Hey guys!

I am sorry if my last author's note made anyone uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I am still halfway on the fence on whether or not I should delete it.

Anyhow! Sorry for the speed of this one. Had to get her coming home out of the way and I'm trying to set up the next few chapters. I want to focus on the six months in the series that aren't really seen in detail before the demon world tournament. I also don't know to what extent I will have Suki in the demon world tournament, at this point I am voting not at all. I just don't think it will jive with the dynamic. She'll obviously be there to observe. Anyways please comment. I'd love to read your thoughts!

Thanks for the comment Lestatsgirl15! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

I will try to update soon.

Lots of love,

~red

She didn't know how to handle it. She was so excited to return to human world. The huge hike didn't matter as it only helped her burn the endless energy she now possessed. Being a demon had it perks she supposed. Kurama chuckled making her give him a youthful grin, "what's so funny?"

"You're basically jumping out of your skin," he said his grin matching her own.

"I can't wait to go home. But it will be weird not to live with the guys anymore. Are you sure your mom won't mind me staying with you until I find an apartment?" she said as they approached the place where Kurama had crossed from Nigenkai to Makai. She was not too shocked to hear that she needed a new place to live. Afterall Yusuke had been fired from being spirit detective and Koenma was for a short time disowned by his father. Besides he only reason that they stayed in that house was to watch her 24/7. It would be kind of liberating to be able to be on her own. She didn't need baby sitting and no longer housed a doomsday demon in her body. There was at least one bright outcome of the entire Sensui fiasco.

Kurama raised their interlocked hands to his face. Planting a kiss on the back of hers, "of course not. It was her idea. And I must admit I prefer it for at least a few months. I don't really like the thought of you being so far away at night."

She shook her head at him, "so what you're saying is you didn't even try to find me an apartment."

He didn't answer that he just ignored the comment and pulled out to seeds from his hair. She wondered why she never felt them when she ran her hands through the long maine. One of life's mysteries she supposed. Kurama grew two creepy looking plants with dark green leaves and sharp looking roots. He turned to her and let one of them dig their roots into his arms. If hurt than he didn't let it show. "We are both too powerful to cross the kekkai barrier. These plants will feed on our demonic energy to make us weaker and allow us through. It will be uncomfortable but necessary," he explained.

Suki nodded extending her arm out to him and closing her eyes. The prick of the roots were minimally painful but the drain she felt afterwards made her stagger a bit. Thankfully Kurama had a tight grip on her arm. She took a minute to adjust before looking up at him. "Okay, I'm ready," she said interlocking her fingers with his. The two went through a almost invisible portal on the side of a mountain then floated through the pseudo space and past the Kekkai barrier. She was glad to have that creepy plant off her arm and was stunned to come out into Genkai's demonic forest on the other side. Her lungs greedily inhaled that sweet fresh air of Nigenkai the moment they stepped through. Her heart filled with happiness as she was finally back. Feeling as she could put the ugly past behind her and move forward now. She had finally return home. She turned to Kurama who was watching her with a smile, "I can't wait to see Genkai!"

With that she took off into a sprint. Enjoying the wind in her hair and the sun on her skin. Even in the cold of the early winter she loved this place. She was glad this was the place they crossed over. Her eyes hungry to see the faces she cherished. It might only be Genkai but she would make sure to hunt down the rest of her friends as soon as possible. She felt Kurama's energy next to hers as they finally reached the edge of the forest. Genkai's garden sprawled before them. Tears pricked her eyes as she saw something she didn't expect. On the lawn getting ready to enter the temple were Genkai, Kuwabara, Shizuru, Keiko, and a mint green haired girl. Keiko was the first to catch her eye as she was facing the woods. Her brown eyes widening as she stood up.

"Suki," she said in shock making the raven haired girl walk up towards them.

She could only smile at their shocked faces as Keiko ran around the table and almost ran her over into a huge hug. The two laughing and hugging each other tightly. She felt another set of arms and heard the familiar voice of the eldest Kuwabara, "it's good to see you alive and kicking kiddo."

After a minute the two pulled back giving room for Genkai to smile up at Suki, "I'm glad all my students don't know how to die properly."

