Liebestraum
Chapter 02: A Due

The next time Asuka woke up she found herself slumped in a chair and her neck craned awkwardly. Her shirt clung to a stickiness on her back and the air felt thick from the stench of blood. She forced her eyes open. There was a harsh light overhead reflecting in the white tiles that ran across the floor and halfway up the walls.

She was in a bathroom.

In front of her, eyes cut from gems stared intently. Their owner was graceful, poised, and ready to strike.

"You're finally awake."

She blinked and tried to focus on the moment instead of the questions looming over her. This was the man from the forest, and the man who carried her earlier. His white gi was soaked with red, caused by a wound from a fight earlier in the day.

Earlier in the day?

Pain shot through Asuka's temples, but it was different than the pain she received when looking at the old woman. This pain felt like her mind was trying to remember something she'd forgotten. When her eyes focused again, a few distinct pictures went from fuzzy to clear.

"…Kurama." She hadn't meant to say his name out loud. It came barely above a whisper, but the moment she saw his expression, she wished she hadn't.

"What do you know?" he asked while crossing his arms.

Blood ran down his right forearm and dripped onto the floor.

Asuka opened her mouth slightly then closed it. Even in her hazy state, she knew Kurama would easily know if she were lying or withholding information. Fooling him would be impossible and telling the truth would agitate his mistrust. It was a lose-lose situation.

I've no choice.

She took a deep breath to steady her voice. "I know you were once the infamous Yokai thief, Yoko Kurama. On the brink of death, you slipped into the human world and merged with the fetus of a human, Minamino Shuichi. And," she hesitated, "I know you stole the Forlorn Hope to save your mother from dying. You're a human because you choose to be."

"You seem to know a lot." His words were careful, like a predator about swoop down for his prey.

"Not really," Asuka said meekly, unable to keep eye contact. "I may know…some details about your doings but, that is a small drop in the bucket of who you are. I wouldn't presume to know you, Kurama."

The silence permeated, forcing her to look back up. He was eyeing her thoughtfully.

"Fair," he said finally. "But you must admit it is unsettling that you've appeared out of nowhere with details about Genkai and myself."

"Yes."

Kurama nodded once and uncrossed his arms. "Genkai seems to believe you are important, and I agree your abilities could become problematic if anyone else here was privy to the information you possess. Allow me to tend to your injuries."

Asuka held up her hand. "You first. I think you're bleeding more than I am." She motioned to the expanse of red wicking through his gi.

Kurama looked down at himself, then back up at her. "Yes, well, this was an injury from earlier in the day. But thank you for allowing me to heal it first. If you are unware, we fight the day after tomorrow, and this…unexpected hiccup has impeded my healing somewhat. Every moment counts."

Asuka watched as he clenched his jaw, trying to unthread the small knots through the loops. Clearly he was in pain and in his condition, not dexterous enough to deal with how delicate the ties were. She was tempted to offer her help, but Kurama did not trust her. He would see it as threatening.

Who am I? the thought circled through her mind once again. She breathed in deeply, attempting to hold back the panic that was rising. Blood was thrumming in her ears and her hand was beginning to shake. Why was she here? Why did she know random facts about the man who stood in front of her? Why did she know that woman was going to die in two days? It was becoming harder and harder to intake oxygen. She gasped, and the effort went to her head. She felt dizzy.

Two strong hands clamped on Asuka's shoulders and she jumped in her seat, surprised. Looking upward, she found wide emerald eyes staring down and a soft ki pushing into her body from his hands. His Yoki made her feel like she was in the middle of a rose garden at sunset. It replaced her panic with calm and her heartrate returned to normal. She sighed.

"You were having a serious panic attack," he said not unkindly, his hands still on her shoulders.

"I'm sorry," Asuka said wiping a tear. "I was thinking about how I don't know who I am, and it came out of nowhere. I'll…try to do better."

"Your reaction is understandable. Will you will be okay?" he lifted his hands off her shoulders and stepped back.

"For now, at least."

Kurama managed to get the rest of his knots unthreaded and shrugged the uniform off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor with a soft flutter. His muscles flexed when he reached into his hair, showcasing his physique. Kurama wasn't particularly buff, but he was perfectly sculpted. Light emanated from his palm as the seed he picked began to mature.

Asuka couldn't help but marvel.

A Yokai can cause life to accelerate, to flourish because of his bidding.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

Suspicious much? It's understandable but….

