Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Between Death and Reality ❯ Mind Games ( Chapter 8 )

Warning: Some moderately graphic stuff going on around the middle. You've been warned.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. Did you really think differently?

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Chapter 8

Mind Games

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

“And if I don't kill you?”

“Your mind, and all else, becomes mine,” Karasu crooned.

“That won't happen,” Kurama snapped, surprising even himself.

“So confident. Your pride is another appealing thing about you Kurama,” the crow said. “And soon, you will be mine. Finally.” Kurama opened his mouth to object, but Karasu cut him off. “Think of the condition your body is in. You haven't been sleeping; you're exhausted. You're out of energy before we even begin. And even if you could use your energy, I can control your attacks, remember?” He smirked. “In fact, my strength has increased so much that I can use your attacks even when you're not. So you see, it's useless to fight. Your fate has been sealed, my kitsune.”

“It's never useless,” Kurama argued, sounding more like Yusuke than he felt. He felt the weight of fear settling in his stomach. “Just because the odds are against me doesn't mean I'll back down.”

“The proud Youko Kurama,” Karasu sighed wistfully, as if caressing the name. “I'll enjoy breaking you.”

“You can't break me,” Kurama replied snappishly. In truth, that was precisely what he was afraid of. He hoped that if he could keep the crow talking, something would come to him. However, all he had succeeded in doing was distract himself.

“But I can. See what the mere shadow of me has done to you?” Karasu retorted triumphantly. “A Few more sessions like last time,” Kurama unconsciously gripped at his chest, “and you will be mine; in body, mind, and soul.” A maniacal grin erupted on Karasu's pale face. “I will enjoy playing with all three.” A shiver ran down Kurama's spine. “But enough talk. Let's settle this.”

“Yes.” Immediately, Kurama felt Karasu's energy begin to increase drastically. Realizing attacking would be futile, the fox ran; the sounds of Karasu's laughter rang in his ears. The grass of the meadow flattened underneath Kurama's feet as he ran. The forest drew nearer as the fox ran. He was having an impossible time of getting his thoughts together.

Just as Kurama thought he was home free into the forest, he felt something grab his leg. Unable to keep his balance after the sudden stop, the red-head fell ungracefully to the ground. Grimacing in pain, he looked up to see what had ensnared him and bit back a curse; there was a vine wrapped around his ankle.

“Trapped, Kurama?” Karasu's voice rang out. “I must say, your abilities work well for many different things.” The voice seemed to be getting closer. Snapping out of his shock, Kurama urged the plant to recede enough to slip his foot through before Karasu forced it to shut once more. Sighing in relief at the close call, Kurama stood up and began to run again.

“You're only delaying the inevitable,” Karasu taunted. “The end will be the same no matter what. But these games are fun.”

Doing his best to block the crow out, Kurama continued to run. Entering the forest, Kurama slowed. Years of experience told him not to leave a trail; but blind fear and instinct told him to run as fast as he could from the threat. Slowing to a walk, Kurama studied the plants around him. He could set traps for Karasu if the crow were to follow. The fox shook his head. No, Karasu was able to manipulate the plants now, and his power grew stronger from attacks Kurama attempted. Planning an ambush would only cause him problems.

“You're right, Kurama. There is nothing you can do,” Karasu's voice sounded through the forest. “Make things easier and submit.”

Kurama continued to push through the forest, though he could swear the voice was continuing to get closer. There has to be something I can do. There's always something,Kurama told himself. Think!Looking up, he realized he had reached the edge of the forest. Passing the final line of trees, Kurama came face to face with another green expanse that surrounded a small pond. The peace and quiet of the land seemed to mock the fox's troubles.

Looking around, Kurama saw no sign of Karasu. Against his better judgment, the fox made his way to the edge of the pond and studied his reflection in the water. His skin was ghostly pale and his normally far-away, deep emerald eyes danced with fear and pain. The weakness of his appearance suddenly flared a wave of anger in Kurama. He punched his reflection in frustration, only to cause the water to ripple. He groaned. What was happening to him?

