I watch as he watches the beautiful silver-haired youko walking amidst the ruins of what was Urameshi Yuusuke’s stronghold.

I could kill him for the look in his eyes, the look that proclaims his desire to own what he sees.  But I will not kill him.  What I plan will be far more satisfying than mere death.

"Pretty, ne?"  I call out softly, so that the youko will not hear.

His head snaps up, his eyes widening at the sight of me looking down on him from my tree perch.  I have surprised him, for which I am pleased.  I intend to go on surprising him.

I jump down from my branch, landing lightly on my feet.  He steps back a pace, his gaze flickering momentarily to the ruins beside us.  Feeling guilty, is he?

"It’s been a long time, Koenma.  Or I suppose I should call you Enma-sama now."

He looks me up and down, eyes lingering on the katana at my side.  "Either one is fine, from you.  You are an old friend, after all."

I laugh, and turn to gaze after my silver-haired companion, who is rummaging though the ruins, heedless of our conversation.

"So were Yuusuke and Botan."

I hear his teeth grinding in frustration behind me.

"I had to!  There was no other way to stop them!  You have to believe me!"

"Oh?"  I turn to pierce him with an icy glare.  "Why should I believe anything you say?  I know the truth, Koenma!  After all these years, I know what you’ve done to your ‘friends’!"

His face hardens suddenly.  "And just what do you intend to do about it?  You cannot hope to defeat me.  Even my own father could not stop me!"

He smiles just as suddenly, invitingly.  "Come with me, join me, and together we can rule all the worlds!"

I laugh once more at his preposterous offer.  "Is that why you were so upset at Yuusuke and Botan?  Because they were going after what you wanted?"

His smile turns to a scowl as I brush off his offer with a wave of my hand.  "I’ve been offered that opportunity before, Koenma.  You know that.  I refused then, as I refuse now.  I have no interest in ruling over anything."

"Then what are you interested in?"  He watches me intently.  I do believe he would give me just about anything I want.  But I only want one thing.

I move to stand before him, my eyes bare inches from his own.  I smile at him, grasping his face in my hands, and touch my lips to his.  He opens his mouth eagerly, returning my kiss with great fervor.

He does not even notice the plant which slowly begins to consume him.  Not at first, anyway.  By the time he does it is far too late - he has almost completely succumbed to its soul-draining appetite.

"Kurama!"

He gasps my name with the last of his strength.  I smile back at him.

"Revenge," I whisper, answering his final question to me.  He stares back in horrified fury.

I watch as my plant consumes him utterly, wanting to make sure the task is complete.  There will be no escaping this trap, for this plant does not simply devour life, but the souls of life as well.  It has taken me many years to find the seed of such a plant, but I deem it well worth the wait.  Even the soul of Enma is susceptible to it.

"What was all that about?"

My companion is back, and curious about my use of such an unfamiliar plant.  I smile at her.

"Just a little old business,"  I tell her.  "You might remember some of it, in time…"

"Hn," she snorts, red eyes glaring at me from beneath her silver bangs.  "Tell me now!"

I laugh, and hand her back her katana.

"Whatever you wish, koibito, whatever you wish."

After all, time is not meant to be wasted.