"I was just," she said aloud, "In awe of your ability. You breathe life into plants. They grow because you wish them to. It's rather beautiful."

Kurama's face changed momentarily before it was carefully arranged back into the mask he seemed to wear. What emotion Asuka briefly saw, was uncertain.

There was a slight hissing sound as the salve hit his skin, and he rubbed generously over the gash in his abdomen. When that was finished, he moved to the wound on his arm, which was deeper and more pronounced.

Planting seeds inside of you…Kurama, you nearly killed yourself.

"Your turn," he said walking over to her. "I'll need you to stand up, if that's okay."

Asuaka nodded and scooted to the edge of her chair. But as she stood up, she became dizzy, forcing Kurama to place his hands on the sides of her shoulders to keep her steady. As she swayed slightly, the top of her head came just beneath Kurama's chin. He frowned, pushed her back, and began to look her over.

"Turn around for me?" he asked gently.

Is he being sincere, or just polite? Asuka wondered as she slowly turned her body so her back was facing him.

"I'm going to lift up your shirt," he warned.

She nodded, and winced when it peeled off her skin.

"Asuka," Kurama said seriously, "You're severely injured. I assumed the blood on your shirt was from me, but it is not. No wonder you keep passing out. Why didn't you say anything?"

Her back was injured? That was surprising. Aside from a dull ache, there was little pain.

"I hadn't noticed."

"You hadn't noticed?" the surprise was evident in his voice. "Your right side, just above your hip is charred and bloody. It's as if you got hit from a weapon discharge on your back. Do you remember such a thing occurring?"

A weapon discharge?

Asuka felt like there was something on the edge of her consciousness depicting a bright light, but when she tried to grasp the memory, it slipped away from her.

"Maybe but, the memory feels like it's slipping through my fingers. Why can't I remember?" she said bringing her hand to her temple in frustration, her thoughts tempting another episode.

Kurama was silent for a moment before he spoke, his voice gentle. "I'm going to touch your wound. It will be painful, but I need to inspect it with my Yoki to see how to best heal it, alright?"

"…okay."

His deft fingers made contact with her back and she winced. His ki was like fire on her sensitive skin. Kurama pulled his fingers away and sighed. "I will do what I can, but I am uncertain as to how quickly you heal."

Asuka nodded, and looked over her shoulder at Kurama, whose mouth was in a tight line.

"Some kind of flesh eating plant to clear away the charred skin?"

His eyes widened momentarily. "Yes. Was that…your Foresight?"

She allowed herself a small smile. "I don't know, but I suppose it's possible. Don't be concerned. If this is the best course of action, it's best to get it over with. Should I lay down on the floor?"

Kurama nodded, and Asuka gingerly laid herself down on the cold white tile. This would be painful, she knew.

"Are you ready?"

"…yes."

A small screeching sound came from behind her just before the agony. When it began to chew, the plant's teeth felt like dozens of sharp razors. She bit her lip to prevent herself from crying out, but she could not stop the tears from streaming down her face. The plant hissed again, tearing at the second layer. A groan finally escaped her lips as she curled her hand into a fist. And just when Asuka thought she couldn't bear the pain any longer, it stopped.

She could hear the plant chewing, grating her ears.

"Rest there," Kurama said. "In a few moments the plant will regurgitate an enzyme that is compatible with your DNA. Once on, it will inspire your body to replicate skin cells at a faster rate to replace the damaged tissue."

"That's amazing," Asuka managed to say through the residual pain.

"It only works on burns. This plant likes its meals charred."

Asuka suddenly felt exhausted. As she closed her eyes she heard an unpleasant squishing noise, and then a splatter of an ice-cold liquid with the consistency of goo fell on her back.

"All done," Kurama said. "I must say Asuka, I am impressed by your pain tolerance. Normally that is enough to make a large Yokai pass out."

Asuka gave a small groan in response, then attempted to lift her body off the floor.

"Need help?" Kurama asked standing in front of her, his hand outstretched.

She shook her head. "Thank you, but I'll get up on my own. You need to heal from your injuries. I won't be responsible for setting you back yet again." And with that, she forced her body to stand up.

After pushing through the pain, she came face-to-face with Kurama's deep green eyes. He began to spread salve on her forehead injury and on the cuts caused by the whip he used.

"My apologies for these," he said concentrating on brushing the balm against her skin.

"You did what was natural. I don't blame you."

