More was demanded in a review and here it is! Honestly though, I was going to update either way. I actually wrote maybe four separate versions of this chapter, each leading to a different ending, before I decided that this version was the way I wanted the story to go. I will eventually write the rest of the story, but I make no promises as to when because school and work are sucking up all of my time. Hope you guys enjoy and reviews are always appreciated. :)

Warning: violence, this chapter is not that bad compared to the rest

Disclaimer: I don't own YuYuHakusho or any of its characters.

Kurama opened his eyes slowly, as the warm sunlight caressed his face. His vision was still blurry from the sudden brightness. For a split second the kitsune believed himself to be dead, and relaxed in the softness that surrounded him, perhaps a bit too comfortable with the outcome. As his vision cleared however, and a slight movement of his arm sent unbearable waves of pain through his entire body, the demon concluded that he was indeed still very much alive.

Sitting up slightly, and not without a fair share of pain, the fox took in his surroundings, hoping to find something of use, or at least some clues as to what had happened. He was in a large room, a tastefully and rather richly decorated one at that, and the softness he had relaxed into before turned out to be the large bed he was currently occupying. The small table next to him was overflowing with what looked like various healing potions, but to Kurama's disappointment, none of the herbs that had gone into the making of said mixtures were present. The kitsune's only consolidation, oddly enough, came from the fact that he probably wouldn't have been able to access enough demon energy to use them anyway. He had tried the same trick he had used with Touya during the Dark Tournament before, but the crow's collar seemed far more advanced than Gama's cheap parlor tricks. Thus his eyes moved away from the taunting table and he took note of the two velvet chairs that seemed to have become temporary storage to a rather large collection of bandages. This too lost his interest quickly, and he took in the rest of the room with its highly expensive wardrobe, nightstand, lamps, curtains and couch. The kitsune took a longer moment examining the view through the large window, and almost regretted doing so. The room's obvious height above the ground, coupled with the clear view of Karasu's courtyard below, served as a chilling reminded of his earlier nightmare. For a second he felt tempted to move towards the window, not to jump, but rather to reassure himself that there were no rocks at the bottom, that this was not the same room, and that he still had time to figure it all out before Karasu broke what was left of his spirit.

His attempts were short-lived however, not only because trying to move his feet had crippled him with pain, but also due to the collar almost strangling him as he attempted to move his head forward. Noticing the large chain that now secured him to the solid metal bed frame, Kurama's next mistake was trying to pull on said chain, which much like Karasu's power-restricting collar, took resistance as a good excuse to burn both the kitsune's hand and his neck. It took all of the demon's energy not to scream in pain, as he quickly released the chain. He was instantly glad he had held his tongue for the very next moment Kurama's sensitive ears picked up Karasu's angry voice. As quickly and silently as he could, the kitsune settled back down, closed his eyes and lowered his breathing to that of a sleeping level, hoping the crow would not notice the difference.

He did so just in time, as a few seconds later the door opened, and he heard two sets of footsteps, one that he clearly recognized as belonging to Karasu. The fox almost flinched at the nearly tangible fury in the crow's tone. "He still hasn't awakened! I told you I wanted him alive and conscious. While I appreciate his being alive, does he LOOK conscious to you?"

"Please, just give me another day or two. He...he took a lot of damage; there is a limit to what my healing can do. It's a miracle he is alive at all." The soft female voice was one that Kurama knew well. "He will wake soon I promise."

"He better Maya, because my patience is running thin." There was a small pause before Karasu continued, his tone somewhat calmer, but hardly less dangerous. "Do you know why I've kept you around these past 50 years? Because you are of use. Cease to be so, and like all the hundreds of other slaves I've had, I will dispose of you too."

It took the kitsune a moment to process the information, his brain unwilling to accept that anyone, be they obedient or not, could serve the sadistic crow for such a long time. It horrified him really, and he could not restrain the shiver that ran down his spine at the idea, as he himself would rather die than live this hell. But Kurama now understood why the crow trusted her, and he hoped that it was a connection he could exploit.

"I understand, Karasu-sama." Her voice was soft and fearful, even more so than usual. Although some small part of Kurama wanted to intervene, perhaps 'wake-up', he knew he could not handle Karasu's anger in his conditions, and in truth he wanted to hear the conversation to its completion. This was probably his only chance to find out more.

"I have done much for you over the years, granted you privileges that other slaves can only dream of. I've given you food and clothing, made you the captain of my guards, even allowed you the honor of sleeping in my chambers."

