Liebestraum
Chapter 25: Avec (Or, free and unrestrained)

Bright, unfiltered light streamed into the room Kurama was in and hit him on the floor. He groaned and sat up, unsure what time it was or how long he'd been unconscious.

His head felt like he'd experienced an aneurism. He wiped crusted liquid off his face, and discovered he had in fact bled out his eyes. He could still feel the lingering effects of Asuka's ki in his body.

You are so strong Asuka. And you're strong to see us like that, and still choose to walk away.

Her death was something he didn't know how to accept. Koenma said she died. Asuka said she was going to die. But he hadn't seen her die. He hadn't felt her cold body for himself.

His mind was clearer than last night. Last night, he'd been overwhelmed by the situation, and by grief. But today, he wasn't ready to give up on her. He'd go to the Raekai. He didn't care what Koenma said. He'd tear it apart looking for her.

"Kurama, we need to talk."

Botan was behind him, but he refused to turn around.

"Not now." His voice was scratchy.

"Yes now." She marched into the room and swung around him. Her eyes went wide when she saw the state he was in.

"You opened the ki box, didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

Botan shook her head then said, "That's not why I'm here. I know you. Kurama, you can't go to the Raekai looking for Asuka."

Kurama glared up at her. Botan stood over him with her arms crossed.

"I can, and I will," he said.

"We can't protect you if you violate Enma's sanctity! Kurama, she was my friend too."

Grief overtook Botan's face as she began to cry. It reminded Kurama that their friends were also shocked and hurting from the news they'd received.

"Please think about everything she sacrificed so you would go on living," Botan pleaded.

His mouth felt dry. Kurama swallowed and tried to wet his lips. He understood why Botan was trying to dissuade him, but he'd never be convinced.

"I have to see for myself."

"Her name is in the ledger! Kurama, I'm sorry."

"Can it be faked?"

She stared dumbly. "What?"

"Her name in the ledger. Can it be faked?"

Botan clamped her mouth. "I...I don't know. Maybe? But Asuka said..."

Kurama picked up the smooth wooden ki box and ran a tender finger over it.

"I know what she said, and what she saw. I've experienced how her Foresight works." A dream-like image of himself undressing Asuka slid across his mind and his eyes fluttered. "I believe there is another possibility for why the images just went black. What if... she lost her ability to see?"

Botan's eyes widened. She uncrossed her arms. "But Kurama, her Foresight is directly connected to her ki. If she lost her visions, then..."

"I know Botan," Kurama said. He forced himself off the ground and stood straight.

"And you really think Asuka wouldn't be able to tell the difference between her death and her losing her visions?"

"I think Asuka was under a lot of pressure and strain," he said. "And whatever she saw last in her Foresight probably made her believe she was going to die. I understand my hypothesis is far less likely than the obvious conclusion."

"But you want to go anyway, and potentially get yourself killed."

"I have to. She..." Kurama looked down at his arms. He'd give anything to have her in them again. He was so tired of feeling empty, and so tired of living without her.

Botan sighed. "Okay Kurama, you win. But before you go stampeding through the Raekai, let me bring your thoughts to Koenma. Let me have him inspect the ledger."

"I'm not waiting long."

Botan was already on her oar. "I know."

-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-

For four hours, Kurama waited for Botan. He hadn't sought out the others in Genkai's house, or eaten anything. He wanted to be left alone, and he didn't want to explain what he was going to do. Instead, Kurama sat-cross legged and meditated. He could feel Asuka's lingering ki from the box. It calmed him.

I love you, Asuka. I've never stopped loving you, and I never will.

He was going to find her.

"You took your time," he said when he felt Botan's presence in front of him.

"We had to be sure."

He opened his eyes and felt a dangerous calm settle over him. "The ledger was faked."

"It was. Koenma says not to try anything. He's currently gathering all of Asuka's evidence to bring a formal inquiry against Enma. Once that's done..."

"I'm not waiting. She could be dead by then."

Botan nodded. "I know, and I agree. But you'll have to be fast, Kurama. And it would be better for you avoid as many people as possible. Please don't hurt anyone unnecessarily."