Kurama gave her one last look-over. "I believe that is everything. How do you feel?"

"Like I've been chewed out," she said dryly. "But otherwise, okay."

Kurama's green eyes sparkled some, telling Asuka he found her comment amusing. She rubbed her temples again, trying to push back the pain creeping through her forehead.

A loud banging on the bathroom door made Asuka jump.

"Oi! Kurama!"

"What is it Yusuke?" Kurama asked politely, turning around and looking at the door.

Yusuke?

"Mask is here with the rest of the team and she said we had something urgent to discuss. So stop playing around in there and hurry up."

"I will be there momentarily."

An incoherent grumble came through the door before the sound faded away.

Who am I? Asuka thought miserably. Why am I here? Why can't I remember? No…don't allow yourself to think about it. You're going to give yourself another panic attack. Stop it and stop it now.

Kurama opened the door to the common area, motioning for Asuka to walk ahead of him and step through the door. When she did so, her eyes scanned the rest of the room, looking around at who was present. The pain behind her eyes flared as she began to recall details about every person in the room.

To their right, sitting in the window sill was Hiei. His long black fighting gi was perfectly suited to his black hair tinted with the slightest twinge of royal blue. He was powerful, prickly, and hid an immense capacity for loyalty, once he felt the subject was worthy. Her heart felt saddened when she realized he had been searching for something his entire life, and his quest remained unfulfilled.

Sitting on the couch was Kuwabara. His brown hair was pompadoured; the preferred style of punks in this era. Kuwabara was someone continually misunderstood by the world around him. But Asuka saw the kindness in his eyes and knew gentleness rested in his soul. She sensed he would eventually become a friend she would rely on, happily taking on the role of a brother.

Yusuke sat on the table with his arms folded and his shoulders hunched over. A small smile played on Asuka's lips as she regarded him. This short tempered, rebellious teenager was the leader of this bunch; the glue that held them together. He was passionate about many things, fighting among them. No matter how strong an opponent, Yusuke would find a way to be stronger.

Closest to the door in another chair was Genkai. She was shrouding her aura and keeping her identity a secret. Their teacher and the wise voice of reason to Yusuke. The others save Kurama didn't know who she really was, but they would know soon enough. Judging from her reaction to Asuka's prediction, Genkai already knew she was at death's door and wasn't going to stop it. She'd already accepted her death and the thought hurt.

Asuka felt something settle over her as she looked at the boys.

They're the key to changing everything.

What that "everything" was, Asuka wasn't sure. Again, the answer was clouded in mystery, on the edge of her consciousness behind a veil. But one thing was certain; these five were vital to something that would happen in the future.

"Wow," Yusuke snorted when he craned his neck to look at Asuka and Kurama coming out of the bathroom. "I didn't realize you liked it so rough Kurama."

"I was merely tending to her severe injuries, Yusuke," he said evenly. "No need to be so excitable."

The rebuke stung Yusuke, and he pouted. In a different circumstance Asuka would've laughed.

Hiei regarded Asuka momentarily before he made a 'tch' sound with his teeth. Kuwabara's eyes widened when he saw Asuka and promptly scooted over on the couch. "I don't know who you are, but it looks like you've been through hell. Want to sit?"

"Thank you," Asuka said sitting down gratefully next to him, careful not to lean back and put pressure on her injury. Kurama walked to the other side of the room and pulled a desk chair to sit in. As he did, Yusuke pivoted on the table to inspect him.

"You look like shit," Yusuke laughed.

Kurama frowned. "Yes well, tonight went a bit differently than expected."

"What's going on?" Kuwabara asked as he looked from Asuka to Kurama.

"That's what we're here to discuss," Genkai said. Her voice sounded completely different than it had earlier. She sounded like a woman in her 20s, and it reminded Asuka she was able to temporarily reverse her age by using Raeki.

"I was in the forest doing some cool-down exercises," Genkai began after she had the room's attention, "When I felt, what could only be described as a ripple. It was there ever so briefly before fading. The only reason I noticed it was because my mind was calm, and I was aware of my surroundings. This ki was unlike anything I'd sensed previously, so I decided to go looking for the source."

She looked over at Kurama and nodded.

"I was much of the same," he agreed. "I was at the restaurant eating dinner when I felt a unique ki at the edge of my senses. It was there only for a moment. No one in the restaurant seemed to notice it, but I decided to investigate." Kurama shifted in his chair so he could address Hiei. "I am guessing you sensed the disturbance as well?"

