Komeko sat out early in the morning, meditating. Nothing went across her thoughts. She could hear the peaceful sounds of nature around her, but anything beyond that was just gone from her concentration. It was pleasant, to say the least. A lot had happened in the week she had been at Genkai's, but it was all focused on training. Her body was sore and her mind had been a torrent of information she had accumulated in her short time being there. She had finished more than one of the books she needed for school and believed, if she kept her pace up, that she'd be able to pass without a problem.

Breathing evenly, she could feel the sunshine on her skin as it began to rise. She breathed out a final time before she opened her eyes and looked at her surroundings. She was in the middle of a small pond, sitting on a flat rock with her legs crossed. She stretched her body and laid down for a few moments before standing up to jump back on land. Feeling refreshed, she made her way back to the temple to see what Genkai had in store for her.

She stopped just outside the doorway when she smelled Kurama. She hesitated before opening the door and felt foolish for doing so a second later. It was just Kurama, after all. She saw him standing with Genkai.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting." She apologized.

"Nonsense, we were just coming out to see you and the others." Kurama responded.

"Oh?"

Genkai interrupted Kurama's explanation. "We'll explain when you're with the others. No need to repeat ourselves."

Komeko held the door open for the both as they came out. She walked behind them as they approached the stone steps.

"Has all of the training been going well?" Kurama asked Genkai, stopping at the base of the stairs.

"Yes, but I don't think it's enough. Hell, I doubt Yusuke's strength is enough." Genkai spoke.

Koenma appeared beside them as soon as she finished talking. "Hello."

"Koenma." Kurama said, surprised.

"Yeah, I'm back in my robes. My dad decided this Demon World business was more important than his grudge against me." He paused, looking skyward. "Sometimes, I think he planned it all. That even my disobedience was part of it. So, what's your plan? This could turn into a war, you know."

Kurama began his ascent along the stairs as Koenma spoke to him, but turned around when he finished. "If what you mean to ask is why I am involved, I want to make sure the result is not bad for Human World."

"I believe that's part of it, but I doubt you plan to come out of this as Demon World's new king. I know the threat on your family, but you could get around that. There's more. When Raizen dies, the power balance will fly out of control and the outcome will be crucial. Kurama, I need you to tell me that your motivations aren't personal."

"I can't do that. Ask Hiei or Yusuke if it's personal."

"I don't have to. I know you're all fighting for some inner meaning, but the stakes are too high for that. If Mukuro takes over, we'll have more chaos than ever before."

Kurama reached the doors and placed his hand on one to open it. "If it's Yomi that wins, then it could be a unity. That's just as dangerous."

He pushed the door open and Komeko jogged behind him to follow.

"Whatever happens there will affect all three worlds for centuries. When you're making your decisions, just try to keep that in mind." Koenma added.

Kurama said nothing more and they both went inside. They passed by different rock formations before jumping down to the base. Touya, Rinku, Suzuka, and Chu were standing, while Shishi was nestled on top of Suzuka's shoulder and Jin floated.

"Bout time, Piker." Chu greeted.

"Chu, in high spirits as always." Kurama replied.

His raucous laugh filled the cave as he tilted his head back. "Very funny, mate. Why don't you take a real hard look at these muscles I've been working on? Urameshi and I will have one major blue this time. I guarantee it."

"Yeah, it'd be real fun to throw down with Yusuke." Rinku said as he hung off of Chu's shoulder.

"We fought against all sorts of bloody biggies bein' Shinobi, ya know. So, I see it as nothin' new, but it's the chance to run with Yusuke that brings me back around." Jin remarked.

"Well said, Jin. Not only do we believe in this cause, but we are anxious for good battle." Touya added.

"Ever since that horrible loss against the ugly old witch, I've been craving a reason to start fighting and feel beautiful again." Suzuka said.

"Good, maybe you'll stop asking me to call you pretty." Shishiwakamaru complained.

"Not all of us have groupies to pad our self-esteem, Shishi." He countered.

The imp shrugged it off.

"A slew of motivations, but the results should be the same. We'll fight hard to protect the balance of all three worlds." Kurama said.

Everyone cheered on that notion, Komeko included. She had felt closer in just the week she had spent with the group and was almost impatient to get stronger at this point. Her leg throbbed in reminder about her earlier training and made her think twice.