”It's getting to you, isn't it?” a familiar voice said softly from behind. Kurama froze as his heart rate began to race. Rising slowly, Kurama turned to face the crow. Karasu stood at the edge of the forest, leaning against a tree. “Forgive me for disturbing your train of though,” he said, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Kurama shuddered involuntarily at the words the crow had uttered during their match in the Dark Tournament. Amusement danced amongst the lust in Karasu's violet eyes.

The crow began to walk towards the prone fox. Kurama felt a slight fluctuation in Karasu's power before he felt the familiar white hot pain of the crow's bombs detonating next to his skin. Kurama gasped in pain and grabbed his now bleeding and searing left arm.

“I believe that was the first mark I hit during out match,” Karasu said thoughtfully. “I suppose that would make the second…” Kurama cried out as the bomb detonated against his right leg. His balance was precarious now, due to the injury to his dominant leg.

“Let's continue to fun,” Karasu said, forming an invisible object in his hand.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Botan sat by Kurama's bedside, watching the slow breathing of the fox. Kuwabara sat with Yukina, holding her hand in his in a comforting fashion. Hiei sat in the window with his eyes closed while Genkai sat on the floor against the wall. Yusuke was pacing up and down the room as Shizuru returned from the coffee machine. She took a seat next to Genkai. The group had been at Kurama's side almost non-stop for the last two days, leaving only when Shiori arrived, and then usually staying in the waiting room. There had been no change in the fox's condition during this time; Kurama was comatose.

Suddenly the heart monitors began to beep at a much faster pace as Kurama's heart rate began to race. Everyone turned, wide-eyed, to the still form on the bed. A moment passed when the smell of blood became noticeable. The group gasped when a wound appeared on his upper left arm.

“What the hell?” Yusuke demanded in shock. Hiei's eyes opened.

“He's dreaming.” Everyone turned to the fire demon, then back to Kurama as the smell of blood became stronger. “His leg.” Botan immediately pulled back the covers to reveal blood seeping through Kurama's pant leg. She gasped.

“Genkai, Yukina!” she said hurriedly. “He's bleeding badly.”

Yukina immediately stood and made her way to Kurama's side. Focusing her energy, she attempted to close and heal the wounds. However, they seemed to be rejecting her healing. Steeling herself, the ice maiden put all her energy into at least stopping the bleeding. But as she managed to do so for the first wound, another wound appeared. The skin was seared. She gasped.

“These wounds, they look familiar,” she said quietly.

“The same as from the Dark Tournament finals,” Botan agreed worriedly.

“Karasu's bombs,” Hiei confirmed. Botan turned to him.

“Can't you do anything, Hiei? You have the Jagan!”

“It's taking all I have just to observe from a distance,” he replied irritably. “Karasu, or whoever is attacking his mind, had blocked it off from outsiders.”

“Oh,” Botan relented softly. “He just looks like he's in pain.”

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Kurama forced his legs to work as he fled from the crow. He could feel the searing wounds on his body; the pain was causing his vision to swim drunkenly in front of him. He had used the last of his power to summon a vine to entangle the crow. The precious time it took Karasu to urge the plant off of him was time Kurama was using to escape. However, he wasn't able to move very quickly due to the wounds he had received. All he could do was limp as fast as he could and hope he put enough distance between himself and the crow.

“That was a nice little trick, Kurama. But I'm afraid it wasn't good enough.” Kurama gasped when Karasu suddenly appeared in front of him. Another gasp escaped his throat when a forest appeared at his back. He didn't need to turn to feel the power that radiated from it.

“What!”

“I told you, Kurama; your pain and fear give me strength. Your entire essence is fear and pain at this moment. Thus, I have the strength to make my will happen,” Karasu replied. “And now,” he said,” I want to play some more.”

A hiss of pain escaped Kurama's lips as he felt vines wrap around his ankles and wrists, pulling his battered body back, suspending him between to trees. Not again!