An arrogant grin spread across the fire Yokai's face. "Of course. I just didn't care enough to look into it."

Kurama smiled. "I thought as much."

"Wait, why didn't I feel this mysterious ki?" Yusuke grumbled, still perching on the table.

"Because you were too busy flirting with Keiko," Kuwabara shot.

Yusuke fiercely blushed. "Shut up! You were worse! Having Yukina tend to all your injuries like a baby."

"Enough!" Genkai interjected, demanding silence from the boys. "The point is, while most Yokai did not have enough sense to pick up on the strange happenings this evening, we must assume there are some that did. This is why I—" Genkai stopped herself and motioned to Kurama, "We went to investigate. And in the forest, we found this girl."

As the gaze of the others in the room began to intensify, Asuka dropped her eyes, unable to face them.

"….you?!" Yusuke shouted. "What the hell were you doing in the middle of the forest on this island?"

Asuka pushed back the dirt caked strands of hair from her face. "I honestly don't know. I don't know why I'm here. I don't remember who I am." She was unable to keep the grief out of her voice and the misery of her situation nearly overtook her.

Hiei laughed, and the sound stung.

"You don't remember?" Kuwabara asked kindly, drawing Asuka's eyes up to his face.

She shook her head sadly. "No. It's like everything I want to know is a ghost in my mind. Every time I sense the truth, it flits away. And it's so frustrating. Why can't I remember who I am? I know other details."

"Other details?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes," Genkai said before Asuka could answer. "That is the reason I told Kurama to bring her back here. She has the gift of Foresight."

Silence.

"…you can't be serious," Hiei laughed again. "How do you know?"

"It is true," Kurama interjected. "I've seen her use it. But at this point in time, she can't control it. In addition to her ability, she also has other details about us, things nobody should know."

Hiei's face was incredulous. "Such as?"

Kurama glanced at Asuka before addressing Hiei. "She knows who I used to be. And she knows the circumstances which brought me to the human realm."

"Hmph," he scowled. "That hardly proves anything."

"I know…." Asuka bit her lip, hesitating. It wasn't much, but her gut kept telling her to stick close to these five. If she did, maybe the answers she was seeking would come to light. She woke up on this island because of them…right?

"What?" Hiei asked impatiently.

If she even hinted at Hiei's search, he would be furious. He'd likely attack and be extremely wary around her for quite some time. But she had no other facts as obscure as this one and it was her best chance to convince the rest that her ability was genuine.

I don't think I have a choice.

"I know," Asuka said carefully, "There's an item, left to you by someone, that you're still searching for."

Rage boiled over in Hiei's eyes, and quick as lightning he moved to the couch, knocking Kuwabara off it to wrap his fingers around Asuka's neck.

"Hiei!" Yusuke shouted. Kuwbara tried to react, but he was pinned down by the ferocity of Hiei's Yoki.

"How!?" he growled. "How do you know about that?"

"I…I don't…know," Asuka choked while trying to retain her calm. Fighting back would only agitate him further. "I won't divulge your secrets Hiei. They're not mine to tell. But please hear me out."

He unwrapped his fingers from her throat and eyed her carefully. "Do you know where it is?"

Asuka gasped and started coughing. "No, I don't. I'm so sorry."

"Of course not," Hiei stalked over to the window, then climbed back up to his previous seat, folded his arms and closed his eyes.

"What the hell, Hiei," Kuwabara said getting up. "You didn't need to get so vicious. Especially with a lady!"

"Tch."

Asuka placed her hand on Kuwabara's arm. "It's alright. I don't blame him."

Across the room, Kurama stared intently.

It's like he's trying to figure out if he can trust me. Kurama is more dangerous than the others. Hiei displays his distaste openly, and Yusuke will tell me if he thinks I am dangerous. But Kurama…Kurama will hide behind a façade until the moment he strikes.

She shivered, but then forced herself to continue. "I can sense that the five of you are vital to…." Asuka put her hand to her face again. The answer was there, just beyond her reach!

So frustrating!

"I can't say exactly what it is yet," she sighed in defeat. "But maybe, I'm here to help you. It's the only reason I can think of why I'm on this island."

Genkai shifted in her seat. "You can't control your gifting's yet. If you are going to be useful, having mastery of them would be better."

