.

"A community service project. Leora and I were on visiting the area they're from, and they need a few extra hands." Kali grinned. "We ended up doing most of the work."

"Hey! It's not our fault we.." Yusuke was abruptly interrupted by Leora.

"We had more experience anyway." Leora said shaking her head. "So Mama, do you still make that amazing Alfredo sauce?" Leora asked changing the subject.

"Of course. I'm assuming you want the Fettuccini Alfredo?" Mama Patty asked. "And Kali you'll have the Rossini right?"

"Of course!" Kali grinned. "Do you guys know what you want?"

"Yusuke and I would like to have the Meat Lovers pizza in the largest size you've got." Kuwabara stated.

"May I try your pasta primavera?" Kurama asked, folding his menu.

Mama's eyes turned to Hiei, who seemed to be glaring at a corner.

"Ummm, he'll have a individual deep dish Mama. Sorry, I gave him a ride here, and I think he's still a little mad at me about it."

"Who wouldn't be?" Mama said collecting the menus. "I remember the first time you gave Leora a ride here, you could hear her from a mile away. And didn't she break one of your ribs?" She chuckled. "You'll get over it eventually, honey." She patted Hiei on the shoulder and walked away. Yusuke and Kuwabara snickered.

James walked back in the room, two pitchers in each hand. "Alright, I have Diet Coke, root beer, Sprite and water." Kuwabara and Yusuke grabbed the root beer.

"Hey, artsy chick, I've got a question."

"Go for it Pizza Boy." Kali said, looking up at him, leaning back on her chair.

"Where's your boyfriend?" As he asked that Leora choked on her water. "Umm, was that a bad question?" He shifted uncomfortably.

"No, it's alright." Kali said softly "We broke up. It just wasn't meant to be." She forced a smile.

"Hmmm, this makes my next question easier and harder…" James said.

"Spit it out, Pizza Boy." Kali said.

"You see, I got these two tickets to this thing. And I was wondering if you wanted to go with me?" He fidgeted. "I mean, I know you have friends over, and I know that you just got out of a long term relationship. But I.." He gushed but Kali interrupted him.

"I'd love to go with you, to this 'thing'. But one thing, we're going as friends. I'm really sorry, it's just…I really don't plan on getting in a relationship any time soon. I just don't want to give you any false hope. I like you, I really do, but I don't want to have any relationships."

James frowned. "He hurt you really badly didn't he?"

"It wasn't his fault. Actually, I guess you could say I broke up with him." Kali said her head hanging low on her chest. "I just don't think that I can handle being in a relationship right now James. I think you should take someone else."

"Alright Kali." James turned and walked toward the kitchen. "You know I'm not giving up on you, I'm just giving you a break." He winked at her before going back into the kitchen.

Kali smiled. "Silly kid." She looked around the table. "What's with all the looks?"

"I'm just worried about you is all." Leora said , staring at her friend.

"Well, don't be worried." Kali said, sitting in her chair properly and crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not going to put myself into that situation ever again. So no worries."

"Kali…" Leora shook her head and decided to drop it. "Lets go for a walk in to park later tonight. It will be a full moon."

"Sounds like fun." Kali said, smiling, glad her friend decided not to bug her about her decision.

James and another boy who looked exactly like him walked out of the kitchen, carrying trays. "Food's ready!"

As one of the twins set down a plate in front of Leora, she grinned at him. "Hey, Lance. How's it going?"

"Jeez, how does she do it!" They yelled at the same time.

"I even switched my apron with him." James noted.

"You two look different." Leora stated. The twins looked at each other. Then looked at her skeptically.

"She cheats. Ignore her." Kali said, sipping her drink.

"How can she cheat? Has she secretly labeled us our something?" James asked, checking his arms.

"Something like that." Kali grinned as he set her pasta in front of her. "Alright everyone, dig in."

Hiei stared at the plate set in front of him. "It's not going to bite you Hiei." Kali stated, looking over at him. "It might be hot, but it's delicious." She showed him, picking up a slice, and taking a bite of it. "See, I'm not dead. Now it's your turn." Hiei swiped the slice of pizza from Kali's hand and took a large bit out of it.

"Whatcha think shrimp?" Kuwabara asked, his mouth full. "Not half bad, eh?"

"Hn." Hiei responded, taking another bite.

Leora laughed. "You know, after we eat this, we should get some gelato." She said thoughtfully. Yusuke and Kuwabara looked up from inhaling their pizza, questioningly.

"Italian style ice cream." Kali explained. "That sounds great."

Leora looked over at Yusuke and Kuwabara. "Hey guys, I know we're planning on going to walk in the park later on, but there is a college boxing match on tonight, do you think you could watch it for me?"

"You like boxing?" Yusuke asked.

"The challenger is a friend of mine, I don't like to watch him getting the spit knocked out of him, but I do like to know the outcome of the match." Leora stated.