"I'll be fast. Do you know where she is?"

"Not exactly. But I have an idea where she was being held in her video. Once you meet me in the Raekai, I will give you directions."

"Sounds good."

Botan hopped on her oar and disappeared.

I'm coming for you, Asuka. Please hang on just a little longer.

Kurama sat back down cross-legged. He thought about what maneuvering through the Raekai would require. He needed his Yoko body.

Will I be able to change bodies in a spiritual state?

He wasn't going to risk it. Better to change now, than be at a disadvantage in the Raekai.

He closed his eyes, and found the Yoko seed deep within himself, and breathed life on it. He felt his human body melt away and replaced with his yokai body. When he opened his eyes, everything was sharper. He could smell better, hear better, and move faster.

Kurama then began the rigorous meditation required to separate his spirit from his body. Once he forced himself out, he arrived at the gates, where Botan waited.

"I'll need to transfer Asuka back down to Genkai's, so please bring her to me," Botan said. "Now, here is where you go."

She gave Kurama the directions he needed.

"Please be careful."

Kurama flicked his tail in anticipation and morphed into his Kitsune form. It would be easier to navigate the Raekai in his smallest state.

His small white body was nimble, and he easily scampered through the winding hallways of the complex. He smelled the ogres and other Raekai inhabitants well before they could see him. Though they all had raeki, they only had small amounts. As long as he didn't get too close, he'd be undetectable.

Out of the three realms, the Raekai was by far the smallest. Still, it took him a considerable amount of time to wind his way through the passages, down stairs, and into places no yokai should ever step foot. He went through one more hallway and found where Botan sent him. There was a lot less security than he anticipated.

Enma must've pulled back his guards when they faked her name. He figured no one would come looking for Asuka.

Kurama stopped. He could feel her. She was still alive.

His relief was quickly replaced with worry. Her ki was vibrating strangely. It was different than when she had the ki storm, but still.

Something's wrong.

Kurama turned down the L shaped hallway and found one of Enma's police force next to a door at the end. They knew exactly who he was, so he needed to be careful.

Kurama got low on all fours and melted into the shadow. He pushed his ki down as far as it could go, then leapt with a ferocious abandon. Midway in the air he morphed and slit the guard's throat with his sharpened nails.

The body landed with a sickening thud. Kurama didn't waste time. He used the dead man's thumb and opened the door.

On a gurney, strapped down by multiple belts, lay Asuka, unconscious.

She had cuts and bruises covering her body, and had an especially large gash on her lip.

There was a device sending some type of electricity into her exposed belly. He understood all at once.

They were trying to force her ki to reconvert to seikoki.

That's why her ki was vibrating weirdly.

He could see a faint glow to her hair, but he couldn't feel any Seikoki. Not yet, at least.

Kurama hissed. It was one thing for Asuka to force herself to convert ki, but this was a different matter. It was abuse.

The technician gasped in surprise at seeing a fox yokai in the lab, but that was all he managed to get out before Kurama leapt onto him and snapped his neck. As the man crumpled to the floor, Kurama grew a rose whip. He wrapped it around the device's power source and yanked. The machine bucked, then sputtered before sparks flew. It shut down with with a pop, and smoke rose from the power source.

Kurama leapt to the table and with one swift motion cut the straps off with his nails, freeing her.

"Asuka," he whispered, taking a hold of her in his arms. "It's me, love. Can you hear me? You're safe."

She didn't respond, and worse, she was frigged to the touch. Her body was much lighter than before. She felt exra fragile to him, and he worried.

He brought his head to rest on hers, then reached to her belly with his other hand.

"This is the third time you've been unconscious in my arms," he murmured, taking extra care with how he touched her. "This better be the last. Hear me?"

Kurama gently channeled his ki directly to her center, hoping she'd find her way back to him.

"You're safe," he whispered. "Please wake up."

She didn't respond.

I can't believe they did this to you.