“Is this feeling familiar, my kitsune?” Karasu crooned. “It should be. This was, after all, your greatest nightmare.” A rose appeared suddenly in Karasu's hands, which instantaneously became the familiar whip. Emerald eyes widened. No!But the despair in his heart was becoming too much.

“I see why you favor this weapon now,” the crow said, moving slowly around the fox. “It's so elegant, yet,” he snapped the whip, lashing Kurama on the back causing the fox the cry out, “sharp.” Another lash and another scream, followed by another. The process repeated itself for what seemed like eternity. Kurama could not find a focus due to the intense pain. Tears of pain leaked from emerald orbs as blood began to drip from his mouth. Suddenly, there was a voice in his ear.

“I told you it was useless to fight. I told you it would all turn out the same in the end. And now, I've won.” Somehow, through all the agony, Kurama felt the urge to resist.

“You… haven't… won… yet,” he hissed through the excruciating pain. His vision blurred and his head spun with the effort to speak. Karasu growled.

“Why do you still resist? It's over!” He lashed at Kurama with the whip again and the fox screamed.

“Because,” he gasped through his spinning head, “there is…still…breath… in my… body.”

“I see,” Karasu said softly. Suddenly and miraculously the vines retracted and the pale and wracked form of Kurama fell to the ground.

“Why?” Kurama grimaced in spite of himself. Karasu knelt next to the fox.

“I plan to break you, Kurama. I once told you I would place you at my side forever. I still plan to do that. I will give you this last chance to resist. But once that futile attempt has failed, you will be mine,” Karasu hissed softly. “One last chance.” And with that, the crow vanished. Kurama barely had time to register this before his vision swam dizzyingly and became black.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

The heart monitor that had been going crazy for the last day and a half suddenly quieted. It took a moment for those in the room to realize what had happened. Genkai immediately made her way to the fox's side. She feared the strain on his heart might have finally become too much for his now human body.

“It's a little too slow,” Botan whispered, referring to the heart rate.

“He blacked out,” Hiei said.

“What?” Yusuke asked, frowning.

“He's already unconscious,” Kuwabara added, equally confused.

“As evidenced by his other dreams,” Hiei said irritably, “his consciousness is somehow transferred to the part of himself that exists in the dreams.”

“It's like his spirit completely exists inside his mind during these dreams,” Botan said. Kuwabara and Yusuke nodded in understanding.

“Did I not just say that?” Hiei muttered darkly, obviously concerned for his friend.

“Why did he black out?” Yukina asked quietly.

“Pain.” A collective intake of breath was heard at the pronouncement.

“Will he…?” Kuwabara asked, unable to finish the question.

“Yes.”

A crash was heard as Yusuke punched the wall. “Damnit!” he growled. “I hate feeling so helpless.”

“Yusuke…” Botan said softly.

“I need some air,” he said, stalking out of the room. Everyone exchanged glances.

“I'll go,” Botan said, managing to pry herself from Kurama's side for the first time in days. As she left the room, she immediately knew where she was going. Opening the roof door, she found the Spirit Detective leaning over the railing. Slowly, she madder her way next to him and leaned over the railing as well. Yusuke stared out over the city for awhile before speaking.

“This was where I first really met Kurama. Remember?” he said.

“Yes. He had the Forlorn Hope,” Botan said.

“And he had it because he wanted to save his mother.”

“He was going to give up his life to do it. But you saved him,” the ferry girl recalled. Yusuke blinked.

“And now we go back to the same place and all I can think about is saving him again. But this time, there's nothing I can do,” he said bitterly.

“It's up to him this time,” Botan agreed.

“I just can't stand feeling so helpless when he's in trouble.”

“I know, Yusuke. But Kurama's strong.”

“I know.”