Suki laughed as she pulled the stiff woman into her arms, "I'm happy to see you too, Genkai."

She pulled away knowing that the woman was not one for displays of affection. But she didn't miss the smile or tears in her eyes. She looked around finding Kuwabara who was watching her wide eyed his eyes sad and tearful. It made her feel a pang of guilt. He got up not to hug her like she expected, but going down on his knees and bowing with his head to the ground. She walked up to him but he didn't look up, "Kuwabara…"

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry Suki. Please forgive me. I should have saved you. I should have protected you. It's all my fault...what they did. I'm so sorry," he said his shoulders shaking.

Suki couldn't help the sobs that escaped her own lips as she went on her knees and stroked his hair, "don't apologize. It wasn't your fault. I could never blame you Kuwabara. Please. There is nothing to forgive. I would never hold you responsible for any of it. So please… stop bowing. Please."

Her heart hurt as he looked up. She couldn't imagine the pain and guilt he had put himself through. Suki mustered her best smile for him, "see? I'm here. Alive and I'm healing. But I can't move forward if you blame yourself. Let's put this all in the past okay?"

Kuwabara nodded his large frame wrapping around Suki. The two hugging on the ground. She closed her eyes feeling safe in the arms of her friend. Knowing that they all had their battle wounds to heal. And happy that they could finally all begin. Even with the craziness of the Makai war. They had already been to hell and back. She knew they would make it through this.

"Thank you," he said after pulling back. He stood holding his hand out to her and helping her up. The two smiled at each other. Suddenly Kuwabara jumped up as if he was remembering something important, "Suki! You get to meet Yukina!"

The large man turned to the ice maiden whom had been watching the entire interaction with a sweet smile on her face. Kuwabara brought her forward and the pretty demoness bowed politely, "nice to meet you, Suki-san. My name is Yukina."

As she straightened Suki couldn't help but notice how much her eyes were like Hiei's. Remembering that the two were siblings and how it was all a big secret. It made her wonder how the fire demon was doing. She smiled at her and bowed back, "please Suki is fine. It's nice to meet you too."

Suki sat happily for a few hours. Drinking tea and chatting with her friends. They had been visiting Yukina and Genkai and it had been perfect timing for her to arrive on that day. She felt a little guilty as Yukina had told her she was here to find her long lost brother. She wondered if Hiei would ever tell her the truth. Being there felt so surreal that she almost thought she was dreaming. Kurama seemed just as happy as she felt. She was glad he could forget his troubles momentarily. She noticed that Keiko was a little off herself. Her eyes kept going to her and Kurama and she seemed a bit upset. Suki figured that she was feeling abandoned by Yusuke. But she didn't want to bring it up in front of everyone. She would find time to talk to her friend. Knowing that she would need a shoulder to lean on while Yusuke was away.

Eventually they made their way home. Making a quick pit stop at Yusuke's apartment to pick up suitcases full of her things. It would make it look like she had just returned from a trip. Kurama had told her that his mother thought he was picking her up from her hometown. Everyone thought she had just spent the month at home in court with her family. She felt a little nervous to be staying at Kurama's house. But apparently Shiori had insisted on it. So as they opened the door to Kurama's house she felt nerves bubble up in her stomach. The smell of a wonderfully home cooked meal permeated the space. At the sound of the door closing running feet could be heard.

"Suki's here!" she giggled as little Shuichi came running towards her. Immediately dropping the small bag she carried and letting him run into her arms. She beamed at him as she gave her the cutest smile. "Shiori and I have been making a special dinner just for you," he reported.

She barely got to respond as he pulled her further inside Kazuya smiling at her from the door frame, "hello, Suki. Nice to see you again. Shuichi it looks like you're chopped liver now."

Suki smiled at him saying hello and giggling at the amused face of her boyfriend. He turned to her his eyes sparkling happily, "yes, it appears that I am no longer the favorite. Although I can hardly blame him."