Kurama had an idea. He rolled Asuka's shirt up just to her ribcage, then opened his robe. He tied it back, then put her directly against his chest. She'd have better access to his direct ki and body heat like this. His arms were already bare, which also helped. Once he finished, he leapt off, and dashed down the hall.

He kept channeling his ki silently calling to Asuka, praying it wasn't too late.

Weaving through the Raekai with Asuka in his arms was more difficult than going in. He had to take a different path, and had to stop several times to allow ogres and other personnel to pass. After winding through a few more maze-like hallways, he felt her coming around. He skidded to a stop, and melted into a corner, thankful no one was in their vicinity.

"Asuka," he whispered.

She opened her eyes, which went wide when she saw him.

"I'm alive?" Her voiced croaked.

Kurama looked down at the woman he loved and tightened his arms around her just a little. After everything that happened, she had found her way back to him.

"Yes, and I've got you."

She placed her hand to her head. "How? I…."

Kurama skidded through another set of doors and ducked into a crouch, taking great care to not jostle her. There were guards down the hall and they needed to wait until they passed.

"We can figure everything out later. For now, we're still trying to get out of the Raekai."

"Kurama?" She said, her voice weak.

"Yes, love?"

Her face contorted as tears sprung from her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. If I'd known. If only I'd known."

Kurama checked around the corner again, then looked down at Asuka. After everything she'd been through, her first thought after waking up was to apologize. As if he had suffered more than she had.

"I got your message, but please know, you've nothing to be sorry for. I love you, and I'd go through a worse hell if that meant I could be with you."

More tears erupted at his declaration, silently streaming down her face.

"And I love you. All I want is to stay with you, Kurama."

She looked so weary, and his heart ached. He wanted, needed, to cheer her up, if only just a little.

The guards left and Kurama dashed out of his hiding spot down the hall and kept running until he found suitable cover. He crouched down again, and looked at Asuka. Even with the cut, her lips looked so delicious.

A playful smile moved across his mouth. "Does this mean you'll let me kiss you now?"

She chuckled. "As often as you like."

"Good answer," he murmured, and nuzzled her neck.

Even in her current state she smelled so lovely. Asuka drew a sharp breath from the contact and he wanted so desperately to cover her mouth with his own.

Trying to escape the Raekai was not the best time or place for their first kiss. He withdrew from her neck and planted a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"Tease," Asuka said before dozing off to sleep.

It's alright, love. We'll be home soon. I'll keep you safe.

Kurama leapt from the shadow again and ran until he was at the exit. They were so close, and he didn't let his guard down until he spotted Botan and approached her.

"Oh, Asuka," Botan said covering her mouth. "What did they do to you?"

Kurama was tempted to go back and kill everyone responsible for her pain. Hell was too kind of a place for Enma, and all of his officers.

Angry as he was, he wouldn't do that. He wasn't going to leave her alone again. Ever.

"Take her, quickly."

Botan sat on her oar and awkwardly wrapped her arms around Asuka's unconsciousness. Asuka slouched, and Kurama quickly reached out a hand to catch her. It was unneeded. Botan adjusted and kept Asuka upright.

"She's so light."

Kurama frowned. "I don't think she ate much while she was here, Botan."

Botan's eyes misted over and she said, "let's get her out of here. I'll meet you back at Genkai's."

Kurama watched with great apprehension as Botan flew away. He was loathed to be separated from Asuka, even though it was necessary. He checked behind him to make sure no one had seen her leave, then he traveled down to Genkai's.

When Kurama opened his eyes in his physical body, he found Botan holding Asuka directly in front him. He stood up and immediately took Asuka into his arms, forgoing the opportunity to release his Yoko form. He didn't want to wait even a moment longer to hold her again. She felt warmer, and he found great security tucking her into his chest.

"Thank you, Botan." Kurama said pressing his lips to Asuka's forehead. "She's alive because of you."

"Of course, Kurama. I need to get back for now, but I'll check in and see how she's doing soon, alright?"

"I'm sure Asuka would like that."

Botan took one last look at Asuka, then hopped onto her oar and flew away.