“He'll be okay. You'll see,” Botan told the Spirit Detective, though she wasn't so sure herself. Since the fox had `blacked out,' his life force was feeling much weaker. Be strong Kurama. We need you, she told the comatose kitsune mentally. I need you, she added hesitantly.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

The darkness of his vision began to lighten slightly as words rang through Kurama's head. Be strong Kurama. We need you.Haze greeted the fox at this. We? Who is…Suddenly, an image of Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei flashed through his head. I see.The haze began to clear. I need you.A vision of a certain blue-haired ferry girl entered his mind. Botan? This urging snapped the red-head's eyes open. Blinking against the sunlight, he realized he was in the same spot he had last remembered before blacking out. He felt slightly stronger than before.

Bracing himself, Kurama slowly pushed himself to his feet. He swayed slightly as his vision swam in front of him, but the pain was more of a dull ache than anything else. He looked at his body and realized he was covered in blood; his own blood. Kurama sighed. Today he was going to finish this, one way or another, but he would not do it with any sign of weakness. He made his way slowly to the pond he had run from earlier; how much earlier he didn't know. He had no idea how long he had been out.

As he washed the red from his skin and clothing, he somehow knew that he did not have to worry about Karasu surprising him. The crow wanted to finish this and decisively, so he would wait until Kurama was ready. Only then could the fight truly be settled. Finally, the wounds were cleaned. Sighing, Kurama stood up. It was time.

“So Kurama, you're ready to face defeat,” Karasu said from behind.

“I'll face whatever comes,” he said coolly, slowly turning around. His tone was more detached than he felt.

“That proud aloofness of yours is becoming irksome,” Karasu said, though his eyes danced with amusement. Standing across from the crow, Kurama's thoughts were racing madly. There has to be something I can do. He can control my plant, so attacking like that would be futile. Hand to hand? No, I've tried that before. Then what? If perhaps I could force him into a path where the plants would attack him instead of me? But that would only work if he used the plants… and specific ones at that. Damnit!

“It's rather hopeless, isn't it?” the crow said. Kurama paled slightly, though he did his best to keep his face schooled. “As fun as it is to watch your mind work furiously leading you to the conclusion that I had already given you, it's time to finish this.” Kurama could suddenly feel plant life being manipulated around him; realizing there was nothing he could do at this point, the fox ran. Karasu laughed.

“The proud Youko Kurama resorts to running from an enemy. How wonderfully delicious!”

Running, Kurama would feel the wounds from earlier protesting. I have to keep pushing,he told the searing limbs. Please hold out.The flat expanse of land gave the fox plenty of room to run. It's times like these I wish I could resort back to fox form,he thought bitterly.

“Keep running, Kurama. I will catch you; like a cat catches a mouse or a dog catches a fox,” Karasu laughed. The voice didn't seem to be coming from very far away. “And then I will break you.” This only spurred Kurama to run faster, despite his body's protests. However, a sudden dip in the ground caused the fox to lose his balance and the distance he had gained on the crow. As Kurama righted himself, Karasu came within arm's reach.

Karasu lunged forward, but Kurama dropped into a roll, limbs aching painfully; the dull ache escalating intensely. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes from the pain. Coming out of his roll, Kurama pushed himself to a spring, his tunic flailing behind him. But it was his tunic that cost him. Karasu grasped at the cloth, grabbing it. Kurama lost his balance as Kurama spun the fox toward him. He gasped as Karasu kicked his feet out from under him. The fox's head made contact with the ground and his vision blurred. Karasu pinned the red-head's hands down on either side of his head, his hands gripping Kurama's wrists tightly. The crow straddled Kurama's waist.

Karasu's violet eyes danced with victory. He leaned down by the captive red-head's ear and whispered, “I win.” Kurama suddenly felt numb as Karasu licked his neck. “Body, mind, and soul,” he whispered, biting down on that familiar spot. Kurama's face had gone pale as he realized what had happened. He had lost. Emerald eyes stared past the form on top of him, watching the sky sightlessly.

Karasu sat up, licking Kurama's blood lustfully from his lips, still straddling the fox's lithe form. “I think I'll play with your body first,” the crow said triumphantly. The fox dimly felt something within him shatter. What did it matter? He had lost.