The kitchen was a sight for sore eyes. Shiori turned to them her gentle smile on her face and a red apron around her waist. She put down her cooking utensils and opened her arms welcoming her in a warm hug. Suki's heart warmed at the feel of her motherly touch. This must have been like what having family felt like. She secretly also was glad to be spending some time here. Knowing that she needed the soothing warmth of Shiori's kind energy. "It's so good to see you, Suki," she said pulling back from the hug but still keeping her hands on the young woman's shoulders. "How was the trip? You two must be exhausted," she said turning to Kurama.

The redhead kissed her cheek in greeting, "long, but we're glad to be home."

Shiori looked beyond happy as Kurama wrapped an arm around Suki's waist. The teal eyed girl bowing to Shiori, "I wanted to thank you for your kindness, Shiori. Thank you for letting me stay here."

In her gracious manner, Shiori clasped her hands on her chest her smile making the room bright. She shook her head, "no thanks needed, darling. We're more than happy to have you. Why don't you let Shuichi show you to your room? Dinner's almost done. You can put your things away while its ready."

Little Shuichi jumped up and down before running off, "I want to help!"

It was a little overwhelming how much happiness she felt as she watched her two Shuichis brought her bags upstairs. Shiori had made up the guest room for her full of beautiful decorations. Flowers on the nightstand and a quilted pink and blue comforter. She could even see a fresh coat of pain on the wall. On her bedside table a picture of her at the carnival with Shuichi sat on a frame. She hadn't even remembered taking it. Funny how one person she had only known for less than year had made her feel more at home than anyone before. She felt welcomed. The rest of the evening went by in a lovely haze. Dinner was warm filled with happy conversation. It was wonderfully simple and easy. For a few hours Suki was able to forget all the tension of the last few months. The night ended perfectly as Kurama sneakily made his way into her bed. Wrapping her into his strong arms and letting her drift into peaceful sleep.

Kurama readied himself for school. A smile tugging at his lips at the sweet sounds of music coming from his bathroom. His mother was downstairs getting ready to leave for work. It was hard for him to pull himself away from Suki's warm bed in the early hours of the morning. But he knew that his mother would not be happy with him if she were to find them together. The two made polite conversation over breakfast when his girlfriend made her way downstairs. He almost spit out his tea as Suki walked in. She was blushing a bit and pulling down the hem of her skirt. He had noticed she'd grown taller while in demon world. Her red uniform skirt was surely now on the borderline of breaking the dress code. The white top a little too snug over her chest. And although he certainly wouldn't mind looking at those long legs all day. The thought of his classmates having that same privilege was...unwelcomed.

"Shiori, do you know to take out a hem? I think I outgrew my uniform," she said as she sat down for breakfast.

Thankfully his mother was busy assessing the problem to notice the way he was staring at his girl. That would have been embarrassing even for him. The distraction was enough for Kurama to place the yuza herb in Suki's tea. The thought of her having his children was wonderful. But there was too much going on at the moment. Not only would he want to have this entire demon world business behind him but he also wasn't ready to share her. They would have the end of high school and their college years ahead before thinking about a family. Having her felt like such a gift, it felt selfish to want anything more.

A short fifteen minutes later, Shiori had taken out the hem of Suki's skirt and the two were walking towards Meioh. Kurama's mind was in a million places at once. He had sent out the messages to the warriors for Yomi's army and now was awaiting a response. He had also spent the better part of his morning speaking with Genkai over the phone. Thankful the old woman was such an early bird. She had already agreed to help him train the fighters. Things were starting to fall in line with his plans. At the same time his biggest distraction walked next to him. Simply taking in the early morning sunshine. It was early winter. A eggshell pink peacoat wrapped itself around Suki's shoulders. Her teal eyes focused on the book she was holding. He knew that she was trying to catch up on the things she had missed while she was away. Almost feeling bad for the pile of schoolwork she had to finish in order to be up to speed. Her hand was warm around his and he knew that she was trying her best to ignore the whispers of their classmates. Suki had confessed her heightened demonic senses were hard to control. But he knew she just needed to continue to adjust to them. She had a small content smile on her face at the moment. The look on his face was the small slice of peace that he needed in his life. Green eyes looked ahead to see a familiar head of curly black hair. From the way his posture was it appeared that Kaito was also reading a walking. Kurama knew he would be overjoyed to see Suki. He silently nudged her arm getting her attention, and nodded his head ahead making her look over to the teen. A playful smirk crossed her lips as she handed Kurama her book. He couldn't help but smile as she quietly snuck up behind him her hands going around his head and covering his eyes.