The kitsune had to bite back a sneer at the crow's comment, not wanting to give himself away. Only Karasu could consider sleeping with one's tormentor an honor. The very thought of it was enough to make the fox appreciate the cold dungeon floor.

"I have killed, not only guards and slaves in your name, but even the lowlife who sold you to me. And I need not remind you that your punishments have always been more lenient than those of any other slave. I have been a kind master, Maya. Do not make me regret my actions." Karasu's tone left little doubt that from the crow's deranged point of view, he had been more than benevolent.

"I am very gracious for your kindness master. I will not disappoint you. He will be awake by tomorrow." Maya promised.

"For your sake, be better be. Besides that fire brat who I hold very little interest in, you and the kitsune are my last slaves, and if he is not awake by tomorrow, you will take his place in the dungeon." Either the crow was not expecting an answer, or the tense silence made him realize he had made more than enough of an impact, for he left as soon as he had finished speaking, slamming the door behind him.

Kurama almost sighed in relief as the door closed, and before he could consider his next action, the female spoke again, this time addressing him. "No need to pretend any longer. I already know you are awake." The tone was not accusing.

"Why didn't you tell Karasu?" Kurama asked after a moment's consideration, his eyes following her movement as she opened a bottle of blue liquid on the table.

"It wasn't necessary I suppose." That was the only answer the girl seemed willing to give. The kitsune winced as the blue liquid stung his recently burned hand and neck.

"Either way, I thank you. For both now and before. " The fox replied. "And...I am sorry for earlier." He added, remembering how he had insulted her the first time she had healed him. "My words were harsh and uncalled for." He admitted, feeling uncharacteristically uneasy around her. He wasn't sure why exactly, but the more he got to talk to her, the more he felt that he knew her from somewhere. Even though he couldn't place it, it made the kitsune feel rather uncomfortable.

"It's all right. You are not the first to insult me in such a manner." Maya replied. "I have made my choice, and I stand by it."

Kurama saw this as a chance to find out more, and it wasn't an opportunity he was about to pass up. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come into Karasu's possession?"

"I don't know why you would be interested in such things, but I suppose I can entertain you." Maya gave him a confused, almost suspicious, look, but did not refuse to answer. "It is simple enough I suppose. While on their death bed, my parents arranged a marriage for me to a family friend, fearing that I would otherwise be left unprotected. Needless to say, the choice was a poor one, for he had no interest in me, only in my parent's small fortune. He planned to use it to pay back a debt he owed Karasu." She paused to grab more healing supplies.

"What changed? Was the money not enough?" The kitsune couldn't help but ask. At least the conversation distracted him from the pain.

"No, he had more than enough. However, when master Karasu came to collect the debt, my 'husband' was unwilling to part with his newfound wealth. Instead, he made the crow another offer, promising that if the debt was forgiven, Karasu could have me as a slave. I was drugged, collared, and thrown into the dungeon before I even found out about the deal. I have been here ever since." She replied.

The kitsune could tell she was leaving something out. If the crow had bought her in a sense, then why kill the man who he "purchased" her from. It was true that Karasu was a sadist and deeply enjoyed getting his way, but he was also obsessed with following through on his word. It seemed unlike him to go after someone once he had what he wanted. Before he could ask the question, however, a deafening alarm sounded throughout the palace, one not entirely unfamiliar to his ears.

Maya stiffened at the sound, placing everything back on the table in a hurry. "I must attend to this. Please stay here and don't try anything. If master Karasu learns you are awake, I will not be able to cover even for myself, let alone you." With that she vanished through the doors, leaving the kitsune to his own thoughts.

Despite her warning, the fox's first thoughts were of course of escape. It wasn't that Kurama didn't understand how real the threat was, but rather that he didn't want to give up an opportunity, no matter how slim, to escape. It was his way of defying his supposed "master", if only in spirit.

Sitting up, careful not to pull on or touch the chain attached to his collar, he instead focused on the portion that was connected to the wall. It seemed easy enough to break at first, as the chain was attached to a metal bar sticking out of the wall. But no matter how hard he pulled on the bar, whether with his bare hands or using nearby items as leverage, the rod didn't budge. His efforts were so futile, that even the stone wall seemed unscarred by his attempts.

With his strength gone, and his limbs in even more pain than before, the kitsune gave up, resting his head back on the pillow. By now the alarm had faded to a dull background sound, and the noise seemed almost a lullaby to the exhausted Kurama. It wasn't long before the fox was pulled into another sleep, and thus another memory.