"Sounds great!" Yusuke stated. "We'll see how you guys fight in this world." Leora nodded.

James walked up to Kali, carrying a to go box. "Since you two ladies never finish." He said setting it down. "Hey Kali, doesn't your exhibit start in two days?" Kali nodded

"I almost forgot!" She dug into her purse and pulled out six tickets. "Here's your tip." She grinned. "Tickets to the opening of the show tomorrow night."

"Holy crap! I went to buy these and they were fifty bucks a piece!" James exclaimed.

"They're free for the artist." Kali grinned. "I've given you six tickets. Two are for your parents. Two are for your brother, and two are for you. Bring who you would like." Kali looked over at him. "And asking me is pointless. And Lance, sorry, but you'll have to ask someone else. Leora is already going too."

"Well, this sucks." The twins said at the same time.

"I'm sure two you can find some girls who would love to go with you." Leora said. "Now before we go we'd like to get some gelato."

"Do you have chocolate?" Yusuke asked. Lance nodded. "I'll get that."

"Could I get vanilla?" Kuwabara asked.

"May I have strawberry?" Kurama chimed in.

"Chocolate coconut." Leora stated.

"Ummmm, I'll get Key Lime. What type of ice cream do you want Hiei?" Kali looked over at him.

"Chocolate and vanilla." He muttered.

Kali grinned. "Well then, we'll have those in cones, and we'll be out of your hair." She began to take out her wallet, when a wooden spoon whacked her hand. "Ow. What was that for?" Kali whined to Mama, who seemed to come out of nowhere.

"I've told you plenty of times, Kali. You don't need to pay when you come here. Ever."

"But we ate so much food, at least let me pay for my guests." Kali responded. The wooden spoon came down on her head. James and Lance chuckled.

"You've paid for all your past and future meals here, but saving this place." Mama stated, putting her hands on her hips.

"But…" Kali stopped to duck being hit again. "Fine. But I'm going to do an extra painting for you!" She said, grabbing her cone from James, running out of the restaurant before Mama could respond.

"Thank you very much, Mama Patty." Leora said, taking her cone from Lance. "Sorry we didn't spend much time together. We'll come back soon."

"Thanks, dear. Now you watch over that crazy friend of yours. You two have been working to hard. I can see it in your eyes. You two are too young to look so tired." Mama said, giving Leora a soft hug.

"Not much gets by you Mama. We'll be alright." Leora smiled at her. "We take care of each other."

"Well, boys, don't just stand there. Hand our customers their gelato." Mama said. "Well, it was nice meeting all of you. And you are welcome back here any time." Mama said to the gang.

"Thank you very much. Your food is amazing." Kurama said stepping forward.

"Yeah, I haven't felt this full in a long time!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Bye Mama!" Kali called from the door. "I'll see you opening night!"

The group outside, eating their ice cream in silence.

"Thanks for the food, Leora, Kali." Yusuke said, breaking the silence.

"No problem." Kali said. "How's your gelato?"

"Delicious." Leora responded.

"Not you." Kali rolled her eyes. "Hiei, does it meet your approval?" Glancing over to the fire apparition. Her eyes widened when she saw that half of his gelato was gone. "Don't forget to breath, Hiei."

He just looked over at Kali and glared.

"Kali, can I ride home with you?" Yusuke asked, looking at her motorcycle.

She shrugged. "Fine with me. Just ask Hiei. The reason he rode with me in the first place is because he didn't want to be in the car."

"Hey Hiei, after your near death experience with Kali, I'm sure the car seems like a better choice. Lemme ride with Kali back."

Hiei looked at Yusuke. "No, I'm riding with her back."

Yusuke looked surprised, expecting to hear the stereotypical 'hn' and dropped it.

"Well. I'm done. " Kali brushed her hands together to rid herself of any crumbs.

"Me too." Leora stood up from the bench she was sitting on and walked up to her car. "Come on guys." Leora looked over at Kali. "Do you want me to drop of the paintings in the trunk for you?"

"If it's not too much trouble. That would be great." Kali staid.

"I've got the guys to help me carry them in. Not a problem at all. I'll see you back at the apartment." She hopped in her car and drove away.

"Well then. Since you were so eager to ride with me, would you like to try to drive?" Hiei stared at her. "You know, learn how to ride a motorcycle." Kali said jingling the keys. "Unless you're scared…." As she said that Hiei ripped the keys off her finger. "Ow, be careful, I'm fragile." At that statement Hiei snorted and started the bike. "Hey hold on a second, shouldn't you wait until I tell you how to use this thing before you start the engine." Hiei smirked and revved the engine and took off. Kali yelped and wrapped her arms around Hiei to keep herself from falling off. Though Kali couldn't see, when she did this, she knew that his smirk just got bigger.