Sticking out a long, pale nail, the crow ripped the top of Kurama's tunic open, exposing the well-defined chest and abdomen. Violet eyes lit up. He traced the nail up and down Kurama's chest, drawing blood. Kurama grimaced out of instinct, though his mind had gone strangely blank. He barely felt the warm of Karasu's tongue licking the blood that he had drawn.

“The power,” Karasu gloated drunkenly. “The despair is most intoxicating.” Leaning over Kurama's face, he whispered, “I told you I would break you. The proud Youko Kurama had been broken.” He bent down and pressed his lops to Kurama's, then bit down. The pain seemed distant to Kurama; his mind seemed to be shattering with every violation of his body. Karasu lovingly stroked a pale finger down Kurama's cheekbone, down to his chest, to his belt.

“Ah, my kitsune. You are mine.”

Suddenly, as if a movie had switched on inside of his head, Kurama saw the faces of his friends: Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, then Genkai, Keiko, and Shizuru, then his mother, and finally, Botan. She was speaking to him. Be strong Kurama. We're all here. They need you,she said as his teammates' images took on more definition. She needs you.The image of his mother came forward. I need you,she said as she came into focus once more. Be strong!This seemed to ignite something in his soul. Things began to click in his mind, as if coming back together. His eyes focused again, and he came face-to-face with Karasu. He was suddenly filled with a deep anger and disgust. The fear melted into hatred. He wanted nothing more than to get this creature off him. Every fiber of his being seemed to concentrate on his. Karasu suddenly blinked at the fire in his emerald eyes.

“Get off!” Kurama cried. With a gust of power, the crow was thrown off the fox and back fifty feet, rolling when he hit the ground. Blinking, Kurama forced himself to a sitting position. It hadn't occurred to him in his numb state that Karasu had not been holding down his arms for awhile now. Kurama pushed himself to his feet, swaying from pain induced dizziness.

“I told you that you wouldn't break me, Karasu,” Kurama growled, ignoring the protests from his body. “You don't own me!” Karasu glared back at the fox.

“How did you do that?” Kurama blinked, realizing he wasn't sure. After a moment, it hit him.

“Because I was no longer afraid,” the fox replied. “This is my mind. It is my territory. You only have power when I am afraid and surrender control. When I am not afraid, I have control here.” Emerald eyes narrowed. “It's over Karasu. I am no longer afraid. Not her. This is my mind and I set the rules!” Karasu blinked, suddenly looking uncertain. Kurama shed the torn top of his tunic.

“You can't,” Karasu said. “I control your attacks.” As if to prove his point, a razor sharp vine erupted from the grass and headed straight for Kurama's heart.

“Not anymore,” Kurama hissed. The vine immediately changed directions; Karasu dodged just in time, though the plant left a red scratch on his pale cheek.

“Now,” Kurama continued as Karasu pulled himself to his feet, “I require energy.” Immediately, the fox was enveloped in a warm, light feeling as all his energy returned. Karasu watched in morbid fascination. “While this should be enough to finish this, I'll take it one step further.” Red-head lengthened and became silver as two ears sprouted from his head. His body became stronger and his energy capacity increased. Emerald became gold as the torn yellow tunic became the legendary white robes of Youko Kurama. Flexing his fingers, Kurama shook his long tail. Karasu blanched.

“No,” he whispered.

“In my mind,” Youko's deep voice growled, “I set the rules.” The fox bared his fangs. “I can take whatever form I choose.” Reaching into his long, silver hair, he pulled out a seed. In an instant he his Rose Whip. Golden eyes studied the whip and, in a flash, lashed Karasu directly across the chest. The crow's face contorted in pain as a bloody gash appeared.

“Arrogant bastard,” Karasu growled at Youko's smirk. The anger turned to surprise as vines sprang up from the ground and wrapped around his legs. Kurama could feel Karasu attempting to control the plants. With a surge of power, he forced the crow back.