"Guess who?" she said a cute giggle escaping her lips.

Kaito froze his book falling to the ground, "if it's the person I think...then you might just be forgiven for smudging my glasses."

He couldn't help but shake his head at her as she continued to laugh removing her hands and smiling at Kaito as he turned around. The bespectacled teen stared at her flabbergasted for a minute. Even though he knew about Suki coming back to life he still seemed completely taken off guard. He shook his head, "I'd hug you but we'd probably start some weird rumors."

"Who cares!" she responded pulling him into a brief hug, "you're always worried about the silliest things, Keito."

He flushed as she pulled away his eyes scanning her from head to toe, "did you get taller?"

Suki shrugged as Kaito turned around to pick up his book. She smiled happily up at Kurama whom was all too eager to wrap his hand around her waist. Sure they were all friends now but it still was annoying that Kaito had a secret crush on Suki. Something he had momentarily forgotten until this very second. Thankfully, she was still incredibly oblivious, "yeah, still nowhere as tall as you and Kurama. Demon growth spurt I suppose."

He chuckled as she added that last part more quietly. The three made their way into the high school almost as if the last few months hadn't happened. Kaito and Suki chatting animatedly about what she had missed. Including the three books the book club had read in that time. And the new member of the club, a shy girl named Ami. Kaito was sure Suki would be quick friends with her. Kurama marveled at the small slice of normalcy of it all. Teal eyes turned to him before they entered the class. Suki pulling him back and giving him a small unsure smile, "everything okay? You're awfully quiet."

Placing his hand on the small of her back he brought her close, "of course. I'm just enjoying the novelty of having you here. It almost feels too good to be true."

A cute blush spread on her face, "I know. Feels strange, right?"

He brushed a quick kiss on her lips, "no. It feels perfect." He wanted to kiss her again when he saw their teacher walking down the hall. Knowing that they would get in trouble he simply settled for grabbing her hand and pulling her inside. They were immediately bombarded by attention from their classmates. All wanting to know how she was doing and telling her she was missed. Suki graciously skirted past the conversations with ease. She had become the focus of school gossip during her absence and he had tried his best to prepare her. There had even been rumors that the two had split. All which were clearly put to rest by their intertwined hands. He decided to enjoy the peace as much as possible. By the weekend, he would be back to living a double life. Maintaining appearances during the day and training during every spareable moment of the day. All with one goal...to build the strongest alliance of fighters that when the moment of truth came he could make sure he was walking away unscathed. Like he had told Suki. He was not going to let their second chance go to waste.

In the blink of an eye a few days had passed and Suki found herself falling back into routine. Kurama and Kaito had her almost completely caught up on her school work. And aside from her mandatory participation in the school music and arts festival she would not be failing the term nor losing her ranking. Admittedly she had found some differences between herself now that she was a demon. The first being her ability to read and absorb things more quickly. Kurama had explained fox demons were smart by nature. Even going as far as to cutely quote the phrase, 'clever as a fox.' Apparently the old saying did come from somewhere. She didn't care as long as it helped her study. The second was that Nigenkai was a lot more noisy than Maikai. She didn't know if it was heightened senses or the thinner walls but she could hear so many things. Kurama said she'd learn to block out the noise eventually. Be able to focus in on what she wanted to her own advantage. Instead of the maddening scrawl that was currently buzzing in her ears. And she certainly hoped so. It would help for one to figure out the last development of her life as a demon. She had out of nowhere become more popular than she was before. Everyone was flocking to her and she didn't know what to do with the attention. She was happy before blending into the background. Sure dating Kurama had made her somewhat popular but for the most part she was left alone. Even now as she sat on her desk talking to Kaito she could hear the buzzing of their words and feel their eyes. She was growing frustrated.