Asuka nodded. At the moment, it seemed like her Foresight activated when it wanted to. If she was going to help them, she needed to access her giftings at will.

"Just don't tell us who's going to win our matches," Yusuke laughed. "That would take the fun out of it, and it wouldn't be much of a win if I knew something I shouldn't."

A huff escaped the fire demon. "I will win all my matches."

Kurama folded his arms over his chest and moved his chair so he could see the entire group. "I agree with Yusuke. Knowing the outcome of our matches does not serve us."

"No, it doesn't," Asuka admitted. "But, I think," she closed her eyes, "More is going on here than just these matches."

"To that end," Genkai said, "I investigated the woods after we found you, but I could find no evidence of anyone pursuing you. Yet your injuries suggest someone was targeting you."

"She was shot in the back," Kurama added. "By something using energy, possibly ki."

"That is even more suspicious. It's settled. For now, the girl should stay with us."

Kuwabara agreed enthusiastically, Yusuke replied with "fine", Kurama nodded and Hiei continued to scowl in the corner.

"You got a name?" Yusuke asked, arching his eyebrow. "Or should we just call you 'the girl'?"

If she hadn't felt so fatigued she probably would've laughed. But in that moment, all she could manage was an exhausted, straightforward reply.

"You can call me Asuka."

Kuwabara gave her a gentle smile. "Asuka. It's a nice name."

The conversation between the fighters shifted, leaving Asuka to sit silently as they discussed their plans for viewing tomorrow's matches. Her mind felt empty, as if it had given up trying to piece together the reasons for her being on the island and why she couldn't remember anything before waking up on it. Her eyelids began to droop, and it was all she could do to keep herself from falling asleep in front of the boys. She must've dozed at least a little, because when she refocused on the conversation, Asuka realized they were speaking about her again.

"...Where is she going to stay?" Yusuke asked. "Maybe with… Kurama?" he eyed Kurama and laughed.

Kurama's face showed no amusement as he regarded his friend who was still sitting on the table. Asuka could see he had enough of Yusuke's teasing.

"Urameshi," Kuwabara scolded, "Stop it. Asuka has been through a lot and you're not helping."

"yeah yeah," Yusuke waved while yawning.

In that moment, Asuka realized she had nothing to her name except memory loss and torn clothing. She had no money, and as far as she knew, no means of getting money. The only option was to sleep outside, and the thought horrified her.

As if on cue, Kuwabara turned to her with a kind smile. "I'm sure my sister will agree to let you stay with her and the others in their suite. I'll take you to them."

"Thank you Kuwabara," Asuka sighed with relief. "I would appreciate that."

Kurama stood up from his chair. "Before you go, allow me to check your healing progress? A couple hours have passed, and I would like to see how you are doing."

Yusuke groaned. "I need to shower."

Kurama's head turned sharply, an amused expression playing on his features. "I am surprised you know how."

"Hey!" Yusuke said incredulously. "I know how!"

Kuwabara began to laugh hysterically.

"It will only take a moment," Kurama continued. "Asuka?"

She nodded, and quietly followed him into the bathroom.

"He got you good!" Kuwabara said still laughing behind them.

"Shut up you—" the rest of Yusuke's words were cut off when Kurama closed the door.

His eyes fluttered momentarily, obviously relieved there was silence, so Asuka opted to keep it. He adjusted his hair by running his fingers through the silky strands, and then locked on her gaze. Kurama carefully placed his hands on her face, turning it gently and inspecting the large wound on her forehead. Then his fingers reached for the tattered fabric around her neck, pulling it down to reveal the cuts she received from his whip.

"You did well in handling Hiei," he said finally.

"I guess so." she closed her eyes to cut off the piercing nature of eyes.

"You must've known what his reaction would be."

She laughed dryly. "I had some idea."

His hands shifted to her shoulders then turned her around to inspect the wound on her lower back.

She briefly glanced backward. "I meant what I said, about helping."

"I know you did."

There was something in the tone of his voice…something that made her believe his statement meant more than he let on. Could his words have some double meaning?

His suspicions aren't unfounded, but what could he be thinking?

It dawned on her, then saddened her. "You think I have ulterior motives that even I don't know about?"

"I am surprised you were able to deduce that much from my words," he said from behind, "But yes. Essentially."

Kurama's hands ghosted her wound, and she flinched automatically.

The possibility does exist, she admitted. Nothing is more dangerous than a foe with motives entirely hidden even from themselves.