“This is my mind!” he growled. “I will not lose it again!” The vines tightened angrily around Karasu and he hissed in pain. In his youko form, Kurama could see Karasu attempting to form bombs to break his bondage. Focusing on these bombs, Kurama forced the bombs away form the vines. They exploded against Karasu's chest. It was the first time he had ever heard the crow cry out in pain. It was oddly satisfying. When the smoke cleared, Karasu was looking at Kurama wide eyes.

“How?”

“I did what you did, Karasu. When I don't let my fear overcome me, I have complete control.” The deep voice turned to a growl. “Time to end this.”

Kurama summoned all the power his youko form could muster, while feeling Karasu do the same. For a moment, golden eyes locked on violet. There was an unspoken agreement and the two demons simultaneously attacked. Kurama called forth the same plant he had during the Dark Tournament to drain Karasu's life while Karasu brought his most powerful bombs forth. In a showcase of pure strength, Kurama overpowered the bombs with his plant. The bombs split in two, exploding on either side of the blood-sucking plant.

“Die,” Kurama growled as the plant charged its prey.

“You first,” the crow hissed. As the plant hit Karasu squarely in the chest Kurama felt a searing pain in his arm and then his head. As the plant sucked the life from Karasu, Kurama cried out in pain. Unable to keep control, the fox's demon form fell back to his red-headed form. His head spinning in pain, Kurama fell to his knees and blacked out.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

The first thing he felt was pain, in his chest, in his head, in his arm, and everywhere else. Forcing the pain to the back of his mind, he heard voices above him… and a hand in his. Everything was s hazy to the half-conscious fox. The voices were so soft he couldn't make them out through the fog in his mind.

“It feels stronger,” a female voice was saying from next to him.

“Are you sure?” a male voice asked.

“I'm sure,” the first voice replied firmly.

“His vitals seem slightly stronger,” a second male voice said, this one rough.

“He still looks pale,” a second, softer, female voice said.

“His spirit feels stronger,” the first female voice repeated, slightly heatedly.

Suddenly the voices were recognizable. The haze began to dissipate. Mustering all the strength he had, which wasn't much at this point, Kurama opened his eyes; it took a moment for everything to come into focus. When it did, Kurama firstly took in the sight of his friends. It had been them speaking. Realizing they all seem distracted, he looked around the room. The white cleanliness gave away that fact that it was s hospital room.

“It's been ages, Botan,” Yusuke was saying bitterly. “You could just be wishing he felt stronger.” Before Botan could fire a reply at the irate Spirit Detective, another voice, this one from behind, cut in.

“Why don't you ask him yourself?” Hiei said, a slight smirk in his voice. “He's awake.” Immediately, all the heads turned to the bed and six sets of eyes widened.

“Kurama!” Yusuke exclaimed, the first to regain his voice.

“You're awake!” Kuwabara echoed.

“Working on it anyway,” Kurama replied with some effort, though he did his best to smile.

“We were so worried,” Yukina said from her seat next to Kuwabara.

“Sorry to have worried you,” the red-head said softly. Genkai snorted.

“Don't apologize,” she said. “It's not like it was your fault.”

“Genkai and Yukina have been doing their best to look after you,” Botan said softly. Kurama turned his head and say the blue-haired girl sitting next to him, relief dancing in her amethyst eyes. The fox suddenly realized it had been her hand in his. A sudden warmth seemed to spread through him.

“I see. Thank you,” he told the women. Both nodded slightly. He frowned. “How long have I been out?”

“A week, anyway,” Shizuru replied.

“Really?” This surprised Kurama, though, he realized, time moved differently in reality than in dreams.

“Your mother was here until about an hour ago,” Genkai said suddenly, changing the subject. “She's been here a lot, but I sent her home to get some sleep.”

“Thank you,” Kurama said softly, appreciating the gesture. Genkai gave him a small smile. Looking around again, thought hit him. “How did I get to the hospital?”

“Your mother found you after your last dream,” Hiei replied, sliding into the room for the first time. Kurama blinked. The one with the whip, Hiei said mentally, answering the unspoken question. Kurama paled slightly, though because he was already so pale, no one but Hiei noticed. “She immediately called the hospital and had you brought here.”