"Why do they keep staring? I've been back for four days," she huffed at her friend.

Kaito looked over the book he was reading to see people look away, "you've gathered a lot of attention. You've been gone for a little over a month."

She huffed wishing it would stop when she heard the distinct sounds of a fight outside the doors. She saw Kurama's head look up from the work he was working on and knew she had been right. Quickly hoping off the desk she made her way out the doors. Mostly everyone took their breaks in the classroom but she knew that some students would use the opportunity to go outside. Suki followed the sounds to one of the stairwells. She saw the new student being pushed around by a group of seniors. One of them tearing at the pages of her book. Suki immediately was reminded of poor Mitarai. She couldn't just stand idly by and watch as someone got bullied.

"Hey! You girls want to pick on someone? Why don't you try me," she said catching their attention as she pushed her way in the middle of the circle. Her body standing directly in front of the smaller girl.

One of them was impressively tall. She must have been taller than Kurama with broad intimidating shoulders. Suki recalled going to a field hockey game once. The three girls in front her where on the team. She wondered why they would bother with an underclassman. The tall one was obviously their leader. She looked down on her nose at Suki with a menacing scowl, "well look at this. Mimamino's little girlfriend. Move unless you want that little pretty face pounded."

Suki raised her chin stubbornly making sure to fully glare at the girl. She knew how effective it was as she flinched at the stare. Her friends all taking a smart step back. Out the corner of her eye she saw a small group gather at the top of the steps. Kurama's red hair was towards the back of it. "On the contrary, I am going to be nice and let you off the hook. I will overlook this as long as you don't bother Kamina-san again," she said her voice was steady and confident.

The senior glared her anger getting the better of her as she winded back and threw a punch. It was in poor form and Suki almost felt bad for dodging and using her body weight against her. It was almost too easy to subtly shift her the kinetic motion of her attacker so that a small tug of her arm and trip to her foot send her into the wall. The tall girl grunting as her shoulder hit first. Ami gaped at her but Suki focused on the bully, "you'll never land a punch with that clumsy footwork."

She turned to her two goons who stiffened at her glare, "trust me when I tell you that you do not want to mess with me." They nodded in unison satisfying her for now. She turned to her classmate and tugged on her sleeve, "come on Kamina-san."

Suki was satisfied as people got out of her way. Kurama and Kaito waiting in the hall. Their faces were amused as the crowd went back inside. "You're not going to get less attention pulling stunts like that," her boyfriend teased as he snaked an arm around her waist.

Suki swatted his chest and turned to the girl that had been so silent this entire time. Kaito seemed to be staring at their but she didn't notice. Too busy watching the couple with wide eyed fascination. Suki began to formulate ideas as her friend propped his glasses up his face and cleared his throat. "Don't mind them they are guilty of breaking the PDA rule far too often. You'll get used to it," he teased.

She turned to him and gave a small chuckle, "no it's okay. I just want to thank you. I don't think we've properly met yet Imari-san. But thank you. I was scared when you got in Yuna's way but I see now that you're quite the force to be reckoned with. No wonder you're so popular."

At that Suki modestly waved her hand in front of her face, "what? No! I was just doing what's right. And please call me Suki. I hear you're in the book club so we'll be getting to know each other. Kaito has told me alot about you."

At that her eyes brightened and if Suki was correct a tinge of pink on her cheeks. She didn't know if it was the attention or the mention of Kaito's name. But she was willing to explore more. Especially at the nervous look Kaito shot her when she made the last part of her comment. The girl simply smiled, "thanks. Then call me Ami. I can't believe she just fell over like that. Where did you learn to do that?"

"Judo," she answered naturally as if it was no big deal. The conversation flowed easily as the four chatted. Suki took her time to scheme and analyze the girl. She was cute. Her hair was short in a stylish bob that barely skimmed her shoulders. It was a lovely shade of light brown. She had nice wide eyes that were warm like chocolate and a cute button nose. She was smart obviously, as she was in the book club and Kaito was kind of an intellectual snob. She knew he didn't waste time talking to idiots.