"I wonder what happened to those two?" Leora asked, looking at her watch. "She said she was just coming back here." As if on cue the apartment door opened.

"Not bad. For a beginner." Kali said. "You may be able to handle my bike, but we need to work on your compliance with the rules of the rules of the road."

Hiei smirked. "You were just afraid the truck was going to hit us."

"Truck?!" Leora looked over at her best friend. "You let him drive your bike?"

"Yeah. He's not half bad either." Kali said, getting a glass of water.

"You let him drive your bike?" Leora repeated, dumbfounded.

"Yes. Were Yusuke and Kuwabara so loud that you've lost your hearing?" Kali questioned.

"I heard you. It's just you let him drive your bike." Leora stated.

"Okay, for the brains of this group, you seem to have trouble absorbing facts…" Kali said sipping her water.

"But…never mind." Leora said shrugging it off. "Do you want to go on that walk now?" Leora asked.

"Sure." Kali said. "Let me go check on Hajari, quickly though." Kali pulled a large bowl of fruit from the fridge.

She walked into her room. "Hey Hajari." The phoenix flew over to Kali's shoulder, nuzzling her cheek. "I brought you some food. Eat up. I'm going on a walk, but I'll be back soon. When I get back, you and I can go flying, so you don't have to worry about any Stormwings." Hajari cooed at her, then flew over to his bowl of fruit. Kali smiled and walked out.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

"Alright, Yusuke, Kuwabara, do what you'd like. The boxing match is on channel 11 in an hour. Have fun!" Leora said, walking out the door to join Kali, Hiei and Kurama.

"Tomorrow you can meet the people who are training us. They may be able to teach you some things you didn't know you were capable of." Leora said.

"Aww, we have to train tomorrow?" Kali whined.

"You most of all, Kali." Leora gave Kali a stern look.

"Yeah, yeah. I know." Kali muttered. She turned to Hiei and grinned. "If any of them challenge you, kick their asses."

Hiei smirked. "Gladly."

"Heheh, especially Gabriel, that feather brain has been getting on my nerves lately. Actually that entire group has been treating me differently lately." Kali frowned

"They're just not used to new additions." Leora offered a reason the strange behavior of the angels.

"That could be true." Kali shrugged. "Whatever. If they have a problem with me, they'll have to deal with it."

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you being trained by angels?" Kurama asked.

Kali looked slightly uncomfortable with the subject. Leora gave her an imploring look. "Well…" She began. "When accepted the deal to share my body with Pandora, I had to give up the majority of my powers. But after my end of the deal was complete, instead of giving me back my powers as a genie, they stripped me of my power." Kali sighed.

"That hardly seems fair." Kurama pointed out.

"No, it doesn't. I said that too. And I made it clear that if they expected me to fight mythological creatures, I'd need to be more than just human." Kurama nodded. "So they took it upon themselves to give me new powers."

"Not reinstate your powers as a genie?" Kurama asked.

"Nope. Now I'm an official angel of death. Right now, I don't have to do the normal tasks required of me because of the mythological clean up. But when that is done, I'll have new tasks. Basically, with new power comes a new responsibility." Kali sighed. "Come on, there's a spot I want to show you guys before the sun sets." Kali started to walk ahead, leading the group in the right direction.

Leora caught up with her friend, "Hey slow down, there's no rush. You're loosing our guests." Leora said looking over her shoulder. "Too late. We've lost them. Kali, pay attention!" Leora yelled, getting frustrated with her friend. Kali had quickly screwed up her matchmaking plans, and Leora had had just about enough of her 'I don't need anyone else attitude'.

"Shush." Kali said, holding up her hand.

Leora took in a deep breath, about to give her friend an earful when she heard what her friend was listening to. "Singing." Leora stated quietly. Her eyes widened. "You don't think…"

"I do. Come on. We need to get to the pond. " Kali said, racing down a different path.

As Leora and Kali neared the pond, they saw Hiei and Kurama, walking slowly, in a trance like state, towards the water.

"Hiei, Kurama, snap out of it. Don't let some pretty fish kill you!" Kali shouted as she got closer.

They both turned, the beat of the song changing slightly. Kali and Leora stopped.

"Sht" Leora cursed, causing Kali to give her a startled look. "The sirens have control over them." Leora explained. "And it looks like we have to get through Hiei and Kurama to get to them."

Kali looked over at her friend as Hiei unsheathed his sword and Kurama summoned his rose wipe. "Know how to break a sirens spell?" Kali said looking around for something to protect herself. "Cause I'm fresh out of weapons right now."

"I can't remember. Just be defensive right now. Let me think." As she spoke Kurama's rose whip lashed out nearly hitting her. "Kali, could you occupy him while I try and remember what the hell to do?"

"I'm a little busy right now, Leora. You're going to have to think on you feet!" Kali yelled, already panting from having to dodge Hiei's attacks.