“Realizing the doctors we're prepared to deal with a demon, Hiei came to me,” Genkai narrated. “Yukina and I immediately came and took over for the doctors.” She smirked slightly. “They've been deferring to me on you since; a good thing after they read your pulse and did a blood test.”

“Oh no,” Kurama said, realizing where this was going. The demon heart did not function like a human's, and though his body was human, it had taken on several demonic characteristics to deal with its new host. His heart beat like a demon heart now; his blood had also taken on characteristics of demon blood so it could support all the energy (demon energy at that) that he had. Naturally, the blood test would come back looking like he had some rare or unknown disease or something of the sort.

“They thought your coma was caused by some new disease after the blood test, but I was able to convince them they had done it wrong,” the psychic explained.

“And she had Hiei replace your blood same with a sample of mine,” Kuwabara said with a smile. “When they `did the test again,' they got one-hundred percent pure human blood and couldn't explain it.”

“So they decided to leave you in my care,” Genkai finished.

“All of this trouble for me?” Kurama was dumbstruck at the care his friends had taken for him.

“Of course,” Yusuke said, making it sound like the most obvious thing in the world. “We care about you.” Moved to speechlessness, Kurama merely nodded. Genkai stood up.

“I told the doctors I would inform them if there was a change,” she said. “And you have a lot of wounds, from the dreams I suppose, that Yukina and I were unable to treat fully. You'll need to gather your strength to do it on your own.” Kurama nodded, suddenly feeling exhausted. Yusuke and the others rose as well, while Hiei went back to the window.

“We'll be back later,” Yusuke said, heading to the door. Kurama nodded gratefully. Watching his friends leave, he realized Botan had left his side.

“Botan!” he said suddenly. She stopped and turned to him. “Please, wait a minute?” She nodded and returned to her seat next to him.

“What is it, Kurama?” she asked gently. Kurama blinked and suddenly realized he didn't know what he wanted to say. After a few minutes, he spoke.

“Would you stay? Just for a little while?” She grinned.

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” he said softly, feeling her soft hand slip into his as he drifted into a mercifully dreamless sleep.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Botan watched the red-head as he fell back asleep. Seeing him awake had stirred something in her heart. She suddenly realized she didn't know what she would do if Kurama had died. She blinked and looked back at the fox. Where did these feelings come from?

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Another week passed, during which Kurama spent resting to regain his energy and healing the wounds he had received during his dreams. Since that confrontation a week prior, the fox had had no dreams whatsoever. It had taken most of the energy he had recovered to close the most serious of the wounds. While he recovered more energy, the wounds would have to heal the normal way. He had spent the most effort on the wounds that could be visible despite clothing, attempting to keep them from scarring. However, he knew his limits.

While he had been unconscious, Genkai and Yukina had been unable to do much with his wounds because his body had gone into a defensive mode. It was a trick he had learned while living in Demon World. While he was defenseless, it was as if his body was warded against all others; for awhile it had been set to allow Kuronue through for medical attention, but when the bat had died, Kurama had not reset his defenses to allow others near him when he was defenseless. While it did not keep others from physically touching him, it blocked his body from others' energy. Even now, while his energy was low, it kept the others from healing him, as he did not have the strength to change his body's defenses.

Botan had stayed by his side the whole time, leaving only when Kurama wanted some time alone with his mother. Shiori had felt horrible and had immediately apologized to her son for giving him those pills without his permission. Kurama, while he knew the pills had been an impetus for these latest dreams, did not hold any anger. She hadn't known and he would have fallen asleep eventually anyway.

His friends had been visiting quite often as well, and he had a steady stream of well-wishers from his school. Many of the girls, who had brought flowers, gave Botan jealous looks when they saw her holding hands with the red-head. In truth, Kurama had asked her to do so as a favor so he might get a little peace to rest, and she had been quick to agree.