Flashback

Youko ran as quickly as he could, setting his plants loose on any guard who got in his way. The sound of the alarm was deafening, and he knew it wouldn't be long until everyone on the estate was awake. For once even he could admit he had been a complete idiot. The kitsune had been so overconfident, having gotten into the mansion with little effort, that he had not bothered to check if the item itself was bugged. Only after he picked it up, did he notice the alarm he had foolishly triggered.

As his rose whip cut through another guard, he spared a glance at the artifact in his hand. Compared to the many other items he had stolen, the item looked unimpressive, consisting of a small golden base supporting a crystal. Besides the golden carvings surrounded the crystals, the only other notable feature was the words "Life's second chance" inscribed in neat handwriting. Based just on beauty, the item was not even worth selling, let alone worth a place in Youko's hideout. The kitsune had not gone through all the trouble for its decoration value, however, for he had heard stories of the crystal's power. With the press of the rights carvings, the artifact could send you anywhere in your past, a power Youko became obsessed with obtaining. After years of searching, he couldn't believe he had finally gotten his hands on the artifact. All he had to do was escape this forsaken mansion and the power of time travel would be his.

The kitsune almost sighed in relief as he felt the cold night breeze on his face. The courtyard was dark and quiet, if one ignored the blaring alarm. He was now within his element, and that gave him a hint of comfort. Just as he started to wonder if he had killed all the guards, however, he noticed a lone figure standing between him and the nearest escape path. As he got closer he was shocked to see that it was only a girl, her long brown hair obscuring part of the white nightdress she wore.

"I have no desire to fight you. Get out of my way and you will not be hurt." Youko attempted to negotiate, not wanting to kill her if possible. The female looked to be only 17 or so, but with demons it was always hard to tell, as many stopped aging before they reached their 20s. Still, by her clothing, the kitsune couldn't believe she was a fighter.

"I cannot do that. Hand over the artifact, and I will let you go if you promise never to return." The brown eyes that stared back at him were defiant yet calm.

"You are hardly dressed for a fight, and I would hate to stain my hands with the blood of such a pretty girl." Youko allowed a seed to grow in his hand, the plant wrapping around his arm to create a blade. As he took a more careful look at his soon to be victim, he noticed a collar around her neck. "You're a slave? Tell me, is your life really worth less than a punishment from your master?" The kitsune questioned. He was surprised to get something of a sad smile in return.

"Clearly you do not know my master." The female replied. "Leave the artifact and run, forget this place. If master Karasu finds you here, there will be nothing I can do for you." Her voice was almost sad, as if she was begging him to follow her advice. "You...are his type. If he keeps you, it will be a fate worse than death. Leave, you do not want this life."

The fox considered it for a moment, but couldn't find the will to leave the artifact behind. All that power was not something he was willing to give up, even if it meant killing this girl. "I gave you a choice. It is wholly your fault you die." In an instance he was before her, his plant sword ready to stab her. To his amazement, however, his arm was stopped in mid strike, her own hand surrounded by electricity. Youko bit back a scream as he felt the shock wave run through his body, and before he knew it, the attack had sent him flying right into the dirt.

Taking a second to recover, he raised himself from the ground, giving her a glare. "I admit, I underestimated you, but I will not make the same mistake twice." Youko summoned his rose whip, hoping that he could better protect against her electricity at a distance. His first hit was dodged as he had expected, but instead of jerking back the whip, he had it wrap around her foot, pulling her to the ground as the thorny whip began to dig into her skin. Just as Youko was about to sever it off completely and hopefully end the fight, a bolt of lightning struck his whip, cutting it in half. Even though both parts fell limply to the ground, Youko's attack had done a considerable amount of damage, and it was unlikely that she would be able to dodge again.

That did not stop the female, however, and the kitsune barely had time to dodge the bolt of lightning headed for his chest. Although he managed to protect his vitals, he couldn't help but scream as the lightning cut through his arm, tearing, shocking and burning the skin all at the same time. It continued like this for a good while, each both giving and receiving hits until their once white garments were stained red. Finally, after both were weak and tired, Youko gained the advantage, having managed to pin the brown haired girl to the ground with his plants. Just as he was about to give the killing blow, however, he heard footsteps behind him.

"My pet gave you a good fight it seems thief, but really I am tired of playing games." Even before Youko had time to fully turn around, he felt the explosions rip apart at his already wounded body. Had it been the first set of hits, the fox would of gotten up and cut the man in two where he stood. However, by now his body could take no more, and with each bomb he felt his grip on consciousness lessen.

As he dropped to the ground, his world slowly turning black, the artifact he had stolen landed in front of his eyes, and for that last waking moment, he really wished he had never come to steal the item in the first place.

End Flashback