Kurama adjusted Asuka in his arms. She was still asleep, and he wondered how long she'd be out for, and how long it would take for her to recover from everything that had happened.

He brought her into the main living area so everyone could see her.

Kuwbara and Yukina were holding hands as they sat together quiet and mournful. Genkai sat away from them, her eyes closed in meditation.

When they noticed him, there was a moment of silence as all three of them stared at Asuka in his arms before Kuwabara and Yukina jumped up in surprised exclamations. They hurried over.

"She's alive?!" Kuwabara gasped. "Wait. Did you go up to the Raekai on your own, Kurama? How did you know?"

Kurama met Kuwabara's eyes. He could feel his emotions about to run over so he took a breath before saying, "Botan helped me, but yes. I'll explain everything later."

He looked to Yukina. The ice yokai had her hands clasped over her mouth.

"Oh, Asuka. I'll do what I can. Please bring her this way and set her on the couch."

Kurama didn't care that he was feeling possessive, or how it looked. He wasn't going to let go of Asuka right now. He couldn't. In response to Yukina's instruction, he simply brought Asuka closer to his chest. Understanding passed over Yukina's face, and she nodded.

"It's alright. Kurama, why don't you sit on the couch and hold Asuka for me?"

He did as she requested.

Kurama watched as Yukina closed her eyes and brought her hands to Asuka's body. First her face, then her arms, then moved down her body. Wherever there was a cut or bruise, Yukina attended with the upmost care.

When she got to Asuka's belly, Yukina gasped, then frowned. "What were they doing to her?"

The image of Asuka strapped to the table passed through Kurama's mind, and he hissed. Yukina reflexively jumped.

"They were trying to force her ki to reconvert to Seikoki," he said through gritted teeth. "I don't know why."

"She was tortured," Yukina whispered. A tear formed, and the pearl dropped to the floor, where it rolled underneath a cabinet, never to be seen again.

Yukina placed her hand on Asuka's stomach. There was a glow, and the mottled bruises began to slowly disappear until there was nothing but smooth skin. When she was finished, Yukina backed away and rubbed her forehead.

"She had a lot of internal damage from what she endured," Yukina said. "She'll need a lot of rest. I've never seen or felt anything like that before, so I don't know how long it'll take for her to fully heal..."

Yukina didn't finish her sentence, but Kurama knew what was left unspoken.

If she ever fully recovers.

He bared his teeth, but said nothing. One step at a time. For now, she simply needed rest.

Kurama stood back up with Asuka and looked to Genkai, who was still sitting on the floor.

"If you go down the back hall, there's a secluded bedroom back there," Genkai said. It's got futons and a floor lamp. You shouldn't be able to hear anything in that part of the house."

"Let me know if she needs anything else," Yukina said, and sat down on the couch. "You can wake me up if needed."

Kurama gave his thanks to Genkai and Yukina. As he left the room, he overheard Kuwabara ask Yukina if she wanted some tea, and comment on how tired she looked. The rest of the conversation faded as he ventured toward the secluded part of the house.

He felt Asuka stir in his arms and wake.

"Kurama?"

"Yes love," he said gently. "You're safe, back at Genkai's."

She nuzzled into his chest as he carried her. Her delicate hand came to rest on his pectoral muscle, and he relished the feeling of their skin purposefully touching. She was closer to him than she'd ever been before.

Just as Genkai said, there was a bedroom at the end of the house far away from everyone. Kurama was grateful for the seclusion. Old houses with shoji screens for walls meant there was little privacy since every noise carried. She needed undisturbed rest.

He also needed to be alone with Asuka. He wanted to talk with her and hold her without being overheard. What they had to say to each other was just between them, and no one else.

Kurama pulled back the screen, then re-shut it. He gently lowered them onto the futon without breaking contact and sat upright. It was now evening, so Kurama reached over and turned the floor light on with his hand.

He turned his attention to the woman in his arms. She was safe, awake, and with him. She was where she was always supposed to be. He felt immensely relieved, and for the first time in over a year, his heart felt settled.

She was his. Even as he was hers.