Eventually their break period was over and she watched as Kaito and Ami walked inside still engrossed in their conversation. Kurama's breath was warm in her ear sending shivers down her spine, "why do I get the feeling you're going to play matchmaker?"

She turned to him giggling, "what if I am? They would be cute together. And god only knows that Kaito needs to loosen up a bit. Or else he'll be a stuffy nerd forever."

That made him chuckle and shake his head, "or you could let it happen naturally."

She pouted at him knowing he couldn't say no to her when she did, "that's no fun!"

He shook his head at her again and she found it endearing. She knew he found her silly but she also knew he needed her lightness. Kurama had been so stressed about the entire demon world situation. On top of that he was struggling to keep his Yoko side suppressed. She could tell his demonic counterpart had been surfacing more and more. She didn't know how to help him come to terms with his different personas. She saw him as one person influenced by a very long life. Every aspect of him was just driven by his experiences and instincts. He didn't see it that way. He thought he needed to choose one part of himself. So until she had better words to say to him. Until she knew a way to help. She would just help lighten him up.

"As long as it means he'll stop pining over you. I'll approve of your meddling," he said with a smirk. Suki rolled her eyes. Wondering if he'd ever let that old grudge go.

Suki and Kurama were making their way up steps in Genkai's mountain. She was a little antsy to start training. She wanted to do her best and become stronger. She knew it was a stupid and possibly impossible goal but she wanted to become strong enough to stand up to Yomi. On her own. She had this hunger for power and and strength. She thought it would make her less vulnerable. She never wanted to be weak again. She wanted to be a shield that would protect everyone she loved. Her eyes widened as she saw the two figures at the top of the steps. She grinned ear to ear, cotton blue hair running towards her fast and scooping her into a big hug. Botan jumped up and down like an over excited child.

"I'm so happy to see you! Koenma has been working me like a dog or else I would have been here sooner," she squeaked.

Suki giggled between hugs, "it's okay I understand."

A throat cleared behind them, "well...even though I have been working Botan like a dog. I still think I deserve a hug too."

Suki turned happily wrapping her arms around the spirit prince, "thank you, Koenma. I owe you so much."

Koenma smiled at her as they pulled apart, "no, Suki. We owe you. You were a hero that day." The two gave each other grateful smiles. Koenma placed a hand on her shoulder, "I hope you don't mind. But I've actually scheduled some therapy for you. I think that what you went through was too much. And that it wouldn't be right for me to ignore that you have psychological scars. Besides, it's the only way father will let you stay in human world. Especially after the Sensui fiasco."

She honestly didn't know what to say...did she want to talk about everything that had happened. In all honesty she didn't. She wanted to forget. To bury it deep down and pretend it never happened. She wanted to say no. She wanted to fight...she was sure it was written on her face. But then a warm hand pressed at the small of her back and green eyes locked to hers, "I think that's a good idea. You need it, Suki."

And just like that she nodded her head. Koenma told her he needed to speak with Kurama and he'd send her the details. So she found herself walking arm in arm with Botan towards the strange looking cave. The two stopped just short of the entrance. And even with the irregular demon heartbeat, Suki could feel the palpitations. The way her body clammed up at the stupid rock like structure.

"Hey," Botan said nudging her, "it's okay. Nothing to be scared of."

She nodded but couldn't take her eyes off the door. It was strange...the fear. How it never went away. It just slept until something awakened it. It hid until she thought she was starting to be normal and smacked her in the face. She swallowed the lump in her throat. And took deep breaths before turning to her friend, "maybe it's a good idea."

"It is a great idea. You need it. It's okay not to be fine. You need to heal and talking to a therapist will only help you along," she whispered.

She nodded taking a deep breath and wiping a tear off her cheek. She knew Botan was right. She knew that she wanted to get past everything. She knew ignoring her feelings wasn't the right thing to do. She just wished it didn't have to be so hard. Suki felt botan pull her into a hug. Feeling warmth surging her heart. She wasn't alone. Even in the dark. Even in the moments where she felt pain, fear, or helpless. She wasn't alone.

"Thank you, Botan," she said smiling sincerely. She knew she could do this, because she had so much more than she ever had before. She had family, she had love, and she had hope.