The sirens cackled as they watched the boys attack. They sat in the water, their pale skin sparkling. At a glance, one would say that they were just regular, beautiful women, but their eyes were black, and their teeth looked similar to those of sharks.

"Leora, no pressure, but I can't keep dodging." As Kali spoke, Hiei slashed at her throat. Kali managed to move away in time to save her life, but the blade cut across her cheek. "That's it, screw this defensive crap!" Kali said, kicking up, knocking Hiei's sword from his hand.

Leora cried out as Kurama's rose whip wrapped around her wrist. Kali looked over at her friend, and moved to help her, but Hiei slammed into her before she could do anything. Kali flew back and crashed into a tree.

"I remember!" Leora yelled, holding up a branch to block the attacks. "Hey Kali, how do you break a spell in a fairy tale?" Leora said giving her friend a quick look, and a smile.

"Oh no. There's no way." Kali said shaking her head. "Can't I just knock him out?" She asked, holding up a large branch.

"No." Leora said, throwing down her own piece of wood. "Don't forget to cover his ears too." With that she ran forward, surprising Kurama. Her hands darted out, grabbing his head, covering his ears. She pulled his head forward and pressed her lips to his.

Kali gaped at Leora's actions, forgetting to pay attention to her own fight. She caught herself just in time to save her head, her arms a deep gash running across them, since she brought them up to protect herself. Hiei lunged again, but Kali ducked and kicked up, knocking his sword from his hands, yet again. As Hiei turned to retrieve his sword, Kali swiped his feet out from underneath him. She quickly pinned him to the ground, muttering something to herself, she quickly put her hands over his ears and pressed her lips down on his.

Kurama blinked a few times, to find Leora's face inches from his. He took a step back, shaking his head. Looking to his right, his jaw dropped as he saw Kali on the ground with Hiei kissing him. He looked back at Leora, whose face was a brilliant shade of red.

As Hiei's vision cleared, he also found he felt a warm tingling sensation all over his body. He opened his eyes to find Kali's lips against his. He closed his eyes again, enjoying the sensation before his eyes flew open and he threw her off. "What the hell are you doing, baka onna!"

"Ouch." Kali stated, as she feebly tried to lift herself from the ground, but the slices through her arms were beginning to throb, so she opted to stay seated. Hiei on the other hand, flew to his feet, and backed away from Kali like she was radioactive.

"We'll explain what just happened in a moment." Leora stated. "First, I need to flush these unwanted fish." Leora looked over at the pond, where the sirens were splashing around enraged that their fun was ruined. Leora rubbed her hands together and mouthed an incantation. As she did this the water underneath the sirens turned darker, and a whirlpool began to pull the sirens down into a portal. The sirens let out a final screech before the portal closed and the pond went back to normal.

Leora turned, and found Kurama looking at her expectantly. Leora's blush returned and intensified. "Those were sirens. Their song basically puts men a trance, where they orders from the sirens. Typically sirens order men to kill themselves, by drowning, which I think they were doing before we caught up to you. But when we arrived, they told you to kill us. We had to break the spell on you guys sooo..." Leora stopped and cleared her throat, and her blush reached levels that would make a tomato jealous. "So in order to break the spell on you we had to kiss you." She finished quickly, looking down at her feet. "Sorry. It was the only way." Leora looked over at Kali, expecting her to be blushing as well. But it seemed quite the opposite. She looked rather pale.

"Are you okay, Kali?" Leora asked, glad she could change the topic.

Hiei seemed to get over the moment and walked up to her, helping her stand up. As she stood, her legs shook, and she slumped forward onto Hiei.

"Kali!" Leora shouted running over.

"I'm okay." Kali mumbled, still leaning on Hiei. "I'm just a little bit dizzy." She closed her eyes. "Being just defensive with you, Hiei, doesn't work." She said revealing her arms. Hiei shook his head, and picked Kali up. Kali's eyes flew open. "Wait, whoa, what do you think you're doing?"

"You've lost too much blood, baka." Hiei said. "We should go back, and stop the bleeding."

"Oh," Kali said, fighting to keep her eyes open. "Thanks." She said softly, allowing her eyes to close, falling asleep in Hiei's arms.

"Come on then." Leora said walking quickly back in the direction of the apartment. Kurama followed. Though neither said anything, it was hard not the notice the blush rising to Hiei's cheeks as Kali's hand gripped his cloak, nuzzling up to him in her sleep.

Alright, there it is. My proof that I'm not dead. I've just hit a few writing blocks….Well, if anybody has any suggestions of mythological creatures they'd like to see, please, I'd love suggestions. I know I'm going to bring in a nekomata and a sphinx…but after that, I'm not sure. But again, I'm open to suggestions. Any of them really. 'Cause writers block sucks. Okay, well I'm going to sleep now.

Ciao for now!

Phantasmic-Reality