"It looks okay," he said. "But I will be by tomorrow morning to look at it again."

Asuka turned around but avoided looking into his eyes. "Thank you, Kurama. If I am... harboring some kind of ill-will, your kindness regardless is appreciated."

"Get some rest," he said opening the door. Asuka exited the bathroom to find Kuwabara already waiting for her. She didn't say anything else to Kurama and left the suit following behind the larger teenager, burdened.

As they began to walk down the hall Kuwabara adjusted his position to walk next to her.

"What did Kurama say to you?"

Her shoulders perked up as she stirred from her thoughts, surprised. "How did you know he said anything to me?"

"You looked sad when you came out of the bathroom."

Asuka pushed back the strands of hair that were clinging to the side of her face. "Kurama believes I have ulterior motives that I am currently not aware of."

"He said that to you?" Kuwbara asked surprised.

She shrugged. "I had a feeling he was thinking something along those lines, so I asked. He said yes."

Kuwabara heaved a sigh. "Kurama sometimes thinks way too much for his own good."

"He does have a point," Asuka said miserably. "I have no idea who I am, and yet, I've arrived on this island and feel like I should be helping you all. It's the perfect setup, don't you think?"

They reached the end of the hallway, and Kuwabara pushed the button for the elevator.

"Don't worry too much about what Kurama says. He's got good instincts but, he ain't infallible."

The elevator door opened, and Asuka followed Kuwabara inside.

"You're not worried?"

He grinned. "Nope. Call it a gut feeling."

The elevator dinged, and Asuka gave Kuwabara a small smile. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Here's their room. It's right next to the elevator." Kuwabara knocked. "Sis? Can I talk to you for a second?"

Asuka fidgeted nervously as she heard a rustling sound. The door lock turned, and it opened revealing a woman with light brown hair and a mature expression.

"Ah, you must be the holder of our mysterious ki," she smiled.

"Seriously sis?!" Kuwabara shouted. "Did everybody sense that except for Urameshi and I!?"

"Keep your voice down Kazuma," hushed his sister. She looked over at Asuka. "I'm Shizuru."

"…Shizuru?" It sounded familiar, but she got no other details.

"That's right. Come on in. I'm sure you have a lot to tell us. Thanks, Kazuma. You can go now."

"Hey wait!" Kuwabara said as Shizuru ushered Asuka into the room before closing the door on his face.

Once Asuka was inside she saw three other girls standing just behind the common room couch.

"This is Yukina, Boton, and Keiko," Shizaru introduced. Their faces were warm and inviting, which was nearly the opposite to the boy's reception of her.

"Hello," Kekio said.

Asuka bowed. "Thank you very much for allowing me to stay with you. You can call me Asuka."

"Oh honey you look awful," Boton frowned. "We've got water. Do you want some?"

Water sounded so good. How long had it been since she'd had any? How long had it been since she'd eaten?

"Yes, please."

"Here, sit," Shizuru said motioning to the couch.

Asuka nodded gratefully and made herself comfortable, completely overwhelmed by the girl's kindness.

"I sensed your ki when you arrived," Shizuru explained, "And assumed one of the boys would go investigate."

Boton walked across the room with a bottle of water and gave it to Asuka who took a large swallow.

"You are all being so kind. How do you know…you can trust me?"

Shizuru looked Asuka directly in the eyes, her face warm with sincerity. "Your ki is the most unique and beautiful I have ever felt. It feels alive, but gentle. Like," Shizuru brought her hand to her chin, "Like you've dealt with a large burden for many years, but never gave up hope. It feels like a sprinkling rain on a spring evening. Where do you come from?"

"…I don't know," Asuka's face scrunched up as the tears which she'd managed to hold back during the meeting came flowing down.

"You don't know?" Keiko asked.

She shook her head.

The girls crowded around her and Shizuru gave her a gentle hug. Not enough to put pressure on her wound, but just enough to keep her grounded. It was welcomed.

"Can you tell us what happened today?"

And so, Asuka began to tell the other girls what happened to her from the moment she woke up in the forest. She left out no detail, save for the specifics of her vision of Genkai dying. She told the girls about her injury, Kurama healing it, and the subsequent meeting that followed.

"That's awful," Keiko said when Asuka finished. "I can't imagine what that must be like."

"Kurama seems to think I have hidden ulterior motives even I don't know about," Asuka said miserably. "I don't know that I can trust myself."

