I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. Only Cho and the name Kokokuro are mine. This takes place a year after the Demon World Tournament.

Chapter One- Conflicted

Kurama sighed and absently twirled a lock of hair around a finger as he gazed blankly at the homework in front of him. It had been a year since the Demon World Tournament and Kurama was officially a high school student. He had gotten into the school he wanted and his classmate, Kaito, was in the same classroom as him. He was grateful for that as he had a dilemma and could use the words of someone to help him reach a decision: Should he tell his mother the truth about himself or not?

It was a decision where he wished Hiei was still around. The fire demon was always someone who would listen to him and, on occasion, offer some advice. But, he was in Demon World and his understanding was that Hiei was going to stay there and not visit. He slowly exhaled before picking up the phone and dialing. It was answered by a woman. "Hello, may I talk to Yue, please? It's Shuichi."

"Hold on." There was silence and Kurama took the time to organize his thoughts.

"Shuichi?"

"Kaito, I need someone to speak to and I feel you are my best choice."

"Of course. How may I be of help?"

"I am debating on whether or not to tell Mother the truth."

Kaito whistled. "That is quite the predicament," he said in a low voice. "May I ask what brought you to this point?"

"A number of reason. On one hand, I fell she deserves to know. Ever since the end of the Demon World Tournament I had resolved to bury my identity of Yoko and live a peaceful life. However, my past continues to haunt me as some old foes could choose to disrupt the status quo. I fear that one day they may target my family to use as bait and, if that were to happen, it would be an unpleasant set of circumstances under which the truth would be known. I hate lying to her.

"On the other hand, I keep my demon side secret because I fear frightening her. All these years she thought I was just her son. The knowledge of my secret life could be catastrophic."

Kaito was silent as he pondered the situation. Finally, he said, "Are you protecting her by not telling her or are you protecting yourself from the possibility of her not loving you?"

Kurama bit his lip. "A bit of both, I would think. Thank you, Kaito. I have made my decision: I will tell her."

"My pleasure. Best of luck, Shuichi."

Both boys hung up and Kurama returned to his homework, his mind clear now that the problem's solution had been decided. He would later write a list of points he would want to make when confessing to his mother. Kaito has a point of the possibility that I did not confess out of fear that she will reject me. I will make it clear that I have not hurt her or done anything but love her.

His hand trembled later on as he attempted to write the points he wanted to cover. He knew telling her was the right way to go, but it was a nerve-wracking one. She deserves to know, he thought as he calmed his hand to write the next point. He kept repeating this thought as he wrote the rest of his list. He looked it over and nodded. All of what he wanted to say was there and hoped it would convince her. Of course if it is not, I will take my demon form as proof. I would prefer not to, but perhaps it is impossible to separate myself from Yoko. We are two souls merged together and it is unfair to deny one part simply because he has no place in my human life. So, when would it be best to tell her? A Sunday afternoon or evening may be best. I will be able to inform Kaito of what happened the next day as I will be absorbing the result. So, today is Friday. That means I have about forty-eight hours if I tell her Sunday evening. His stomach squirmed at the realization. He was nervous about the idea of admitting his true nature. He tried to imagine how he would feel upon learning his child was more than what he had known, but was unable to do it. All he could do was hope she believed him without needing proof and that she would still love him as she always had.

Kurama awoke Saturday morning and was able to get a hold of Kuwabara and ask to get together in the park. His friend agreed and soon Kurama was on a bench and telling him his decision. He reflected that he should have called Kuwabara yesterday instead of Kaito.

"Wow, that's a big decision," said Kuwabara. "You sure you wanna do that?"

"I believe so. I have kept this from her for years and I feel matters may come up where my past will be revealed and Mother may be upset that I did not trust her with the truth."

"But you had reason to not tell her, right?"

"Yes; to protect her. However, with the barrier between the worlds now gone, it increases the possibility that an old enemy may seek me out. One may even try to lure me into a revenge trap by kidnapping a member of my family, especially Mother."

Kuwabara nodded. "Yeah and if that happened, she could be scared by the kidnapper and mad that you lied to her."

"Yes and the idea of her being angry with me is terrible and I feel now would be the ideal time to tell her. I will make it clear that she can tell my stepfather and stepbrother."

"Yeah. The other two should know too. No secrets at all. It will feel better once it's out in the open."

Kurama smiled. "Yes, I will feel better once I tell all. There will be questions about my past in detail and I would be able to freely talk about it. Thank you, Kuwabara. This talk served to confirm that this is the correct course. Perhaps I will tell her today instead of waiting for tomorrow."

"I'm glad I could help. I hope it goes well."

"I do, too. Now, how are matters with you? School, for example."

"It's hard, but by buckling down and studying, I'm getting through it."

"Have you decided what career you will pursue?"

"Yeah. I want to be a doctor. Yukina and her healing powers inspired me to help others. What about you?"

"I think I may work for my stepfather."

"Really? I thought you would get a job dealing with plants."

Kurama chuckled. "Perhaps that could be a side-venture. Maybe sell herbal remedies. That will require a degree and a license, however."

"Go ahead and do that. You could go to college and still work for your stepfather."

Kurama stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I could," he said slowly. "Once I graduate, I will learn my stepfather's business before starting college. I will be able to strike a balance between classes and work by doing that."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Yes. How is your family doing?"

"Doing great. Shizuru is looking for a boyfriend and Mom is happy that I'm serious about my future, that I know there's more to life than fighting. Actually, I'm thinking of proposing to Yukina either after high school or before that."

"Really? You truly love her?"

"Of course I have. Ever since I first saw her on that tape."

The look of love on his face was inspiring to Kurama. It was a look he hoped to see on the faces of his family when he told his mother that he was a demon. I sincerely hope it goes well.