Asuka looked up at him, and he could see the guilt that pooled in her violet orbs. She breathed in and said, "I need to tell you everything."

"Tomorrow, or whenever you feel up to it," he said with sincerity. "You've been through a lot, and I know you're exhausted."

"If you're sure. I...feel so guilty."

"I know you do," he said stroking her cheek. "But you saved the Makai, and in doing so, probably saved me."

A faint smile tugged her lips as she looked up at him in wonder.

"What is it?"

Her fingers reached up and ghosted his skin. She traced his cheekbones and his nose before she dragged them across his lips. His eyes fluttered from the contact. She wasn't trying to be sensual, but her exploring him like this? It was impossible not to feel stirred by it.

"I've never seen your Yoko form up close before." Her fingers traced the line of his strong jaw.

"What do you think?" he said as he watched her eyes slide across his features even as her hand did.

She ran her fingers through the silver of hair.

"You're beautiful," she whispered.

He nodded, and cupped her cheek. Her lips parted as he moved his head down toward her until finally, their mouths met.

Asuka was soft and pliable in his arms as he brushed his lips against hers.

She gasped, and the sound rang in his ears.

He kept his kiss slow, and light. As he moved his mouth against hers, he was hyper aware of how her body trembled, the mountains and valleys in her lips, and the blood pulsing through her body. Their breaths mixed, and Asuka pushed her tongue into his mouth.

She tasted glorious.

Kurama's first instinct was to push her flat on her back, but he ignored it. Instead, he gently tipped her head backward so he could deepen the kiss. He hunched over her while supporting her body in his left arm. He kept his right hand on her cheek. He felt her jaw flex under his hand as she moved her mouth—and tongue with his.

He loved feeling her. He loved giving himself to her. He loved being connected to Asuka like this. Her smell, her softness and her overall delicateness were all things about her that he treasured. They enhanced the experience of kissing her, and being close to her.

He could feel them melting into each other, and despite his efforts to remain levelheaded, heat began building in his body.

I love you, Asuka. You feel so amazing, and I never want to stop being close to you.

As they continued moving their mouths, she reached up with her deft fingers and began to massage one of his fuzzy ears. He growled deep into her mouth, then broke the kiss.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, afraid he'd startled her. "I'm not angry."

"You don't need to be sorry. I know what that growl means."

He pulled back and found no fear. Instead her eyes danced, even as they glowed.

A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Do you now?"

"Yes," she smiled.

He chuckled, then took her out of his lap so he could release his Yoko form.

"Not until you're healed, however long it takes," he said laying down and gathering her back to himself. "Besides, I just want to concentrate on holding you. I've been aching to have you in my arms, Asuka."

She sighed deeply and brought her hand to rest on his chest. "Kurama," she murmured.

"Sleep, my love. I'm never leaving you again."

She was already breathing softly. Kurama reached over and turned the light off.

For a long while he lay awake, content to hold Asuka while she slept. His fingers gently massaged her back and sometimes dipped to run through the strands of her hair.

Asuka was really here, safe and alive. She returned his feelings and gave her heart without restraint. After yearning for her lips, he had kissed them. The feel of her was even better than he could've imagined and he looked forward to the experience in his human body.

He was finally holding her again and perhaps better, he was going to wake up tomorrow morning with her still in his arms.

A happiness Kurama had never experienced broke over him. He felt overwhelmed by it, but instead of suppressing the emotion, he embraced it.

His jaw trembled and his eyes misted.

"I love you, Asuka," he whispered over her. "I'm going to stay with you and take care of you. I plan to make you so very happy. Soon this past year will feel like nothing more than a distant bad dream."

"Mmmm," she replied sleepily.

He smiled tenderly, then kissed the top of her head.

Kurama felt his body relax. For the first time in over a year, he drifted off into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

Author's Note:

:-D.

Katsip12: Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a review! It means a lot when I hear that people are connecting with the story. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest!

Miraneko19: Aw yay! I'm so glad you gave the story a try and that you liked it. Thank you for the kind review. I deeply appreciate it.

Rosentic: It was a rough ride, but you were right. There was hope for them :-)