"He would say something horrible like that," Boton scoffed. "Don't take it too seriously."

Asuka looked at Shizuru. "Kuwabara said the same thing."

She smiled knowingly. "My brother can be a real pain in the ass, but he's a decent judge of character."

"Besides," Boton said playfully, "You're an enigma, aren't you? Kurama doesn't know anything about you, and therefore can't categorize you. He doesn't like anyone but himself being the mysterious one."

Asuka hung her shoulders. "I suppose."

"Still though," she said thoughtfully, "You do seem familiar somehow."

Hearing this, Asuka instantly perked up. "Really? Have we met?"

Boton put her hand to her forehead and rubbed it in concentration. Her eyes moved as she tried to search her memories.

"I'm sorry Asuka," she said in defeat. "I remember everyone I meet. It's part of being the Grim Reaper. If I had met you, I'd know. How strange."

Judging from Boton's reaction, the situation was weirder than Asuka first supposed, and it was crushing to feel that small glimmer of hope fade.

Across from her, Yukina looked as though she was contemplating something. She stirred, finally looking directly at Asuka with large empathetic eyes.

"Are you human?"

It was a valid question, and one Asuka hadn't previously considered. But without her memories, it was impossible to tell.

"I don't know," Asuka admitted. "I certainly look like one, but then again, so do you."

"The ki you emit isn't," Shizuru said. "But that doesn't mean much. For now, we'll just assume you are."

Learning whether or not I'm human is vital to understanding who I am. But I don't know if there's a way to tell other than ki.

Keiko yawned, then stifled it once she realized what she'd done. "I'm so sorry Asuka. I didn't mean to be rude."

"It's alright," Asuka said briefly closing her eyes. "It's getting late, and I feel exhausted too."

"You've been through a lot," Shizuru said. "Why don't you take a shower before bed? Keiko, do you think Asuka could borrow some clothes? You two seem to be a similar size."

"Of course," Keiko nodded. "I'll get some out for you."

"Thank you."

"In the meantime," Shizuru said kindly, "The hotel left us a couple extra futons. I'll get one ready."

Asuka stood up from the couch and though her were legs still a little shaky, bowed once again. "Thank you all for your hospitality. Words can't describe my gratefulness."

The girls smiled at her, and Asuka walked into the bathroom where she found some towels, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. After using the toilet Asuka stripped, allowing the tattered clothes she'd been wearing to fall away. She pulled the hair tie and her hair fell down her back. After that, she flipped the hot water switch, opened the shower's door and turned on the water.

The shower was hot and steamy. Asuka carefully soaped her entire body, scrubbing off all the traces of dirt and blood and worked vigorously to clean her fingernails. She had scars on her body. Where did she get them?

Her hair was troublesome to deal with. It took a long time for the knots to come undone and the dirt to be washed away. When she was finally finished, Asuka left the shower running to give some time for the water to take away the mud that collected at the bottom. As she walked over to the pile of clothes Keiko left, she discovered her reflection in the bathroom's floor-to-ceiling mirror.

Who she saw in the reflection stunned her and she dropped her towel to fully inspect what she looked like. Her hair was a chestnut color, and even while wet had gentle waves. The first layer went down to her chin and framed her face. The second, midway down her neck. The third, to her shoulders. The fourth went all the way down and stopped halfway on her butt. She ran her fingers through it, amazed.

…it's beautiful.

Her skin was light, and her eyes a dark smoky purple. Asuka inspected her breasts next. They were small, but perky. The rest of her however…. She frowned. Her figure was petite, slender, delicate. There wasn't much curves to her body and her face was the same.

How old am I? Fourteen? Fifteen? She grimaced. I certainly don't feel like I'm that young.

Asuka sighed, then slipped on the clothes Keiko left her. They were loose on her body as Keiko had more substance, but they mostly fit and they were comfortable. More than that, someone was treating her with kindness, and it overwhelmed her. After brushing out the long strands of her hair, Asuka tied it into a loose bun and walked out of the bathroom. The other girls had already gone to bed, but Asuka could see where Shizuru left the futon which was out of the way. Gratefully slipping under the blanket, she sighed out her stress and positioned herself to not lay on her wound.

As she drifted off to sleep, one thought plagued her. What if Kurama is right? What if I do have some hidden agenda? I was obviously pursued. Judging by the scars and that hit I took, I've been running. I must've done something bad…right?