"I'm never going swimming again." She whispered to herself as she jumped back up the ledge, Kurama following her.

"So, I thought you were going to explain something to them, but it seems I've been left out." Komeko looked at him as they walked through the tunnel.

"I thought Genkai might have been waiting to tell you, but it seems she's left me to. Since Raizen is dying and the war is so probable, Yomi wanted to have me help out his side of things. I believe having each of us along side of the rulers will be our opportunity to balance the scales and do what's best for each world. I told Yomi that I would bring him back six fighters to help out the cause." Kurama explained.

They reached the door and he held it open for her.

"I would say your counting is off."

His eyes didn't meet hers as he stared off into the cavernous area around them.

"I did not include you because I wasn't going to speak on your behalf."

He smiled at her, but she could see the worry laced beneath the surface of it.

"Of course I'm going to go with you guys. I didn't come out here for nothing!" Komeko said as she clapped Kurama on the shoulder lightly.

His eyes seemed to lighten just the slightest. "That's good. We've only got six months until we're supposed to return. Until then, we need to get everyone in tip top shape."

Komeko saluted. "Yes, boss."

He chuckled at her, making her smile at his ease.

"That's better. You've looked so sad, my friend. I don't like seeing that." She said.

"There are a few things I'd like to talk to you about."

After swallowing the lump in her throat, Komeko nodded. They began walking back into the forest and towards the temple. Kurama caught her eyes with his as he turned towards her. He took a deep breath before starting.

"I'll admit to feeling confused about many things lately. I'd like someone to confide in about this and get a few things off my chest while I'm at it."

He paused and Komeko reassured him.

"I'm here for you. Otherwise, what good would I be for?" She smiled.

"I find myself conflicted about where I should remain. If this war does happen, it will take a lot of me to help maintain the peace, even if I am not alone. I find myself very powerful when I switch over to my demonic form. I also enjoy being Kurama, the person I've been while I've enjoyed Yusuke's, Hiei's, and your company. When I add being Shuichi on top of this, I feel so…" He trailed off.

"Burdened?" Komeko asked.

He nodded. "I just don't know what I'll choose when this all unfolds."

"Whatever you choose, regardless of which one, will be the right decision because it will be your decision. I have faith in your abilities, Kurama." She smiled at him.

"I hope you're right. That leads me on to another subject I'd like to speak with you about. This one is much more personal. I'd like to go out on a limb and say that we both have feelings for each other. At the very least, I'm actually very happy to admit to you that I have quite an amount of different feelings for you. I find you to be someone that I can speak to freely and that I don't go around second guessing your motives. I've fought beside you and I admire the person that I know you to be. I've also felt these ideals have grown into something very affectionate for you. What I'm trying to say is that I see you as more than just a friend."

He let his words hang in the air, kicking a pebble with his shoe. The light action, something akin to nervous squirming, was uncharacteristic of Kurama and it made his words that much more realistic for her. She gently grabbed his hand and held it while she spoke.

"You're a very perceptive man, Kurama. Your words made me happier than I've been in so many years. You're ridiculously intelligent when it comes to something as simple as a game or as important as saving the world. I personally like how calm you remain in situations. Beyond that, I admire your heart and how protective you are when it comes to who you care for. Something I've learned by being around this group is that this passion hasn't died out. I couldn't be happier with the company I've found myself with, especially you."

She grinned at Kurama and didn't let his hand go. He returned the gesture by holding her hand back.

"The reason I've been so hesitant to tell you has been all focused around this possible war. What kind of person tells another that they have feelings for you and then leaves for some indiscernible amount of time? Now that our paths are linked more closely, I found it appropriate. What do you feel comfortable doing about these feelings?"

Understanding his point of view and appreciating how he had thought this whole ordeal out, she spoke. "Since I've been here in Human World, I haven't found myself attracted like this to anyone besides you. I'd like to retain that and see each other exclusively, if you can agree to that?"

He stepped closer and smiled down at her.

"I could not think of a happier option."

He raised their hands and placed a gentle kiss there. Feeling his soft lips on her skin made her blush a light pink color. Pleased with her reaction, he let their hands lower again.