At night, often when Botan had fallen asleep, Hiei would come in through the window to keep the recovering fox company. The fire demon's presence had been comforting. Not only was it nice to have his best friend nearby, Kurama feared, and Hiei secretly agreed, that some demons might find out about his prolonged weakness and try to take advantage of it. Hiei's presence prevented any such occurrence.

Finally, Genkai had pronounced the fox ready to leave; the doctor's were, though shocked at Kurama's recovery, close behind in agreement. That day, Shiori and Botan helped Kurama home, where his friends had promised to come by later. Shiori offered to stay home, but Kurama had shaken his head.

“You can't afford to take any more time off, Mother. The hospital bill is not going to be cheap. You don't need to worry. I'll be right here when you get home.”

“That's right,” Botan had added. “I'll take good care of him. Besides, Genkai will be over after awhile.” Shiori had relented to her son's logic and had gone to work, though still overly concerned about him. After awhile of sitting on the couch making idle talk, Kurama turned to Botan.

“Would you like to go for a walk?” Botan frowned.

“Are you sure you're up to it?”

“I know a nice garden a little ways from here. Gardens always relax me when I need it,” he replied. He noticed her concern had yet to fade. “You can tell Yusuke and the others to meet us there is you're worried.”

“Alright,” Botan finally agreed. After making a few calls, the two headed out, though much slower than Kurama normally would have gone.

Kurama and Botan walked slowly through the garden. Kurama sighed contentedly as he took in the flora. His mind and heart felt at ease among his beloved plants. Botan watched the fox out of the corner of her eye, smiling at his relaxed countenance. It was good to finally see him happy. Reaching a bench, the two sat down. They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes.

Finally, Kurama turned to the ferry girl. “Botan,” he began, searching for words.

“Yes?”

“I… I just wanted to thank you,” Kurama said after a moment.

“Thank me?” Botan asked, bewildered. “For what?” Kurama smiled one of his heart-stopping smiles.

“For all you've done for me,” he replied. “You have me back then.”

“What? How?”

“I… I had given up hope. But I heard your voice. You pulled me back out of it; gave me strength.”

“I did that?” Kurama's smile widened slightly.

“Yes. And I just wanted to say thank you.” Hesitation for a moment, the red-head leaned in a pecked the ferry girl on the cheek. “Thank you.” It was Botan's turn to smile.

“I saw that, fox boy.” Kurama and Botan looked up to see Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei coming up the path. Both parties flushed slightly, much to the Spirit Detective's amusement. Kurama was about to retort when a familiar energy hit his consciousness. The other Tantei sensed it as well. But before anything could be said there was a searing pain in Kurama's arm; the same arm that had hurt when he had beaten Karasu. Kurama cried out grasped the afflicted limb, falling to his knees, but the pain only seemed to intensify. Instinctively, Yusuke and the others made a circle around their fallen friend.

“Isn't this sweet?” a chilling voice said as it approached. Kurama's vision blurred as the pain intensified. But somewhere he heard that voice. Kurama, knowing what he had to do, gritted his teeth and woozily pushed himself to his feet. Yusuke immediately grabbed his other arm to steady him.

“Kurama?”

“I have to do this Yusuke,” he said painfully soft.

“Not alone.”

“Yes, alone. Or it will never be settled.” Determination swam with the pain in Kurama's eyes and Yusuke finally understood. The three Tantei moved to either side, allowing their fourth to walk forward. Yusuke put his arms around Botan's tense shoulders in a protective manner as he watched his friend take control of his fate. Kurama took a few painful steps forward and faced his foe.

“Did you really think it was over?” Karasu asked.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Author's Note: During my trip to Portland I managed to finish writing this story. All I need to do is finish typing the last two chapters after this. This was my longest chapter by far (18 pages written, 15 typed) and the last two are a lot shorter, so sorry about that. But I am really liking how it's turning out, so I hope you guys are too. Leave me a review and tell me how you feel! And it seems in transition, the formatting got a bit messed up, so I apologize.