And so the group valiantly made their way through the castle. They followed Botan's instructions and easily defeated all the A-Class demons they encountered on their way up. They encountered a little difficulty when they reached the boss room but aside from serious battle wounds on one of the group members, they made it through unharmed.

It was about midnight when the group stole into Kurama's house. The red head was gently placed on a couch on his back. He winced as he held his abdomen, trying to prop himself up. A hand firmly pushed him back to lying down.

"Alright, this was supposed to be easy, idiot. You didn't actually think he could have hurt your family, do you?"

"Talk about weak, man, even I knew that, and I can't sense energy as well as you guys. Keep this up and the next time you'll get yourself killed." Yusuke muttered.

"I was caught by surprise is all."

"Like I said before, idiot." Nuema hit him over the head, "And unfortunately for you, I'm fresh out of energy. So, where are the bandages?"

"In the bathroom under the sink."

The brunette started to walk out. She turned back towards Yusuke. Only the human had accompanied them inside. She waved her hand and whispered. "You can leave, Yusuke. I'll take care of the idiot."

He nodded and turned to leave. She walked out of the room, muttered various curses as she wandered around trying to find the bathroom he had mentioned. Once she had, she had to hide as someone walked blearily out of it. A brief glance verified that it was Kurama's younger brother. Then she darted in, found the bandages, and darted out, just barely in time to avoid being spotted by Kurama's mother as she headed towards the bathroom.

Then Nuema walked back into the living room. She helped him remove his shirt and began to bandage the injuries marring his abdomen. When she had nearly finished she glanced briefly up as she heard a noise. There was nothing there. Shrugging it off as a creaky house, she took his shirt in her hands.

"I'll clean and mend this so your mom doesn't wonder what happened to it."

"She'll be suspicious if it isn't in the wash." He warned.

"Better then her thinking you're a criminal or something with all the blood and tearing." She replied and twisted it up in her hands, ignoring the warmth of the crimson blood it was soaked with.

"All the what?" A slightly shocked and aghast female voice asked. The two turned and saw his mother standing in the doorframe of the room.

Kurama visibly winced as he lay up. "Nothing, mother." He said calmly.

"Shuuichi! What happened dear?" She asked and ran over to the couch. She stood over him, body against the back of the piece of furniture. When she saw the bandages, some of which were bleeding through, she gasped. "What in the?"

"He's fine, Mrs. Minamoto." Nuema tried to reassure her. Though she knew how frail a statement that was.

"What happened?"

"It was nothing, Mother. Just an accident on my part."

"But what were you doing somewhere you could so seriously hurt?"

"I was," he paused to think of a suitable lie. Suddenly a thought cut across his.

You can't hide it forever.

"I know." He thought back. "This will take some time to explain. Please take a seat, Mother."

You know where you can find me.

"If not, I could merely search for you." He replied jokingly. Nuema turned and walked out of the room and then the house.

And so, Kurama began to explain to his mother everything about himself that he had kept secret from her.

END

Two Halves One Whole- Finalies Extra Comments by the Author

THAT'S A WRAP!

Why such an ambiguous open ending?

BECAUSE I LOVE THOSE BEST!

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All I have ever needed to say, has just been, or already been, said.

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.:Digi:.